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The Heretic’s Shadow: Mystery in Antioch
This captivating historical thriller is set in the 2nd century A.D., during the rise of the first Christian heresies.
The Church of Antioch is shaken by the theft of a large sum of money from the bishop’s residence—an unsettling event that triggers an investigation in which no one is above suspicion. A vivid cast of characters soon a playwright longing to create his magnum opus, the daughter of a local noble who hides more than one secret, an ambitious sculptor, and a Christian presbyter who oversees the city’s poorest district.
In the 2nd century, Christianity continued to spread throughout the Roman Empire, gradually formalizing its organizational structure and shaping its core doctrine through the work of the so-called Apostolic Fathers. Yet the unity of the Church was increasingly threatened as the age of the great heresies began—especially with the growing danger of Gnosticism. The biblical canon was still unsettled, and alongside the four widely accepted Gospels, many others also circulated—apocryphal texts that preserved alternative traditions about Jesus.
Journey to the magnificent city of Antioch—capital of Syria and the empire’s third-largest metropolis—and experience an extraordinary story filled with emotion and suspense.
The Church of Antioch is shaken by the theft of a large sum of money from the bishop’s residence—an unsettling event that triggers an investigation in which no one is above suspicion. A vivid cast of characters soon a playwright longing to create his magnum opus, the daughter of a local noble who hides more than one secret, an ambitious sculptor, and a Christian presbyter who oversees the city’s poorest district.
In the 2nd century, Christianity continued to spread throughout the Roman Empire, gradually formalizing its organizational structure and shaping its core doctrine through the work of the so-called Apostolic Fathers. Yet the unity of the Church was increasingly threatened as the age of the great heresies began—especially with the growing danger of Gnosticism. The biblical canon was still unsettled, and alongside the four widely accepted Gospels, many others also circulated—apocryphal texts that preserved alternative traditions about Jesus.
Journey to the magnificent city of Antioch—capital of Syria and the empire’s third-largest metropolis—and experience an extraordinary story filled with emotion and suspense.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2026
About the author
José Vicente Alfaro
44 books102 followersJosé Vicente Alfaro (Huelva, 1976), licenciado en Derecho por la Universidad de Sevilla, se convirtió en un fenómeno de ventas en Amazon con la publicación de su primera novela —La esperanza del Tíbet—, éxito del que siguió disfrutando con sus siguientes trabajos —El llanto de la Isla de Pascua, El último anasazi, Bajo el cielo de los celtas, El laberinto del hindú y El sueño de Creta—, hasta hacer de él uno de los autores de ficción histórica mejor valorados en el ámbito de la literatura independiente.
Su última novela —La fragilidad del crisantemo—, ha sido publicada por la editorial Planeta en el año 2019, lo que supone un nuevo paso adelante en su carrera literaria.
Asimismo, parte de su obra también ha sido traducida a distintas lenguas, y también ha sido editada en formato de audiolibro.
José Vicente Alfaro pretende a través de sus novelas contar una historia entretenida, ofreciendo al mismo tiempo al lector la oportunidad de trasladarse a un momento clave de otra civilización o cultura, probablemente desconocida para él.
Su última novela —La fragilidad del crisantemo—, ha sido publicada por la editorial Planeta en el año 2019, lo que supone un nuevo paso adelante en su carrera literaria.
Asimismo, parte de su obra también ha sido traducida a distintas lenguas, y también ha sido editada en formato de audiolibro.
José Vicente Alfaro pretende a través de sus novelas contar una historia entretenida, ofreciendo al mismo tiempo al lector la oportunidad de trasladarse a un momento clave de otra civilización o cultura, probablemente desconocida para él.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 29, 2026
Informative.
Great review of the origins of Christianity, their perils, splitting in different branches. Mixes the life and wants of early apostles. Great read. Conrad Samayoa.
Great review of the origins of Christianity, their perils, splitting in different branches. Mixes the life and wants of early apostles. Great read. Conrad Samayoa.
Displaying 1 of 1 review