Revelations

by Julie Lynn Hayes

Judas has never been very popular, not in any incarnation that he and Jesus and the others have lived through. But he doesn't care about that. All he cares about is following the instructions of God as set forth in the script that they follow. And Jesus. For Judas has secretly loved the son of God for over two thousand years.

But now he decides that enough is enough, and he's tired of watching Jesus die far too early, and for what? This time Judas is determined to see that Jesus lives a long and happy life, no matter what price he has to pay to accomplish it...no matter if he has to make a deal with the devil himself.

Revelations is a story of what could be, told by those who play it out, time after time after time, unbeknownst to the rest of mankind. They've come back again, for yet another round. But this time is going to be different.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance

ebook

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Julie Lynn Hayes was born and raised in St Louis, Missouri, and still calls that city home. She first began to write over fifty years ago, and doesn’t see that stopping anytime soon. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. When someone tells her something can’t be done, she feels compelled to do it. Much of her writing is in the m/m romance category.

When she isn’t writing, or working at her day job with a third party elevator inspection company, she enjoys crafts, such as cross stitch and crochet, and watching her favorite programs. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian, and her favorite historical character is Aaron Burr—she is obsessed with all things Hamilton! Never say never is her motto!


You can contact Julie at tothemax.wolf@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Simsala · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,75 stars

A mountain of pet-peeves!
I have no idea why it worked for me anyway, but it did.
Must be my lifelong crush on Judas.

I saw an interview with Julie Lynn Hayes on a blog and was stunned.
We both have the same "Judas-history" - starting with the musical Jesus Christ Superstar - with the difference that Julie is an author and I`m not.
And now she wrote the story I always dreamed up.
When does something like this happen...

I fell in love with the story from page one on. I had almost no time to read at that time - a special kind of torture!

Truth to be told I didn`t understand myself.
First person POV from several characters - switching from chapter to chapter, rhetorical questions - I HATE that! Adressing the reader directly...am I supposed to answer and how do I do that?
Internal, repetitive musings galore. Terms of endearment that would usually make my skin crawl - "My sweet baby Judas" - and what did I do? I just smiled - totally smitten....
The characters were exactly portrayed like I always pictured them. The snarky, grumbly diva Judas and Jesus with his almost childlike innocence and never ceasing fatalism - but just to the point where he acknowledged his love for Judas - no more willing to follow the predetermined script. Love is the most powerful force of all - I loved that message, it never fit so well as it did in this story!

Revelations is a very sweet(!) and funny romance - about time someone wrote the truth - with a sad undertone that made me teary eyed then and there. When did I turn into a sap?
A slow burner if there ever was one. Judas and Jesus had 2000 years to come to terms with their feelings and as they finally did they really hit it off. (Sex scenes fade to black - thank you dear author I wouldn`t have survived more smut between these two, I was blushing hard enough as it was....too funny!)
They were so incredibly sweet together it made my teeth hurt.
Did I throw the book against the wall? Nope - I hugged my reader.

I won`t go into the story. It`s common knowledge with a twist and interested readers should experience it for themselves.

To avoid tomatoes.
If you are just generally interested in a romance and not especially in the re-written history of Judas and Jesus you might possibly fall asleep of boredom...just saying.
If you want to know what really happened...go for it!

I didn`t give the book the full five stars because there was a chapter missing, IMO. The final POV of Luci(fer) grudgingly admitting defeat but already plotting revenge - that would have been it!

Very warmly recommended!

ETA:
I would love to see some bigoted self-proclaimed "Christian" accidentally stumbling over this book and getting a heart attack! Hah!!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelations
Author: Julie Lynn Hayes
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing

Julie Lynn Hayes is a wonderful gifted author who has written a piece of literature that opens the whole new perspective in her story Revelations. The story presents a wonderful relationship that reaches through time, and leaves this reader sincerely impressed with the genuine love of the characters.

I have wanted to read this book since its release, but I felt real ambivalence because of the strong religious tone. I have issues with any religion that alienates our LGBT brothers and sisters, and it pains me greatly when any faith causes hatred to anyone about their sexuality. But this story is so
beautifully crafted in Ms. Hayes flowing prose that you quickly become invested in the story. Each character’s point of view is eagerly awaited, and I would set my reader down frequently to seriously consider their thoughts and feelings about each and every chapter.

The truth is that I fell in love with Judas, and I loved his brutally honest emotions about Joshua. There is never a doubt Judas’s emotions at any time, and this is a truly an emotional read. I cried and laughed at Mary M’s dealings with Judas because she is a woman who you can simply come to respect and love as her concern for Joshua are true and seriously heartfelt. Her opinions and
relationship with all the boys are for the best interest for them all, and never in an act of selfishness.

I absolutely loved this story, and it moved my heart and soul on so many levels. I will never seriously look at “God” in the same way ever again, as this is a story of what humanity should be all about. Julie Lynn Hayes is on my radar now, and I will not be missing any of her future books. I can truly say I loved this book more than I could imagine, and I truly hope more readers pick this book up and take a chance, for I can guarantee they will in for an experience of a lifetime.

[Icedave · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.50 stars

[Elisa Rolle]

Considering the theme of the novel with the known impeding tragedy, I was surprised to find out this novel was almost “cute”, and probably the first clue was on the prologue, with God and Lucifer plotting on how to change the course of Jesus Christ yet another’s reincarnation.

The time is modern day, and Jesus is now an evangelist singer travelling the US along with a troupe of 12 friends and his mother. Jesus’s preferred among them is Judas, the same man who all the others like to hate, especially Mary Magdalene, the “harlot” pop singer who likes to make trouble among them.

Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary, Thomas, Peter, Matthew, all of them know what is happening, and what will be Jesus’s fate, and they are waiting for the moment when the local protesters will move from words to actions, ending yet another time Jesus’s life, and giving him the chance to sacrifice himself to a better purpose. But this time Judas doesn’t want to play the same plot, he loves Jesus and he wants for him to have the chance to live a long life, possible together with him. On the other hand, innocent Jesus, almost naïve and too tempting for his own good, doesn’t want to give up to Lucifer’s lure, but for once he is wondering if, at least, he cannot enjoy what Judas is offering.

The plot is not really complicated, but the originality is given by the development: each chapter is told by a different player, mainly Jesus and Judas, but also Mary Magdalene, the apostles and Mother Mary, and of course God and Lucifer. There are other characters in the story, but since they are not “aware” of the truth, they don’t have the chance, like others, to tell their version of the story. It’s like a reenactment of the Gospels, indeed the apostles told their own version of the same story, same as they do in this novel.

Considering I’m not a practicing catholic, maybe I’m without preconceptions, and I don’t see much scandal in this retelling of the Jesus’s story. For me it was a good exercise in romancing the myth.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BCO2JHU/?...

[Sui Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say...

Revelations has been a long time in coming. I beta read this story over a year ago and its come a long way since the first read. I loved it then and I love it now! This is the untold story of a man who spends all his time with 12 other guys ... Hello! This is the love story we all know is there and has been there since it was first told but has become taboo to western culture. Its done in a new and refreshing way... giving Jesus and Judas 2000 years to come to terms with their love affair and the ever repeating cycle of love and loss that has become a script for the ages. But this story has a modern day edge and a current events feel that takes the story of old and places it in the here and now.

Our hero's have to deal with modern issues and modern life with all their old friends, old rivalries which haven't mellowed with time. The world of today is doing everything it can to repeat the cycle with the help of that ever flashy, suave, and evil... but evil with style... Lucifer's manipulation.

I have to say I love this story! Judas is everything I expected him to be. His snarky attitude and dislike of everyone and everything... except Jesus, is endearing. Jesus is purity and love in all things, and his love of Judas only enhances his understanding of mankind. Lucifer is nasty and manipulative and a riot. Mary(not Jesus's Mom)well what to say about the harlot... I loved hating her in the beginning, and I hated that I loved her towards the end. LOL.

I will put one warning on this story... IF YOU ARE A SERIOUS CHRISTIAN WHO CAN NOT LAUGH AT YOUR OWN RELIGIOUS ICONS AND FIND THE HUMOR BEYOND THE SYMBOLISM ... THIS IS NOT FOR YOU!

If you enjoy poking fun at icons, then this is filled with characters of old poking fun at themselves and their fellow time travelers. Read!!! Laugh!!! Enjoy!!!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Revelations by Julie Lynn Hayes is an imaginative and quite controversial read. It is probably one of the first books in a long while that I had a hard time reconciling what I have always known to a new idea of what could have been. This is a perfect read for this day and age. It will challenge what you have always believed and make you think twice about the relationships between the Disciples, Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary, Lucifer and God.

What would happen if Jesus didn’t have to die, but was able to live a long life and be able to love whomever he chose? What would happen if Judas wasn’t a betrayer but the love of his life? What if Mary Magdalene was more like a sister to Jesus? This is what Revelations tackles. I know what your thinking. These are really crazy ideas considering what most of us have been told and learned growing up. Julie Lynn Hayes takes on these questions and does it in such an inventive way it makes the story ebb and flow very naturally. In the end you are rooting for the happiness and ever after that Jesus never got to experience.

Revelations is written in such a way that you fall into the story. Each chapter is a different point of view. It is primarily taken up by Judas, but the love story threaded in the ever repeating story of Jesus’ eminent demise is unique and probably something not many of us would come up with. This unique story and familiar character with unfamiliar traits is a treat to read. You will at first find it a bit trying to wrap your mind around your preconceived notions of the characters versus what the author is trying to portray. But, once you over come that you will find a sweet story that ebbs and flows in such a smooth and almost lyrical way.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revelations is a very different type of read for me. Not just in the category of M/M, but the entire story line. You would not think the contents that are within are actually what’s there with the story subject. Some might find it insulting or possible offensive. But what readers need to remember is this is fiction, an author’s thoughts and imagination running wild & free! I found it to be a very entertaining read packed with humor, some mystery and…revelations. Many fans of the genre will enjoy this original story by Julie Lynn Hayes.


I love Judas. I also feel very bad for him. He and many others have lived many lives and some (like Judas) have a negative reputation. All he wants to do is love and be loved. Especially by one male in particular. But is it meant to be? Will his past life prevent future happiness? Will his peers not let go and allow him to move forward? You’re going to have to read to find out!

This was my second time reading anything from this author and will not be my last! She is a very talented writer and I look forward to more of her work :)
3.5 rounded to a 4.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judas has never been very popular, not in any incarnation that he and Jesus and the others have lived through. But he hasn’t cared about that. All he cared about was following the instructions of God as set forth in the script that they follow.  

Judas has secretly loved the son of God for over two thousand years, now he decides that enough is enough, and he’s tired of watching Jesus die far too early, and for what? This time Judas is determined to see that Jesus lives a long and happy life, no matter what price he has to pay to accomplish it...even if he has to make a deal with the devil himself.

Revelations is a story of what could be, told by those who play it out, time after time after time, unbeknownst to the rest of mankind. They've come back again, for yet another round. But this time is going to be different.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the present, this book is an alternate history tale of “what if” and a story that presents Judas and Jesus as lovers, facing temptation and striking bargains that will mean salvation and sacrifice and will change the course of biblical history. As a reader who believes the Bible is more a teaching tool than a written instrument of an omnipotent and omnipresent God, and is a book that has caused more problems than it has solved over the course of history, reading Revelations was a bit like “preaching to the choir”, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t buy into the author’s message of a love that can and does overcome all.

You can find the rest of this review at The Novel Approach

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading history and alternate history fiction is among my favorite genres. The notion of an alternate telling of Jesus and Judas from what we have in the Christian bible intrigued me when I stumbled across this book. I love the chapter written in revolving POVs, through Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Mother May, and other apostles. The author kept the action level high throughout; I thoroughly enjoyed having knowledge as the reader that the other characters didn't. The climax and denouement were so perfectly beautiful that I'll be recommending this book widely.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book challenged everything I was taught. It was well written, and from the very first sentence this author had me. Long after I finished reading it, I'm still thinking about. I strongly recommend this book.

[JSidelinger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have zero issues with using historical or biblical characters in any fictional story, but if you choose to do so at least make the story compelling and interesting, so that you suspend your beliefs and prejudice and let your imagination take over. Christopher Moore accomplished exactly this in "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" with great wit and humor. With "Revelation," I thought the dialogue rather stilted and the overall story only so so.

Example of the dialogue:
“Do not worry about her so, Judas.” At last he turns his gaze upon me, the corners of his mouth turning up just slightly in a sad smile that goes to my heart faster than his words. Those pass right over me, as usual. “She’s merely expressing herself, and for that I cannot blame her. How long has she been made to suffer the repression of her true spirit? Now she can be what she was always meant to be—”

[Kate Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I was ready to love this book. The reincarnation aspect threw me, but what ultimately ruined it was the story being told in multiple first person POVs, all of which sounded exactly the same. Great idea, poor execution.