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We Three
There is a star, a remarkable and unusual star, captivating men from the East who believe there is order in the heavens that can be studied for messages and meaning. The star's unprecedented appearance demands investigation, so they plan a journey, confident their efforts will be rewarded. King Xaratuk presumes the star is evidence of an essential martial ally. King Mithrias is content to use the exploration as a diversion from personal grief. The kings depart on a dangerous, inspiring mission, emboldened only by their confidence, not knowing where the star's light might terminate.
What or who could be of such magnitude as to alter the heavens? Lacking knowledge, they indulge in speculation. They wish. They hope. But their speculation is personal, without basis, and has nothing whatsoever to do with validating Jewish prophecy.
Speculation carries the possibility of being disastrously incorrect.
The expedition has journeyed farther than anticipated. A guide would be beneficial. Topur is a diaspora Jew, a merchant, and a seasoned traveler. The kings invite him to join their quest and reap the benefits. Topur is reluctant, unpersuaded that starlight reveals anything meaningful. In addition, the star beckons them toward the menacing Roman Empire. The kings see opportunity; Topur sees doom. Only at his wife's urging does Topur concede to cooperate. With his slave companion, Najiir, he joins a mission that he feels has little chance of success.
Topur and Najiir attempt to guide their notable charges past a chaotic Jerusalem while confronting an erratic and sinister King Herod, a scheming royal court, obstinate clerics, and potentially deadly Roman interference. When they reach the starlight's conclusion, they find a wholly unimpressive Bethlehem and a baby with his impoverished parents. This is not the fulfillment anyone expected.
What or who could be of such magnitude as to alter the heavens? Lacking knowledge, they indulge in speculation. They wish. They hope. But their speculation is personal, without basis, and has nothing whatsoever to do with validating Jewish prophecy.
Speculation carries the possibility of being disastrously incorrect.
The expedition has journeyed farther than anticipated. A guide would be beneficial. Topur is a diaspora Jew, a merchant, and a seasoned traveler. The kings invite him to join their quest and reap the benefits. Topur is reluctant, unpersuaded that starlight reveals anything meaningful. In addition, the star beckons them toward the menacing Roman Empire. The kings see opportunity; Topur sees doom. Only at his wife's urging does Topur concede to cooperate. With his slave companion, Najiir, he joins a mission that he feels has little chance of success.
Topur and Najiir attempt to guide their notable charges past a chaotic Jerusalem while confronting an erratic and sinister King Herod, a scheming royal court, obstinate clerics, and potentially deadly Roman interference. When they reach the starlight's conclusion, they find a wholly unimpressive Bethlehem and a baby with his impoverished parents. This is not the fulfillment anyone expected.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 17, 2024
Profound. A good read with a surprising and real Christian message.
July 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A rich, thought-provoking retelling of a familiar journey
We Three by Kerry D. Ames is a beautifully written and deeply imaginative exploration of the journey of the Magi that goes far beyond the version most of us grew up hearing. Instead of a simple story of three kings following a star, Ames gives us layered, complex characters with their motivations, doubts, and struggles as they trek across dangerous lands.
King Xaratuk, driven by strategy; King Mithrias, seeking escape from grief; and Topur, the reluctant guide dragged into their quest, all feel remarkably human. I loved how the author didn’t shy away from showing their flaws and fears, making their eventual discovery in Bethlehem all the more poignant. The contrast between the grandeur of their expectations and the humble reality they find is handled with such subtlety and emotion, it made me reflect on the true meaning of wonder and faith.
This isn’t a fast-paced adventure; it’s a meditative, richly detailed journey full of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and philosophical questions. The encounters with Herod and the Roman world are tense and riveting, and Najiir’s presence as a quiet observer adds another layer of perspective to the narrative.
If you enjoy historical fiction that reimagines sacred stories with depth and nuance, We Three is one to savor. It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about how the journey and what they learn along the way change them forever.
A rich, thought-provoking retelling of a familiar journey
We Three by Kerry D. Ames is a beautifully written and deeply imaginative exploration of the journey of the Magi that goes far beyond the version most of us grew up hearing. Instead of a simple story of three kings following a star, Ames gives us layered, complex characters with their motivations, doubts, and struggles as they trek across dangerous lands.
King Xaratuk, driven by strategy; King Mithrias, seeking escape from grief; and Topur, the reluctant guide dragged into their quest, all feel remarkably human. I loved how the author didn’t shy away from showing their flaws and fears, making their eventual discovery in Bethlehem all the more poignant. The contrast between the grandeur of their expectations and the humble reality they find is handled with such subtlety and emotion, it made me reflect on the true meaning of wonder and faith.
This isn’t a fast-paced adventure; it’s a meditative, richly detailed journey full of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and philosophical questions. The encounters with Herod and the Roman world are tense and riveting, and Najiir’s presence as a quiet observer adds another layer of perspective to the narrative.
If you enjoy historical fiction that reimagines sacred stories with depth and nuance, We Three is one to savor. It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about how the journey and what they learn along the way change them forever.
April 17, 2024
I took my time reading this book – I wanted to adequately appreciate the nuance of word
and deed that was so carefully constructed . . .
Although the names of the characters were unfamiliar to me, the individuals came to life
through expert use of conversation. People and places were described as in a picture, and
the goals of those involved were made clear as the story progressed. Kerry Ames
indicated this was his first book. May it not be his last!
The story is based on the Biblical truths of the birth of Jesus and the gathering of
shepherds and kings in Bethlehem, following the star. But it is so much more. The trials
and temptations of the trip and the amazing results are woven into an intrigue that easily
keeps the pages turning. Every emotion under the heavens can be felt throughout this
dangerous journey. One is drawn closer to the time of Christ. We tour the temple and
meet King Herod, a vicious and reprehensible character at best. We see the meek and
thoughtful Mary and Joseph as real people. And we see the dangers, through a work of
fiction, in Biblical times.
This book definitely gives a new light on how it may have been. It adds layers of
understanding that may have been missed in the brief account of the inquisitive kings in
the Bible. It is a book well worth reading.
and deed that was so carefully constructed . . .
Although the names of the characters were unfamiliar to me, the individuals came to life
through expert use of conversation. People and places were described as in a picture, and
the goals of those involved were made clear as the story progressed. Kerry Ames
indicated this was his first book. May it not be his last!
The story is based on the Biblical truths of the birth of Jesus and the gathering of
shepherds and kings in Bethlehem, following the star. But it is so much more. The trials
and temptations of the trip and the amazing results are woven into an intrigue that easily
keeps the pages turning. Every emotion under the heavens can be felt throughout this
dangerous journey. One is drawn closer to the time of Christ. We tour the temple and
meet King Herod, a vicious and reprehensible character at best. We see the meek and
thoughtful Mary and Joseph as real people. And we see the dangers, through a work of
fiction, in Biblical times.
This book definitely gives a new light on how it may have been. It adds layers of
understanding that may have been missed in the brief account of the inquisitive kings in
the Bible. It is a book well worth reading.
October 25, 2025
We Three is one of those rare stories that feels both ancient and deeply human. Kerry Ames takes the familiar tale of the Magi and transforms it into something rich with emotion, doubt, and discovery. What struck me most was how vividly each character comes alive three kings chasing a mysterious star, each driven by their own desires and grief, joined by Torpor, a reluctant Jewish merchant whose skepticism gives the journey a grounded, human touch.
As I read, I could almost feel the tension between faith and reason, hope and fear, wonder and weariness. The trek across the desert, the dangers of Herod’s court, and the quiet revelation in Bethlehem all blend into a story that’s far more than a biblical retelling it’s a reflection on belief, humility, and what it truly means to follow light in the darkness.
Ames writes with grace and depth, turning a familiar story into something intimate and unexpectedly moving. We Three left me thinking long after the last page about the courage it takes to seek truth, and the beauty of finding it in the most humble of places.
As I read, I could almost feel the tension between faith and reason, hope and fear, wonder and weariness. The trek across the desert, the dangers of Herod’s court, and the quiet revelation in Bethlehem all blend into a story that’s far more than a biblical retelling it’s a reflection on belief, humility, and what it truly means to follow light in the darkness.
Ames writes with grace and depth, turning a familiar story into something intimate and unexpectedly moving. We Three left me thinking long after the last page about the courage it takes to seek truth, and the beauty of finding it in the most humble of places.
January 17, 2026
This novel offers a fresh and imaginative perspective on a familiar biblical story. Through the journey of Kings Xaratuk and Mithrias, the author explores themes of faith, ambition, and human vulnerability. I was particularly drawn to the character of Topur, whose skepticism and practical nature create an interesting contrast to the kings’ hopeful determination. The historical setting feels vivid and carefully researched, and the political tension surrounding Herod and the Roman Empire adds real suspense to the narrative. The ending is quietly powerful, reminding readers that greatness often appears in the most unexpected forms. An engaging and thoughtful read.
September 30, 2025
"We Three" is a thought-provoking and immersive tale that explores themes of faith, self-discovery, and the power of unexpected connections. Through its richly drawn characters and vivid historical setting, this novel invites readers to question their assumptions and embark on a profound journey of enlightenment.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews