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I, Judas The 5th Gospel
What if the Apocalypse is something no one can imagine?
As a massive object appears in space heading directly toward Earth, the Brotherhood heralds it as Wormwood, one of the signs of the Rapture and it’s just three days away. They have been preparing to implement the Great Commission as designated by Jesus—where everyone on the planet must hear the word of God before the end in order to be saved. They will use advanced technology to send that message directly into the minds of every human on the planet. The question will the message kill everyone who gets it or save them?
Believing that Judas, the anti-Christ, is alive and well and living in the Amazon, they send a team of assassins up the Amazon to find the Great Betrayer and kill him before Armageddon.
Opposing the Brotherhood is the Triumvirate of the Illuminati. They believe they must stop the Great Commission and the assassination team. At the same time, they rush to gather nuclear weapons and launch missiles into space to divert the Intruder, as they call the object, believing it to be a natural phenomenon over which technology will prevail.
As the object nears Earth, both sides become locked in a worldwide battle for the future of the human race, as Judas prepares in the jungle for the Second Coming, the fulfillment of his Fifth Gospel.
Which is not at all what anyone expects.
As a massive object appears in space heading directly toward Earth, the Brotherhood heralds it as Wormwood, one of the signs of the Rapture and it’s just three days away. They have been preparing to implement the Great Commission as designated by Jesus—where everyone on the planet must hear the word of God before the end in order to be saved. They will use advanced technology to send that message directly into the minds of every human on the planet. The question will the message kill everyone who gets it or save them?
Believing that Judas, the anti-Christ, is alive and well and living in the Amazon, they send a team of assassins up the Amazon to find the Great Betrayer and kill him before Armageddon.
Opposing the Brotherhood is the Triumvirate of the Illuminati. They believe they must stop the Great Commission and the assassination team. At the same time, they rush to gather nuclear weapons and launch missiles into space to divert the Intruder, as they call the object, believing it to be a natural phenomenon over which technology will prevail.
As the object nears Earth, both sides become locked in a worldwide battle for the future of the human race, as Judas prepares in the jungle for the Second Coming, the fulfillment of his Fifth Gospel.
Which is not at all what anyone expects.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2012
53 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Bob Mayer
212 books47.8k followersBesides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 12, 2020
This novel is more a script for a mystery and action movie than a real novel. Each event, as the efforts to destroy what is simply called "the intruder" (nobody knows what it really is) or to kill Judas Iscariot and all the equipment and strategies used to do it, as the weapons and military equipment used (with historic information) as much as the slightest gestures of all their users are described in great detail (read too many). A small part of the story centered on Judas and on a mysterious young woman really interested me.
No doubt that this novel could make a good movie, since everything is already showed in images, but as a reading, it's often long and painful. I browsed many parts since the military apparatuses of the last century are not of great interest to me.
Anybody who is interested in military equipment and other weapons may be delighted by this book, but even though I really thought I'd love it, I didn't much.
No doubt that this novel could make a good movie, since everything is already showed in images, but as a reading, it's often long and painful. I browsed many parts since the military apparatuses of the last century are not of great interest to me.
Anybody who is interested in military equipment and other weapons may be delighted by this book, but even though I really thought I'd love it, I didn't much.
July 15, 2012
Great Ride! Recommended!
Imagine sitting at a table in a cafe and noticing authors Tom Clancy and Dan Brown arguing over a new book. Well, this would be the book. If you enjoy these authors' work you'll find this fast-paced, intelligently conceived caper novel right up your alley. I was first introduced to the ancient story of the Wandering Jew back in High School, and I must say that this is the most well-conceived use of the idea since Walter M. Miller wrote A Canticle for Leibowitz. Mr. Mayer's personal history in Special Forces Military Service shows here with an effortless shifting from military strategic thinking to theology then to techno-speak. The book is a gem, and very entertaining while leaving you with a lot to think over. Religion is a given with our species, and anything that helps to shine a light upon how it has affected human thought and action deserves high marks. My first reading of a Bob Mayer novel, it won't be my last!
Imagine sitting at a table in a cafe and noticing authors Tom Clancy and Dan Brown arguing over a new book. Well, this would be the book. If you enjoy these authors' work you'll find this fast-paced, intelligently conceived caper novel right up your alley. I was first introduced to the ancient story of the Wandering Jew back in High School, and I must say that this is the most well-conceived use of the idea since Walter M. Miller wrote A Canticle for Leibowitz. Mr. Mayer's personal history in Special Forces Military Service shows here with an effortless shifting from military strategic thinking to theology then to techno-speak. The book is a gem, and very entertaining while leaving you with a lot to think over. Religion is a given with our species, and anything that helps to shine a light upon how it has affected human thought and action deserves high marks. My first reading of a Bob Mayer novel, it won't be my last!
July 26, 2012
This book had so much potential but ultimately fell short at the end. I was very intrigued by the main premise of the story revolving around Judas, Wormwood/apocalypse, the religious Brotherhood and the Illuminati, and the author did a fantastic job grabbing the readers interest/attention right out of the gate. However, the final third/quarter of the book felt very rushed and all of the nice build-up around the main plot of the story was unfortunately wasted in the end. This novel could have been so much more fulfilling if the author had dedicated the same amount of time crafting the ending of the story as he did creating it. That being said, this novel is still worth the read based on the author's interesting spin/take of Judas and his relationship with Jesus Christ.
August 14, 2017
This was a difficult one to review. I love Bob Mayer's books and this, standalone, book is no exception. However, to my mind it suffers a serious flaw - the finish is far too rushed, leaving a great deal unexplained. It was almost as if Bob had run out of ideas so just brought the book to a close with a few abracadabra tricks. At the very least, there is scope for a sequel.
At no time during the book is the possibility of the Intruder being an alien craft mentioned. Why? However unlikely, it was surely a possibility. Finally, I found the extremism of most of the characters unrealistic. I am well aware that religious fundamentalists are extreme in their views but there are few people in this book who are "balanced" in their views.
At no time during the book is the possibility of the Intruder being an alien craft mentioned. Why? However unlikely, it was surely a possibility. Finally, I found the extremism of most of the characters unrealistic. I am well aware that religious fundamentalists are extreme in their views but there are few people in this book who are "balanced" in their views.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2012
I don't normally read thrillers, but I always enjoy a fresh take on Biblical themes. This book was fast-paced and fun, and kept me guessing until the end. Mayer's expertise on military subjects gave the novel an authentic feel, and his knowledge of science and religious history was also apparent.
This novel takes on big subjects and handles them with sensitivity, grace, and subtle humor. I especially liked how the human race came together in the face of a worldwide catastrophe yet was still unable to put aside some of their petty rivalries. That sounded about right to me. Overall, an insightful, enjoyable read.
This novel takes on big subjects and handles them with sensitivity, grace, and subtle humor. I especially liked how the human race came together in the face of a worldwide catastrophe yet was still unable to put aside some of their petty rivalries. That sounded about right to me. Overall, an insightful, enjoyable read.
July 2, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's written thriller style, with multiple plots and multiple points of view.
The story of a group going into the Amazon jungle to find Judas, who has survived two thousand years, was what kept me reading. The other plots, which were heavy on military operations, including weapons descriptions, aircraft descriptions, etc., not so much. It's just not my thing.
I'm still thinking about the ending. I'm not quite sure it was satisfactory. That's about all I can say without giving anything away.
The story of a group going into the Amazon jungle to find Judas, who has survived two thousand years, was what kept me reading. The other plots, which were heavy on military operations, including weapons descriptions, aircraft descriptions, etc., not so much. It's just not my thing.
I'm still thinking about the ending. I'm not quite sure it was satisfactory. That's about all I can say without giving anything away.
April 12, 2021
Not my Kind of Book
DNF
Really not my kind of book I thought it be more steel logical science fiction and I just couldn’t keep going with it so I wish everyone who wants to give it a shot is the best luck
DNF
Really not my kind of book I thought it be more steel logical science fiction and I just couldn’t keep going with it so I wish everyone who wants to give it a shot is the best luck
September 23, 2012
This book was a very good book. It held my attention with the right mix of surprise and intrigue.
January 10, 2016
As is typical with anything from Bob Mayer (pseudonym Robert Doherty) this book delivers an action-filled ride as the world faces annihilation by a massive object bearing down on Earth from space. The one who is pivotal in determining the planet's fate is none other than two thousand year old Judas Iscariot, hiding deep inside the Amazon jungle waiting for his time to arrive. Judas has been "cursed" by Jesus to walk the earth until His second coming, but the hows and whys are not as one would expect. It's a departure from traditional Christian thought on the matter of end-time events, but if you can cope with that you're in for an interesting and tense ride. The book covers only a few days, but it's a very eventful few days.
Anyone familiar with Mayer's work like the Area 51 or Atlantis series will be familiar with how he deftly weaves into his stories a combination of history and mythology with military tech and action, and this book is exactly that. I always enjoy this sort of story, reminiscent of the intrigue and mystery of Dan Brown fused with some military coolness like Dale Brown or Tom Clancy. Also in there are a few sci-fi elements as well, much like Mayer's other work, and I'd wager that most techno thriller fans could probably get into this book.
The players in the book are not all that deep or complex, yet are developed enough for the purposes of the story, which is another characteristic of Mayer's work that I like. The cast is a good range of people from those with noble intentions and moral fibre through to complete and utter bastards who display fanatical devotion to their respective causes, willing to be stopped by nothing or no one to achieve their goals. Slightly cliché, yes, but it works well for this sort of thing. I didn't latch onto any particular character like I normally do with books, but had my definite favourites, including one player who turned out to be the key component to the whole story, and not in a way that I had forseen.
It's certainly a fun read, no doubt about it, I had no trouble getting back into it for another session, and it came to a reasonably satisfying conclusion. The last quarter of the book really flies by, and i had to stop for air a few times, the pace was so quick. A minor niggle with the Kindle version that I read is the relatively high number text errors, these mostly being the substitution of incorrect words, i.e. "Atlantis" ocean, "Jesus" where Judas should have been mentioned, and other minor words. It certainly seems to me that it was software doing the spelling and grammar checking. They're not major errors, but enough to slightly upset the reading rhythm of an otherwise fast flowing story. Mayer's use of a more "indie" style of publishing is evident in this. But, overall it's enjoyable and a definite fun read that anyone who likes fast paced yarns with a bit of intrigue will enjoy.
Anyone familiar with Mayer's work like the Area 51 or Atlantis series will be familiar with how he deftly weaves into his stories a combination of history and mythology with military tech and action, and this book is exactly that. I always enjoy this sort of story, reminiscent of the intrigue and mystery of Dan Brown fused with some military coolness like Dale Brown or Tom Clancy. Also in there are a few sci-fi elements as well, much like Mayer's other work, and I'd wager that most techno thriller fans could probably get into this book.
The players in the book are not all that deep or complex, yet are developed enough for the purposes of the story, which is another characteristic of Mayer's work that I like. The cast is a good range of people from those with noble intentions and moral fibre through to complete and utter bastards who display fanatical devotion to their respective causes, willing to be stopped by nothing or no one to achieve their goals. Slightly cliché, yes, but it works well for this sort of thing. I didn't latch onto any particular character like I normally do with books, but had my definite favourites, including one player who turned out to be the key component to the whole story, and not in a way that I had forseen.
It's certainly a fun read, no doubt about it, I had no trouble getting back into it for another session, and it came to a reasonably satisfying conclusion. The last quarter of the book really flies by, and i had to stop for air a few times, the pace was so quick. A minor niggle with the Kindle version that I read is the relatively high number text errors, these mostly being the substitution of incorrect words, i.e. "Atlantis" ocean, "Jesus" where Judas should have been mentioned, and other minor words. It certainly seems to me that it was software doing the spelling and grammar checking. They're not major errors, but enough to slightly upset the reading rhythm of an otherwise fast flowing story. Mayer's use of a more "indie" style of publishing is evident in this. But, overall it's enjoyable and a definite fun read that anyone who likes fast paced yarns with a bit of intrigue will enjoy.
October 3, 2016
Appearing out of nowhere, a massive and mysterious space object is discovered on an intercept course with earth. Whether asteroid or comet, if it collides with this planet, it will mean the end of all life.
To the Illuminati, the object is a threat that must be deterred. To the Brotherhood, the object is Wormwood, God's messenger that the End Times are at hand. The battle between the two cults—one science-based, the other religious—is at the heart of the conflict in Bob Mayer's science fiction novel I, Judas, The 5th Gospel.
As the Illuminati concentrates the world's technology on a plan to divert the object, the Brotherhood uses technology in an attempt to force the earth's entire population into accepting Jesus Christ as their savior and, thus, save their immortal souls prior to the Rapture. The Brotherhood also sends a team into the Amazon to assassinate Judas Iscariot, who, after betraying Christ, was condemned to wander the earth until the Second Coming. Essentially, Judas fills the role of the prophesized Wandering Jew.
