Retribution

City of God Series

by Randall Ingermanson

Reviewer: Lynn Ludwick

A modern-day experiment gone awry has sent Rivka, a Christian, and her husband Ari, a Jew, to first-century Jerusalem where they’ve lived for five years. Ingermanson’s artful handling allows the reader to accept the premise of time-travel. (Transgression and Premonition are the first two novels of this series, but Retribution stands on its own.)

As Rivka shares her present-day knowledge of historian Josephus’ writings, local folks deem her a seer woman. While such “prophecies” cannot alter history, the information assists individuals with their choices. Rivka struggles to forgive the high priest for his cruelty to her associates and to her personally. Ari debates whether or not to use his modern knowledge in the war effort. He also wrestles with his concepts of Christianity. The book climaxes in 66 A.D. when Governor Florus, seeking retribution for an insult, randomly crucifies Jews in the public market, precipitating the eventual Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

An intriguing read, the story fleshes out that segment of Israel’s history and shows that men and women, in any era, seek power and are misguided in their beliefs. In Retribution Ingermanson allows the reader to ponder forgiveness, God’s retribution versus man’s, and His sovereignty.

Lynn Ludwick writes from Medford, Oregon. Books can be purchased on Amazon.com or from the author at http://www.ingermanson.com/books/retribution.php