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Anakus: A Roman Slave. A Reluctant Warrior. A Redeemed Soul.
A gripping tale of survival and redemption in the heart of an empire. Set in a world ruled by iron and fire, Anakus will take you on a journey that will test your soul. When a young boy is torn from his homeland and forced into a life of servitude and war, he must learn to survive in the shadows of Rome. But even in the darkest corners of the world, there is always a glimmer of hope. Anakus is a powerful story of identity, resilience, and the enduring hope that shines through every trial. With ancient empires and timeless questions as its backdrop, this sweeping tale will capture your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
For fans of epic historical fiction that explores the depths of the human spirit.
For fans of epic historical fiction that explores the depths of the human spirit.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
35 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 22, 2025
The story opens with a beautiful picture of rolling hills, a majestic sky and two young siblings playing with no care in the world. Anakus and his sister laugh as they enjoy being children with no care in the world. Their bond is very special and I could tell that Anakus was a fierce protector. His father gives him confidence when he tells him, “ you will be more than me.” Yes those words will carry Anakus as he faces an unexpected detour in his life.
When an attack on his village destroys everything, Anakus grieves for his family. Who are these people who have taken him away from everything he loved? He never said goodbye but left with heartbreak to live with everyday . The cruel reality hits when Anakus is sold to a man. What future does he have now?
Everyday Anakus (also now known as Felix) gets stronger and learns the language of his captors. Day after day Anakus had one thing on his mind. He wanted to belong not be ignored . No one allows him to speak only exist and be treated as a slave. Anakus has no idea that soon his life will take a detour. Men try to beat him down with words and punishment but Anakus cannot be changed like they want.
Learning to be a soldier is hard but Anakus never complains. He is thrust into a world where fighting is expected as he reaches Rome. I can’t fathom the many lives he had to watch be taken when villages were ransacked. No one was spared in their deliberate action. The many ventures he is on sees danger and unthinkable senseless deaths. At times the scenes are a bit graphic as the fights continue until stillness sets.
Join the author on this unforgettable journey to find a loved one who Anakus hopes to find , reestablish his identity and seek freedom. Oh how I loved when Anakus finds out about a man who heals the sick. Excitement mounts as the news is spread that , “the teacher,” is coming . His hears this man who speaks with grace and hope to all. A boy appears with five loaves and two fish. A miracle was happening before Anakus’s eyes. Yes he witnessed a miracle that day as there was enough for the thousands that came hungry.
That one moment when Anakus faces Jesus is powerful. He remembers all the harm he has caused others and questions if he could ever be forgiven. “Do you believe Anakus? The next words will never be forgotten. Hope, grace, forgiveness and redemption meet Anakus in his broken moment.
I loved traveling through the Bible and meeting the young boy who fed thousands, and run into Zacchaeus and Peter. The Bible comes alive in this emotional story. Anakus experiences the true meaning of forgiveness, unconditional love and being set free from sin.
“Belief does not remove the memory of pain or erase the scars you carry, but it redeems them.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
When an attack on his village destroys everything, Anakus grieves for his family. Who are these people who have taken him away from everything he loved? He never said goodbye but left with heartbreak to live with everyday . The cruel reality hits when Anakus is sold to a man. What future does he have now?
Everyday Anakus (also now known as Felix) gets stronger and learns the language of his captors. Day after day Anakus had one thing on his mind. He wanted to belong not be ignored . No one allows him to speak only exist and be treated as a slave. Anakus has no idea that soon his life will take a detour. Men try to beat him down with words and punishment but Anakus cannot be changed like they want.
Learning to be a soldier is hard but Anakus never complains. He is thrust into a world where fighting is expected as he reaches Rome. I can’t fathom the many lives he had to watch be taken when villages were ransacked. No one was spared in their deliberate action. The many ventures he is on sees danger and unthinkable senseless deaths. At times the scenes are a bit graphic as the fights continue until stillness sets.
Join the author on this unforgettable journey to find a loved one who Anakus hopes to find , reestablish his identity and seek freedom. Oh how I loved when Anakus finds out about a man who heals the sick. Excitement mounts as the news is spread that , “the teacher,” is coming . His hears this man who speaks with grace and hope to all. A boy appears with five loaves and two fish. A miracle was happening before Anakus’s eyes. Yes he witnessed a miracle that day as there was enough for the thousands that came hungry.
That one moment when Anakus faces Jesus is powerful. He remembers all the harm he has caused others and questions if he could ever be forgiven. “Do you believe Anakus? The next words will never be forgotten. Hope, grace, forgiveness and redemption meet Anakus in his broken moment.
I loved traveling through the Bible and meeting the young boy who fed thousands, and run into Zacchaeus and Peter. The Bible comes alive in this emotional story. Anakus experiences the true meaning of forgiveness, unconditional love and being set free from sin.
“Belief does not remove the memory of pain or erase the scars you carry, but it redeems them.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
October 10, 2025
Anakus by Stephen Phillips was a delightfully mastered trope. I received the book in physical format and started reading and finished it in a few hours. It was a quick and easy flowing read. Make no mistake, this book was full of action and because of its enticing content and shortened length it was unput downable.
Anakus is a carefree boy living in Africa with his family. He is just learning how to be a man and how to provide for the family. He is very close with his sister Annicius, who is two years younger than him. They are not rich, but they have all they need, which their family and most others believe is provided by their gods.
Rome is on the march taking whatever and whoever they deemed fit. Anakus and his people do not know war. They have heard of it of course but never experienced it themselves. They are peaceful people living off the land bothering no one. They have also heard of Rome of course, but they did not think they were any significance to be bothered by.
Unfortunately, their understanding of the conquests of Rome is wrong. Roman soldiers come to Anakus’ village and desecrate everything. Anakus and Annicius witness their parents being murdered. Anakus is taken and he believes Annicius is abused and killed.
Anakus will have a hard journey ahead from that point on. He will break in some ways, but in others he will remain who he is. He is sold into slavery and when he shows promise, he is shipped off to the Roman army in hope to survive long enough to buy his freedom. One day he has an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, but can he really know and believe that he is truly forgiven all the evils he has been forced to endure and commit?
This book is so good because there is no fluff, just to the point. I think too often books can be overly drawn out to make them more entertaining and we need those, but then we need books like this that are so jam packed with the right elements to make them shine just as good as books that are much longer. If you cannot tell by now, I definitely recommend picking this book up. It was that good, it will have you crying but rejoicing.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Anakus is a carefree boy living in Africa with his family. He is just learning how to be a man and how to provide for the family. He is very close with his sister Annicius, who is two years younger than him. They are not rich, but they have all they need, which their family and most others believe is provided by their gods.
Rome is on the march taking whatever and whoever they deemed fit. Anakus and his people do not know war. They have heard of it of course but never experienced it themselves. They are peaceful people living off the land bothering no one. They have also heard of Rome of course, but they did not think they were any significance to be bothered by.
Unfortunately, their understanding of the conquests of Rome is wrong. Roman soldiers come to Anakus’ village and desecrate everything. Anakus and Annicius witness their parents being murdered. Anakus is taken and he believes Annicius is abused and killed.
Anakus will have a hard journey ahead from that point on. He will break in some ways, but in others he will remain who he is. He is sold into slavery and when he shows promise, he is shipped off to the Roman army in hope to survive long enough to buy his freedom. One day he has an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, but can he really know and believe that he is truly forgiven all the evils he has been forced to endure and commit?
This book is so good because there is no fluff, just to the point. I think too often books can be overly drawn out to make them more entertaining and we need those, but then we need books like this that are so jam packed with the right elements to make them shine just as good as books that are much longer. If you cannot tell by now, I definitely recommend picking this book up. It was that good, it will have you crying but rejoicing.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
October 21, 2025
I really struggled with finishing "Anakus" by Stephen Phillips until chapter 12. That is where Anakus meets Jesus. I was thinking about what to write in this review and the thought came to me that is what real life is like, (lives are miserable and not so good until we meet Jesus and then he changes everything. ) Yes, yes, after that, I started enjoying the book. Maybe it's because I knew some of the stories that they were sharing about the bread and fish and Jesus getting on the boat and I really appreciate that the Salvation story is shared and I'm glad I finished the book.
This is a story of a man full of shame because of his past and how meeting Jesus and being forgiven changed him. This is a story of hope and redemption. It is a short 148 pages, and the chapters are short. There is a few scenes that makes me sad, but happy at the same time.
This quote from this book really inspired me
" Not every story ends in return." True" the man said, Serious now. "Some journeys are about becoming someone new, not going somewhere old."
The author shares Biblical scriptures and an invite to accept Jesus at the end of the book!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
This is a story of a man full of shame because of his past and how meeting Jesus and being forgiven changed him. This is a story of hope and redemption. It is a short 148 pages, and the chapters are short. There is a few scenes that makes me sad, but happy at the same time.
This quote from this book really inspired me
" Not every story ends in return." True" the man said, Serious now. "Some journeys are about becoming someone new, not going somewhere old."
The author shares Biblical scriptures and an invite to accept Jesus at the end of the book!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
October 31, 2025
Anakus by Stephen Phillips is Christian fiction. Set against the Ancient World, a young boy torn away from his home takes center stage in this story. Anakus, ripped from his family and forced to watch his village in Ethiopia be destroyed, finds himself as a slave in the Roman Empire. Forced to be a soldier, he finds himself witnessing atrocities and committing horrible acts against others. His life, shaped by loss, destruction, and heartbreak, struggles to find his place once the military releases him.
Sharing life with a good friend and rediscovering his sister sets into motion a series of events that leads him to flee from them. Eventually, after running, he encounters Jesus Christ and his life changes forever. The author does an incredible job of describing the horrors while bringing out the humanity in this book. This book shows the power of God’s love and forgiveness while bringing to life salvation and the power of witnessing to those around us.
So if you want Christian fiction, check out Anakus by Stephen Phillip for yourself. While this book contained the destruction and horrors of war, I have to say it was definitely worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Sharing life with a good friend and rediscovering his sister sets into motion a series of events that leads him to flee from them. Eventually, after running, he encounters Jesus Christ and his life changes forever. The author does an incredible job of describing the horrors while bringing out the humanity in this book. This book shows the power of God’s love and forgiveness while bringing to life salvation and the power of witnessing to those around us.
So if you want Christian fiction, check out Anakus by Stephen Phillip for yourself. While this book contained the destruction and horrors of war, I have to say it was definitely worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2025
Christian Fiction is a favorite Genre of mine. Anakus by Stephen Phillips is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. The author is a new to me author and the synopsis was intriguing, so I was excited to read this book.
WOW, such a powerful story in a short book. The book is about a young lad who grew up in Ethiopia and was devasted when he and his young sister lose everything, including his parents, after an attack on their village. Anakus is then taken to Rome and becomes a slave to a Roman Empire. Anakus becomes stronger through the struggles he has recently endured and his life is forever changed when he meets Jesus. The book is emotional but it also shows how walking a Christian Life can help one overcome the struggles in Life and help one be stronger. The author does a WONDERFUL job at bringing the story to life and it is relatable to so many. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for Hope and Faith in the times of struggles. GREAT BOOK!
WOW, such a powerful story in a short book. The book is about a young lad who grew up in Ethiopia and was devasted when he and his young sister lose everything, including his parents, after an attack on their village. Anakus is then taken to Rome and becomes a slave to a Roman Empire. Anakus becomes stronger through the struggles he has recently endured and his life is forever changed when he meets Jesus. The book is emotional but it also shows how walking a Christian Life can help one overcome the struggles in Life and help one be stronger. The author does a WONDERFUL job at bringing the story to life and it is relatable to so many. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for Hope and Faith in the times of struggles. GREAT BOOK!
October 25, 2025
This book is deeply emotional. That's the best fair warning I can give you, but it's so worth reading. Raised in a lovely African village, then sold into slavery, Anakus is dealing with a whole lot, and it just keeps coming. His name is changed to Felix, and now he's learning a new language and a new way of life as a soldier, a Roman soldier nonetheless. I really felt the author's deep connection to the military and that life. Anakus's life changed again, deeply, when he met a great teacher. A man who is a prophet and more. Anakus meets Jesus. I fell hard for this book and the beautiful way this author brought this story to life. It's very emotional and worth reading. I highly recommend it. I am so glad that Phillips gave us this book. It's a treasure.
Thank you, Celebrate Lit, for my digital copy of this book. A positive review is never required. This review is my own.
Thank you, Celebrate Lit, for my digital copy of this book. A positive review is never required. This review is my own.
November 4, 2025
Piercingly poignant, Anakus is the story of love, joy, loss, rebirth, life and a peaceful death.
An young Ethiopian lad, Anakus and his sister Annicius are carried away captive by slavers who raid their village. Neither know if the other is alive.
The novel is a poetic-prose narrative of Anakus' life from his childhood until his death. The initial chapters read like poetry. It is rich, evocative and paints fantastic word pictures of Anakus' life, thoughts, & experiences from slavery, being a part of the ill-fated Varian Legions betrayed and slaughtered in the forests of Germania, to his escape with his friend Thaddeus, meeting his sister in Perga, his doomed attempt to flee with her to their homeland, discovery and his flight to Bethsaida.
You see how he ends up meeting the Teacher. At this point, the evocatively poetic tone ends and it becomes regular prose (a pity). The novel follows the rest of Anakus' remarkably unremarkable life as he reunites with his friend and sister.
The novel draws a vivid contrast between the simple joys and peaceful, communal life of tribal nomads versus that of Rome: always, busy, on edge, violent, intolerant of opposition, uncaring of human life, oppressive, unjust and cruel.
In life as in his death, Anakus makes a quiet impact on the people he lives with the message of Jesus. Anakus did not become a famous Ethiopian missionary or church planter. He was simply faithful to what he knew of Jesus, living and dying as a disciple of his Lord. In that, he fulfilled his calling.
Just like Anakus' life, this novel is easy reading as well. But it impacts you as the record of an unremarkable man who was just faithful to his Lord.
I was given a copy by Celebrate Lit to review, but the views are my own.
An young Ethiopian lad, Anakus and his sister Annicius are carried away captive by slavers who raid their village. Neither know if the other is alive.
The novel is a poetic-prose narrative of Anakus' life from his childhood until his death. The initial chapters read like poetry. It is rich, evocative and paints fantastic word pictures of Anakus' life, thoughts, & experiences from slavery, being a part of the ill-fated Varian Legions betrayed and slaughtered in the forests of Germania, to his escape with his friend Thaddeus, meeting his sister in Perga, his doomed attempt to flee with her to their homeland, discovery and his flight to Bethsaida.
You see how he ends up meeting the Teacher. At this point, the evocatively poetic tone ends and it becomes regular prose (a pity). The novel follows the rest of Anakus' remarkably unremarkable life as he reunites with his friend and sister.
The novel draws a vivid contrast between the simple joys and peaceful, communal life of tribal nomads versus that of Rome: always, busy, on edge, violent, intolerant of opposition, uncaring of human life, oppressive, unjust and cruel.
In life as in his death, Anakus makes a quiet impact on the people he lives with the message of Jesus. Anakus did not become a famous Ethiopian missionary or church planter. He was simply faithful to what he knew of Jesus, living and dying as a disciple of his Lord. In that, he fulfilled his calling.
Just like Anakus' life, this novel is easy reading as well. But it impacts you as the record of an unremarkable man who was just faithful to his Lord.
I was given a copy by Celebrate Lit to review, but the views are my own.
maybe
October 28, 2025Anakus by Stephen Phillips is a powerful read. This is an emotional and moving tale of one man's life and struggles, and about finding Jesus. The start of the book is a bit heavy, but as the story goes on I came to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful tale more and more. I also really enjoyed that the story shares the message of salvation. This is a shorter book, and a fairly quick read, and is definitely worth checking out!
*I received an ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review and these thoughts are my own. This review is voluntary.*
*I received an ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review and these thoughts are my own. This review is voluntary.*
May 29, 2025
The Gospel
This short book is a wonderful presentation of the redeeming love of Christ as shown through the title character of the book.
This short book is a wonderful presentation of the redeeming love of Christ as shown through the title character of the book.
July 29, 2025
Quick read with a good story of survival, grace.
September 28, 2025
fascinating
Loved the minimalistic style,and the message! Couldn’t put it down! So raw and masculine, great insight into the heart and mind of a man.
Loved the minimalistic style,and the message! Couldn’t put it down! So raw and masculine, great insight into the heart and mind of a man.
October 25, 2025
I was hoping to receive a review copy of this book; however, it never came through. I love this time period of Christian Fiction and I hope to read it soon.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews