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Secrets of the Lost Empires #1-3
The Incense Road Collection
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.
The Incense Road: The Complete Collection includes Star of Wonder, Star of Night and Royal Beauty
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.
The Incense Road: The Complete Collection includes Star of Wonder, Star of Night and Royal Beauty
344 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2015
34 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Tracy L. Higley
46 books788 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 29, 2025
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this was basically Bible fan fiction. It wasn't entirely badly written-- there were a couple of nice moments of poetic description-- and imagining the three wise men as not all men and as actual magicians was an interesting take. But there were so many deus ex machinas and corny plot points, and a lack of magic for a book about magicians... meh. I can't be too upset because this book wasn't written for someone like me, I.e someone who isn't Christian.
August 26, 2016
"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."
I don't know what all I was expecting when I picked up Star of Wonder by author Tracy Higley. That is, I figured The Incense Road trilogy would be the road leading to the birth of Christ, but besides that, my space for expectations was pretty blank.
I was unprepared for the stirring adventure this story on the sands of Arabia becomes, something bringing Aladdin and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark to my mind. With the principal characters of Misha, a young mage, Reza, a general of the Persian king, and Kamillah, an Egyptian princess, this is a story of heritage and the need for acceptance, of intrigues for power and position. Along the way, the focus of the journey naturally shifts as the ultimate search for a Savior takes precedence.
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.
I don't know what all I was expecting when I picked up Star of Wonder by author Tracy Higley. That is, I figured The Incense Road trilogy would be the road leading to the birth of Christ, but besides that, my space for expectations was pretty blank.
I was unprepared for the stirring adventure this story on the sands of Arabia becomes, something bringing Aladdin and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark to my mind. With the principal characters of Misha, a young mage, Reza, a general of the Persian king, and Kamillah, an Egyptian princess, this is a story of heritage and the need for acceptance, of intrigues for power and position. Along the way, the focus of the journey naturally shifts as the ultimate search for a Savior takes precedence.
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.
December 25, 2022
As good as I was hoping
I finally bought the trilogy and read it just before Christmas.
Plenty of historical and biblical references, and enough spiritual and speculative material to make this fantasy reader happy.
I finally bought the trilogy and read it just before Christmas.
Plenty of historical and biblical references, and enough spiritual and speculative material to make this fantasy reader happy.
February 13, 2023
Incense Road
These books held my interest all the way through. It was a combination of history and fiction and all engrossing. I loved it.
These books held my interest all the way through. It was a combination of history and fiction and all engrossing. I loved it.
March 4, 2024
captivating!
If you love Biblical fiction, Tracy’s trilogy will not disappoint! Intriguing characters, suspenseful plot line, and the beauty of redemption. Highly recommended!
If you love Biblical fiction, Tracy’s trilogy will not disappoint! Intriguing characters, suspenseful plot line, and the beauty of redemption. Highly recommended!
August 11, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
did I just unknowingly read christian historical fiction? The end wasn't my favorite, but it's about the journey, not the destination. And I really enjoyed the journey.
... I'm really happy Kamillah is getting to return home to Egypt, but I wanted to see it happen😭
did I just unknowingly read christian historical fiction? The end wasn't my favorite, but it's about the journey, not the destination. And I really enjoyed the journey.
... I'm really happy Kamillah is getting to return home to Egypt, but I wanted to see it happen😭
December 20, 2025
Now this one felt like the real story! Much better :)
January 2, 2016
"The Incense Road" is a collection of novellas by Tracy Higley that follows the trek of the magi as they leave their Parthian home and seek the newborn King of the Jews. At first they are a large group of traders, soldiers, and scholars, each with their own motivation for the journey.
In the first novella, "Star of Wonder," we meet Misha, son of the main character from Higley's previous book, The Queen's Handmaid. Misha is a first-level mage who is sure he can find shortcuts to get what he wants in life. He heads towards to the ancient country of Judea planning to steal a Jewish artifact called the Nehushtan for the gain of his own family and to keep it from the evil clutches of the sorcerer Zahir. Misha's best friend Reza, a soldier who is also possibly the rightful heir of the Persian throne, is leading the band of guards on who are accompanying the various sects of scholars on the trip. Another first-level mage, Kamillah, is of Egyptian heritage and has captured the interest of Misha, Reza, and Zahir as well. She is seeking freedom, truth, and a way to return home to Egypt.
Each of these main characters feels the pressure of the heavens. The star announcing the arrival of a World Savior calls to them in a way they've never felt before. They are aware of a spiritual battle over their journey but they don't know if the heavenly forces fight for them or against them. Misha and Zahir are focused on finding the Nehushtan, while Reza and his soldiers plot to bring Persia out from under Parthia's rule upon their return home.
Things become unpredictable when they reach Judea and each must decide where their loyalty lies. Through battle, imprisonment, and the continuous call of the star they will be forced to examine their motives and goals. Who will remain standing to lay their treasures at the feet of Jesus?
I enjoyed this story, especially the final novella "Royal Beauty." I would recommend reading The Queen's Handmaid before The Incense Road, as it gives rich backstory to the characters and setting. I teared up at the heart-responses of those who met the young Messiah, having their fears stilled and faith affirmed by the One True God's own small Son. This book does deal quite a bit with spiritual warfare so if that makes you uneasy you should probably pass on this one. Otherwise it is a fascinating look into what the magi might have faced on their holy quest.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
In the first novella, "Star of Wonder," we meet Misha, son of the main character from Higley's previous book, The Queen's Handmaid. Misha is a first-level mage who is sure he can find shortcuts to get what he wants in life. He heads towards to the ancient country of Judea planning to steal a Jewish artifact called the Nehushtan for the gain of his own family and to keep it from the evil clutches of the sorcerer Zahir. Misha's best friend Reza, a soldier who is also possibly the rightful heir of the Persian throne, is leading the band of guards on who are accompanying the various sects of scholars on the trip. Another first-level mage, Kamillah, is of Egyptian heritage and has captured the interest of Misha, Reza, and Zahir as well. She is seeking freedom, truth, and a way to return home to Egypt.
Each of these main characters feels the pressure of the heavens. The star announcing the arrival of a World Savior calls to them in a way they've never felt before. They are aware of a spiritual battle over their journey but they don't know if the heavenly forces fight for them or against them. Misha and Zahir are focused on finding the Nehushtan, while Reza and his soldiers plot to bring Persia out from under Parthia's rule upon their return home.
Things become unpredictable when they reach Judea and each must decide where their loyalty lies. Through battle, imprisonment, and the continuous call of the star they will be forced to examine their motives and goals. Who will remain standing to lay their treasures at the feet of Jesus?
I enjoyed this story, especially the final novella "Royal Beauty." I would recommend reading The Queen's Handmaid before The Incense Road, as it gives rich backstory to the characters and setting. I teared up at the heart-responses of those who met the young Messiah, having their fears stilled and faith affirmed by the One True God's own small Son. This book does deal quite a bit with spiritual warfare so if that makes you uneasy you should probably pass on this one. Otherwise it is a fascinating look into what the magi might have faced on their holy quest.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
December 30, 2017
This ebook bundles Star of Wonder, Star of Night, and Royal Beauty into one, and it’s the best way to read the three novellas because they don’t stand alone well. Together, they form a sweeping and engaging historical tale of intrigue, romance, and spiritual warfare as a caravan of mages set out on a quest for a rumoured object of power. Their way is lit by a mysterious star.
The three central characters are Misha (a mage who rejects his Jewish heritage), Reza (a general who’d rather be a scholar), and Kamillah (an Egyptian princess sent to learn from the mages).
Their adventures drive them to trust one another and to discover truths about themselves – and about the true source of power.
I enjoyed the voice, the characters, and the pacing of the story, as well as the exotic setting.
The Incense Road collection takes place after the novel The Queen’s Handmaid, and some characters reappear. I hadn’t read the first novel, and had no trouble following the plot.
Tracy Higley writes fiction set in the ancient past, and has travelled extensively in her research. For more about the author and her books, or to check out her travel blog, visit tracyhigley.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
The three central characters are Misha (a mage who rejects his Jewish heritage), Reza (a general who’d rather be a scholar), and Kamillah (an Egyptian princess sent to learn from the mages).
Their adventures drive them to trust one another and to discover truths about themselves – and about the true source of power.
I enjoyed the voice, the characters, and the pacing of the story, as well as the exotic setting.
The Incense Road collection takes place after the novel The Queen’s Handmaid, and some characters reappear. I hadn’t read the first novel, and had no trouble following the plot.
Tracy Higley writes fiction set in the ancient past, and has travelled extensively in her research. For more about the author and her books, or to check out her travel blog, visit tracyhigley.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
February 9, 2016
I couldn't put it down. Higley is adept at writing gripping historical novels with strong spiritual themes. The skillfully addressed theme of spiritual freedom and the beautiful portrayal of the building expectation for the One King who would rule over all the nations was personally very encouraging. Also, having read The Queen's Handmaid I loved seeing how the story continued into the next generation.
July 7, 2022
The "Incense Road" series It is a Biblical Historical fiction based on the Magi who followed a special star to Bethlehem. Misha, one of the chakkiym or chakkim; the Jewish part of the travelers, is uncertain of what he believes. Along with two friends Reza, and Kamillah, each want to find something that will aid them in their quest for significance. Betrayal, lies, and conspiracies accompany them. Will they follow the path set before them or go their own way? Will all survive?
December 7, 2015
Definitely not my favorite Tracy Higley book. It was a little bit too mythical/magical for what I think of when I think of the events and people surrounding the birth of Christ. Just a bit different of a take on the magi.
June 26, 2016
Tracy Higley is a very good writer. I enjoyed the descriptions throughout the series and the interactions among characters. Will read more of her books.
September 21, 2016
Well written!! Page Turner.
The Incense Road Trilogy was so well written. I couldn't put it down. It's almost as if you were there surrounded in the story.
The Incense Road Trilogy was so well written. I couldn't put it down. It's almost as if you were there surrounded in the story.
January 6, 2017
This book was just ok. Way to short and really far fetched. Didn't really enjoy it that much.
April 20, 2017
Irregular
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews