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The Judas Curse #2
The Judas Kiss
Judas’ Kiss haunts him 2 millenia into his unending existence. Torn between petty gods and their hunger for power, a faithless police officer slips further into machinations that have already cost the life of someone he loved. Mark’s story finally begins to unfold in the newest volume of Angella Graff’s well received series: The Judas Curse.
Just as Detective Ben Stanford is ready to put the past at rest, he’s pulled down once again into the chaos of gods, theology, and mystery. Told that his sister is alive and the two immortals, Mark and Judas, have been kidnapped by the treacherous goddess, Nike, Ben must find a way to rescue the pair before she can harness their powers.
While Mark waits alone, forced to write out the story of how their powers came to be, and Judas lay tortured by the angry Goddess, a reluctant Ben must enlist the help of an unwilling being from the ancient Norse Pantheon.
Time is ticking, and the hard-headed detective must use everything he learned in the past to prevent another disaster, which could potentially wipe-out the human race.
Just as Detective Ben Stanford is ready to put the past at rest, he’s pulled down once again into the chaos of gods, theology, and mystery. Told that his sister is alive and the two immortals, Mark and Judas, have been kidnapped by the treacherous goddess, Nike, Ben must find a way to rescue the pair before she can harness their powers.
While Mark waits alone, forced to write out the story of how their powers came to be, and Judas lay tortured by the angry Goddess, a reluctant Ben must enlist the help of an unwilling being from the ancient Norse Pantheon.
Time is ticking, and the hard-headed detective must use everything he learned in the past to prevent another disaster, which could potentially wipe-out the human race.
363 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2013
17 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Angella Graff
11 books117 followersAngella Graff was born and raised in the desert city of Tucson, Arizona. She married and became a mother very young, and after getting started with her family, began her University studies where she found her passion for creative writing, history and theology.
She now resides in Tucson with her husband, three children, one dog, and four cats. When not writing, Angella works as an editor and maintains a small shop on etsy.
She now resides in Tucson with her husband, three children, one dog, and four cats. When not writing, Angella works as an editor and maintains a small shop on etsy.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 20, 2013
“The Judas Kiss” by Angella Graff is the second in her Judas Curse series. The first instalment, “The Awakening” introduces Ben, the detective who gets stuck with helping Jude and Mark, two Immortals chased for their powers by ancient Gods who ‘ride’ in human bodies. For the fan of action packed thrillers and fantasy stories this book – like its predecessor - is great fun with a lot of suspense and enough unpredictability to make you turn those pages as quickly as you can read.
On a more serious note it is a very ambitious enterprise to mix and match genre’s and bring together elements from different mythologies and religions and something I was curious to see how it would develop in this second book. While the first book might have suffered from being the first in the series which introduces the storyline, characters and themes, “The Judas Kiss” allows Graff to exploit her solid set up from before and be playful with the characters and the supernatural elements.
While one thread of the book continues in modern day San Diego where immortals fight over Jude, another thread tells the story of Jude [Jehuda] and his twin brother Jeshua [Jesus] two thousand years ago - through the eyes of their ‘adopted brother’ Mark. In this part of the book Graff’s background in theology and history comes out splendidly in that she paints an accurate picture of the times and characters, but she also introduces teachings, theories and alternative beliefs about Jesus and his story. Luckily not in the flat and fast way the Da Vinci Code used to exploit such themes but in a much more solid and founded way.
As this flashback – if you so will – continues so does the main action part of the story but as we meet one god after the other in human form Graff uses exemplary skill to give those gods and their mythologies credibility. In this model of ‘Gods’ one and the same god can be part of various mythologies and every god is not all knowing and all seeing. There are things they too do not understand and this within the fantasy genre distinguishes her and makes her writing more than just mindless entertainment. There is real knowledge and philosophical thought behind this.
Last but not least the characters created for this book are very colourful, eccentric and interesting, often entertaining and totally captivating. This book is an amazing achievement, a great treat and a must read.
On a more serious note it is a very ambitious enterprise to mix and match genre’s and bring together elements from different mythologies and religions and something I was curious to see how it would develop in this second book. While the first book might have suffered from being the first in the series which introduces the storyline, characters and themes, “The Judas Kiss” allows Graff to exploit her solid set up from before and be playful with the characters and the supernatural elements.
While one thread of the book continues in modern day San Diego where immortals fight over Jude, another thread tells the story of Jude [Jehuda] and his twin brother Jeshua [Jesus] two thousand years ago - through the eyes of their ‘adopted brother’ Mark. In this part of the book Graff’s background in theology and history comes out splendidly in that she paints an accurate picture of the times and characters, but she also introduces teachings, theories and alternative beliefs about Jesus and his story. Luckily not in the flat and fast way the Da Vinci Code used to exploit such themes but in a much more solid and founded way.
As this flashback – if you so will – continues so does the main action part of the story but as we meet one god after the other in human form Graff uses exemplary skill to give those gods and their mythologies credibility. In this model of ‘Gods’ one and the same god can be part of various mythologies and every god is not all knowing and all seeing. There are things they too do not understand and this within the fantasy genre distinguishes her and makes her writing more than just mindless entertainment. There is real knowledge and philosophical thought behind this.
Last but not least the characters created for this book are very colourful, eccentric and interesting, often entertaining and totally captivating. This book is an amazing achievement, a great treat and a must read.
May 27, 2013
I have to admit that at first I was a little lost, but that was no fault of the author. I hadn't gotten the opportunity to read the first in this series, so picking up and reading the second right off sent me at first into a bit of a tail spin.
Happily, though, I can announce that I still enjoyed the book despite having missed some vital background information. Ms. Graff does just enough to recap the former events so that her readers remember what might have been long stored in "I read that last year" memory. She does this without being TOO detailed and making it boring for old readers who might remember every detail just fine, thank you.
Aside from that I have to say that I offer a congratulations to Ms. Graff for constructing a book with a very interesting concept that obviously demanded many research hours. The interesting idea of Gods using bodies as hosts calls back to the "Body snatchers" concept minus the Aliens. Well... perhaps the Gods could be considered such in another line of thought but that's for another blog post!
Writing style is pretty straightforward and simple and the concepts are easily grasped. The storyline is interesting and moves at a descent clip so you're never left too long in one scene wondering "What the heck is supposed to be happening"?
There are plenty of great myth qualities to this book. You've got the Greeks, you've got some Norse myth, and then you've got Christian myth/history. Actually I was rather surprised at the spin that Ms. Graff put on the Jesus/Judas story. I enjoy total reconstructions of history/myth/legend concepts and this one was very interesting.
I have to say that I wasn't really a fan of the main character until much later on in the book. This might have something to do with the fact that I didn't get to really know him from the first book so it took me a minute to get around his disbelieving attitude, but eventually I did.
Nike. The winged goddess. Goddess of victory. Fantastic antagonist just because you wouldn't normally expect her to be one! She makes a downright sinister one too... not sure if I would have imagined her this way but that's one of the great things about fiction and imagination.
All in all I would say that this book is worth the read if you're a fan of myth twists and retellings.
Well done, Ms. Graff.
Happily, though, I can announce that I still enjoyed the book despite having missed some vital background information. Ms. Graff does just enough to recap the former events so that her readers remember what might have been long stored in "I read that last year" memory. She does this without being TOO detailed and making it boring for old readers who might remember every detail just fine, thank you.
Aside from that I have to say that I offer a congratulations to Ms. Graff for constructing a book with a very interesting concept that obviously demanded many research hours. The interesting idea of Gods using bodies as hosts calls back to the "Body snatchers" concept minus the Aliens. Well... perhaps the Gods could be considered such in another line of thought but that's for another blog post!
Writing style is pretty straightforward and simple and the concepts are easily grasped. The storyline is interesting and moves at a descent clip so you're never left too long in one scene wondering "What the heck is supposed to be happening"?
There are plenty of great myth qualities to this book. You've got the Greeks, you've got some Norse myth, and then you've got Christian myth/history. Actually I was rather surprised at the spin that Ms. Graff put on the Jesus/Judas story. I enjoy total reconstructions of history/myth/legend concepts and this one was very interesting.
I have to say that I wasn't really a fan of the main character until much later on in the book. This might have something to do with the fact that I didn't get to really know him from the first book so it took me a minute to get around his disbelieving attitude, but eventually I did.
Nike. The winged goddess. Goddess of victory. Fantastic antagonist just because you wouldn't normally expect her to be one! She makes a downright sinister one too... not sure if I would have imagined her this way but that's one of the great things about fiction and imagination.
All in all I would say that this book is worth the read if you're a fan of myth twists and retellings.
Well done, Ms. Graff.
March 25, 2013
I read this book as a Beta reader and it was mind-blowing. My favourite parts of the story were when Mark was writing his history. Reading about Mark, Judas, Jesus and their families' histories and learning more about these legends was thrilling. I loved the way it felt like I was part of a deep, dark secret. I really cannot imagine how Angella managed to describe such an ancient time with such intricate details that it left little to the imagination. I really felt like I was there! I was really impressed with this book, and I look forward to book three. (:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 11, 2022I cannot find this book! It is not on Amazon, Audible, Walmart...where can I find this series of books?
April 27, 2013
I had been curious about this book from the first I ever heard of it. I'm coming off a week and a half tearing through both The Awakening and The Judas Kiss, packing in reading time into every nook and cranny of my days and nights. The first book was fantastic, but the second is even better. It has been so long since I've encountered a fresh book that I thoroughly enjoyed, respected, and which had an impact on me that at this point it seems almost miraculous.
Ms. Graff performs a miracle with The Judas Kiss.
The one thing I loved above everything else was how very real each one of her characters were. There was no repetition in her settings, dialogue, or the nature of even her secondary characters. And given many of those characters were two completely separate individuals, the entertainment factor of getting to know both voices of one body was exponential. She never patronizes the reader who may not be as familiar with Greek, Norse, or biblical lore, explaining everything in a very organic way that still feels fresh to readers who are familiar with the lore she references.
The small reference to a Food Network show cracked me up, too. She never names it, but she gives enough to guess correctly if you also happen to be a Food Network fanatic.
The different tales, switching points of view, and Makabi's written tale was superbly handled. I was taken with how real she made every single one of those historical settings. I know I've said it before, but it was truly incredible how so very real she made everyone, particularly in Makabi's gospel. Nothing was stilted or stylized, and everyone was so beautifully human. If for no other reason, read The Judas Kiss for those chapters. No matter your creed (or absence of one), you can read this for the flavor, the richness, and the genuine passion and pain in Makabi's voice. It lends an ocean of depth to Mark's character. Being unable to ever go insane, given what he's lived through, is a version of hell made all the more tangible when he makes his childhood --so long ago-- *that* real for the reader.
I very much look forward to the third book of The Judas Curse series. I think I will like the man Ben becomes. There are already signs of it toward the end, and he remains a man I can respect. My heart goes out to Jude as I've gotten to know him. As for everyone else, I can't wait to continue their story. Will Abby survive Nike? Ms. Graff is awesome enough to leave the answer to that question completely a mystery. Most authors show their hand in one way or another and I can usually guess the outcome. Ms. Graff, you are refreshingly unpredictable, which I find brilliant.
Ms. Graff performs a miracle with The Judas Kiss.
The one thing I loved above everything else was how very real each one of her characters were. There was no repetition in her settings, dialogue, or the nature of even her secondary characters. And given many of those characters were two completely separate individuals, the entertainment factor of getting to know both voices of one body was exponential. She never patronizes the reader who may not be as familiar with Greek, Norse, or biblical lore, explaining everything in a very organic way that still feels fresh to readers who are familiar with the lore she references.
The small reference to a Food Network show cracked me up, too. She never names it, but she gives enough to guess correctly if you also happen to be a Food Network fanatic.
The different tales, switching points of view, and Makabi's written tale was superbly handled. I was taken with how real she made every single one of those historical settings. I know I've said it before, but it was truly incredible how so very real she made everyone, particularly in Makabi's gospel. Nothing was stilted or stylized, and everyone was so beautifully human. If for no other reason, read The Judas Kiss for those chapters. No matter your creed (or absence of one), you can read this for the flavor, the richness, and the genuine passion and pain in Makabi's voice. It lends an ocean of depth to Mark's character. Being unable to ever go insane, given what he's lived through, is a version of hell made all the more tangible when he makes his childhood --so long ago-- *that* real for the reader.
I very much look forward to the third book of The Judas Curse series. I think I will like the man Ben becomes. There are already signs of it toward the end, and he remains a man I can respect. My heart goes out to Jude as I've gotten to know him. As for everyone else, I can't wait to continue their story. Will Abby survive Nike? Ms. Graff is awesome enough to leave the answer to that question completely a mystery. Most authors show their hand in one way or another and I can usually guess the outcome. Ms. Graff, you are refreshingly unpredictable, which I find brilliant.
February 10, 2016
The Judas Kiss followed The Awakening very satisfactorily. Often, as an author tries to continue a tale into a sequel it simply becomes weak and unappealing. Not so with the Judas Kiss! Continuing the saga of Ben who is a successful detective is forced into working with Greek Gods and immortals connected to the Christian God to save the world is now also introduced to the Norse Gods who seem to be the most powerful of all. The story begins where the Awakening left off and Ben is still reeling from the lost of his sister who was taken over by Nike, the goddess of war and victory, and dies in an explosion demolishing all the buildings where she was being held. Still refusing to believe any of the Gods or immortals are real and unable to accept his sister's death, Ben sinks into the ultimate low drinking too much, smoking too much, and hiding from the world. He knows he is now totally alone and he refuses to care about anything. He keeps putting off schedualing the funeral as that would make it all real until his mother appears and threatens to plan it for him. He cannot let that happen and so he finished the plans and holds the funeral. At the cemetary, the priest who is saying the mass approaches him after and warns him that the war with Nike is not over. As Ben realizes the man is also being possessed by a God he begins to pressure him for more details and the priest suddenly drops dead of a heart attack. He turns to leave as the paramedics arrive just wanting to be left alone and forget all about any messes with any Gods when he runs into the two mortals, Mark and Judas, who dragged him into this whole thing. They try to arrange a time to meet and talk for there are things he needs to know about but Ben harshly refuses and walks away briskly, just wanting to be by himself. Gradually, he finds himself pulled back into everything and Nike is worse than ever. I don't want to tell you too much but the story continues with twists and turns I never saw coming. While it does end on a cliffhanger, it finishes enough to leave the reader satisfied that the story has been told and yet looking forward to the next book in the series. Don't miss these ... they will leave you with stories like you have never read and really leave you thinking about all the Gods we learned about in school and in church!
**I do want to warn you that if you are a Christian some things will be told in a different way and may at first feel that your God is being mis-represented. Please remember these are works of fiction and enjoy them as such.
**I do want to warn you that if you are a Christian some things will be told in a different way and may at first feel that your God is being mis-represented. Please remember these are works of fiction and enjoy them as such.
May 11, 2013
Pacy supernatural thriller with deeper level
On the surface, this is a pacy supernatural thriller, where various gods from different pantheons - Greek, Norse, you name-it – battle it out in modern day human bodies. The complications are enjoyable as you keep track of which god is in whose body, and whether it’s god or human currently in control. Add to the mix two cursed immortals from Jesus’ day and two likable New York detectives, Ben and Stella. The fact that their potential love affair is a threesome adds yet more complications; Stella harbours a god.
The story has plenty of twists and it takes place in two time periods, the modern day full of murder and mayhem, and the ancient Palestine of Jeshua’s story as told by Mark, including the men from the east who seek Jeshua, and his tragic crucifixion. Sound familiar? Well, it isn’t! Angella Graff has drawn on her theological background to create a very different version of a history known to most readers from the Bible. Letting one of the apostles narrate this is a neat element in a complex, clever plot. Make no mistake; the author knows her Christianity, both as religion and as history and her take on ‘the Judas Kiss’ itself is both playful and provocative. Don’t expect the usual interpretation of ‘betrayed with a kiss’. Don’t expect the usual anything!
Somehow, Angela Graff manages to prevent the dialogue and the battles from being as silly as they ought to be, given the premise. On one level is the hook of resolving each mystery, starting with the question of whether Ben’s sister is actually still alive, despite her recent funeral. There are plenty of life-threatening menaces to survive, with imaginative resolutions. But there is also a deeper level, for those readers who want to think about the points raised regarding religion – or indeed to take offence. Without pontificating, Angela Graff’s characters make clear the damage that religion does, a viewpoint with which I totally sympathise. Whether someone entrenched in a particular faith would enjoy the story as much, I’m not sure. This is not a book for Christian fundamentalists.
Although I caught up on events in the previous book, I would recommend reading Bk 1 'The Awakening', before 'The Judas Kiss' as the second book is very much a continuation from the first - and I now fully intend to read the first one!
On the surface, this is a pacy supernatural thriller, where various gods from different pantheons - Greek, Norse, you name-it – battle it out in modern day human bodies. The complications are enjoyable as you keep track of which god is in whose body, and whether it’s god or human currently in control. Add to the mix two cursed immortals from Jesus’ day and two likable New York detectives, Ben and Stella. The fact that their potential love affair is a threesome adds yet more complications; Stella harbours a god.
The story has plenty of twists and it takes place in two time periods, the modern day full of murder and mayhem, and the ancient Palestine of Jeshua’s story as told by Mark, including the men from the east who seek Jeshua, and his tragic crucifixion. Sound familiar? Well, it isn’t! Angella Graff has drawn on her theological background to create a very different version of a history known to most readers from the Bible. Letting one of the apostles narrate this is a neat element in a complex, clever plot. Make no mistake; the author knows her Christianity, both as religion and as history and her take on ‘the Judas Kiss’ itself is both playful and provocative. Don’t expect the usual interpretation of ‘betrayed with a kiss’. Don’t expect the usual anything!
Somehow, Angela Graff manages to prevent the dialogue and the battles from being as silly as they ought to be, given the premise. On one level is the hook of resolving each mystery, starting with the question of whether Ben’s sister is actually still alive, despite her recent funeral. There are plenty of life-threatening menaces to survive, with imaginative resolutions. But there is also a deeper level, for those readers who want to think about the points raised regarding religion – or indeed to take offence. Without pontificating, Angela Graff’s characters make clear the damage that religion does, a viewpoint with which I totally sympathise. Whether someone entrenched in a particular faith would enjoy the story as much, I’m not sure. This is not a book for Christian fundamentalists.
Although I caught up on events in the previous book, I would recommend reading Bk 1 'The Awakening', before 'The Judas Kiss' as the second book is very much a continuation from the first - and I now fully intend to read the first one!
March 10, 2013
The Judas Kiss
I have finally finished this book! That isn't a bad thing, it was an easy book to read, perhaps now I can get some sleep at night, as it was very hard to put down.
In the first book; The Awakening; Angella created a story where mythical Gods are interwoven into modern religion. A very interesting and; in someways, brave; premise.
This the 2nd book in the series, starts where the 1st book left off, and immediately you are drawn back into this semi-mythical drama. As you are drawn back in, the feelings and sympathies you had for the characters re-surface and new ones are brought to light.
It is a very well written book, as I said drawing you into the story and not really letting you back out, even when I wasn't reading the book I did find myself thinking about the story. Even now having finished reading, I am curious, excited and baffled as to how the next book will pan out. Obviously the heroes will win the day eventually, but it is the journey more than the actual destination that is the key; although if the bad guys won wouldn't that be the most amazing twist ever ;-)
The bit I really liked was Mark/Markus/Makabi's story that was interwoven within the modern day story-line, an alternative version of Christ and his life.
The philosophy and knowledge behind the books premise are exemplary, with Angella drawing on her own passion for theology and creative writing, this is the book that Dan Brown can only wish The Da Vinci Code could have been, it is more 3D than The Da Vinci Code, you seem to care for the characters more.
This is an excellent read, captivating and exciting; and even though I love books, I have been gravitating towards the more philosophical non-fiction types in recent years, but this has re-awakened my interest in this genre, maybe because it also raises a few philosophical questions about religion but in a different and entertaining way.
I hope the next book is forthcoming very soon :)
I have finally finished this book! That isn't a bad thing, it was an easy book to read, perhaps now I can get some sleep at night, as it was very hard to put down.
In the first book; The Awakening; Angella created a story where mythical Gods are interwoven into modern religion. A very interesting and; in someways, brave; premise.
This the 2nd book in the series, starts where the 1st book left off, and immediately you are drawn back into this semi-mythical drama. As you are drawn back in, the feelings and sympathies you had for the characters re-surface and new ones are brought to light.
It is a very well written book, as I said drawing you into the story and not really letting you back out, even when I wasn't reading the book I did find myself thinking about the story. Even now having finished reading, I am curious, excited and baffled as to how the next book will pan out. Obviously the heroes will win the day eventually, but it is the journey more than the actual destination that is the key; although if the bad guys won wouldn't that be the most amazing twist ever ;-)
The bit I really liked was Mark/Markus/Makabi's story that was interwoven within the modern day story-line, an alternative version of Christ and his life.
