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The Pilate Scroll

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A quest to save the world . . . a secret that could change it. Forever.
Kadie Jenkins is a survivor. Now part of an elite group of scholars and scientists, their mission is to stop an impending global terrorist threat. But when a colleague is murdered in Egypt, Kadie finds herself pitted against a foe more terrifying than the one they were trying to stop. Teaming up with a renegade pilot and her younger brother, they find themselves in a race against time, greed, and certain death. Can they uncover a 2000-year-old legend to save themselves and possibly the rest of the world?
What others are saying about The Pilate
"It has everything-a strong heroine, a sweet younger brother, a true hero, and pesky villains . . . I won't give away the details, but it sure touched me! I highly recommend this book!" - Lenora Worth, New York Times Best-Selling Author
" Sleep deprivation likely. This Christian thriller is a page-turner; more like a page-burner. Think Indiana Jones meets God's Not Dead!" - David Jeffers, Amazon Best-Selling Author of Man Up! What the Bible Says About Being A Man
"...Lewis weaves into the story a spiritual dimension that is filled with the author's excellent knowledge of the Bible, his deep understandings of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the virtues of Christianity found in forgiveness, redemption, transformation, and healing." - Dr. Karl K. Stegall, Pastor Emeritus First United Methodist Church Montgomery, Alabama
"...a story that lifts both the soul and the heart rate." - James R. Hannibal, Award-Winning Author of The Gryphon Heist
"...an engaging action-filled romp through Europe and the Middle East steeped in religious symbolism and history..." - Publisher's Weekly's The Booklife Prize
"Lewis courageously steps away from the mainstream to answer a higher call to deliver this epic Christian thriller. Well done!" - Gary Westfal, Best-Selling Author, Goal Mind
"...let me just say there haven't been many action novels that moved me to tears. This one did... highly recommended novel for believers and nonbelievers alike." - Jason E. Fort, creator and author of Fortress Books

346 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

18 people are currently reading
499 people want to read

About the author

Michael Byars Lewis

8 books68 followers
M.B. Lewis is an Amazon #1 International Bestselling Author, and his books have also been on the Bestseller lists on Barnes and Noble Nook and Kobo platforms. The author of the award-winning Jason Conrad Thriller series has been on numerous author panels at writer’s conferences such as Thrillerfest, The Louisiana Book Festival, The Pensacola Book and Writers Festival, and Killer Nashville.

A 25-year Air Force pilot, he has flown special operations combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the AC-130U Spooky Gunship. Michael is currently a pilot for a major U.S. airline.
A proud Christian active in his community, Michael has mentored college students on leadership development and team-building and is a facilitator for an international leadership training program. He has participated as a buddy for the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” and in his church’s Military Ministry program. Michael has also teamed with the Air Commando Foundation, which supports Air Commando’s and their families’ unmet needs during critical times.
While his adventures have led to travels all around the world, Michael lives in Florida with his wife Kim.

Follow Michael Byars Lewis:

www.michaelbyarslewis.com

www.facebook.com/mblauthor

Contact Michael Byars Lewis:
michael@michaelbyarslewis.com

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,029 reviews2,858 followers
May 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐

I finished this one a few days ago. I didn't realize going in that it was a "christian" themed thriller. Honestly, I probably would have skipped it if I had known. However, I enjoyed it mostly. Was it "preachy"? Well, yes, but I am an atheist, so you know, take that into consideration. 😂 I also found it cheesy at times, and the writing wasn't the best.

That said, I enjoyed the history bits and the characters. It reminded me of a Dan Brown or Indiana Jones type of story. So overall it was okay, and I would pick up this author again if he writes a book sans the christian angle.
1,575 reviews30 followers
April 4, 2022
My Thoughts On This Book

M.B. Lewis writes an interesting, intriguing and informative Christian thriller that will have your head spinning by the time you finish the book. This is one I could not put down for long. It is an adventurous journey with everyone looking for the same thing, an ancient relic that could change the course of history. Lewis creates unique and intriguing characters that tell his story so well, bringing the story to life before your eyes. And everything is so realistic, I felt pulled into the story on several accounts. I did enjoy following their journey. But would the ancient relic be found? Another thing I love about this story is the vivid historical and Biblical views and scenes as well as the scripture quoted in this book. It’s not hard to see the deep research the author does to better the story. I also had fun with the twists and turns that happened, changing my mind and looking for another. There is so much to tell about this book, but I can’t giveaway too much. I encourage you to read this book, I’m sure your library had it. Can’t wait for you to read this one too! Check out The Pilate Scroll. I think you will love it as much as I did

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book491 followers
April 22, 2022
3.5 stars

Kadie Jenkins has been through a lot, and she’s facing even more. Some she knows at the beginning of the story (her brother Brian has a brain tumor) and some she has no clue about (she’s about to be in a fight for their lives). She’s a character who has let her loss shape her opinion of God, rather than letting God shape her opinion of her losses. She’s very intelligent, but also very naive in some ways. And she loves her brother fiercely. This conglomeration of traits gives us a layered heroine who immediately has us solidly in her corner. Her faith journey is sweet and authentic, and I enjoyed her personality.

Duke is not your typical Christian fiction hero, and that’s really not a bad thing. His life before following Jesus was full of bad choices and, even now as a believer, he has some bad habits that aren’t usually seen in Christian fiction. Habits he’s suffering the consequences of and which, honestly, make him an unlikely romantic possibility for Kadie despite the sparks between them. In fact, if I had to pick which one was a Christian at the start of the book – Kadie or Duke – I would have gone with Kadie just on a purely surface level. Yet when we get down to the layers of Duke’s personality, we instead find a man who is kindhearted and loves Jesus in spite of still being a little rough around the edges.

My favorite characters in The Pilate Scroll, though, were Mac and Brian. Mac is Duke’s best friend and co-pilot, and Brian is Kadie’s brother. I can’t say much more about Mac without giving away some spoilers, but in Brian the author has done a remarkable job of representing a Down Syndrome character with honesty and tenderness. His faith in Jesus is simple and pure and unwavering, and his love for his sister is heartwarming. The abuse he suffers in this story from one antagonist in particular drew out several emotions in me, as though Brian was a real person in my acquaintance instead of a character in a thriller.

The plot is definitely intriguing on its own premise – what if there was a relic (or two) related to Jesus that could not only change history but could also change your life? What if good people are dying because they know too much & the wrong people find out? What if you have the information they need but you don’t know what it is? There are several close calls in this story that had me reminding myself to breathe because it felt like I was running for my life right along with Kadie, Duke, Brian, and Mac. The author makes these rather fantastical story points seem plausible and realistic, and the ever-present danger keeps readers invested in the outcome.

Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of the National Treasure or Indiana Jones movies or Ronie Kendig’s Tox Files, then you’re going to love the premise of The Pilate Scroll! While I thought the personal spiritual discussions (and some of the history lessons) at times were too lengthy & bogged down the story flow, and despite some other minor things that felt oddly placed, there was plenty of action and suspense to keep me turning the pages. A fascinating ‘what if’ plot with a lot of heart-pounding action & layered characters.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Jason E. Fort.
Author 22 books24 followers
June 7, 2021
Ted Dekker and Indiana Jones

"Pilate Scroll is an emotional roller coaster that includes everything; from good guys with hyper-spiritual awareness and faith, to bad guys with questionable ethics or lack thereof... and the perfect combination of action and moments that pull at your heart strings. Indiana Jones meets Ted Dekker in this fun, realistic portrayal of a tale that, if it were true - the world might be better off not knowing it ever happened. But the best part is, the author leaves that for the reader to decide. Without ruining the ending, let me just say there haven't been many action novels that moved me to tears. This one did. God bless those that read it. And the author that wrote it. A highly recommended novel for believers and nonbelievers alike."
Profile Image for Caren McVicker.
Author 1 book67 followers
May 9, 2021
Be prepared to lose sleep and throw the dog a bone so you can keep reading! M.B. Lewis does a masterful job keeping the suspense building from the first page. I will admit, this was the first Christian Thriller I have ever read and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But ask yourself, if you are willing to read thrillers which condemn religion, can you be open minded enough to read one in which a few of the characters talk about their Christian faith journey? I felt like the book had a positive, affirming tone without being preachy and I will be recommending it to friends regardless of their spiritual beliefs.
Profile Image for Ragan.
106 reviews
April 19, 2021
This book is very much a Christian version of a Dan Brown novel. It is literally packed with action from the first chapter to the last. I enjoyed the historical fiction and the way the author didn't sugarcoat the cruelty and greed of the antagonists. Sure, there were plenty of unbelievable parts, but it's fiction, and it kept my attention. *I won an electronic copy of the book, and I'm so glad I did!
Profile Image for Tim McKernon.
1 review
Read
July 19, 2021
Mike has been writing books for a while now and when The Pilate Scroll came out I could not wait to read it. I found it very captivating and could not put the book down. It was a fast read for me since it was packed with twists and turns. His imagination along with historic information about places was stunning. The only downside to his book is that it was not endless. Truly a great writer that creates "Goodreads". I would change the title to "Greatreads" to match his book.
Mike, I am looking forward to your next book.

