Field of Blood: Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy (Book 1) by Eric Wilson

I have never read such a unique and creative novel from a Christian publisherby Novel_Teen_Book_Reviews

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October 14, 2009: A construction crew accidently discovers burial caves on the outskirts of Jerusalem, which turns out to be the Akeldama, the place where Judas Iscariot died. Before the archeologists can arrive to do their thing, the Collectors enter the tombs. The Akeldama Collectors are demon-like beings who have been waiting 2000 years to get at these bones, because bones combined with the blood of Judas that seeped into the soil makes it possible for the Collectors to awaken the dead. Once they each choose a body, they need to feed. Then they need to find and destroy the Nistarim, those immortal beings that rose at the death of the Nazarene to protect mankind.

Gina Lazarescu has managed to break away from her controlling mother and make a life for herself in the States. But when she is hit by a van and hears her body heal itself, the past is dug up again. Could she have a connection to the Nistarim her mother used to talk about, and if so, is she being hunted by the undead?

I have never read such a unique and creative novel from a Christian publisher. I applaud Thomas Nelson for publishing this book. It's totally creepy-half the book is from the undead (vampire) perspective-so it's not for everyone. I got a bit confused here and there because the story is action packed and moves right along. I found myself going back to reference characters. There is mild sensuality and violence from the bad guys' scenes, but there is nothing graphic. If you like vampire stories, characters that are just as flawed as the next guy, and a plot that keeps you guessing, give this one a try. I was very impressed with how Wilson used scripture and history to weave this creative tale. In fact, when I finished reading it, I ran to my Bible to see the scriptures for myself. Pretty cool stuff. Highly recommended (with caution for the creepy factor).

I Also Recommend: Haunt of Jackals.

An oxymoron: A scary Christian novelby Frank_Redman

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June 14, 2009: A Christian vampire novel? Genius. It is quite difficult for vampire fans to find a genuine vampire novel absent of excessive eroticism, yet still embraces the essence to intrigue the imagination. This is not just another spinoff of Bram Stoker's excellent novel, but an exquisitely unique narrative based on vampire lore and enriched with Wilson's originality and creativity. He accomplishes this rare feat while still nourishing an edgy mood. By contrast and point of reference, I've also read Elizabeth Kostova's vampire novel, THE HISTORIAN. Her book is beautifully written, but after a while the suspense fades, which caused me to lose interest. If you like a novel that is a thrill from the first page through the last, Wilson does not disappoint.

The story starts with the events following Judas's suicide in the field of Akeldama, or Field of Blood.

"What if his tainted blood seeped deep into the earth, into burial caves, causing a counterfeit resurrection of the dead?" Counterfeit life was breathed into the buried dead--and born were the undead. They secretly infiltrate pockets of society, walking dead among the mortal. Their mission: lure the unwary into deviltry and collect souls. An opposing force, the immortal Nistarim, battles to protect mankind from the Akeldama, creating epic tension in the spiritual realms.

I appreciate novels that involve impressive research, and this one surpasses typical expectations. The author even travelled to Jerusalem to research the story elements. This depth is important, because it allows the reader to more easily suspend disbelief.

This is a sophisticated story--there are enough plot twists to make a perm look straight. It's not hard to follow, but if you like to daydream about other things while you're reading a novel, this book will make you concentrate.

Although a spiritual thriller, this is not for the faint of heart. It will scare you. If you frighten easily, I suggest you read it in broad daylight, with the lights on...and the doors locked.

Wilson proves it's possible to write a hair-raising, Stephen King-esque novel without the extravagant gore and profanity. It is startling, harrowing, and totally compelling. This is book one in the Jerusalem's Undead series, a series destined to be one of the most talked about in literary circles.

You'll never again look at a mysterious insect bite in the same way. Was it really just a mosquito?

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