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John the Immortal #1
The Last Apostle
FINALIST for the American Christian Fiction Writers Debut Novel of the Year
What if John, the last living apostle of Jesus Christ, was still alive and well… and living in Seattle?
In A.D. 100, John is restored to the body of his youth and sent on a mission with a warning: to never reveal his true identity. He winds up on a small Greek isle where he faces an attempted assassination, a run-in with the Roman authorities, and develops a relationship with the daughter of the village leader.
Fast-forward to modern day Seattle, where John leads a foundation dedicated to bringing clean water to third world nations. A new television series brings attention to ancient legends about the true fate of John the apostle and threatens to reveal the truth of his identity. John struggles to keep his secret as he grows close to Nicole, a young woman he recruits to lead his organization.
For two thousand years, John has wandered the earth while hiding his true identity. But now, both friends and foes are on the verge of discovering who he truly is―an event that will trigger the end times.
Can John divert those who would discover his secret, or will curious friends and suspicious enemies spark the apocalypse? The Last Apostle is the first in the series of novels on the life of John over the last two millennia.
What if John, the last living apostle of Jesus Christ, was still alive and well… and living in Seattle?
In A.D. 100, John is restored to the body of his youth and sent on a mission with a warning: to never reveal his true identity. He winds up on a small Greek isle where he faces an attempted assassination, a run-in with the Roman authorities, and develops a relationship with the daughter of the village leader.
Fast-forward to modern day Seattle, where John leads a foundation dedicated to bringing clean water to third world nations. A new television series brings attention to ancient legends about the true fate of John the apostle and threatens to reveal the truth of his identity. John struggles to keep his secret as he grows close to Nicole, a young woman he recruits to lead his organization.
For two thousand years, John has wandered the earth while hiding his true identity. But now, both friends and foes are on the verge of discovering who he truly is―an event that will trigger the end times.
Can John divert those who would discover his secret, or will curious friends and suspicious enemies spark the apocalypse? The Last Apostle is the first in the series of novels on the life of John over the last two millennia.
- GenresChristian Fiction
286 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
About the author
Dennis Brooke
3 books30 followersDennis Brooke is a former US Air Force Officer who counts standing on the Berlin Wall in its last days as one of the highlights of his life. His work and travel have taken him to locales all over the world including Sydney, Sao Paulo, and Strasbourg. His home base is in the Seattle area. He and his wife, Laurie, are believers that you make your own adventures and they are avid hikers, kayakers, and bikers.
Dennis teaches at writing conferences and has been published in over two dozen international and local publications.
Dennis teaches at writing conferences and has been published in over two dozen international and local publications.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 13, 2016
I was intrigued by the concept: what if Jesus' words about "not all of you will die before I return" to his disciples were taken literally, and John the Beloved, the youngest and last of them, was blessed with the task of living until Christ's Second Coming? The story takes off from this premise, basically telling two stories: one of them in the days when John leaves his old life behind and assumes his new role, complete with new identity; the other in modern day, where John lives under the name John Amato in both San Francisco and Seattle as a 33-year-old man, presumably born in Kosovo.
It's a great concept, and I found myself wishing I had come up with the idea. But I felt like the author didn't take advantage of the story possibilities enough. I wasn't convinced that John Amato was living the life that a modern-day apostle would live, called to be a witness to the world. There was no sense of urgency in him about saving people's souls, and even though he was a nice guy and well liked, there never seemed to be a spiritual connection between him and God. He is told at one point that his task is to "raise a great deal of money, which which they would save the world." If that's all it took, then it seems like the Second Coming should have happened a long time before now.
I was concerned early on that there wasn't enough conflict in the story; it was to be a story of good versus evil, or at least that's the way I would have seen it. There is one mysterious, presumably evil, figure that appears sporadically early on, then becomes a central figure for a brief time, then disappears, but I felt it was underplayed.
It's a great concept, and I found myself wishing I had come up with the idea. But I felt like the author didn't take advantage of the story possibilities enough. I wasn't convinced that John Amato was living the life that a modern-day apostle would live, called to be a witness to the world. There was no sense of urgency in him about saving people's souls, and even though he was a nice guy and well liked, there never seemed to be a spiritual connection between him and God. He is told at one point that his task is to "raise a great deal of money, which which they would save the world." If that's all it took, then it seems like the Second Coming should have happened a long time before now.
I was concerned early on that there wasn't enough conflict in the story; it was to be a story of good versus evil, or at least that's the way I would have seen it. There is one mysterious, presumably evil, figure that appears sporadically early on, then becomes a central figure for a brief time, then disappears, but I felt it was underplayed.
October 21, 2015
Dennis Brooke effortlessly blends past and present as he creates a world where Jesus’ beloved disciple is still alive. Readers get a glimpse of daily life in the ancient Mediterranean and how the Gospel spread across the Roman Empire. The burden of living a prolonged life is also explored, along with the challenges of staying hidden in our shrinking modern world. Drama, romance, and humor all come together in a story that’s a must-read for anyone who’s wondered about the rumor mentioned in the book of John. It’s for anyone who’s ever thought “What if the last living apostle was still alive?”
February 3, 2016
I loved it! The concept is original, and I was captivated by the entire "what if?" scenario of one of Christ's original apostles still walking the earth. Perhaps I am too used to middle grade fiction (my first love), but it felt like this book didn't complete its own "arc" before turning us over to the sequel (which I can't wait to read). The "bad guy" set up in the middle didn't have his day in the sun yet, and I kept waiting for that story line to show up. Seems we have to wait for the sequel for that!
March 21, 2016
I loved this book, can't wait for the next one to come out. What would it be like to never die, and still be on earth after 2000 years? To have experienced early Christian life, been an apostle of Jesus and to be able to share his love for mankind.
A big twist on this story is John cannot let anyone know he is the Apostle John.
The story was well written and offered the message of love of mankind. Also loved how the clean water worked it's way in the story.
This was my favorite book that I have read this year. This is a book once you put it down it stays with you.
A big twist on this story is John cannot let anyone know he is the Apostle John.
The story was well written and offered the message of love of mankind. Also loved how the clean water worked it's way in the story.
This was my favorite book that I have read this year. This is a book once you put it down it stays with you.
May 18, 2016
This was awesome!! I personally love this genre where the author plays with What Ifs, like What If John the Apostle's work wasn't finished and he was actually still alive...and in SEATTLE?? I really enjoyed this book, and iw as hooked part-way through page one. There were multiple viewpoints in this book, and it flipped back and forth between modern-day, and ancient history, so that you as a reader got the origin story, and what he was doing today and why. It was a fun book, and I plan on buying my own copy in the very near future.
December 11, 2015
Fascinating! This is going to be a superior series. I loved the history along with current times that is so well done. I became attached to all of the characters even those playing relatively minor roles. A captivating novel with a plot that will tempt you to do your own research. Very well written and certainly and author to follow. A good read.
March 10, 2016
I enjoyed reading The Last Apostle. It's an interesting concept--what if the apostle John were still alive today? The author did a great job of switching between present day and the time of early Christianity. It's one of those stories that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. It's a well-written book and an enjoyable read.
March 10, 2016
I didn’t have to read far in Brooke’s debut novel to realize this was going to be a captivating read. Strong characters, who are easy to relate to, and a compelling plot propel this story in a way that simply carries the reader from one page to the next. One for the keeper shelf!
April 1, 2016
It feels a little odd to review this book since I actually know Dennis Brooke in real life. I enjoyed this book although for my personal taste it was a slow read. Interesting idea and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
December 16, 2015
I won this book through Goodreads. Really enjoyed this book. Such a fast read, couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Can't wait for the next part of this story.
September 28, 2018
In A.D. 100, John is restored to the body of his youth and sent on a mission with a warning: to never reveal his true identity. He winds up on a small Greek isle where he faces an attempted assassination, a run-in with the Roman authorities, and develops a relationship with the daughter of the village leader.
Fast-forward to modern day Seattle, where John leads a foundation dedicated to bringing clean water to third world nations. A new television series brings attention to ancient legends about the true fate of John the apostle and threatens to reveal the truth of his identity. John struggles to keep his secret as he grows close to Nicole, a young woman he recruits to lead his organization.
For two thousand years, John has wandered the earth while hiding his true identity. But now, both friends and foes are on the verge of discovering who he truly is—an event that will trigger the end times.
Can John divert those who would discover his secret, or will curious friends and suspicious enemies spark the apocalypse? The Last Apostle is the first in the series of novels on the life of John over the last two millennia.
I liked the story, but listened as an audiobook and was expecting the story to continue, when all of a sudden, it was over. I could see why it ended where it did, but it was a little bit of a cliffhanger.
Fast-forward to modern day Seattle, where John leads a foundation dedicated to bringing clean water to third world nations. A new television series brings attention to ancient legends about the true fate of John the apostle and threatens to reveal the truth of his identity. John struggles to keep his secret as he grows close to Nicole, a young woman he recruits to lead his organization.
For two thousand years, John has wandered the earth while hiding his true identity. But now, both friends and foes are on the verge of discovering who he truly is—an event that will trigger the end times.
Can John divert those who would discover his secret, or will curious friends and suspicious enemies spark the apocalypse? The Last Apostle is the first in the series of novels on the life of John over the last two millennia.
I liked the story, but listened as an audiobook and was expecting the story to continue, when all of a sudden, it was over. I could see why it ended where it did, but it was a little bit of a cliffhanger.
July 25, 2018
The premise of the book is a good one, that the Apostle John didn't die after all, taken from what Jesus said to Peter when he asked Jesus "what about him?" referring to John. Jesus' answer was that Peter didn't need to think about John, just himself. Jesus left the question unanswered. Brooke takes that scripture and creates an interesting story line.
We see John's story right after he has been made young again, and his story in the present time in Seattle as manager of a project to bring clean water to people in Africa. We also see how John interacts with the people that cross his path, his compassion, forgiveness, and his attempts to conquer his anger. We see how he avoids publicity and prefers to stay in the background, which isn't always easy. We get a full picture of just what kind of man John was, even if this is fiction.
This is the first book in a series. It is well worth reading.
We see John's story right after he has been made young again, and his story in the present time in Seattle as manager of a project to bring clean water to people in Africa. We also see how John interacts with the people that cross his path, his compassion, forgiveness, and his attempts to conquer his anger. We see how he avoids publicity and prefers to stay in the background, which isn't always easy. We get a full picture of just what kind of man John was, even if this is fiction.
This is the first book in a series. It is well worth reading.
May 27, 2018
Finished the book in three days. It is a book that I did not want to put down. It is built from the scripture John 21:20-23. It was recommended to me by a friend and I kept putting it off because I was not convinced I would like it but I was wrong. I hope book 2 is released soon.
June 23, 2019
The author sure likes describing the looks of the female characters.
May 21, 2022
The two storylines were not as great as it could have been. Maybe that why the author and the publisher has taken so long on the second installment of the series.
December 2, 2015
This book is fantastic! The author made me feel like I personally knew John, The Last Apostle. This book made my heart hurt at times, but to smile also. I wish I could be more like John in my life, but I fall really short. Just think. To have been able to actually speak with Jesus face to face! I think it is harder on present day Christians to have the faith to believe, without the face to face with Jesus or Angels. But some of the people who did meet him, still didn't believe. I am waiting for book 2. Thank you Dennis, you give me hope for myself and all others. I had won this ebook from a Goodreads contest, so this is a honest review. If you are not religious, it doesn't matter. This book inspires everyone. Please get it and read.
December 15, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads.
It was awesome! I loved it totally and can't wait for the next one in the series. I wish and hope and pray that this story is a little bit true. It has adventure, joy and sorrow, life and death experiences, the devil's work, romance and just a good feeling about it. Reading one chapter set in early times and then one from today made me crazy. I kept wanting to know what happened next in each era. It was truly amazing.
It was awesome! I loved it totally and can't wait for the next one in the series. I wish and hope and pray that this story is a little bit true. It has adventure, joy and sorrow, life and death experiences, the devil's work, romance and just a good feeling about it. Reading one chapter set in early times and then one from today made me crazy. I kept wanting to know what happened next in each era. It was truly amazing.
April 16, 2017
I wasn't particularly into the concept of this book because I wasn't familiar with the premise. That being said, the writing was smooth, flowed well and I didn't mind switching back & forth between timelines due to both holding my interest. I confess I'm actually looking forward to the next book's plot.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews