Destroying Angel by Rick Bennett

10/27/2017

If you're innocent, you'll be fine. If you're guilty, well...

Rick Bennett delivers a tale immersed in historical references and cutting-edge techno-jargon. He takes the reader on an epic adventure from the ancient Jerusalem to modern San Francisco of a man called to turn the world on its ear, ass and several other body parts.

BJ, known only to few as Barabbas ben Jonas, has a mission from God Himself: to be the hand of vengeance upon the wicked. On the side, he's mentored conquerors and kings, musician's and maiden's over the course of his extensive life.

His current charge, Jonathan (son of John the Revelator) uses his unique "way with women" to help them find peace in an insane world until Father Love (an equally enigmatic leader) catches wind of BJ and his singular way of getting into and out of deadly trouble.

With the experience that only comes from witnessing every technological invention since the birth of Christ, BJ's technical prowess comes into play when an AI becomes self-aware and seems determined to protect its creator at all costs.

Ride along with BJ in his cherished 1979 Eldorado and throw down with gangs, cults and the twin harems of good and evil.

What I liked:

Fun characters and engaging historical references.

What I didn't like:

I wasn't a fan of the 3rd person omniscient narrative. There was a lot of "head-hopping", but I accepted that as the author's style and just went with it.

I give Destroying Angel Four Stars for creatively intertwining multiple historical references into a single storyline and creating characters that I loved or hated.

I'm not only a fan of Rick Bennett, but I'm grateful to consider myself a friend and mentee.