Thrones in the Desert: A Novel Based on the Book of Luke

Kingdom Come #1

by Doug Peterson

If you love the TV series, THE CHOSEN, you'll love THRONES IN THE DESERT.

THRONES IN THE DESERT does what no Biblical novel has done before. It weaves the story of five fictional characters through twelve chapters, with each chapter corresponding to the first twelve chapters of the Book of Luke.

The five main characters--a tax collector, a slave, a guard in Herod's Palace, a Pharisee, and the daughter of a Zealot--have all placed a false god on a throne in their life, only to see it overturned by the rabbi from Nazareth.

"He has brought down rulers from their thrones. He has lifted up the humble," said Mary, the mother of Jesus, to her cousin Elizabeth, when both women were expecting children of great promise. In THRONES IN THE DESERT, a young girl named Eliana overhears Mary's proclamation but is unaware of the approaching storm in her life--and the Messiah's ability to calm storms.

Follow Eliana and four others as they encounter Jesus. Their stories will challenge you to What have you placed on the throne in your life?

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

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2024

Reviews

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Bible study group is doing a workbook on the Gospel of Luke. So when this book came to my attention, I thought it seemed perfect. And honestly, I think it was.

Like all other biblical retellings, this has characters and events that were not in the Bible, but could’ve been peripheral characters and events…with your imagination.. Plus, it included actual characters from the book of Luke, such as Jesus, Joanna, Herod, John the Baptist, etc.

I liked all these characters and it was such a good story. I was a little sad that there wasn’t a real ending, but I honestly want to read the next book so I can find out what happened to all of them.
It’s on my radar.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tomboy who is caught by brigands and sold into a long slavery in Egypt and becomes demon possessed. A Thracian bodyguard to Herod the Tetrarch and lover to a slave of Joanna's whom both help to escape when Herod wants her dead, and who lies to her about her father's killer. A very self righteous Pharisee who becomes a leper and redeems himself saving a woman held prisoner by Romans. A man who likely, deep down, knows his position in the zealot cause is going to cost him all he has - except one thing. A slave freed then recaptured by brigands, branded over her forehead as a runaway with a tattoo and sold again...and released to freedom again, but still imprisoned, as is her beloved, by false gods and false religion. An attack by Romans against Zealots, who were warned and won the battle but still had to flee. A Sadducee brother to a Saducee who bought his way onto the Sanhedrin, essentially at the time a Roman creation, and how he breaks away yet still doesn't "get" Jesus - despite following a woman he loves who is following and dedicated to Jesus.
This is the cast of characters interwoven into the first 6 chapters of the Gospel of Luke, with another book supposed to follow to take them through the final 6 chapters.
Possession, isolation, rebellion, and the ever present questions the people of that era - who apparently never "got" the suffering servant part of Messiah's message as coming first, so set were most of their hearts on tossing the Romans out on their ears. And the fact that Jesus, before the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, had the most risky encounter of His life from the people in his hometown, because He healed someone on the Sabbath. I doubt they "got it" even after He said that the Sabbath was made for us, not God; that God commanded restrictions on work and such so that humans could relax and focus on Him because it was good for us to do so.
And so we wait for the 2nd book, "Swords in the Desert."

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the two books out of sequence and wish I had come across the series sooner. This author weaved a tale of fictional characters who crossed paths with Mary, Jesus and his desciples. Bringin us a better picture of what was happening behind the scenes while helping us understand the message from the Messiah's parables.
Being able to put actions to words written by Luke and getting an image of dress and how they lived. Their daily struggles. What made a deep impact was when a character said he couldn't keep up with all the atonement sacrifices he had to give. My glib thought to this was to stop sinning so much, but then there was the Roman aspect to taxing. Faith against the Law.
I'm so glad that God sent Jesus who paid the price of my sin and that I will prayerfully be joining them one day.

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought to life, the book of Luke for me. It told stories around 5 different fictional characters, but based everything on specific verses from Luke. Eliana was the character that touched me most. She had held Jesus as a baby, but her father, a "freedom" fighter against Rome, had to flee the city with his family to the desert. There Eliana was taken by marauders and forced into a life of suffering, where she became demon-possessed, until Jesus, 30 years later, healed her. The story told of a Roman soldier who fell in love with a slave girl and their story. There was also a priest who developed leprosy, and couldn't figure out what he had done to deserve this punishment, who in the end gave his life for the slave girl.

This brought to life what people during Jesus' time were like, their sufferings, and his teachings.

[Brett Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book and getting to know the characters and seeing a fictional telling of storylines I've read in the book of Luke. The writing style was nice, and the plot flowed nicely. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed it, for some reason I began to lose interest in the last 10% of the ebook and had trouble sticking with it to finish it, but I did. It was probably more me than the book, so I won't deduct any stars for it. I would for sure read the next book in the series and highly recommend this new-to-me author.

[Back · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as a potential read for my daughter, who is an advanced reader. There are adult themes presented as about as gentle as you can. These adult themes are appropriate for the historical time frame written.

Appropriate reading level may be more around 15+.

I am still wrapping my head around the fact that this book intertwines the Gospel of Luke. I expected it to be more front and center, but the written Gospel of Luke was more in the background. I suppose that makes more sense so as not to create heresy.

I enjoyed this historical fictional read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally not a fan of multiple POV, but really into this one. You can see how all the characters are weaving their way closer to Jesus. Beautifully done. Only quibble was the occasional verb tense error. The demon-possessed character was on my mind for days. I loved the ending scene where one character cries about what Jesus means to her. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series when it comes out!!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following The Scriptures of Luke

This is a well-written novel to help one imagine life in Ancient Israel during the time of Christ Jesus. It’s full of biblical truths, the dangers of the time during the rule of Rome, those who tried to rebel, the dangers & disrespect for women. It’s an intriguing story to read. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series by Doug Peterson.

[Naomi Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent story

Follow the book of Luke from the eyes of a Pharisee, a body guard, a thought dead slave, a tax collector and a demon possessed woman.
Learn the regulating laws, the depravity of people and our great need for the savior.

Well done!

[Mr John Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent novel

This is the first novel I have read by Doug and I was very impressed. I love how he incorporates scripture within the text and dialogue. So pleased to hear the next novel will extend the story of Eliana and the other characters.
Penny Callaghan

[Wendi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Author did their historical research very well!

Author provided thoroughly researched historical context, and wove multiple storylines into a vibrant tapestry that weaves in and around the early days of Jesus' ministry. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by this new (to me) author! The plot is full of twists that you never expected, so it really keeps your interest until the last page. Multiple POV are beautifully woven together and the characters are well developed. Can't wait for the next book in the series ❤️

[Sharon Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first it was hard to keep the characters straight. Once I was familiar with them, each of their stories touched my heart. I would have liked a little more closure for each of the characters. I loved her observation, "What is old if you have eternity."

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting new characters

The Bible story we all know lived through the lives of made up people that live their make believe lives during real historic events.

Excited for the next book to see where this adventure will take them.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching!

I got the book for free, but the review is my own. Very interesting fiction surrounding Christi as he walked the Earth. I have enjoyed many of Doug's books, and this was no exception.

[Karen Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertain and Enightening

I found this novel because of the author. I found it to be very entertaining while enlightening me. Than you Doug Peterson for your compelling works. I highly recommend this as I do his freedom works. Keep on writing.

[Rona Mallard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Looking forward to the next one!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way the author included several characters' stories and points of view. It felt realistic and was engaging! I can't wait to start the next one!

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrones in the Desert

Excellent book would recommend it to others to read regarding our Savior coming on the scene. I would read it again

[M.C.]

DNF’d at about 30%. It was intriguing, but it just wasn’t holding my interest, and the timeline jumped around too much. I might come back to it eventually; we’ll see.

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

First century

The book of Luke comes alive with an assortment of characters from Roman, Thracian, and Hebrew background. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Geni Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, but was disappointed to notice at the end, they used the NIV BIBLE as it has left out so many bible verses and deleted have of others. Will not read any more because of this.

[Antoinette Stanfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Kept my interest to the last page. Look forward to the next novel by this author.

[Donna T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldnt put it down

Felt like i was living in biblical times. Wonderful characters with flaws and virtues, totally relatable. It really made the gospel of luke come alive for me

[Liza Pre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read book no 2

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Full of adventure and breathtaking excitement!

[Jody Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but the chapters are incredibly long. I love how the author wove fictional characters, along with Biblical.

[Tom Kowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book written from the different perspectives reflected in thee life and times of Jesus and the contrasts of the regard for Jesus’s teachings.