Royal Beauty

Secrets of the Lost Empires #3

by Tracy L. Higley

An epic quest across the sands of Arabia
In the exotic lands of the east, a secret sect of Persian magicians study the night sky for generations.

When the stars announce a strange royal birth, Misha, a first-level mage, is ready to prove himself by chasing down this new world leader.

But then an ancient document surfaces, whispering of an artifact of immense power. The temptation to seize power is too great to resist.

And Misha is not alone in his quest. The king’s general Reza seeks power to fulfill his mysterious destiny, and both he and Misha have their eye set on the Egyptian princess Kamillah, who will do anything to gain the artifact that could break her bondage to the sorcerer Zahir.

The soldier, the mage and the princess each has a secret to protect.

But if they are going to survive the dark forces warring for their prize, they must learn to trust each other—in what will surely be the journey of a lifetime.

Book One: Star of Wonder http://amzn.to/1eH8CHE
Book Two: Star of Night http://amzn.to/1K16O84
Book Three: Royal Beauty http://amzn.to/1d5ZNG5

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

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2015

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

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure what I thought of it but it wasn't long until I was impressed. The scene where Kamilla, Misha, and Reza meet Jesus was touching. At the conclusion of the book I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen later to these characters. I enjoyed this book and believe that likely I would get more out of this series if I reread it. It often happens that way.

[D.M. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I am so glad I read this trilogy. Royal Beauty was a perfect ending to this masterfully written adventure with spiritual depth.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Regulus, the king star. Circling Jupiter, the king planet, like a crown. All of it inside the constellation of the lion. It signifies that a great king has been born in the land of the Jews."

What began as a quest through Arabian sands for a relic of legendary power, and heightened into a violent race for supremacy, now culminates in the search for a Savior in Royal Beauty by author Tracy Higley.

Like the books that precede it in The Incense Road trilogy, this book isn't a standalone. It turns its spotlight on Kamillah, an Egyptian princess and a woman of mystery, traveling with the young mage and the general who've vied for her affections. She's leery of a menacing power that she wields but that also keeps her enslaved, and her objective is to secure her freedom in Jerusalem, even if it will leave blood on her hands.

This leg of the journey doesn't have the Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark flavor that its related books have, and that's perfectly all right, since the story must shift to the true source and purpose of power. The book brings an interesting take on the age-old tale of the magi following a star to find a world ruler, and it rightly illustrates the danger of taking on such a mission under the nose of a sitting king. The human story continues here as well, baring the characters' needs for understanding and belonging. For love, in its various forms.

I'd recommend this trilogy to readers who'll appreciate adventure and intrigue woven with deep matters of the heart, as well as to anyone who'd like to experience this story in a broader context, beyond a baby in a manger.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for spiritual warfare, violence, and magic (used by those controlled by Satan)
Best for Ages: 18 and up

This is a review of the whole Incense Road Trilogy.

Several years ago, someone told me about an author who was giving away some of her paperbacks to bloggers just by asking. I jumped at the change. Little did I know I would be finding one of my favorite authors of all time.

Some people won’t like this series because there is a lot about spiritual warfare, even physical manifestations of that warfare. There are even some people able to cast spells. However, I have to say that I honestly believe that such things exist. I also love how God is always more powerful then the darkness.

This book was part treasure hunt story, part spiritual warfare, and part biblical fiction. All of it was powerful and gripping.

Well researched, grounded firmly in the scriptures, this story gripped my attention from the first page and didn’t let go until I read the last one. I had a book hangover, it was so good, and so powerful. I felt like I had journeyed along with these men and women. I felt like I to had been changed by the events they witnessed.

My only complete was that toward the end of the third book, Higley diverged some from the scriptural account and had the magi warned Joseph to flee to Egypt.

I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in the story of the magi, those who like books that deal with spiritual warfare, and gripping biblical fiction tales.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the trilogy that gives a different twist on the story of the three wise men who find Jesus nearly two years after his birth by following a star. However there's a lot more to this series. The first, Star of Wonder, is about a young man, Misha, who is a bit of a rogue, studying to be a Mage in a society that believes in magic, but he doesn't really know himself who he is. The second, Star of Night is about his best friend Reza, a soldier destined to be a king who would rather be a scholar like Misha. They are both fascinated with the lovely Egyptian princess, Kamillah who is being kept bound to the evil, powerful Zahir, by some invisible hold. All four have different goals, and travel across the desert in a caravan with soldiers, traders and religious men from Persia to near Jerusalem. Most see the star in the sky and form their own ideas but Zahir believes that if it leads to a powerful world leader he can somehow steal his power. In a very unstable, dangerous time in a volatile part of the world, this is a fascinating historical and personal story

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this conclusion to the Incense Road trilogy. The wise men have made their way to Jerusalem and been before Herod and been directed to Bethlehem where they find the Christ child. I loved the reactions to Jesus and how the gifts were presented. This one was from the lone woman in the group, Kamillah's perspective primarily, which lent an interesting perspective. Overall, this was an interesting and unique take on the journey of the wise men. I'd definitely recommend reading all 3 in succession if you opt to read them. This was a good read over Christmas this year!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the final story to a set of three novellas. I still think this would have made a better single novel but I get the desire to focus each story one one of three main characters. This final story was interesting and wrapped up the story very well. This interpretation of the magi story was different than what I would expect. Tracy Higley has other novels that I enjoyed more and I highly recommend Awakening.

[Glynis Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

This is yet another super well written book in the series. Well researched for historicity and full of great dialogue.

I feel as if there should be yet another book in this series! To continue with the amazing story!

If there is yet another book, I’ll be thrilled to read it!

I’ve so enjoyed ‘Secrets of the Lost Empires’.

Highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this trilogy

I really enjoyed reading this trilogy. The storyline was engaging and you never knew what was going to happen next. Although I kind of knew where the story was going I still have a difficult time anticipating what would come. I really love that about the story

[Jealanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense

I enjoyed this book because it stayed close to the bible story with a twist of adventure. I was able to objectively able to read this story and get a new perspective of Jesus story.

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great allegory

I love the adventurous way the nativity story is told by the author. The fast paced tense narrative kept my full attention till the end. The characters and the excellent story made me a new fan of Tracy. Bravo

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series, especially this final volume. Here is where the fictional story meets up with the Biblical story of the magi. And Tracy Higley did a wonderful job of blending them together believably. The series has been a great holiday read.

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in "The Incense Road" series. This series follows a magi, a soldier, a princess and a star. Through the crazy twists and turns with crazy royalty (and others :)) and hidden artifacts, lives are changed. I enjoyed this series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series starting with prequel the Queen’s Handmaid. Really enjoyed the three novellas that followed. This is new author for me and one I’m pleased to now follow. Would love a novella about Simon and Lydia.

[Bonnie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Tracy Higley books. She does so much background work on the area and making you feel like you are there!!! I have started the books about the seven wonders of the world. She visits each of the places in Egypt, Rhodes, etc. I love her travel log!!!

[Shannon McNear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this whole series! If you start one, make sure you read them all. Beautifully satisfying and a very fun take on the three magi. My only complaint: I want more! Definitely satisfied my craving for a different sort of Christmas story this year.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books continues the journey of Rex’s, Misha and Kamilla. Their search for the chosen one. There is so much turmoil and death in this book but they are able to make it to the messiah. Now can they save him before it is too late.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending

Loved this series! I definitely will be reading more from this author! She adds the magic to history and makes the story come alive! Great read!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing

Such an exciting adventure and the characters so well defined. Enjoyed every minute! Did not want to put these ‘books’ down … even for a minute!

[Debbie L Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

I have really enjoyed this series and its fictional perspective from the magi and their task of following the star that led to Jesus.

[Kathy du preez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

I absolutely love reading your books Tracy.

I enjoy history and Bible combination . Can't wait to read my book. Thank you

[SUSAN SKOGLUND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Higley's exquisite writing makes this biblical historical fiction a fascinating read. The account of the magi has never been told like this!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mentioned this is my review of the first two novellas in this series, if you're reading these as novellas—don't. I feel like I need to reread all three as a single book rather than breaking them up as they were originally released.

This series has a Indiana Jones feel that I found appealing and refreshing for the Biblical genre. I've often wondered why authors didn't add the adventurerous flare because the Bible has a lot of exciting stories!

I loved the characters in this story. I wanted to know Misha and the magi better though. I felt that character development was rushed throughout all three novellas and I don't know the cast as well as I'd like.

The winning part of this series for me was when Kamillah and Misha met Jesus. This particular meeting and conversion was touching and I couldn't help but tear up. I would have loved to felt that kind of connection to the characters throughout the series.

I rated every novella in this series a three-star. It's not the best that I've read by Tracy but I can't help but wonder if it's due to the fact that I read this as a novella series. I think when I clear some time up on my calendar, I'll go back and read this series as a single novel.

What do you think? Have you read these novellas? Will I get more out of it if I read it from cover to cover? Sound off in the comments below!

Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.

Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: mild violence (though no detailed description)
Suggested Age: 15+

Royal Beauty is book #3 in The Incense Road series by Tracy Higley. Other books in the series include Star of Wonder (#1) and Star of Wonder (#2)

This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this whole trilogy. Tracy Highly is masterful at character development. I love how when sets adventures against the backdrop of historic events. I really want more of Kamillah and Misha's tale. I think Reza could spin off on an tale of his own as well.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending to a wonderful trilogy. Again it was an intriguing and very insightful way to tell a story of the coming of Jesus through the point-of-view of the magi. It is also a story of how we may struggle with accepting who we are or rendering ourselves to our beliefs.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this and all the books in this series, but felt let down as all the books put together barely make one book and even then it would be shorter than usual.

[Rachel N · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series seemed rushed and less believable than Higley's other works.