What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost Gospel of Barabbas: The Thirteenth Apostle
A historical fiction with a supernatural twist.
Follow the notorious insurrectionist, Barabbas, coming of age in the days when Romans ruled the ancient land of Cana surrounding the Sea of Galilee. The Lost Gospel of Barabbas invites the reader to join the young Barabbas as he faces his own demons and begins the journey down the road that will lead him to his ultimate destiny. A road of love, anguish and revenge.
Follow the notorious insurrectionist, Barabbas, coming of age in the days when Romans ruled the ancient land of Cana surrounding the Sea of Galilee. The Lost Gospel of Barabbas invites the reader to join the young Barabbas as he faces his own demons and begins the journey down the road that will lead him to his ultimate destiny. A road of love, anguish and revenge.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2014
296 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Kevin L. Brooks
6 books14 followersKevin L. Brooks grew up in north central Texas. He grew up reading Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan series, Ian Fleming's James Bond, and Louis L'Amour. Along with a healthy dose of comic books, especially Batman, these ingredients helped shape the course of his life to come. He went on to attend college at Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University. After graduating, Kevin entered the business world working for a Financial Services company. Several years later, in 1996 he left that company and opened his own successful firm, Brooks Financial Services. In his spare time, Kevin finds time for his passions as an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys everything from hiking, climbing, and mountaineering, to hunting and fishing. In fact, many parts of this tale were invented while sitting in a deer stand or a duck blind. He also studies Philosophy and Religion, as well as his favorite topic, History. Kevin loves History, real history, real, fascinating, living history. One day, he decided to pursue his long-held desire to write a novel. Over the course of the next 12 years, he slowly spun the tale of The Lost Gospel of Barabbas. Over time, the story grew into three tomes. This is the first of the series. This is Brooks' first novel.
According to a recent scientific study, you should stop reading this right now and buy it immediately. Then tell all your friends. In fact, friends who share this tale have wonderfully deeper relationships, play better golf, and catch more fish. So, tell all your friends to go fire up the jeep and as soon as Duck Dynasty is over, go pick up a copy. Kevin lives in Texas with his antique wife (antique as in dealer, not antique as in old) and two brilliant Labrador Retrievers. His grown children are close by and ready for adventure. He continues to run Brooks Financial Services and to get outside as much as possible. In theory he is working on his next novel, if he's not on the snow-covered summit of some mountain somewhere.
According to a recent scientific study, you should stop reading this right now and buy it immediately. Then tell all your friends. In fact, friends who share this tale have wonderfully deeper relationships, play better golf, and catch more fish. So, tell all your friends to go fire up the jeep and as soon as Duck Dynasty is over, go pick up a copy. Kevin lives in Texas with his antique wife (antique as in dealer, not antique as in old) and two brilliant Labrador Retrievers. His grown children are close by and ready for adventure. He continues to run Brooks Financial Services and to get outside as much as possible. In theory he is working on his next novel, if he's not on the snow-covered summit of some mountain somewhere.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 18, 2014
The Lost Gospel of Barabbas is an intriguing Christian fiction blended with historical details that make this book both imaginative and realistic. The tale of young Barabbas in his formative years was a smooth read filled with adventure, love, heartache, and a supernatural ability that he has yet to harness, all taking place under the oppressive thumb of the Roman empire. The author took great care to include factual details of daily life during Biblical times that add credibility and fascination to the little-known saga of this man.
September 17, 2014
a terrific glimpse into first century Jewish Christianity. Anxious to read the second of this trilogy.
October 24, 2014
This book has a very exciting story line which is easy to follow, and I learned a lot about how people actually lived in those days. I look forward to book number 2.
May 16, 2020
Surprisingly wonderful
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I purchased this. But, the story is well written and takes you on the life journey of Barabbas. You feel every emotion as the pages turn. I couldn’t put it down.
I feel like I got an education on Jewish traditions all the while feeling like I had grown an attachment to each character.
Beautifully written!
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I purchased this. But, the story is well written and takes you on the life journey of Barabbas. You feel every emotion as the pages turn. I couldn’t put it down.
I feel like I got an education on Jewish traditions all the while feeling like I had grown an attachment to each character.
Beautifully written!
Read
October 7, 2020Very interesting take on Barabbas. The man who was freed instead of Jesus. The first man Jesus died for...
It is All hypothetical of his life, the Bible does not give us this much information about him, but considering the time it was and the furor of the Romans, it could have been this way.
Will start book 2 of the trilogy...
It is All hypothetical of his life, the Bible does not give us this much information about him, but considering the time it was and the furor of the Romans, it could have been this way.
Will start book 2 of the trilogy...
June 21, 2021
A tour of Judea of 1st century BC with encounters of Biblical characters. .
A tour of Judea of the 1st century BC with encounters of Biblical characters. The story build up the life of Barabas. To realize Barabas was saved by Our Lord from crucifixion taking his position gives meaning to the work. I loved th e plot and the rendering.
A tour of Judea of the 1st century BC with encounters of Biblical characters. The story build up the life of Barabas. To realize Barabas was saved by Our Lord from crucifixion taking his position gives meaning to the work. I loved th e plot and the rendering.
August 14, 2017
Good until the end
Abrupt ending ruined it. It was an interesting read up until it just ended. I assume there is, or will be subsequent books. Right now, I am too annoyed to care. A VERY abrupt ending!
Abrupt ending ruined it. It was an interesting read up until it just ended. I assume there is, or will be subsequent books. Right now, I am too annoyed to care. A VERY abrupt ending!
August 23, 2019
Awesome read!
This book is a very good read for any person who is curious about Barrabus and his life before meeting Jesus on the cross.. you find out by reading this trilogy why Christ said what he said to Barrabus at that crucial time on the cross.
This book is a very good read for any person who is curious about Barrabus and his life before meeting Jesus on the cross.. you find out by reading this trilogy why Christ said what he said to Barrabus at that crucial time on the cross.
July 6, 2021
Very educational
I found this book intriguing. I would often sense the emotions of the characters by the method of the authors writing. I am looking forward to reading the next two books.
I found this book intriguing. I would often sense the emotions of the characters by the method of the authors writing. I am looking forward to reading the next two books.
June 12, 2019
Great story. Its too bad its all fiction.
Great story very well written. The author pulls you into the story like you were experiencing it first hand. Too bad its fiction.
Great story very well written. The author pulls you into the story like you were experiencing it first hand. Too bad its fiction.
July 13, 2020
Interesting
A detailed book. Shows family’s that love God and what many went through in life. Much Love much heartache. A good book.
A detailed book. Shows family’s that love God and what many went through in life. Much Love much heartache. A good book.
February 16, 2022
Very Good
The book has a good story line and also explains many Jewish customs within in the plot. Worth the price.
The book has a good story line and also explains many Jewish customs within in the plot. Worth the price.
February 9, 2024
Ayoung Barabbas begins to find out what is important in life. First in a series by Kevin L. Brooks.
February 19, 2024
I got the entire series and love it! Kevins imaginative writing puts you right there, throughly enjoyed!
November 14, 2024
Part 1 of a 4 part series.
April 19, 2016
According to his author’s page, Kevin L. Brooks used much of his time sitting in deer stands and duck blinds, working out the details of this novel, “The Lost Gospel of Barabbas: The Thirteenth Apostle.” This seems to have served him well in bringing a strong sense of realism to the early life and times of Barabbas.
Based on little more than the title, I began reading this book expecting something like, a Dan Brown or James Rollin’s novel. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this wonderful novel was nothing of the occult sort, but a very real and accurate description of life in 1st century Palestine. I found this novel to be a very exciting and historically accurate portrayal of a biblical character, well known as the first man who was saved by the death of Jesus Christ, but who did not leave much of an actual historical record. Barabbas is usually labeled as a murderous outlaw with little more said about his life.
This is the first book of a trilogy, in which, Brooks plans to cover the entire life of Barabbas. I will definitely be looking forward to reading the other two books. The author uses the device of a, modern day Jewish scholar, discovering and translating a long lost scroll similar to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Which were discovered in a series of caves around Wadi Qumran near the Dead Sea on the banks of the Jordan River. As the Scholar begins to read the scroll, he discovers it to be an autobiographical record of the life of Barabbas. This first book covers his childhood growing to early manhood.
The book contains many fictional characters, but the attention to detail made them come alive on the page. I learned much about Jewish custom of those times. Having read, what seemed like tedious detail in the description of the Temple in Jerusalem, as contained in the books of the Bible, the author brought to life the magnificence and awe that the Temple must have inspired in the visitors of that time. Although this is a work of historical fiction, I would emphasis that I found the depiction accurate historically and the characters well rounded bringing the story to life. Many of the characters I would love to meet.
I very much enjoy a story of the underdog taking righteous revenge and this is what makes this novel such a page turner. The occupying Roman Legions were brutal and there is much foreshadowing of what a terrible fate awaits Barabbas. In this first book I found Barabbas to be an honorable and devout Jew who was forced to take up arms against the Romans. Barabbas is likable and a man of honor, but a victim of circumstances. I can’t wait to follow Barabbas’ life in the next two volumes.
So, I would recommend this book without reservation. It brings history to life and tells a very plausible story of a real life person of whom we unfortunately know very little about. There is some graphic description of bloodshed and violence, so it may not be appropriate reading for those bothered by this type of thing. But I would call this violence necessary realism and far from gratuitous. I am very lucky to be able to say that I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
Based on little more than the title, I began reading this book expecting something like, a Dan Brown or James Rollin’s novel. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this wonderful novel was nothing of the occult sort, but a very real and accurate description of life in 1st century Palestine. I found this novel to be a very exciting and historically accurate portrayal of a biblical character, well known as the first man who was saved by the death of Jesus Christ, but who did not leave much of an actual historical record. Barabbas is usually labeled as a murderous outlaw with little more said about his life.
This is the first book of a trilogy, in which, Brooks plans to cover the entire life of Barabbas. I will definitely be looking forward to reading the other two books. The author uses the device of a, modern day Jewish scholar, discovering and translating a long lost scroll similar to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Which were discovered in a series of caves around Wadi Qumran near the Dead Sea on the banks of the Jordan River. As the Scholar begins to read the scroll, he discovers it to be an autobiographical record of the life of Barabbas. This first book covers his childhood growing to early manhood.
The book contains many fictional characters, but the attention to detail made them come alive on the page. I learned much about Jewish custom of those times. Having read, what seemed like tedious detail in the description of the Temple in Jerusalem, as contained in the books of the Bible, the author brought to life the magnificence and awe that the Temple must have inspired in the visitors of that time. Although this is a work of historical fiction, I would emphasis that I found the depiction accurate historically and the characters well rounded bringing the story to life. Many of the characters I would love to meet.
I very much enjoy a story of the underdog taking righteous revenge and this is what makes this novel such a page turner. The occupying Roman Legions were brutal and there is much foreshadowing of what a terrible fate awaits Barabbas. In this first book I found Barabbas to be an honorable and devout Jew who was forced to take up arms against the Romans. Barabbas is likable and a man of honor, but a victim of circumstances. I can’t wait to follow Barabbas’ life in the next two volumes.
So, I would recommend this book without reservation. It brings history to life and tells a very plausible story of a real life person of whom we unfortunately know very little about. There is some graphic description of bloodshed and violence, so it may not be appropriate reading for those bothered by this type of thing. But I would call this violence necessary realism and far from gratuitous. I am very lucky to be able to say that I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
October 8, 2016
The Lost Gospel of Barabbas is a story of Barabbas in his childhood years. His father is a ship builder. His family is steeped in the customs of the Jewish faith. Barabbas attends schooling sessions daily with a local rabbi where he learns how to read, write and the history of his faith. Barabbas is betrothed at a very young age to the daughter of a man Barabbas saved from being killed by Roman soldiers. Barabbas is gifted with supernatural visions. His Grandmother advises him how to interpret what he sees in his visions. Though, she does not have his gift.. his Grandfather did! The story begins when he is a young pre-teen and continues into his early adulthood. He must overcome many obstacles that are just every day life hazards of living in a time around two thousand years ago.
As a lover of history, I loved how the author paints a visual image in the reader's mind of how it must have been like to actually live in a small village in the Holy lands two thousand years ago. The steep details of the Jewish faith and the laws that they follow. This novel captures you from the beginning and merrily takes you along for a journey of Barabbas. You can smell the dirt floor of their homes. You feel as though you're in the corner watching as a small group of men build boats. You go with them on a journey to the temple to make their annual sacrifice.
The reader will be captivated by this story of the first man that was "saved" by Jesus Christ. While he may have broken the "laws".. Barabbas was so deserving of being saved. I didn't realize that this is part of a series, so now.. I need to buy the two remaining books to fully complete reading the "Lost Gospel of Barabbas". As they've not been published.. I'll have to track down the author and encourage him to HURRY UP and get them published!
As a lover of history, I loved how the author paints a visual image in the reader's mind of how it must have been like to actually live in a small village in the Holy lands two thousand years ago. The steep details of the Jewish faith and the laws that they follow. This novel captures you from the beginning and merrily takes you along for a journey of Barabbas. You can smell the dirt floor of their homes. You feel as though you're in the corner watching as a small group of men build boats. You go with them on a journey to the temple to make their annual sacrifice.
The reader will be captivated by this story of the first man that was "saved" by Jesus Christ. While he may have broken the "laws".. Barabbas was so deserving of being saved. I didn't realize that this is part of a series, so now.. I need to buy the two remaining books to fully complete reading the "Lost Gospel of Barabbas". As they've not been published.. I'll have to track down the author and encourage him to HURRY UP and get them published!
March 31, 2016
THE LOST GOSPEL OF BARABBAS: THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE is the first book in a trilogy of Christian fiction blended with historical details that make this book very creative. The tale of young Barabbas in his early years was a read filled with adventure, love, heartache and a supernatural ability that he had but did not want, all taking place under the oppressive thumb of the Roman empire. Great care was taken to include factual details of daily life during Biblical times that added believability to the little known saga of Barabbas.
This book captured the difficulty of life under Roman oppression, while also showing that people could still live their lives and be happy. The journey of Barabbas and his family to the Temple in Jerusalem was so vivid that I could see it as I read. The characters had their faults but generally tried to do what they thought was right. It makes me wonder how Barabbas will be turned into the 13th disciple. Barabbas is usually described as a shrouded character since little is really known about him with the exception of Christians knowing him as the one who escaped the death of the cross. He has tragedy in his life but he seems able to rebound from it since he is surrounded by people who care about him.
Reading this book was kinda like having the Paul Harvey "..,The Rest of the Story" being told. Written in the first person, it felt like getting a personal account of the events which could have taken place over 2000 years ago. The story line was well developed and researched so much so that I felt like I was right there with Barabbas seeing all the things he saw. I'm not sure how most Christians would feel about this type of series what with being predisposed to the story of Barabbas from the Bible. I will leave others opinions to themselves.
This book captured the difficulty of life under Roman oppression, while also showing that people could still live their lives and be happy. The journey of Barabbas and his family to the Temple in Jerusalem was so vivid that I could see it as I read. The characters had their faults but generally tried to do what they thought was right. It makes me wonder how Barabbas will be turned into the 13th disciple. Barabbas is usually described as a shrouded character since little is really known about him with the exception of Christians knowing him as the one who escaped the death of the cross. He has tragedy in his life but he seems able to rebound from it since he is surrounded by people who care about him.
Reading this book was kinda like having the Paul Harvey "..,The Rest of the Story" being told. Written in the first person, it felt like getting a personal account of the events which could have taken place over 2000 years ago. The story line was well developed and researched so much so that I felt like I was right there with Barabbas seeing all the things he saw. I'm not sure how most Christians would feel about this type of series what with being predisposed to the story of Barabbas from the Bible. I will leave others opinions to themselves.
May 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book and the historical data provided. The author captured the difficulty of life under Roman tyranny, while also showing that people could still live their lives and be happy. I particularly enjoyed the journey of Barabbas and his family to the Temple in Jerusalem. The description was so vivid I could see it in my mind. The characters were interesting. They had their faults, but generally tried to do the right thing.
The author planted seeds about where this series is going. I want to see how he turns Barabbas into the 13th disciple. Barabbas is usually described as evil--sometimes even insane--but this book gives him humanity. He has tragedy in his life, but he seems able to rebound from it. Luckily, he is surrounded by people who care about him.
I liked the book a lot and recommend it.
The author planted seeds about where this series is going. I want to see how he turns Barabbas into the 13th disciple. Barabbas is usually described as evil--sometimes even insane--but this book gives him humanity. He has tragedy in his life, but he seems able to rebound from it. Luckily, he is surrounded by people who care about him.
I liked the book a lot and recommend it.
April 12, 2016
I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I thought, from the title, that the book might provide some gritty insight into a biblical character that little is known about. It's good fiction. I think the author used the biblical character as a ploy to draw interest and sales. Barabbas could be any hard luck character in any book. He's just set into biblical times. Barabbas is well developed as a character from childhood to adulthood, with the already known ending. No spoilers here though, read the book without expectations, it's not all that bad, without expectations.
May 16, 2016
First person account of the historical personage known as Barabbas. The title is rather misleading, as it is more of an epistle, yet is a fictionalized rendering of the possible life of this man before he was accused and sentenced to death. The story is good and well written, and seems well researched in terms of first century Roman rule of the Jewish population and the politics involved. The characters are realistic and understandable. The remainder of the series should be fascinating.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
February 21, 2016
I did enjoy this book-- I like the time frame of this book and I like fiction based on truth. I realize 90% of this story is fiction to us, but it is still a good read. I'm disappointed the sequel is out yet.... I recommend this book. Thank you Kevin Brooks for a good story.
February 25, 2016
Another series....
It was good. I enjoyed reading it. I might read another one if it comes out soon. I enjoyed the interplay of the scripture.
It was good. I enjoyed reading it. I might read another one if it comes out soon. I enjoyed the interplay of the scripture.
March 24, 2016
A good read, mostly fiction.
I enjoy reading historical fiction. It gives another way to look at the moment in time when these characters lived. I look forward to the next book.
I enjoy reading historical fiction. It gives another way to look at the moment in time when these characters lived. I look forward to the next book.
April 26, 2016
It was good but I didn't realize it was the first book in a trilogy when I started reading so I was disappointed that it ended so abruptly without a resolution.
April 21, 2016
The lost Gospel
I do not know if this is true or not but it has help me understand lots of the Jewish tradition !! I would say it's a good story anyway !!!
I do not know if this is true or not but it has help me understand lots of the Jewish tradition !! I would say it's a good story anyway !!!
May 12, 2016
Great read.
This book is a great read the characters come to life and are very believable!! I'm excited to read the next book in this series!!
This book is a great read the characters come to life and are very believable!! I'm excited to read the next book in this series!!
August 1, 2018
Based on the new accounts of the discovery lost history of Barabbas. I had seen the film of similar titled so it picked my interest. I found this book to be well written the author does a good job in conveying the horror of the “visions” or hallucinations of Barabbas. I enjoyed the depiction of the life during those times and also the description of Jewish life. I caught one mistake where there is reference to sailing the seven seas. Obviously the Americas had not been discovered during this time. Unfortunately this was only the first of three installments. Worth reading even if not just out of religious interest. Looking forward to reading the rest.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews