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Secrets of the Lost Empires #2
Star of Night
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
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
144 pages, ebook
First published May 20, 2015
About the author
Tracy L. Higley
46 books826 followersTracy 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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 18, 2025
Loved this entire series (you absolutely must read them all to get the whole story), and especially loved how in each segment features a different first-person POV character, to account for each gift of the magi.
tbr-2
May 28, 2022Free on Amazon! (28.5.22)
January 16, 2020
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.
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.
February 23, 2024
Very interesting and enjoyable. This is the second of three books on the Incense Road series. Looking forward to reading the last installment soon.
November 28, 2024
Great story
Tracy Higley has the gift of storytelling that is unique and thrilling. I have enjoyed the adventure with these three friends. Looking forward to the next one.
Tracy Higley has the gift of storytelling that is unique and thrilling. I have enjoyed the adventure with these three friends. Looking forward to the next one.
March 12, 2017
It took me until the end of the book before I finally got into it than I finally got my "ah-ha" moment. It probably didn't help that it was a long time since I had read the first book and somewhat forgot the train of events. Reza, Misha, and Kamilla were on this wild goose chase which threw me off. I guess they got off course too. Instead of following the Star like they were supposed to they wanted to find the missing pieces of the Neshustan which was the bronze snake that Moses put up in the desert. They eventually discovered that it didn't have any power and realized they should have followed the Star to the true Source of Power. After reading this book the final one sounds more promising.
August 15, 2016
"Fighting each other. It makes no sense, but that is what this senseless quest has brought us. From the time we stopped following the star we have been doomed to this."
The stars over the Arabian sands have heralded the coming of a new world ruler, and ambition, tension, desperation, and violence heighten on the race to secure power in Star of Night by author Tracy Higley.
The significance of the strife that unfolds here is rooted in the book that precedes this one, and it's necessary to read The Incense Road trilogy in order. Necessary, and in my eyes so far, worth it. I'll admit there seemed to be a missing link in the chain of emotion somewhere in the first quarter or third of this book, but I didn't feel lost for long.
As the adventure that still reminds me of Aladdin and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark continues, the human story develops further as well. This time, it goes deeper into the conflicted and questioning heart of Reza, a general of the Persian king, unsure of the revolution he's leading, struggling in his friendship with Misha, the young mage who can hear the star that beckons toward Jerusalem.
Sure, I already know something about where this perilous and spiritual journey of epic import must be leading. (Thank you, Christmas!) But the growing weight of the personal stakes the characters have in this has intrigued me all the more to see how the story will ultimately culminate. On to Book Three...
The stars over the Arabian sands have heralded the coming of a new world ruler, and ambition, tension, desperation, and violence heighten on the race to secure power in Star of Night by author Tracy Higley.
The significance of the strife that unfolds here is rooted in the book that precedes this one, and it's necessary to read The Incense Road trilogy in order. Necessary, and in my eyes so far, worth it. I'll admit there seemed to be a missing link in the chain of emotion somewhere in the first quarter or third of this book, but I didn't feel lost for long.
As the adventure that still reminds me of Aladdin and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark continues, the human story develops further as well. This time, it goes deeper into the conflicted and questioning heart of Reza, a general of the Persian king, unsure of the revolution he's leading, struggling in his friendship with Misha, the young mage who can hear the star that beckons toward Jerusalem.
Sure, I already know something about where this perilous and spiritual journey of epic import must be leading. (Thank you, Christmas!) But the growing weight of the personal stakes the characters have in this has intrigued me all the more to see how the story will ultimately culminate. On to Book Three...
December 9, 2024
I like Tracy Highley's historical fiction, usually about the very distant past. This novella is the middle of three - the first is Star of Wonder the third " Royal Beauty". Anyone who knows the words to the Christmas carol "We three kings" will recognise the line. As the synopsis says, Reza is the friend since boyhood of Misha, subject of book 1, but his character is quite different. He would like to be a scholar like his friend, but his destiny is to be a soldier king. Although his heart isn't in it, he is under pressure to overthrow the mad king. Like his friend, he doesn't understand the hold the powerful mage has over the beautiful Kamillah. This is a story about the dangerous, volatile times in the middle East at a time when everyone believes in magic. The mysterious star that seems to be guiding the way to the promised world leader is interpreted by the factions in the caravan train across the desert in different ways and each person or group has their own agenda. Intrigue, danger, magic and lust for power as well as the enigmatic Kamillah. The personal stories are as interesting as the bigger, story
December 24, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Incense Road trilogy. Though the story element may stand on its own, you should definitely read book 1 before reading this one as this continues the story of the first book. This piece of the story is primarily from the perspective of Reza, who is head of the military escort of the wise men. Their side quest is completed in this story in a surprising way and I'm anxious to see how they find themselves in Bethlehem to seek the Messiah. This is an interesting take on the story of the wise men!
August 29, 2023
Star of night
Great adventure continues with many dangerous events and despicable acts. The tension grows, will the friendship of three of our heroes last, will they survive the quest? What the end will show ,success or disaster? I tell you the biggest is the surprise . read don't miss this great book
Great adventure continues with many dangerous events and despicable acts. The tension grows, will the friendship of three of our heroes last, will they survive the quest? What the end will show ,success or disaster? I tell you the biggest is the surprise . read don't miss this great book
February 1, 2025
A new take on an old tale
Adding intrigue and dedication to an old tale of wise men following a star to Jerusalem to inquire of a Jewish Messiah. They follow the old route used to trade incense and spices from the Orient. Interesting speculation. The storyline is ancient, but entertaining. This is a good read.
Adding intrigue and dedication to an old tale of wise men following a star to Jerusalem to inquire of a Jewish Messiah. They follow the old route used to trade incense and spices from the Orient. Interesting speculation. The storyline is ancient, but entertaining. This is a good read.
November 10, 2017
Part 2
As the second in this trilogy this book was very engaging. While I know the story of Christ birth and Messiah, this adds a little bit of intrigue to the situation of the day. I’m very Muchlooking forward to reading the next book
As the second in this trilogy this book was very engaging. While I know the story of Christ birth and Messiah, this adds a little bit of intrigue to the situation of the day. I’m very Muchlooking forward to reading the next book
January 30, 2025
Destiny
The adventure continues from "Star of Wonder" with the discovery of the final piece of the Nehushtan. But that isn't the end of the journey. I have enjoyed the ride so far. Now on to "Royal Beauty".
The adventure continues from "Star of Wonder" with the discovery of the final piece of the Nehushtan. But that isn't the end of the journey. I have enjoyed the ride so far. Now on to "Royal Beauty".
April 1, 2026
Amazing story
I’m hooked on this series! Tracy has crafted a fantastic tale for each of her characters.
The first two books have kept me reading well into the night.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
Highly recommended.
I’m hooked on this series! Tracy has crafted a fantastic tale for each of her characters.
The first two books have kept me reading well into the night.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2023
Wow
Started this series and just can't get enough! Great story, and a fresh look at an old truth! Love the characters and the way it brings history to life.
Started this series and just can't get enough! Great story, and a fresh look at an old truth! Love the characters and the way it brings history to life.
August 26, 2024
Great book
I really liked this book. It was somewhat confusing at first but it all made sense in the end. I wish, though, that there was more about Simon and Lydia.
I really liked this book. It was somewhat confusing at first but it all made sense in the end. I wish, though, that there was more about Simon and Lydia.
December 20, 2024
A solid middle story in the trilogy. I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion in Royal Beauty.
March 2, 2025
Glad to see how this novella ends and really liked the spiritual lessons they learned.
March 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book. It was good to see what happened next to the three friends. There was a lot more action and fighting in this book then the last one.
July 14, 2015
This was pretty good. I look forward to reading the third part, but I don't feel any rush to do it. I don't think this could stand alone and it should have been part of a bigger volume of the three parts.
December 6, 2025
one book in three parts
A good story spread out into three (or 4) separate parts. I would that they were all in one book, for the story does not finish. Seems to be what many do anymore. Too short to be a book in each part. Otherwise I’d give it more stars.
A good story spread out into three (or 4) separate parts. I would that they were all in one book, for the story does not finish. Seems to be what many do anymore. Too short to be a book in each part. Otherwise I’d give it more stars.
August 23, 2015
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.
December 30, 2015
This is a very telling and intriguing account of the magi that followed the star to the new born Messiah.
September 8, 2025
I'm feel that these novellas should have been one book. This story was better than the first but the story is unfinished. On to the conclusion...
March 29, 2018
This series has finally started to pick up! I really felt that I should have read all three of these novellas as a single book rather than breaking them up. This installment in the series really solidified that decision for me.
Having been a month since I last Star of Wonder, it did take me a bit to reconnect with the characters.
I also had some trouble with getting a solid feel for them during a point of view shift. I felt that I was getting lost in the shuffle and I think it's because it has been a month since I last engaged with these characters.
Having said all of that, the last half of Star of Night really picked up with the action. I honestly considered reading straight through to conclusion. I wish I had.
I'm going to make it a suggestion to my readers to read this novella collection as a book. So far, I like the collection enough to suggest it. However, as I already stated, I would not suggest reading these novellas individually.
Note: Since this is the "middle" part of the story, there's not enough content to review it individually. My initial feeling is that this part of the story is a solid 3-star. However, I would urge you to come back at the end of the series to get the official rating of the entire collection. The review of Royal Beauty will be published on my blog, A Simply Enchanted Life on 04/25/18
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: suggestive scenes but no descriptions or details, mild violence (though no detailed description)
Content to be aware of: A man makes a girl feel threatened in her tent. (Barely detailed)
Suggested Age: 15+
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
Having been a month since I last Star of Wonder, it did take me a bit to reconnect with the characters.
I also had some trouble with getting a solid feel for them during a point of view shift. I felt that I was getting lost in the shuffle and I think it's because it has been a month since I last engaged with these characters.
Having said all of that, the last half of Star of Night really picked up with the action. I honestly considered reading straight through to conclusion. I wish I had.
I'm going to make it a suggestion to my readers to read this novella collection as a book. So far, I like the collection enough to suggest it. However, as I already stated, I would not suggest reading these novellas individually.
Note: Since this is the "middle" part of the story, there's not enough content to review it individually. My initial feeling is that this part of the story is a solid 3-star. However, I would urge you to come back at the end of the series to get the official rating of the entire collection. The review of Royal Beauty will be published on my blog, A Simply Enchanted Life on 04/25/18
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: suggestive scenes but no descriptions or details, mild violence (though no detailed description)
Content to be aware of: A man makes a girl feel threatened in her tent. (Barely detailed)
Suggested Age: 15+
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews