Ward Sanford
Book 2 Against All Odds is the second book in a series of four entitled Cry For Jerusalem, and is the story of the first Jewish Revolt in 66-70 CE from the perspective of the people involved and the eyewitness accounts of the historian Josephus.Two thousand years ago, men and women were driven to act by the same emotions, needs, and wants as they are today,. In Cry For Jerusalem Book One, we experienced how such actions forever changed the world for Jews and Christians, and met our main cast of characters: Yosef, Nicanor, Cleo, Sayid, and Miriam.In Book Two of this series, the epic saga continues its sweeping arc from Rome to Jerusalem, from Antioch to Galilee. Ancient history comes to life through the actions of historical figures, and events unanswered by history become plausibly explained. You’ll read of the Siege of Yotapta (Jotapata) where thousands of Jews died fighting Roman legions--against all odds--in one of the bloodiest battles in Jewish history, witnessed and chronicled by the famous Jewish historian, Josephus. You’ll follow the developing story behind the legendary (but real) Copper Scroll, considered 'the most uniques, the most important, and the least understood' of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This scroll describes the locations of the Temple treasure moved from Jerusalem to be hidden--assumingly--from the Romans (but has never been found). You’ll learn of the factions and dissension that weaken Jerusalem, and the intrigues within the Roman Empire leading up to the Year of the Four Emperors and the civil war that would then shape the empire for decades. The Great Fire in Rome, started by Nero and covered in Book One, still figuratively burned and had triggered a series of events that would end with the burning of Jerusalem and its Temple in Book Four.What professional reviewers are saying about Cry For Jerusalem so far in Book One:'The story seeps across a first-century world that’s diverse, gritty, and laced with tension. Everything is supported by an incredibly well-researched foundation. The time period and social customs are delightfully developed... there is political and religious strife, moments of ancient beauty, and well-developed characters to carry the plot forward.' --Historical Novels Review Issue 91, February 2020'The plot is as gripping as it is historically edifying, remarkably authentic, and rigorously researched. At its conclusion, readers will be left impatient for the book’s sequel. An impressive blend of historical and dramatic fiction.' --Kirkus Reviews June 2020
