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The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin
Set amidst the backdrop of the scholarship and humanism of renaissance France, and its love of luxury, power, and decadence, this fast-paced biographical novel on John Calvin is told from the perspective of a rival whose envy escalates to violent intrigue and shameless betrayal. The Betrayal is the tale of the private war of one man who was determined to sell all for a convoluted allegiance to the King of France and the jealous Doctors of the Sorbonne, even if it cost him his own soul. Get set for royal intrigue, desperate escapes, violent martyrdom, hazard-all romance and loss, high-risk debate, and sword-point confession in this tale, one that is at last a story of how God uses the humility and unflinching faithfulness of one man to break down the barrenness and bitterness of another—all accomplished by grace alone.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
37 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
79 books227 followersDouglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 14, 2018
The story is told by a chronicler, who attends early school with John Calvin – French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century. The venom of his voice and his actions are very clear.
The author’s writing is brilliant in every aspect, the word choice and tone; the story reflecting the “iron self-disciplined” character of John Calvin; and the atmosphere of painful reality of the 16th century Paris’ burnings of those who dared to question clergymen. This historical fiction is “set in the times and places when and where John Calvin lived and worked. Though it is fiction, the reader may accept Calvin’s words in dialogues, sermons, discussions, and debates with confidence.”
Young Calvin displays brilliance from early school years. He is the envy of his schoolmates. His knowledge is far above his age, and what seems ahead his time. It comes across as from another world. From early on, he isn’t afraid to speak up or ask what isn’t supposed to be questioned.
The chronicler’s envy of Calvin’s brilliance makes him develop uncanny ability to be invisible and follow Calvin’s each move until arrival in Paris, where he becomes visible, simply by approaching Calvin and asking him for “honor of attending upon him.”
In Paris, while Calvin studies for priesthood at Sorbonne, two events occur: Calvin hears of Martin Luther and chronicler overhears about spies of the Sorbonne commissioned by priests and doctors. Two men with two different goals lead to the Betrayal, which has an unexpected twist.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
The author’s writing is brilliant in every aspect, the word choice and tone; the story reflecting the “iron self-disciplined” character of John Calvin; and the atmosphere of painful reality of the 16th century Paris’ burnings of those who dared to question clergymen. This historical fiction is “set in the times and places when and where John Calvin lived and worked. Though it is fiction, the reader may accept Calvin’s words in dialogues, sermons, discussions, and debates with confidence.”
Young Calvin displays brilliance from early school years. He is the envy of his schoolmates. His knowledge is far above his age, and what seems ahead his time. It comes across as from another world. From early on, he isn’t afraid to speak up or ask what isn’t supposed to be questioned.
The chronicler’s envy of Calvin’s brilliance makes him develop uncanny ability to be invisible and follow Calvin’s each move until arrival in Paris, where he becomes visible, simply by approaching Calvin and asking him for “honor of attending upon him.”
In Paris, while Calvin studies for priesthood at Sorbonne, two events occur: Calvin hears of Martin Luther and chronicler overhears about spies of the Sorbonne commissioned by priests and doctors. Two men with two different goals lead to the Betrayal, which has an unexpected twist.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
February 21, 2017
The Betrayal by Douglas Bond is a very well written novel on the life of John Calvin. The way Bond portrays him through the eyes of his personal servant (and sworn enemy) gives a unique picture of his life.
Characters
The characters were well done. Jean-Louis, the protagonist, is a very interesting character. His emotions are shown very vividly; his intense feelings toward Calvin drive his every action. The growth of the characters throughout the story was also well executed.
Plot
Likewise, the plot flowed well, each event being smoothly linked to the next. As the narrator, Jean-Louis' comments would easily join two otherwise unconnected events to each other.
Overall thoughts
I greatly enjoyed this book. It was a captivating read, and kept my interest to its completion. I grew attached to the main characters, and was devastated at the end.
Would I recommend it? Yes indeed, especially to historical fiction lovers.
Would I let my kids read it? It is definitely an adult novel, because of the depth of writing, but I will definitely let my kids read it, especially if they are advanced readers.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Characters
The characters were well done. Jean-Louis, the protagonist, is a very interesting character. His emotions are shown very vividly; his intense feelings toward Calvin drive his every action. The growth of the characters throughout the story was also well executed.
Plot
Likewise, the plot flowed well, each event being smoothly linked to the next. As the narrator, Jean-Louis' comments would easily join two otherwise unconnected events to each other.
Overall thoughts
I greatly enjoyed this book. It was a captivating read, and kept my interest to its completion. I grew attached to the main characters, and was devastated at the end.
Would I recommend it? Yes indeed, especially to historical fiction lovers.
Would I let my kids read it? It is definitely an adult novel, because of the depth of writing, but I will definitely let my kids read it, especially if they are advanced readers.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
March 8, 2011
Fans of John Calvin rejoice! This is the book for you. There's a ton of copy taken from Calvin's writings here, all written in the guise of fiction. I'll admit that I'm not a huge reader of non-fiction, so this novel wasn't really my cup of tea. Not a whole lot of action aside from a few stake burnings and the ever-present threat of Calving getting caught. But he didn't. So it wasn't a page turner, for me anyway. And if you're hoping for romance, this would not satisfy your craving. Historically, though, it presents a relatively accurate picture of the life and times of John Calvin and reformation era Europe.
October 11, 2023
There needs to be more stars! Even though it took me nearly 10 months to read through this book (well about 6 months to actually start it, 2 months to decide whether or not to continue past the first few pages, then 2 months to read it entirely), it’s a masterpiece of historical fiction.
It’s heavy, at least for me, and I was overwhelmed with emotion many times at the reminders of what the reformers endured in the 16th century (one of my favorite eras in history, oddly enough). My heart ached and grieved for the loss and brutality and miseries inflicted upon the men and women who gave all, even unto death, to proclaim the gospel of Christ and advance His kingdom!
This book not only wonderfully served as a walk through of Calvin’s life but also a dramatic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!
All the stars! Now I need to return this copy back to my brother in law and buy my own so I can revisit it often!
It’s heavy, at least for me, and I was overwhelmed with emotion many times at the reminders of what the reformers endured in the 16th century (one of my favorite eras in history, oddly enough). My heart ached and grieved for the loss and brutality and miseries inflicted upon the men and women who gave all, even unto death, to proclaim the gospel of Christ and advance His kingdom!
This book not only wonderfully served as a walk through of Calvin’s life but also a dramatic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!
All the stars! Now I need to return this copy back to my brother in law and buy my own so I can revisit it often!
July 23, 2019
Though a gripping read, I stopped reading this book eventually because, to be quite frank, it was DEPRESSING. The whole book was from the perspective of John Calvin's enemy, who is wicked and self-centred; plus the details of several things such as a reformer being tortured were quite gorey (and this comes from a Lord of the Rings fan!). I personally think that the idea behind this book was a good one...it just wasn't the sort of book I was raring to read every time I got the chance. I'm sure some people would enjoy it - it just wasn't for me, and definitely not one I would recommend for children.
January 31, 2023
Read this a while back, and even as a thirteen-year-old, I greatly enjoyed it. I came back to it last year, and reread it - it was as good as ever.
The suspense and writing style really pull you in, and it is a great way to learn about the great theologian, John Calvin.
I'm planning to read it again this year, should I get the chance, because I am going through Calvin's Institutes.
The suspense and writing style really pull you in, and it is a great way to learn about the great theologian, John Calvin.
I'm planning to read it again this year, should I get the chance, because I am going through Calvin's Institutes.
May 3, 2023
Excellent! A more difficult read but enjoyable! I learned so much!
March 7, 2012
Where I got the book: e-ARC from NetGalley
The story of John Calvin from the viewpoint of Jean-Louis, his servant and, initially, his enemy.
When I started this book, I actually had to stop and go make sure this wasn't some kind of reprint of a public domain novel from an earlier era. The whole style of The Betrayal struck me as startlingly nineteenth-century, from the language used to the proportion of dialogue to narration. It even had the "validation" format of a Victorian novel, where the main story is in the form of a letter/confession found among a ruin...incidentally what's up with not wrapping up the story frame at the end? I was expecting to return to 1918 and was quite disappointed.
So we see Calvin's life supposedly filtered through the guilty mind of Jean-Louis, but Bond has lifted so much dialogue directly from the writings of the true-life characters in the case that we frequently encounter the device of Jean-Louis standing speechless in the room while the other characters spout their lines, occasionally reacting like a bit player in a mammoth stage production. In the first third of the book, where Jean-Louis is plotting to betray Calvin, things are a little more interesting because J-L gets to have some thoughts of his own, but before long he is merely the transcriber of what's going on around him and has no apparent life of his own.
That might be OK if the novel gave me a rounded picture of Calvin, but the guy's a plaster saint. Never, ever does he let slip a bit of real humanity. He invariably does the Right Thing, his marriage is perfect, he can recall entire books with 100% accuracy, etc.
And I was really thrown by Jean-Louis, the uneducated peasant, being able to expound about the gothic architecture of the various churches they encounter...and by his use of the words "medieval" and "Middle Ages." A little research--and, frankly, common sense--tells me that those terms WOULD NOT have been used in the 1500s, and neither would anyone have remarked that there was electricity in the air. Anachronism ho!
And as for the formatting...spelling and grammar just fine, but uncapitalized first names and beginnings of sentences made the text hard to read. Worse, when I spotted the consistency in the non-capitalizations I realized that this was probably a feeble attempt to prevent copies being made. Look, find and replace are SO easy to do, and this kind of thing does nothing to deter piracy but just annoys reviewers.
I did, though, find the story of Calvin interesting, so two stars for that. But I can't see The Betrayal as a novel; it's a kind of thinly-skinned-over simple primer on Calvin, and as such has a point to it if you want to research Calvin's life (it has a timeline and bibliography at the end, too). But any kind of fictional prose narrative--the definition of a novel--was so slight as to be peripheral. And it's copyrighted 2009, so how is this an ARC? Could publishers--gasp!--possibly be using NetGalley to position repackaged books for review? If I keep finding shenanigans like this, I will give up e-galleys; there are plenty of self-pubbed freebies out there with better formatting and, quite possibly, better writing.
The story of John Calvin from the viewpoint of Jean-Louis, his servant and, initially, his enemy.
When I started this book, I actually had to stop and go make sure this wasn't some kind of reprint of a public domain novel from an earlier era. The whole style of The Betrayal struck me as startlingly nineteenth-century, from the language used to the proportion of dialogue to narration. It even had the "validation" format of a Victorian novel, where the main story is in the form of a letter/confession found among a ruin...incidentally what's up with not wrapping up the story frame at the end? I was expecting to return to 1918 and was quite disappointed.
So we see Calvin's life supposedly filtered through the guilty mind of Jean-Louis, but Bond has lifted so much dialogue directly from the writings of the true-life characters in the case that we frequently encounter the device of Jean-Louis standing speechless in the room while the other characters spout their lines, occasionally reacting like a bit player in a mammoth stage production. In the first third of the book, where Jean-Louis is plotting to betray Calvin, things are a little more interesting because J-L gets to have some thoughts of his own, but before long he is merely the transcriber of what's going on around him and has no apparent life of his own.
That might be OK if the novel gave me a rounded picture of Calvin, but the guy's a plaster saint. Never, ever does he let slip a bit of real humanity. He invariably does the Right Thing, his marriage is perfect, he can recall entire books with 100% accuracy, etc.
And I was really thrown by Jean-Louis, the uneducated peasant, being able to expound about the gothic architecture of the various churches they encounter...and by his use of the words "medieval" and "Middle Ages." A little research--and, frankly, common sense--tells me that those terms WOULD NOT have been used in the 1500s, and neither would anyone have remarked that there was electricity in the air. Anachronism ho!
And as for the formatting...spelling and grammar just fine, but uncapitalized first names and beginnings of sentences made the text hard to read. Worse, when I spotted the consistency in the non-capitalizations I realized that this was probably a feeble attempt to prevent copies being made. Look, find and replace are SO easy to do, and this kind of thing does nothing to deter piracy but just annoys reviewers.
I did, though, find the story of Calvin interesting, so two stars for that. But I can't see The Betrayal as a novel; it's a kind of thinly-skinned-over simple primer on Calvin, and as such has a point to it if you want to research Calvin's life (it has a timeline and bibliography at the end, too). But any kind of fictional prose narrative--the definition of a novel--was so slight as to be peripheral. And it's copyrighted 2009, so how is this an ARC? Could publishers--gasp!--possibly be using NetGalley to position repackaged books for review? If I keep finding shenanigans like this, I will give up e-galleys; there are plenty of self-pubbed freebies out there with better formatting and, quite possibly, better writing.
June 19, 2011
Murder, corruption, political intrigue... this is the stuff of blockbuster movies and top-selling novels today, but it was reality for those living in Europe during the turbulent 16th-century Protestant reformation. It is a fascinating time to study — not to mention an important part of our Christian heritage — but often comes across as dry and unappealing in the history books and traditional biographies. Thankfully, Douglas Bond has brought this period to life in this novel, which shows us just how exciting history can be!
The Betrayal is a historical novel which follows the life of the French theologian and pastor, Jean Cauvin — whom we have come to know as John Calvin. The story is told from the perspective of a fictional character who, though a lifelong rival, has a life intertwined with Calvin's right up until his death. Though the character and some of the dialogue are fictional, the events chronicled are historical events, and Calvin's words in the novel are taken straight from his letters, books, and sermons. The author even references Calvin's writings in an appendix titled "For Further Reading", so that we can be sure that the conversations that take place in the book are representative of what Calvin actually believed and taught at various stages of his ministry.
Without going into too much detail about the plot (I don't want to ruin it for you!), I can tell you that this is a gripping story that never feels bogged down in details. I was engaged from very beginning, and my attention was held to the final page! John Calvin and the other historical figures are portrayed accurately as great but flawed men who were used mightily by God to advance the cause of the pure doctrines of Jesus Christ in the face of resistance from every side.
Having read several biographies and writings of John Calvin, as well as books on church history, there was nothing in this novel that was totally "new" to me. However, doctrines and dates that had previously been confined to the realm of intellectual knowledge came to life in a way that was totally new, something I didn't really expect from a novel. It was a pleasant surprise!
To those who have read Calvin before: I believe this book will have the same effect on you. To those who are turned off by history books and biographies: This book will serve as a great introduction to a man and a time period that you should know about. Do I personally prefer it to a well-written traditionaly biography? No, but I still give it a very high recommendation.
The Betrayal is a historical novel which follows the life of the French theologian and pastor, Jean Cauvin — whom we have come to know as John Calvin. The story is told from the perspective of a fictional character who, though a lifelong rival, has a life intertwined with Calvin's right up until his death. Though the character and some of the dialogue are fictional, the events chronicled are historical events, and Calvin's words in the novel are taken straight from his letters, books, and sermons. The author even references Calvin's writings in an appendix titled "For Further Reading", so that we can be sure that the conversations that take place in the book are representative of what Calvin actually believed and taught at various stages of his ministry.
Without going into too much detail about the plot (I don't want to ruin it for you!), I can tell you that this is a gripping story that never feels bogged down in details. I was engaged from very beginning, and my attention was held to the final page! John Calvin and the other historical figures are portrayed accurately as great but flawed men who were used mightily by God to advance the cause of the pure doctrines of Jesus Christ in the face of resistance from every side.
Having read several biographies and writings of John Calvin, as well as books on church history, there was nothing in this novel that was totally "new" to me. However, doctrines and dates that had previously been confined to the realm of intellectual knowledge came to life in a way that was totally new, something I didn't really expect from a novel. It was a pleasant surprise!
To those who have read Calvin before: I believe this book will have the same effect on you. To those who are turned off by history books and biographies: This book will serve as a great introduction to a man and a time period that you should know about. Do I personally prefer it to a well-written traditionaly biography? No, but I still give it a very high recommendation.
May 14, 2011
Douglas Bond does a good job in illuminating the life, thought and character of John Calvin in The Betrayal--not an easy task in that Calvin's battlefield was in a realm of ideas and not action. Narrated in the first person, through the eyes of Calvin's most intimately placed enemy, The Betrayal establishes the historical context in which Calvin lived and worked, follows Calvin from childhood through death and captures the progression and nuances of both his theoretical and practical theology. Telling Calvin's story through the eyes of a sworn enemy was a very useful, dramatic device--particularly at the story's end.
