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.

The Queen's Handmaid Book Review

SUMMARY:  A jealous Egyptian queen.  A lascivious Galilean governor.  A beautiful servant girl.  Theirs is a story of prophecy, self-discovery, and revelation.
     The year is 39 BC.  All of Alexandria awaits the arrival of Herod, the Galilean governor with his eye on the Judean kingship.  The handmaid of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, receives a troubling visit from her aging mentor.
     An orphan since birth, Lydia lives in the palace at the demand of Cleopatra and her royal child, the son of Julius Caesar.  But Lydia has a growing problem on her hands: her beauty is becoming a liability to the aging queen, and the visiting Herod's undisguised interest only makes matter worse.
     When Lydia's mentor is murdered, the handmaid inherits a daunting task.  An ancient set of sealed scrolls, the secret writings of the prophet Daniel, must be returned to Jerusalem - before those who killed her mentor destroy the scrolls as well.  The future of the Israelites depend on it.  So Lydia leaves the palace to serve as lady's maid to Herod's wife in the Holy City.
     As Lydia is absorbed into the machinations of Herod's household, her mission - and her people's hope of a Messianic King - are endangered at every turn.  Can Lydia avoid the adulterous intentions of Herod?  Can she deliver the scrolls to the mysterious man on the steps of the Temple?  Will the true King of Israel ever rise?

REVIEW:  The description of this book caught my attention.  The author did a wonderful job with the twists and turns of the story.  I think my favorite part was toward the end when she finally meets the mystery man to whom she is supposed to give the scrolls.  Lydia's determination to deliver the scrolls is to be commended, especially since it takes many years and sometimes insurmountable obstacles.  The details of the monarchies and all the intricacies of Judea, Rome and Egypt sometimes got a little overwhelming for me, trying to keep everything straight, but is a testament to the research and detail the author did.  This is a wonderful book.  I would love to find others of hers to read.

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

Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since.  She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and So Shines the Night.  Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.  See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com.