At the heart of this book is the Gospel of Judas, a Gnostic papyrus document discovered in the 1970s that represents a discussion between Judas and Jesus. According to this gospel, Jesus convinced Judas to betray him as part of God's plan to bring about the Crucifixion and Resurrection, and ultimately the Christian religion.
The book takes place over the three days before the object intersects with earth, and the narration jumps forward and backwards as it follows the actions of the Illuminati, the Brotherhood, and the team sent to kill Judas.
When the surviving members of the assassination team—a murderous priest, a guilt-ridden Green Beret, and a mysterious young female native guide—find Judas, he engages them in a conversation about Christ and the nature of Christianity. In doing so, Mayer duplicates the narrative technique of the Gospel of Judas—a common technique in early Christian writings—and uses it to raise questions about what many of those who call themselves Christians today know about the actual teachings of Christ.
That's not to say I, Judas lacks adventure or action. Few writers can write about military operations as well as Mayer, a West Point graduate and retired Green Beret officer, and he does not disappoint here. I, Judas is a thinking-man's adventure yarn.
To the Illuminati, the object is a threat that must be deterred. To the Brotherhood, the object is Wormwood, God's messenger that the End Times are at hand. The battle between the two cults—one science-based, the other religious—is at the heart of the conflict in Bob Mayer's science fiction novel I, Judas, The 5th Gospel.
As the Illuminati concentrates the world's technology on a plan to divert the object, the Brotherhood uses technology in an attempt to force the earth's entire population into accepting Jesus Christ as their savior and, thus, save their immortal souls prior to the Rapture. The Brotherhood also sends a team into the Amazon to assassinate Judas Iscariot, who, after betraying Christ, was condemned to wander the earth until the Second Coming. Essentially, Judas fills the role of the prophesized Wandering Jew.
At the heart of this book is the Gospel of Judas, a Gnostic papyrus document discovered in the 1970s that represents a discussion between Judas and Jesus. According to this gospel, Jesus convinced Judas to betray him as part of God's plan to bring about the Crucifixion and Resurrection, and ultimately the Christian religion.
The book takes place over the three days before the object intersects with earth, and the narration jumps forward and backwards as it follows the actions of the Illuminati, the Brotherhood, and the team sent to kill Judas.
When the surviving members of the assassination team—a murderous priest, a guilt-ridden Green Beret, and a mysterious young female native guide—find Judas, he engages them in a conversation about Christ and the nature of Christianity. In doing so, Mayer duplicates the narrative technique of the Gospel of Judas—a common technique in early Christian writings—and uses it to raise questions about what many of those who call themselves Christians today know about the actual teachings of Christ.
That's not to say I, Judas lacks adventure or action. Few writers can write about military operations as well as Mayer, a West Point graduate and retired Green Beret officer, and he does not disappoint here. I, Judas is a thinking-man's adventure yarn.
July 12, 2012
This was a very interesting novel. It was a little different then i'm used to not really having a central main character, but several different characters that it followed equally throughout. I'm not usually into religion stuff, but Bob Mayer takes the stuff from the bible and creates a very intriguing scenario. I, JUDAS THE 5TH GOSPEL kept my attention throughout and I really enjoyed the ending.
September 15, 2012
This was an interesting read. The organization of the story timeline and various characters focused on makes this rather straight-forward story more intricate. The language used is easily followed and makes this story a quick read. This fiction work makes for an interesting interpretation on the idea of the "second coming" and what that would mean for our world.
April 21, 2014
Not every time you pick a book and find yourself easily settling into it. This is the case with fifth gospel, though it is far fetched and a little bit on the short side but it was enjoyable from the beginning to the end.
Please leave your brain and beliefs at the door before your enter this book but enjoy escapism at its best.
Mr Bob thank you for this runaway hit and awaiting your next
Please leave your brain and beliefs at the door before your enter this book but enjoy escapism at its best.
Mr Bob thank you for this runaway hit and awaiting your next
October 31, 2013
Loved the story. But editorial errors (Kindle) were annoying, especially when Osama became Obama! Not a good mistake....
April 30, 2014
Enjoyable. Made me think, made me wonder, made me question. I liked it.
December 31, 2014
Most interesting. After I started reading I had no idea where it was going. At the end the plot lines all came together but they did surprise me. Have faith.
May 2, 2017
The 5th Gospel
An uplifting read . Hard to put down. Food for thought. Do you believe in God
? I certainly do.
An uplifting read . Hard to put down. Food for thought. Do you believe in God
? I certainly do.
May 23, 2015
Waste of time! I had high hopes for this - getting a new and interesting twist on the story of good old grown baby Jesus and the much hyped apocalyptical second coming but there's nothing in here that a passing knowledge of the apocrypha, gnosticism, the Wandering Jew and the mythical book of Judas etc... wouldn't already provide you with. The blurb kind of says it all and there's no point in reading any further because there certainly isn't anything to discover at the end. In fact, it's such a non event that I can't even get worked up about how awful it is - this is one time u can judge a book by it's crappy cover!! the only thing I can take a way from this is that I should have known better.....
The first 2/3rds of the novel is basically proficient in the usual format of this genre - a bunch of specialized teams racing around the world to find the over 2,000 year old Judas when the end of the world seems to rapidly be approaching but the final dénouement is so pathetically underdone that it destroys everything that comes before.
What's the point of writing a novel on this topic if the ending is such a damp squib of a piece of religiously affiliated crap? the whole thing is just christian bait of the worst kind - using all the tired buzz words like 'Illuminati', 'Jesuit priests', 'Mary (Magdalene I presume)' etc... and of course the titular 'Judas' without saying anything at all.
This is the literary equivalent of christian rock - trite grade school lyrics that only have resonance to the retarded and their kin (the determinedly deluded faithful) and so poorly executed in a 'popularized genre' that it only resonates with the slack jawed and close-eyed arm wavers who devote themselves to poorly-toupeed TV evangelists and folksy, hollering screechers who first come up with the dribbling lyrics to begin with.
I used to be a Christian and can still quote whole chapters of the bible by heart and i still think there's a lot that's good about it, once organized religion is out of the picture (along with all the idiots - but to paraphrase the big JC: they will always be with us) but if this is what Christian affiliated fiction is like than I'm not surprised it's one of the fastest dwindling belief systems outside of hoary Zoroastrianism. no one is going to buy what you can't be bothered trying to sell.
The first 2/3rds of the novel is basically proficient in the usual format of this genre - a bunch of specialized teams racing around the world to find the over 2,000 year old Judas when the end of the world seems to rapidly be approaching but the final dénouement is so pathetically underdone that it destroys everything that comes before.
What's the point of writing a novel on this topic if the ending is such a damp squib of a piece of religiously affiliated crap? the whole thing is just christian bait of the worst kind - using all the tired buzz words like 'Illuminati', 'Jesuit priests', 'Mary (Magdalene I presume)' etc... and of course the titular 'Judas' without saying anything at all.
This is the literary equivalent of christian rock - trite grade school lyrics that only have resonance to the retarded and their kin (the determinedly deluded faithful) and so poorly executed in a 'popularized genre' that it only resonates with the slack jawed and close-eyed arm wavers who devote themselves to poorly-toupeed TV evangelists and folksy, hollering screechers who first come up with the dribbling lyrics to begin with.
I used to be a Christian and can still quote whole chapters of the bible by heart and i still think there's a lot that's good about it, once organized religion is out of the picture (along with all the idiots - but to paraphrase the big JC: they will always be with us) but if this is what Christian affiliated fiction is like than I'm not surprised it's one of the fastest dwindling belief systems outside of hoary Zoroastrianism. no one is going to buy what you can't be bothered trying to sell.
March 3, 2013
I have to agree with other reviewers. The ending didn't quite satisfy the immeasurable suspense that filled the lead-up. I will not argue the theology involved in this work, simply because it had to be in place for the story to work right. Still, though, I felt like the story wasn't really done when the book ended. On the other hand, where else could it go, given the theology involved? It couldn't follow the pattern of Tribulation books like the Left Behind series or Beauseigneur's Christ Clone trilogy. The story was indeed over, but seemed like it should only be in the middle.
July 10, 2012
a good story for the most part. The end was weak and it wrapped up too quickly, a rather unsatisfying end. The character of Angelique deserved a little more development considering how important she was in the story. The idea was pretty good but similar to The Da vinci Code.
February 4, 2013
Interesting mix of the Fifth Element, The Da Vinci Code, and Armageddon.
December 24, 2018
Fantastic read
I rate this book on a level with "The DaVinci Code.". Excellent reading with a religious background . Although fiction, very thought provoking. Highly recommended!
I rate this book on a level with "The DaVinci Code.". Excellent reading with a religious background . Although fiction, very thought provoking. Highly recommended!
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Kinda reads like an action movie.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews