Violent Sands - A Novel (Paperback)

by Sean Young (Author)
Key Phrases: copper scroll, zealot cause, cobbled stones, Pontius Pilate, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus of Nazareth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
THE SCROLL WILL DESTROY...

For generations, the copper scroll has remained buried, concealing the treasure it protects and the prophecy it contains. Now that secret is about to be unleashed. In the right hands, the scroll could bring about ancient Israel's freedom from Roman occupation, but used improperly, it could destroy her.

EVERYTHING THE MAN KNOWS...

After watching Roman soldiers murder his father and pillage his homeland, Barabbas, a warrior zealot and sworn protector of the scroll, has become a broken man, physically and emotionally. His quest for vengeance and Roman blood, his love for a peace loving woman, and his commitment to the mysterious scroll pull him in vastly different directions.

AND HE WILL BE KILLED...

Death and betrayal loom around every corner as Barabbas searches for a truth that he has yet to fully understand--the force that drives him forward and ultimately requests the ultimate sacrifice to be made by a man.

OR REMADE.

"Violent Sands by Sean Young is a rare novel that captures the imagination and transports you to another time, another way of life and makes it real. This is an impeccably researched historical thriller featuring a hero whose violent life as a Jewish zealot, fighting the Roman empire, is changed forever when he's charged with a mission that could destroy or free the nation of Israel...and, in truth, the entire world. Absolutely a must read!"-- Jeremy Robinson, bestselling author of The Didymus Contingency and Raising The Past

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Breakneck Books (November 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978655133
• ISBN-13: 978-0978655136
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #78,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book, November 22, 2006

By	Cal Reader Girl (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

I love a good story, and this book was a great read. Even though it looked like a big book when I first picked it up, I got into it right away and finished it in a couple of plane rides. It's reminiscent of the movie Gladiator in setting and action, and is a really solid story, not your typical paperback action book you pick up in an airport newstand. I also definitely got into the characters, I love reading a book about someone who is just a minor person in another work, but is developed into a protagonist, with a fascinating history, purpose, romances, life (as in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead vs. Hamlet). This book goes into the life of Barabbas from the Bible, of whom all the bible tells us is that he was freed and Christ was crucified. The story explores why he was doomed for crucifixion, what his purpose in life was, and what happened when he was freed at the will of the people of Israel. I also love the historical accuracy, I learned a few new things about Roman and Jewish customs. I like pretty much any story about ancient Rome. On top of that, there was one scene that really moved me. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say I definitely recommend this book for some fun reading!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible! One of the best books I have ever read., January 20, 2007

By	David L. Mcafee - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The length of this book scared me at first. It's a long one. But I was very intrigued by the idea of a story of Barrabus, and so I was looking forward to this book's release. I can tell you I was not disappointed in the least.

The sheer amount of fight in Barrabus and the rest of the zealots is amazing. Strong charcters abound in this story, from Barrabus himself to Gaius the centurion to Deborah the prostitute to Leila the merchant's daughter. All of them important, and all of them well drawn and beleivable. This book really does take you back to another time and place, as author Jeremy Robinson has said. It's obvious a great deal of time was spent on research.

Start with Barrabus' quest to free Isreal from Rome, add a myserious copper scroll that hides a secret that could save or destroy nations, and mix in a prefect who will stop at nothing to get it. Stir those together and you have a fantastic story that more than once had me up past my bedtime because I simply could not sleep unless I knew what happened next.

Violent Sands is easily one of the best books I have ever read. I will be hoping for more work from Young in the future.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great work of Historical Fiction, March 10, 2007

By	Philly Phool - See all my reviews

Maybe its because I haven't read fiction for a while, but I found this book totally engrossing. Of course, historical fiction has always been one of my favorites. This book is basically the story of Barabbas whom we all know better as the zealot who was freed from prison and replaced by Jesus on the cross. The book revolves around Barabbas and his band of zealots as they oppose Roman dominance in Judea. Their animosity towards their Roman overlords and the virulent battles that ensue present us with a view of a violent time in history complete with religious extremism and government corruption. Perhaps that much hasn't changed after two thousand years?

Most of the story takes place after his release from crucifixion. While Jesus plays a relatively minor role in the story, his followers provide a backdrop against which the violence is contrasted. Barabbas' release is actually part of the story and his zealous ways are contrasted with the new-found, peaceful beliefs of the followers of Christ. A quest for a hidden "copper scroll" that reveals the location of an ancient Jewish treasure provides the impetus that drives the story to its conclusion. Yes, greed, depravity, brutality, blind obedience to power, and treachery all play a part in the story. I should say no more lest I reveal the ending.

In short, if you are a Christian, don't let the fact that Jesus is not a central character throw you off. In no way does this book minimize Christ's importance or effect on civilization. If you are not of a religious bent, enjoy it for its' historical context and to catch a glimpse of a turbulent period. But most of all, read it because it is a great story that will have you turning pages and telling your friends.