Category: Historical Fiction Publisher: Black Book Publishing
Type: Fiction
Pages: 183
Copyright: October 24, 2015
Price: $2.99 (eBook)
The Amazon international bestselling debut novel by Eric M. Black. Published by Black Book Publishing (2015).
“Rockin'!” –USA Today bestselling author Louise Caiola (.authorlouisec)
The Book of Jubilees is a historical fiction novel that follows the second life of Juan Ponce de Leon. Most people know that Juan discovered North America. But very few people know that in his search for the Fountain of Youth, Juan actually found a fountain: but it was a fountain that originally came from the Garden of Eden.
Once the discovery is made, Juan has to fight his nemesis, Diego Columbus, son of famed explorer Christopher Columbus. During the battle, however, Diego is mortally wounded and Juan is forced to save Diego’s life by taking him to the mythical Garden of Eden where he can be healed.
A transformation happens and Juan and Diego become leaders in an ancient fight against a band of fallen angels known as the Watchers.
The Watchers learn the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant and use the power within the Ark to take over creation. Juan and Diego lead a group of assembled warriors against the angels, their sons the Nephilim and a mysterious people known as the Elioud. Through the help of King Solomon, these warriors must seek the answers found in the Book of Jubilees to finally eliminate the threat that has faced mankind since the beginning.
“U R Awesome!” –author Carrie Filetti (.carriefiletti)
“Unbelievable.” –poet and author Tasha Cotter (.tashcotter)
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
“Are you okay, Diego?” the priest asked.
At first Diego didn’t answer. He was focused on what would come next. In truth, he had momentarily forgotten the priest was there.
“Diego?” the priest questioned. When Diego didn’t answer, the priest moved to stand. Diego noticed the priest from the corner of his eye and came back from his thoughts. “Are you okay?” the priest repeated.
It took Diego a moment to focus. “I’m fine,” he finally replied. He saw that the priest was not convinced. “I’m fine,” he repeated, waving the priest back to his seat. “I had a sharp pain momentarily in my head but it is passing.”
The priest was doubtful but sat back down, observing concernedly but patiently.
Diego focused until he became comfortable with the sensation that consumed him and he could interact with the priest again. He opened his mouth but the words on his tongue were not delivered. At that moment, a sense of knowing came over Diego and he apprehended that his friends were dead. Diego’s face revealed a deep grief.
“What is it, Diego?” The priest rose sharply from his chair.
For a moment Diego did not answer. When he finally answered, his words were flat and whispered. “They are gone.”
“Who…?”
“We should leave,” Diego said numbly. He looked closely at the priest. “I will answer your questions when we get to where we are going.”
“Where is that?” asked the priest.
“Somewhere safe.” He saw the priest’s discomfort at his comment. “I don’t have time to explain. We have to go now.”
The priest was hesitant but if agreeing eased in remedying Diego’s current state, he would do what he could. He nodded reluctantly.
They left the priest’s private quarters and traveled the hallway to the room that now housed the police. A couple of the officers glanced curiously at the two men and Diego knew they would question him later on his relationship with the priest. Diego ignored their looks and the priest and he exited the chapel.
“Will we go to the airport?” the priest asked.
Diego shook his head. “They confiscated my passport.”
“Then how were you going to travel to America?”
“I hadn’t planned on taking a plane.”
“I don’t understand. How were you going to get to America? Did you plan on swimming, perhaps?”
Diego smiled at the mild belligerence of the priest. He genuinely liked the man and he owed him some truth now that the Ark was gone; plus the priest was part of what was about to occur. “It may be better if I show you.”
Diego did not tell the priest what he was doing but as they walked, Diego placed his hand on the priest’s shoulder. The priest thought nothing of the gesture.
In the time it took for the priest to blink, their surroundings completely changed. Diego wondered how long it would take the priest to realize they were no longer in Ethiopia.
CHAPTER TWO
As they walked, Diego Columbus mused on the empty vault. The priest had taken some convincing in their new surroundings but with that accomplished, his thoughts flowed unimpeded.
He had been contacted by the priest that morning to come to the chapel as soon as he could. When he arrived, the priest met him in the courtyard and let him know the Ark was gone.
The police were called and flooded the grounds. They regarded Diego with cold antagonism, certain his remarks on the Ark of the Covenant prompted the disappearance. They questioned him for about an hour before collecting his passport so he couldn’t leave the county and moved on with their investigation.
The most inexplicable matter was the account of the missing object. They were not able to ascertain what would make the Ark unique among the other street relics of Ethiopia. Only the priest and Diego had actually seen the Ark and their description had limitations. Pictures of the Ark were forbidden and the investigators were not comfortable relying solely on the Biblical narrative.
Diego was watching the police search the treasury when the priest pierced the room. The priest caught Diego’s eye and motioned for Diego to join him but shook his head to indicate not here. The priest retreated back down the corridor and Diego shrugged and followed the priest.
At the end of the unadorned corridor, the priest entered a small doorway. Diego had to duck as he passed through. Diego recognized this was the priest’s personal living space.
The priest motioned for Diego to sit at the round table in the kitchen as the priest prepared tea for them. I could use a beer, Diego said to himself.
“I am sorry to draw you away from the treasury so cryptically,” the priest said, handing Diego his tea and joining him at the table. “I could not speak openly to you there.”
“Not at all,” Diego replied.
The priest nodded and smiled weakly. “Last night I had a dream.”
This took Diego by surprise. He was not sure what the priest wanted to discuss but did not expect a dream. Of the many mysteries he had seen over the past five hundred years, a dream was often a precursor.
The fact that Diego leaned in assiduously surprised the priest. He expected Diego to be skeptical of his lead statement.
“In the dream, angels came from above and took the Ark.” He looked questioningly at Diego. “Why would I dream that? And why would I dream that the Ark had been taken and this morning the Ark was gone?”
Diego thought for a moment. “Did you mention the dream to the police?”
“Of course. They thought me an old man who had spent too many years alone with my prayers.” The priest was silent for a moment before looking up at Diego. “What do you think? Am I a crazy old man?”
Diego smiled. “You are indeed old. But not crazy.”
The priest exhaled. He was trying to mask his emotions but felt very anxious; he relaxed slightly at Diego’s words.
Even though the priest had not described the angels, Diego knew one of the angels in the dream would be Shamsiel. He knew the story of Shamsiel well:
When the first man and woman were betrayed by the serpent and removed from the garden, Shamsiel was assigned to protect the garden. The serpent was also expelled but allowed to remain in the Land of Eden. Shamsiel was verbal in his disagreement of that decision and more, thought the serpent should be put to death. Word of the disagreement reached the serpent.
The serpent advanced upon Shamsiel early one morning at the locked gates of the garden. “You are Shamsiel?” the serpent asked.
“You know I am,” Shamsiel replied.
“You are the Guardian of the Garden?”
“Again, you know I am.” Shamsiel grew frustrated at the serpent’s inane questioning.
The serpent looked up at Shamsiel with black eyes. “And as the Guardian of the Garden, you are the voice of God in matters of the garden?” The serpent did not expect an answer but paused. “So why does a voice of God’s own mouth disagree with itself?”
Shamsiel drew his sword and the sword burst into flames. He growled at the serpent. Shamsiel had never killed another creature, earthly or heavenly (it was forbidden) but now felt an anger rising. Shamsiel was bitter at the decision to spare the life of the serpent and in that moment, the bitterness turned to anger. If pushed, he decided, I will kill the serpent and abide whatever punishment. “What’s your point?”
“You are a voice of God – God who commands that I be spared – yet with your own mouth have spoken that I should be put to death.”
Shamsiel remained silent, offering only an unremitting stare.
The serpent continued, “I should be put to death for my betrayal. Do you not agree?”
Shamsiel nodded.
“How do you serve a God that allows evil to live?” the serpent asked. “I nearly brought down mankind and yet here I am to plot further on other methods of destruction.”
Shamsiel thought on the serpent’s words. He knew what the serpent spoke was true. He felt the world should have justice yet justice was not served as long as the serpent lived.
The serpent watched Shamsiel’s face and guessed his thoughts. Satisfied, the serpent pressed more. “I am not remorseful that mankind no longer lives in the garden. I am, however, remorseful that I was removed from the garden. You should see the wonders contained within.” The serpent knew this would antagonize Shamsiel as none of the angels (including Shamsiel) had been allowed to enter the garden. “Tell me,” asked the serpent, “why do you guard that which you know not what is inside? Is the garden still a place of wonder or has the garden decayed now that no one dwells within? Do you actually guard a rotted tomb?”
Shamsiel was livid but the serpent had gained his interest. “Get to your point,” he commanded.
“My point is that you waste your time here. You command legions of angels yet you stand idle for all time in defense of a gate against me. Your existence is meaningless so long as you guard this gate and yet I roam free throughout the land when I should have been put to death.”
Shamsiel lowered his sword and the flame lessened. “You speak true.”
Shamsiel’s words were barely audible but the serpent heard them clearly. “I can show you a different way. Join me. Renounce your service and join me in creating a just world: a world in which ethereal beings stand above humans, as is our rightful place.
“You are supremely loyal, yet a slave. Mankind was given free will, free to choose that which, if nothing else makes them happy. In return for that freedom, they turn away so easily. Join me. Together we will create a world where men recompense for their sins.”
Shamsiel was not sure what happened next. He felt as if in a dream. He should have killed the serpent. Instead, the serpent’s words had hypnotized him.
He dropped his sword and walked forward to the serpent. It was then he realized his decision. It was not too late. He could have picked up the sword and returned to his position. But he chose not to return.
Shamsiel took his first step in cooperation with the serpent and after a few steps, he turned to look back at the gate. Standing at the gate with his old sword was Cherubim.
Shamsiel had made his decision. That decision filled him with shame; but also, the decision filled him with hope. He was now on the path to a just world. The shame would fade and purpose would take its place.
Shamsiel turned his back on the garden and followed the serpent into the Land of Eden.
Diego had heard the story many times. He always thought it was ironic that Shamsiel once cursed the serpent for causing the downfall of man but in the end, chose to follow the serpent, turning his back on God as man had done. Diego knew that with the Ark (or what was in the Ark), Shamsiel and the Watchers could regain the garden.
Diego cursed himself for verifying the existence of the Ark. He should have known better. He had lived long enough to know that confidential conversations did not exist. His comments were instantly cited online and spread from there. He was positioned in Ethiopia to protect the secrets of that land yet he had freed the most surreptitious of secrets with his own mouth.
“What are your thoughts?” the priest asked.
Diego looked at the priest. “It’s not time for this discussion.”
“What do you mean?” the priest asked.
“We’re going to visit and old friend. When we get there, I’ll explain everything.”
“What do you know?”
“In good time, Father,” Diego answered, “In good time.”
CHAPTER THREE
Juan had a television that he rarely watched; in fact, the television was more to keep up appearances than anything. He wondered briefly if a baseball game might be on when he heard a knock.
He rose from his recliner and was shocked when he opened the front door. “Diego?”
“Aye, Diego.”
Juan grinned and embraced his oldest friend.
“You act like you’ve missed me. It’s only been a few hundred years.”
Juan laughed. “Yes, I missed you. Please, come in.” It was then he noticed Diego’s companion.
“Juan,” Diego said, stepping to the side allowing full view of the priest, “this is my good friend. I just call him Priest.” Diego winked. “He always answers to that so I stick with it.”
“Father,” Juan welcomed, clasping the priest’s extended hand.
Diego motioned towards Juan. “I’d like to introduce you to Juan Ponce de Leon.”
The priest nodded. “I’m honored.”
“Thank you, Father. I’m also honored to have you in my home. So,” he said, turning to Diego, “what do you think of my house?”
“Small but cozy. The smell fits you. Dog owner?”
Juan smiled. “Not quite. The previous owners had a couple of mutts. The smell of wet dog will fade with time. I’m not sure the smell of piss will, though. Come, won’t you have a seat?” Juan took the men through the living room into the kitchen where he offered them a glass of iced tea. Both men accepted. “I remember when tea was scarce. Diego, do you remember the trade routes that brought tea to Spain? Now we buy it at every local grocery store.”
They enjoyed a moment of silent reflection while sipping the iced beverage. Diego breached the stillness. “How is the fountain?”
“Always the same. I go there most evenings. During the summer, Cherubim is very still as there are children playing in the fountain. But if I stay long enough, I can see him watching me.”
“Can we go there?” the priest asked.
Juan had been studying the priest. He recognized that Diego had told the priest some of their story but not all. The priest would have many questions and they were in for a lengthy evening. “Sure, why not,” Juan answered.
Juan led the way, walking the two blocks from his house to the park that housed the fountain. The day had been searing but the evening was now much cooler. It was early summer and while the temperature fluctuated almost by the hour, the evenings were still relatively comfortable. They walked past several closed storefronts until they reached the open staircase that led down to the park. Once inside, the priest was mesmerized by the fountain.
Juan led them to the three-tiered amphitheater style seating. “You know others have died?” Juan asked Diego as they sat.
Diego nodded. “Yes, I felt it. Do you know what happened?”
“Not yet. But I’m sure we will soon enough. I would imagine if they were targeted, then we are on that same list.”
“It’s been a while since you and I were in such circumstances.”
“Yes, it has.” Juan looked over at the priest. “Father, what do you make of all this?”
“I’m not quite sure. I know that we are in America yet we did not take a plane. I would say that’s a bit odd.”
Juan smiled. “Yes, odd is as good a word as any to describe all of this. Has Diego told you about us?”
The priest nodded. “He has told some of who he is and his work in Ethiopia.”
“Do you believe what he says?”
“I am a man of faith. There is much I believe that others do not. But even so, I would not have believed him to the level I do if I was not sitting here now.”
“Why don’t I start from the beginning? You are part of this now. It’s only fair for you to know that in which you are involved.”
Juan inhaled and began his tale.
Professional Reviews
Great Storyline, Great Characters, Great Debut Novel!
I read Eric M. Black's book of poetry a few years ago and was excited when he announced his debut novel. He didn't disappoint. Plus, I understand his novel has reached Amazon bestseller lists in four countries including the US, which is remarkable!
The book has a very interesting concept, something I have not quite experienced in any other book. Black has taken historical people, figured out a way for them all to interact with each other without seeming forced and made a great storyline. I don't know if the storyline is real or not but it could be. That's what's so great about the book. The dialogue between the characters seems natural and I can see their anger and joy in mind my as I read.
There is some violence but it fits with the subject matter. There is a little bit of sexuality but nothing graphic. I was expecting more of a love story but was not disappointed that it wasn't quite there. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.
Shanghai Escapist grabs the faint-of-heart right from the get-go and serves up an ultimatum: What would you do if caught in the same circumstances? From the opening scene, the reader is tossed into the maze of daily intrigue as it existed in 1960s-70
Third Book in Five Book Series - Southern Swallow - a tale of 12th Century China. Li K'ai-men becomes entangled in an intrigue that becomes his undoing.
Fifth Book of the Southern Swallow Series. Nan Ya and his crew take a final adventure into a mythical Chinese universe and become entangled in court intrigue.
