Between the Lightning and the Thunder by B.F. Randall

Between the Lightning and the Thunder by B.F. Randall
Series: a standalone
Publisher: Brookstone Publishing Group (January 10, 2023)

REVIEW BY PRISCILLA BETTIS

Between the Lightning and the Thunder is a Biblical fiction retelling of the events surrounding Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion. The point-of-view character is James, the brother of Jesus. Throughout the book, James is either trying to find his mother and sister (because James got separated from them in the dark, and he didn’t have his cell phone, LOL), or he’s trying again to find his roving, delusional brother.

James cracks me up. The book covers several years in his life, and he has all the eye rolls, dramatic teenage sighs, and then adult irritations of a typical brother who doesn’t “get” his sibling. But there were also tender moments between the brothers:

Jesus and I would walk along the Nazareth Ridge and watch the heavens erupt in a cascade of light. We challenged one another to see who could toss the most rocks off the ridge in the void between the lightning and the thunder.
-B.F. Randall, Between the Lightning and the Thunder

Randall writes with terse prose and in a rhythm that reminds me of oral storytelling. The style wasn’t my jam (so I took off half a fish), but there will be others who love it. Turns out Randall is a pastor, so oral storytelling fits his writing style. Additionally, he performs a one-man drama titled, A Man Called James. I guess James is Randall’s jam!

Each chapter dramatizes a story from the Gospels then ends with a Bible passage that relates to the story: the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his sick servant, the woman at the well, the crowd yelling for Pilate to release Barabbas, the two thieves also being crucified, Jesus raising Talitha from the dead, and more. 

Since I knew the stories, the fun of the plot unfolding wasn’t there (so I took off another fish), but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a great book for someone else. I think it’d be especially engaging for those who find the Bible intimidating or who have never read the Bible.

In fact, it’s such a great book that Enspire Media Group/Faith Street Productions has purchased a two-year option to produce a full-length feature film from it. Congrats to Randall!

Overall, Between the Lightning and the Thunder gets three-and-a-half fish from me.

image of three and a half drawn fish by British Museum on unsplash

I read Between the Lightning and the Thunder through Kindle Unlimited.

56 thoughts on “Between the Lightning and the Thunder by B.F. Randall”

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  2. Thanks for your candid review, Priscilla. I appreciated you identifying the target reader and its potential to impart the heart of the story and why this read got three-and-a-half fishes instead of a higher rating. Sounds like it could be a perfect fit for the right audience.

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  6. This sounds like an interesting book, Priscilla. I’ve often wondered what life would have been like for Jesus’s siblings. And then of course, James is one of my favorite New Testament books.

    Thanks for your honest review.

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  11. I do like the sound of this book, Priscilla. I do know most of the stories, but I still think that I would like this one. Or, maybe I should wait and see if there is going to be a movie….. Great review.

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  13. What an unusual book. It sounds different but also intriguing. I’ve read a book about James before (by another author), but it was set after Jesus’s crucifixion. Wonderful cover and title, and parts of your review cracked me up. A candidate for my TBR!

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  15. Thank you, Priscilla, for your time, attention, and candor. It is refreshing to get an honest straightforward review and to read the responses from your followers. I’m new at this writing gig and have found that some reviews are flattering but insincere. I wondered if they actually read the book. I find three and a half fish high praise, and am blessed that although it wasn’t your jam, you took the time to read it. Please add me to your aquarium and reel me in, you’re a blessing.

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    1. Hi Ben!🙂 I’m thrilled that so many commenters are excited about your use of James as the POV character. I really hope Enspire Media Group/Faith Street Productions goes through with the film. It’d make a great movie. Thanks for your thoughtful comment and adding to the discussion.

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  16. Find his cell phone, lol. That sounds like it was a fun take on Jesus’ brother and an interesting read. I like that it could also be a great read for those who find the Bible intimidating. I even find the authors response in the comments to be refreshing, so after reading it, I hope they crack open the Bible 😉

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  20. I’m not sure what to think of this book, Priscilla. The eye-rolling and angst of James makes me wonder, but it is quite humanizing of the stories, turning the characters into real people. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and that’s cool that the book might turn into a movie. 🙂

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  22. A lovely review! And what an unusual perspective – I’ve read stories from the pov of Mary and Joseph. Even from the viewpoint of Pilate, but never James. No wonder they’re making a film of it:)).

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    1. Yes, it is an interesting book. Funny: the author and I are at the same three-day Christian writers’ conference, and we have yet to run into each other. He said, “I’m the oldest man here.” You’d think that’d make him easy to spot, but there are SO many men over 60 at this conference!

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    1. Ada! What were you doing in the spam box? Get out of there!😂

      Yes, I thought having James as the POV character was a cool decision. Even though this wasn’t a perfect read for me, I still enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Randall. Thanks for commenting, Ada!

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