The Soldier who Killed a King ~ Review

The Soldier Who Killed a King
By David Kitz

A true retelling of the Passion

Marcus Longinus has lived for years in the Judean region doing his duty for Rome. But this year the Passover celebration in Jerusalem is unlike any he has before experienced. The city and the people seem to be on the verge of an uprising. A most unlikely man is being heralded as if he were a conquering king - a man who has a most disconcerting ability of appearing to see into the very core of a person.

But the favor this man has found among the people is not shared with those who rule the spiritual and commercial aspects of the Jewish people. And this lack of favor is about to drag all who rule into its net. The week that follows is one that will make Marcus question what he has always believed.

The Soldier Who Killed a King is a look at the week leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus seen through the eyes of the man who is charged with seeing the will of Pilate carried out. This is an emotional journey that takes the reader on the journey of Christ's final Passover, one that would change the world forever.

I have to say this is an emotionally moving work. The pain that Jesus must have suffered in His sacrifice is portrayed in such a way that I can say I felt sick at just what He suffered. David Kitz has truly brought this week to life. His portrayal of Herod, Pilate, and Caiaphas and the actions of each man to try to work and manipulate the outcome of events is remarkable.

I recommend this book - it is graphic and horrific,  but to truly appreciate a sacrifice one must to be able to comprehend the cost and The Soldier Who Killed a King can bring this home.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.  

About the Book:

A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion

Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you've heard the story of Passion Week so often it's become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus's humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ's resurrection changed history, one life at a time.