In the Shadow of David

In the Shadow of David: The Secret Rebellion is the story of a small band of revolutionaries and how they nearly toppled the world's mightiest empire without a fight, and their failed conspiracy giving birth to the world's largest religion.
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Miriam (traditional for Mary) is a descendant of the last rulers of a free Jewish homeland. In 30AD, the young would-be princess ends her secret exile in Egypt to begin her quest of vanquishing the brutal occupation of Roman supremacy.

In the Shadow of David: The Secret Rebellion is the juxtaposition of political-thriller in Biblical times. It sets today's perceptions of campaigns, manipulation, and money, atop the ancient world of the New Testament and personalities we thought we knew.

Rating: 3.13 out of 5

In the Shadow of David is Martin Baggen’s attempt at reimagining “the greatest story ever told,” i.e. the life of Jesus Christ. Beginning on the banks of the river Jordan where John the Baptist is washing away the sins of his followers, the story continues before concluding with the resurrection. Told through the eyes of supporting characters, the details of Jesus’ life, or in this instance Yeshua’s, are reinvented in fairly accurate historical settings.

Unfortunately, Braggen’s attempt at originality is going to upset 2.2 billion people. Instead of telling the story of Jesus in the manner he is portrayed in the Bible, the author pens the character Yeshua and claims that there was no “Son of God.” The names, settings and historical facts all remain the same or similar in this version of events, however the miracles: Lazarus’ death, water into wine, the resurrection of Christ/Yeshua, were all shown to be a charade. According to In the Shadow of David, the “Son of God” was a charlatan attempting to reunite the Jews and overthrow the ruling Romans.

By mocking Christianity, Martin Braggen has wasted his writing talent with this blasphemous novel. Granted there are many people who try to prove the inexistence of a god, however in these instances there are always counter arguments. By containing this controversial opinion in a story, it prevents any other theories or beliefs from contributing.

Many may purchase this book with the mistaken idea that it will convey an in-depth narrative of the life of Jesus. What they will find instead is a disappointing atheist version instead. It is doubtful that readers will get to the end of the book, despite it not being overly long, after slamming it shut in anger and frustration.