Review – The 13th Tribe

Robert Liparulo in his new book, “The 13th Tribe” Book One in The Immortal Files series published by Thomas Nelson introduces us to Jagger Baird.

From the back cover:   Immortal vigilantes from the time of Moses have planned the unthinkable.  But how can you stop what you cannot see?

The battle didn’t start this year…or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment—endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13^th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since—by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans could imagine.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance. When Jagger’s wife and son are caught in the crossfire, he’ll stop at nothing to save them. But how can one man stand against an entire tribe of immortals?

Jacob, also called Israel, grandson of Abraham, had twelve sons who founded the twelve tribes of Israel.  Mr. Liparulo has conceived a 13th tribe of men, women and children, 40 of them, that were cursed by God to wander the earth as immortals and never see the face of God. These would be the people who not only worshiped the golden calf but tasted the blood of the sacrifice.  Somehow this punishment has driven them insane and they believe that if they punish sinners God will find favor with them and reverse His punishment, which, of course, is not going to happen.  It has been thousands of years and now, Jagger Baird, comes into contact with them in his role of head of security at an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai.  These immortals target him and millions of others while taking Baird’s wife and son hostage.  Now the battle is on:  one man against immortals!  “The 13th Tribe” is a thriller, which simply means that everyone is in grave danger from, practically, the beginning.  Mr. Liparulo has given us a really clever story, some of the best villains ever created and a complex, one-armed hero.  “The 13th Tribe” is full of twists and turns that will keep you flipping pages to find out more.  I do not recommend starting this book late at night as you will have to sacrifice sleep in order to finish it.  This is an exciting book, extremely well paced and suspenseful.  What a terrific beginning to this series and I am looking forward to the next book.