What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tears of Nero
Five strangers. One madman.
Edward, Henry, Franklin, Sadie, and Kelly are complete strangers. On the surface, none of them have any connection to one another, yet they all wake up on an island with no memory of how they arrived there. Their only clue is a note found inside a bottle buried in the sand:
Dear lambs, I think God is mad at us. If you don't believe it, just look at your own lives for proof. You have all been punished in some way or another. That is why you are valuable to me. You are here to help me understand why bad things happen to good people. - Nero
Much to their horror, they discover their captor is modeling himself after the crazed Roman Emperor, and that he has every intention of killing them off one by one if they don't learn their true purpose for being on the island. To discover what it is Nero wants from them, the group must face their tragic memories, struggle with their faith, and unearth what links them all together.
Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?
Come to the island and find out...
Edward, Henry, Franklin, Sadie, and Kelly are complete strangers. On the surface, none of them have any connection to one another, yet they all wake up on an island with no memory of how they arrived there. Their only clue is a note found inside a bottle buried in the sand:
Dear lambs, I think God is mad at us. If you don't believe it, just look at your own lives for proof. You have all been punished in some way or another. That is why you are valuable to me. You are here to help me understand why bad things happen to good people. - Nero
Much to their horror, they discover their captor is modeling himself after the crazed Roman Emperor, and that he has every intention of killing them off one by one if they don't learn their true purpose for being on the island. To discover what it is Nero wants from them, the group must face their tragic memories, struggle with their faith, and unearth what links them all together.
Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?
Come to the island and find out...
311 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Jason Brannon
40 books56 followersJason Brannon is the author of numerous short story collections, novellas, and novels. He has seen more than 100 short stories published in various venues. His short fiction has been compiled in collections like Puzzles of Flesh, The Machinery of Infinity, and Five Days on the Banks of the Acheron. His most recent books include The Cage, Winds of Change, The Misunderstood and Other Misfit Horrors, and The Order of the Bull. Numerous titles have also been translated into German by Basilisk Verlag. He maintains a website at http://www.jasonbrannon.us
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 1, 2014
Jason Brannon started writing in high school at the age of sixteen and has been writing fiction for nearly 20 years. After spending most of his writing career crafting novels like The Cage and Lake October for the horror and dark fantasy crowd and selling more than 150 short stories to various magazines and anthologies, he felt the call to dedicate his talents to God. The Maze was his first effort to write fiction that combined faith and fantasy. Over the years, Brannon has seen numerous works translated into German, nominated for the occasional award here and there, and even optioned for film.
The Tears of Nero by Jason Brannon is the story of a madman who calls himself Nero, after the Roman Emperor. It is also the story of a clandestine society known as the Slaves of Solomon. It is the story of how things terribly went for some people in a mysterious island. The novel is an exploration of the theme of good versus evil, and why God allows bad things to happen to good people. The Tears of Nero is a healthy mixture of Indiana Jones, the television show Lost, and Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians.
Beautifully written and wonderfully told, and populated by characters that readers will remember for a long time, The Tears of Nero is a suspenseful read that will leave one clamoring for more.
The Tears of Nero by Jason Brannon is the story of a madman who calls himself Nero, after the Roman Emperor. It is also the story of a clandestine society known as the Slaves of Solomon. It is the story of how things terribly went for some people in a mysterious island. The novel is an exploration of the theme of good versus evil, and why God allows bad things to happen to good people. The Tears of Nero is a healthy mixture of Indiana Jones, the television show Lost, and Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians.
Beautifully written and wonderfully told, and populated by characters that readers will remember for a long time, The Tears of Nero is a suspenseful read that will leave one clamoring for more.
January 27, 2026
The Tears of Nero is written by Jason Brannon and tells a story reminiscent of SAW, with elements of Christianity and beliefs in angels and the apocalypse.
When describing this book, I most commonly refer to it as “The Dark Religious Saw” book. It features religious zealotry for personal gain at its finest. There are a plethora of Old Testament religious names and ideas that occur within this novel. However, don't let the religious aspect deter you from this book. As someone who will usually pass up overly religious fiction, this was a thrilling read. It was definitely worth the read, and religion was the driving force for both sides, “good” and “evil.”
I had many conspiracy theories about characters throughout the book and can admit slight disappointment at none of them coming to pass as huge twists in the story, but it was still a very good suspenseful read.
The book opens with a man having a possible psychotic break when a dark angel visits him after having lost his mother to cancer, which makes him question his faith and belief in God. The question that pervades his mind and remains a theme throughout the story is “Why do bad things happen to good people?” At this time, he is reminded of and envisions the historical Roman emperor Nero, who massacred Christians during his reign.
Five people awaken after having been drugged at a party on what they think is a deserted island. Quickly, they realize that they are instead about to play a game that may cost them their lives. They are faced with experiences that will make them question their faith and everything they know about people and life, all to entertain the curiosity of a madman. Each of them has something in common in one way or another, but can they figure it out in time?
Brannon did an excellent job of creating realistic characters and breathing into their life. The surroundings were well described, and you could feel the ominous tone of the book. My main complaints are that there were a few typos peppered here and there throughout the story, and that I wanted it to have more twists to totally blow away any notions of solving the mystery.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that well deserves 4/5 stars. I would definitely be interested in reading more of Brannon’s work, and I highly recommend this novel. If you are into anything from suspense to religion to fiction in general, you will enjoy this book.
When describing this book, I most commonly refer to it as “The Dark Religious Saw” book. It features religious zealotry for personal gain at its finest. There are a plethora of Old Testament religious names and ideas that occur within this novel. However, don't let the religious aspect deter you from this book. As someone who will usually pass up overly religious fiction, this was a thrilling read. It was definitely worth the read, and religion was the driving force for both sides, “good” and “evil.”
I had many conspiracy theories about characters throughout the book and can admit slight disappointment at none of them coming to pass as huge twists in the story, but it was still a very good suspenseful read.
The book opens with a man having a possible psychotic break when a dark angel visits him after having lost his mother to cancer, which makes him question his faith and belief in God. The question that pervades his mind and remains a theme throughout the story is “Why do bad things happen to good people?” At this time, he is reminded of and envisions the historical Roman emperor Nero, who massacred Christians during his reign.
Five people awaken after having been drugged at a party on what they think is a deserted island. Quickly, they realize that they are instead about to play a game that may cost them their lives. They are faced with experiences that will make them question their faith and everything they know about people and life, all to entertain the curiosity of a madman. Each of them has something in common in one way or another, but can they figure it out in time?
Brannon did an excellent job of creating realistic characters and breathing into their life. The surroundings were well described, and you could feel the ominous tone of the book. My main complaints are that there were a few typos peppered here and there throughout the story, and that I wanted it to have more twists to totally blow away any notions of solving the mystery.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that well deserves 4/5 stars. I would definitely be interested in reading more of Brannon’s work, and I highly recommend this novel. If you are into anything from suspense to religion to fiction in general, you will enjoy this book.
August 3, 2016
A madman called Nero. A deserted island. Poisonous snakes. A message in a bottle. A buried treasure chest. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse. A violin requiem by Mozart. A dinner party that wasn't. Ravenous lions. A burning question: "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?"
The story opens like a bizarre episode of the Survivor reality TV show. Five people who had been kidnapped and drugged woke up on the sandy beach of an unknown island. The sinister tone is set by a cryptic message in a bottle: "Dear lambs, I think God is mad at us. If you don't believe it, look at your own lives for proof. You have all been punished to some degree. That is why you are valuable to me. You are here to help me understand why bad things happen to good people. You are part of an experiment in cosmic justice. You are here to help me come to terms with my own life and to set free the horses of Armageddon. You are all good people. As a result, expect bad things to happen." Their "little predicament" quickly turned sinister at the appearance of dozens of poisonous snakes. Was someone just toying with them?
The author, Jason Brannon, has written a masterful work of suspense, mystery and even horror, as the story progresses and layer upon layer of the complex puzzle is peeled back to reveal an intense race for survival. But more was at stake than the lives of five people. A terrifying threat to millions was eventually revealed. How could this madman be stopped?
If you are attracted to knuckle-whitening, teeth clenching, eye popping, intense psychologically mind bending fiction that touches on horror, then this is a book you will love. There is an intellectual challenge as the participants deal with history, secret societies, supernatural elements, and criminal workings while trying to stay alive long enough to escape the island. But if you have trouble dealing with the eventual deaths of people you have come to know in the struggle for survival, then you should not read this book. The antagonist is evil incarnate and sadistic. Much of what happens on the island is unsettling and all too realistic. If you can deal with this, then there is an underlying message that will keep you from putting this book down, especially in the final chapters when additional twists to the story will take you by surprise.
This is not a genre I read very often. But I have read and reviewed one of this author's other books and loved his writing style. It is tight, complex, intelligent, and purposeful. Like that other book, the resolution at the end of this story made the agony of reading something I'm not comfortable with completely worth it. Even after putting the book down, weeks later I was still thinking about the turn of events at the end.
About the author: Jason Brannon is the author of The Maze, The Cage, and other novels. His fiction features flawed characters trapped in dangerous situations that test and try their faith. He currently lives in Amory, MS. Visit his website at jasonbrannon.us.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The story opens like a bizarre episode of the Survivor reality TV show. Five people who had been kidnapped and drugged woke up on the sandy beach of an unknown island. The sinister tone is set by a cryptic message in a bottle: "Dear lambs, I think God is mad at us. If you don't believe it, look at your own lives for proof. You have all been punished to some degree. That is why you are valuable to me. You are here to help me understand why bad things happen to good people. You are part of an experiment in cosmic justice. You are here to help me come to terms with my own life and to set free the horses of Armageddon. You are all good people. As a result, expect bad things to happen." Their "little predicament" quickly turned sinister at the appearance of dozens of poisonous snakes. Was someone just toying with them?
The author, Jason Brannon, has written a masterful work of suspense, mystery and even horror, as the story progresses and layer upon layer of the complex puzzle is peeled back to reveal an intense race for survival. But more was at stake than the lives of five people. A terrifying threat to millions was eventually revealed. How could this madman be stopped?
If you are attracted to knuckle-whitening, teeth clenching, eye popping, intense psychologically mind bending fiction that touches on horror, then this is a book you will love. There is an intellectual challenge as the participants deal with history, secret societies, supernatural elements, and criminal workings while trying to stay alive long enough to escape the island. But if you have trouble dealing with the eventual deaths of people you have come to know in the struggle for survival, then you should not read this book. The antagonist is evil incarnate and sadistic. Much of what happens on the island is unsettling and all too realistic. If you can deal with this, then there is an underlying message that will keep you from putting this book down, especially in the final chapters when additional twists to the story will take you by surprise.
This is not a genre I read very often. But I have read and reviewed one of this author's other books and loved his writing style. It is tight, complex, intelligent, and purposeful. Like that other book, the resolution at the end of this story made the agony of reading something I'm not comfortable with completely worth it. Even after putting the book down, weeks later I was still thinking about the turn of events at the end.
About the author: Jason Brannon is the author of The Maze, The Cage, and other novels. His fiction features flawed characters trapped in dangerous situations that test and try their faith. He currently lives in Amory, MS. Visit his website at jasonbrannon.us.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 2, 2016
The Tears of Nero gives a unique perspective on an age old question -- why do bad things happen to good people? This question is foremost in everyone's at some point or another. When we feel as if we don't deserve it, or our lives have been struck with calamity, after calamity, after calamity the question still remains, why do these bad things happen to good people.
Nero is a psycho plain and simple. He sets out to answer the questions in the most sadistic way possible -- bring a bunch of people together who all have ties to him in some way and see if they can answer this question.
Violence and madness are rife throughout the story but then, the question itself is one that repeats in our mind. Why? The theological discussions are spot on because they are knotty, complex, and especially difficult. But in the midst of it all is that fact that people make choices. This concept is explored over and over again throughout the story.
I was given a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Nero is a psycho plain and simple. He sets out to answer the questions in the most sadistic way possible -- bring a bunch of people together who all have ties to him in some way and see if they can answer this question.
Violence and madness are rife throughout the story but then, the question itself is one that repeats in our mind. Why? The theological discussions are spot on because they are knotty, complex, and especially difficult. But in the midst of it all is that fact that people make choices. This concept is explored over and over again throughout the story.
I was given a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2014
The Tears of Nero is a rousing adventure that combines a little bit of Lost with Indiana Jones and so much more! And aside from being thoroughly entertained, there were also some thought provoking questions about faith and the nature of God raised by this book. This is another winner by an incredible author.
My only criticism is that it seemed a little too easy for the characters to figure out who brought them to the island. A red herring or two would have been a nice touch early on to frustrate them further.
My only criticism is that it seemed a little too easy for the characters to figure out who brought them to the island. A red herring or two would have been a nice touch early on to frustrate them further.
January 20, 2019
Great Christian read!
It has suspense, action and scripture in it. I can not wait for the next in the series! Kudos for this new author.
It has suspense, action and scripture in it. I can not wait for the next in the series! Kudos for this new author.
November 23, 2014
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
This is the phrase that this book is based around. It's also a phrase that I hear quite often from those who are seeking answers about God and why, if he is God, He doesn't stop the bad things before it happens. This can be a hard question to touch on but Mr. Brannon does a fine job of addressing this issue. I'll admit, I was a little wary of where this book was leading at first but my worries were dispelled the further I read on. This is a book about pain, grief, heartache and how people deal. This is a book about revenge...and forgiveness. I will most definitely be getting the next one when it becomes available and I highly recommend this read!
And the verse that kept going through my mind during this book:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 NIV
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the phrase that this book is based around. It's also a phrase that I hear quite often from those who are seeking answers about God and why, if he is God, He doesn't stop the bad things before it happens. This can be a hard question to touch on but Mr. Brannon does a fine job of addressing this issue. I'll admit, I was a little wary of where this book was leading at first but my worries were dispelled the further I read on. This is a book about pain, grief, heartache and how people deal. This is a book about revenge...and forgiveness. I will most definitely be getting the next one when it becomes available and I highly recommend this read!
And the verse that kept going through my mind during this book:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 NIV
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2016
Tears of Nero
I love this story. The conversations between the characters about free will, sin and bad things happening to good people helped make this an interesting read. Because we have all thought about these things, but are we brave enough to lay it all out in the open? Nero does because he appears to be on a quest to prove that God is wrong. He even causes some of the other characters to question why some things happen the way they do. This story is so amazing because the author shows us how awesome God is because of our free will. That He is not a God who expects us to be robots, we have the freedom of choosing everlasting life or not. Since we have the freedom to choose, sometimes we choose to walk the path of anger, hatred, pain, sorrow, despair, lust, sexual immorality and others that lead us away from God. These things can cause a chain reaction that lead to bad things happening to good people. What a unique story.
I love this story. The conversations between the characters about free will, sin and bad things happening to good people helped make this an interesting read. Because we have all thought about these things, but are we brave enough to lay it all out in the open? Nero does because he appears to be on a quest to prove that God is wrong. He even causes some of the other characters to question why some things happen the way they do. This story is so amazing because the author shows us how awesome God is because of our free will. That He is not a God who expects us to be robots, we have the freedom of choosing everlasting life or not. Since we have the freedom to choose, sometimes we choose to walk the path of anger, hatred, pain, sorrow, despair, lust, sexual immorality and others that lead us away from God. These things can cause a chain reaction that lead to bad things happening to good people. What a unique story.
May 5, 2014
This book is a great read for anyone that enjoys a great suspense story, even if you don't normally read books with Christian themes.
I read this book in 2 days because I could not put it down. There was so much going wrong in the story that I couldn't imagine how it would play out and be okay in the end.
This book does a great job of giving you a feel for the characters, especially when they are going through the worst part of their experience, and you are also not sure who to trust throughout the whole ordeal. I was extremely surprised at how much I liked this book, and I even looked up some of the things mentioned in the book on Wikipedia to learn more.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes other titles by Jason Brannon, or thriller stories.
I read this book in 2 days because I could not put it down. There was so much going wrong in the story that I couldn't imagine how it would play out and be okay in the end.
This book does a great job of giving you a feel for the characters, especially when they are going through the worst part of their experience, and you are also not sure who to trust throughout the whole ordeal. I was extremely surprised at how much I liked this book, and I even looked up some of the things mentioned in the book on Wikipedia to learn more.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes other titles by Jason Brannon, or thriller stories.
May 19, 2016
4.5 stars.
This book was a good spec fic book, where a group of people are stuck on an island and are working toward surviving at the hands of their captor, a mysterious figure named Nero. In addition to Nero's challenge, their fate is tied to many other figures using code names, such as Moses and John the Baptist. There was suspense, intrigue, and moral indecision betwixt the Biblical and historical influences. There was a complexity to the characters, as many of their pasts were part of the reason they were selected to come to the island. At the center of the book was the question of why does God allow suffering, and it provided insight into the different responses to this question. If you like thrillers, islands of danger, and intrigue, you'll enjoy this book.
This book was a good spec fic book, where a group of people are stuck on an island and are working toward surviving at the hands of their captor, a mysterious figure named Nero. In addition to Nero's challenge, their fate is tied to many other figures using code names, such as Moses and John the Baptist. There was suspense, intrigue, and moral indecision betwixt the Biblical and historical influences. There was a complexity to the characters, as many of their pasts were part of the reason they were selected to come to the island. At the center of the book was the question of why does God allow suffering, and it provided insight into the different responses to this question. If you like thrillers, islands of danger, and intrigue, you'll enjoy this book.
September 21, 2015
Suspenseful and filled with twists and turns. You'll need a heavy dose of suspension-of-disbelief pills but if you enjoy books with lots of atmosphere, mind trips, and more than a little freakiness, Tears of Nero delivers.
July 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I like strange different books. it's nice to know some authors still have different stories in their head. I think certain parts were a little long but easily overlooked for the enjoyment of reading the book
December 1, 2016
Great book
Fantastic book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the second one to come out . This is the first time I've read anything by Jason Brannon but it will not I e the last time
Fantastic book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the second one to come out . This is the first time I've read anything by Jason Brannon but it will not I e the last time
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews