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Following Yonder Star
Kings, Wise Men, or Magi? Who were these mysterious men? Were they rulers, astronomers, philosophers, or something else? Though fictional, Following Yonder Star is based on the bible and ancient texts. It paints a vivid picture of the three kings as friends setting off into the desert to follow a star, and walking humbly into the spotlight of history. This is an adventure, a spiritual trek, and an extended prayer. The story inspires us to find deeper meaning in the search for Truth. Travel with the three kings as they journey across deserts, through a suffocating moor, over a towering mountain range, and into the chamber of Herod. Throughout, they are tested by the devil and themselves. The three kings gave away everything to follow a star. Did they make the ultimate sacrifice?
- GenresChristmas
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Martin D. Gibbs
13 books41 followersMartin Gibbs writes in several genres, from fiction to fantasy to bizarro. He enjoys cross-country skiing, biking, and burning béarnaise sauce. He has two very active boys who share his wild imagination, and a wonderful wife who supports all the craziness.
He lives in the tropical paradise of MN.
He lives in the tropical paradise of MN.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 9, 2017
Review copy kindly provided by author and GR friend, Martin Gibbs, whose works on Voltaire I have read with delight.
In Robertson Davies' novel The Rebel Angels, Yerko, the Romani uncle of Maria, goes to New York and sees a Nativity play which features, among other things, the Adoration of the Magi. Unexpectedly impressed and touched to the heart by this, he comes home and sets up a creche of his own, explaining to visitors that the Wise Men brought to the "Bebby Jesus" gifts of "gold, frank innocence and mirth."
"Sancta simplicitas," said Darcourt, [a visitor who is also an Anglican priest and a professor of New Testament Greek] raising his eyes to mine. "If only there were more Mirth in the message He has left to us. We miss it sadly, in the world we have made. And Frank Innocence. Oh, Yerko, you dear man."
And although Yerko's version is technically a bit off, he shows that he has managed nonetheless to extract something of value from the traditional story.
On beginning Martin Gibbs' version of this story, I was not quite sure what to expect. I had read some farcical stories of his before, so I knew he had a well-developed sense of humour. And I had picked up some information about the book. But it was something of an adventure--perhaps a continuation of "the year of reading dangerously"?
What Gibbs presents here is not a dry retelling of the Scriptural account. Nor is it a bizarre recasting of the characters so as to warp (or time-warp) them out of all recognition. He follows, and imaginatively reworks a medieval account of the story by John of Hildesheim. And along the way, he tries to lift the Magi off the stained-glass windows and make them into believable people. He has been largely successful in this; the kings emerge as human beings with real quirks and vulnerabilities. Their confrontations with the forces of evil not only remind me of the Gospel account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, but also of the miraculous and strange events recounted in New Testament apocryphal stories of the infancy of Christ. In this way, Gibbs is true both to the Scriptures and to his secondary medieval source.
He tells us where they are from, how they meet and become friends, and the way in which they discover the portentous star and set off on their journey to discover where, or to Whom, it leads. Along the way they face dangers, hardships and temptations.
If anything, perhaps the kings rule in too benevolent a way even before their encounter with Christ. However, these details were possibly put in to heighten the contrast between the wise men and the unenlightened despot Herod.
A surprising amount of research went into this book, as you will see if you read the back matter. And Martin's humour, while not irreverent, is definitely present.
But he does not presume to give us a definite statement as to the exact identity or eventual fate of his heroes. What he does is to make us think more deeply about the story. Like Davies' Yerko, but perhaps with a little more insight, we are meant to extract deeper lessons about seeking after Truth and Light.
In Robertson Davies' novel The Rebel Angels, Yerko, the Romani uncle of Maria, goes to New York and sees a Nativity play which features, among other things, the Adoration of the Magi. Unexpectedly impressed and touched to the heart by this, he comes home and sets up a creche of his own, explaining to visitors that the Wise Men brought to the "Bebby Jesus" gifts of "gold, frank innocence and mirth."
"Sancta simplicitas," said Darcourt, [a visitor who is also an Anglican priest and a professor of New Testament Greek] raising his eyes to mine. "If only there were more Mirth in the message He has left to us. We miss it sadly, in the world we have made. And Frank Innocence. Oh, Yerko, you dear man."
And although Yerko's version is technically a bit off, he shows that he has managed nonetheless to extract something of value from the traditional story.
On beginning Martin Gibbs' version of this story, I was not quite sure what to expect. I had read some farcical stories of his before, so I knew he had a well-developed sense of humour. And I had picked up some information about the book. But it was something of an adventure--perhaps a continuation of "the year of reading dangerously"?
What Gibbs presents here is not a dry retelling of the Scriptural account. Nor is it a bizarre recasting of the characters so as to warp (or time-warp) them out of all recognition. He follows, and imaginatively reworks a medieval account of the story by John of Hildesheim. And along the way, he tries to lift the Magi off the stained-glass windows and make them into believable people. He has been largely successful in this; the kings emerge as human beings with real quirks and vulnerabilities. Their confrontations with the forces of evil not only remind me of the Gospel account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, but also of the miraculous and strange events recounted in New Testament apocryphal stories of the infancy of Christ. In this way, Gibbs is true both to the Scriptures and to his secondary medieval source.
He tells us where they are from, how they meet and become friends, and the way in which they discover the portentous star and set off on their journey to discover where, or to Whom, it leads. Along the way they face dangers, hardships and temptations.
If anything, perhaps the kings rule in too benevolent a way even before their encounter with Christ. However, these details were possibly put in to heighten the contrast between the wise men and the unenlightened despot Herod.
A surprising amount of research went into this book, as you will see if you read the back matter. And Martin's humour, while not irreverent, is definitely present.
But he does not presume to give us a definite statement as to the exact identity or eventual fate of his heroes. What he does is to make us think more deeply about the story. Like Davies' Yerko, but perhaps with a little more insight, we are meant to extract deeper lessons about seeking after Truth and Light.
December 3, 2012
I have to start out by saying that I've never given much thought to the three Wise Men other than what I've read about them in the Bible. I've never thought about how difficult and challenging it must have been for them to travel for a thousand miles or all the obstacles they faced. These men were kings. Rulers. They could have spent the rest of their days lying around eating, drinking and being merry but they chose to pack up a few of their belongings and follow a star. A star that would lead them to the King Of Man.
I love how the author wrote this story. How much detail and information was packed into this little book. He made the characters pop and everything he described was vivid. I felt like I was traveling along side of them through the deserts, over the mountain, and witnessing the obstacles the devil threw at them and the fear they must have felt when standing before Herod. Their determination as well as their faith that led them to baby Jesus that holiest of nights. I simply loved this authors take on the story of The Three Wise Men. I thought it was very well written and definitely reinforced the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas.
I love how the author wrote this story. How much detail and information was packed into this little book. He made the characters pop and everything he described was vivid. I felt like I was traveling along side of them through the deserts, over the mountain, and witnessing the obstacles the devil threw at them and the fear they must have felt when standing before Herod. Their determination as well as their faith that led them to baby Jesus that holiest of nights. I simply loved this authors take on the story of The Three Wise Men. I thought it was very well written and definitely reinforced the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas.
November 23, 2012
Full review coming soon...
I'm a huge historical fiction fan, and any time that history is something biblical, that just makes it that much more exciting. I love how Martin handles the "facts" and mixes it with his own take on the story--his own unique voice. There is a perfect blend of drama and humor. This is a fantastic holiday read--for any time of the year! :-)
I'm a huge historical fiction fan, and any time that history is something biblical, that just makes it that much more exciting. I love how Martin handles the "facts" and mixes it with his own take on the story--his own unique voice. There is a perfect blend of drama and humor. This is a fantastic holiday read--for any time of the year! :-)
March 31, 2013
An expedition of moral enlightenment.
Three rich and powerful kings from three nations enjoy the same interest in astronomy. They meet every third year to cultivate their friendship and scientific studies. In the year zero, during one of these meetings, a strange cross-shaped star captures their attention. Although the star's brightness dominates the heavens, nobody but the three kings can see it.
Without delay, the kings assemble an entourage and set off to follow the beckoning star. The journey is long and hazardous; covering desert, mountain and rocky plain. At every turn, desperate to prevent them from discovering the star's secret, the devil does his utmost to impede them.
This story reminded me of 'Ben-Hur'. Although Jesus plays a staring guest role in both these stories, they are no way about Him personally. 'Ben-Hur' witnesses Jesus' death; the three kings in 'Following Yonder Star' witness His birth. This tale is about the three king's journey; why they made it and how it changed their lives for ever.
A slow start soon builds to page-turning fascination. Sadly, I'm not sure anyone other than a Christian will feel tempted to read this book, which is a shame, because it has many worthy merits whatever your religious beliefs.
Three rich and powerful kings from three nations enjoy the same interest in astronomy. They meet every third year to cultivate their friendship and scientific studies. In the year zero, during one of these meetings, a strange cross-shaped star captures their attention. Although the star's brightness dominates the heavens, nobody but the three kings can see it.
Without delay, the kings assemble an entourage and set off to follow the beckoning star. The journey is long and hazardous; covering desert, mountain and rocky plain. At every turn, desperate to prevent them from discovering the star's secret, the devil does his utmost to impede them.
This story reminded me of 'Ben-Hur'. Although Jesus plays a staring guest role in both these stories, they are no way about Him personally. 'Ben-Hur' witnesses Jesus' death; the three kings in 'Following Yonder Star' witness His birth. This tale is about the three king's journey; why they made it and how it changed their lives for ever.
A slow start soon builds to page-turning fascination. Sadly, I'm not sure anyone other than a Christian will feel tempted to read this book, which is a shame, because it has many worthy merits whatever your religious beliefs.
October 13, 2016
"We Three Kings" by Martin Gibbs is a story based on what the author thinks might have occured as King Balthazar, King Melchior and King Jaspar traveled to meet the newborn Son Of Man. The Bible doesn't tell us much about these three kings. The story is different than I expected but I still liked it. I have never really thought about how hard of a journey it must have been for these kings. They gave up their everything to to follow a star. They did this to find God. I never thought about Satan doing his best to stop them and how much of a fight it was for these early worshippers to avoid the snares he threw at them. The author takes the reader on the kings journey and lets us into what their secret thoughts might have been while traveling. I never imagined the dangers these kings must have overcome such as encountering cannibals and possible thieves. There is almost the meeting with Herod. I think after reading this book, the next time I read or heard the Christmas Story I will have more appreciation for these three kings and how they must have overcame great trials, or at least I hope I do.
This book makes me think more about how marvelous the Christmas Story is. I think this story would be great to read at Christmas and any time.
I was given a complementary copy Of "We Three King" by the author and Christian Women Affiliate. These opinions are mine own.
This book makes me think more about how marvelous the Christmas Story is. I think this story would be great to read at Christmas and any time.
I was given a complementary copy Of "We Three King" by the author and Christian Women Affiliate. These opinions are mine own.
October 7, 2014
So I went looking for this book as a Christmas read for a book group this November. I received a copy from the author to vet. We are most definately reading it this year. It will be published in a few weeks under the new title We Three Kings, if you are interested.
I enjoyed this book very much. The beginning was a little slow and a bit confusing but once I got past the first few chapters the story picked up and got exciting.
I have thought about the journey of the wisemen while reading other books that they show up in. This story was different. We are presented with a whole journey. From before the star was seen until after the Kings find the baby in the manger. It shows everyone's journey to find Christ I think. We are all met with obstacles and trials on that road. If the road were too easy the prize at the end might not be worth as much. All the wisemen realize that the life they lead before the stable was over, in effect the men they were before are dead. In meeting the Christ child they are reborn and become clean again. As I write this I am seeing more symbolism I did not see at first, all from a simple story. I guess I will need to go back and reread it....
I enjoyed this book very much. The beginning was a little slow and a bit confusing but once I got past the first few chapters the story picked up and got exciting.
I have thought about the journey of the wisemen while reading other books that they show up in. This story was different. We are presented with a whole journey. From before the star was seen until after the Kings find the baby in the manger. It shows everyone's journey to find Christ I think. We are all met with obstacles and trials on that road. If the road were too easy the prize at the end might not be worth as much. All the wisemen realize that the life they lead before the stable was over, in effect the men they were before are dead. In meeting the Christ child they are reborn and become clean again. As I write this I am seeing more symbolism I did not see at first, all from a simple story. I guess I will need to go back and reread it....
Read
November 14, 2014"The wind was the cry of a newborn.
It wailed through the collection of dilapidated, empty huts; dust-devils, kicked up by its tendrils, bounced through the empty square that had been a town, and skipped off the dry waves that lapped at the dock. Balthazar, king of Saba, shuddered at the hauntingly real sound. A trick of the wind, surely, but still it sent a shiver through his body, though the sun seared the caked hardpan."
December 30, 2020
Encouraging
“For when we see a star that wasn’t there, or when we see in our hearts a path we had not seen before, do we have the courage to pack up everything and go?” P. 265.
“For when we see a star that wasn’t there, or when we see in our hearts a path we had not seen before, do we have the courage to pack up everything and go?” P. 265.
March 26, 2013
Following Yonder Star is a fictional story filling in some biblical gaps about the three wise men. This is a rare book - taking characters from the bible and history and turning them into people with personalities and adventures. The story addresses their relationships, faith, struggles and temptations. It is quite a unique perspective and I enjoyed it. Although the wise men have a major role in the biblical history, the focus was always on Jesus' birth. How did the wise men get there? Why them? What makes them so special? Although there are some historical references, the book is historical fiction and very entertaining. This is a book I will read again as the Christmas season approaches. I give this book 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2013
I never thought about what the three kings must have experienced while traveling across the country and encountering obstacles put forth by the devil to keep them from reaching the Christ child. Martin D. Gibbs' takes us on that journey with them. I understand why the kings would want to "reinvent" themselves after that encounter, but I don't know why Mr. Gibbs chose the name changes he did. It seemed a little out of place compared to the rest of the book. However, I would definitely recommend this one to friends. It would be a great book to discuss with others!
January 9, 2015
It was okay. The story was interesting, I have read a few stories this year about theories of the wise men and have found them interesting. The biggest problem with this book, was the total lack of editing! I would read a passage and then re read the same one on the next page. It got irritating after a while. Also the author kept having the Kings show their anger through balling their fists and cracking their knuckles, it also got annoying by the end.
January 3, 2013
An interesting and creative look at the three wise men and their journey. I received this as a goodreads giveaway.
December 2, 2013
Interesting to think about what might have been.
May 21, 2013
I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest review... which will be coming.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews