An Accidental Messiah

The Dry Bones Society #2

by Dan Sofer

HE DEFEATED DEATH. WILL HE BEAT BUREAUCRACY?

Rooms at the Dry Bones Society are filling up as more and more Israelis leave their graves to rejoin the living. But not everyone is happy to see them.

When Moshe Karlin stands up for their rights, his quest for a brighter future leads through a minefield of treacherous politicians and brutal criminals. Will he usher in an era of peaceful Utopia or trigger a civil war?

THE JEWISH MESSIAH IS HERE. HE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE…

Elsewhere in Jerusalem, a recovering prophet hides his apocalyptic delusions, a scientist unearths the shocking secret to peace in the Middle East, and a lovesick suicide bomber wanders the streets in search of his own personal redemption.

In the midst of it all, one chronic latecomer is on everyone's mind—the Messiah!

Genres: Fantasy

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2017

About the author

Dan Sofer won the 2016 Best Book Award (category: religious fiction) for his debut novel, A Love and Beyond ("A mysterious crime. A ruthless secret society. And a desperate bachelor...")

His romantic adventures and magical satires explore Jewish lore and legend on the streets of modern-day Jerusalem.

His new novel, An Unexpected Afterlife, hits the shelves March 28, 2017. (Available for pre-order on Amazon, B&N, BookDepository, etc.)

Dan lives in Israel with his family.

*** Download a free book at http://dansofer.com

Reviews

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review of “An Accidental Messiah” by Dan Sofer

WOW!, Dan Sofer, I appreciate all the details and descriptions and layers of story that you have written in “An Accidental Messiah” This is certainly a thought provoking book with symbolism, satire, wit, adventure, politics, and good and evil. I enjoyed this entertaining and intriguing book. The genres of this story are satire, fiction, and mystery.
Some of the facts pertaining to DNA and genetics is based on reality.
There are many familiar friends in “An Accidental Messiah” There are new characters as well. The author describes the characters as complex and complicated. There is a tremendous amount of symbolism. Good and evil is ever present, and the question are there second chances to “refresh” or start anew. The value of life is also questioned. Should someone who was a criminal in their former life be given the chance to start over? There is also the “Russian Mafia” that would like to take the newly alive people and use them. There are religious factions, fanatic factions also at play. Can these people who have come back from the dead have their rights restored? Why is this happening? The reader sees that people are coming back to life after hundreds of years being deceased. What will happen?
“An Accidental Messiah” by Dan Sofer is the sequel to the award winning “An Unexpected Afterlife”. There will be a third book, which I am looking forward to reading. I would say that it is
best to read the first book “An Unexpected Afterlife” to better understand “An Accidental Messiah.

In this book, “An Accidental Messiah, we now see that many former dead people are coming back to life, both Jewish people and Arabs. The Dry Bones Society is used to coming to their aid. They cloth them, and teach many of them the conveniences such as cell phones and television and cars. These people are given housing as well. There is little money, and the people who know have a second chance at life don’t have health benefits, or wages, and many of their family wants them dead. These are not Zombies or the Walking Dead. The only physical difference is that there is the people who have come back to life have no belly button.
It looks like the only way to get their rights is to fight in a political way. There are corrupt politicians that are involved, the mafia, deranged personalities, and others who will support the “Dry Bones Society” in an election for their own benefit.
Meanwhile, one of the Rabbis in this society keeps looking for the Messiah. (Google Dictionary: 1.A leader or savior of a particular group or a cause”
2. “the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible”)

One of the problems is now there is a division of people who have always lived, and those who have come back to life. There are danger, twists and turns that I did not see coming, mystery, betrayal and much more.
How is this going to work out? Why is this happening?
I highly recommend this intriguing novel for those readers that like satire, wit, and mystery. I received an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book and it’s prequel An Unexpected Afterlife are Sofer’s somewhat satirical answers to ‘People of the book’ who ponder The End of Times. With well written characters and an interesting plot I found them fast to read and spellbinding.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first

I read the first book in this series and absolutely loved it. This one, I think I liked it better than the first (An Unexpected Afterlife). There is something wonderfully surreal when dead Jews start appearing in the cemetery, wandering around naked. It started as a phenomenon but developed into something wonderful and yet sad. It is taken to a deep, heavy heart when a someone is being searched for her, but her remains were never recovered. "“The Germans? If you had told me the French I would have believed you, but the Germans? How many Jews died?” the question leaves a lump in your throat, but the answer makes you sick to your stomach. It's a story that you should read from beginning to end, and hope there will be another one to follow. The reader of the first book will be familiar with many of the characters that are in this one, each having his or her own story and depth of personality. Filled with culture and heartwarming heartbreak. Love this story, recommend reading both, back to back if you can.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Accidental Messiah by Dan Sofer is a marvellous end times thriller. It is the second book in the Dry Bones series and continues where book one left off.
Politics is a nasty business with some underhand dealings but "this isn't personal. It's just politics." This world throws up some unusual surprises.
There are the themes of new life and second chances. It is never too late to have a second chance. This links to choice - we all have the choice to do the right thing.
Another theme and choice is that of forgiveness.
The thrust of the novel is the second coming. We may try to predict it but no one knows the time or the place.
The characters are well drawn and believable. Sinister characters who practice shady dealings are contrasted with selfless characters who give of themselves.
This series is marvellous with a fabulous, clever and well thought out plotline. I am thoroughly enjoying it and hoping for many more books to follow.
A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The levels of necessary-to-drive-the-plot coincidence are becoming just a bit Dickensian, but they haven't yet crossed over into annoying, even if the election outcome and the details of the reveal strain credulity and suggest that Sofer is perhaps not a political scientist, nor even a voter. Or maybe Israeli electoral politics just works entirely unlike every other parliamentary democracy on earth. Anyway, clearly (I think?) the politics is not the heart of the story, so I'm not beyond a modicum of hand waving to get on with it. Also, I'm just a little disappointed that the identity of the "accidental messiah" remains unrevealed, despite it being mostly obvious anyway despite the title. -shrug- In for an agora, in for a shekel, I suppose, and off to the final installment.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking ride through the realms of what if. I could not put this down. Expertly weaving factual modern day Israel with the world of the End of Days (do resurrected people get ID cards? Is it politically correct to call them zombies?), Sofer takes some of the fundamental belief systems of religion - and then says 'well, is this how it would look then?' Loved it. I didn't know the whole Apocalypse thing could be such fun.

[Vera mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

STARS 4.5

STORY-LINE:

Moshe Karlin, the founder of the Dry Bone Society, finds himself in the middle of political intrigue where it's almost impossible to tell friend from foe. The Dry Bone Society's filling with resurrected from all times, places, and walks of life. Moshe is determined to find a way to give the resurrected rights and privileges. Meanwhile, things are heating up with public opinion and the "undead" as they're called by some.

Different factions want to align with Moshe, for reasons of their own, from brutal criminals to politicians. A doubting prophet is trying to find his way in today's world, a young scientist discovers the secret to global peace, and the Messiah seems to be late in making his/her appearance. Come along with Moshe and the "undead/resurrected" as they find their place in the world. My book reviews follow.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Whether you are Jewish, Christian, or a non-believer, you will find this series an action-packed thrill ride. Seen from the Jewish perspective of the Messiah who is yet to come and redemption, I was fascinated and could not read fast enough. With excellent plotting, Dan Sofer continues Moshe's trials as he helps the resurrected and resolves his personal life. The second tale follows the struggles of the resurrected as they have no rights and the Dry Bone Society's determination to change the status quo.

With continuing characters from the first tale, you will see many of your favorites and, of course, Elijah or Eli. Confused and sure he was wrong about the Messiah and traumatized by his cycle accident, Elijah carry's on with his life; without prophetic messages coming through from the "thin voice." Noga convinced him he is not an ageless prophet doing God's work. He and Noga continue their romance as she researches for the Cohen gene. What a surprise is waiting for her at the end of her study.

MY OPINION:

I found the second tale of this series intriguing and original as Dan Sofer continues his series. He filled this novel with brutal criminals, slavery, lovesick suicide bombers, struggles, politics, and a nation in turmoil. His characters well-developed and his prose easy to follow makes this novel a joy to read. The scenes in this novel flow smoothly from scene to scene as Dan Sofer leads us through twists and turns to an action-packed finale. I look forward to the third book in this series. I would not hesitate to buy this novel for myself or friend.


AN ACCIDENTAL MESSIAH RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4.5

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this edition from the author. Furthermore, I chose to review the novel with honest book reviews, voluntarily. Lastly, reviews of any novel are dependent on the author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews online and on my blog, are my opinions.

[Jan Funnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this really the beginning of the Resurrection? Dead Jews are suddenly climbing out of their graves in Israel and as time passes it becomes obvious that those being resurrected are coming from earlier and earlier times. But is it only Jews being resurrected or does it encompass all of humanity? A Jewish scientist stumbles on a genetic discovery that if true could bring peace to the whole of the Middle East and thus the world. But wait, there is a fly in the ointment the prophet Elijah must anoint the Messiah but where is he, and where, come to that is the Messiah? People are getting anxious and fractious and they don't take kindly to this sudden influx of newly risen dead and don't think they should be allowed to claim any state assistance. Once you're dead you should stay dead. You can't have a second bite of the cherry.

Poor Moshe Klein who evidences all the attributes of a Messiah has to constantly fight to get and retain the newly risen their civic rights and benefits whilst the prophet Elijah has been so thoroughly brain washed that he has forgotten his purpose for being on earth and fails to be at the right place at the right time to anoint the Messiah and now that he is beginning to remember his mission he must try and get to the Messiah to anoint him. But hang on, is this really the Messiah? Is there a faint crack in his crown or is that just a dirty mark?

This book has a completely new take on the Resurrection and I devoured the book in almost one sitting. I found it enthralling, intriguing, funny and at times sad. It helps if you have read the first book "An Unexpected Afterlife" as this book continues the story but if you want a totally enjoyable and uplifting story of a new interpretation of the biblical Resurrection then this is that book. Even though I did receive an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review I have no hesitation in recommending that you buy a copy. I am now waiting impatiently for the next book in the "Dry Bones Society" series.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS

I was fortunate enough to get to read the first book in the series, "An Unexpected Afterlife". This book, the second in the series continues the story and has many of the same characters. It just keeps getting better.

This is about those that have died and are now trying to get back what they had before dying. A second chance at life to change some things, to do better and differently. This book warms the heart and gives hope. It will tear at your heart strings for several different reasons. It may cause you to pause and reflect. It's about what you do in life and how it affects not only you but everyone around you. Would you change things if you got that second chance? We would most likely say yes, but would we really? Give it a thought. What would you do differently if you could start fresh. You are given everything in this book. Characters that are flawed and yet so very human. You get to see their lives and how it affected them and others. You get a touch of mystery, a little humor, and that fantasy that we all need. We need that for an occasional escape. An escape into another time, another place. Here it is in this book. A chance for an escape, a chance for a change. We see humanity with all the good and bad. It isn't sugar coated. It's a glimpse into a possibility, true a fantasy, but a possibility any way. We also get to see what happens to some of the characters when they do come back. No this isn't your Zombie book of the walking dead. I won't tell you what it is, but there is a physical difference. You will be surprised at what it is. Mafia, politics, the "Dry Bones Society" who are trying to help those who have come back, the search for the leader or Messiah. Take a walk through this maze of twists and turns and journey with the characters as they try for that second chance.

WOULD YOU TAKE THAT SECOND CHANCE

I received a copy of this book from the author, Dan Sofer and voluntarily decided to review it.

[Gordon Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed the first book in this series, “An Unexpected Afterlife," a few months back. The second book in the series continues the struggles of Moshe Karlin to make a place for himself in a world that considers him dead.

I enjoyed the last book, but considered the humour sometimes interfered with the build of tension. I have to say that in this novel the humour has stopped interfering with the tension, but at the expense of the humour. The quirky insanity of the situation is wearing off, both for Israel and for the reader, and it just isn’t that funny anymore.

The tension, however, has been increased, although in an episodic form. The new conflict involves Karlin’s attempt to persuade the Powers that Be to give resurrected such as himself official status. The story relates the steps of ascending desperation he goes through as each progressive attempt is slapped down by his enemies.

This creates a more standard conflict arc. Perhaps too standard, as each strategem gets destroyed every time to the point where we ask, not, “Will he make it this time?” but, “How are they gonna beat him this time.” Which isn’t quite so suspenseful.

The saving grace in the quirkiness is the subplot with the Prophet Elijah and Noga, his therapist girlfriend. In the last book, she persuaded him that his existence as a Prophet was an illusion. In this book, she begins to believe that he really is the Prophet, but he plays all her cards back at her, trying to persuade her that she is now the deluded one. Scope for all sorts of zaniness.

Recommended for fans of the first book. You pretty much have to read that one before you get into this one. Do it. You’ll have fun.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Accidental Messiah continues the story of Moshe, Galit, Rabbi Lev, Irinia and the other members of the Dead Bones Society begun in An Unexpected Afterlife. It is not imperative that you read Afterlife first but it will definitely enhance your enjoyment of Messiah if you have. Mr Sofer has created a wonderful cast of characters with humanity, human foibles and some extraordinary circumstances to their lives. This book has it all-a touch of fantasy, conspiracy, action, betrayal, romance, the whole ball of wax (as the saying goes) There were parts of this book when I was so angry or worried about what was going to happen that I wasn't sure I could continue to read, but I couldn't bear to stop either and not know what happened. I can't think of any higher praise I can give an author. I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. One final comment: I have never read a more carefully edited ARC before. I have been accused by some of being a grammar Nazi but this grammar fiend was highly pleased!

[Puspanjalee Dutta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Karlin is a strong man but what I loved about his character is his ability to forgive. No matter what his wife and his so-called best friend did to him, Moshe is the epitome of compassion, love and loyalty. The end conflict between Moshe and Avi with the presence of Russian muffia..it's one of the best literary works I read recently.

This is what made An Accidental Messiah special for me. As Moshe got the flashback of the last minutes before he died in his first life and decided that he still can not let Avi die or suffer and his decision to forgive his friend-turned-enemy is the gist I got from this book. Forgiveness is power. It can do more wonders than you can anticipate.

Although Moshe's rise to power is predictable, I felt relief reading it.

The second plot revolving around Ellie, the prophet..I want to know more about it. I also want to know more about the Jews hiding in the no-men's land and as well about Irina. I hope Dan would answer all those questions in his next book in the Dry Bones Society sereis.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Dan Sofer's books as I get to learn more about Jewish traditions and legends. He also tends to make you laugh at times. Besides that, he has a good grasp of human nature. All that makes for some good reading. In this series you get mystery, suspense, romance, fantasy, humor and religion, all rolled into one good book. My only complaint is that the books don't really stand alone. There are just too many important questions left unanswered at the end of books 1 and 2. Other than that though, I'm really enjoying the series.

[DE Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the dead leave their graves in Israel, they are confused and frightened...and so are the living who encounter them. Except the living who prey upon them. The Dry Bones Society protect and care for them. The entire concept of this trilogy is fascinating, and its setting in Israel with a distinctly Jewish viewpoint is new to me. This is one of those rare books in which I have need to know what happens next. The evil people are distressing me, and I am all but yelling at the innocents to watch out for them. I just started the final book, and I will be very sad when it's over.

[Geraldine R. Gaugler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

When I read An Unexpected Afterlife, the first book in the series, I didn't understand that it was being written from a Jewish perspective using Jewish legends about the End Times. Being an Evangelical Christian, I had a difficult time understanding the story, an in places felt it was heretical. Now that I understand the context of these books, I am enjoying them more.

[Nick Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 of the Dry Bones Society trilogy. I gave book one 3 stars with a 3-1/2 in my review and liked this book as much if not more. The tale continues with more twists and turns and new revelations. It's definitely a page-turner that will keep you interested and leave you looking forward to book #3. I'm planning to jump directly to book #3 and looking forward to following the story to its conclusion.

[Kathy Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dry Bones ...

Them bones, them bones, them dry bones, now hear the word of the Lord. If you like end of days tales, this series is for you. Packed full of mysteries, prophecies, mobsters, this exciting read follows Moshe's fight for recognition and legal rights for himself and his resurrected followers.

[Groucho42 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is it's nowhere near as good as the first. Karlin and team move forward and get involved in Israeli politics. The politicians and the gangster are, well, oy vey, cartoons. Then there's the twelve tribes nonsense that's wonderfully left wing ignorant of the real history of Arab immigration. We'll see how the third goes to see if it's a sophomore slump or he only had an idea for the first book.

[Stacey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please see the review I wrote on Amazon-
by "SBKL".
Another fabulous book authored by Dan Sofer.
As I commented in my other review, I read it through the night, knowing I would not be disappointed.
The hours of lost sleep were well worth it..
Loved this book.

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Adventure!

What a great story, so much good has come to our heroes. Now that they are leading the government they have a chance to change the way things are done. And done with honesty and integrity. So, what comes next? I'm heading for that book right now!

[Joel Etra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting messianic fantasy. Enjoyed reading about familiar places in Jerusalem.
Poorly written with predictable trite word choices.

[Mirel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read from Dan Sofer

Crime, humor, satire all wrapped up in a beguiling package. Now how long do I have to wait for the final book in the series?!?

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Accidental Messiah: A Novel (The Dry Bones society)

It wads an awesome book. Its one that kept me wanting more. I would highly recommend it.
It was a good book to the first one.

[David Grubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I’m super busy (kids, work, grad school) and still found time to finishing these books. Great story, easy to read!

[Walter T. Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first in the series

Beautifully written, extremely well researched, full of unexpected twists and turns and lots f cliffhangers. This book will grab you

[Mildred L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

This has been another eye opener. A thought driven look of what's to come. This kept me up reading, couldn't put it down. Next episode has to be even better.

[Kim Smith]

All 3 books were ok. I read them because I thought there would be some good stuff that was hinted at. Kinda Boring all in all

[Lance Colie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost interest, didn't keep my attention.

[Susan Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book 2 syndrome where it mellowed a little and last book should pick up pace 😂 Well more of politics and religion, still enthralled but not as engaging. Can’t wait to dive into the last book, A Premature Apocalypse, to know it’s complete ending!

Here's my full review:
http://www.sholee.net/2018/06/mpov-ac...

[Andrew Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read. Interesting humorous take on Israeli society.