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The Demas Revelation
During a dig in Rome, Dr. Anna meridian—an archaeologist and woman of faith—uncovers the find of a ancient documents dating to the time of the apostles, confessions that the early Christians are perpetrating a falsehood. She decides she must keep the documents' existence a secret, but word eventually leaks out. Many turn from their faith as another earth shattering discovery sheds more light on the validity of the manuscripts. The archaeologist searches for meaning in it all—why did these manuscripts come to light, and what is her part in God's plan?
- GenresFictionChristian Fiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
About the author
Shane Johnson
116 books16 followersShane Johnson is an American author best known for the novel Ice.
He has written several critically acclaimed and award-winning books, as well as reference books for the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises.
He has written several critically acclaimed and award-winning books, as well as reference books for the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 21, 2017
The premise of this book is compelling. There are parts of the book that are intriguing as well: some of the activities at archaeological digs, the protocols for handling artifacts, the exotic locales, etc.
Unfortunately, the writing is weak. Other than the main protagonist, the characters are one-dimensional. Much of the dialogue is stilted and awkward. The romantic aspects of the book are trite, reminiscent of the sappiest of Hallmark movies. The action sequences are poorly staged, blurringly brief, and mind-numbingly predictable.
There is a nice unexpected twist toward the end, but even that element is not fully developed or explored. The resolution is again trite and unrealistic. The revealed motivation of the long-dead villain borders on silly. And the final confrontation with the modern villain is melodramatically sensationalized (almost laughably), though predictable, crippling what otherwise could have been a tense climax.
This book had such potential in its plot line. But like so many works of Christian fiction, the weakness lies in the implementation. Basically the story is poorly told.
The version of the book I read included an author's note that is powerful and thought-provoking. The challenge in it is excellent. I just wish he had exhibited that talent in the book's narrative.
Unfortunately, the writing is weak. Other than the main protagonist, the characters are one-dimensional. Much of the dialogue is stilted and awkward. The romantic aspects of the book are trite, reminiscent of the sappiest of Hallmark movies. The action sequences are poorly staged, blurringly brief, and mind-numbingly predictable.
There is a nice unexpected twist toward the end, but even that element is not fully developed or explored. The resolution is again trite and unrealistic. The revealed motivation of the long-dead villain borders on silly. And the final confrontation with the modern villain is melodramatically sensationalized (almost laughably), though predictable, crippling what otherwise could have been a tense climax.
This book had such potential in its plot line. But like so many works of Christian fiction, the weakness lies in the implementation. Basically the story is poorly told.
The version of the book I read included an author's note that is powerful and thought-provoking. The challenge in it is excellent. I just wish he had exhibited that talent in the book's narrative.
April 13, 2021
Johnson is clearly an excellent writer - descriptive and varied, eloquent. The book seemed well-researched, with his knowledge touching lots of fields throughout the book: history, literature, nuanced geography, and features of Italy that would ring true to readers who’d traveled those areas as I have.
Given the above, I fear I’m a curmudgeonly critic...but this seemed like it was going to be such an amazing read as I started in, and I found myself so disappointed.
This skillful eloquence in his writing was often used to describe Anna’s body. Her tresses, her lips, her calves, etc. It was also used to showcase her intelligence, so perhaps the intent was to highlight how a woman’s beauty doesn’t preclude brilliance; one scene alternated between her makeup routine and her analytical thoughts. Over many chapters, though, it became increasingly weird. And sultry. It wasn’t an initial description to help the reader picture a character; descriptions of her physicality were unnecessarily pervasive and prominent.
A few times, characters discuss how easily people leave the church. For the reader, I believe it’s meant to be a commentary on pew-sitters and the state of our church: whether Sunday attendance is to worship God or simply “the right thing to do.” The first time, it was relevant and a good check. After a few times, it became preachy and maybe even presumptuous, that the majority “never really believed.”
On the global events described, suspending disbelief became increasingly difficult. The repercussions of the find spiral far outside the realm of believability. If these papyri were to be found today, I certainly think many would be forced to take inventory of their faith. Perhaps many would even take the opportunity to leave their church. But I don’t believe we’d see churches vandalized and burned in every small town.
The final confrontation with Raphael and his accomplice felt...anticlimactic. I don’t know how Neil’s backstory could have been developed any more than it was without giving it away, and honestly, I didn’t see it coming. But it still felt rushed and hollow, which was disappointing given how well-written the book was otherwise. More time was spent on Anna’s “tresses” than Neil’s dialogue.
Finally, Anna’s years-long flirtatious friendship with atheist Jack was already questionable and borderline, but her sister’s encouragement to pursue the relationship was inappropriate. Anna and he share their first kiss after she walks away from her faith and I thought - okay, I guess that’s understandable. But then she finds her faith again and promptly agrees to marry him. 😫
In any other book, fine. But in a book written from a Christian worldview — especially one about the validity and daily relevance of Scripture — the normalization of a believer becoming romantically involved with an atheist was disappointing. It doesn’t matter how attractive they are (and they’re very attractive, as we’re reminded often), our relationship to Christ is preeminent over other relationships, because He is preeminent over all. Trying to form an intimate bond with a person who doesn’t have an intimate bond with Christ isn’t healthy or loving. Those who aren’t Christians also recognize that entering a relationship with someone who doesn’t share your core values is tenuous and ill-advised, at best.
And what was the word used to describe how she felt when she agreed to marry him? “Free.” Her faith didn’t make her feel that way, and neither did her relationship with God (Who literally freed her). But Jack did. He is described as “her sanctuary in the storm. Her refuge.” I felt disappointed to my gut. Given the clear intelligence and theological soundness of the author throughout the rest of the book, I just expected ... better. Clearly better.
The irony of this unequal relationship is that the very same is what led Demas astray, in this fictional account. Why was that a case of him being “seduced into walking away from a faith he knew was true,” but her agreeing to marry Jack isn’t playing with the same strange fire? Jack is clearly kinder and more sincere than Jessana seems, but neither share the faith of their partner. That’s a recipe for compromise.
1.5 stars for the excellent, researched writing. 1.5 stars for an interesting premise and fleshed-out plot. But man, some stuff just fell apart that didn’t need to fall apart. The main events and circumstances became increasingly outlandish. The objectification of Anna wasn’t balanced out by her brilliance - she was still objectified, given that no other character was described that way. Her relationship with Jack — when it’s a book about THE VALIDITY OF SCRIPTURE. Why does Its validity matter if we’re going to be hearers but not doers?? Of course Jack is conveniently “saved” at some point (we don’t see when/how) so the book ends with a nice bow, but there was no guarantee of that when they were dating and engaged.
This had serious potential.
Given the above, I fear I’m a curmudgeonly critic...but this seemed like it was going to be such an amazing read as I started in, and I found myself so disappointed.
This skillful eloquence in his writing was often used to describe Anna’s body. Her tresses, her lips, her calves, etc. It was also used to showcase her intelligence, so perhaps the intent was to highlight how a woman’s beauty doesn’t preclude brilliance; one scene alternated between her makeup routine and her analytical thoughts. Over many chapters, though, it became increasingly weird. And sultry. It wasn’t an initial description to help the reader picture a character; descriptions of her physicality were unnecessarily pervasive and prominent.
A few times, characters discuss how easily people leave the church. For the reader, I believe it’s meant to be a commentary on pew-sitters and the state of our church: whether Sunday attendance is to worship God or simply “the right thing to do.” The first time, it was relevant and a good check. After a few times, it became preachy and maybe even presumptuous, that the majority “never really believed.”
On the global events described, suspending disbelief became increasingly difficult. The repercussions of the find spiral far outside the realm of believability. If these papyri were to be found today, I certainly think many would be forced to take inventory of their faith. Perhaps many would even take the opportunity to leave their church. But I don’t believe we’d see churches vandalized and burned in every small town.
The final confrontation with Raphael and his accomplice felt...anticlimactic. I don’t know how Neil’s backstory could have been developed any more than it was without giving it away, and honestly, I didn’t see it coming. But it still felt rushed and hollow, which was disappointing given how well-written the book was otherwise. More time was spent on Anna’s “tresses” than Neil’s dialogue.
Finally, Anna’s years-long flirtatious friendship with atheist Jack was already questionable and borderline, but her sister’s encouragement to pursue the relationship was inappropriate. Anna and he share their first kiss after she walks away from her faith and I thought - okay, I guess that’s understandable. But then she finds her faith again and promptly agrees to marry him. 😫
In any other book, fine. But in a book written from a Christian worldview — especially one about the validity and daily relevance of Scripture — the normalization of a believer becoming romantically involved with an atheist was disappointing. It doesn’t matter how attractive they are (and they’re very attractive, as we’re reminded often), our relationship to Christ is preeminent over other relationships, because He is preeminent over all. Trying to form an intimate bond with a person who doesn’t have an intimate bond with Christ isn’t healthy or loving. Those who aren’t Christians also recognize that entering a relationship with someone who doesn’t share your core values is tenuous and ill-advised, at best.
And what was the word used to describe how she felt when she agreed to marry him? “Free.” Her faith didn’t make her feel that way, and neither did her relationship with God (Who literally freed her). But Jack did. He is described as “her sanctuary in the storm. Her refuge.” I felt disappointed to my gut. Given the clear intelligence and theological soundness of the author throughout the rest of the book, I just expected ... better. Clearly better.
The irony of this unequal relationship is that the very same is what led Demas astray, in this fictional account. Why was that a case of him being “seduced into walking away from a faith he knew was true,” but her agreeing to marry Jack isn’t playing with the same strange fire? Jack is clearly kinder and more sincere than Jessana seems, but neither share the faith of their partner. That’s a recipe for compromise.
1.5 stars for the excellent, researched writing. 1.5 stars for an interesting premise and fleshed-out plot. But man, some stuff just fell apart that didn’t need to fall apart. The main events and circumstances became increasingly outlandish. The objectification of Anna wasn’t balanced out by her brilliance - she was still objectified, given that no other character was described that way. Her relationship with Jack — when it’s a book about THE VALIDITY OF SCRIPTURE. Why does Its validity matter if we’re going to be hearers but not doers?? Of course Jack is conveniently “saved” at some point (we don’t see when/how) so the book ends with a nice bow, but there was no guarantee of that when they were dating and engaged.
This had serious potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2017
Inspirational
Very well written and thought provoking. Makes you look at your own beliefs. Makes you search into your own soul. All the while cheering Anna on or feeling devastated with her. And of course, being invo!ved at the sites was frosting on the cake.
Very well written and thought provoking. Makes you look at your own beliefs. Makes you search into your own soul. All the while cheering Anna on or feeling devastated with her. And of course, being invo!ved at the sites was frosting on the cake.
June 8, 2017
Good read
I would recommend reading this book. It flows nicely but doesn't necessarily have the intensity that I like to read.
I would recommend reading this book. It flows nicely but doesn't necessarily have the intensity that I like to read.
August 28, 2018
Full of action, twists and turns. Love the biblical history and artifacts. Really enjoyed how thought-provoking it became in the end. Looking forward to other books by this author.
March 31, 2019
Good book!
Good plot, it had great historical interest, the possibilities of what the book suggested really made me think about my own faith, really enjoyed it.
Good plot, it had great historical interest, the possibilities of what the book suggested really made me think about my own faith, really enjoyed it.
October 28, 2020
An easy and quick Christian novel exploring themes like faith, God's will and the willingness of men to give up what they treasure under trial.
December 14, 2017
This was a great thought provoking fiction. How would you react if an archeologist uncovered proof that the resurrection of Jesus was a hoax.
Read
February 16, 2010um...well
not COMPLETELY terrible (im going to try my best to be nice). but veeery dan brown, da vinci code-esque. but worse. much much worse..
mainly in that he goes to SUCH length to describe every article of clothing and every single facial feature of EVERY character in irritating detail. its like alright alright i get it! shes pretty!! lets get to the fuckin story already..jesus
and um...i dunno how many female archaeologists there are out there on goodreads but does it seem vaguely realistic to anyone that this dr. ann meridian wears pleated skirt suits and pumps and full make-up to dig sites? anybody else? no? really? you ladies dont wear your manolos when you excavate? yeah i thought that sounded like bullshit too. come on now! honestly what archaeologist maintains perfectly manicured, polished fingernails when digging in the dirt?? i mean, i think i get where he was going with it...shes smart AND sexy (lord what a concept!) all that jazz so ok i guess ill allow it but..a little difficult to suspend my belief on that as well
and also like dan brown, sometimes its a little unclear as to whether he...fully understands the definition of the words he uses. por ejemplo...
"Finally, with the nocturnal hours slipping away, she had found sleep. Not a restful one, devoid of nightmares of pursuit, but sleep nonetheless." then goes on to describe her nightmare....
"..She was being chased through a city somewhere. Her feet were like lead, her heart pounding as she tried to get away. Her pursuer was unseen..."
so wait....DEVOID of pursuit nightmares and yet shes dreaming of being pursued? mr johnson..i think uh...i think maybe the expression you were going for was 'fraught with' rather than 'devoid of'. do you uh...do you KNOW what devoid means mr? maybe not the worst idea to you know...keep a dictionary handy when you write. hell, i do that anyway and im not even a novelist
other than that, like da vinci code a great deal of drama, excitement, race against time, unearthing history-altering artifacts, being held up at gunpoint..stuff like that. so a pageturner...in spite of itself. the only thing that kinda made me mad is this is basically a crappy da vinci code rewrite but in the author interview in the back of the book he says his major writing influence was charles dickens. youve got to be shitting me..are you...are you serious, man? dickens? poor guy is cartwheeling in his grave somewhere. ridiculous
not COMPLETELY terrible (im going to try my best to be nice). but veeery dan brown, da vinci code-esque. but worse. much much worse..
mainly in that he goes to SUCH length to describe every article of clothing and every single facial feature of EVERY character in irritating detail. its like alright alright i get it! shes pretty!! lets get to the fuckin story already..jesus
and um...i dunno how many female archaeologists there are out there on goodreads but does it seem vaguely realistic to anyone that this dr. ann meridian wears pleated skirt suits and pumps and full make-up to dig sites? anybody else? no? really? you ladies dont wear your manolos when you excavate? yeah i thought that sounded like bullshit too. come on now! honestly what archaeologist maintains perfectly manicured, polished fingernails when digging in the dirt?? i mean, i think i get where he was going with it...shes smart AND sexy (lord what a concept!) all that jazz so ok i guess ill allow it but..a little difficult to suspend my belief on that as well
and also like dan brown, sometimes its a little unclear as to whether he...fully understands the definition of the words he uses. por ejemplo...
"Finally, with the nocturnal hours slipping away, she had found sleep. Not a restful one, devoid of nightmares of pursuit, but sleep nonetheless." then goes on to describe her nightmare....
"..She was being chased through a city somewhere. Her feet were like lead, her heart pounding as she tried to get away. Her pursuer was unseen..."
so wait....DEVOID of pursuit nightmares and yet shes dreaming of being pursued? mr johnson..i think uh...i think maybe the expression you were going for was 'fraught with' rather than 'devoid of'. do you uh...do you KNOW what devoid means mr? maybe not the worst idea to you know...keep a dictionary handy when you write. hell, i do that anyway and im not even a novelist
other than that, like da vinci code a great deal of drama, excitement, race against time, unearthing history-altering artifacts, being held up at gunpoint..stuff like that. so a pageturner...in spite of itself. the only thing that kinda made me mad is this is basically a crappy da vinci code rewrite but in the author interview in the back of the book he says his major writing influence was charles dickens. youve got to be shitting me..are you...are you serious, man? dickens? poor guy is cartwheeling in his grave somewhere. ridiculous
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
On an archeological dig outside Rome, Dr. Anna Meridian discovers several sheets of papyri dating from the first century AD. Her first impulse is to conceal them until they can be verified as true or disproved as false; however, when one is stolen and its contents released to the media, the whole world experiences a crisis of faith ...
I was unsure whether I would enjoy this novel, given its initial premise, but everything worked out as it was supposed to. Well written, with lots of action and some romance.
I was unsure whether I would enjoy this novel, given its initial premise, but everything worked out as it was supposed to. Well written, with lots of action and some romance.
January 2, 2013
Snooze fest!
November 2, 2016
A surprising little read with an intriguing idea. What is the basis of our faith and how easily can it be shaken? Good did indeed work things out for his glory and or growth!
November 19, 2016
A bit out there, but a moderately good story. Sure glad it ended well, instead of leaving the world in chaos.
January 3, 2017
Fiction so real
I almost wish this were true, it would definitely have a real effect on the church, and we would all get to see where we really stand.
I almost wish this were true, it would definitely have a real effect on the church, and we would all get to see where we really stand.
August 30, 2019
Interesting premise based on a fictional archaeological find with some food for thought. However, the execution leaves much to be desired and there's also a bit too many clichés.
November 7, 2016
Absolutely awesome! A must read!
June 30, 2018
Really enjoyed this page-turner.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews