The Thief Book Review

The Living Water Series

Book Two

SUMMARY: MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU ABANDONED ME?

     Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage.  Abandoned by the God she once loved, her only recourse is to depend upon Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, to keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and the landlord satisfied.

     Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to escape the accursed Judean province.  Accepting a wager that will get him away from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the thieves harassing the marketplace.

     When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom from her life of lies.  But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune, and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.

     Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus.  As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another false promise.  How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles, when he cannot even safe himself?

REVIEW:  The approach this author took with the story was very interesting and unique. Instead of Jesus being the main story, the author had his story running in the background but the focus was on Nissa, Cedron and Longinus.  This approach was interesting because the main characters only has contact with Jesus once but heard the stories of Jesus' teachings and miracles from those people around him.  

     Life was very hard for Nissa and Cedron.  Even after his sight is restored, Cedron doesn't find a job but instead hooks up with a band of Zealots ready to take action once Jesus leads his revolt against Rome.  Nissa is forced to find work the only way she knows how: robbing the visitors and patrons in the marketplace. 

     The changes Longinus goes through in regards to his thinking about the Jews and Jesus were interesting.  What the author had him do towards the end of the book was difficult to read but, as I read through it slowly, I understood why.

    The only complaint I have about the story is I thought it ended way to soon.  It stopped after Jesus' tomb is found to be empty and left me with a lot of unanswered questions.  Other than that, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reaching the next one when it come out.

     This is the second book in the Living Water series but stands on its own. I saw glimpses of what might have been from the first story but it flowed well with this one.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places.  In real life, she's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world.  Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats.  When she's not writing, she's feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure - whether it be in person or on the page.