When I read this book, it had been a tough month. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I've read 3 of Moore's books, Practical Demonkeeping and Bloodsucking Fiends along with Lamb. It has been a long while since I read these, although I did recognize Catch in Lamb. I was a little nervous to read this, as I was a bit worried about how far off Moore might have gone. I find his note interesting at the end that those who know the Gospels well enough to catch the places that are the same would be the least likely to read this book. I think that he almost loses on two points: one that those who are most likely to believe in Jesus as the Messiah would be put off by the irreverence and second that those who do not believe would not enjoy the primary assumption that Jesus is exactly who he is portrayed to be by the Gospels. So that those who fall into the two categories have a beef.

This was a fun and charming book. I found the beginning and ending most interesting, although the middle was the chunk of the story (it was seventeen years after all). I was disappointed to see how little of the novel was left when we got back to Nazareth. I very much liked the passion told from the point of view of the best friend. I don't think I've seen it portrayed so well that way before. This is how the followers and friends and family of Jesus would act in this situation. Isn't it likely?

Anyway, I did laugh, even out loud at some parts. I find the very end a little trite and not to my liking, but overall the rest of the novel overcomes the last couple pages.

As for Raziel, I couldn't get the angel from The Vintner's Luck out of my head at every single reference. Made for a really strange view of the angel that I know was not Moore's intent.