Sons of Light: An Epic Story of Jews and Christians During the Roman Occupation of the Holy Land

This is an extraordinarily well researched novel that does stumble over factual evidence in presenting what must be described as a most exciting narrative of the Zealot insurrection against the Roman Empire. Merrill has plowed obscure historical references and consulted with scores of historians to recreate what surely must have transpired some two millennia ago in Palestine. And if, as a previous reviewer has noted, some of the deliciously drawn characters are more than coincidental reminders of present day political figures, this is a playfully provocative and mischievous bonus. A subplot includes a secular portrayal of Mary (Miriam), Joseph and boy Jesus. Although at variance to the Biblical account of their origins and travail, the novel should not considered heretical since the plot is pinioned by historical fact, and the future of a brilliant young Jesus is left in abeyance. There are a surprisingly large number of protagonists and antagonists. Each has his/her own individuality. The plot follows a series of frissonic struggles among Sadducees, Chief Priests, Romans, and Zealots as it builds towards the final battle near Megiddo. The description of this battle is as good as anything John Keegan has written, even though we know what the outcome will be. The line of battle, strategies, tactical use of weapons are fiercesomely described. (Howard Fast's novel, Spartacus, and its movie counterpart are made reminiscent by this powerful account.) I certainly would look forward to a sequel which should involve an adult Jesus, Pontius Pilot, John the Baptist, Josephus, and the later, final stand of the Zealots on Masada against Flavius Silva. I have recommended Sons of Light to friends of mine who are historians (and to an Israeli epidemiologist who has told me about the reverence and respect that the "Sons of Light" have today in the museums of Israel). This book is worth the price and the time to read it.

This first time author has written a fantastic book covering a short period in the history of ancient Judea. His historical facts are accurate. His suppositions regarding the birth of Jesus, his mother, father, siblings,etc., are obviously fiction from a historical point but nevertheless represent a possibility. He captures real life in Roman Israel under King Herod, an Idumean convert to Judaism, and protector of Romes' interests. I read the book while on vaction in Mexico, and finished it in two days, as I could not put it down, once I started. I recommend it to anyone who has read Dan Brown's books, assuming you liked the Da Vinci Code.

I read this book after a friend pressed it on me - I read it more as a favor than anything else, as I have a towering stack of books waiting to be read - and I could not put it down. I was constantly impressed by the incredible scope and depth of the research. Additionally, the language is compelling and beautiful. A really great read for anyone interested in learning more about religion, history, and faith.

Imagine "The DaVinci Code" and "The Passion of Christ" meeting James Michener....and you've got "Sons of Light." This book is a terrific read and manages to weave detailed history into an adventure story that challanges both traditional Jewish and Christian sacred cows...and in so doing still affirms the spirit of both traditions.Merrill takes you by the hand and lets you travel along side five generations of Jewish rebels as they fight for independence from the oppressive Roman Empire. By the end of the prologue, you feel you, too, are living in the caves of Qumran. And, while the tyrants, religious zealots, martyrs, and power-hungry polictians you meet have Biblical names, you can't help but recognize character traits shared by Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Jerry Falwell, George Bush, and a host of others in today's news. This book reminds us that in 2000 years, little has changed.I am not a fan of historical fiction, but "Sons of Light" is much more. It is a powerful and cinematic adventure story that just cries out for the lieks of Harrison Ford. The fast driving pace and the dynamic characters draw you in and, if you're like me, you have to stay up all night to see what's going to happen next. The added bonus is that, while you're engulfed in a great read, you're becoming a Biblical scholar.Put this book on your summer reading list...and buy a copy for everyone you know. It's not just entertaining, it's an important work that will help us all understand the common roots we share.

This fascinating novel presents a different, intriguing, and plausible perspective on the times of Herod and the childhood of Jesus. It covers the period between 47 B.C. and 6 A.D. and recounts events whose impact echoes throughout the twenty centuries that have passed since they took place.As a story, it is a thrilling tale of passionate commitment to religuous beliefs, dedication to overthrowing a tyranny of corrupt sects and foreign occupiers, and the personal bonds formed by those working together in common cause. As history, there may be many who will take exception to the perspectives the author has chosen - my knowledge is limited to Bible reading and high school studies of Roman history.These were bloody times, and a squeamish reader may have difficulty reading the accounts of massacres, murders and mayhem. They give a whole new meaning to 'ethnic cleansing.' The members of the Zealot movement were prepared to sacrifice their lives (and did) in order to bring about a utopian world where people could live in peace and love of God. The corporate hierarchy of the temple sought to protect their position in society and its rich source of income, even though it required the twisting of Jewish theology and killing off a few competitors in the process. And then there were the Romans. These masters of empire-building would use any political device, resort to any ghastly behavior, or betray any co-conspirator in order to maintain the Empire and its resources. Now does that have any echoes in current events?In his "Afterword" the author provides scholarly references and explanations to support many of the controversial positions he has taken. They provide important insights, and a reader might find it helpful to read these before launching into the book. For example, there will be those who find Merrill's assumptions about the relationship between Mary and Joseph totally unacceptable. To me, the love and partnership that is portrayed is heart-warming and believable; and I was surprised to find other scholars give credence to the author's conjectures. In the author's recounting, Mary is an exceptionally wise woman, learned in Jewish theology, and demonstrates skills that make her an important leader of the Zealots. Joseph is much more than a humble carpenter, and is an obvious role-model for his son. Some readers will not welcome Merrill's hypotheses, but I think they would be foolish to cast the book aside merely because it takes a controversial position. It does make one think.The story flows smoothly, the author is articulate, the characters are drawn with sympathy and understanding, and one comes to know the key participants progressively more intimately with each appearance. Having never traveled in the Middle East, I was amazed at how expertly the author transported me into scenery with which I was totally unfamiliar. It is obvious that John Merrill spent a great deal of time in the area before he wrote his compelling novel.This is a very good