A Lever Long Enough

by Amy Deardon

The Israeli team, led by Benjamin Feinan, has exactly seventy-two hours to collect the video evidence. Failure threatens the existence of Israel and may cause the world to slip into all-out war. Drawn into a web of first-century deception and death, the only way to escape is for Benjamin to change the past. In the present, a traitor attempts to sabotage the mission and seize control of the military complex. Only Benjamin can reveal him, but he is trapped two-thousand years away. Even with a time machine, time is running out. Who wouldn't want to time-travel back to first century Jerusaem to see if the Resurrection really happened? Amy Deardon has given me the next best thing with her novel bringing old Jerusalem to life. I raced through the book at lightspeed and enjoyed it immensely. Strong characters and an unpredictable plot made this a book I'll want to read again. Randy Ingermanson Christy Award-Winning Author of Transgression and Oxygen If you could go back to Christ's crucifixion, would you do it? What if the only way you could was by time-traveling with skeptics bent on proving Christianity is based on a lie? Author Amy Deardon tackles these provocative questions in her phenomenal debut A Lever Long Enough . Readers will find themselves enveloped in the scope and import of this adventurous tale where love, loyalty, and faith will be tested in the crucible of first century Jerusalem. Wayne Thomas Batson Bestselling author of The Door Within trilogy, Isle of Swords , and Isle of Fire

Genres: Christian Fiction, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Christian, Biblical Fiction, Ebooks

326 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

"I’m married with two children. In my life B.C. (before children) I was a Ph.D. scientist under a different name who did bench research. I also love writing and story structure.

I quit work to stay home for raising our kids, and figured I finally had the time to write a novel. While writing, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get the words down because I’d never suffered from nonfiction writer’s block. It wasn’t laziness, but a pervasive frustration that, while my writing was “good,” the story itself wasn’t working.

After finishing my novel (through sheer grit) I decided to scientifically study story structure so my next novel wouldn’t be so difficult. Along this side road I was amazed at how deep and consistent was story structure, and began coaching students to help them avoid the frustration I’d felt, and also to test and perfect my algorithm."

http://amydeardon.com/bio/

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You can read the official synopsis for yourself, so I won't repeat it here. I will say it inspires a few ponderings about the possibility and consequences of time travel, multiple dimensions and even the so-called Mandela Effect. What will remain with me the longest is the description of the actual travel through the time solid, when the present, past and future all seemed to coexist simultaneously. The description was rather brief and I am surprised at the effect it had on me. While reading the few paragraphs about the moments the characters were suspended in the ethereal realm between time, I actually had visions and images flash before my mind's eye....briefly and indescribable, yet profound impressions. It was as if I too had reached an ethereal, unseen realm. I'd be interested in knowing if other readers experienced the same thing or if I'm alone in this. But it felt as real to me as this present moment. Odd. A free book from Amazon Kindle, I was taking my chances on the quality of the story and writing. I am not at all disappointed, placing Ms. Deardon within the calibre of Joel C. Rosenberg as far as Christian thriller fiction goes.

[Liza Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story would be a great movie, but was a bit verbose for a book.

[Barry Edstene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and a great leap of faith.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of A Lever Long Enough intrigued me and it and it was even more interesting because I actually finished the book on Easter Sunday. It has Christian themes and talks about whether Jesus actually rose from the dead or not and while these things are central to the book they are not exclusive of everything else. The book is part science fiction, part suspense thriller and part historical fiction so it is not just for an audience interested in biblical history or religious doctrine. The characters were interesting and more than one dimensional and though I was upset when Ben was quick to turn so completely on someone he was supposed to care about it was more like I was disappointed in him personally and not that I didn’t think people would really act that way. He wasn’t poorly written, just written so he wasn’t perfect. There are also interesting facts about Jewish culture woven into the book and although there is some explaining of concepts and customs it never interferes with the narrative or bogs down in pedantic prose. The countdown at the beginning of each chapter gives everything a sense of urgency and the short chapters seem to make the action happen faster so the book moves quickly. I wish there had been a little more explanation of some of the things in the present, like how and why the followers were interfering with the peace treaty and more insight on the motivations of the saboteur. I know why you wouldn’t want to put in a complete detailed account of the history behind the story but I found the situation in the present vaguer than I would have liked. But as I kept reading I forgot to worry about it and got caught up in the story. Deardon obviously did some research for this book and lays out for the reader what she has learned and although it is clear what some of the characters believe she never tells the readers what they should believe. The Jews in the book who do not believe in the resurrection are very intolerant of those who do, aggressively so, but that is as close as Deardon comes to saying that the followers are the good guys in the story. It is an entertaining read that will give you something to think about if you are open to the idea but without leaving you feeling like you have been preached at.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this book arrived, my husband grabbed it before I could, so his review follows.
-----------------------------------
Synopsis – An Israeli scientific/military team is sent back in time to find proof of the theft of the body of Jesus Christ from the tomb, and thereby discredit the story of the resurrection and in so doing discredit the faith of ‘followers’ in an Israel set in the future.

An author’s first book is always so interesting to me. It’s almost like those annoying American Idol shows (not that I watch, but unless you’ve unplugged your TV, you’ve seen them) where they are listening to people for the first time. You might find a superstar, or you could find something painful and horrific.

Amy Deardon really impressed me. If I had read this, I would not have said that it was her first book. She has a main plot and sub plot, with references to historical events and it is a compelling page turner. The story covers a couple of different genres – a little sci-fi, with an historical action theme. She weaves the story arcs together with dexterity and subtlety. When I read the back cover I wondered how this book was going to play out. Amy confesses to being a ‘skeptic who came to faith’, and I worried that I was about to read was more proselytizing than enjoyable.

Remarkably, she finds a very nice balance between the overall story and the faith that she is explaining. This alone impressed me, since in the hands of an experienced author this would be a tough balance to find, but for a ‘newbie’ to nail this was quite the achievement.

The main characters in the story are well rounded, but a little more work on the supporting cast would have been a useful addition, but that’s probably more my bias for complex and multi-faceted personae than any real criticism of this book.

To sum it up, it did keep me up at night longer than I wanted to be up, which for me is often the truest test of a book.

A great first book – I will definitely read her again.

[Gin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, Do NOT miss this one!

I feel like a starving person who just had a little bite of the most delicious food ever and I HAVE to get more! This book was completely absorbing-the kind of read where you can't set the book down for anything. In my opinion it was a perfectly done first book. The characters were introduced with just enough information to allow you to get to know them and like them yet leaving you wanting to know more. The time travel information was fun and believable and a new idea. Not once did it make me feel like skipping because it was too technical or boring or hard to understand. In fact, this author is such a talented writer that she was able to make this a stand alone book that is so entertaining and enthralling, I get to choose to want more. What a refreshing idea-tho read more from an author because off great writing instead of liking for an elusive end to the story. I normally do not read books that are beginning of a set because I detest reading a book that leaves me unfinished and feeling like the author is trying to force me to buy more of their works. This book allows you to to thoroughly enjoy it and then want to read more. I was sad however, not to be able to find any more stories connected to these people and this story line. Since it was published 5 years ago in 2010, that gives me my one concern-it's the author going to let us back into these characters lives? Oh how I hope so!
This book entertained with a truly interesting and new plot idea and characters that are great to get to know. I finished it excited to continue on with this author and I highly recommend that you read this book. I think it will appeal to all types of readers-you will not be disappointed! :)

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to travel back through time and see Jesus? That's what this team of men and women, existing in the near future, is able to do. I'm so jealous! Of course, they aren't going back in time just to meet Jesus. They want something different. They want evidence that Jesus' body was stolen from His tomb, that he was not resurrected from death. Evidence that would shatter the faith of all the "followers" on Earth. They want the worshipers of Yeshua annihilated.

When things start going wrong, suspicions rise. Is there a follower among them, sent to cripple their mission?

Interested in biblical history? Read this book! At times the descriptions of the surroundings and customs and were almost a little too detailed or "documentary" for me, but this didn't damper the experience at all. As a history buff, I can appreciate the huge amount of work the author put into this - I really admire her for that and want to read the novel again when I have the time to take in all the information, get a better feel for the time in which Jesus lived on Earth.

A Lever Long Enough is one of those books that has you thinking on the possibilities and plot idea (in this case time travel and Jesus) long after you finish. I've always been fascinated with time travel and this definitely fed that fascination. Add spies, sabotage, and a true wonder at what will happen next, and you have a definite page-turner. I recommend A Lever Long Enough for fans of modern action novels (I'm thinking close to the pace and excitement of 24), biblical history fiction, and time-travel.

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin Feinan leads an Israeli military team back in time. The goal: Film the “theft” of Jesus’ body from the tomb, thus disproving the age-old story of resurrection, salvation, and belief in Jesus as Messiah. They have seventy-two hours to collect video evidence and plant it in the Dead Sea to be found two thousand years later, in their own time. The mission’s failure could have dire consequences, including war and the devastation of the nation of Israel.

While the team struggles through a series of obstacles in the first century, a present-day traitor tries desperately to sabotage the mission for his own purposes.

In the meantime, Benjamin is shocked to discover one vital member of his team has serious doubts about their very purpose, and is leaning toward the deadly belief that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

The author does a fantastic job of bringing vividly to life another time and place. Absolutely stunning imagery. I felt as though I were right there in ancient Jerusalem… inside the empty tomb of Jesus Christ…seeing the Roman soldiers, the Temple Mount, the lifestyles and customs of that day and time. A Lever Long Enough is packed with riveting suspense and heart-pounding intrigue. The pages turn all by themselves as the reader rushes through Jerusalem along with Benjamin and his team. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and totally unpredictable. I didn’t want the story to end.

Amy Deardon is an amazing painter of words. I will definitely be watching for more from this gifted writer.

[Brick ONeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Deardon has found her niche! Brilliantly crafted

Found this book as a freebie. I love all fiction, especially mystery and the cover captured my attention. I don't mind Religious Fiction, as long as it approaches the plot and characters as a secular novel and doesn't try to preach at me (the reader), try to convert me or denigrate anyone.

Amy Deardon approaches "A Lever Long Enough" as both mystery and sci-fi, successfully crossing genres with captivating language so as to not confuse or bore the reader. The story starts off a bit slow but she has to explain how time travel works in this plot with giving clues throughout the storylines. Just who are the good guys and who are the bad guys?

Having a degree in Religious Studies myself, I congratulate Amy for successfully describing both modern day times and ancient times-how cultural norms shaped society, how different weather patterns altered culture, how society changes over time. She has to explain star patterns to discern the place in the timeline. There are really two major plots happening at the same time, two protagonists. What happens in one timeline affects the other.

The characters are written smartly, none over the top that you find in many of these type of military fictional accounts. What I can't stand in many of them is what I call "OTTT": Over The Top Testosterone. Amy balances reality with fiction, creating a smooth transition between timelines.

I wholeheartedly recommend A Lever Long Enough, giving 5 stars.

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

First-time author Amy Deardon does many things very well in A Lever Long Enough. First and foremost, she puts a new spin on a familiar story. That one thing draws the reader into the story with fresh eyes. The plot of the story reads like an action flick. Think Star Wars meets Quantum Leap meets spy movie, only with a Christian theme and perspective!

When you read this novel, it's obvious that the author has spent hours on research. Because of the attention to detail, the story world comes alive on the page. From ancient Jerusalem to futuristic time machines, the realism is nothing less than amazing. There is a considerable amount of historical information in this book, but Deardon skillfully weaves in action to keep the information from becoming boring.

One of my favorite parts of A Lever Long Enough is the parallel that is drawn between opposition to Christ and His followers in the first century and the opposition that continues in the story world of the future. The followers of The Way in the futuristic part of the story had to operate in much the same way as the early followers of Christ.

Another thing Amy Deardon did exceptionally well is ending chapters so that the reader keeps turning the pages. The chapters are shorter than normal, which I really enjoyed and appreciated. There's something for everyone in this book--sci-fi, romance, history, and more!

A quick word of warning--this story will leave you wanting more!

[Wyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Four members of a military/scientific team during the time when Israel is thinking of joining with the New World government but is also fighting the followers of Yeshua travel back in time to the crucifixion. Their purpose is to film the burial, the theft of the body, leave the film in the Dead Sea to be recovered when they return and thereby prove to the people of Israel that Yeshua was a fake. The military site where the time pod is situated is completely closed off and out of bounds to everyone, therefore, who could be sabotaging the project? Who is the real mole? Is it someone from the followers of Yeshua or the man who controls the New World government. Ms. Deardon has done a great job of writing an exciting and spell-binding story which includes a little reluctant romance. She has used such vivid details of the Jerusalem of the first century that I found myself visualizing it and standing right there with the team experiencing the grandeur of the Temple and it's surroundings. She also inserts discriptions and background history of what was happening during that time as part of the story line and it doesn't seem intrusive at all but rather flows right along with the story. The future scientific technology is also believable and in tune with the story. The chapters alternate between what is happening in the First Century and what is happening at the military facility.

An excellent read. 5 stars

[Johnny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A strange little science-fiction ebook about a military group traveling back in time to prove Jesus didn't resurrect. I don't know whether to call it cute, a copy of Crichton's "Timeline" or preposterous. Luckily it's more action-thriller than secular, though quite annoyingly detailed about architecture and the layout of Jerusalem - it's one of those books where you wish you could follow everyone's tracks on a separate map.

The writing is pleasant enough otherwise, so that's a plus. I like the tension, but I'm not that fond of the ending. There seems to be a discrepancy between the time travel laws first described and what actually happens. I did like how the chapters back in time were accompanied by a countdown, but was surprised - and not in a good way - how time always seemed to fly by very fast when something important should have happened. The story almost skips an entire day (of three days the team is allowed to spend in the past) over one chapter.

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting concept... go back in time (Flashback) to film the disciples stealing the body of Jesus from the tomb so you can disprove one of the foundational cornerstones of Christianity. Of course with time travel we all know that there are many variables, especially when someone in the military facility is sabotaging the Flashback from the beginning. Who is it? Can they be stopped before the mission is compromised? Will the team Flashback to the right time? Can they get the info they need in time? Will Christianity disappear forever?

I love a good mind bending tale of fantasy with reality thrown in there for fun. Amy does that here with A Lever Long Enough. I had to reread the ending about four times to wrap my mind around it. I hope to read more from Amy in the future.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Israelis have decided to stamp out the problematic Christian movement once-and-for-all by using their newly developed time machine to travel back to 30 AD and film what happened. This documentary of Jesus's death would prove that he died and did NOT rise from the dead. It would then be placed in a time capsule which would be "discovered" by the modern-day leaders who are running the project.
Of course, there's a saboteur in the works and things don't go according to plan ...
An interesting premise that provides a fast-paced action story and also a platform to follow the characters as they search for the truth about Jesus's death and resurrection.
Given the facts, what conclusion would you come to?

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting premise that was well plotted with plenty of drama. It's a very quick and easy sci-fi read using a novel approach to time travel.

Also of interest is the fact that this is not a preachy religious book. One is left to draw one's own conclusions. It would have been very easy for the author to push the subject matter but instead Ms. Deardon wrote a fine book that does provoke some thought.

I was impressed with the author's clean prose and lack of typos. Kudos to Ms. Deardon for taking pride in her work and for publishing such a great novel!

Ms. Deardon is working on a followup novel to A LEVER LONG ENOUGH and I will certainly be in the download aisle when it's available.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started out with such promise, and ended with me promising never to read a book like this again. While the time-travel plot has always interested me, the author failed to develop both the plot and the characters. Why were some very poorly trained paramilitary folks sent back to witness a biblical event in the first place? Was it an attempt to discredit all of christendom...if so, why? What was Gideon's motivation, aside from just being the bad guy? A time capsule shaped like a rock...that nobody was supposed to notice?? Come on now. Maybe I missed (a lot of) something(s) on my way to the end of this stinker.

[Andre Steffens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Present and past combined

In this story, 4 modern-day Israeli's are transported back to the time of Yeshua's (Jesus') death and burial to prove that his body was stolen by his disciples. It chronicles ancient Jerusalem, while building a sub-plot in the present with a mole trying to sabotage the mission. The description of ancient Jerusalem seems authentic and the author did much research to make it that way. The story starts a little slow, but builds pace and then ends very abruptly - i assume to make way for another episode... If there is another episode, I would definitely read it

[❀Aimee❀ Just one more page... · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story quite a bit -- team goes back to disprove Jesus' resurrection with proof... It gets you thinking. However, I found that I wished there was a bit more depth and a little less heart pounding adventure. There was so much time the team spent just trying to survive, that they didn't get as much time to absorb what was around them.

The book ended with the possibility of a sequel or series. I hope there is more to come.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was intrigued by the synopsis of this book & being a non religious person I wasn't sure about this book but being a person really interested in history I had to read it.

I found the storyline to be very well written & I really enjoyed this book & didn't feel it really was so religious that I didn't want to read it the religion written into the book was just right that it helped to pull the story together & I would definitely read more by this author

[Paulette Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The writing style of the author was different than my usual likes. You were not hit over the head with the author's view but rather you were given the information to make your own decision. It was interesting and worth the effort.

[Anita Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. I love time travel, which this does in a Christian venue. I really enjoyed the time travel to Jerusalem at the time of Christ. Fascinating. A good story with a touch of suspense. So cool that just a couple of months after reading this, I went to Israel!

[elizabethedwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

This book was an interesting read. Giving the reader an imaginary look at what the future might hold for believers. Yet at the same time imagining what biblical times were like. It also brought forth questions that need answering about Christ's death.

[James B. Kuminecz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly gripping story oh Christ and a modern plot to disprove His Resurrection.

A mystery novel of time travel and the attempt to debunk Christ's Divinity. A who done it with lots of interesting characters with many plot twist to keep you on your toes.

[LoisBow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This is a very well written fictional story based on the Gospel story of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus with a twist of time travel. Couldn't put it down.

[Melissa Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slow start, this one was a page turner. Great characters and compelling story drove the plot. I definitely recommend this book.

[Darren Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book, with an interesting twist.
I hope their is a follow up to this.

[Harris Guilmette · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tease for a later book. No plot completion. Otherwise would have been a four.