Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Messiah

Rate this book
With Frenzik’s demise, he left worlds in turmoil. Who can the citizens turn to?

A new Messiah. Born of humans but not human. He is the destiny of the Barrier Nebula.

Or is he? How will Rivka handle a new religion that has sprung up and threatens to usurp the power that she rightfully returned to the people?

If Frenzik couldn’t have it, no one could. He’d make sure no one could. Did he leave a poisoned pill behind?

Rivka is challenged to keep her crew together while she assumes the duties of the High Chancellor. She has to be in two places at once if she’s to have any hope of saving the people she’d already saved once.

High Chancellor Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.

Get it today, the last book in the bestselling Judge, Jury, & Executioner series.

Judge, Jury, & Executioner is within the Kurtherian Gambit Universe, but you don’t need to read those to enjoy these. Start with You Have Been Judged and enjoy the stories of Rivka and her team. Just lock in your seatbelt, grab your favorite drink, and be ready for your socks to be blown off.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

42 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Craig Martelle

327 books7,878 followers
Visit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.

I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.

I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.

No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.

We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.

Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.

It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
220 (85%)
4 stars
31 (12%)
3 stars
6 (2%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
570 reviews
June 5, 2024
Odd that the ending moved me to tears

I mean, this wasn’t Craig‘s absolute BEST writing, although at the very least it certainly met his traditional standards and, in my opinion, far exceeded that. Nor would I say that this was particularly remarkable in any specific way, but he managed to perfectly capture that odd state of reflection and anticipation that accompanies any major change in life. More over, and what, for whatever reason, kicked me in the gut, was the character whom he selected to portray the moment. The CONTRAST of personality to speech just turned it into an emotional “broadside.”

Well, done, Craig! Very, very well done.

I do believe it’s time for Rivka to take a break, but I DO love her. And don’t get me started on the circus sideshow of supporting characters along with their personalities and absurdities. The preposterous way in which they all fit together, consistently, in order to arrive at impossible solutions to unfathomable problems is just unbelievable. I find myself at a loss of words trying to describe the , sense of being flustered, amused, intrigued, etc.… The mishmash of emotions that this circus brings to each story is just phenomenal. If you haven’t read the series, start at the beginning and work your way through and you won’t regret it! Again, well done, Craig, well
Profile Image for Debra Stubbins.
334 reviews
June 2, 2024
All is not as it seems in this Rivka story…

The tears are rolling, the heart is broken. NOOOOO! Need more Rivka! Need more Rivka!Need more Rivka!

Craig Martelle is da bomb!! Another thrilling Rivka story, with a very unexpected twist that certainly doesn’t disappoint, except, what happens with Dery, or maybe that was you intention? Leave a storyline open to revisit in the future. I’m onto you Mr Martelle!!

Craig Martelle, please let this not be the end of Rivka and her team. You have thoroughly entertained the masses with the brilliantly written stories of Rivka and the challenges she and her team endured to find justice for those who couldn’t. The growth of the characters, interchanging betting lines and the fast paced action pulled the readers in and didn’t let them go.

We the masses, the collective, eagerly await for more Rivka in the future. We might just have to fill your Facebook page with requests….

Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,862 reviews68 followers
July 5, 2024
Messiah - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Join High Chancellor of the Federation Rivka Anoa and friends as they take on the case of a cult bent on manipulating believers in the eponymous Messiah, to start a multi-planetary war.
There are the usual hijinks and shenanigans after they call on Terry Henry Walton, Charmuti and the Bad Company fleet for support in thwarting the bad guys.
Satisfaction's guaranteed in Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle's terrific space opera, Messiah - with fairies, aliens, and not forgetting their enhanced four-legged friends and sarky AI - it's non-stop action and thrills all the way!
97 reviews
June 11, 2024
another romping adventure, somewhat bittersweet

A bittersweet ending (at least for now) on the Rivka series. This a was a fun romp with endearing characters. If you enjoyed the other books, you’ll love this one too.
Some of my favorite parts:
- the verbal banter between Rivka and Clevarious (SI on the ship)
- the ways each character dealt with upcoming change
- Terry Henry and Char joining in the action!
- every single bit of back talk on taking up a more bureaucratic role

I hope the series comes back or perhaps there is a spin off of a character.
Profile Image for Elle.
70 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2024
Wonderful Book, Wonderful Series

It is with a heavy heart that I write this last review for the Judge, Jury, Executioner series. It’s like saying good by to family members. This is such a good series and I highly recommend reading it. I also strongly recommend starting from the beginning. Each book stands on its own, but starting from the beginning fills in all of the back story. Thank you Craig for all the thought and creativity that you put into this series. I loved it.
117 reviews
June 15, 2024
Most wonderful of wonderful books!

I have loved Rivka and gang since the beginning. Each added character that became family has grown and adapted with Rivka and Red. It was nice to see Terry and Char and others make an appearance. I am sorry this is the last of this series but continue to hope they will make an appearance in the next venture Mr. Martelle writes! Thank you for the fun! May you write more brilliant books to enjoy!
12 reviews
July 16, 2024
The last.. but not.. the last…

I am hoping this is not the last of JJE. One of the enjoyment of this story, among others, was that it brought past characters into the story line. I am looking forward to the continuation of Rivka as the High Chancellor. There are so many questions but one in particular is…what did Bethany see in Rivka as the High Chancellor? I guess future stories will enlighten.
Profile Image for Julie.
938 reviews
June 12, 2024
Sad it's over

What a fun, action filled series. It has great characters and each book had a unique storyline that kept you interested from beginning to end. I will miss Rivka and her family of humans, aliens, animals, and SI's, but look forward to reading more of the author's books.
677 reviews
June 13, 2024
Excellent, entertaining, exciting and enjoyable series!!!!!

Congratulation’s to Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
91 reviews
June 1, 2024
Well Done Craig!

You always have fun, funny, and interesting characters and this series rocked that! Thank you for the laughs I get during trying times. You are appreciated and prayed for, God’s speed, Craig!
Profile Image for Scott.
1,484 reviews12 followers
June 21, 2024
Ending to remember

An ending to remember as we see just how the journey has gone, an impressive 21 books of action , legal jargon has made this a great read.
I'm not sure if having this series continue would be worth it, but I would still be interested to see more from our team.
146 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2024
Once again another fine story in the JJE story line

With interesting and varied characters whose idiosyncrasies only embellish the narrative what's not to like. Add in a fast paced main plot and you end up with a story that is hard to put down. The author is well worth following
130 reviews
August 7, 2024
the same but always something new

A great series with humor, interesting characters and lots of action. All stand alone books but fun to read in order to watch the growth and energy.
265 reviews
June 1, 2024
Another great one

I hope this isn’t the last we see of Rivka, family and crew. There is much more to be done as HC.
10 reviews
Read
June 5, 2024
I love Rivka Anoa and her crew. I am hoping for some more stories about her and her missions (oops cases!).
Profile Image for Merana.
48 reviews
June 5, 2024
A satisfying finale

Rivka's journey has been long and blessed with wonderful side characters, clever plots, and an abundance of twists. Thank you.
49 reviews
August 6, 2024
pleased

I have binge read the series and enjoyed every episode… the snarky, the bad nomenclature that still makes one smile is all good
26 reviews
September 2, 2024
I enjoyed all 21 books in this series. Maybe some time in future Craig will add a little more back round stories about some of the character's as to their history etc. Short stories etc.
10 reviews
January 20, 2025
Just Keep It Up

As usual a good read that holds your attention. Though a bit lower on action than I like in the story.
14 reviews
February 8, 2025
Judge,jury,executioner

This series was a great read. Has new people old people brought you up to speed with The Bad Company. Highly recommend. Thank you!!,
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.