Unholy Night by Seth Grahame-Smith

This was a totally unexpected version of what could have been up with the three Wise Men from the Bible, (these were more like wise guys). We know nothing about the real trio from the Bible itself but somewhere along the way someone attributed the names Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar to this band of visitors. Seth Grahame-Smith takes us on a wild adventure as they try to spirit the Holy Family away from legions of Roman soldiers and the crazed order by King Herod to kill all of the firstborn of Judea. What a wild ride this was. Totally gruesome in many ways and difficult to hear, but it certainly was a very violent culture with persecution and executions being the order of the day. The author captured a feel of this time very well, especially with his portrayal of the sheer madness of Herod. The end of the book was wonderful, I love how everything was all tied together. I was really worried about the book being too disrespectful of Christian belief, but it was really in the end about how the love for others can transform even the most hardened heart and that there is a God above who will show us the way if we open our eyes and hearts. 3 stars