Increments of Fire in Judea
By D.S. Lliteras (Rainbow Bridge Books, 2026)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages (Print): 301
Via: Author request
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.
“Increments of fire in Judea burned upon the terrain: campfires were present among huddled travelers and lamp frames peeked out from tent openings and from beneath settled wagons.
Increments of fire had become more visible as the sabbath daylight faded; the corresponding increase in darkness that blanketed the terrain marked the beginning of Passover’s continuation into the Feast of Unleavened Bread.”
The 4-1-1
A “failed disciple of Jesus,” James is as injured internally as he is externally. Because when Jesus was arrested by the Romans in Gethsemane, James ran. Struck on the head by a Roman soldier during the arrest, James comes to later on the Jericho Road with a serious head wound. Hurt. Frightened. Bewildered. Confused. Guilty.
James is treated by a travelling apothecary, Malcam, and his daughter, Lydia. They think he’s a little nuts. But they have compassion on the wounded, woozy fella who can’t seem to think straight. Unsteady on his feet and disoriented, James wanders off (don’t we all?). When Malcam and Lydia realize that James is MIA, Malcam ventures into the “increments of fire” burning around the Judean night in search of James. What will he find? Is James suffering from a fractured skull or something more?
As James grapples with the concept of grace and whether or not it applies to him – confused, disoriented – “unraveled” – lost – the concept is illustrated by Malcam and Lydia. In spades: “A father’s love. This is his gift.”
Along the way we meet others who are walking examples of a touch of grace. Benjamin is a former landlord reduced to a “homeless beggar” due to unpaid taxes. Malcam treats Ben’s sores for free. (Kimber: An epidemic of active boils seems to have broken out in Judea. Are we in Egypt?)
Focus
The narrative focuses on how James may have felt after Jesus was arrested and crucified. Scared. Bewildered. Confused. We follow James as he walks a tightrope between guilt and faith, repentance and forgiveness. James understands the concepts. He’s not quite sure if forgiveness and grace apply to him – a “damaged follower of Jesus.”
Light in both the physical and metaphysical sense is a recurring theme, the former reflected in fire, oil lamps, or “aggressive torches.” External events such as bandit marauders attacking a small encampment of Passover pilgrims reflect James’s inner turmoil. Ditto his interrogation by Roman legionnaires in Chapter 6.
Whispers
Alert readers will recognize whispers of grace in this story. Like the birth of Judith’s daughter, assisted by Lydia. The women share “the tender joy of witnessing one of life’s great miracles.” James has his own “miracle” too as grace soaks into his soul. Aka: “newborn eyes.” And weakness greater than any strength. There’s also the shepherds Azor and Obed: “Everyone needs milk.” Lydia, a “growing convert toward Jesus.” Lame Elisha, a disciple. New parents Judith and Amnon, “too poor to hold onto any belief.” Shaphan “of the corrupt elite class.”
Outsiders. All. Or are they?
The author demonstrates an expert grasp of the geography, history, customs and culture of the region and time. An occasional typo crops up here and there. It’s “were,” not “where” on page 62, for example. And “So does you heart!” on page 66. But these are not pervasive and don’t detract from the overall story.
A familiarity with the New Testament in general and the Gospels in particular is helpful but not mandatory.
At first glance, the title seems more blank billboard than roadmap. Feels abstract and wobbly. Like nailing Jell-o to a tree. But patient readers will connect the dots. Remember what an “increment” is: A small, usually regular amount or step by which something increases, grows, or is added to over time. And so it is with James as he slowly realize what’s happened in recent days and why. And how all the seemingly unconnected events and characters in the story – the “increments” James encounters – kindle a fire in his soul.
Like a glacier carving a valley, the narrative is slow-paced and deliberate. There’s no wasted motion, no unswerving path. A steady, thoughtful exploration of what might have been, this book has zero rush. It rises slowly, like dawn through cold, still air.
Readers who enjoy Ben-Hur, The Robe or Quo Vadis will enjoy Increments of Fire in Judea.
Finally, if you’ve ever felt lonely. Confused. Guilty. Bewildered or afraid. Lost. This book is for you. It’s as subtle as a spark in the dark, yet as powerful as a forest fire.