I really appreciated Bonds' skill in in making the French Reformation real, placing Calvin in a world of which I am very unfamiliar. Ever the teacher, I warmly suspect, Bonds also further acquaints readers, such as myself, who are Calvin novices, with Calvin's theology by inserting modern language translations of his work into The Betrayal's narrative in the form of short sermons Calvin gives or conversations he has.
It is unfortunate that this book appears to be somewhat marketed as a suspenseful page-turner. I did not find it to be so. I enjoyed The Betrayal and was informed by it. However, I describe it as historical fiction that occasionally is suspenseful. I read over half the book before I really got into it.
The Betrayal is an engaging introduction to the life and times of John Calvin.
I really appreciated Bonds' skill in in making the French Reformation real, placing Calvin in a world of which I am very unfamiliar. Ever the teacher, I warmly suspect, Bonds also further acquaints readers, such as myself, who are Calvin novices, with Calvin's theology by inserting modern language translations of his work into The Betrayal's narrative in the form of short sermons Calvin gives or conversations he has.
It is unfortunate that this book appears to be somewhat marketed as a suspenseful page-turner. I did not find it to be so. I enjoyed The Betrayal and was informed by it. However, I describe it as historical fiction that occasionally is suspenseful. I read over half the book before I really got into it.
The Betrayal is an engaging introduction to the life and times of John Calvin.
May 3, 2010
A captivating novel on the life of the famous reformer, John Calvin, this book was definitely a page-turner! I loved the vivid word pictures Mr. Bond created with his writing that quickly transport the reader back to the tumultuous 16th Century in Europe. The story is told from the perspective of the fictional character Jean-Louis Mourin, personal attendant to Calvin. Historical events and figures are woven into the plot and the “voice” of Calvin is extracted from his many writings, lending an authenticity to the story that is refreshing and inspiring. The author is obviously passionate in his presentation of the truths adduced during the Reformation, and I found myself drawn to a greater appreciation of the things God has led me to understand and believe in the past several years and the man who was used so mightily of Him to proclaim those truths. There is a sense that perhaps the author has elevated Calvin to a super-human status, as he is depicted as a nearly faultless individual, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good story with depth beyond that which is usually served up in the notoriously superficial fictional fare.
November 22, 2016
Really loved this book! A great look at the life of John Calvin, and told from a very unique perspective.
June 14, 2017
Engaging, riveting and thrilling. Historical fiction at its best!
November 8, 2025
I had read Bond’s “Hostage Lands” to my students, and was looking for another class read. I saw this title and description, and… was interested. It’s adult fiction, so no reading aloud, but I’ve wanted to learn more about John Calvin... but I did not want to get bogged down in a lengthy biography.
So this was it. A narrative in which the perspective of one who despises the rising philosopher and theologian, mostly for personal reasons, drew me in. Calvin is a controversial figure today, as he was then. So, what would motivate someone to hate this scholar? I had to know.
What I learned? How Christians taking up the “doctrine of grace” were persecuted in France. Wow. There was some graphic and tragic scenes in here. The timeline was enlightening.
Church conflict. Heresies. Doctrinal differences and the need for reformation. How Calvin changed and submitted to better serve and how he faced his opposition with grace and truth.
Regarding POV, I did feel like the middle dragged a bit, like a textbook, in the sense that it’s more of Calvin’s sermonizing/debates, and less inner drive of the POV character. However, this is how Calvin became characterized—someone with practically photographic memory. And man, was he a good orator! I could see why Jean-Louise felt “lesser” and inadequate, therefore wanting to become greater by some means.
Jean-Louis maintains a guilty conscience after “the betrayal”… but this is when he kinda becomes bland. There’s an occasional tug of his conscience, but we’re left paying attention to what he sees/hears… and how he can “predict” Calvin’s responses. Um, okay? Sure—but make this guy talk or ask questions—some creative liberty can be taken! So he’s bland… until the last chapter, when we finally see what Jean-Louis does… well, has done. Finally, Jean-Louis resumes to take action! And then… it’s over. I still cried because it was impactful, but it could have been deeper, I think.
So, Jean-Louis becomes more of an observer—blending into the background—than a main character, as Calvin rises to that position in the story. Yet, it’s done well, because Jean-Louis can represent all of us—outsiders looking in, those trying to hide, or stick to the sidelines—but the same ones who are in need of real forgiveness and Truth.
I am resolved to keep this one.
So this was it. A narrative in which the perspective of one who despises the rising philosopher and theologian, mostly for personal reasons, drew me in. Calvin is a controversial figure today, as he was then. So, what would motivate someone to hate this scholar? I had to know.
What I learned? How Christians taking up the “doctrine of grace” were persecuted in France. Wow. There was some graphic and tragic scenes in here. The timeline was enlightening.
Church conflict. Heresies. Doctrinal differences and the need for reformation. How Calvin changed and submitted to better serve and how he faced his opposition with grace and truth.
Regarding POV, I did feel like the middle dragged a bit, like a textbook, in the sense that it’s more of Calvin’s sermonizing/debates, and less inner drive of the POV character. However, this is how Calvin became characterized—someone with practically photographic memory. And man, was he a good orator! I could see why Jean-Louise felt “lesser” and inadequate, therefore wanting to become greater by some means.
Jean-Louis maintains a guilty conscience after “the betrayal”… but this is when he kinda becomes bland. There’s an occasional tug of his conscience, but we’re left paying attention to what he sees/hears… and how he can “predict” Calvin’s responses. Um, okay? Sure—but make this guy talk or ask questions—some creative liberty can be taken! So he’s bland… until the last chapter, when we finally see what Jean-Louis does… well, has done. Finally, Jean-Louis resumes to take action! And then… it’s over. I still cried because it was impactful, but it could have been deeper, I think.
So, Jean-Louis becomes more of an observer—blending into the background—than a main character, as Calvin rises to that position in the story. Yet, it’s done well, because Jean-Louis can represent all of us—outsiders looking in, those trying to hide, or stick to the sidelines—but the same ones who are in need of real forgiveness and Truth.
I am resolved to keep this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2018
I love historical fiction, and I especially love folks who tend to write didactic stuff to try their hand at fiction. So I applaud Douglas Bond (head of the English department at Covenant High School in Tacoma) for this novel on John Calvin. I love the idea of the book, and I think Bond is actually quite a good writer. That said, I think the characters were flat, and perhaps a bit whitewashed (favoring Bond's historical heroes). I too, am a lover of Calvin, but would have enjoyed the novel much more if Calvin's humanity came through. As it stands, it was too much saint and not enough sinner. Still, worth a read.
From the publisher... "Set amidst the backdrop of the scholarship and humanism of renaissance France, and its love of luxury, power, and decadence, this fast-paced biographical novel on John Calvin is told from the perspective of a rival whose envy escalates to violent intrigue and shameless betrayal. The Betrayal is the tale of the private war of one man who was determined to sell all for a convoluted allegiance to the King of France and the jealous Doctors of the Sorbonne, even if it cost him his own soul. Get set for royal intrigue, desperate escapes, violent martyrdom, hazard-all romance and loss, high-risk debate, and sword-point confession in this tale, one that is at last a story of how God uses the humility and unflinching faithfulness of one man to break down the barrenness and bitterness of another—all accomplished by grace alone. "
From the publisher... "Set amidst the backdrop of the scholarship and humanism of renaissance France, and its love of luxury, power, and decadence, this fast-paced biographical novel on John Calvin is told from the perspective of a rival whose envy escalates to violent intrigue and shameless betrayal. The Betrayal is the tale of the private war of one man who was determined to sell all for a convoluted allegiance to the King of France and the jealous Doctors of the Sorbonne, even if it cost him his own soul. Get set for royal intrigue, desperate escapes, violent martyrdom, hazard-all romance and loss, high-risk debate, and sword-point confession in this tale, one that is at last a story of how God uses the humility and unflinching faithfulness of one man to break down the barrenness and bitterness of another—all accomplished by grace alone. "
March 20, 2023
I didn't expect to cry in a historical fiction about John Calvin, but this book took the man I respect and am so thankful for and made him...human. Not by making him vile but by showing his fear, strength, courage, friendship, and love.
For some reason, I thought I was stepping into maybe a middle grade or early young adult book, but it's not. There are some moderately graphic martyrdom scenes that really turned my stomach, along with mentions of the debauchery of life in the dark alleys. So, definitely for late teens on up. But this would be a great book to have high schoolers read while studying church history to help them emotionally connect with the events of the Reformation.
I truly enjoyed this book. It blessed my soul.
For some reason, I thought I was stepping into maybe a middle grade or early young adult book, but it's not. There are some moderately graphic martyrdom scenes that really turned my stomach, along with mentions of the debauchery of life in the dark alleys. So, definitely for late teens on up. But this would be a great book to have high schoolers read while studying church history to help them emotionally connect with the events of the Reformation.
I truly enjoyed this book. It blessed my soul.
March 28, 2019
I would highly recommend this as an introduction to the life of John Calvin and his times. Although it is a work of historical fiction (filled out through the narrator, the fictional Jean-Louis) the novel is historically accurate and Douglas Bond has drawn the voice of Calvin from his published works.
The fictional Jean-Louis lets us into the life of Calvin, a boy he resents, and a man he betrays yet comes to love on his service of him. It is also a story of redpemtion, as Jean-Louis discovers that his sin may be great (even betrayal and complicity in murder) but Jesus is an even greater Saviour!
The fictional Jean-Louis lets us into the life of Calvin, a boy he resents, and a man he betrays yet comes to love on his service of him. It is also a story of redpemtion, as Jean-Louis discovers that his sin may be great (even betrayal and complicity in murder) but Jesus is an even greater Saviour!
June 2, 2020
Such a great book about John Calvin! I enjoyed the entire concept of this book—it’s a work of fiction but the fiction involves the other characters. It is based on facts that we know about Calvin and the author even uses primary sources to carry the story and build the dialogue. The result? Now I want to read a biography of Calvin and some of his own writings. I suspect this was Douglas Bond’s entire objective all along. 🙂 And I look forward to reading more of Bond’s books about various periods of history.
October 10, 2017
The book was initially difficult for me to connect with, the writing style of Douglas Bond being different from what I expected. But, after a couple of chapters, I found myself looking forward to each chapter. It paints a different picture of John Calvin through the jealous eyes of his servant Jean Louis. By the end of the book I find my reading appetite whetted to learn more of this Reformer of the Faith.
May 21, 2025
This was an amazing read! I will be honest though, I wasn't hooked at first. I was expecting it to read like a modern novel. Instead, this is a beautiful retelling of the life of John Calvin through the eyes of a fictitious character. Once I realized this book was written in a classical style with a deep level of historical accuracy, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have already begun The Thunder, about John Knox and I am enjoying each sentence and brilliant word picture.
October 4, 2017
I loved the history this book had threaded through the story line. Learning about John Calvin was very interesting, and the plot was intriguing and kept me reading. A great book to read for the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation!
September 26, 2019
Great story
I have recommended it to others who also greatly enjoyed the read
I have recommended it to others who also greatly enjoyed the read
January 22, 2022
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Douglas Bond brings the truths of Calvin’s life and writes this narrative around it that is so fitting.
April 17, 2022
This was a fun way to learn about John Calvin. I wouldn’t want my young teenager to read it though.
July 6, 2023
Pretty good, mature readers only because of descriptions involving torture, slightly gory. Nothing inappropriate.
November 20, 2025
I could not put it down! I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and this novel did not disappoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2011
For adults who have enjoyed Douglas Bond’s other historical fiction novels, The Betrayal will come as no surprise.
Douglas Bond’s meticulous research adds rich detail to this story of John Calvin’s life, told from the view of a fictional boyhood rival, Jean-Louis Mourin. The story unfolds as a manuscript, penned by Jean-Louis in the 1500’s, is found in the bombed ruins of a building in Noyon during World War I. We then read the tale of a life of a gifted boy who grows into an articulate man who’s writing and preaching help to shape the course of the Protestant Reformation in France and Geneva, Switzerland.
The author quotes John Calvin’s writing in his book, using the subject’s own words to tell the story of his life and thought. At the same time, Jean-Louis uses those words as evidence against Calvin during the time of the Huguenot persecution in France – but can Jean-Louis resist the combination of Calvin’s persuasive arguments and God’s relentless pursuit of his soul?
One word of caution for those desiring to read this book: This book, in its vocabulary and mature logical arguments presented by Calvin, is written for older students and adults. Readers who have enjoyed Douglas Bond’s fiction for middle-grade and high school students should be content to wait a few years before reading this book, but it is well worth the delay!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher with no requirement to write a favorable review.
Douglas Bond’s meticulous research adds rich detail to this story of John Calvin’s life, told from the view of a fictional boyhood rival, Jean-Louis Mourin. The story unfolds as a manuscript, penned by Jean-Louis in the 1500’s, is found in the bombed ruins of a building in Noyon during World War I. We then read the tale of a life of a gifted boy who grows into an articulate man who’s writing and preaching help to shape the course of the Protestant Reformation in France and Geneva, Switzerland.
The author quotes John Calvin’s writing in his book, using the subject’s own words to tell the story of his life and thought. At the same time, Jean-Louis uses those words as evidence against Calvin during the time of the Huguenot persecution in France – but can Jean-Louis resist the combination of Calvin’s persuasive arguments and God’s relentless pursuit of his soul?
One word of caution for those desiring to read this book: This book, in its vocabulary and mature logical arguments presented by Calvin, is written for older students and adults. Readers who have enjoyed Douglas Bond’s fiction for middle-grade and high school students should be content to wait a few years before reading this book, but it is well worth the delay!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher with no requirement to write a favorable review.
January 18, 2016
A very well written and moving historic novel by Douglas Bond . . . a new favorite!! Granted, I have long been a devotee of John Calvin's writings and life, but this novel can move one to tears. It brings alive (no pun intended) the horrors of the French inquisitions and burnings of those converted during the famous reformations of Europe. The reader is introduced to many of the famous reformers and Protestants of this era: Queen Marguerite of Navarre (sister of King Francis I), Jacques Lefevre d'Etaples, Nicholas Cop, Clement Marot (French Psalter), John Knox, William Farel, Heinrich Bullinger, Theodore Beza, and others. And all the major events of Calvin’s life are well-described - - his student life in Paris, his escape to Strasbourg and Geneva Switzerland, his debates and preaching, even his famous challenges by Geneva’s city council and Servetus (well described and defended by Bond). But mostly it is Calvin’s humble dependency upon the grace of his faithful Savior that shines forth and illuminates the pages of this novel . . . one highly recommended!
March 2, 2015
Maybe it wasn't quite as riveting as I was expecting, but it certainly had its riveting moments, and it was all-around fascinating, since I had not known much at all about Calvin's life, just his doctrine (which, granted, is a big part of who he was and a big part of his life). The story is written from the view-point of Calvin's enemy, who plans to take his "revenge." I'm not sure if he was a real character, but the situation seems fairly plausible. I learned quite a bit about Calvin's life and work, and the ending was touching. Would that my faith were as strong and loving as these martyrs of old, but I am thankful for God's grace and even a small measure of faith! I am glad for such a solid, well-researched work and hope to read more like it in the future!
June 7, 2012
A wonderful historical novel/biography of Calvin, this book is told from the perspective of his servant and betrayer. This device keeps it fast-paced and interesting. While it is technically historical fiction, Calvin's main dialogues are lifted or paraphrased right from his letters or writings. The Betrayal is somewhat hagiographic, and while Calvin was a true genius, this is probably not the most well-rounded portrayal of him.
There are a few anachronisms, such as "electricity" and birthday cakes, but it is an otherwise very well-crafted and absorbing story. It both teaches and delights, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an introductory biography of Calvin.
There are a few anachronisms, such as "electricity" and birthday cakes, but it is an otherwise very well-crafted and absorbing story. It both teaches and delights, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an introductory biography of Calvin.
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