33 A.D. by David Mcafee is not about Jesus as Buffy, but rather, the effects that Jesus has on the vampire community of Jerusalem. Theron is the vampire council's top enforcer/assassin tasked with killing Jesus to stop the spread of his vampire-repelling faith armor. Taras is his counterpart in the Roman legion trying to solve the murders sweeping the city.
I'm not exactly the target audience for this book. I haven't identified as Christian in about six years, and I've never been a fan of the vampire genre. That said, this is a damn good book. The pacing is outstanding, and the numerous subplots lend a richness that has to be read to be appreciated. There were a handful of times when the symbolism got rather heavy-handed, but not enough to bog the story down.
Theron really carries the story, as he should. He's just conflicted enough with his encounters with Jesus to fit the mythology, but not enough to make his internal conflict override his struggle with the vampire council and the Legion. I was honestly hoping for a little more fireworks during the crucifixion (spoiler alert: Jesus dies), but the effects of the resurrection make up for it.
McAfee sets us up for a sequel, and like a dealer handing out samples, attaches a preview at the end of 33A.D.
This was a fast read, but there's enough here to get lost in. It is a fantasy, but based on how much I liked it, I'd recommend it to anyone who can stomach the blood.
5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment