Trailer: https://youtu.be/rrXIfoReGi4
Chapter 1: https://youtu.be/b1oTaavTVSM
Another sample: https://youtu.be/nmNzjHdGDHE
The young Count Nicolas Renard has great ambitions, but his plans misfire. For many months the Bible becomes his constant companion. Nicolas is determined to prove that what is written in it does not truly reflect the Greek original—and he knows that his future depends on whether he can defend his convictions The Infernal Plan is a story about repentance and an unlikely friendship. At its heart lies the theme of crime and punishment—not only earthly justice, but also the question of eternal judgment. Could there really be such a thing as everlasting hell? Can people resist God’s love forever? Nicolas must face not only these questions, but also his own past and the punishment awaiting him for his infernal plan.
Although the book reflects a minority view of hell, it also portrays how differing theological opinions can turn Christians against each other. Is it possible for David and his old friend Jean to find their way back to one another when their views of salvation have grown so far apart? Is there any option left besides parting in hostility—or is there still something they could share?
The story takes place on a fictional island near France in the year 1672. Apocatastasis means “restoration,” and the book is a meditation on the teaching of the restoration of all things and of reconciliation.
Excerpt:
“You should know that, at this moment, I am not considering exile,” the king continued.
“Why not?” Nicolas asked in a strained voice. “Do you want to keep me imprisoned somewhere or even have me executed?”
“I don’t want to have you executed, but I see exile as a form of mercy, and right now I don’t see any reason to show you mercy,” David explained. “That said, I’d like to take about a month to think about what should be done with you.”
“A month? Why a month?” Nicolas asked.
“Because right now, I truly don’t know how to deal with you,” the king said, frowning.
“And I’m supposed to languish in that disgusting, cold cell for a whole month, only to end up dying like an animal in the Basalte fortress?” Nicolas said, looking anxiously out the window toward the small island that served as a prison. “What do you gain by completely destroying me and crushing me like a worm? A good feeling of revenge? Can’t you give me a chance, under certain conditions, to make something worthwhile out of my life?” he blurted out, agitated. David could hear the anxiety in his voice, but even the fact that Count Renard was afraid didn’t lessen his usual arrogance.
“The guards will take you back to prison now,” David said dryly, standing up from his chair. Nicolas sat before him with shackles on his wrists, and the guards waited outside because the king wanted to speak with the young count in private. In truth, the main reason for summoning him was to observe his demeanor and to decide what punishment would be just.
“No, please, wait. I have an offer for you,” Nicolas said urgently.
“I don’t know what you could possibly offer me,” David said, frowning, as he headed toward the door.
“Please, just hear me out,” Nicolas tried to stop him by stepping into his path. “Please.”
“I’m surprised you even know that word,” David said, pausing just a step away from him. He leaned against the wall and reluctantly looked at Nicolas. “I’m not going to let you bribe me.”
“I know,” Nicolas said with a nod, “and it didn’t even cross my mind to offer you anything material. It’s about the Bible. That preacher, Jean, lent me the Greek original. You should know that someone’s pulling the wool over your eyes, Your Majesty. What’s in your Bible isn’t the same as what’s in the original. I’ve only had time to look at a little of it so far, but I’ll tell you two words: kolasin aiónion. Did you ever study Greek at university? Do you know what they mean?”
