Customer Reviews

Retribution (City of God Series #3)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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Absolutely riveting. Randy Ingermanson's action raced along and his prose was so engaging that I couldn't put it down.

From the back cover:

Jerusalem, A.D. 66

The City of God seethes with rage against imperial Rome...and, in an act of unspeakable brutality, Rome takes deadly retribution. War looms on the horizon--but one woman already knows the outcome...

Transported from the far future, Rivka Meyers has made her home in Jerusalem with her husband and fellow time traveler, Ari Kazan. But in a turbulent age, Rivka's foreknowledge of history is a heavy responsibility. She knows Jerusalem will be destroyed--and that a prophet will warn the fledgling church to flee the city. Is Rivka herself that prophet? And if so, will the people heed her warning?

Rivka's fears deepen when Jewish zealots demand Ari's help to design weapons of war. Ari faces the impossible choice: join the "men of violence" in their doomed cause, or leave the people defenseless against Nero's legions.

Desperate to know God's will, Ari and Rivka are about to face the cost of forgiveness...gain an unexpected ally...and learn the extraordinary power of sacrifice.

Camy again:
I don't read many historical novels, but this was a mix of both history and science fiction because the main characters were from our near future, stuck in the ancient past through the actions of a theoretical physicist. I've heard that time-travel is actually theorized in physics, although I would never understand the complex mathematics, so the characters' plight wasn't through a magical talisman or something that *Bibbity-bobbity-boo* zapped them back in time. This dabbled in the realm of possibility, which is rather neat. The author has a short, amusing article on time travel on his website, as well as a couple historical articles that relate to this series.

I've heard about the historical account of Josephus but never read his work. However, I thoroughly enjoyed how the author revealed and compared events transpiring with the slightly exaggerated writings of Josephus and other historians. The way the plot unfolded was intriguing and surprising. Things never fell into a predicted pattern or lost their richness, even though all the events were taken from actual historical writings.

Each character, whether good or evil, was very complex. No one was a cardboard cutout, not from the most devout Rabbi to the most evil Roman. It added incredible emotional depth to the story.

Slight warning here: the author described a true Roman crucifixion, which was a horrific thing, not the white-washed images of the Renaissance painters. The violence might offend some readers used to the typical fare of most CBA publishers.

This is third in the author's City of God series. Before reading RETRIBUTION, I had not read TRANSGRESSION (book 1) but I did read PREMONITION (book 2). This book stands alone, but I do believe that reading PREMONITION (book 2) made this novel much more enjoyable, because I had already come to care for the main characters, had seen their struggles and conflicts in PREMONITION (book 2). Many of those conflicts are related to the struggles in RETRIBUTION (book 3).

Kathy Tyers, author of SHIVERING WORLD and her FIREBIRD trilogy, endorses this novel and mentions that she "devoured the book and wished it were longer." I was exactly the same. Randy Ingermanson's writing style was fascinating, and the characters so 3-dimensional I could almost touch and talk to them. The ending came as a bit of a shock because I wanted there to be more.

Excellent writing--technically exemplary, if you follow Dwight Swain's method--and a very character-driven storyline. The plot twisted and moved so quickly that I really felt like I was on a roller coaster. I intend to buy more copies of this book to give away. I think it would appeal to a large range of readers.

"Retribution," book 3 of the City of God series, continues the story of two time-travelers, a physicist and a historian, transported to ancient Jerusalem - and stuck there.

Three things stood out to me as I read this novel, three aspects of it that I especially enjoyed: cultural, historical, and spiritual. The culture of the first century Jerusalem comes alive to you in this book. As you look at it through the eyes of the time-travelers, you see how you would have reacted to it yourself, what would amaze you, puzzle you, shock you. Then you have a chance to look at things through the eyes of the natives, and see how it all makes sense to them. Then you also watch the time-travelers, who have lived in the city for over 6 years by now, become, in many ways, like the natives. Not everything is acceptable for someone raised in our world and time, but one can learn to play by the rules.

Although this is a work of fiction, the plot is largely based on historical facts, well researched and skillfully woven into the story. At times, you can't help feeling that everything in the book had actually taken place. The presence of the two time-travelers does not make it one bit less believable, they fit right in, blending in nicely with historical figures like King Agrippa, Apostle Peter, and Governor Florus.

The spiritual side of the story is probably the deepest. Not many Christian books show it so well that faith is a struggle. Not a struggle to believe in something your mind tells you is absurd, don't get me wrong here; a struggle to understand and to do God's will. Especially in a difficult, cruel time under the Roman oppression when one wicked governor replaces another, and hope seems to have left Jerusalem, the City of God. Especially when, as a time-traveler, you know from history that even greater disasters are coming.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys well written historical fiction, adventure, tight action, and suspense. This book has it all.

... and it just gets better!

PREMONITION was the first Randall Ingermanson book I had read. RETRIBUTION followed fast on its heels.

I liked PREMONITION, but I loved RETRIBUTION.

PREMONITION had Rivka Meyers, a Messianic Jew, and her husband Ari Kazan, an Israeli physicist, trapped back in time to 57 A.D.

RETRIBUTION jumps ahead in years, now at 66 A.D., and life in Jerusalem is no bed of roses for the Jews, or the fledging Christian church. Our heroine, Rivka, knows the trouble ahead, but will anyone listen to her? Ari faces his own problems, as Jewish zealots demand he help them in producing weapons for war against Rome. But even with the knowledge of what is to come, can Rivka successfully warn those around her of the coming danger?

The characterisations in this book are fantastic. Ingermanson has created a wonderful supporting cast for Rivka and Ari. At times they threaten to outshine the leads. The plot is wonderfully executed with enough twists to keep you guessing what will come next.

A wonderful book that leaves me eager for the next.

Ari & Rivka Kazan are stuck in the year A.D. 66. Stuck on the other side of a broken wormhole in the City of God. Stuck in Jerusalem--a city pulsing with rage and on the brink of chaos... Retribution is Ingermanson's best work yet! I couldn't put this book down and had been eagerly anticipating its release since reading book 2 in the series, "Premonition," a few months ago. A well-crafted novel with intriguing insight into life in first century Jerusalem, Retribution follows Ari as he struggles to decide whether to aid his brothers in developing arms against the Romans, or to listen to his friend Baruch and leave the city's fate in the hands of God Rivka too must make a choice. Will she hold onto hate for an evil man or let it go and become a true prophet of God? I loved this book even more than book 2, but reached the last page and couldn't let it go! I'm hoping Ingermanson has another book planned for this series. Kudos to Randy Ingermanson for an excellent piece of Christian fiction that not only entertained, but inspired me in more than one area of my personal life!

"Retribution" starts a few years after the end of "Premonition". Ari has used his knowledge of physics to land well-paying work as a construction engineer, but some want him to use his knowledge to build war machines to fight the Romans. His rejection of Rabban Yeshua (Jesus) adds to the stress between him and his wife Rivka, who is a Christian. Because a botched time-travel experiment stranded this twentieth-century couple irreversibly in first-century Judea they have to fend for themselves as well as they can.

The society rejects Rivka as a witch-woman. Because she studied ancient history she uses Josephus' writings to make prophecies that usually come true. Her memory isn't perfect, and Josephus was selective in his reporting and accuracy. So her lapses have labeled her unreliable and suspect. Despite this, Berenike (sister of Agrippa, the last of the Herods) often consults with her about the future. It's an uneasy relationship.

Baruch's persistent but loving encouragement to Ari that he pray about Yeshua threatens their deepening friendship. He loves Ari as a brother, but doesn't know that Ari has reasonable cause to mistrust anything Christian. This persistence and his passionate love for Yeshua brings results that neither could anticipate.

Meanwhile, Hanan ben Hanan, the high priest who engineered James' (the half-brother of Jesus) execution in "Premonition", now has no influence due to his abuse of power. Blaming Ari and Rivka, he has Ari flogged viciously, nearly killing him.

Additionally, Rome's grasp on Judea tightens. Gessius Florus has replaced Lucceius Albinus as governor, and has brought an entirely new dimension to the concept of cruelty. In A.D. 66 he reached his zenith with an act of spectacular brutality, as retaliation for an insult by unknown offenders. This was the foundation of the Jewish revolt.

"Retribution" goes beyond the typical trapped-time-traveler tale. Mr. Ingermanson takes an often-used idea but gives it depth and content that gives his book a deeper meaning.

One of the most mysterious paradoxes of Christianity is the seeming contradiction between God's sovereignty and our free will. Add to this Ari's and Rivka's knowledge of the future, and the question grows more complex.

A compelling subplot is the contrasts between Rivka, Baruch, and Ari. Rivka and Baruch can't understand his complete rejection of Yeshua, and he cannot accept their faith in Jesus as Messiah. Like many, he blames Jesus for the failings of Christians. The more they submit to Christ, the more he stubbornly resists. The consequences of living an ungodly life become increasingly clear as the story progresses. Too late, Ari sees how the results of godlessness contrast with a life of utter faith.

Like most Judeans, Ari and the others resent Rome's growing dictatorship. Having rejected Yeshua and increasingly doubting God, Ari connects with Eleazar ben Hananyah, the Pharisee behind the Jewish revolt of A.D. 66. Eleazar knows of Ari's skill with engineering and essentially drafts him to create machines he believes will make the Jews unconquerable when they rebel. Ari is trapped: participate in the rebellion he knows is doomed, or trust God despite his misgivings.

The climax of "Retribution" focuses on forgiveness and sacrifice. Mr. Ingermanson demonstrates how far followers of Jesus might go to forgive their enemies. One in particular shows a Christlike sacrifice that stuns both Ari and the reader.

Mr. Ingermanson successfully uses different points of view. He does so smoothly, keeping the narrative intact. He interweaves several plot lines, keeping them clear and relevant to each other.

The characters are strong. The leads dominate in their scenes. Their children (Rachel and Dov, the daughter and son of Ari and Rivka, and Baruch and Hana, respectively) provide a light, almost comic relief in an intense story. Eleazar ben Arakh, a young mystic who befriends Rivka, adds a deep spirituality to a story already rich with faith. Various secondary characters add to the book's satisfying realism as well.

I rate this book PG-13. The intense violence near the end, and the adult elements to the relationship between Agrippa and Berenike, are historically accurate and essential. However, the author presents the issues without sensationalizing them, but does not dilute them either.

Highly recommended.

Ingermanson somehow manages to keep topping himself. As he grows as a writer, his characters and stories grow in depth. It has been a long time since I've read a series that has captivated me as much as this one has, and even longer since I've read one that managed to teach me significant lessons even as it held me enthralled.

Others have already said much about what happens in the book, and the intense scenes that echo The Passion of the Christ. I merely recommend that you buy it; it's worth every penny. Just be sure to have some hankies nearby, because it's nearly impossible to read with dry eyes.

Retribution, the third book in Randy Ingermanson's City of God series, pulls you into Jerusalem AD 66 and all of its wonders and horrors. The lives of Rivka, Ari, Baruch and Hana are tested, stretched, shattered and reborn as these fictional characters struggle with historical events and people. Meticulous research is evident in the way the author draws you into the his characters and the not-so-fictional world they inhabited. This isn't a book that deals in sweetness and light, with a grand happy ending. The characters struggle in a world filled with violence and racial hatred; a world where pain and death are daily events. Their struggles will either destroy them or change them in ways they never imagined. The book is fast-paced, the characters struggle and change, the setting alive and exotic. A book I've highly recommended to friends and family.

The continuing tale of Rivka and Ari is a page turner! In this, book 3 of the City of God series, Randy goes all out with well-reseached historical facts, fast-paced action, and realistic characters that makes the reader truly believe they're back in time on a fast roller coaster ride! Well done...the book is awesome! For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com

This third book in the City of God series made my heart pound in my throat from beginning to end. After reading it, I went back and read Premonition and am now trying to get a copy of Book One in the series, Transgression.

Shocking, revealing, disturbing. I've been a Christian for many years and would have said I knew the early church. I knew what these first century Christians were like. But I was wrong. Mr.Ingermanson brought out the Jewishness of these early believers and made me see them as they almost certainly were. Real people who had accepted an unpopular prophet as their messiah and their God. The bible accounts of the early church seem more real to me now than ever before.

The description of the fear and horror of living in Jerusalem during this time period, not only for Christians, but for all Jews, made me feel that I was there, walking the streets beside Rivka and her loved ones.

I was chilled and horrified to read Mr.Ingermanson's account of the hundred innocent people who were yanked out of the crowd and crucified by a sadistic governor. I know that this was a book of fiction, but the historical incidents that the author included in his book have an authentic flavor that cannot be denied.

I highly recommend this book for older teens and adults.

This book is well written with characters you can believe, plots and points of view that transport you to 66 AD and dialog that draws you into the story. I would highly recommend this book to others wishing to feel the conflict, pain, hatred, and love that intermixed in the first century city of Jerusalem. The author does an excellent job of drawing you into a story that is very believable. You are drawn into the struggle and experience of each character. You will experience terrible villains beyond imagination and heroics that represent the very best hope and love. This is the third book in the City of God series and it leaves room for more (I'm eagerly awaiting...).