The Lion of Corinth

by Katrina D. Hamel

He thought his story was over. But with a seer, a jeweler, and a message that can’t be silenced—his journey is just beginning.

When Marcus dares to share the gospel, he ignites the wrath of Cassius, the most ruthless man in Corinth. After losing everything, Marcus flees the city—and buries his faith. But when he’s entrusted with a gospel codex, he must confront the past that nearly destroyed him.

Aela is desperate to save her sister and rescue her jewelry shop from Cassius’s grip. Cast ashore with her secret collection of precious stones and the enigmatic Marcus, she’s forced to rely on him for protection. But as Marcus’s past resurfaces, their friendship puts her future at risk.

Selene, a seer with prophetic gifts, must keep her abilities out of Cassius’s power-hungry hands. Thrust into the dangerous world of Corinth’s elite, she finds both allies and enemies. A chance encounter with Marcus offers hope—and risk. If she's not careful, she’ll lose what matters most.

Together, these unlikely allies must face their pasts, outwit a powerful enemy, and deliver a message that could shake an empire—and awaken their hearts.

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 30, 2026

About the author

Katrina is a follower of Jesus, a wife, a mom of four, and a Biblical Fiction author. She writes with a passion for New Testament History, especially first-century women.

When she's not lost beneath stacks of research, she's consuming copious amounts of coffee and good books.

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Katrina I have read but as someone who actively reads biblical fiction I must say that I am very impressed. She has managed to create a cast of characters who are verybstrong in their beliefs and offer adventure that offers a very meaningful message. After reading this I will make it a priority to check out her other books.

We are introduced to Marcus who is very happy with his life and seems to have it all. However, one day he manages to anger the powerful Cassius by sharing the gospel. As a result Marcus loses everything that he holds dear in his life.

Years later he is struggling to get by. He ends of meeting Aela who is on her own mission to save her sister. He ends up going with her because it is dangerous and he can. Offer protection. Will they be able to find Aela's sister and will Marcus' faith that he lost so lobg ago finally be recovered?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I humiliated you. But while I suffered, you got everything you ever wanted — including my wife […] There’s no need to grind me down further when I’m already in the dust.”

Sorry, Marcus, but Cassius disagrees with you…

I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this novel, and I am so glad that I took the opportunity. I love historical fiction, but this is the first time I have read a faith-based novel set among the early Christians. After the second read, I enjoyed it as much as the first.

This novel is not all sunshine and rainbows, though. There is an antagonist, and he is definitely evil. The emotions are real. I gasped, I smiled, I got a little teary-eyed. There are beautiful relationships without the need for language or “spice.” At one point, I realized that I knew exactly what Marcus was feeling, and it reminded me of my own joy.

Best of all, this is a novel that I feel comfortable sharing with my teenaged and pre-teen children, as well as my adult family and friends.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be posted January 30th at the author's request