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A child brought to womanhood within an alternative reality in order to become a devastating weapon.

A demon sword of immense power that must be controlled by an angelic warrior to have any hope of winning an impending war.

Together, they face the biggest challenge to mankind’s existence, within a universe soaked in the blood of battle, where epic tales of the struggle between good and evil play out at a breath-taking pace.

Prepare to open the gates of Hell.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2017

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About the author

Roy Bright

4 books21 followers
Roy Thomas Bright was born 22nd October 1971, in Manchester and grew up in Burnley, East Lancashire.

He received his secondary education at St Wilfrids C of E High School in Blackburn and upon leaving decided to join the Royal Navy as a gunner. The need to patrol some of the worlds ‘hotspots’ allowed him to travel the globe extensively, and he was very fortunate to see a vast number of exotic countries and different cultures.

In 1998, Roy decided to leave the Royal Navy to pursue a career as a professional musician. Having been a musician since the age of six and able to play a plethora of instruments, Roy went on to experience many highs in his first band ‘deponeye’ until that ended in 2004. In 2005 Roy started his second band Exit State, which enjoyed great success touring all over the UK and parts of Europe, a No.1 video on Kerrang TV’s Most Requested show and sharing the stage with the likes of Michael Schenker, Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden), Esoterica, Dave Evans (AC/DC), The Black Mollys, Forever Never, Black Spiders and Neil Buchanan’s Marseille.

Following a successful tour with guitar legend Michael Schenker in 2012, Exit State were delighted to be invited to become Patron’s of the Children’s Hospice Arts charity chARTUK, an organization Roy is still a proud patron of, whose amazing work aims to enrich the lives of children and young people with severe disabilities and life-limiting conditions in hospices through the creative, performing and literary arts, enabling individual expression, creativity and communication.


It was in late 2012 while enjoying touring downtime that Roy decided to pursue one of his other creative passions – writing. The idea for Judas had been sitting deeply within his psyche for some time and the amalgamation of the original idea fueled by the lyrics in the rock song What Have You Done by Within Temptation finally saw him put pen to paper. A massive and steep learning curve followed, but he was fortunate due to connections made from his time within the music sector to receive exceptional advice from a number of sources. An introduction by Exit State’s manager Mark Appleton to Stephen Clegg, the author of Maria’s Papers, proved to be an invaluable one as Stephen’s help and guidance was key in ensuring Judas was worthy of being published.

In 2012, Roy published Judas via Whiteley Publishing. He then re-published a second edition of the novel via self-publishing in 2016 and hasn’t looked back since.

Roy is thoroughly enjoying writing more and more, including screenplays with his screenwriting partner Mike Harris and has penned a number of original scripts, including the Judas stories.

Roy has now begun work on a ‘Book Zero’, which details events happening in and around the same time-frame as the first Judas story.

Roy has three children, Reece, Tyler and Lily.

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5 stars
45 (61%)
4 stars
20 (27%)
3 stars
7 (9%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
71 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2019
This is the second book in the Iscariot Warrior Series and what a brilliant follow on to the first novel. The novel picks up the story where the first one left off with Charlotte having spent time in an alternative reality so that she could experience a childhood as well as take time to hone her fighting skills. The Hoards of Hell are on the loose again and determined to find and break the seven seals and bring forth the Ancient Ones - The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Plenty of action packed scenes full of gory violence; Angels & Demons aplenty and a demonic sword in play which gives Judas the upper hand....or does it??

We see some of the same strong characters as in the first novel as well as quite a few new ones and it is the writers skill that weaves their individual stories together; the strengths and also weaknesses of these people that make the story so readable. The back story of Judas and the other characters is more in depth and we learn more about the realms of Heaven and Hell and the powers that reside there. Throughout the story we never lose sight of the human factor and despite death rearing its ugly head at every turn of the page, there is also an inherent irreverence and sense of humour that prevails.

These stories remind me of a cross between Constantine and Kick-Ass and I am a huge fan. As I read these novels I could see the storyboard in my mind's eye reminiscent of graphic novels and could easily see these books being converted to TV or Film.

I very much look forward to the next instalment and where this story may take us next.
Profile Image for Teresa Schulz.
Author 9 books18 followers
February 1, 2019
I loved the first book in this series and enjoyed this next book in the series as well. The author has a sharp, snappy and exciting writing style. Perfect for action/thrillers. He builds characters you love and weaves a story in such a way, you need to keep reading to see what happens to them. The humorous dialogue and character building is realistic. The descriptive world building is very detailed. Many hours have gone into this book and he deserves recognition for an admirable story. The only thing I did find which perhaps had me slightly tend towards the occasional skim read, was that the book was filled with many battles. I feel in the Author's head, he has a blockbuster movie at the tip of his fingers. It is a hell of a feat to transfer this to the written word, and hence my comment on skimming a bit. But, overall, an exciting follow-up to the first book and if you enjoy the angels vs demons thrillers, it will be right up your alley. Well done!
201 reviews
June 13, 2018
The 2nd in the series based on a modern-day setting for the battle between Heaven & Hell. Lead characters of Judas Iscariot - forgiven & back among the angelic horde; and the daughter of God - Charlotte Hope, older, wiser, more "kick-ass".

I was not so sure when I first picke dup the kindle to read this second installment, but it soon got into stride, a great "now" perspective of the story, picturing in the action, and action there is a plenty!
Just when I felt it was really getting into stride....it ended! on a cliffhanger! Totally sets up a third installment, and with plenty of supporting characters who can all play a vital role in the next phase - is it the end-game?!
82 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2018
So much action packed into a solid story.

Starts with an inventive way of progressing the story and characters from book 1.

There is action, action and more action, all forming part of a solid story line.

There is a lot of violence, but it is necessary for they story and done really well.

Strong characters, with interesting strengths and weaknesses.

You could say this is the linking story between book 1 and 3, but that would undervalue the book totally; yes, it is clearly designed to set up he scene for book 3 (I cannot wait), but it is a solid story in its own right.

A very well written book.
Profile Image for Natasha du Plessis.
1,066 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2018
I am still wondering how I missed this book, the second in the series. I loved the first one and only saw that there was a second book available on the eve of the publication of the third and final book in the series. The only thing that I can say about Judas: The Relic is that it is a great book one of those books where you get lost between the pages. Even though it has been a while since I read the first book I quickly picked up the story line again. I loved the glimpse that we got of Charlotte's teenage years before all hell broke loose again. I love the new characters and where the story is taking me. A must read for fantasy lovers.
Profile Image for Beccy Thompson.
810 reviews17 followers
May 1, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC reviewers- thank you

As always my disclaimer is this is part of a series I’m sure you could read it as a stand-alone but seriously do yourself a favour and read the first book first!
I loved this book, like the first book it’s an amazing mix of historical religious aspects and modern life.
Roy brights writing has developed further in this book he has a fantastic way with words that draw the reader in we find ourselves committing to the story hoping for the outcome we desire.
The characters remain strong, they’ve grown from the first novel
A total 5 star from me I’ve adored the first 2 books and I’m ready for book 3!!
Profile Image for Philippa Mckenna.
462 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2019
I was so excited when I was offered the opportunity to read this book, as I had loved the first in the series so much. The book picks up 10 years ahead of where the first one left off, and we find Charlotte Hope is now a happy go lucky 18 year old in her final week of high school. Then, WHAM, you're flung back into the world of angels vs demons, and the story flies off at a pace. The action comes quickly, with more sword fights than you can shake a stick at, and the battle between good and evil really gets going. This book is so far out of my usual comfort zone, I'm surprised I liked it as much as I did. Roy Bright is a wonderful writer. Roll on book 3!
168 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2019
More fast-paced frenetic action with a biblical flavour. After a steady-paced opening act, the action ramps up and continues to escalate in this second novel in the trilogy. Compelling characters, some surviving from the previous book and others introduced in this one are well-written and drawn with a depth and skill that really made me care about their fates. The battle between good and evil continues apace and events move forward in such a way that I am really looking forward to the concluding part of the trilogy. If you enjoy adrenaline-fueled fantasy adventure and are not offended by violence, swearing and taking the Lord’s name in vain (apparently He isn’t!), even by angels, then I would certainly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
201 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2020
Now be warned, it’s kind of impossible to write about the next book in the series without any spoilers, so I’m going to do my best but spoilers gonna spoil – okay? Ok, then let us begin.

The story continues a while after the events of the first book in a much calmer tone than the first book possessed. We’re immediately aware of a shift in the mood and events of the book and it’s actually a very nice and very clever way to ease us in.

We are left with some of the characters of the first book, and the introduction of some new ones. I think this book was very well written and carried out in a very original way. Bright rounds out the characters in the first half while updating us on what they’ve got up to since the last book and I absolutely enjoyed it. This book is a funny one because it reaches out even further than the last. As you’ll remember from my review of book one, it had all the right components – horror, thriller, crime.. well this adds in another bit with a tone of young adult and romance – but don’t worry it’s definitely not what you’d dub a “girly” book, and when I say it has young adult tones to it I do not mean the language is clean!

There’s little point in my pretending that Judas and Charlotte didn’t survive at all and aren’t in this book – they’re on the damn cover. Charlotte is pretty much the strongest female lead I’ve probably ever read but certainly the strongest female lead I’ve read this year. You know what’s nice? It doesn’t feel forced. This isn’t a gender swap situation, it feels organic, like it just happened. It’s all well and good if you like gender swapping everything for the sake of girl power – you do you – but that’s not my thing and this book in my humble opinion gets it right.

Judas is my favourite character in the series so far, he’s got the right mixes of everything and he just pulls you into the story. What is made very clear is his desire to do right by Charlotte, potentially due to having failed her brother. Yes I’m putting that out there, she has a brother so I guess now you have to read the book so that you know what I’m going on about. Another thing I enjoy about Judas is that he’s not superman, he isn’t bullet proof, he’s hurtable just unkillable and he is definitely heavily flawed. Which means, for me, he is far more endearing than a superhero.

So far in the series we have seen Judas move from reluctant care giver to wholesome father figure and I am excited to see what comes next.

This book has a fantastic atmosphere and the imagery is on point, it’s a series I am thoroughly enjoying and would urge you to try it out too. The balance is still there with humour mixed into the events which unfold. Again, this would be great to see adapted for the screen, although I do think that even if it was a film, it’s worth having the knowledge from the book simply because I think things come over differently in the separate formats, and things get cut for films because they often wouldn’t work in the way they work in the book.
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2017
If you've read my review for Judas, you'll know how much I fell in love with it. That story was so plausible that, for me, it was one that genuinely had me thinking 'what if this was the real reason Judas betrayed Jesus.' Naturally I know that Judas is fiction, but it really got me thinking and its a testament to an author that can do that.

When I knew that Judas 2 had been written and published, I was so excited. I couldn't wait to get stuck in. Sadly life got in the bloody way. There were reviews to be written and it took me a couple of months to actually read it and then it took me even longer to write the review, but finally, finally I got there and alls i can tell you is that it was so worth the wait.

Blurb

A child brought to womanhood within an alternative reality in order to become a devastating weapon.
A demon sword of immense power that must be controlled by an angelic warrior to have any hope of winning an impending war.
Together, they face the biggest challenge to mankind’s existence, within a universe soaked in the blood of battle, where epic tales of the struggle between good and evil play out at a breath-taking pace.

Prepare to open the gates of Hell.

I love how the author plots his characters. He takes the bad elements and the good elements and mixes them so that one minute you love the character and the next you have this hatred for them. All at the same time. You can't help but sit there and think 'how does this man think like this, how does he create this world, a world that is not only believable but that you actually step into the world he created.'

It's written in the first person present, the same as Judas, now I usually hate this style of writing, I don't know why only that it grates on me, however, here in this series, i think its the only style that would have worked because to create the illusion that you've stepped into Judas' world and that you can fight right alongside the characters it needs to be written as if its happening right there and then.

I truly cannot wait for the third book.
Profile Image for Susan Hampson.
1,521 reviews71 followers
March 23, 2017
This really is the best fantasy series that I am reading. The first book Judas just blew me away. I absolutely loved it but it is always a worry that a new author has put everything into their first book, when it is this good and has nothing left for the follow ups.  Well not in this case, this book is epic! I must say here though that a reader would struggle to go straight into this as a stand alone, it just wouldn't make sense, you really do have to read Judas first, believe me you will not be disappointed.
Charlotte Hope is the daughter of God and Judas Iscariot is her protector, teacher and as near as dammit her dad. Yes shock, horror and screams of Oh No! how can that be? The man that betrayed Jesus is now protecting his kid sister? Well to be honest Judas is a changed man and it wasn't all his fault on how it all went down before. Judas is a pretty cool character especially in the art of fighting and to give Charlotte the very best chance to defeat the Devil he teaches her everything he knows. Charlotte was 7 when the first book ended and now she is a very knowledgeable and skilful 18 year old surrounded by friends and adored by Judas her surrogate dad. The only thing is only Judas is real and now it is time to return to Earth to take on her role. Earth time has been very different though and although Charlotte has had 11 years of training and growing only a couple of earth days have passed. Pretty cool.
The writing it tight and story is ingenious with the time wrap thingy taking place now and again.  Some of the heroes from the last book are just as awesome in this one, brilliant characters but Roy Bright shows no mercury with them as good doesn't always come out on top. This book is gruesomely gory with no mercy shown to man woman or child where the demons are concerned and the chaos creates some pretty nasty survivors. A disaster does make heroes but it can also bring out the worst in people too. A definite shudder moment there from me! I was truly fascinated in how he wove some top players from the bible into cracking stories in this book. It is mind blowing brilliance! Can't wait for number 3
Profile Image for Emma.
591 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2019
Judas – The Relic by Roy Bright
I had thoroughly enjoyed the first book and so I feel very privileged to have an opportunity to travel some more with Charlotte, Judas , Gary and the various celestials and Demonic forces. This book is denser with more intricate development of the mythology of the world Bright has created.
This is a fast paced novel in an easy bite size. The action is constant, with swords, hammers, daggers and divine power bolts flying here, there and everywhere. The hordes of Hell may have not won, but they have the upper hand and there is a pervasive feeling of doom as this book builds to a crescendo. New heroes rise, questionable alliances abound and everyone seems to have a ulterior motive.
Kind of a graphic novel in novel form this is perfectly suited to the Constantine/Lucifer viewer awaiting their next TV fix. It is crying out for a dramatic adaptation, gritty and yet funny and self -deprecating this is a series of books that I am proud to support as something fresh in the fantasy oeuvre.
Profile Image for Dawn Higgins.
908 reviews16 followers
December 21, 2017
WOW just amazing,if i thought the first book in this series was epic,this one totally blew me away with how this kept me gripped thoughout this story,and what a story it was.This is by far the best fantasy series i have read this year, can't beleive how long it sat on my kindle before i got round to reading it.

Charlotte Hope has been in a world where she has had to grow up with Judas as her step father before she can return to earth to face what her role is going to be.When she is 18 years old she returns, but it has only been 3 earth days gone,so there was a few shocks installed for Gary as he is waiting for Charlotte and Judas to return.Loved that we still got to see characters from the first book along with a few new ones.

This was a rollercoaster of a book of fantasy and fighting where it takes you to the edge only then to reel you back in with the ferocious fighting between light and dark.This is absoluely fantasic the way that Roy Bright draws you into the characters and the plots that unfold,you feel that you are in this story along side the characters and are there with them throughout fighting the demons,pure genius.

There are truely no words to discribe my emotions whilst reading this book as i was took on a ride of my life where i never wanted it to end,this is just sheer brilliance from this new author,i can't wait till the next book is out.Please be very soon as i now need the next installment.


Profile Image for Diane Stevenson.
66 reviews
October 9, 2018
Spectacular sequel!

This book is a rollercoaster of action!! A plot that has such unexpected twists and keeps you hooked! This is the second book in the Judas series which I have devoured over the last few days. It's only taken me that long because of having to look after my children😂 I'm now off to download the next one.If you haven't read these books, you must!!!
44 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2019
This is a great follow-up to the first book in the series. It picks up where the first book left off and is action-packed throughout. The characters are really well-written and I was drawn into their world. The story is really engaging, with battle scenes aplenty. It’s a really good read - I’m looking forward to the 3rd book 🙂
Profile Image for Simon Leonard.
510 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2019
I read and loved book 1 so was really looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed. The story follows on from book one with Judas, Charlotte et al fighting the hoards of hell as the are invading the Earth,

This is such a great book I read it in one sitting and loved it.
Profile Image for Kamini Mehta.
537 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2019
I loved the first book and really wanted to love this one as much. I felt like there were too many separate threads that didn't quite mesh for me. It's still worth reading, it just doesn't live up to the first book. I also got a little tired of the fighting.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,493 reviews144 followers
March 10, 2019
Judas the Relic by Roy Bright.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved most of the characters. Charlotte was my favourite character. Although I didn't read book 1 I could still read it. This had a lot of action. I will definitely be looking at book 1.
5*.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,429 reviews64 followers
September 14, 2017
Woah this series is incredible and has kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I cannot recommend this author enough
Profile Image for Anne-Rae Vasquez.
Author 19 books154 followers
October 16, 2018
fantastic ride to Hell and back

Judas, now an angel, with Charlotte fight demons, Horsemen and an angel to save humanity from obliteration. Can't wait to start book 3
20 reviews
December 31, 2020
Another brilliant book in the series. Full of action to keep you enthralled ...a difficult book to put down.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews