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City of God #2
Premonition
What If …?
What if you were studying for your Ph.D. in archaeology and somehow got trapped in first-century Jerusalem after a controversial physics experiment went horribly wrong?
What if you knew from your history books that a kind and decent man was going to be murdered by the powers-that-be, all because of stupid politics?
What if you could prevent the murder, but you knew it might endanger the person you loved most in the world?
It’s A.D. 57 and Rivka Meyers desperately wants to go home, but her husband Ari is a physicist, and he says they’re stuck in the first century. He also says that the laws of physics say Rivka can’t change history. Rivka knows he’s wrong, and she’s going to prove it—by saving James the brother of Jesus from being murdered by the evil high priest.
About The Book
Premonition is a time-travel suspense novel that mixes science, history, religion, romance, and adventure. It’s about becoming the person you were meant to be. It’s about learning to accept harsh reality when you’d really rather quit and go home. It’s about being a badass fighter for justice, even when you’re fresh out of easy answers to hard questions.
Premonition won the 2004 Carol award for best Christian historical novel.
Premonition will take you on a wretched, miserable, dangerous vacation through the filthy, bandit-ridden streets of first-century Jerusalem.
Premonition is the second novel in the City of God series:
Book 1: Transgression (A.D. 57)
Book 2: Premonition (A.D. 57-62)
Book 3: Retribution (A.D. 62-66)
Excerpt
Rivka stepped into the street. “Come here, little girl. I’ll help you.”
Fear twisted the girl’s face. She backed away. “Imma!”
Rivka followed her. “I won’t hurt you! I’ll help you find your Imma.”
The child backed up further, stepping into the shadows of the narrow street.
Rivka hurried forward. “I won’t hurt—”
A shadow lunged toward her.
Rivka screamed, spun, stumbled. Her oil lamp flew against the wall, broke into a thousand shards.
The shadow fused into a grubby, bearded man with a very dirty face. Strong hands pinned her arms to her sides.
“Get away from me!” Rivka kicked furiously. “Ari! Help! Baruch!” She twisted her head, trying to butt the man.
Several men emerged from the shadows and surrounded her.
Strong hands grabbed her hair and yanked back, stretching her neck painfully. A cold metal blade pressed against her throat.
What if you were studying for your Ph.D. in archaeology and somehow got trapped in first-century Jerusalem after a controversial physics experiment went horribly wrong?
What if you knew from your history books that a kind and decent man was going to be murdered by the powers-that-be, all because of stupid politics?
What if you could prevent the murder, but you knew it might endanger the person you loved most in the world?
It’s A.D. 57 and Rivka Meyers desperately wants to go home, but her husband Ari is a physicist, and he says they’re stuck in the first century. He also says that the laws of physics say Rivka can’t change history. Rivka knows he’s wrong, and she’s going to prove it—by saving James the brother of Jesus from being murdered by the evil high priest.
About The Book
Premonition is a time-travel suspense novel that mixes science, history, religion, romance, and adventure. It’s about becoming the person you were meant to be. It’s about learning to accept harsh reality when you’d really rather quit and go home. It’s about being a badass fighter for justice, even when you’re fresh out of easy answers to hard questions.
Premonition won the 2004 Carol award for best Christian historical novel.
Premonition will take you on a wretched, miserable, dangerous vacation through the filthy, bandit-ridden streets of first-century Jerusalem.
Premonition is the second novel in the City of God series:
Book 1: Transgression (A.D. 57)
Book 2: Premonition (A.D. 57-62)
Book 3: Retribution (A.D. 62-66)
Excerpt
Rivka stepped into the street. “Come here, little girl. I’ll help you.”
Fear twisted the girl’s face. She backed away. “Imma!”
Rivka followed her. “I won’t hurt you! I’ll help you find your Imma.”
The child backed up further, stepping into the shadows of the narrow street.
Rivka hurried forward. “I won’t hurt—”
A shadow lunged toward her.
Rivka screamed, spun, stumbled. Her oil lamp flew against the wall, broke into a thousand shards.
The shadow fused into a grubby, bearded man with a very dirty face. Strong hands pinned her arms to her sides.
“Get away from me!” Rivka kicked furiously. “Ari! Help! Baruch!” She twisted her head, trying to butt the man.
Several men emerged from the shadows and surrounded her.
Strong hands grabbed her hair and yanked back, stretching her neck painfully. A cold metal blade pressed against her throat.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
106 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Randall Ingermanson
11 books14 followersSee also R.S. Ingermanson and Randy Ingermanson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 26, 2021
When did you discover you had diarrhea? When I took my cycle clips off.
Some writers have perpetual verbal diarrhea (diarrhoea - if you're from The Great Southern Land); Others seem to develop it over time. This book is just way too long with very little goings on. The word processor poo shute just went into overdrive when really the whole thing should have been about 300 pages, tops.
It's sad when you can't wait to get to the end of a book, not because it's really exciting, but because you just want it over and done with. I had to force myself to keep reading this. Still...it was an interesting insight into life when the year date only had two numbers in it. Such a pity when the first book Transgression was quite good. This could have been inspired by the history of St Stephen. The similarities are remarkable.
Some writers have perpetual verbal diarrhea (diarrhoea - if you're from The Great Southern Land); Others seem to develop it over time. This book is just way too long with very little goings on. The word processor poo shute just went into overdrive when really the whole thing should have been about 300 pages, tops.
It's sad when you can't wait to get to the end of a book, not because it's really exciting, but because you just want it over and done with. I had to force myself to keep reading this. Still...it was an interesting insight into life when the year date only had two numbers in it. Such a pity when the first book Transgression was quite good. This could have been inspired by the history of St Stephen. The similarities are remarkable.
June 20, 2014
I felt the story and characters lost their way a bit in this sequel. I found myself skimming and thinking, "what's the point of this story?" In the first book the objective is pretty clear - save Paul. This one reads more like a family drama set in historical times, with little of the "modern people struggling with being put in another time" to make it interesting. I got frustrated with the characters' angstiness without sweet moments to redeem the situation. It also seemed to get more caught up in the history of what was happening at the time, and lose sight of the characters. Basically I just lost empathy with them and didn't care anymore.
Disappointing when I enjoyed the first book so much and it had so much potential. Won't be spending money on the third one.
Disappointing when I enjoyed the first book so much and it had so much potential. Won't be spending money on the third one.
November 16, 2019
Enjoyed this book immensely as it followed on with Ari and Rivka living in Jerusalem in the first century A.D.
Continuing the saga of this couple from the 21st century A.D. after they came theough a wormhole that Ari had invented. They meet other people whom Rivka had only read about and trusted words which had been recorded by notable people throughout history as well as various historical and biblical people.
Will they learn to survive and keep their faith doing it?
Will they learn to survive the culture difference, much less the inconsistencies that Rivka realises along the way. That for one thing, history has not been truly and faithfully kept as it ought to have been and there are half and twisted lies found that make their lives that more difficult.
Keep reading the continuing saga of The City of God. I know i will.
Continuing the saga of this couple from the 21st century A.D. after they came theough a wormhole that Ari had invented. They meet other people whom Rivka had only read about and trusted words which had been recorded by notable people throughout history as well as various historical and biblical people.
Will they learn to survive and keep their faith doing it?
Will they learn to survive the culture difference, much less the inconsistencies that Rivka realises along the way. That for one thing, history has not been truly and faithfully kept as it ought to have been and there are half and twisted lies found that make their lives that more difficult.
Keep reading the continuing saga of The City of God. I know i will.
December 25, 2021
More good stuff
Premonition continues the stories of Rivka, Ari, Baruch and Hana in Jerusalem. These are so fascinating. I love the thriller aspects but you put them in first century Jerusalem and you find out some interesting things. I've been addicted to Israel history since visiting in 2013. These books feed my curiosity in an interesting way.
Premonition continues the stories of Rivka, Ari, Baruch and Hana in Jerusalem. These are so fascinating. I love the thriller aspects but you put them in first century Jerusalem and you find out some interesting things. I've been addicted to Israel history since visiting in 2013. These books feed my curiosity in an interesting way.
May 29, 2017
This three-series novel had me hooked from the very first. This second in the series is even more suspenseful and exciting than the first. And, although, you wouldn't know this, I have already read well into the third one just since yesterday. I am just waiting in anticipation to see how this third one ends. I would give too much away if I told what things in particular I await resolution to, so I'll just say that this has been one of the most interesting... exciting books I've read in a very long time.
Excellent job, Randy Ingermanson!
Excellent job, Randy Ingermanson!
August 16, 2018
Even though this book wasn't quite as good as the first, the writing is still so compelling that I was reading every spare moment I could. I was hoping the book would delve a little more into the religious changes of the day, but more time was given to the influence of evil spirits than I would have liked. Character development is still top shelf and I couldn't wait for a sale on the third book. I bought it instantly after finishing this one. That alone says something about the series.
November 25, 2018
Wonderful Story
I recommend the entire series to everyone who enjoys a great story that has believable character development, worthwhile lessons, Biblical teachings and Jewish historical culture. This series has taught me so much about praying for one's enemies and serving God. I hope that a fourth book will be written. This is a terrific writer.
I recommend the entire series to everyone who enjoys a great story that has believable character development, worthwhile lessons, Biblical teachings and Jewish historical culture. This series has taught me so much about praying for one's enemies and serving God. I hope that a fourth book will be written. This is a terrific writer.
October 15, 2019
So good! Intense action, tear-jerking moments of courage... I haven't read a book series this good in a while. Some of the descriptions of events are pretty graphic. A lot more bad stuff happens in this book, but the faith of the believers is inspiring. Can't wait to start book 3!
March 1, 2020
2nd book as good as 1st.
Beautifully written and suspenseful. The ongoing, not so real life drama of Rivka, Ari and their daughter Rachel, continues to take the readers breath away as the pages are turned. Cant wait for number three!
Beautifully written and suspenseful. The ongoing, not so real life drama of Rivka, Ari and their daughter Rachel, continues to take the readers breath away as the pages are turned. Cant wait for number three!
May 9, 2022
Riveting
Read the first book and was pulled in to this series. So much history and fantasy in one book. I have a better understanding of the Jewish beliefs and Christianity . Thank you
Read the first book and was pulled in to this series. So much history and fantasy in one book. I have a better understanding of the Jewish beliefs and Christianity . Thank you
March 17, 2023
A great journey through first century life
It offered an interesting perspective of first century Jewish life and beliefs. A strong storyline that increased my curiosity on who they were and how they lived.
It offered an interesting perspective of first century Jewish life and beliefs. A strong storyline that increased my curiosity on who they were and how they lived.
June 9, 2020
Even better than the first book
May 20, 2022
Oh my my, this book stirred so many emotions in me, and in the end, jerked tears from my eyes. However, they were good tears. HaShem is good!
February 9, 2025
Great book
I'm learning so much of the Jewish culture during the time of the early Christian church. I recommend this book.
I'm learning so much of the Jewish culture during the time of the early Christian church. I recommend this book.
March 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's a good mix of science fiction and real history. The characters are complex and kept me reading to find out what would happen.
March 23, 2012
Be transported back to a time when the memory of Christ on earth was still fresh in the minds of men, both those who love Him and those who hate Him. Witness the struggles of those who would follow Him.... and see their questions and doubts mirror our own, not so different.
Journey along with Ari and Rivka, stranded in this time when they are more accustomed to life 2000 years later. Their attempts to fit into a culture far removed from their own seem to be thwarted at every turn, especially when Rivka is very familiar with what the historians say about this time and the unrest that is to come... can she prevent disaster, or make matters worse? Or will everything still happen according to God's intended will, regardless of what she may try to do?
Randall Ingermanson has spun another story of adventure that brings the first century to life, where those who knew Christ were simply fallible human beings, just as we are. PREMONITION is a gripping continuation of the CITY OF GOD series, and a fitting sequel to TRANSGRESSION.
Journey along with Ari and Rivka, stranded in this time when they are more accustomed to life 2000 years later. Their attempts to fit into a culture far removed from their own seem to be thwarted at every turn, especially when Rivka is very familiar with what the historians say about this time and the unrest that is to come... can she prevent disaster, or make matters worse? Or will everything still happen according to God's intended will, regardless of what she may try to do?
Randall Ingermanson has spun another story of adventure that brings the first century to life, where those who knew Christ were simply fallible human beings, just as we are. PREMONITION is a gripping continuation of the CITY OF GOD series, and a fitting sequel to TRANSGRESSION.
April 23, 2014
SPOILER ALERT I loved the continuation of this fast-paced, compelling story. After the shock of THE CLOSURE FOREVER of the wormhole, I admit I wondered how wise and wacky this author was - how could leaving the protagonists trapped there possibly be a good story line? But Ingermanson most certainly knew what he was doing; he asked his readers to trust him, and he more than came through! Ingermanson brought everything to this trilogy: characters you deeply care for, descriptions of the time and place so vivid you feel you've been there (and you fall in love with Jerusalem!), and a suspenseful, rich, gripping plot with perfectly woven subplots and no loose ends. Which is one thing I really can't stand: sloppy writing - not so here, Ingermanson is thorough in research (stunningly so), and gets everything perfectly right: detail and pace, and the building and unfolding of something so rich, you are completely bummed when it is over. Randy, more please!
February 5, 2016
Great book with great story. You have to read the first book in the series to get the context, which I did. This story continues with Ari and Rivka, the time travellers from 2000 who now live in 1st Century Jerusalem. They struggle to fit in and make friends and enemies. We see the Apostle James (Yaakov the tsaddik) and various other historical characters.
This book really makes the early Church and their environment in Jerusalem come alive, it makes the New Testament more real. The author did a lot of research and it shows, and made it all into a great story, told from the point of view of modern-day people who ended up going back in time.
I highly recommend this book if you like stories about Jews, Christians, Jerusalem, Israel, time travel, history.
This book really makes the early Church and their environment in Jerusalem come alive, it makes the New Testament more real. The author did a lot of research and it shows, and made it all into a great story, told from the point of view of modern-day people who ended up going back in time.
I highly recommend this book if you like stories about Jews, Christians, Jerusalem, Israel, time travel, history.
March 12, 2015
Book #2 of this series was more enjoyable to me because it got right into the culture of Ancient Jerusalem (50 or 60 years or so after the death of Christ) and did not include much of the quantum physics that Book #1 had to cover (time travel). Ingermanson's depiction of the time period is fantastic, yet hard for me to read nonetheless because of the true-to-life way that women were treated. Ingermanson also portrays all the various peoples and religious influences during this time period, including both Messianic Jews and Jewish people who do not believe that Christ is the risen son of God, among others. I look forward to a continuation of this series and hope there are many more to come!
June 20, 2015
As the author is a physicist I had hoped for a high quality piece of science fiction. While I'm sure Ingermanson knows his field very well this did not translate into the writing and I was disappointed. It's not a terrible story by any means but it's not particularly good either.
One thing I did enjoy was the message of forgiveness, shown by different characters throughout the book. They all struggle to forgive those who have wronged them or their loved ones. Ultimately some fail and meet grisly ends while others triumph and receive that immeasurable sense of peace and joy, knowing that they have done the right thing by God.
One thing I did enjoy was the message of forgiveness, shown by different characters throughout the book. They all struggle to forgive those who have wronged them or their loved ones. Ultimately some fail and meet grisly ends while others triumph and receive that immeasurable sense of peace and joy, knowing that they have done the right thing by God.
January 2, 2020
If you are into Techie, Biblical Archaeology, Time travel, adventure, Heart pounding, Can't-put- it- down kinds of books, well this author and this series is for you!!! Wow....totally different than anything I've read yet so Biblically sound! Going back to read the Bible with brand new eyes and a new layer of understanding of the times back in Jesus' time. This is a current and past kind of story that will get your blood pounding yet get you thinking as well. LOVED This book and this series and Highly recommend its reading. The Whole Series is titled :CITY OF GOD SERIES by Randall Ingermanson.
April 13, 2015
I stayed up late finishing this one. I was worried it wouldn't be as good as the first because it really goes about an entirely different approach as the characters are in the past and living there. I didn't care for the fact it jumped a bit forward from where the first one left off, but it ended up being ok. The things that happened in the jump get explained. I immediately bought the the 3rd one after reading this one. The author is doing a great job of time travel putting you right back into the culture of the day, in this case late 50's AD Jerusalem.
December 18, 2015
Reasonably good sequel to the first book, although drags a little in the lives of the 21st century couple that now lives in 1st century Jerusalem. They are trying to survive in a very different time, and the wife is trying to remember the details of history for that time, so that she can predict what is going to happen. Since the Bible so often leaves out specific historical details, this is a difficult prospect. She is often wrong in her predictions leading to problems for her and her husband.
August 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I felt quite invested in the characters. To be honest, I have just finished the series (couldn't stop reading long enough to do the reviews!) and I am very much looking forward to more books in this series. I feel like I know Ari and Rivka personally. What is really nice is that the series doesn't lose its momentum and in fact, improves with each book. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed.
April 23, 2015
Two historians from present-day America find themselves in first century Jerusalem. Knowing much about that period of history, especially through the writing of Josephus, they know the future. Some suspect them of witchcraft, while others think they are truly seers. But how much do they need to do to make sure history happens as it should (or as it did)? Author Randy Ingermanson grabs reader interest with well-described facts and fascinating premise.
June 11, 2016
Whilst this second in the series book carried the story forward, I found it not so enjoyable as the first. This was far more religion based and while I found the history of Judaism interesting I was not hooked on the story. I did not understand or relate to the lead characters' feelings or actions, and as 21st century personalities they should have resonated more with me, but they seemed much more 1st century characters in thought & reactions.
Having said all that, still a good read.
Having said all that, still a good read.
June 4, 2012
I've been enjoying these books even more than I thought. As I read passages from Not A Fan, this book is giving me a better picture of the context that Jesus teaches in, especially the perspective of the religious elite of the time. It's one thing to read it in the Bible and another to read characters that wore the qualities in a relatable way. Good story too. :)
July 21, 2014
This is the second book in the City of God series and at least as good as the first one. Very little 'science fiction' in this book, but a cracking good story with suspense and tugs at the emotions. I won't give spoilers, but I burst into tears at one point. I couldn't wait to finish it and I can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.
September 16, 2014
Fast-paced, interesting novel. I love reading novels woven into Biblical time periods. Reminds me that period is as real as the one we in which we live!! Jesus walked real streets with real people! His disciples lived real lives after He ascended to Heaven. We are products of those disciples' faith, courage and diligence!!
Had to download book three immediately!
Had to download book three immediately!
April 15, 2016
Another great story.
If you enjoyed book one in this series then this won't disappoint or it didn't me anyway. Can be read without reading first but I'm glad I had. Time travel back to the first century AD. A time that shaped all our lives to day in many ways, but you can say that about any time but none was the same or as dynamic.
If you enjoyed book one in this series then this won't disappoint or it didn't me anyway. Can be read without reading first but I'm glad I had. Time travel back to the first century AD. A time that shaped all our lives to day in many ways, but you can say that about any time but none was the same or as dynamic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews