TEN

by Ben Zakhary

Ten Commandments… mandates of love or weapons of revenge? Back Cover A once-devout Christian turns against God vowing revenge against the Divine. His first act of breaking The Ten Commandments! On his quest, he meets Sam Johnson, a kind retired preacher who tries to defend God’s righteousness and reignite divine love within the man’s heart. The random encounter on a train leaves a long-lasting impact on both men that would change their lives forever.When the faithful turn vengeful, there is no telling what they will do next… A little more The two main characters help uncover what would happen if a “normal” Christian is pushed to his breaking point and vows revenge against God. What would happen when a non-criminal tries to steal, kill, and commit adultery simply out of desire for revenge? Would he be able to do such things? What would his internal struggle be? How would he react toward a kind-hearted believer willing to help? The narrative is intertwined with journal entries from different times after a stated incident, which converge at the end of the story to bring the full picture to light. The story is comparable to a modern-day Biblical Book of Job, with mild suspense and romantic undertone giving depth to the argument surrounding God’s righteousness.Where was God?When pain comes, it could be difficult at times to avoid questioning the justice and righteousness of God. Where is He and why bad things happen to good people? Although this book will not provide an apologetic or structured defense, it does follow certain thoughts to their logical conclusion through narrative and provide different Christian insights along the way.Target This book will appeal mostly to Christian adults. It would also appeal to Agnostic adults considering Christianity. The topic is not one that targets a specific denomination, so it would appeal to the general Christian public.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2020

Reviews

[Joseph Zakhary]

Wow! What a story!

Starting off the story was a little slow and did not grip me, but as the story reveled itself I could not put the book down. This is definitely not for everyone, but if you are a Christian or even questioning and want a quick read that goes through some fundamental parts of the faith in a thrilling way then look no further. Keep going through the first couple of chapters that setup the scene and I promise you will not be disappointed. While you may know parts of the story since it is obvious what the 10 commandments are, the author is able to present it in a refreshing way that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end. Even in some parts I let a tear slide. If you are reading this review, just go get it and read it. You will like it!

[Jennifer Shepard]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!

I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a suspense enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. The use of C S Lewis, the Bible, and other quotes made his message appealing to this reader. I highly recommend Ben books

[Kathryn Wilborn]

It has a Tuesdays with Morry vibe

I can’t believe how much I loved this book! I haven’t been this excited about a story in a long time. It was so heartfelt and beautiful. It also centered around current events that made the story feel so real. It set a tone much like The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Tuesdays with Morry, or the Giver. Please, please read this book. It’s a short and fast read with a powerful message. I hope this book gains the attention that it deserves. Can I rate this more than five stars?

[Deana Evers]

Insightful and timely

This was a poetic and well written story of a present day Job, a man who hated God because of his many tragedies and the influence of a chance meeting with a wise, older minister willing to listen without judgement. I liked that the story wasn't the typical lost faith but rather he was still a believer but turned away because he couldn't understand how God could let bad things happen. This was relevant to the many problems going on in the world today and really makes you think.

[Kirollos Barsoum]

While the storyline is exciting, intriguing, and well-executed, the deeper message--the futility of a life of sin--is where the book leaves a lasting impression. Juxtaposing light and darkness--sitting literally across from each other on a train--this book shows how two opposite reactions to life's tragic circumstances can turn us into angels or into demons. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good Christian message packaged in the guise of a thriller novel.

[Dan McDowell]

Interesting style of writing and engaging read. As a believer, I felt the questions the book asks are ones we all have as we journey through the ups and downs of our faith. The authors decision to go from the journal entry/prayer chapters to the conversation chapters keep it fresh. I got tired of the COVID discussions and mask references. Maybe In a few years I won’t be so sensitive. That didn’t affect my review though.

Well done!

[Victor Hess]

Johnson encounters a stranger on a train that turns his life upside down. The story is creatively told using alternating points of view, via journal entries on one hand and story telling on the other, spoonfeeding the reader with a captivating story - nearly a sermon. The use of C S Lewis, Bible and other quotes made his message appealing to this reader.

[Vincent Placanico]

A unique and captivating story

This was a good representation of how we each see God in different ways. Pain, loss and suffering caused one man to start a war against God, while similar circumstances strengthen the other man's faith. This story has a good message about faith and forgiveness and it is well written and easy to relate to. I highly recommend this book.

[Carlos mutua]

Self reflection

After reading this novel I had to have self reflection of my life to whether I am living according to God wills..or whether I am serving God purpose of bring me to this world. Sometimes if not all times we human-being tends to live life like this man.Worthy reading for Christian believers.

[M.S. Humphreys]

I only gave Zakhary four stars for this because there were some style and formatting issues that detracted from the story for me. I didn't always agree with the character Johnson's theology, but I did love the discussion of faith with the stranger and the use of scripture. Overall, it's a good story, though I did find the culmination of the "incident" a little far fetched.

[Becka]

The author has a very interesting story idea, but it really needed the help of a good editor to provide focus and clarity, as well as correction of many misused words, mixing of past and present tenses, and typos. Despite that, it was a quick read that held my interest.

[Niger Girl]

Fun and easy to read

I really enjoyed the writing style in the book and I enjoyed the chapter on adultery.

The formatting on my kindle was a little off.

[Tomm Boyer]

Interesting and challenges your thought

I truly enjoyed reading this book. The dialogue was engaging and some arguments and concepts challenged my thoughts in a very creative way. A few sections could have been more robust, but it still managed to be a great read for me.

[Nora Delzelle]

Kept me guessing….

I liked the way this story kept the reader guessing until the very end. The plot and the use of scripture quotes was unique.

[Brent Seheult]

Not for everyone

Religious books really aren't my cup of tea. I almost gave up on the book half way through it. I pushed my way through it. I like to broaden my horizons a little