Messiah: The time has come

by Paul Bennett

Messiah
The time has come.
This is the feel-good novel you’ve been wanting to read to raise your spirits in a world where war seems ever-present and the news is always dark.
A man is found by Peggy, a retired librarian, while walking her dog on the beach at the sleepy town of Frinton-on-sea in Essex. He is dressed only in a loincloth and cannot remember his name or why he is there. Peggy takes him in and then the adventure starts!
Gradually, his memory starts to come back. He says to call him Joshua – nothing remarkable about that, but then the miracles start. Think loaves and fishes brought up to the present day. He can cure ailments too, just as Jesus had cured lepers in the past. He cuts himself on a breadknife and heals instantly. He shows the signs of the stigmata on his palms. The pieces of the jigsaw are starting to fit in their appointed places.
On a trip to Colchester to get him kitted out, he sees the castle – another memory comes back. He was once Merlin. He’d forged Excalibur and guided Arthur in his search for the grail. He’d been Muhammad too, Buddha also. And so his list of resurrections grew. Each time the end to war failed. This was the last chance for the planet. The time has come.
Joshua showed his power by ‘miracles’ in Jerusalem, Washington and Moscow. Still the nations of the world resisted his calls for peace. North Korea was next, then Palestine and Israel. Only the pure in heart can survive.
Every nation wanted Joseph for his power. And if they couldn’t have him, then no one should. Joshua becomes a target for the security forces around the world.
In an ultimate test of his powers, he faces the only one who can challenge him – the Antichrist. The world depended on the outcome. Life without war or Armageddon? Who will decide the future of our world? And can Peggy play her predestined part?

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:

Paul Bennett - Crime, Fiction, Thriller

Paul Bennett - Historical Fiction, Thriller

Paul Bennett - Clinical Health Psychology

Reviews

[Owen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where do I even start? Our book club had a heated discussion about Messiah, and honestly, this is one of those books that sparks debate at every turn. Paul Bennett has a way of blending suspense and moral questions that really made us all think. The way he portrays the protagonist’s struggle with faith and doubt felt incredibly real, almost like we were peeking inside someone’s soul. The pacing was perfect never rushed, but always moving forward. Several of us were on the edge of our seats, especially during the climactic scenes. The character development was so rich; even secondary characters had depth and nuance. I walked away from this book thinking about it for days, which is exactly what a great read should do. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story with both intellectual and emotional heft.

[Elodie Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our book club really enjoyed Messiah. It’s a gripping narrative, full of tension and moral complexity, and the historical context was fascinating. I particularly appreciated the way Bennett doesn’t shy away from showing flawed characters struggling with faith and leadership, it gave the story real texture. A few moments felt a little predictable, which is why I didn’t go full five stars, but the writing is so compelling and thoughtful that it’s easy to forgive. We spent a lot of time debating the protagonist’s choices, which made the discussion lively and memorable. This is one I’d revisit in a discussion-based setting rather than just a casual read.

[Tova Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stellar! Our book club had some intense debates about the ethical and spiritual dilemmas Bennett presents. The imagery is vivid, the dialogue feels authentic, and the tension in the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish. One of the members mentioned that it reminded them of classic historical thrillers but with a modern sensibility. The themes of betrayal, redemption, and the human need for guidance are explored so thoroughly that it prompted us to reflect on our own beliefs as well. This book really deserves more recognition, and I’m so glad our club picked it up.

[Adrian Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I found Messiah a bit uneven. There are sections of incredible insight and tension, but some parts dragged, especially when the narrative delved too deeply into theological exposition. Our book club had a mixed reaction; some members loved the philosophical discussions and character depth, while others felt the story could have been tighter. It’s not a bad book at all, and there’s plenty to appreciate, but it didn’t fully captivate me like I hoped. Still, a worthwhile read if you enjoy books that provoke thought and discussion.

[Aria Maddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really shines when it comes to moral ambiguity. Our book club found ourselves debating who the real “messiah” is not just within the story, but metaphorically as well. Bennett’s prose is articulate and immersive; the historical and cultural details add weight to the narrative without ever feeling forced. My only gripe is that the ending felt slightly rushed compared to the build-up, which is why I settled on four stars. Even so, it sparked one of our liveliest discussions yet, so I consider it a success as a book club pick.

[Olivia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messiah was absolutely riveting. From the very first chapter, our book club was drawn into the intricate web of loyalty, doubt, and destiny Bennett creates. I was impressed with how he balanced action and introspection there’s tension without sacrificing character depth. I loved the ethical questions he raises and how no character is ever entirely good or evil, which led to some fantastic debates about morality and human nature in our club meeting. This is one of those books that sticks with you long after the last page.

[Noah Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated Messiah more in discussion than I did while reading it on my own. Some parts felt dense, and I struggled with the pacing in the middle, but hearing other book club members explain what resonated with them helped me see the book in a new light. The themes around faith, influence, and responsibility are clearly well considered, even if the execution did not always work for me. I think readers who enjoy reflective, idea driven stories will get more out of this than I did. It is not a bad book at all, just not one that fully clicked for me.

[Ava Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club unanimously agreed that Messiah was one of the most thought provoking books we have read together. What stood out to me most was how quietly powerful the story is. There are no flashy tricks here, just careful writing, strong character work, and themes that linger. The way Bennett explores belief, doubt, and the consequences of following or leading others felt deeply human. Every chapter seemed to give us something new to argue about, in the best possible way. This book stayed with me long after our meeting ended, which is why it earns five stars from me.

[Madison Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messiah was our book club’s “wild card” pick, and it ended up being the one we talked about the longest. What struck me most was how quietly the extraordinary enters the story, a woman walking her dog on the beach, a man who seems lost, and then the slow, unsettling realization that this might be something far bigger than coincidence. Bennett’s restraint is what makes it powerful. The miracles are understated, the questions enormous. By the end, half our group was asking if there’s a sequel or companion novel because we weren’t ready to leave this world.

[Jessica Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated Bennett’s nuanced approach to the story. Our book club talked for hours about the protagonist’s internal conflicts and the ethical challenges presented. The pacing is generally strong, though a few chapters meandered more than I would have liked. That said, the suspense and moral dilemmas kept the discussion lively and engaging. I feel like four stars accurately reflect my experience—an engrossing and thoughtful read, perfect for book club discussions.

[Tyler Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal read! Every member of our book club had something to say about Messiah. Bennett’s portrayal of faith, doubt, and human nature is intricate and believable. The narrative kept us hooked, but it also challenged us to think about ethical decisions in ways that extended beyond the book. Characters are multidimensional, and even minor figures left a strong impression. I can see this becoming a favorite for any group looking for a book that sparks deep discussion

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Messiah to be a compelling, well-written novel that balances suspense and philosophical inquiry. Our book club loved dissecting the protagonist’s choices and debating the themes of destiny and morality. Some sections were slightly heavy on exposition, which slowed down the pace, but the story overall is engaging and thought-provoking. Four stars because it isn’t perfect, but it definitely delivers for anyone who enjoys books that generate conversation and reflection.

[Jonathan Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those rare book club reads where everyone finished it, and everyone came with notes. Messiah doesn’t shout its ideas; it lets them surface naturally through Milly’s quiet compassion and Joshua’s unsettling innocence. The way modern power structures respond to something they can’t control felt disturbingly believable. We were all slightly awed — and yes, we immediately googled whether the author had written anything else.

[Charlotte Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our group described this as a “quietly radical” novel. The miracles aren’t flashy, and the violence comes more from institutions than individuals. Milly’s moral steadiness anchors the story beautifully. One member said it felt like a modern parable rather than a thriller, and that stuck with me. By the end of the session, we were openly hoping this wasn’t the author’s only novel it feels like the beginning of something bigger.

[Rebecca Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seaside setting grounds everything so well. I could practically smell the salt air while Milly dragged that dog across the promenade. Our group said this was less about religion and more about decency in a cynical world. The humor helped balance the heavy themes. Four stars because it lingered long after we closed it.

[Joy Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning concept. Bennett’s writing reminded me of early Margaret Atwood sharp, humane, and quietly furious underneath. The idea that the Messiah might reappear as a confused stranger who multiplies loaves in someone’s kitchen is brilliant. We all finished feeling a mix of awe and dread. Five stars, no hesitation.

[Abigail Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

We argued about this book for nearly an hour a good sign. The contrast between Milly’s sensible practicality and Joshua’s strange calm made the story oddly believable. Some thought the corporate “evil empire” subplot went too big, but others said it gave the novel its bite. Four stars for giving us more questions than answers.

[Liora Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our club didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as we did. The opening chapters felt like an ordinary slice of English life until that moment on the beach flipped everything. We loved how Bennett made miracles feel almost domestic. It made us ask what faith would look like if it walked down our street. Four stars because the last act lost a bit of its quiet magic, but still a strong recommendation.

[Jacob Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our favorite read of the month. Bennett’s storytelling has an old-fashioned, literary touch that reminded us of C.S. Lewis meeting Ian McEwan. The miracle scenes were handled with such restraint, they felt possible, not preachy. The ending gave us chills. Five stars from nearly everyone in our group.

[Rachel Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half our club thought Joshua was divine, half thought he was delusional, and that’s exactly why we loved it. There’s enough evidence both ways. Bennett leaves space for interpretation, which kept us guessing. Milly reminded several of us of our mothers stubborn, practical, compassionate to a fault. Four stars for keeping us torn right till the end.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half our club thought Joshua was divine, half thought he was delusional, and that’s exactly why we loved it. There’s enough evidence both ways. Bennett leaves space for interpretation, which kept us guessing. Milly reminded several of us of our mothers stubborn, practical, compassionate to a fault. Four stars for keeping us torn right till the end.

[Claire Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt epic in scope but still human in emotion. The way Bennett ties together Arthurian legend, religion, and modern greed shouldn’t work but somehow it does. We especially liked the moral contrast between Milly’s kindness and Christina Black’s corruption. It’s allegory done right. Five enthusiastic stars from me and my club.

[Patti Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating modern parable. We talked a lot about how Bennett used humor to disarm the reader Milly’s dry asides, Dodds and his biscuits, even Joshua’s childlike wonder. The touches of irony keep it from feeling preachy. Not a perfect book, but a memorable one. Four stars and a spot on our “worth rereading” shelf.

[Rose Willams · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to warm up to the pacing, but once Joshua’s identity started to unfold, I was all in. The small English town setting gives the story a grounded charm that makes the miracles even more striking. We ended our meeting saying we’d totally watch this as a BBC miniseries. Four stars, maybe four and a half.

[Daniel Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our favorite read of the month. Bennett’s storytelling has an old-fashioned, literary touch that reminded us of C.S. Lewis meeting Ian McEwan. The miracle scenes were handled with such restraint, they felt possible, not preachy. The ending gave us chills. Five stars from nearly everyone in our group.

[Benjamin Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book manages to feel intimate and epic at the same time. It’s less about religion and more about humanity, aging, and second chances. Milly’s relationship with Joshua, half maternal, half spiritual was written with real tenderness. A few members wished for tighter editing, but the story’s heart made up for it. Solid four stars.

[Henry Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

We admired the concept but struggled with the pacing. Some chapters flew, others felt bogged down by exposition. That said, the first few chapters, Milly on the beach, the mystery of Joshua’s origins—are some of the best openings we’ve read this year. We wanted more of that tension. Three stars overall, but a story worth talking about.

[Alexander Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still thinking about this weeks after our meeting. What our club loved most was how the book refuses to give easy answers. Is Joshua divine? Is he dangerous? Is belief itself the real risk? The corporate and political machinery circling him felt chillingly familiar. Several of us said we’d happily read another book set in this universe, or even a continuation of Joshua’s story.

[Victoria Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book club pick surprised me emotionally. I expected clever theology; I didn’t expect tenderness. Joshua’s confusion about modern life, and the way people project meaning onto him, sparked some of the most thoughtful discussion we’ve had. We admired the restraint of the writing nothing is overexplained. Five stars, and I would absolutely read another book by this author in a heartbeat.

[Hannah Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messiah felt both intimate and epic, which is not an easy balance to pull off. Our book club spent half the meeting talking about Milly her loneliness, her courage, her refusal to turn Joshua into a spectacle. The other half was spent debating power, faith, and corruption. Several of us said this felt like a first novel that shouldn’t be a one-off.