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A.D. Chronicles #8
Eighth Shepherd
After Yeshua of Nazareth has raised his friend El'azar from the dead, news of Yeshua travels fast and the Sanhedrin begin their plot to kill him. Despite the danger, Yeshua and his followers begin the journey to Jerusalem for Passover. Meanwhile, Zachai the tax collector (Zacchaeus), the most hated man in Judea, longs to be a part of the Jewish society that he has been cut off from due to his profession. He falls into despair, believing God can't hear him and that he will always be alone. Simona, a leper who was healed by Yeshua but remains cut off from society to live in the sycamore grove, shows compassion to Zachai and tells him of Yeshua. Zachai begins his quest to find Yeshua in hopes that this man can heal his heart, just as he healed Simona's leprosy.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2008
92 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
202 books1,364 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 12, 2024
I've run out of laudatory resources to describe the works of the Thoenes.
March 22, 2022
Mmmm yes, an amazing Bodie and Brock Thoene! Definitely one of the best in the series. Love the symbolism and weaving of themes, it was magnificent. Shimona is so sweet! And so is Zachai.
September 26, 2012
I got the first book in this series as a Christmas gift before I was married, and read it only because it was from my in-laws and I felt like I had to :) It was slow going at first, but I am so glad I pressed on, because the series has been stellar. It's set in the time of Christ, and pulls out characters from the gospel accounts and imagines details of their lives. It also includes lots of Jewish cultural background that adds incredible meaning and depth to my understanding of Christ and the Word. The only thing that keeps this from getting five stars is that I feel like they're stretching out the series and milking it for money. The last several books are WAY shorter (like 100 pages shorter) and padded with a long "study guide" at the back. Annoying.
April 5, 2019
Again, I must say I love the way the authors have taken characters from the Bible, of whom we know only a little, and create a great piece of historical fiction around them. They are also true to the historical figures and I feel they have portrayed Jesus very true to the Scriptural accounts. These books continue to encourage me in my own faith and I long more and more for the day I will meet my Redeemer face to face!!
January 22, 2014
I am really enjoying this series, though I'm working my way through them slowly, reading other books in between. I am impressed by the level of research done, and how well they adhere to Scripture.
This book focuses primarily on the man we know as Zaccheus (called Zachai in the book), the "Wee Little Man," who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. He is a tax collector of tax collectors, hated by his Jewish brethren, as well as by the Romans he works for. He is a cheater, liar, and thief with nothing but his wealth. He is paranoid, because he has created so many enemies, and surrounds himself always with body guards.
Eighth Shepherd explores "what if's" of his character. In this book, we find Zachai beginning to examine himself, even in the midst of his cheating schemes. He meets Shimona, a leper healed by Jesus, who is the only one who is honest with him. She points out the leprous state of his heart with compassion, even as she struggles with her own feelings of animosity toward him. Her father sold her into Zachai's service to pay off his debts to the publican. She lives in isolation, because no one believes that Jesus healed her, and they fear the power Yeshua holds.
We see the work of the Holy Spirit, preparing Zachai's heart all throughout the book. We see his struggle, his knowledge that he is not worthy. When he prays, he addresses "The God who does not hear me..." because he has been excommunicated from the synagogue for his uncleanness and sin. He ultimately realizes his need for a Savior, and while he just knows that Yeshua will reject him because of his sin, he climbs the tree anyway, just to get a glimpse of the man people are calling the Good Shepherd.
This book is well-written, in a unique voice, and I have decided I would like to own this series. They don't stray from biblical truth. They bring the stories to life in a way that makes me hungry to go back to the New Testament and read all the stories again. It renews my sense of the reality and historicity of Jesus' life. He's not just a man who lived 2000 years ago - he is God incarnate. He touched REAL people, who had REAL problems, and struggled in much the same way we do today. There is nothing new under the sun, truly, and our God can change even the hardest of hearts.
Once again, my only "complaint," is the romantic relationships. They're a little on the sappy side. Still, romance is NEVER the focus of the stories. It takes a very minor role. So, I can't complain too much.
This book focuses primarily on the man we know as Zaccheus (called Zachai in the book), the "Wee Little Man," who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. He is a tax collector of tax collectors, hated by his Jewish brethren, as well as by the Romans he works for. He is a cheater, liar, and thief with nothing but his wealth. He is paranoid, because he has created so many enemies, and surrounds himself always with body guards.
Eighth Shepherd explores "what if's" of his character. In this book, we find Zachai beginning to examine himself, even in the midst of his cheating schemes. He meets Shimona, a leper healed by Jesus, who is the only one who is honest with him. She points out the leprous state of his heart with compassion, even as she struggles with her own feelings of animosity toward him. Her father sold her into Zachai's service to pay off his debts to the publican. She lives in isolation, because no one believes that Jesus healed her, and they fear the power Yeshua holds.
We see the work of the Holy Spirit, preparing Zachai's heart all throughout the book. We see his struggle, his knowledge that he is not worthy. When he prays, he addresses "The God who does not hear me..." because he has been excommunicated from the synagogue for his uncleanness and sin. He ultimately realizes his need for a Savior, and while he just knows that Yeshua will reject him because of his sin, he climbs the tree anyway, just to get a glimpse of the man people are calling the Good Shepherd.
This book is well-written, in a unique voice, and I have decided I would like to own this series. They don't stray from biblical truth. They bring the stories to life in a way that makes me hungry to go back to the New Testament and read all the stories again. It renews my sense of the reality and historicity of Jesus' life. He's not just a man who lived 2000 years ago - he is God incarnate. He touched REAL people, who had REAL problems, and struggled in much the same way we do today. There is nothing new under the sun, truly, and our God can change even the hardest of hearts.
Once again, my only "complaint," is the romantic relationships. They're a little on the sappy side. Still, romance is NEVER the focus of the stories. It takes a very minor role. So, I can't complain too much.
October 21, 2011
I love learning little details that seem so insignificant yet shed so much light on God's creation and His Word. I never knew that figs need to be pierced or wounded in order to ripen. Without the piercing, they remain hard and useless. Sometimes God needs to pierce us so that we can ripen and mature into something useful for Him. This was another good book to bring Jesus to life as a real person rather than just a story.
June 10, 2010
I cannot express how wonderful this series is! It brings the Bible to life and explores the stories and the characters in a new way. The Lord Jesus is at the center and the series was written to honor and glorify His Name and it does! It brings new insight and meaning to the Bible and I am anxiously awaiting starting the next book.
July 23, 2010
THis series is getting a little long and the story of Christ is getting hidden in all the other story lines. Also the use of "true Aramaic" names often gets in the way of the story.
December 28, 2023
Bodie Thoene continues to weave together biblical stories in a startling and fresh way - while remaining completely in line with the biblical narrative. In Eight Shepherd, Jesus has turned his face towards Jerusalem. Zachai is consumed by greed and defrauds one person after another. In his nearby sukomore fig grove, Shimono has returned from the Valley of Ma'kob, but her father refuses to accept her as a testament of Yeshua's power to heal. She waits and works while praying for a cat. The ending will warm your heart as Yeshua heals those who need him both inwardly and outwardly.
April 28, 2022
Eight Shepherd reviewed
The eight in the series and still it captivates me even in my 3rd reading of it! I find I am transported to the time and am envious of those that got to see Him with their own eyes! I rejoice of the healing, the words of wisdom they heard from His mouth and most importantly the Love that our Father has for us and the Son that gave us Salvation. It is a story, but the truth in it needs to be heard. Thank you.
The eight in the series and still it captivates me even in my 3rd reading of it! I find I am transported to the time and am envious of those that got to see Him with their own eyes! I rejoice of the healing, the words of wisdom they heard from His mouth and most importantly the Love that our Father has for us and the Son that gave us Salvation. It is a story, but the truth in it needs to be heard. Thank you.
January 16, 2021
Fantastic Story of Yeshua
Yeshua loved mankind so much, gave so much to show that love. Poor Zachia, a lost soul, but redeemed by Yeshua. So many miracles of healing for the needy! A story that will cause one to not put the book down. Highly recommended!
Yeshua loved mankind so much, gave so much to show that love. Poor Zachia, a lost soul, but redeemed by Yeshua. So many miracles of healing for the needy! A story that will cause one to not put the book down. Highly recommended!
June 14, 2018
Just what I needed from an author that never fails to uplift.
October 24, 2019
Fabulous. I love historical fiction. If you know your scriptures you can see the facts and discern the good story elements.
November 24, 2020
no offensive content: Xn historical fiction
May 21, 2021
The story continues. Enjoyed the read. It seemed to take a long time to tell one story, but still, enjoyed it. Zachaeus this time.
Read
August 2, 2021What a great book. The authors obviously know their history and their Biblical knowledge. The way in which they weave their characters is genius. I strongly recommend reading this book.
January 30, 2023
Read 1 through7 when I was in hight school and tried going back 10 years later. Nope, not as good I remember it being. Sad but true.
November 19, 2025
Just okay.
May 8, 2019
I really enjoyed Eighth Shepherd. As in Seventh Day, the Thoenes' have returned to their much-loved style of writing. Following Lazarus' rising from the dead, we turn our attentions to Shimona, one of the lepers freed from the Valley of Mak'ob in Second Touch. Shimona was previously known as the Singer of the Valley, and has returned home in the hopes of being embraced by her family. However, times are uncertain and suspicions are heightened even in the face of undeniable proof of Yeshua's power. In the face of seemingly insurmountable dangers, Shimon and Zachai (the widely despised tax collector of Jericho) must find a way to reconcile their own desires with the destiny the Lord has set before them. Will Zachai find comfort in Yeshua's Word before it is too late?Eighth Shepherd is a wonderful addition to the series. I hated putting it down, and can't wait to read the next entry of the A.D. Chronicles! The Thoenes have a special talent for putting biblical events into the context of a broader story of individuals who bring life to the briefly told anecdotes of the Gospels. By doing so, the meaning and importance of the Gospels is only increased, especially when one reads the Gospels alongside the Thoenes' dramatized novels.
January 9, 2017
A wonderful series chronicling some of the characters from the Bible and leading up to Christ's crucifixion. The 7th in the series featured El'azar (Lazarus); and in this book, the 8th, he has joined Yeshua (Jesus) and his talmidim on His final journey. The 8th focuses on the character of Zachai (Zaccheus) the Publican and the finding of himself by coming face-to-face with Yeshua.
The book opens with Yeshua healing all the lepers in the Valley of Mak'ob. Shimona, now a former leper, returns to her hometown of Jericho to show everyone what miraculous thing Yeshua has done. No one, including the officials of the synagogue, wants to believe her story so she is shunned by her family. Her father, the Chazzan of the temple, exiles her to a grove of sukomore fig trees where she is to live alone as the caretaker. She is very lonely and spends a lot of time praying and praising the Lord (and asking for a kitten to keep her company).
Zachai is the chief tax collector and the most hated man in all Judea including the Roman government that he works for. He is a cheater, liar, thief, and extracts taxes from people that can't afford to pay. In constant fear of retribution, he keeps himself surrounded by four Nubian bodyguards. Therefore, Zachai was very wealthy, lonely, and loathed by everyone. He finds that Shimona is the only person who shows any kindness towards him, and he begins to long for a family and someone to love him.
Salmon is one of Zachai's bodyguards who used to be a Nubian prince but was betrayed and sold into slavery. His little daughter Marisha is dying and upon hearing stories of Yeshua's miracles, he asks Zachai to let him go and search for Yeshua to heal her. Will Yeshua have mercy on someone who is not a Jew? Zachai lets him go even though he thinks Salmon will run away and never return.
Bartimaeus is a whining blind beggar who sits at the spot by the highway between the two Jerichos and pleads for money. He refuses the chance to search out Yeshua and ask for healing, because he is scared to leave the only life he has ever known. Yeshua, upon returning to Jericho and encountering Bartimaeus on the road, gives him new eyes because of his faith. Bartimaeus immediately joins the entourage.
The two constants in these books is Peniel, a healed blind beggar and the one telling these stories, and Zadok, formerly chief shepherd of Bethlehem who both travel with Yeshua. The end of the book culminates in Zachai having to climb a huge sukomore tree to see Jesus as he walks through town. This part of the story is well known from scripture and tells how Zachai invited Yeshua to dine with him. Zachai's heart was transformed, and he realized that Yeshua was The One he had been looking for to show him who he was meant to be for all eternity.
These books are well researched and a great blending of historical facts and characters with fictional ones but always remaining true to scripture. A lot is learned about Jewish culture during the time of Jesus and what many characters might have been thinking to make them act as they did. This book also gave some insight into what might have made Judas betray Jesus (apart from his destiny and God's plan). Plus I also learned that you have to pierce a fig to make it ripen. Lots of symbolism there. In the back of the book there are 51 pages of "Digging Deeper" - six studies to help take you deeper into the answers to several questions related to this book. Truly an eye-opener and a great read.
The book opens with Yeshua healing all the lepers in the Valley of Mak'ob. Shimona, now a former leper, returns to her hometown of Jericho to show everyone what miraculous thing Yeshua has done. No one, including the officials of the synagogue, wants to believe her story so she is shunned by her family. Her father, the Chazzan of the temple, exiles her to a grove of sukomore fig trees where she is to live alone as the caretaker. She is very lonely and spends a lot of time praying and praising the Lord (and asking for a kitten to keep her company).
Zachai is the chief tax collector and the most hated man in all Judea including the Roman government that he works for. He is a cheater, liar, thief, and extracts taxes from people that can't afford to pay. In constant fear of retribution, he keeps himself surrounded by four Nubian bodyguards. Therefore, Zachai was very wealthy, lonely, and loathed by everyone. He finds that Shimona is the only person who shows any kindness towards him, and he begins to long for a family and someone to love him.
Salmon is one of Zachai's bodyguards who used to be a Nubian prince but was betrayed and sold into slavery. His little daughter Marisha is dying and upon hearing stories of Yeshua's miracles, he asks Zachai to let him go and search for Yeshua to heal her. Will Yeshua have mercy on someone who is not a Jew? Zachai lets him go even though he thinks Salmon will run away and never return.
Bartimaeus is a whining blind beggar who sits at the spot by the highway between the two Jerichos and pleads for money. He refuses the chance to search out Yeshua and ask for healing, because he is scared to leave the only life he has ever known. Yeshua, upon returning to Jericho and encountering Bartimaeus on the road, gives him new eyes because of his faith. Bartimaeus immediately joins the entourage.
The two constants in these books is Peniel, a healed blind beggar and the one telling these stories, and Zadok, formerly chief shepherd of Bethlehem who both travel with Yeshua. The end of the book culminates in Zachai having to climb a huge sukomore tree to see Jesus as he walks through town. This part of the story is well known from scripture and tells how Zachai invited Yeshua to dine with him. Zachai's heart was transformed, and he realized that Yeshua was The One he had been looking for to show him who he was meant to be for all eternity.
These books are well researched and a great blending of historical facts and characters with fictional ones but always remaining true to scripture. A lot is learned about Jewish culture during the time of Jesus and what many characters might have been thinking to make them act as they did. This book also gave some insight into what might have made Judas betray Jesus (apart from his destiny and God's plan). Plus I also learned that you have to pierce a fig to make it ripen. Lots of symbolism there. In the back of the book there are 51 pages of "Digging Deeper" - six studies to help take you deeper into the answers to several questions related to this book. Truly an eye-opener and a great read.
November 27, 2016
The entire AD Chronicles series, starting with book 1, is some of the best writing I've encountered, both in the spiritual and secular realms. Bodie's insights into Scripture are consistently deep, often deeper than what I have seen from many pastors and teachers of God's Word. The fictional details that she creates to flesh out the details of the story not recorded in Scripture seem insightful and accurate to a surprising degree. I highly recommend this book and series as the pinnacle of Bodie and Brock's work, which has all been superb in my opinion. Each book of the series (I've read 1-12) is well written and hard to set down. There is romance, passion, action, and fun. At the same time one can learn Biblical truth and insight, without even being aware of it most of the time. Enjoy.
July 19, 2017
**Update** I actually found myself more disappointed by this book and those that follow than the ones I mentioned below. Even though I read this book mere hours ago, I have only vague recollections of the contents. This book did not survive the second round of the purge from my personal collection.
Unfortunately, I have since finished the ninth book in the series and remember little about this specific book. I will repeat some things that I have said in previous reviews of books in this series. The latter books in the series are much better than the earlier books, specifically books four, five, and six. For Christian fiction, it's a step above the vast majority though I still have issues with aspects of the story telling.
I can't recommend these books but I don't discourage anyone from reading them.
Unfortunately, I have since finished the ninth book in the series and remember little about this specific book. I will repeat some things that I have said in previous reviews of books in this series. The latter books in the series are much better than the earlier books, specifically books four, five, and six. For Christian fiction, it's a step above the vast majority though I still have issues with aspects of the story telling.
I can't recommend these books but I don't discourage anyone from reading them.
June 21, 2009
I have enjoyed at least a dozen books by the Thoene's. The Eighth Shepherd is not as deep or intense as the other series, but it is a lovely, heartwarming read with a message of healing to those who seek after the Lord. Shimona, a leper healed by Jesus who is cast off by her father to tend an isolated fig grove; Zachai, a tax collector - the most hated man in all Judea who wanders in disguise to find the truth; Salmon, a fierce bodyguard to Zachai, seeks healing for his small daughter; and a blind beggar are among those whose paths interweave as they search for acceptance, love and forgiveness in their various lonely journeys of heart, mind, and body.
May 8, 2010
A solid book in the AD Chronicles, though not as good as some of the others. This one tells the story of Zacchaeus. Christ is on His way to Jerusalem and I know He is going to die soon. I am tempted to stop reading this series until it is complete and my library carries the final book. Each book makes me cry and I know the story will only get more intense as it covers the final week of Christ's life.
March 24, 2014
As good as the early books in the series. Tells the healing stories of Zaccheaus and Bartimaeus. Though the details of these stories cannot be replicated authentically, I so appreciate the dedication of the Thones to share what it might have been like to be the hated publican or the outcast leper or the black slave or the annoying blind beggar. The joy of finding Jesus, however, is the same as every believer has experienced for 2000 years.
March 20, 2014
The slow march toward the crucifixion continues as we get the story of tax collector Zachai of Jericho. While this historical fiction series has been more hit and miss than normal for the Thoenes, I got emotionally drawn into this volume even though I knew the ultimate outcome.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 5, 2009
This book in the series was a little slow for me. The main focus was on prayer and how God answers whether you are a righteous follower or not. I think the big thing I realized was that usually the righteous recognize the answers where the unrighteous don't see their answers.
One more book to go and I will have read the whole series!
One more book to go and I will have read the whole series!
January 28, 2010
This was based on the story of Zachai (Zacceus) and Blind Bartomaous.
The healed Lepar, Shaloma (sp?) is back in this volume, and is still an outcast even though she is well.
Great book, amazing Jewish reference, and very entertaining.
The healed Lepar, Shaloma (sp?) is back in this volume, and is still an outcast even though she is well.
Great book, amazing Jewish reference, and very entertaining.
March 16, 2009
picked this up just for the picture on the cover - was very good read - novel perspective of characters on the periphery during Jesus' minstry - plan to read all of this series and check out some others by this author
October 16, 2011
Really enjoyed this eighth book in the A.D. Chronicles. It covers the events that could have taken place after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The way Zaccheus was portrayed was interesting, as well as various other biblical people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews