The outcase daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs and Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father's warriors - Saba, who speaks more with his sword than his voice, and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.
But Maviah's path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life that offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people and herself.
Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling author of more than twenty novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrillers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans.
Dekker was born to missionaries who lived among the headhunter tribes of Indonesia. Because his parents’ work often included extended periods of time away from their children, Dekker describes his early life in a culture to which he was a stranger as both fascinating and lonely. It is this unique upbringing that forced him to rely on his own imagination to create a world in which he belonged.
After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States to study Philosophy and Religion. Upon earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he entered the corporate world and proceeded to climb the proverbial ladder. But his personal drive left him restless and, after many successful years, he traded corporate life for wide range of entrepreneurial pursuits that included buying and selling businesses, healthcare services, and marketing.
In the early nineties while visiting a friend who had just written a book, Dekker decided to pursue a long held desire to be a novelist. Over the course of two years he wrote two full length novels before starting from scratch and rewriting both. Now fully enamored by the the process and the stories, he realized that storytelling was in his blood and a new obsession to explore truth through story gripped him anew.
He sold his business, moved his family to the mountains of Western Colorado and began writing full-time on his third novel. Two years and three novels later his first novel was published.
Dekker’s novels have sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Two of his novels, Thr3e and House, have been made into movies with more in production. Dekker resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Lee Ann and two of their daughters.
MY REVIEW:
I had never read a Ted Dekker novel before but I am now a huge fan!
This story is set during the time when Jesus is at the height of his teaching and his name is known far and wide for his teaching, especially to the Jews.
The novel follows the story of Maviah, a woman who has been rejected by her father and sold into slavery as a young girl. When she has a child of her own, she returns to her father's house where his wife takes her under her wing and protects her. Her marriage to Maviah's father also forms an alliance that protects them. When she dies, their household is attacked and her father turns to her to go to King Herod for help.
She goes on this journey, across the dangerous desert, with the help of two of her father's trusted warriors, Saba and Judah. Judah is captivated by Maviah and calls her the queen of the desert. This touched Maviah's heart as she has always thought so little of herself because others always did.
The story takes us across the desert, into the palaces, and on to the hillsides where Jesus is teaching. Truly, This story is so well written, you feel as though you are on the camels, trekking across the deserts and making your way through this story with Maviah. You feel the eyes of Yeshua and the words of his teachings truly touch your heart as you feel as though you are there at his feet.
I can't say enough wonderful things about this book! The only thing that I didn't like was I was left wanting more of the story! Thankfully, Mr. Dekker is writing a second book to continue the story called A. D. 33. I devoured this book and had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a wonderful story full of action and beautiful relationships. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Shelton Interactive
Blessings - Julie
My eyes almost popped out of my head this morning Julie! I saw the book cover and was so happy! Guess what is waiting for me at the library to pick up today?! AD 33! Cannot wait. I have read almost every Ted Dekker book. He is fantastic!!! He is my all time favorite author. I have made my two adult sons Dekker fans. ;) I cannot say enough good things about him. So glad you like his style also now.
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