This book was unique and totally absorbing. The story goes back and forth showing Will, as an average, thirty-year-old man with brown hair and eyes, interacting with people of all ages, nationalities, and lifestyles. He speaks many different languages and seems to somehow know exactly what each person needs to make their lives better, even before they do. After a few chapters, you realize he's been around for a long, long time and appears to be some kind of angel that helps people, however he turns out to be much, much more. I found it heart-warming and inspirational and highly recommend it to anyone who likes supernatural fiction with religious overtones. A real page-turner. ( )

All in all a well told entertaining story. I liked how the stories view point was passed from character to character. Not much to say without spoiling the story a little, but the ending was much what I expected. ( )

All in all a well told entertaining story. I liked how the stories view point was passed from character to character. Not much to say without spoiling the story a little, but the ending was much what I expected. ( )

Man of Legends

By

Kenneth Johnson

A man doomed to immortality, destined to wander aimlessly throughout until Jesus returns? Such is the legend of “The Wandering Jew.” Said to have been a member of the household of Pontius Pilot, he is alleged to have mocked Jesus as he was paraded by Roman soldiers through the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha for crucifixion.

Will is a man with no name, other than “Will”, as he is known to many he encounters…or with many names. Throughout much of The Man of Legends which is true is unclear. What is known from eye-witness accounts is that he is a compassionate man with a burning desire to be helpful to those who need help, support or a boost of encouragement. However, Will is tired; his spirit is weary and heavy with the burden of his existence. The magnitude of that burden is slowly reveled as the story progresses.

Father St. Jacques is a French priest assigned to the Vatican and to the Pontiff’s personal service. A man driven by pride and determination to advance in influence in the church hierarchy, St. Jacques will stop at nothing to locate and restrain Will deep in the Vatican where he can influence no one without the church’s censorship and ‘spin’. His official mission is all about preservation of church doctrine; his personal mission al about pride and personal advancement. His excuse…capturing living proof that Christ’s miracles exist.

The handsome, well-dressed, young man seems to mock Will at every turn. He does not mock him openly in a confrontational manner, but more by insinuating himself into Will’s attention. Eventually, there will be a showdown between them; one that many in New York will never forget.

Among the many people Will has encountered and helped, are Tito, Maria, Suki Tamura, Nicole and others…people who fill in bits and pieces of Will’s recent story through first person accounts. Jillian, Hanna and Father St. Jacques tell the major part of Will’s story through their personal narratives. A large number of New Yorkers, including these, gather in an old warehouse for a spectacular showdown; a showdown that for all its magnificent horror resolves nothing, but sheds light on the character of the participants.

Man of Legends is a well written and well edited tale based on the legend of “The Wondering Jew”. It is emotional, gut-wrenching at times and the reader cannot help empathizing with Will’s plight, cheering his willingness to help others despite his own problems, and marveling that after two millennia he can still stand firm against overwhelming powers.

Sure to be enjoyed by any action or adventure lover, or any lover of fantasy, Christian fiction or church related fiction or mysteries, The Man of Legends offers something for almost reader. ( )