What do you think?
Rate this book
Book of John
When the dead are resurrected, not even the blessed are safe. Can one peacemaker stop a necromantic war?
John the Baptist serves his people as a weapons master devoted to keeping the peace. The murder of his wife leaves him plagued with guilt and secretly dependent on herbs that numb the pain of his loss. But when he realizes Tetrarch Herod’s desire to conquer Egypt will lead to his people’s conscription, the world-weary warrior rises above his addiction to keep them safe.
Discovering to his horror that the tetrarch’s wily mistress is creating an undead army using necromancy, John realizes his people may be facing brutal extinction. And now his only option is to gather all the soldier-shepherds and make a stand against an unyielding legion of sacrilege…
Can the dedicated leader defeat an unstoppable horde before those he loves are wiped out?
Book of John is the action-packed first novel in the Jesus Christ Zombie Killer apocalypse series. If you like fascinating characters, epic flesh-eating battles, and unexpected twists on biblical times, then you’ll devour Camille Picott’s genre-smashing story.
John the Baptist serves his people as a weapons master devoted to keeping the peace. The murder of his wife leaves him plagued with guilt and secretly dependent on herbs that numb the pain of his loss. But when he realizes Tetrarch Herod’s desire to conquer Egypt will lead to his people’s conscription, the world-weary warrior rises above his addiction to keep them safe.
Discovering to his horror that the tetrarch’s wily mistress is creating an undead army using necromancy, John realizes his people may be facing brutal extinction. And now his only option is to gather all the soldier-shepherds and make a stand against an unyielding legion of sacrilege…
Can the dedicated leader defeat an unstoppable horde before those he loves are wiped out?
Book of John is the action-packed first novel in the Jesus Christ Zombie Killer apocalypse series. If you like fascinating characters, epic flesh-eating battles, and unexpected twists on biblical times, then you’ll devour Camille Picott’s genre-smashing story.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2021
About the author
Camille Picott
52 books108 followersCamille loves to read, write, eat, and run obscene distances. (Not always in that order.) She considers sleep to be highly over-rated.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 18, 2022
Jesus kills zombies in this one. Whether or not you like this depends entirely on if you think that sounds stupid or not.
August 19, 2026
I received this title as part of a Freebie Friday promotion from an audiobook seller, and from the title and summary alone, I assumed this was going to be B-movie quality at best, along the lines of what you might see on the SyFy channel. But hey, for free? I'll give it a shot.
I wasn't prepared for a genuine well-written and intriguing fantasy/horror adventure!
I'll admit, this book seems particularly well-suited to my strange sense of humor, as I love clever references and reworkings. I also loved the sheer absurdity. You're telling me the Jewish people were mercenaries instead of slaves in Egypt, and John the Baptist is addicted to hallucinogens because he's grieving his dead wife? That's hilarious. I genuinely burst out laughing multiple times.
By the way, I work at a Christian organization, and during lunch I once tried to explain the premise of this book to my coworkers. I don't know what damage I did to my reputation, but their reactions were entertaining nonetheless.
**mild spoilers ahead**
I had a couple of complaints toward the end, though they were small. For one thing, the repeated use of 'b****' and 'sl**' by Herodias toward the other female lead during the climax started to get a bit annoying. They were in character, but I really wanted her to get more creative if she was going to just continually hurl insults.
I also found it interesting that we see Greek, Roman, and even an Egyptian god have supernatural influence on the story, but despite multiple references to Yahweh bringing the Ja'Ru out of Egypt in the past, the Jewish god doesn't really do anything? Even Jesus, despite being in the series title, was kind of a minor character. I think this latter complaint may be addressed in the sequel novellas based on their summaries, though.
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this hidden gem and can't wait to listen to the sequels.
I wasn't prepared for a genuine well-written and intriguing fantasy/horror adventure!
I'll admit, this book seems particularly well-suited to my strange sense of humor, as I love clever references and reworkings. I also loved the sheer absurdity. You're telling me the Jewish people were mercenaries instead of slaves in Egypt, and John the Baptist is addicted to hallucinogens because he's grieving his dead wife? That's hilarious. I genuinely burst out laughing multiple times.
By the way, I work at a Christian organization, and during lunch I once tried to explain the premise of this book to my coworkers. I don't know what damage I did to my reputation, but their reactions were entertaining nonetheless.
**mild spoilers ahead**
I had a couple of complaints toward the end, though they were small. For one thing, the repeated use of 'b****' and 'sl**' by Herodias toward the other female lead during the climax started to get a bit annoying. They were in character, but I really wanted her to get more creative if she was going to just continually hurl insults.
I also found it interesting that we see Greek, Roman, and even an Egyptian god have supernatural influence on the story, but despite multiple references to Yahweh bringing the Ja'Ru out of Egypt in the past, the Jewish god doesn't really do anything? Even Jesus, despite being in the series title, was kind of a minor character. I think this latter complaint may be addressed in the sequel novellas based on their summaries, though.
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this hidden gem and can't wait to listen to the sequels.
August 2, 2021
The Book of John is told from more than one point of view. The Book of John pulled me in from the very beginning and let me tell you the action never stopped from the first page to the last. I liked that the Book of John was a mixture between magic, zombies, and necromancy.
The Book of John takes us back in time to biblical times with Jesus and John as teenagers. The story revolves around two women, one who brings the dead back to life and the other one who knows how to kill the zombies and send them back where they came from. I enjoyed reading about the thread of life so to speak and how it was weaved to bring the dead back to life and the consequences.
When I was reading the Book of John it kept reminding me of several different TV shows and movies that kept popping up in my head. The weaving of the life thread reminded me of A Discovery of Witches when Diana was training as a weaver. Another TV Show that I kept thinking about was Motherland: Fort Salem that is about these girls who go off to war college. When the zombies came upon the scene I kept thinking about The Walking Dead and Army of the Dead.
I loved the new take on the zombies. It took a while for the zombies to make their way onto the scene, but once they did it was on then as the action was nonstop. I could just see all the zombie battle scenes playing out in my head as if I was watching a movie.
As someone who really loves a good zombie book, I highly recommend the Book of John to all other zombie fans! One-click your copy of the Book of John today for some epic zombie battles!
The Book of John takes us back in time to biblical times with Jesus and John as teenagers. The story revolves around two women, one who brings the dead back to life and the other one who knows how to kill the zombies and send them back where they came from. I enjoyed reading about the thread of life so to speak and how it was weaved to bring the dead back to life and the consequences.
When I was reading the Book of John it kept reminding me of several different TV shows and movies that kept popping up in my head. The weaving of the life thread reminded me of A Discovery of Witches when Diana was training as a weaver. Another TV Show that I kept thinking about was Motherland: Fort Salem that is about these girls who go off to war college. When the zombies came upon the scene I kept thinking about The Walking Dead and Army of the Dead.
I loved the new take on the zombies. It took a while for the zombies to make their way onto the scene, but once they did it was on then as the action was nonstop. I could just see all the zombie battle scenes playing out in my head as if I was watching a movie.
As someone who really loves a good zombie book, I highly recommend the Book of John to all other zombie fans! One-click your copy of the Book of John today for some epic zombie battles!
August 8, 2021
I will note that at first the chapters are quite confusing cause it changes characters quite often and you don't get a real feel for the parts they play and why this story is being told compared to others. In the middle it comes together and forms a more complete story which was awesome to see. I will say though that I wish the chapters were better laid out so we knew right away who was who.
This was given to me as an ARC but I loved the book and so I bought the book here as well. My review might be small spoilers, but nothing that should stand out and/or give the book away.
The novel talks about Herodias at the start and you get to know her as child and what is done to her and parts of the reads later on are quite sad. These main bits are in the first 5 chapters of the book. In chapters 6-8 you read about Phaselis (Phae for short) as a child and some things that you get to know will be useful to remember later on. You read about John in chapter 11 and get to know him and what he goes through. This is where things get spotty and can change chapter to chapter, which threw me for a bit. Each chapter slowly will reveal itself in the bigger picture of the plot
The characters got well defined in the book and you really start to pick who you like and who you hate. I loved reading the story and can't wait to see what might come next.
This was given to me as an ARC but I loved the book and so I bought the book here as well. My review might be small spoilers, but nothing that should stand out and/or give the book away.
The novel talks about Herodias at the start and you get to know her as child and what is done to her and parts of the reads later on are quite sad. These main bits are in the first 5 chapters of the book. In chapters 6-8 you read about Phaselis (Phae for short) as a child and some things that you get to know will be useful to remember later on. You read about John in chapter 11 and get to know him and what he goes through. This is where things get spotty and can change chapter to chapter, which threw me for a bit. Each chapter slowly will reveal itself in the bigger picture of the plot
The characters got well defined in the book and you really start to pick who you like and who you hate. I loved reading the story and can't wait to see what might come next.
August 4, 2021
This author and I are in a mutual FB group and after reading the synopsis of this story, I reached out to them. I was provided an ARC and in return all I had to do is submit an honest review.
The story does a good job of introducing you to the main characters in the very beginning. You get just enough backstory and then are brought to their current. There's Herodias, Phae, and John...these three main characters bring with them Herod, Magda, and Jesus. They each have a place in the battle to come through one in particular is pivotal. Love is a prevalent theme in this book, even among those doing wrong. All three main characters were shaped by it and it led to their courses colliding.
Even though this is a zombie book, there are so many elements covered; love, loss, magic, secrets, betrayal, humour, addiction and so on. The setting being in biblical times, in biblical places, and biblical characters is what intrigued me the most. This is a new take on this genre that I have never read before and it did not let me down.
The story does a good job of introducing you to the main characters in the very beginning. You get just enough backstory and then are brought to their current. There's Herodias, Phae, and John...these three main characters bring with them Herod, Magda, and Jesus. They each have a place in the battle to come through one in particular is pivotal. Love is a prevalent theme in this book, even among those doing wrong. All three main characters were shaped by it and it led to their courses colliding.
Even though this is a zombie book, there are so many elements covered; love, loss, magic, secrets, betrayal, humour, addiction and so on. The setting being in biblical times, in biblical places, and biblical characters is what intrigued me the most. This is a new take on this genre that I have never read before and it did not let me down.
August 5, 2021
The Greatest Story Ever Told gets a zombie upgrade.
I suppose the first thing that should be mentioned is while gods play a big part in the story, God is only there present as the deity that John and Jesus follow. It's smart of the part of the author to keep away from causing any possible offense to a religion that is still actively practiced.
The characters are all familiar enough to their historical counterparts to be instantly recognisable but the author has managed to make them their own character. Jesus still wants to help and protect others but this incarnation is more than willing to whup some people (and undead) around the head in order to make that happen.
I know I'm a bit vague with the review but I find myself wanting to discuss how much I enjoyed it and even with spoiler tags I don't want to give anything away, I want people to experience the excitement of the book fir the first time just as I did.
This along with her other series have shown that Camille Picott knows how to create an exciting zombie tale no matter the era it takes place in.
I suppose the first thing that should be mentioned is while gods play a big part in the story, God is only there present as the deity that John and Jesus follow. It's smart of the part of the author to keep away from causing any possible offense to a religion that is still actively practiced.
The characters are all familiar enough to their historical counterparts to be instantly recognisable but the author has managed to make them their own character. Jesus still wants to help and protect others but this incarnation is more than willing to whup some people (and undead) around the head in order to make that happen.
I know I'm a bit vague with the review but I find myself wanting to discuss how much I enjoyed it and even with spoiler tags I don't want to give anything away, I want people to experience the excitement of the book fir the first time just as I did.
This along with her other series have shown that Camille Picott knows how to create an exciting zombie tale no matter the era it takes place in.
July 30, 2021
What do you get when you mix ancient history with biblical figures, ancient gods, and zombies? You get a very wild ride. Camille Picott has outdone herself with this new series along with all the aforementioned items she has crafted a story line populated by very well-developed characters who should be familiar to anyone with a basic familiarization of biblical history. While it took me a few days to read Jesus Christ Zombie Killer, I will admit I was very reluctant to put the story down each time it became necessary to do something other than read. I’m looking forward to seeing where Camille takes this series in future episodes. I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2021
Wow. Just wow. I was hooked from the first chapter. Camille Picott brings a refreshing new view of what happens to create zombies. She pulls you into the story and gets you invested in the characters. While being about some people you know from the Bible, there is no preaching here. It's a tale of new and old Gods and their followers but with Zombies. What could be better? I seriously could not put this down. This was my first book by Ms. Picott but won't be the last. I will be checking out her other series as well as eagerly waiting for installment two of Jesus Christ Zombie Killer. Pick up a copy. You will not be disappointed
September 14, 2021
History, Gods powers, zombies... amazing.
This book gives you the history of its main characters first. Herodias arrives full of herself ready to take over Herods time but ends up trying to win his biggest battle using the power of Morta. Phae is not about to let that happen and using Apollos light she is determined to stop the plan in its tracks by any means. Teaming up with John, Jesus, Magna and the Ja'ru will they make it?
Once you start its so hard to stop, as the title suggests it has zombies, the power of Gods, historical and really well written. Give it a try you have nothing to lose.
This book gives you the history of its main characters first. Herodias arrives full of herself ready to take over Herods time but ends up trying to win his biggest battle using the power of Morta. Phae is not about to let that happen and using Apollos light she is determined to stop the plan in its tracks by any means. Teaming up with John, Jesus, Magna and the Ja'ru will they make it?
Once you start its so hard to stop, as the title suggests it has zombies, the power of Gods, historical and really well written. Give it a try you have nothing to lose.
October 3, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. Zombies and Jesus? This had the potential to be overly religious but it isn't at all. The story follows two women, one who’s a priestess of The dead and Princess Phae who also happens to be Herod's wife.
There are magical moments with both women who have powers. Then Herod uses the power of Morta to raise an army of the dead. John and Jesus need to stop the Zombies as they are 'Protectors'. This is an amazing start to the series. Hurry up Book 2!
There are magical moments with both women who have powers. Then Herod uses the power of Morta to raise an army of the dead. John and Jesus need to stop the Zombies as they are 'Protectors'. This is an amazing start to the series. Hurry up Book 2!
December 31, 2021
Not bad
This was ok. Concept was fun. This book was more focused on John with Jesus as more of a supporting character, but I suppose that’s intentional with this being the first in a series.
Maybe I was thinking along the lines of the Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter book from a few years ago (loved that, btw), but I was hoping it’d interweave with history more to where it was almost believable.
This was ok. Concept was fun. This book was more focused on John with Jesus as more of a supporting character, but I suppose that’s intentional with this being the first in a series.
Maybe I was thinking along the lines of the Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter book from a few years ago (loved that, btw), but I was hoping it’d interweave with history more to where it was almost believable.
July 30, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 15, 2021
An alternate lifeline
It was a little difficult to wrap my head around this story. The biblical names and actions threw me for a chapter. Then this authors magic stepped up. Zombies that are so realistic. Characters that dive off the page. Action that will have your legs longing to run. In all, a very interesting zombie apocalypse!
It was a little difficult to wrap my head around this story. The biblical names and actions threw me for a chapter. Then this authors magic stepped up. Zombies that are so realistic. Characters that dive off the page. Action that will have your legs longing to run. In all, a very interesting zombie apocalypse!
August 1, 2021
Book of John by Camille Picott is a really good book. Plenty of action against an undead army. The writing is the best and the characters are really really good. Plenty of Zombies makes for a lot of action. You will for sure not want to miss this book.
August 8, 2021
An excellent start to this new & intriguing end of the world with zombies & John! A great idea, well thought out characters & story line! Something a little different but still brilliant! I do always enjoy this writers work & strongly recommend to all that love this genre!
August 19, 2021
Camille Picott raises this one from the Dead
Camille takes the zombie genre to a whole other level with this new novel of hers set in JC’s time even bringing in the Apostles as Zobie Killers!! A good hearty tale. Well done Camille! Can’t wait for the next one….
Camille takes the zombie genre to a whole other level with this new novel of hers set in JC’s time even bringing in the Apostles as Zobie Killers!! A good hearty tale. Well done Camille! Can’t wait for the next one….
August 13, 2021
This is a great take on zombies during early times. Very interesting and love how zombies came to be.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 22, 2021
It's a different type of zombie story but it's a jumbled mess of one.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews