The epic journey of Venu concludes in this third volume of BLOOD OF EMPIRES. Venu emerges from hiding in Samaria, still as an undercover mercenary for Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, who beheaded John the Baptist. After reuniting with his Spartan teacher from Athens's Lyceum, he will travel to Jerusalem. Together, they will arrive in Jerusalem just before the triumphal entrance of Israel's promised Messiah riding in on a donkey's colt, which in less than a week will lead to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of this newly proclaimed King of the Jews on charges of sedition and blasphemy.

During Venu's search for truth, love unfolds as the empire of Rome collides with the King of Kings. There will be life and death struggles with enemies and terrorists; and a meeting with Lazarus, a man who was dead for four days, who will describe Paradise to the searching fugitive, Venu. The story concludes following Jesus's resurrection and after the two kingdoms must struggle with ultimate truth and lies. Something never seen before begins with 120 people who will start to alter the world forever.

The final book of the TRILOGY OF BLOOD OF EMPIRES is an unforgettable story where knowledge and understanding have been twisted and tangled, even to the present. Each of us must continue the same cosmic and eternal struggle with our Heavenly Creator.

NOTE: The dating of events and ages of historical characters found in the BLOOD OF EMPIRE TRILOGY results from extensive research and conclusions based on the author's master's thesis, The Date of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, published in 1984 at Wayne State University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the author at johnlburks@gmail.com

JOHN LAWRENCE BURKS - is a well-traveled educator and has lived in seven states. He and his wife currently reside in Michigan, where he is retired after 45 years of teaching at the secondary and college levels. College and university courses that he taught were Bible as literature, world religions, and ancient history. In addition to writing, he is also a bronze sculptor.