As an actual historian, I am always interested in books about ancient times. Unfortunately, this is missing some history. There were coins issued in Persia long before the Jesus myth was written that commemorated this very event. Three kings bearing gold, frankincense and myrrh followed a star to where a son of god had been born to a human virgin- only the original and much older story was from Persia and commemorated their god Mithra. The Christians borrowed this much older story from the Persians to create the Jesus myth. Actually, there are not any Roman records showing that any of the events of the Jesus myth occurred . There was no universal census nor any killing of all boys under 2.

Thank you for the feedback. I think that it is hard to pinpoint the exact history in these ancient times. Which story is true? Which is false?

I know that my tale does not, and probably cannot, follow history exactly. But for me that was not the point--we may disagree on certain points (a house or a stable? Three kings or four? Or Twelve, as some myths go?)

What is important is the sacrifice, the journey, and the transformation. Would we follow our own stars when we see them? What are we being called to? Would we cross mountains, face the devil, and struggle through quicksand to reach that calling?

That is the message of my book.

It is interesting that you should choose this topic to write about Martin, as one of my favorite fiction books of all times deals with the same story - How Far to Bethlehem by Norah Loft. I'm not sure if you know it or not.

Yes, I am aware of that story, though I admit I have not read it. I went to the old English tale the "Historia Trium Regum" by John of Hildesheim. His story focuses on only the three kings (up until the Nativity, and then their actions after). I stuck to his names and descriptions fairly closely, while still creating my own image of their journey.

This is a story that could be told many different ways, and I encourage folks to poke at my take, offer alternate views or ideas, or create their own stories.

Have you heard of the legend of the fourth king? Just got that book in the mail (fodder for a follow up to this).

Thank you so much for the post!