Historical Fiction that Brings First-Century Judea to Life

Discover the world of Jesus, Rome, and Pontius Pilate through the eyes of Roman centurion Festus Maximus.

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Portrait photo of Reverend John Bridges the author of the book "Maximus and the Blood of Innocents"

Reverend John Bridges

Reverend John Bridges is an Anglican minister, Bible teacher, former Royal Navy Chaplain and historical fiction author. After serving in the British Army, working in international business and spending more than twenty years in Christian ministry, he turned to writing to bring the world of first-century Judea vividly to life. His debut novel, Maximus and the Blood of Innocents, combines historical authenticity with compelling storytelling and explores the events surrounding Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem.

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John Bridges

Maximus and the Blood of Innocents

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Book Reviews

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  • - Rico Tice

    “John is a military man, an historian and a theologian.  He has spent many years ministering to naval personnel and teaching them the Bible, and he brings this unusual background to the 1st Century Palestine of Jesus, Pilate, the Roman army and the Jewish people, rebels and leaders.  The result is a gripping novel, which gave me such a refreshing insight into the Christian story I thought I knew so well.  I really found I could smell and feel the world into which Jesus came to die and rise again and thoroughly recommend this historical novel.”

  • - Alan Riley

    “Here is the great story grippingly and graphically told. A very good read indeed. The narrative is confident, imaginative and fast-paced. There is a real sense of time and place. John Bridges knows his theology and history intimately. Everything has an authentic ring: from how the first century Judeans understood the messiah’s advent to how Roman soldiers wore their equipment.  This is Bridges's first Maximus novel. Bring on the second, John!”

  • - Trevor Holmfray-Cooper

    "Set in 33 AD, during the turbulent Passover season in Judea, the novel places us in the shoes of Festus Maximus, a senior centurion under Pontius Pilate, who is tasked with keeping the peace as political tensions mount and a charismatic figure from up north arrives to stir things up. The story is anchored in historical fiction, blending Roman military manoeuvres, Jewish unrest, and moral dilemmas — most notably when Maximus must decide the fate of a youth captured alongside three rebels: is he a bandit or innocent?The author paints a vivid backdrop of first-century Judea: from the churning crowds of pilgrims to the uneasy dominance of Rome. For readers interested in historical fiction with religious undertones, there is plenty to digest — questions of justice, power, and belief are woven into the narrative. “Maximus and the Blood of the Innocents” is a great addition to the historical-fiction genre, through the lens of one conflicted Roman officer. Even though I know the biblical account of the events concerned, I was engrossed in the story, and invested in the characters enough to not want to put the book down until the last page was read. Gripping stuff!"
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Explore the Big Questions

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