The premise: Judas Iscariot is cursed with immortality. He hopes to redeem himself by gathering together the 30 pieces of silver he received for betraying Christ. Not a Christian fiction story though. Quick paced. Some humor. Lot of action. Entertained by the thoughts on experience gained by 2000 years of life and talk of encounters with other immortals that were side notes offered throughout the story. Plague of Coins is about Judas Iscariot in modern times. The premise is that he never died, or that he can die but gets better, a la Captain Jack of Doctor Who/Torchwood fame. He is now searching for the 30 pieces of silver that he threw/gave back at/to the Jewish leaders. I'm not real sure what his reasoning is for collecting the coins. Something about atonement. And protecting the area where coins live. Because they're damned, the area where the coins are housed has an excess of unusual happenings, like holes opening up, buildings catching fire, disease, bizarre weather, etc.Plague of Coins opens with William Barrow (aka Judas) discovering a place where he thinks a coin might be (he has an uncanny intuition for these things), and in making plans to go with his son to Iraq to get this coin, the CIA intervenes to send William on an investigation (he has worked for the CIA previously) in the area.This is a very fast read. It was roughly half the length of the previous book I read but read so much faster. The good points (description, characterization) were very good, but some of the events (captivity) were nearly glossed over in comparison. I'm not looking for torture porn or anything, just that upon reflection, it's really not a lot other than a means to an end.Other than that, though, I enjoyed the book. When I finished, I was punched in the gut to tap the screen and read "The End" at the top. I didn't want it to end. Great setup for the next book(s), and I believe the parts there were lacking will be handled more in-depth soon. If I could, I would get all the books and read them right now (which seems contradictory to giving this 3 stars, but it's a good start, and I would give 3.5 stars if I could).I recommend this with one reservation: if you hold your religion rigid, this book will anger you. Otherwise, it's a fun adventure setting up further greater adventures!
What do You think about Plague Of Coins (2011)?
Good thriller with a great history twist that keeps you guessing.
—Serenity0603
very interesting take on this person in the Bible. I enjoyed it!
—madi_cookies
Great read! I couldn't put it down. Unique subject matter.
—Irene
An excellent premise and very solid writing.
—bhavna