Mac McKernon
5 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2021
Pilate Scroll is a Christian thriller that I couldn't put down. The historical and Biblical research is fascinating and the idea of the Pilate Scroll is very thought provoking. The strong characters make the story come to life and the Christian theme is woven throughout. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting book that has it all!
Profile Image for Kathleen Kelly.
1,379 reviews130 followers
April 7, 2022
Pilate Scroll by M.B. Lewis, what can I say? This book was definitely worth a read. I am not usually one for reading Christian stories, but I was intrigued by this one.

The premise: A Christian thriller, a group of people looking for the Pilate Scroll, a virus and the cure, featuring scientists and scholars. This is a romp through Egypt with past paced action, good guys and bad guys abound. When I say bad guys, it is always whom you least suspect.

The protagonists: Kadie Jenkins and her Downs brother Brian working with an organization in Egypt. Kadie has lost faith a long time ago, but her brother knows more about faith and religion than Kadie had thought. Renegade pilot, Duke, who endears himself to Kadie through his faith. There are reasons for Kadie' s lack of faith and it is laced through the pages, will or can she have faith again?

What I liked: I liked the fast-paced aspect of the book, from the very beginning it had me hooked. The research by the author was impeccable, a lot of faith-based writing, but not preachy. The author writes in a very descriptive way that has the reader following along, eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

Conclusion: I really liked this book and could not put it down. A lot of sleepless hours reading and wanting to find out more. Reading about the Pilate Scroll, which is fictitious, and Emperor Tiberius and Emperor Constatine and Claudia. We all know who Pontious Pilate was and his role in the death of Jesus. All of this was intertwined in a fictionized story. I say there needs to be a sequel!
1 review
May 10, 2021
STRIKINGLY RICH


What a powerful read! You do not have to believe in God to enjoy reading Mike Lewis’ The Pilate Scroll. It’s pure fiction. But like all great fiction, it conveys a great truth - a greater truth. The Pilate Scroll, in fact, conveys the greatest truth. God is personal and real. God saves those whom are His, those who through faith - the substance of things hoped for though not seen - grasp Him when His Spirit is accepted and not rejected within them. Read it! And hold on! It’s an adventure that will grab ahold of your heart through characters you will know and relate to, along with a story you have never before heard but somehow . . . know. Some of the characters you will like, some you will despise. Such is life on Earth. I encourage you to read it. Let go, and let God transform your heart with every adventurous page that will touch you on a variety of levels and keep you turning until the end. I literally could not put it down. We all need healing, everyone of us, no matter where we are - not just Kadie, Brian and Duke. And, yes, to the Kadie in us all, life is hard and doubt more real than we can ever imagine, God does have a plan! Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Mike Lewis. The Pilate Scroll will make us all richer in a way. The right way.
188 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2022
This was my first book I read by this author and I had no idea what to expect. After reading this book, I can say, without a doubt, the author did an excellent job writing an action packed thriller about an artifact with untold power and weaving a whole new level of Christianity into it. This artifact and a 2000 year old legend from previous generations could change the world forever. Would Kadie become a part of it or choose a different path? Would she be able to see the light that is being shown to her?

The book was done without preaching and sounding like a “holier than thou” fanatic that sometimes turns readers off. The author obviously has knowledge that made this book theologically correct. It starts off as a action/ murder thriller that I couldn’t put down! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the Christian theme to kick in. We see how faith can change our perspectives and our choices. I loved how the author shows a deep understanding of The Christian faith. In my opinion, reading this book can touch the reader’s soul by interweaving faith, forgiveness and redemption. I would highly recommend this book to others. Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #michaelByarlewis
for an ARC copy of this crime thriller/ Christian themed book. I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Peter Younghusband.
366 reviews49 followers
May 14, 2021
Fast paced, action-packed. well-researched and some creative poet licence to fill in the gaps with the known facts concerning Pontius Pilate, Constantine and others.

I became endeared to Kadie, Duke and Brian. I believe Lewis has depicted the character of Brian as a Down Syndrome character well, and this depiction reflects the research from those he consulted with.

I loved the developing relationship between Kadie and Duke. If there was to be a sequel, it would be good to see this bloom into marriage and these two becoming one as described in the Bible.

The spiritual aspects in this novel are uplifting and point the reader to the God of the Bible, His salvation, Him being our Healer and who He is as God. Lewis has set out to achieve what he has described in the Acknowledgements at the end of the novel in this regard.

I applaud him for this.

I gave it 4 stars as I would have liked more intrigue in finding the Scroll, more difficulty in interpreting and finding the clues. It just felt a little too easy.

I look forward to any planned sequels and to read his other novels/series. I have found myself another author to follow and read.

An entertaining, spiritually uplifting novel.
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,310 reviews81 followers
April 8, 2022
This book was a fast moving faith based thriller which globe hops from Egypt to Israel to Turkey then to Italy and finally to Serbia.

The book starts and ends with action and is filled with heart racing adventure all the way through.

It has a wonderful group of main characters in Kadie, her younger brother, Brian, and pilot, Duke.

Kadie has been hired by a company for her linguistic skills to be part of a team that will hopefully successfully find an ancient cure for what potentially may become a weaponized virus.
Her 19 year old brother, who has Down Syndrome and an inoperable brain tumor, accompanies Kadie and the team because she doesn’t want to waste any precious time they may have left together.

BUT not all is as it seems with this project as people around Kadie begin getting killed.

Kadie and Brian meet Duke, who is their pilot, for one wild plane ride.

Kadie and Duke find that there is something even bigger than a medical cure that’s trying to be found. If legend is correct, this find could have riches both monetarily and spiritually more than anything ever discovered.

If you like a perfect combination of suspense, spiritual experiences, and historical locales, then I HIGHLY recommend this read!
Profile Image for Deborah.
60 reviews
June 24, 2021
Free download from Goodreads. What a fantastic read. I had a hard time putting it down. Really enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Military Writers Society of America (MWSA).
805 reviews73 followers
Read
February 13, 2022
MWSA Review

In Raiders of the Lost Ark style, M.B. Lewis's Pilate Scroll is the story of the fast-moving quest in search of a religious artifact. Kadie Jenkins is part of a team of scientists and academics on a noble mission to help find a cure for a virus with the capability of biological weaponry. She learns that the real mission is quite nefarious, but does she catch on in time? She unwittingly embarks on a dangerous and deadly adventure with her younger brother Brian in tow. Duke Ellsworth, a savvy pilot, finally earns Kadie's trust and reintroduces her to God while saving all of their lives over and over.

Lewis's exquisite descriptions as we traipse around the Middle East with Kadie, Brian, and Duke paint a beautiful picture of ancient icons. The twists and turns will make your head spin and you won't be able to put the book down.

Review by Sue Rushford (February 2022)
Profile Image for LINDA BASS.
277 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2022
WOW, WHAT A STORY, AND I KICKED MYSELF FOR NOT READING IT SOONER! I was sad that Kadie lost her faith at her grand parents and her parent's death that left her to take care of her Down's Syndrome little brother, but Brian had no one else and at the age of twenty and in college, she pulled a Master degree and had planned to take a position with Princeton I loved Brian who had a gift to see other's souls and he never liked the security guard, Curt Baxter, as Curt called him a freak and he was mean to him. I loved that pilot, Duke Ellsworth finally was at peace when his wife and children died in a car crash, his job demanded twelve hour days, and after their deaths he went on a drinking frenzy until his mentor and best friend led him to Christ, even with oral cancer, he could, save soldiers, and fly have one last mission with his best friend. The Pilate Scroll is truly a book that RENEWED MY FAITH AFTER ALL, GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE!!
246 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2022
This is one of those books that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. And when I finally reached the end, I didn’t want it to end.

This book has it all. Action and adventure. Love and hate. Empathy and callousness. Spirituality and materialism. If you can think of it, it was probably in this book.

Kadie and her brother Brian are with a group that was supposed to be looking for a deadly virus and it’s cure, but the trip and group turned into something quite different.

This is one of those books that I’ll probably give away the plot if I keep talking about it. So, I won’t. Keep talking about it, that is.

Thank you Mr. Lewis, for this book. How soon can I expect another one from you?

***Book provided by PICT without charge.***
Profile Image for Lily.
3,332 reviews116 followers
May 10, 2021
Disclaimer: I'm not Christian, but I was intrigued enough to read this book, and I enjoyed it quite a bit! I loved the plot and the action that kept it moving forward. I like the wondering of 'what if this were true? What would the world be like?' that Lewis inspires. You're hooked from the first page, and off on the adventure of a lifetime. A little reminiscent of Dan Brown, this book will have you reading with bated breath, waiting to see if the good guys can stay one step ahead of their foes. A great read for Christians, and those who may not be a part of the faith but are open to a new experience.
329 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2022
Solid Story

This is a very pleasant Christian themed adventure story. It has the twin goals of entertaining the reader and persuading him or her towards Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, like all servants who try to serve two masters at the same time, the author couldn't help but ultimately fail at both. The story was pleasant. It was also weak and predictable and rather trite. It was also far too sugary sweet to be truly persuasive towards Christ. It's no spoiler to tell you there are miracles and that they are extremely obvious. Still, it was a predictably pleasant story.
Profile Image for John Connolly.
Author 4 books2 followers
August 29, 2021
Indiana Jones meets Jesus

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway

This was certainly a fast paced book with an interesting twist. I struggled some with the more extremist perspective presented here like it is illegal to be a Christian in some of the places they were and if you're not a conservative you're not Christian.

I did especially appreciate the presentation of Brian as not less than but instead a beloved child of God just as he was created.
Profile Image for Lauri Gentry.
836 reviews19 followers
March 10, 2023
Fast paced, action packed with a little "Indiana Jones" adventure thrown in and a message of salvation.
I debated between a 4 star a 5 due to some little things in the writing style that I didn't like but the 5 won out. I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway, put off reading it for awhile but glad I finally dove it.
A recommended read if you like action, suspense and adventure (and of course the God part).
81 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2021
Goodreads giveaway

An Indiana Jones meets the DaVinci code story. Religious overtones but a very fun read. The good guys win but the treasure stays hidden.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,302 reviews111 followers
March 14, 2022
This is a very informative Christian thriller. The relic at the focus of the dangerous pursuit has roots in the early church. Lewis provides many interesting facts about the Dead Sea Scrolls, Emperor Constantine, and items like the Sator Square. Lewis has done a good job taking readers to many locations and places such as museums.

The relic centers on the person of Jesus so there is much about him in the novel too. Lewis writes from a Christian perspective and there is a strong gospel message woven through the plot.

This is a good novel for readers who like characters looking for historical clues to something hidden in the past yet having immense importance today. Lewis' writing style is easy to follow. While the plot is a bit predictable, Lewis gives us heartwarming characters battling evil to a rewarding finale.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
60 reviews
July 11, 2021
I didn’t realize this was a Christian adventure novel. That being said, it was a little too religious for my taste. I didn’t mind the mystery and adventure parts of the story revolving around religions, as most of history is steeped in the religious beliefs of various empires. But, I think I would have been more keen to enjoy the story if the characters’ personal religious beliefs weren’t such a central focal point. Nonetheless, the storyline was interesting and I enjoyed the mystery and adventure portions.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian adventure novels.
Profile Image for April.
28 reviews
April 27, 2021
So I won this book through one of the giveaways. I didn't really read what the book was about before starting to read it. I truly enjoyed it! It's like Indiana Jones meets National Treasure with a religious twist to it. I loved both of those movies so reading this book was truly a treasure. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and most importantly, it made me think! I am extremely glad that I won this book and got to fall in love with our hero characters!
2,046 reviews19 followers
November 28, 2023
Good

The author says this genre is not his normal "wheel-house". Maybe it needs to be? It is a good, page turning story. Yes, lots of casualties on the way, but not overly gory. Brian was well done. Not trivialized or marginalized. I liked him. Has an interesting end. Would be interested in more books like this from this author.
10 reviews
February 15, 2025
Faith, hope, and scary adventure

I loved the whole story. It was a wonderful adventure that I could not guess what was going to happen next. Loved the way history and religion were mixed together in a way that was believable and fresh. I recommend this book to anyone over 14years old.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,458 reviews50 followers
May 17, 2021
Absolutely loved this book! It's a Christian read and was so enjoyable! Looking forward to read more from this author!
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