So Shines the Night

Secrets of the Lost Empires #8

by Tracy L. Higley

Daria's new home in Ephesus with Lucas both beguiles and confounds her, until she meets followers of The Way.

Her past has taught her that evil is real, that it can consume a person. She saw it happen with her husband, before he took his own life. Widowed, with no family, Daria becomes a tutor to Lucas, a rich traveling merchant from Ephesus. There she discovers evil has a strong foothold and that Lucas himself seems drawn to evil and sorcery.

As her relationship with her employer grows, she fears that she will be unable to pull him from demonic influence. Tension in the city is about to erupt, as a new sect called The Way continues to draw followers. A man called Paul leads the movement against the economic and political strength of the city, found in its goddess cult.

When she learns more of the ways of the Christians and their ability to defeat evil, she begins to have hope. But then Lucas is arrested and jailed for a brutal crime, and it seems not even the Christians can help.

Tensions escalate in the city until thousands are pouring into the arena to protest the influence of the Christians, and a plot to kill Paul is underway. When Lucas's execution is scheduled, Daria must find a way to prove his innocence, save his life, and help her new friends before everyone she loves is destroyed.

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Romance

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Tracy Higley has been attempting to time travel through the pages of books since she was a child. She started her first story at the age of eight, and has since authored nearly twenty books, including the acclaimed Seven Wonders Series, and the Time Travel Journals of Sahara Aldridge. She earned a Master’s Degree in Ancient and Classical History, and has traveled to Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Israel, Italy, and Turkey, researching her books and falling into adventures. Peruse her travel journals and learn more fascinating history at www.tracyhigley.com.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daria, an educated young widow in a time and place where “respectable” women were not even necessarily literate, has survived by tutoring a rich young girl in Rhodes. Unfortunately, the girl’s father has decided that his daughter is getting too smart, and Daria is on the run.

The night she flees Rhodes, her path crosses with that of the merchant, Lucas, who offers her passage to Ephesus, where he will employ her as his tutor. Lucas is a widower, moody and unpleasant. But handsome, and noble in his mercurial way. Daria cannot help being drawn to him, even as she senses something is very wrong…not only with Lucas, but with the whole city of Ephesus. Cults are clashing in the streets. Young women are turning up brutally murdered. Greeks, Romans and Jews all suspect each other of the worst crimes.

Content Advisory
Violence: There appears to be a serial killer loose in Ephesus who targets young women. His victims are usually found physically broken, with little blood left in their veins. In a flashback, Daria’s husband cuts her with a large knife and tries to kill her; he does successfully kill himself. A woman gets her throat cut. A main character is sentenced to death but saved by irrefutable proof of innocence. Riots break out in the Temple of Artemis/Diana and the city streets. Higley doesn’t wallow in gore, but nor does she skirt around it.

Sex: Hektor appears to have a creepy relationship with every woman who has the misfortune to meet him. His shop and basement are full of drugged-out girls who all seem to be infatuated with him, and are described in a somewhat sensual way. Lucas and Daria kiss a few times. Lucas’ frenemy, Demetrius (a character mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles), makes a few predatory passes at Daria, but she’s having none of that.

Language: Nothing.

Substance Abuse: Hektor distributes hallucinogens to his followers. Lucas tries one of the drugs and…

Nightmare Fuel: …he has a vision and it’s something out of Pink Floyd’s The Wall (which I have never seen more than five minutes of. Five minutes was enough). IT’S TERRIFYING . DO NOT READ THAT PART LATE AT NIGHT. There are also a few demoniacs roaming the streets, raving and trying to throttle anyone who comes near them. We see the moment when a demon takes possession of one character, and he starts acting like Gollum. Gollum, not Sméagol.

Conclusions
Combining Biblical fiction with gothic fiction is an ambitious and improbable goal, but Tracy L. Higley pulls it off with surprising verve in So Shines the Night.

Higley’s prose is fluid and confident, and she paints a vibrant, often lurid, picture of ancient Ephesus. Daria and Lucas are flawed characters trying desperately to hold on to what little light can reach them.

The supporting characters are interesting too, both the creepy ones (Demetrius, Lucas’ servants) and the wholesome ones (St. Paul and his congregation).

Of particular note is the youth, Timothy—yes, that Timothy, Paul’s acolyte. Here Timothy is portrayed as a kind, brave and handsome lad, who is drawn to the sorrow in Daria’s eyes and quickly becomes infatuated with her, before he and some of the other Way-followers are forced to flee the city.

I was annoyed and a little disgusted when the fictional Abigail married St. Stephen in Davis Bunn and Janette Oke’s The Hidden Flame. But Higley seems to understand that an evangelist of this era was unlikely to marry, given the constant peril they lived in, and anyway that would be an awkward fusing of a real person with a fictional one. Timothy is sweet, and his innocent love warms Daria’s gloomy heart, but his destiny called him elsewhere and hers was with Lucas. Timothy is the St. John Rivers to Daria’s Jane Eyre. Guess who Rochester is.

So Shines the Night is a superlatively exciting, scary yet uplifting book. Unlike many Christian books and films, this novel is willing to dive deep into darkness so that the Light may shine the brighter. It’s well-researched historical fiction, with a mood and tropes borrowed from gothic fiction, plotted like a mystery and paced like a thriller. There is definitely a Christian message of redemption in it, but it is so engrossing, twisty, and fun, that I think non-Christian readers who give it a chance will thoroughly enjoy it. Warmly recommended for older teens and adults.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"So Shines the Night" is a Christian historical romance set in 57 AD in Rhodes and Ephesus. As usual, Higley expertly wove historical and setting details into the story so that I felt like immersed in the story, transported to Ephesus in 57 AD.

The romance was a sort of Gothic romance with two hurting people who were trying to fix tragic mistakes they made in their past marriages. But they find that they can't overcome the evil powers that are against them (demons). Yet Paul can cast out demons, so Daria becomes interested in his God. The story was full of action and high suspense as Daria and Lucas went from one dangerous situation into another, and nearly everyone seemed at odds with each other (except the Christians).

I really enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book, but I had two problems with the last third of the story: it departed from what is actually stated in Acts 19 (by adding significant events, people, and time gaps to the stated events) and her Paul was not the man I know.

The Paul that I know from Acts and his letters is a zealous man who thought he was righteously destroying blasphemers (Christians), but who realized Jesus really was divine when he encountered Him on the road to Damascus. After that, he was zealous for preaching this wonderful, good news--no matter the price--out of gratitude and joy.

The Paul of "So Shines the Night" says that he was angry that Christians taught that there was no need for sacrifices anymore and that they departed from the Law. Even after he realized that they taught the truth, he wanted them dead out of pride. Then he met Jesus, which somehow made him stop, but now he's a guilt-ridden man. He believes that the suffering he endures in preaching the gospel is God's rightful punishment for his past sins, and that all other Christians are innocents who only suffer as an overflow of God's punishment on him. The only thing Paul seems to learn in this story is that he can't protect others from getting hurt for being Christians, and he shouldn't be surprised by suffering that comes when sharing the gospel. It's like he doesn't understand forgiveness, grace, etc.

Paul gave a number of short sermons in the story, and I generally agreed with what he taught in them. Some were quotes from the Bible. However, I just couldn't get past the wrong theology that Paul preaches about his own situation including how God views sinners and who qualifies as a sinner. And I seem to have missed Daria's acceptance of Jesus (which is not the same as her rejection of the Greek gods). Not to mention that Paul could be a "fortune-teller" himself with how much knowledge God gave him about Daria's future over the course of the story.

Also, I was disturbed by how the baby's mother was killed at the end. The woman finally showed a glimmer of selflessness despite her terror, yet she's brutally killed to get her out of the way, and she probably died unsaved. That rather ruined the "happy ending" for me.

There was no sex. There was a minor amount of "he cursed" style of bad language. Overall, I probably would recommend this novel because of its historical immersion aspect, but keep in mind that the ending might leave you disturbed instead of happy.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Booksneeze.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daria is a scholar who is gifted in languages. When she attempts to save a child from a sect of sorcerers in Rhodes, she suddenly finds herself fleeing for her life. Merchantman Lucas offers her a passage to Ephesus in exchange for teaching him the Persian language. Once in Ephesus, the shadow of the ancient wonder - the Temple of Artemis, casts its beauty on the city and Daria. Yet she soon finds that the same evil she fled from has found her amidst the Temple's beauty. Daria is offered refuge among the followers of the Way, a religious sect that began in Jerusalem and is spreading like wildfire to all parts of the known world. These followers offer a Hope that Daria never knew before. Will she succumb to the evil of the gods she grew up with or answer the calling of those followers of the Way?

This is the first book I've read by Tracy Higley and it won't be my last. I did find that the story started off a little slow, but it moved very very quickly once I hit about chapter 3. I loved the way that the Christians of the early church were so willing to give their lives for their Savior. I don't run across that attitude much with today's church. Anyway, seeing the power of darkness be overcome by those who followed the Way was pretty awesome.

I received the kindle version of the book for free from Thomas Nelson's booksneeze program for the purpose of reviewing, though I also bought a copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, and those who enjoy Biblical Fiction.

Rating - 4 stars

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"So Shines the Night" was not all I had expected it to be, but it was surprisingly good! While reading their were some very dark parts that made me think that I might not be able to finish the novel! However, I was able too and came to see that the evil in life is not something we can run from like Daria tried to do in the beginning. Their is a dark and fierce battle going on around us like Ephesians 6:12 says (this also was one of the main themes in this novel):"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

Lucas's inner battle was another dark part of the story that had me a little hesitant on reading the novel. He had a strong struggle concerning the ways of sorcery as well as his thoughts involving his trips to the place where the sorcerers did their "experiments." Again, I do realize that this is real stuff that does occur in our world today. Some of the parts concerning these sorcerers where Daria is around them and says that she would get chills because of their darkness, I could feel too! Despite that I could feel their darkness, I felt God's power too and realized that if we don't have the armor of God we truly are defenseless!

My reason for giving this book a four star is because I was disappointed that Daria didn't become a Christian like Lucas did! I am not sure if she really surrendered herself to God's will because she doesn't give a declaration (like Lucas did), but yet in the end Paul said she would teach the other young Christians. I know as new Christians we do have questions, but I would have liked a confirmation if Daria really did get saved because it left me feeling unsure of her teaching others!

I do have to mention that Tracy did bring Acts 19 to life and it was exciting to read about the Christians hardships as well as joy during that time! I did not realize how deep Ephesians were into sorcery and rituals/sacrifices to the goddess that these early Christians were a target to many people who HIGHLY disagreed with their views (and would do anything to get rid of them almost)!

Overall, this was a deep read with a well-written insight to the true battle that is raging all around us, whether we are Christian or not.

[Deanna Gottreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Shines the Night by Tracy Higley is her latest novel in the Seven Wonders of the World series and deals with the Temple of Artemis. The main theme for the story is based on Biblical scripture found in the nineteenth chapter of Acts. Tracy has a unique gift for writing historical, Biblical novels and that is plainly seen in this novel that takes place in Ephesus around the year 57 AD. Daria, a widow, is a very unusual woman in that she is very well educated in several languages, philosophy, history, and other subjects. After meeting Lucas, a wealthy merchant, in Rhodes in an unusual and somewhat funny situation, he invites her to come to Ephesus with him to be his personal tutor so that she can teach him the Persian language. Daria has discovered secrets in Rhodes that endanger her life so she eagerly accepts the offer from Lucas. Daria and Lucas are both searching for a second chance at happiness and love and at the same time searching for truth and freedom, but they go about it in entirely different ways. Lucas changes when they reach Ephesus and begins to sink into the world of the evil sorcerers. The danger escalates when Lucas is thrown in prison and Daria is afraid for his life and sanity and puts herself in danger to try to help him.

Daria and Lucas encounter Paul and his Christian followers and are drawn to the people of The Way but they seem to be unable to accept the fact that there is only One God and that He forgives everyone of all their sins. In their search for God, Daria and Lucas are helped by Paul, Timothy, Aquilla, Priscilla, and other members of the Christian group known as The Way. Daria is given a place to live with Aquilla and Priscilla and their loving ways help her to accept God’s love and forgiveness.

There was a lot of spiritual darkness in the book but this was typical of this period of time in Ephesus. One of the most frightening scenes was the struggle between the Christians and the sorcerers in front of the Temple of Artemis. Also, the description of the shop owned by the leader of the sorcerers where unsuspecting women were given mind altering potions gave me goosebumps but even that did not seem quite as frightful as the prison where Lucas was being held. There was a good deal of suspense throughout the story but especially near the end during the trial of Lucas and the events following the trial as he was on his way to be executed.

As in all her other books, Tracy did an excellent job with the plot, characters, dialogue, and the description of all the scenes. The story became so real to me that I felt as if I were traveling the roads in Ephesus and meeting with Paul and the early Christians and being a part of all the action. I found the message of the book to be quite inspiriting and it inspired me to want to do better in my Christian walk with God. I was definitely entertained by the book even though at times I was shaking in my shoes due to all the horrible things that were taking place. The ending is so gripping that I was sitting on the edge of my seat and found myself holding my breath at times. Tracey certainly has a gift for writing suspense into a story. In spite of all the suspense and danger taking place, there was still enough romance in the story to keep the relationship between Daria and Lucas interesting.

I highly recommend this book, especially to those who like historical, Biblical novels that deal with faith and the power of God interwoven in a great story and also based on historical facts. This is the third novel that I have read by Tracy Higley and I think it is the best of the three. In fact I will go so far as to say that this is the best Biblical novel I have read by any author.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping from the dark tragedy of her past, Daria finds herself in Ephesus, serving as the tutor of a wealthy merchant, Lucas. But as she becomes more and more acquainted with the city, Daria realizes she has not escaped at all. The darkness of her past is still very alive in Ephesus and threatens to overtake her at every turn. As the danger escalates, Daria must decide who to trust for salvation: those who practice the traditional pagan rituals or those who follow the radical message of the Christian God. Where will she turn? Will she survive to find the truth?

With danger and uncertainty lurking at every page turn, Tracy L. Higley’s So Shines the Night dares to take an imaginative look at events in Acts 19. Bringing classic biblical characters to life, like Paul and Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla, Higley’s vivid and well-researched narrative explores the beginnings of Christianity as it confronts a pagan city head-on and turns the characters’ lives upside-down. This combination of real, historical events with the conflict-ridden storylines of Daria and Lucas is exactly what I love about historical fiction novels. Challenging me to consider the day-in, day-out reality of the early church and its effect on the lives of ordinary people, this novel is definitely a recommendation to anyone with an interest in biblical fiction. And as usual, I truly appreciate BookSneeze for providing me with a free copy of this novel and the opportunity to review it honestly.

http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this book were a movie you would be on the edge of your seat! I was instantly engrossed in the characters and the storyline. Once the author introduced the Apostle Paul and his helper Timothy into the story I just couldn’t stop reading. Tracy Higley ingeniously weaves the events of Acts 19:23-Acts 20:1 into this fictional storyline. Titillating her readers with rich imagery, historical tidbits, and intriguing characters. While there is much written about the power and practices of the sorcerers in the story, which could be unsettling to some, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. I give this book 5 stars for it's entertaining storyline and message of God's power over darkness.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

Biblical truths shared in the book:

God works through us (Phil 2:13, Rom 6:13)
God will avenge (Rom 12:19)
We fight a spiritual battle (Eph 6:12)
We are saved through faith (Eph 2:8)
The power of the Holy Spirit
God protects
and many more

[Margaret Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Tracy Higley because she makes history come alive. I can feel the elbows and shoulders pressing into me as she fights the crowds. I can imagine the tall columns of the temple, the smell of people and animals . . . She describes everything in a very powerful way.

The characters are complex and interesting. I like watching them grow and learn -- the evolution of their beliefs and motivations. I can relate to them as well. Lucas - driven by his desire to assuage his own guilt and exact revenge for the death of his wife and child. Daria trying to make a secure place for herself, to understand and control the world around her, and to know whether the darkness in Lucas is something she can save him from. They both struggle with their ideas about faith and the groups vying for control over the people.

This was a great story that will stay in my memory for a long time. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing my copy in exchange for this honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Shines the Night begins in Rhodes, near the eerie ruins of the Colossus. Daria, a well educated woman used to relying on her wits and will to make her way in life, finds herself on the wrong side of a sect of sorcerers. Lucas, a wealthy merchant with a tragic past, has come to Rhodes on a quest for vengeance. On an impulse, Daria decides to accompany Lucas to his home in Ephesus to tutor him in Persian, but soon finds not all evil can be outrun.

Daria, widowed at a young age, has always relied on her keen mind and logical thinking. So, when her dark past catches up with her and she finds herself faced with spiritual forces, both good and bad, she has trouble accepting that some things are beyond her ability to understand. Daria is a likeable heroine and instant chemistry with Lucas adds great tension and just enough romance to the story. When Daria learns of a string of murders that began with Lucas’s wife, she is determined to unravel the mystery and understand his involvement with a group of sorcerers. The novel had the feel of an ancient times Nancy Drew mystery, with plenty of sleuthing and a dramatic conclusion you will never see coming.

I enjoyed seeing the beginnings of the Ephesian church and “meeting” the apostles Paul and Timothy!

Higley has long been one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint with this new, much anticipated, release. I’m eagerly waiting for the final two books in the Seven Wonders series and in the mean time, will read anything Higley writes and recommend her to anyone who enjoys their historical fiction with healthy doses of mystery and action, as well as a little romance!

***I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ***

[Dana McNeely · Rating 5 out of 5]

In first century Ephesus, an educated young widow struggles to find a place in a man's world of philosophy and rhetoric. An expert in the languages of Rome's far flung empire, Daria convinces Adelphos of Rhodes to give her a position in his school because she is a novelty that might attract business-an educated woman. But her habit of questioning everything immediately lands her in trouble, when she finds herself confronting a nest of sorcerers who are forcing secret powders and potions upon a young girl. Her attempts to rescue the girl lead her to the docks of Rhodes. There she makes an impulsive choice-to flee with a handsome young merchant aboard his ship to Ephesus.

But when they get to Ephesus, all is not as it seemed. The smiling, carefree stranger has a darker side. Though Daria's heart tells her he is trustworthy, she finds evidence that he is meeting with sorcerers. Also, he has not made good on his promise to get her an introduction at the city's school, instead asking her to tutor him in languages-but he never finds time for the lessons. Mystery, intrigue, and a strange new sect of Jews give Daria plenty to investigate in her quest to save this man from the occult forces that killed her husband.

Fast paced and full of unexpected twists, 'So Shines the Night' is richly textured with the sights, sounds, and smells of the ancient world, including cameo appearances by the apostle Paul and a young Timothy. Higley has given us a fun read full of thoughtful insights relevant to our modern day.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two and a half years have passed since I read this book, and the likelihood of me remembering a thing about it, let alone that I'd read it at all, is very slim! I read hundreds of books a year, and forget most of them. So if I can remember a book over 2 years later, that means it's a good book. Apparently I neglected to write a review.

What I recall about it is the travel we take with the author from the Island of Rhodes, where Daria escapes with her life, and with the help of a gentleman who hires her as a tutor for his son. They travel to Ephesus, which is the center of great commerce and religious freedoms. Ephesus houses the temple of Artimus, a very powerful deity to the locals, but Greeks, Romans, Jews and Christians also worship there.

Ephesus, as it turns out is not a safe place for nearly everyone. An evil society threatens to cause great harm. Daria learns of Paul and the fellowship of The Way, who are in danger from this powerful evil force. She learns about them and is intrigued.

At this point, I don't remember the rest, but what I do remember is this was a good book, and when I get through the nearly 2000 Kindle books I own that I have not read yet, I'd totally go back and read this again.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The first few chapters hooked me into the story and I couldn’t put it down. Daria and Lucas are intriguing and multi-layered characters. I wanted to see them triumph over their problems and achieve their seemingly impossible happily-ever-after ending.

I enjoyed seeing the city of Ephesus, with a rich cultural heritage, brought to life on the page. Paul, Timothy and other Biblical characters we learn about in the book of Acts and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians play a crucial role in the story.

The spiritual warfare element in the story is fascinating and I liked seeing the early church from the perspective of outsiders who were seeking to learn the truth. I highly recommend this book to those looking for an insightful and gripping Biblical fiction story.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for providing a review copy.

[Rebekah Gyger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Higley weaves a master story combining history and fiction. I loved this continuation of the seven wonders series. When the remains of Colossus made an appearence in this book (the wonder from book one) I literally squealed.

Higley has this way of telling stories that I already know (like that of Paul or Nebuchadnezzar) in a way that enthralls me as if I had never heard it before. I cant wait to the sixth book to come out.

The only reason this has four stars is because it started out a little slow. Once it got going though, I couldn't put it down.



To see what other books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through GoodReads FirstReads.
Ms. Higley is a very talented writer. I felt as if I was with Daria in Ephesus.
The characters are well developed and believable. The plot is Intriguing. The setting - oh, how I wish I could see the area. It drew me in.
I learned so much reading this book. The development of Christianity was deeper and more difficult than I ever imagined. Teh habits of the people of that era was so interesting - as was the setting of the story itself.
I had a difficult time putting the book down. I will be sure to read more of Ms. Higley's books!

[emily anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Such an amazing and thrilling read! The characters are well developed and the plot will take you by surprise! It really helps you understand the devastating and evil atmosphere of Ephesus at the time, but it also illustrates the impact that Paul had on the community. The historic section at the end is a joy to read, and the prologue and epilogue tie together beautifully! When I finished the book, it was recommended by the author to read Acts 19. After reading the chapter, it just made me LOVE the book even more! PLEASE read! You won’t be disappointed!! Well done, Tracey L. Higley!!

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the biblical time period, and it includes several biblical characters – a nice surprise! I definitely enjoyed this book by Tracy. It was a little heavier and darker than many biblical fiction books are, so I would recommend it with care. However, it was an intriguing look into the time period and locations where it was set.

[Michaela Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed how this story was written into history... I'm a sucker for ancient historical fiction. The romance between the main characters was nice, but I would've loved more from then in the middle of this piece. I thought the story dragged a little bit, but the ending was a surprise and I did not see it coming.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on Audio. It was so descriptive truly taking you back in time. Tracy makes the characters come alive. Not a book I would usually select but I needed an audio book in a hurry. Have now started another one by the same author.

[Malia Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This buddy read started reeeeallly slow, but around 75%, I devoured it. Darker than the biblical fiction I’ve read, but super powerful about wickedness v godliness and the freedom and power in the name of Jesus!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daria knows first hand the dangers of evil. Her new home in Ephesus is full of it. There seems to be no escaping it until she meets Paul and the followers of the Way.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a Story, you see. And we are all still in the midst of it, ever striving to play our roles, battling on for the freedom of hearts and souls and minds yet enslaved by darkness.”

So begins the Apostle John’s telling of the story of Ephesus, Paul and his compatriots Aquila, Priscilla, Aristarchus, Gaius, and Timothy, as imagined by Tracy Higley, following serious research. In the thick of it is a brilliant, educated widow seeking the right to fulfill her destiny as a teacher in a world dominated by brutal, licentious men. Daria.

This clean but intense gothic romance will take you to the depths of depravity, false religion and raging insanity. It will also draw you to the great truths of the loving God who reaches out to redeem man; the One who gave all, relinquishing all, that those in darkness may walk in Light.

I was enmeshed in the graphically portrayed spiritual realities of ancient times, and I fought with Daria for all that was right and good, despite the odds! “So shines the night.”

[Alcieta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just alright. It was interesting and a little haunting to read Biblical historical for the first time in a long, long time for me; to be pulled into the age that's so hard to be immersed in when just reading the Bible (for lack of cultural understanding, mostly). And very uncomfortable. The romance here felt flimsy and shoved in, and I had no idea why there was such a strong connection between the two main characters (Daria is a do-gooder, who falls for a secretive jerk who's always yelling at her? And on Lucas' side, just Daria's beauty I guess... ???). But it was interesting to be get a little insight into Paul's ministry, and meet some familiar names.

[T Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found the lead character frustrating in many ways, I did enjoy this story, and how it was mainly set into the bustling Ephesus of the apostle Paul's time. Told from the eyes of characters who are steeped in and affected by a pagan and occultist culture that has a stronghold over many at that time, this book shows how some try to fight against it, how some are consumed by it, and how some are ultimately released by it, through the help and faith of those who follow the one true God.

[DEBBIE AGUILAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue and excitement a new tale of Love !!

Daria & Lucas find each other at odds both looking for Meaning and Redemption. Thru evil plans comes heart ship & intrigue that know one sees coming . Can love grow thru this fight to live & love or will evil grow & kill what Daria loves most . This book was written by a new master Tracy Higley !! Love - Redemption- Grace - Joy -Only come from Our Lord in this book you will find All this in each page . Blessings

[SUSAN SKOGLUND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy Higley is an amazing writer- beautifully descriptive bringing you into the story fully! This one takes place in Ephesus during the time when Artemis (along with many other gods) was predominately worshipped & Paul came to preach. The spiritual warfare is immense & the characters are caught up in these unseen but felt battles, including mysterious murders. This biblical historical fiction is a gripping tale bringing this moment in history to life.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The set-up for this novel is a bit odd in how the two main characters end up in Ephesus. That said, the author executes this novel brilliantly. A murder mystery romance novel set in Ephesus during the silversmith's riot, complete with the Apostle Paul and Timothy- what more could you want? The best of the Seven Wonders novels, in my opinion.

[liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Find your joy in surrender to His love.”

loved loved love this! i love Christian fiction because it brings so much wonder and excitement to think of all that our Christian forerunners went through in pursuit of the Truth.

[Deon]

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[Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of a biblical fiction in that Paul and others in New Testament interact with people in the book. had no idea it was book 5 of a series until entered it here read like a stand alone

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Ephesus. Paul, Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla feature. An excellent story, set in perilous times for believers. Had to give it 5 ⭐️