Review for ‘Ain’t no Messiah’ by Mark Tullius, narrated by Ric Chetter. This is the first book in the Tales of the Blessed and Broken series.

Another good audiobook I picked up from Chirp. I’ll say up front that I’m not affiliated with Chirp – I get no special deals or compensation. I’ve bought seven audiobooks though them so far. I’d never heard of the titles, authors or narrators before I bought the audiobooks. The descriptions sounded good, they were all on ‘special pricing’ for a limited period, and for a few bucks I took the chance and haven’t been disappointed with any of my choices. This audiobook is well produced, the voice acting by Ric Chetter is superb.

Readers or listeners beware: there is profanity, violence, some sexual situations and abuse in many flavors. It’s disturbing – and that’s what makes this story so enticing. 

 Ain’t No Messiah is written and narrated in first person by the main character Joshua Campbell. This is another ‘dark’ and thought-provoking tale, a suspenseful, religious thriller. It is not a joyful, inspiring account of this man’s life. The story jumps between the present (the story’s end) and recollections or flashbacks throughout Joshua’s life. Starting at his birth, which he almost didn’t survive, Charles, his father, declares Joshua the new messiah.  Close calls with death is a theme repeated throughout the story.

The biggest influence in Joshua’s life is his tyrannical father, a man who becomes a stereotypical, fanatical, hypocritical, Bible-thumping preacher. It quickly becomes clear that his father sees the dollar signs as he gathers, sometimes coerces, larger and larger congregations to his new church; The Church of the Second Son. Charles writes his own version of a new testament of the Christian bible, with Joshua as the new messiah who is going to kick ass on this wicked world. Now preacher Charles can thump his own bible as he builds his cult. Nonetheless, Joshua is physically, verbally and mentally abused by his parents throughout his childhood.

About his mother, I’ll simply say that she’s also broken under the power of her husband. His younger brother Paul: equally screwed up but/and very powerful.

 From an early age, Joshua doesn’t now what to think about this messiah business. He doesn’t have any super-powers, any ‘special’ communication with God, or proof of his mantel. He’s kept under a strict thumb at home and isn’t allow to go to school or mingle with the kids around his rural home. When he finally makes some friends in his mid-teen years, Joshua is years behind in social skills and his knowledge of the world.

 After denouncing the church, his parents and running away from home, Joshua still somewhat innocent, falls into the world of sex, drugs and even deeper crimes. He tracks down some of his estranged relatives and learns more about his unusual heritage. He also learns to workout, building his muscle until he is an imposing, tattooed figure you wouldn’t want to cross. 

Joshua is still recognized now and then as that famous kid supposed to be the new messiah. One of his few childhood friends has obtained a video camera and insists of chronicling the events of Joshua’s life; the good, the bad and the porno.

 The middle of the book brings to mind the song: A Boy Named Sue. ‘I grew up quick and I grew up mean. My fists got hard and my wits got clean.’  Joshua learns some hard lessons as he tries to prove he’s anything but the son of God. Charles still proclaims him to be the messiah, even though they haven’t had contact for years. 

But Charles has a few aces up his sleeve, still believing in his own preaching that Joshua is the chosen one. Forcing himself back into Joshua’s life and Joshua’s back against the wall with threats so powerful, Joshua has no choice but to acquiesce to his father’s will. The tension is definitely building to the final showdown and ending payoff.  Will the desperate masses once again be willing to sacrifice the anointed man for their own salvation? 

 Joshua will finally show the world who he really is. To say more, would be to spoil the ending. I will say it satisfied me! I’m looking forward to the next books in the Tales of the Blessed and Broken series.