Palace of Darkness Book Review

A Novel of Petra

SUMMARY:  In an ancient city carved from stone, one desperate young woman searches for peace - in the calm before the Romans attack.

     In AD 106, a single mother can be certain of one thing - destitution.  So Cassia and her six-year-old son flee to Petra, seeking refuge in the loving arms of family. 

     But the great stone city is not what Cassia imagined.  And family cannot be trusted.  When a secret reveals her son's true bloodline, the boy becomes the target of a royal conspiracy.  He's snatched from Cassia's grasp.

     In her darkest hours, Cassia finds herself surrounded by followers of the Way, a subversive new religious group whose disciples are frequently sentenced to arenas with starved lions and blood-soaked sand.  Why would they seek out more danger by helping her?  And what kind of religion gives freely and asks for nothing in return? 

     Roman soldiers soon surround Petra, immersing the city in panic and further endangering Cassia's son.  She realizes he cannot be saved by human efforts alone.  Her only hope lies with the followers of the Way . . .  and her willingness to trust their One True God.

REVIEW:  Tracy L. Higley has written a wonderful book.  I like how the events of the book were spread out over a period of weeks, instead of just days.  Cassia is a women to be admired.  She rose above her circumstances and doesn't give up, even when circumstances look impossible.  I like how the author worked Paul's letter to the Romans into the storyline.  It just added a little something extra since it is just about fifty years earlier.  I also loved how members of the Way reached out to Cassia in her time of need and was willing to step out of their comfort zone (and risk their lives) to help her get Alexander back.  The author also adds a little Frank Peretti-esque feature of showing how demonic spirits are involved in Queen Hagiru's life and some heavenly visions seen by Cassia. Check out this great  book.  I think you will enjoy it.

     

This book was provided by BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishers for review without compensation.

 

Tracy L. Higley is the acclaimed author of such beloved historical novels as Garden of Madness and The Queen's Handmaid.  She has traveled to Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.  She writes novels that transport readers to ancient times and places.  See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com.  Facebook: tracyhigley.  Twitter: @TLHigley.