Awards, Reviews, Praise – Centurion Witness

Awards

2022 Amazon #1 Bestseller Award – Centurion Witness, top sales April 2022.

2022 Chic Lit Cafe Book Excellence Awards – Centurion Witness, First Place for Historical Fiction.

2022 Global Book Awards – Centurion Witness, Bronze award for Self-published Historical Fiction.

Editorial Review Snippets

2022 Midwest Book Review – by Diane Donovan “Centurion Witness: A Tale of Resurrection and Redemption represents Christian Biblical fiction at its best. Full review below.

2022 Chic Lit Cafe Book Review – by Edith Emunah “Centurion Witness: A Tale of Resurrection and Redemption by Ed Mitchell is a profound, uplifting historical fiction novel with meaningful themes, told through the moving story of an authentic and memorable character. Full review below.

2022 Readers Favorite Book Review – by Theresa Syms “Centurion Witness: A Tale of Resurrection and Redemption, has given the world an eye-opening tale of the events leading up to and after the crucifixion of Jesus.” Full review below.

Reviewer & Customer Praise

Rating = 4.68 stars

Excellent  – ★★★★★    Netgalley reviewer – Janet Perry
“This is an excellent book, a good plot that keeps you reading, and an engaging protagonist. It’s a different take on the story of Christ’s Passion and has a great twist at the end. I loved it!”

Wonderful – ★★★★★   Website buyer – Mary Ann Schramm
“I read it continuously until I had to get some sleep. It’s a wonderful story.”

.Do the right thing – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer – James Mowery
“The book is about doing what is right and atoning for past transgressions. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. You cannot undo the bad you have done, but you can try to do enough good to try and make up for it. Calix does that. He is a warrior and a good man heading into retirement. His buying the freedom for a child was magnificent. So many young boys and girls are enslaved by evil people in the world and everyone saved is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and never put it down once I started it. I hope COL Mitchell writes more books in the future. The central theme in all his books is about doing the right thing. Well done!”

Inspiring – ★★★★★   Netgalley Reviewer: Yolie McLaughlin
“What an excellent read! As a Catholic, I found myself inspired and transformed by the story. It reminded me of the movie, “The Robe” where the centurion (Marcellus) is tormented beyond despair at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The author provided an excellent description of how Roman soldiers prepared for battle and the battles themselves. He took us into a world so unknown to us other than what we’ve read in Holy Scripture. I learned about the mob mentality involved in the trial of Jesus and I also learned a bit more about the Sanhedrin.

It’s very true that the Lord works in mysterious ways and it showed in the way He healed the centurion of his physical and mental wounds (from afar). The event provided the centurion with forgiveness and redemption and the purpose in his new life. What else can I say? I felt refreshed, forgiven and at peace! Thank you, Ed Mitchell for a wonderful book!”.

Seek and you will find  – ★★★★★   Verified Amazon buyer – Otterhawk
“The journey to revelation is usually a step-by-step unburdening of past viewpoints and justifications until the person sees with clear eyes.”

Ed has given us a likable, trusted, and competent military man who’s deeply troubled by his own actions and has the ethical sense to desire a solution. You get to follow his life as he makes amends through good deeds while being faced with leading his command. His personal experiences with people of his time become yours too.

I enjoyed being placed in a historical setting in a realistic way and especially liked the personal interactions with those who were involved with the events. It caused me to research the historical and geographical data which was a rich addition to what is covered in the Bible. The centurion’s Roman perspective added to that as well.

Amends will only take you so far. His observations of and encounters with the remarkable singular Spirit of Christ were each and every time a reminder of his own true nature that boosted him to the next step. Will he ever get the revelation he seeks? It is up to him to choose the way… “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Page Turner – ★★★★★   Netgalley librarian: Beth Williams
“A wonderful story. It took some time to get into the story but was well worth the effort and became a page-turner. Such a reminder of God’s love and grace towards us all. Knowing he hears our cries and honors our prayers for grace and forgiveness.”

Magnificent – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer – Bob Brand
“I was captivated by the story because it reveals the importance of being open-minded about what you believe. Reading the transformation of Calix as the story unfolds was inspiring because even I have struggled with my faith in the past. Ed puts you in the time period. The further I went along in the book, the more I became intrigued by Calix’s willingness to believe what used to be unfathomable to him. The title really says it all in terms of what you can get out of reading a compelling story about salvation, faith, forgiveness, trust in God, and belief in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.”

Heartfelt Redemption – ★★★★★   Verified Amazon buyer: AliReads
“Centurion Witness tells the story of a glorified soldier who has a fall from grace and encounters dangers and struggles that eventually lead him onto a tough path of redemption. The ups and downs of the story keep you hooked for long hours as you turn page after page eager to know what is to come next.

It’s one of those books that you finish in one sitting and then reflect on everything that just happened. The ending is bittersweet, just as we all love it. I think this tale will be talked of a lot and has the potential to find many adaptations in the future. Looking forward to that!”

Loved it – ★★★★★   Netgalley Reviewer: Jennifer Wall
“This book is very well written. It takes us into the era when Jesus is alive and right before he is crucified. It takes us on a journey of the centurion who guarded his tomb and how he came to guard his tomb and the events leading up to that and what occurred after. I was raised in a Methodist home and have always believed in Jesus and God. I loved this book as it gave us another point of view into the events, and how the centurion strived to do good deeds to redeem himself. This book was excellent and I would most definitely recommend it to everyone. Hence why I gave it five stars.”

Another great read from the author – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer: Catherine
“Centurion Witness is a powerful story touching on faith, politics, commitment, and redemption that draws you in. Perfect read for downtime during a vacation, on a plane, or when looking for a compelling tale for home. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Great – ★★★★★   Netgalley Reviewer: Harry Preston
“A surprising read with a completely different take on the story of Rome and Jesus. From the outset, the main character shows to be a grizzly no fear veteran who has a very clear distinction of right and wrong. As the story develops you start to see the love and care but also fear this centurion has in his soul.”

The detail of the battle scene is great and this was my favorite part of the book. Jesus’ introduction and constant presence in the background were very interesting and how his personal story linked to that of the Romans stationed in Jerusalem was an enlightening tale. A great shorter story which I would certainly recommend.”

Centurion Witness – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer: Peggy
“I was captivated from the very beginning. Was hard to put down. Didn’t have any idea what the story was about and was impressed with the storyline. Very good read!“

Love it!  – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer: Carol
“I loved how the author caused me to appreciate a dying sinner while the Centurion interacted with Joseph of Arimathea, Pontius Pilate, and Jesus. I loved the insight into why Pilate first found Jesus innocent, then guilty, and then wanted his tomb guarded. And I loved the ending.

Heart Stirring  – ★★★★★   Netgalley Reviewer: Nyla Kay Wilkerson
“Centurion Witness by author Ed Mitchell is a Biblical Fiction novel. This is the story of a veteran warrior caught in a position between good and evil. Calix is a centurion well known for his bravery and abilities. is feeling guilty about what conspired in one of his recent battles. He becomes involved in a security breach between Rome’s Judean governor and religious leaders who want Jesus killed.

I enjoyed the author’s even style of writing. He had obviously done a lot of research. The book is easy to read and follow. The author has woven the story of redemption throughout the exquisite tapestry of his novel making it inspirational and heart-stirring. I highly recommend this book. It gets a 5-star rating from me. A copy was provided by Net Galley but these are my honest words.”

Held me captive from page one!  – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer: Mrs. P
“I have loved all of Ed’s previous works and this one is no different. A great read from beginning to end.”

Touched my heart  – ★★★★★   Amazon Reviewer: Lori
“Ed has gotten better with each book he writes. This was his best. The story touched my heart when Jesus explained that his God was the God of all people.”

Hall of Fame Top Reviewer Try explaining to Pilate why the body disappeared – ★★★★   Verified Amazon buyer – Grady Harp
“California author Ed Mitchell attended West Point and served in Airborne, Air Cavalry, and Mechanized Infantry units, and as Space-Ground Combat Analyst for the US Joint Space Command. He has also worked in the National Missile Defense and Homeland Security research and development, and in developing NMD kill vehicles for Lockheed Martin and Boeing. He is highly respected as a writer of thrillers – The Gold Lust series of five books – and now CENTURION WITNESS.

In tackling historical novels, especially those of biblical nature, Ed adeptly provides a series of facts about military units in Judea, some maps of Judea in the 1st century, and the time references the author will use. He then plunges into the story as follows: ‘The centurion’s chin kept dropping to his chest, triggering him to shake his head and force his eyelids open. Having ridden for twenty hours to reach the Jordan River and climb above the warm shores of the Salt Sea, he could no longer avoid sleep. St an oasis beside the road running south to Jericho and Jerusalem, he spotted the most defensible position. It was an instinctive skill drilled into him during his first campaign that had saved his life then, and many times during the subsequent twenty-five years…’ The author’s extensive military experience brings credibility to the persona of the Centurion, assuring the reader that the following story will be realistic.

The book is relatively short and packs a wallop, the story being condensed as follows: ‘ Calix, the centurion, is a seasoned warrior of Rome’s frontier army, decorated for saving the lives of ambitious generals, yet haunted by the harm he caused during a recent battle. His last assignment is to again be a bodyguard for the powerful. Quickly he is entangled in the security conflicts between Rome’s governor in Judea and its religious leaders who want Jesus of Galilee killed for sedition. The immediate political and religious struggle for control of the body of Jesus propels the centurion to guard his tomb.’

The biblical theme becomes a refreshingly new story in this author’s hands. In reflecting on Passion Week, this is a new and enlightening viewpoint.”

Religious history read – ★★★★   Verified Amazon buyer – Kourtney
“Centurion Witness is a great reading recommendation for someone who is interested in religious history and stories filled with determination. It took me a little longer than usual to get interested in this one, but it’s still a story I would highly recommend to any reader with a religious interest. The story shows emphasis on doing what is right, even in conditions where it would be much easier to take the easy way out without thinking of the outcome and consequences. The detail in the story is exceptionally well-written with a focus on descriptions that will tangle a reader in. This one is a relatively shorter read, so I would say one could finish it in a sitting or two”

Time Blemish – but read it you must!!! – ★★★★   Netgalley Reviewer: Country Girl
“If you had been in the Roman Army, you would have hoped to have Calix as your centurion . . . One likes the centurion immediately and sincerely hopes he can retire. A good centurion is a teacher of men as well as a leader of men. Calix was all of that. And more. He was wise, not only in leading his men but also in dealing with those appointed above him.

First, I was drawn by the cover. Then the description, especially the final sentence “The immediate political and religious struggle for control of the body of Jesus propels the centurion to guard his tomb.“ The Holy Bible does not mention Jesus’ tomb being guarded but given the upheaval and demands of the Sanhedrin, it is quite possible Pilate had guards at the tomb.

But I did have a problem and it is not an uncommon pet peeve. Historical books should not use 20th and 21st-century references; at least without notifying the reader. The further back in history — the centuries need to also fall back. This book takes place when Jesus was alive on this earth. In Chapter 2, Mitchell writes “Thirty minutes later the new arrival…” Clocks were not invented yet. There wasn’t such a thing as “30 minutes”.

. . . How to make it right? Include in the Preface a short statement such as “The writer has chosen to use now-common words and phrases for the ease of the reader.” If the reader does not read the Preface, their loss. Often goodies are in those Prefaces. In other words, if I had known — it would not have bothered me

BUT Centurion Witness is a wonderful read.”

Surprised  – ★★★★   Netgalley Reviewer: Austin Prather
“Overall quick easy read. Ed Mitchell took a well-known story and weaved a fictional character into the fringes. Was pleasantly surprised as a history nerd I am a stickler for detail. Would consider more novels by Mitchell in the future.”

An engaging tale  – ★★★★   NetGalley Reviewer: Norma F.
“Initially drawn in by the cover art, I was intrigued by the title and then hooked by the synopsis. A lover of history and a Christian, I was curious what ‘witnessing’ the centurion had been involved in as well as interested in learning more about people mentioned in the bible such as the Jewish High Priest of Jerusalem, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin Court Judge, Joseph of Arimathea, the Roman Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, the Pharisee member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus and the ruler of Galilee, King Herod Antipas. Mitchell has brought one of the most crucial moments of our history alive and is to be commended for his ability to relay the struggle of this pivotal moment, his ability to convey the life and times of a centurion, and his ability to pen an engaging tale of resurrection and redemption.

I’ll admit to being taken aback by the language and the bordello scenes. I wasn’t expecting either in this book, didn’t think they added to the narrative.

Mitchell’s military career has been instrumental in the success of this book . . . and brings authenticity to Centurion Calix.

“Nothing good comes out of the desert.”

Despite my concerns, this is a satisfying and informative book. You’ll have to read to (1) discover if the above saying common to Roman soldiers in the Levant is true in this case and (2) find out what the Centurion witnessed.”

Better A Novella  – ★★★   NetGalley Reviewer: Therese Cubillan
“This book follows the story of a veteran centurion seeking redemption. It is set in the time of Jesus’ ministry. From that premise alone, it had potential for me. It is one of the settings I like in historical fiction, and I am drawn to the stories of those who were witnesses, or who could have heard of Jesus, and what their lives could have been like.

Calix was an interesting character. As a centurion close to retirement, readers could reasonably expect him to be an intelligent and experienced character, and that is present here. Other than that, I feel like this could have been a novella instead of a novel.

Some descriptions took on fantasy-novel trappings, which were unnecessary. A little more editing would have been welcome in some parts of the book. Some of the language was anachronistic too. Easier to absorb, but not suitable for its setting. All the technicalities of writing aside, if this is the kind of historical fiction that appeals to the reader, none of that should matter very much.”

Full Editorial Reviews

Midwest Book Review by Diane Donovan  .“Centurion Witness: A Tale of Resurrection and Redemption represents Christian Biblical fiction at its best. Think the action of Ben Hur, combined with the political quandaries of a centurion in ancient Rome who finds himself caught between his duty to protect Rome’s governor in Judea and the forces that want to kill Jesus of Galilee and quash his followers.

Ed Mitchell’s background producing thriller stories is evident in how he captures the drama and conflicts of the times. He presents social and political observations through the eyes of a seasoned centurion army officer whose charge to serve as a bodyguard brings him into direct conflict with forces on both sides.

Battle-worn and weighed down by poor decisions of the past, Centurion Calix decides to make better choices: “Better to die doing the right thing than live with what I did in the desert.”

Unfortunately, these choices come with a price.

Under Mitchell’s hand (and from the viewpoint of the centurion), the atmosphere and politics of the time of Jesus come to life. From bathhouses and bribes to Jewish law, questions of crime and punishment, simmering calls to war, and how Jesus’s message reaches beyond the Jewish community, Mitchell provides a thought-provoking story that captures the appeal of this new message: “He interpreted the ancient scriptures in a new manner. An eye for an eye was no longer the rule. Now we are to love our neighbors and our enemies. Seeking God is important. Seeking wealth is not. Rites and rituals are no longer paramount. Repenting one’s sins is. And if people repent with true remorse God will forgive them.”

The story will resonate nicely with Christian readers and secular audiences alike as it reviews the principles, history, and spiritual forces of the times.

Perhaps more so than most novels about Jesus, the thriller elements drive a divided community and the centurion’s conflicted heart to bring an element of action and social inspection into what is ordinarily a spiritual story, with a history that brings the times to life.

The result is a study in miracles, forgiveness, enlightenment, and transformation that grips with strong psychological inspections and characters whose dilemmas will resonate with modern-day readers.

Centurion Witness belongs in any library collection strong in Jewish literature, historical fiction, and Biblical narratives. Its powerful insights into forgiveness and personal choice also provide rich fodder for book club discussion.  . . See other reviews by Diane Donavan at www.donovansliteraryservices.com

Chic Lit Cafe Book Review by Edith Emunah  “Centurion Witness: A Tale of Resurrection and Redemption by Ed Mitchell is a profound, uplifting historical fiction novel with meaningful themes, told through the moving story of an authentic and memorable character.

Calix, a wounded Roman Centurion officer close to retiring, hopes to accomplish eight good deeds to stop a curse ravaging his body from killing him. Tormented by a past cruel action that led to the curse, Calix believes he is unforgivable. He hears of Jesus of Nazareth; a man condemned to death for crimes he did not commit. In the days leading to his death and resurrection, Jesus speaks about repentance, hope, and the forgiveness of sins. In the midst of his torment and angst, Calix learns there is still hope left for him.

The novel’s setting is a brilliant portrayal of 1^st Century Palestine’s political landscape into which Jesus is born. Through gripping scenes about skirmishes between the Romans and Persians, the constant Jewish uprisings against Roman rule, and beautiful descriptions of the scenery, Ed Mitchell brings the background and the setting of the story to vivid life. The story is driven by a believable main character who struggles with common recognizable human issues of guilt and hopelessness. Author Ed Mitchell creatively develops other characters around the Centurion including Seneca, a cadet officer from a privileged background who is placed under Calix. Their humorous conversations enliven and ease the tension of the novel. Ed Mitchell impressively links the teachings of Jesus and the events covered in the Gospel accounts with Calix’s story about finding hope, redemption, and healing. There are many unexpected and astonishing scenes in the novel such as tense battle scenes, unexpected public and personal conflicts and political quarrels. Overall, the novel is well-written with excellent character development and expressive writing that brings a wonderful exploration of important themes covered in the Gospel. It covers such themes without being dogmatic and in a way that all readers can relate to.

The Centurion Witness by Ed Mitchell is a powerful biblical fictional story that examines important, relevant, and relatable themes of suffering, sorrow, hope, and ultimately – redemption and joy. It revisits the Gospel in a fresh, compelling, exciting, and captivating way. The Centurion Witness by Ed Mitchell comes highly recommended by Chick Lit Cafe.

Readers Favorite Book Review by Teresa Syms “Centurion Witness: A Tale of Resurrection and Redemption by Ed Mitchell takes the reader on a journey back in time. Centurion Calix is about to retire after a lifetime of fighting as a Roman Centurion. Calix is a highly decorated and trusted bodyguard and is assigned to guard Pontius Pilate as he is about to enter into a religious struggle between the Jewish people, their leaders, and the Romans, while a new teacher emerges on the scene. Jesus of Galilee talks of love, forgiveness, and kindness to one another, while the leaders of the Jewish church want him gone. The best way to do this while not soiling their hands is to convince Pilate to have him crucified. Calix hears the teacher speak and is moved, and believes the man is innocent of any wrongdoing. After Jesus is crucified and carefully placed in the tomb of Joseph Arimathea, Calix believes his duty is complete. However, he still needs to make amends for the killing he has done in the name of Rome. How will this story end for Calix?

Ed Mitchell has given the world an eye-opening tale of the events leading up to and after the crucifixion of Jesus. Centurion Calix has been on a mission to change his past. He has committed horrible atrocities in the name of Rome, only to learn he has been cursed by a woman after one of his most unforgivable actions. Mitchell’s character development is exceptional. His detail of life during the time of Jesus and Pilate gives the reader an incredible look at what life was like at that time. I was truly moved by this story and all it entails. The author has penned an exceptional account of a time that has shaped our world. The reader will feel for Calix as he is bound to complete his time and task within the Roman army for Pilate while attempting to release his own past and atone for his past actions during the battle with the Persians. Centurion Witness is a book I will not soon forget. It is an extraordinary story and Mitchell has done justice to it.”

Back Cover Blurb: “Centurion Witness is an engaging story in the genre of Ben Hur. A heartfelt, protective soldier draws you into his tale of commitment, regret, and atonement still meaningful for people in modern times.”  Theresa Micheletti, Cardinal, N.S.

Back Cover Blurb: “Through the centurion’s rugged journey from transgression to understanding, you will walk with those who initiated and participated in the most valuable moment in human history. A moment that changed individuals and the world.” Leora Worthington, Clinical Lab Scientist

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