The philosophy and knowledge behind the books premise are exemplary, with Angella drawing on her own passion for theology and creative writing, this is the book that Dan Brown can only wish The Da Vinci Code could have been, it is more 3D than The Da Vinci Code, you seem to care for the characters more.
This is an excellent read, captivating and exciting; and even though I love books, I have been gravitating towards the more philosophical non-fiction types in recent years, but this has re-awakened my interest in this genre, maybe because it also raises a few philosophical questions about religion but in a different and entertaining way.
I hope the next book is forthcoming very soon :)
April 27, 2013
This is Book II of Ms Graff's series, but for those who haven't read 'The Awakening', the opening chapters bring you up to speed quickly.
The author envisions a modern world in which the Jesus story is not as represented traditionally in the Gospels, and moreover the gods of Norse and Greek myths are still very much around. Of the former deities, some fight on the side of humankind while the 'upstart' Greek gods are more inclined to world domination. Throw into the mix a skeptical detective and a life-weary Judas whose healing and other powers are much sought-after and you have the makings of an imaginative tale.
Ms Graff intertwines and 'modernises' these disparate threads, weaving what is essentially a pursuit thriller together with burgeoning love themes. The narrative moves between various points of view towards what is only a provisional resolution of some of the issues - the series continues with 'Cry, Nike!' which is being published shortly.
The author spends time in creating a world which is familiar yet beneath the surface mutable and mystical: I particularly enjoyed the opening sequences of the novel. Stylistically, the writing is modern so audiences will not find themselves alienated by obscure historical terminology and sentence structures.
Readers who enjoy fantasy and a new interpretation of mythological characters will be drawn to these books. Ms Graff is a writer who likes to play with different genres and in 'The Judas Curse' series there is plenty of food for thought and an interesting juxtaposition of ideas.
April 1, 2013
I read The Judas Curse without reading the first book in the series and regretted it. It took me quite awhile to figure out what was going on. There are a lot of references to things that happened in the first book, so if you plan to read this series, I would recommend starting with the first book. The writing was very well done. The author showed the internal struggles of the main character, Ben, in a way that seems very believable. I loved the way he gradually comes to terms with the paranormal things happening around him. His reactions are very believable and once I figured out what was going on, I really connected to his character. I found myself shouting to him at one point “No! Don’t go there!” as if he could hear me.
There were times when the book seemed to move very slowly, but those were the scenes where Ben’s internal struggle happened. The story within a story is very well done and I am not going to say another thing about that. No spoilers! You have to read this one your self. But, as I said earlier, read the first book before this one.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars was that my personal preference is stand alone books and you really should read the first book, The Awakening, before reading this one. I will probably read the book that comes after this.
There were times when the book seemed to move very slowly, but those were the scenes where Ben’s internal struggle happened. The story within a story is very well done and I am not going to say another thing about that. No spoilers! You have to read this one your self. But, as I said earlier, read the first book before this one.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars was that my personal preference is stand alone books and you really should read the first book, The Awakening, before reading this one. I will probably read the book that comes after this.
April 27, 2013
I first have to start out by saying that I was a little leery about reading this series based off of the title as I struggle with religion and religious issues sometimes. I did however, pick up the first in the series The Awakening and immediately got pulled in as it was not a book based on religion as I had thought. I finished book one knowing I had to have the second one and fast as I NEEDED to know what happened further into this series. Book two The Judas Kiss did not disappoint me at any point. I am hooked and am patiently (NOT) awaiting book three. I will forever be a fan of Angella Graff's as I believe her to be a very talented and interesting author. I would be honored to review any book she puts out there. I am not going to give you anything on the story as if I did I am afraid I would divulge any and all spoilers and I can not allow that to happen. So if you must know this story like I did and still do then I encourage you to go and purchase these books as they are worth reading!
February 22, 2013
The continuing story of Makabi, Jeuhda, Ben, and the Gods.
The Judas Kiss, picks up exactly where The Judas Curse leaves off.
Ben having a mock funeral for his sister Abby who he lost or so thinks. Conflicting rumors leaves him wondering. Is she or is she not alive?
We learn more about Makabi and Jehuda through "Mark's" story of how the curse came about, Jehuda's feelings of his brother and Makabi. Travel with them on their journey both past and present. Read Mar's words as he writes them for the God inhabiting the one person that everyone loves.
Struggle with Ben, Mark and Jude as they all face their own "demons."
Angella grips you in this continuation, it's definitely not a disappointment as some sequels are. No, not here. She makes you question yourself, your beliefs. It's a must read, but make sure you read the first book before this one so you're not lost in it all.
Congratulations Angella!!!!!
The Judas Kiss, picks up exactly where The Judas Curse leaves off.
Ben having a mock funeral for his sister Abby who he lost or so thinks. Conflicting rumors leaves him wondering. Is she or is she not alive?
We learn more about Makabi and Jehuda through "Mark's" story of how the curse came about, Jehuda's feelings of his brother and Makabi. Travel with them on their journey both past and present. Read Mar's words as he writes them for the God inhabiting the one person that everyone loves.
Struggle with Ben, Mark and Jude as they all face their own "demons."
Angella grips you in this continuation, it's definitely not a disappointment as some sequels are. No, not here. She makes you question yourself, your beliefs. It's a must read, but make sure you read the first book before this one so you're not lost in it all.
Congratulations Angella!!!!!
March 28, 2013
The Judas Kiss has a plausible science-fiction premise. There are Ancients who are still walking the Earth, who interact with regulatr humans, and some of them retain magical powers. As an Apostle, Judas has the capacity to heal by touch. Therefore, he is valuable!
A terrrible accident renders Judas unconscious, and therefore, vulnerable. Some mildly interesting humans, a detective, his badged lover, and his naive sister, join two Ancients, Mark (possibly the Apostle) and Asclepios, the Greek god of healing, have to track down and extricate Judas - or bye-bye, history.
My interest was piqued early, and I enjoyed the fast pace of this. The characters came off to me just a little two-dimensional, and as a character-driven author I could have asked for more here. However, this was clearly a small flaw, as I sped to the end of the book! I would definitely read more from this author.
A terrrible accident renders Judas unconscious, and therefore, vulnerable. Some mildly interesting humans, a detective, his badged lover, and his naive sister, join two Ancients, Mark (possibly the Apostle) and Asclepios, the Greek god of healing, have to track down and extricate Judas - or bye-bye, history.
My interest was piqued early, and I enjoyed the fast pace of this. The characters came off to me just a little two-dimensional, and as a character-driven author I could have asked for more here. However, this was clearly a small flaw, as I sped to the end of the book! I would definitely read more from this author.
March 12, 2013
**DISCLAIMER: The author gave me a free copy of her book in exchange for an honest review**
I was SO MAD when I flipped the page and the word "EPILOGUE" mocked me. I didn't want it to end, and I can't wait for the next book to close everything out!
This type of book is one of my "things." I love books challenging religious dogma (of any religion) and as a die-hard Anne Rice fan, I adore "historical" stories within stories, so getting to read Mark's story as the main story was taking place was my favorite part of the whole story. Too bad Yeshua wasn't still alive to tell his side of the story as well.
The story was well researched and highly entertaining, extremely well-written, and kept me turning pages, excited to see what would happen next in the story. I love the mix of religions and the mix of the many gods. I can't wait for the next!
I was SO MAD when I flipped the page and the word "EPILOGUE" mocked me. I didn't want it to end, and I can't wait for the next book to close everything out!
This type of book is one of my "things." I love books challenging religious dogma (of any religion) and as a die-hard Anne Rice fan, I adore "historical" stories within stories, so getting to read Mark's story as the main story was taking place was my favorite part of the whole story. Too bad Yeshua wasn't still alive to tell his side of the story as well.
The story was well researched and highly entertaining, extremely well-written, and kept me turning pages, excited to see what would happen next in the story. I love the mix of religions and the mix of the many gods. I can't wait for the next!
March 19, 2013
The Judas Kiss, Book Two of the Judas Curse series does not disappoint! Graff picks up right where she left off in Book One. The mix of religion, mythology, and skepticism makes for a very intriguing and interesting read. Character development is fluid and natural. The back story of Mark, Judas, and Jesus is well done and ties the past to the present nicely. Ben continues his battle, both internally and externally. It's his human experience that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was pleasantly surprised to see him turn some corners and open his mind a little more in this book.
Graff's writing is engaging and I found it very easy to lose track of time reading her work. I kept thinking to myself, "just one more chapter." I strongly recommend giving this book, and the entire series, a look. I'm eagerly anticipating Book three. 5 well-deserved stars!
Graff's writing is engaging and I found it very easy to lose track of time reading her work. I kept thinking to myself, "just one more chapter." I strongly recommend giving this book, and the entire series, a look. I'm eagerly anticipating Book three. 5 well-deserved stars!
March 4, 2013
Please continue this series so I know what happens to the characters...
The writing style is wonderful. The characters are great. The plot is strange but great. I am not a theology type person, I'm more along the way of Ben's character as opposed to Abby...
But even as I say that, I still want more of this series. I got to know what happens next!!!
If you see my review of The Awakening (The Judas Curse), you will see I finished both books in one day. I started that one on March 2 and finished it the next morning, and just HAD to start this one and read until I was done. It is the kind of book that I just couldn't put down. So, I hope the author sees these reviews and doesn't give up on these characters and please please PLEASE continue their stories...
The writing style is wonderful. The characters are great. The plot is strange but great. I am not a theology type person, I'm more along the way of Ben's character as opposed to Abby...
But even as I say that, I still want more of this series. I got to know what happens next!!!
If you see my review of The Awakening (The Judas Curse), you will see I finished both books in one day. I started that one on March 2 and finished it the next morning, and just HAD to start this one and read until I was done. It is the kind of book that I just couldn't put down. So, I hope the author sees these reviews and doesn't give up on these characters and please please PLEASE continue their stories...
August 8, 2013
Tiring. After giving the first book 2 stars and a review, I decided to give the second book a chance. The entire storyline simply seems to be a subtle bashing of various religious beliefs folded into something that is a cross between SciFi, Mystery, and Pomposity. The author seems to understand general concepts of religious beliefs, but lacks understanding, which simply turns into fair game on a roaming and pretty ridiculous path, even for a fictional book. 2 stars is generous from a storyline aspect, but gave it to her for her solid use of standard techniques of writing. It seemed someone actually proof-wad this one, unlike the first book.
March 20, 2013
This series is great!
This book #2 and #1...'The Awakening' does need to be read first.
I do think I may have enjoyed this one even better because of the back story we get with our immortal hero, Mark.
Absolute thrill of a ride and can't wait till book #3!
This book #2 and #1...'The Awakening' does need to be read first.
I do think I may have enjoyed this one even better because of the back story we get with our immortal hero, Mark.
Absolute thrill of a ride and can't wait till book #3!
December 31, 2013
Finished reading this early this morning and really loved it. The characters are great as is the plot. The addition of a couple of the "Norse Gods" was perfect. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 28, 2016
Unexpected and Far Reaching
I've never a story such as this. So much is woven into this series. This is the second of five books (so far?) spanning more than 2,000 years. Compelling characters and a really unusual plot. Now, on to book 3!
I've never a story such as this. So much is woven into this series. This is the second of five books (so far?) spanning more than 2,000 years. Compelling characters and a really unusual plot. Now, on to book 3!
October 9, 2014
After reading the Awakening, I couldn't wait for The Judas Kiss. It was brilliant. I loved it. I'm in love with Ben and Mark xx
October 28, 2014
A very promising series of novels that challenge your most fundamental beliefs about religion. If you want a new series to keep you busy then try the Judas Kiss series from Angela Graff.
March 12, 2015
Here we go again.
This whole series is a great read. A blend of religious and
D the Greek gods. Entertainment
Unlimited. Will continue to read.
This whole series is a great read. A blend of religious and
D the Greek gods. Entertainment
Unlimited. Will continue to read.
September 5, 2015
This book moves to slow at times. I stopped reading it and have read two books since then.
July 20, 2016
I could not put the book down!!! The "parallel" story with Makabi and Ben was fascinating!!! I can't wait to read the next book!!!!!
April 24, 2017
Another great book in the series. I particulary enjoyed the chapters that centred on Mark's story - how he came to meet Judas and their life growing up under Roman rule.
Already started on the third book, Cry Nike.
Already started on the third book, Cry Nike.
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