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Shadow of Colossus
In a world enslaved by money and power, one woman dares to be free. Will an explosive secret enslave her again?
The place is the island of Rhodes; the time, 227 BC. In the ten years that Tessa of Delos has been in bondage as a hetaeira, a high-priced Greek courtesan to a wealthy politician, she has learned to abandon all desire for freedom and love. But when her owner meets a violent death, Tessa is given the chance to be free—if she can hide the truth of his death and maintain a masquerade until escape is possible. Now Tessa must battle for her own freedom and for those she is beginning to love, as forces collide that will shatter the island’s peace and bring even its mighty Colossus to its knees.
Here is a powerful story showing how the love of God can transform even the most hardened person and bring back to life a soul jaded by sin and grief.
The place is the island of Rhodes; the time, 227 BC. In the ten years that Tessa of Delos has been in bondage as a hetaeira, a high-priced Greek courtesan to a wealthy politician, she has learned to abandon all desire for freedom and love. But when her owner meets a violent death, Tessa is given the chance to be free—if she can hide the truth of his death and maintain a masquerade until escape is possible. Now Tessa must battle for her own freedom and for those she is beginning to love, as forces collide that will shatter the island’s peace and bring even its mighty Colossus to its knees.
Here is a powerful story showing how the love of God can transform even the most hardened person and bring back to life a soul jaded by sin and grief.
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Higley
10 books83 followersalso published under the name Tracy L. Higley
T.L. Higley holds a degree in English Literature and has written three previous novels and more than fifty drama productions for church ministry. She is especially passionate about "breaking down emotional and philosophical barriers that people have put up between themselves and Christ."
T.L. Higley holds a degree in English Literature and has written three previous novels and more than fifty drama productions for church ministry. She is especially passionate about "breaking down emotional and philosophical barriers that people have put up between themselves and Christ."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 8, 2011
I started reading this book with the hope that it would shed some light on a little known part of the ancient world (the island of Rhodes). I love historical fiction and thought this was the same. Little did I know that the author had a religious "agenda" in mind. The main character is Tessa, a hetaera, but the author portrays her as little more than a whore. Tessa's mother sold her (as a child) to a woman who runs a training school that produces educated and cultured female companions. Perhaps her mother had been greedy for the few coins she received for Tessa. Or maybe her mother did what she did in order to give her daughter a chance to survive and live a better life than her widowed mother could provide?
Wealthy men paid an exorbitant fee for the companionship of such a cultured woman at their banquets and meetings. A modern-day equivalent would be a geisha in Japan (who does NOT have sex with men but rather entertains them). The author weaves a story of shame around Tessa (because these men haven taken sexual advantage of her). She considers suicide but lacks the courage to take her own life. Then out of the blue enters a young Greek called Nikos who is tender and compassionate with her and eventually falls in love with her. Oh, and let's not forget the Jew, Simeon, and his family living in the Jewish quarter, who also feel sorry for her and talk to her about a loving God who will forgive her (this at a time when Jewish tradition required stoning "fallen" women like Tessa). Simeon tells Tessa that Yahweh has told him that he will not "taste death" until he sees the promised Messiah (this was 227 B.C. and Christ's birth was over two centuries in the future).
This was a pagan society. Women were expected to remain in their homes and not go out in public. Hetaera enjoyed the only "freedom" and mental stimulation that women in this part of the world, at this time in history, could enjoy. They had positions of influence and sometimes, even power. They could read, sing, play music, and join in male discussions.
The plot and the characters were weak but I forced myself to finish the book (hoping it would eventually get better--it didn't). I'm moving on to other authors...
Wealthy men paid an exorbitant fee for the companionship of such a cultured woman at their banquets and meetings. A modern-day equivalent would be a geisha in Japan (who does NOT have sex with men but rather entertains them). The author weaves a story of shame around Tessa (because these men haven taken sexual advantage of her). She considers suicide but lacks the courage to take her own life. Then out of the blue enters a young Greek called Nikos who is tender and compassionate with her and eventually falls in love with her. Oh, and let's not forget the Jew, Simeon, and his family living in the Jewish quarter, who also feel sorry for her and talk to her about a loving God who will forgive her (this at a time when Jewish tradition required stoning "fallen" women like Tessa). Simeon tells Tessa that Yahweh has told him that he will not "taste death" until he sees the promised Messiah (this was 227 B.C. and Christ's birth was over two centuries in the future).
This was a pagan society. Women were expected to remain in their homes and not go out in public. Hetaera enjoyed the only "freedom" and mental stimulation that women in this part of the world, at this time in history, could enjoy. They had positions of influence and sometimes, even power. They could read, sing, play music, and join in male discussions.
The plot and the characters were weak but I forced myself to finish the book (hoping it would eventually get better--it didn't). I'm moving on to other authors...
February 9, 2010
I kept waiting for the plot to start. It never really did. I felt like the author kept telling me how to feel and think about her characters. I pretty much knew the end of the book at the end of the first chapter. There was only one great character and "twist" which came at the end and wasn't really enough to carry the book. I probably won't read anything else by this author.
August 11, 2011
Tessa has been a hetaeira, a mistress, for more than 10 years, a captive with one of the island’s most powerful politician Glaucus. All she wants is freedom. Fate gives her a chance when her master dies accidentally leaving Tessa with 2 choices. Either be hanged to death if charged with his murder or pass on to her next master who could be more if not equally brutal as her previous master. She chooses none of these.
She decides to free herself from all the bondages by running away from the island, if only she could keep the death of the most powerful man on the Rhodes Island a secret for a few days.
Enter Nikos. Nikos is on a mission. His father has sent him to gather the workings of the politics of the Island of Rhodes. And the best way to start is at Glaucus’s home. A few days before Glaucus’s death, he manages to get a job as the head servant in his house. But when he reaches there, he finds out the secret which is known only to 3 people on the entire Island, Tessa, her present head servant Simeon and Glaucus’s daughter Persephone.
He decides to help Tessa escape the island.
Shadow of colossus has everything I want in a book. It has suspense, romance, rich details, beautiful writing and a lovable cast of characters. Even though the book is written from different point of views, and you know what is going to happen next, the author keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
I loved Tessa. She is a woman with great strength. And I loved Nikos. His struggle between following his father’s wishes and wishes of his heart is very well portrayed. The writing is so beautiful; I almost smiled at the beauty of some of the sentences.
This is the first book in the ‘Seven Wonders’ series. The next book is ‘City of the dead’ which is based in Egypt. Go to the authors site here, which also has a link to all the beautiful places in Rhodes Island as well as the history.
This a wonderful and a satisfying read. I have a new favorite author now. I say go grab your copy.
She decides to free herself from all the bondages by running away from the island, if only she could keep the death of the most powerful man on the Rhodes Island a secret for a few days.
Enter Nikos. Nikos is on a mission. His father has sent him to gather the workings of the politics of the Island of Rhodes. And the best way to start is at Glaucus’s home. A few days before Glaucus’s death, he manages to get a job as the head servant in his house. But when he reaches there, he finds out the secret which is known only to 3 people on the entire Island, Tessa, her present head servant Simeon and Glaucus’s daughter Persephone.
He decides to help Tessa escape the island.
Shadow of colossus has everything I want in a book. It has suspense, romance, rich details, beautiful writing and a lovable cast of characters. Even though the book is written from different point of views, and you know what is going to happen next, the author keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
I loved Tessa. She is a woman with great strength. And I loved Nikos. His struggle between following his father’s wishes and wishes of his heart is very well portrayed. The writing is so beautiful; I almost smiled at the beauty of some of the sentences.
This is the first book in the ‘Seven Wonders’ series. The next book is ‘City of the dead’ which is based in Egypt. Go to the authors site here, which also has a link to all the beautiful places in Rhodes Island as well as the history.
This a wonderful and a satisfying read. I have a new favorite author now. I say go grab your copy.
November 16, 2008
Shadow of a Colussus takes us into the life of Tessa, a courtesan and slave on the Island of Rhodes in the year 227 BC, the week before an earthquake that topples the Colossus. It is a story of political intrigue and the story of how a women who had taught herself to be as unfeeling as a statue learns to trust and love. The author adds a lot of historical detail--we learn about the interior of homes, the public baths and the aquaduct system and the religous practices of the people. My only criticism is that she has Jewish characters who refer to God as Yahweh, and I know that is against the Jewish faith.
April 14, 2019
Een interessant verhaal uit de Oudheid, waarin een mooie parallel getrokken wordt tussen Tessa, de hoofdpersoon, en het beeld van Helios.
De manier waarop Tessa beschreven wordt is vrij complex en bijna ongeloofwaardig. Ze is trots en koppig maar kan van het een op andere moment totaal omslaan naar een onzekere en kwetsbare vrouw. Dat ze deze twee kanten heeft is op zich niet ongeloofwaardig, maar de grilligheid van haar karakter gaf mij niet het gevoel dat ik haar beter leerde kennen door dit boek heen. Daarnaast stond het mij tegen dat alles en iedereen wijkt voor haar en zij telkens het slachtoffer is van alles, terwijl zij toch ook niet altijd zo onschuldig was.
De manier waarop Tessa beschreven wordt is vrij complex en bijna ongeloofwaardig. Ze is trots en koppig maar kan van het een op andere moment totaal omslaan naar een onzekere en kwetsbare vrouw. Dat ze deze twee kanten heeft is op zich niet ongeloofwaardig, maar de grilligheid van haar karakter gaf mij niet het gevoel dat ik haar beter leerde kennen door dit boek heen. Daarnaast stond het mij tegen dat alles en iedereen wijkt voor haar en zij telkens het slachtoffer is van alles, terwijl zij toch ook niet altijd zo onschuldig was.
November 4, 2010
Higley does such a great job of taking us back to ancient Greece. My heart was instantly filled with sorrow for the young Tessa who was sold at a young age into slavery to live the life of a hetaera. When an accident claims the life of her abusive owner she is faced with a hard choice. I loved how the story unfolded with a mixture of adventure, betrayal, love, hatred, mystery, suspense, and above all faith. God brings people into her life in the most unexpected way. He also brings the mighty Colossus to his knees and Tessa to hers.
February 21, 2025
This book has a great point, but it is long. I felt like it would never end. Normally I enjoy this kind of book, but sadly I did not. It has some very challenging and most likely realistic situations that women during that time fins themselves. My heart breaks for women who have to sell themselves or are sold. Not a bad book, just long and drawn out. Great ending!
December 23, 2009
Reason for Reading: I had been wanting to read it anyway. The Ancient Greece and Seven Wonders angle appealed to me.
Summary: Set in 227 BC on the Greek island of Rhodes, Tesa was sold into bondage by her mother ten years ago and has been a courtesan ever since. She holds quite a high position in society as the hetaera of a wealthy politician, but still she must meet his every need in the privacy of his home. When her patrician is accidentally killed Tesa comes up with a plan to finally escape this island and its bondage but at this time she also meets a young man different than all the other men whom she has grown cold towards, this man actually seems to care. And all the while brewing deep beneath the earth the tectonic plates are coming together in what will be an immense earthquake that will destroy not only the Greek town and Jew village but also bring the Colossus statue of Helios to it's knees.
Comment: I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I have to say I wasn't particularly in an Ancient history mood when I sat down to read it but the book grabbed me from the first chapter onwards. Tesa is a strong character caught in an ugly life of slavery and prostitution from which she is determined to free herself. Though to have survived so long in this lifestyle she has set aside her joy for life and become a cold, unfeeling person, impossible to reach. When she finds love it is extremely hard for her to set aside the control she has placed on her feelings for so long.
The book has an exciting political plot, with people plotting behind one another's backs to become the most powerful one. With three deaths and a near mass murder, one cannot help but be carried away by the fast-paced, exciting plot. Part love story, part political thriller and part examination of the Old Testament Jewish faith this engaging read was a page-turner for me.
From a Christian publisher I feel the label "Christian fiction" is a bit of a misnomer as the story takes place 227 years before Christ. Yet one can't quite call it "Biblical fiction" as the events are fictional, not from the Bible. I'm more apt to call this simply "historical fiction" or "historical romance" that mainstream readers would most likely enjoy. There are Jewish characters who believe in God and they introduce Him to a couple of Greek characters. There is one sentence near the end of the book where a Jewish character mentions the coming, one day, of a Messiah. I'd recommend to anyone, regardless of creed, who is interested in the time period. I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.
Summary: Set in 227 BC on the Greek island of Rhodes, Tesa was sold into bondage by her mother ten years ago and has been a courtesan ever since. She holds quite a high position in society as the hetaera of a wealthy politician, but still she must meet his every need in the privacy of his home. When her patrician is accidentally killed Tesa comes up with a plan to finally escape this island and its bondage but at this time she also meets a young man different than all the other men whom she has grown cold towards, this man actually seems to care. And all the while brewing deep beneath the earth the tectonic plates are coming together in what will be an immense earthquake that will destroy not only the Greek town and Jew village but also bring the Colossus statue of Helios to it's knees.
Comment: I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I have to say I wasn't particularly in an Ancient history mood when I sat down to read it but the book grabbed me from the first chapter onwards. Tesa is a strong character caught in an ugly life of slavery and prostitution from which she is determined to free herself. Though to have survived so long in this lifestyle she has set aside her joy for life and become a cold, unfeeling person, impossible to reach. When she finds love it is extremely hard for her to set aside the control she has placed on her feelings for so long.
The book has an exciting political plot, with people plotting behind one another's backs to become the most powerful one. With three deaths and a near mass murder, one cannot help but be carried away by the fast-paced, exciting plot. Part love story, part political thriller and part examination of the Old Testament Jewish faith this engaging read was a page-turner for me.
From a Christian publisher I feel the label "Christian fiction" is a bit of a misnomer as the story takes place 227 years before Christ. Yet one can't quite call it "Biblical fiction" as the events are fictional, not from the Bible. I'm more apt to call this simply "historical fiction" or "historical romance" that mainstream readers would most likely enjoy. There are Jewish characters who believe in God and they introduce Him to a couple of Greek characters. There is one sentence near the end of the book where a Jewish character mentions the coming, one day, of a Messiah. I'd recommend to anyone, regardless of creed, who is interested in the time period. I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.
February 18, 2020
After reading this story, while reading a note provided after the story within the book I found that this really explained what I think as a whole about the tale.
Weaving in and out of actual events, brushing lightly against the lives of characters from the pages of history, the Seven Wonders novels take us beyond man's ingenuity and hubris to explore the Supreme Creator's work in the ancient world beyond Israel. From the fall of the mighty Colossus of Rhodes to the destruction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one thing becomes clear: The power of redemption will never be silenced, and the One True God still desires to draw all men unto himself.
This novel might have taken place in 227 BC, but there is no doubt in my mind that it falls within a classification of Christian fiction. Through the hearts and minds of the characters, the "one true God" makes his love and redemption vision known.
The author has used a talent for storytelling to educate and to fill the soul with a redemptive tale that is as classic as the story of the woman at the well or the good Samaritan. God loves you, and can use you, and desires you, no matter your past or situation.
Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley has been republished as Isle of Shadows by Tracy Higley
Weaving in and out of actual events, brushing lightly against the lives of characters from the pages of history, the Seven Wonders novels take us beyond man's ingenuity and hubris to explore the Supreme Creator's work in the ancient world beyond Israel. From the fall of the mighty Colossus of Rhodes to the destruction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one thing becomes clear: The power of redemption will never be silenced, and the One True God still desires to draw all men unto himself.
This novel might have taken place in 227 BC, but there is no doubt in my mind that it falls within a classification of Christian fiction. Through the hearts and minds of the characters, the "one true God" makes his love and redemption vision known.
The author has used a talent for storytelling to educate and to fill the soul with a redemptive tale that is as classic as the story of the woman at the well or the good Samaritan. God loves you, and can use you, and desires you, no matter your past or situation.
Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley has been republished as Isle of Shadows by Tracy Higley
November 14, 2012
In May 2009 I read my first book by T.L. Higley, called "Shadow of Colossus." Three and a half years later, "Isle of Shadows" is the revised and updated version under a new publisher. I have really loved each of Tracy's Seven Wonders novels, and I was very excited to have the opportunity to go back to the island of Rhodes and 227 BC.
Tessa of Delos is a hetaera, a political consort to one of the most powerful men on the island. She's a possession, with a heart which wants to be stone in order to escape the pain of years of being used for the gain of others. Just when she's ready to end it all, an accident allows her a glimmer of freedom. It will require the greatest performance of her life, and require her to trust, which might be more difficult than fooling the rest of the world.
Nikos has come to Rhodes to spy out the political scene for the father he only recently came to know. His mission quickly becomes derailed by unfolding events, and his heart entangled by the beautiful but hard woman he is coming to know. Spiro is hungry for power and will stop at nothing to gain control of the island. Simeon is a humble and loyal servant who wants to see Tessa's heart freed by the power of the One True God his forefathers have worshipped for centuries. These men will help shape Tessa's future, for good or bad.
When I read the book three years ago, I noted that its weakest point was the technical aspect of the novel. The revision has completely taken care of this issue! The flow was smooth and the characters even more engaging than I recall. The plot is full of twists to keep you guessing, and I found the number of references of the Colossus to be perfect. In short, I enjoyed this even more than I did before, and its update accurately conveys the growth I had observed in Higley's more recent releases.
This book released today and is available at all your major book outlets. I received my copy from BookSneeze in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
Tessa of Delos is a hetaera, a political consort to one of the most powerful men on the island. She's a possession, with a heart which wants to be stone in order to escape the pain of years of being used for the gain of others. Just when she's ready to end it all, an accident allows her a glimmer of freedom. It will require the greatest performance of her life, and require her to trust, which might be more difficult than fooling the rest of the world.
Nikos has come to Rhodes to spy out the political scene for the father he only recently came to know. His mission quickly becomes derailed by unfolding events, and his heart entangled by the beautiful but hard woman he is coming to know. Spiro is hungry for power and will stop at nothing to gain control of the island. Simeon is a humble and loyal servant who wants to see Tessa's heart freed by the power of the One True God his forefathers have worshipped for centuries. These men will help shape Tessa's future, for good or bad.
When I read the book three years ago, I noted that its weakest point was the technical aspect of the novel. The revision has completely taken care of this issue! The flow was smooth and the characters even more engaging than I recall. The plot is full of twists to keep you guessing, and I found the number of references of the Colossus to be perfect. In short, I enjoyed this even more than I did before, and its update accurately conveys the growth I had observed in Higley's more recent releases.
This book released today and is available at all your major book outlets. I received my copy from BookSneeze in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
February 10, 2011
Tessa was a good character. Her heart was hard, because of the life she's lived, but you see her start to thaw, exploring whether or not she can love someone and what that might do to her tightly held control. Nikos, our male protagonist, is likeable and brave, and seems like a good fit for Tessa. Still, there was very little about either of these characters that made them particularly special. Like your average human being, they had strengths and weaknesses, and those manifested in the novel, but they just didn't seem all that real to me. If this were a movie, they'd be the normal looking "extras" that mill past the main characters on the street. The novel was interesting without being gripping.
I also thought that the book didn't do a good enough job with the faith aspects of the plot. It's part of the historial-Christian-fiction genre, but unlike "A Voice in the Wind," the faith aspects aren't front and center. The main characters occasionally think about God, think about faith and sometimes pray, but it's not central to who they are or the story they're telling, and I was kind of expecting it to be. I feel that this theme in the book should have been much stronger.
Rather like the book itself, I feel like this review has been fairly average. The reviewer in me says why bother, but the obsessive completionist in me says, "You read this. YOU MUST BLOG ABOUT IT."
Cross posted to my book blog. :)
I also thought that the book didn't do a good enough job with the faith aspects of the plot. It's part of the historial-Christian-fiction genre, but unlike "A Voice in the Wind," the faith aspects aren't front and center. The main characters occasionally think about God, think about faith and sometimes pray, but it's not central to who they are or the story they're telling, and I was kind of expecting it to be. I feel that this theme in the book should have been much stronger.
Rather like the book itself, I feel like this review has been fairly average. The reviewer in me says why bother, but the obsessive completionist in me says, "You read this. YOU MUST BLOG ABOUT IT."
Cross posted to my book blog. :)
September 18, 2008
The year is 227 B.C. The place is Rhodes, a Greek island.
For ten years, Tessa of Delos has been in Glaucus’s ownership as his hetaera (an owned woman). Tessa had given up all hope. It seemed like she would never experience freedom again. It looked like the only way Tessa would gain her freedom was to take her own life. The Gods had another plan; they were looking down on her that day. Glaucus befalls a terrible fate, which will ultimately change things for Tessa forever. The next couple of days will be the hardest for Tessa and will require all her strength in order to survive.
Tessa had a great personality about her. She was a pillar of strength as well as endurance. I enjoyed reading Shadow of Colossus. I found myself having a hard time putting it down. I felt Mrs. Higley writing really brought a real Greek authenticity to the story. Reading Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley is the first time I have read anything by this author. I love discovering new authors especially ones that I can recommend to all my friends. Shadow of Colossus was flawless in my opinion. Shadow of Colossus is the first book in the Seven Wonders series. If all the rest of the books are as amazing as this one was than this series will be a bestseller hit. I look forward to a long successful future to Mrs. Higley and her books.
For ten years, Tessa of Delos has been in Glaucus’s ownership as his hetaera (an owned woman). Tessa had given up all hope. It seemed like she would never experience freedom again. It looked like the only way Tessa would gain her freedom was to take her own life. The Gods had another plan; they were looking down on her that day. Glaucus befalls a terrible fate, which will ultimately change things for Tessa forever. The next couple of days will be the hardest for Tessa and will require all her strength in order to survive.
Tessa had a great personality about her. She was a pillar of strength as well as endurance. I enjoyed reading Shadow of Colossus. I found myself having a hard time putting it down. I felt Mrs. Higley writing really brought a real Greek authenticity to the story. Reading Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley is the first time I have read anything by this author. I love discovering new authors especially ones that I can recommend to all my friends. Shadow of Colossus was flawless in my opinion. Shadow of Colossus is the first book in the Seven Wonders series. If all the rest of the books are as amazing as this one was than this series will be a bestseller hit. I look forward to a long successful future to Mrs. Higley and her books.
January 12, 2013
I think I've established the fact that I am a HUGE T.L.Higley fan? I haven't? Well I am. When given the opportunity to review yet another book by her, I jumped at the chance, and once again she didn't disappoint. (Don't you love authors like that? If only they wrote a million books!)
Once again Ms. Higley takes you on a historical journey, this time to Ancient Greece 227 BC. Our Heroine a hetera Tessa opens the book contemplating suicide. Or at least, this was my interpretation of this passage: "The death of her body was long over due. Her soul had died ten years ago. Ten years ago this day."
Fortunately that day was not, the day (or else we wouldn't have a book to read) and we get to follow Tessa through an harrowing journey that does involve death, a plot for a mass murder, espionage, secrets, disguises and some romance. Perhaps espionage is a bit misleading, but I'll let you decide for yourself. ;)
This is not a book that is easily tossed aside for another, and is guaranteed to keep you spell bound through the tight spaces (literally) Tessa finds herself in, while attempting to save herself and those she's come to love....
I was given a review copy for free by Booksneeze.com. All opinions are my own (obviously) and I wasn't compensated in any way for this review!
Once again Ms. Higley takes you on a historical journey, this time to Ancient Greece 227 BC. Our Heroine a hetera Tessa opens the book contemplating suicide. Or at least, this was my interpretation of this passage: "The death of her body was long over due. Her soul had died ten years ago. Ten years ago this day."
Fortunately that day was not, the day (or else we wouldn't have a book to read) and we get to follow Tessa through an harrowing journey that does involve death, a plot for a mass murder, espionage, secrets, disguises and some romance. Perhaps espionage is a bit misleading, but I'll let you decide for yourself. ;)
This is not a book that is easily tossed aside for another, and is guaranteed to keep you spell bound through the tight spaces (literally) Tessa finds herself in, while attempting to save herself and those she's come to love....
I was given a review copy for free by Booksneeze.com. All opinions are my own (obviously) and I wasn't compensated in any way for this review!
January 19, 2009
I have discovered a very special series of books that I'm thinking some of you haven't read yet and I am hoping to help you rectify that very sad situation. For lovers of historical fiction (and even those that may not think they enjoy historical fiction) this series is amazing! Welcome to the 7 Wonders Series by T.L. Higley... each book centers around one of the Ancient Wonders of the World and sets characters and mystery/suspense against that setting. I have read the first two (Shadow of Colossus (set against the statue of Colossus at Rhodes) and City of the Dead (set against the Pyramids at Giza)) and TL actually makes the particular Wonder of the World almost a character in the book. I was attracted to the series because of a fascination with the Ancient Wonders but drawn in by the amazing story lines. I thought the first one was great, and then the second one stepped up the story another whole level... I can't wait to read the third one! I strongly encourage homeschooling moms to get these books for their high school students because it will make ancient world history come alive. I am really hoping that sales are good for this series because I would love for TL to be able to finish all 7 books!
May 25, 2010
It is book #1 of 7 written by T.L. Higley features the Seven Wonders of the World. This one is set in Ancient Greece (227 B.C.), in Rhodes, where the Colossus once stood. The main character – Tessa – is a hetaeira, a high-priced Greek mistress. Since she is basically a slave – she has tried to abandon all emotion. She is known for being beautiful but having a heart of stone. When her owner dies she begins to hope that she can be free, if she can keep his death a secret and escape the island. The historical part of the story was very interesting and I loved the description of the culture and customs. The romance and Christian aspects of the book were pretty mild – so for those that do not like “preachy” books this one is for you. One great scene took place as Tessa was experiencing her first Passover meal. The Christian aspect of the story dealt with redemption. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
September 1, 2016
"Shadow of Colossus" is a fast-paced Christian historical novel that contains some romance. It's set in 227 B.C. in Rhodes. The story was rich with setting, cultural, and historical details that brought the ancient world alive without slowing the pacing. The suspense was high throughout and was created mainly by the physical danger to the characters. The characters were complex, realistic, and engaging. It was an enjoyable book, but I did have a hard time believing that their secret wasn't quickly found out considering the haphazard way they initially handled keeping it hidden.
One of the characters was a Jew who looked forward to (and understood) a Redeemer-Messiah. He explained his beliefs as two Greek characters shared a Passover meal with his Jewish family. There were no sex scenes. There was a minor amount of "he cursed" style of bad language. While not as well-written as her later novels, I'd recommend this novel.
One of the characters was a Jew who looked forward to (and understood) a Redeemer-Messiah. He explained his beliefs as two Greek characters shared a Passover meal with his Jewish family. There were no sex scenes. There was a minor amount of "he cursed" style of bad language. While not as well-written as her later novels, I'd recommend this novel.
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July 24, 2011An excellent read. It gives plenty of interesting historical detail and insight, and describes Tessa's life as a hetaera so that it's easily understandable but not unnecessarily graphic. Higley writes in plenty of suspense and tension and paints the contrast between Tessa's "marble Athena" shell and the new feelings aroused in her by Nikos and the Jewish children very well. I like how the author focused not only on the view of Tessa as a woman (courtesan vs. wife), but also on her potential as a mother and how that was linked to the way her own mother had treated her. Also impressive was the way Higley made God's love and its power to conquer all obstacles the underlying theme, even though the story takes place in B.C.
I loved it - I couldn't put it down! I am definitely thinking this will be a series worth following.
I loved it - I couldn't put it down! I am definitely thinking this will be a series worth following.
February 20, 2012
I can almost feel the sand under my feet and the warmth of the sun on my skin as I read this book. I can imagine the awe and wonder to sail into the port and see the huge statue guarding the entrance to the city ...
All the sights, smells, and the tastes of history become part of the present as I flip the pages. In a sense, this place and time are like characters themselves. They define so much about how this story plays out.
I felt for this broken woman -- this woman who wanted to turn to stone rather than feel the pain of being owned, of being used, of being sold instead of loved ... It was a powerful story of her brokenness.
I liked the way several of the themes were interwoven on more than one level. T.L. Higley is a master story teller. One of my favorite authors. I never regret choosing another book with that name on the bottom. :o)
All the sights, smells, and the tastes of history become part of the present as I flip the pages. In a sense, this place and time are like characters themselves. They define so much about how this story plays out.
I felt for this broken woman -- this woman who wanted to turn to stone rather than feel the pain of being owned, of being used, of being sold instead of loved ... It was a powerful story of her brokenness.
I liked the way several of the themes were interwoven on more than one level. T.L. Higley is a master story teller. One of my favorite authors. I never regret choosing another book with that name on the bottom. :o)
November 25, 2015
So this was an interesting read. The story of Tessa and her extremely difficult emotional circumstances... which have molded her heart to stone... almost. Intrigue, mystery, and murder. Vicious plots in order to gain power. A story of pain and redemption, Shadow of Colossus really caught my attention. I really liked it. -Except for the part at the end... it seems Tessa deliberately pushes her enemy straight into the path of death. What?! I thought her newfound faith in God had softened her heart. Well, if her intent was to see her enemy killed, then it seems her heart was not so soft after all; that bitterness still had a big hold on it.
So... I found Shadow of Colossus very much worth reading, except for that appalling act of revenge. Help me out, people who have read this book; did Tessa really try her best to kill the guy? (and succeeded)?
So... I found Shadow of Colossus very much worth reading, except for that appalling act of revenge. Help me out, people who have read this book; did Tessa really try her best to kill the guy? (and succeeded)?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2013
I loved listening to this story by Tracy L. Higley, it is the first story by this author that I have had the honor of reading (listening to). Tessa is a hatira (a prostitute of that time), she was sold into that life by her mother and is passed to the man who payst the highest price. The story opens with her wanting to take her own life, yet what she longs for is freedom--freedom from her current owner Glaucus and freedom from the danger of feeling anything at all. The story is set in ancienct Greece in a time when men kill for power and it is in this adventure that Tessa is thrust into. I loved all the twists and turns of the story and the fullness of each character and the beautiful way that the author describes redemption. Loved! Loved! Loved!
June 16, 2017
A good book, but not exactly my cup of tea. Coming from City of the Dead, I probs had higher expectations for the story and characters. Where the aforementioned book read like a mystery filled with tension and suspense, Shadow of Colossus felt like a soap opera of drama and romance (really not my cup of tea). This story lived up to its title of christian fiction though. We had a real "come to Jesus" scene that fitted itself snugly in the plot. Ms. Higley was quite wise in sprinkling references to Greek myths throughout instead of loading us with them.
Tessa disappointed me. I wanted so much for her, but it is as if she places heavy chains of her feet at times. She is someone you can relate to if you have been hurt so badly that you don't want to feel anymore.
Tessa disappointed me. I wanted so much for her, but it is as if she places heavy chains of her feet at times. She is someone you can relate to if you have been hurt so badly that you don't want to feel anymore.
January 27, 2019
I liked it! I really, really liked it! I found myself holding my breath and praying at the end of the book that everyone I loved survived. It's been awhile that I've been that invested in the characters of a book!
I will say that the build up to the great quake was a little anti-climactic. I was hoping for a little more chaos and searching on the part of the MC and her love interest but I think the great quake was also in reference to her conversion. Which I'm so happy about and even teared up a bit - I related to her a lot on an emotional level.
I've only read one other in this series (Keeper of the Flame) and I tried the one that takes place in Egypt but I couldn't get into that one. I think I'd like to try again, but I don't think I still have the book. I'll have to track it down!!
I will say that the build up to the great quake was a little anti-climactic. I was hoping for a little more chaos and searching on the part of the MC and her love interest but I think the great quake was also in reference to her conversion. Which I'm so happy about and even teared up a bit - I related to her a lot on an emotional level.
I've only read one other in this series (Keeper of the Flame) and I tried the one that takes place in Egypt but I couldn't get into that one. I think I'd like to try again, but I don't think I still have the book. I'll have to track it down!!
June 25, 2012
There are very few books that are written in the ancient times that I have read that the author seemed to have actually taken the time to do her research. T.L. Higley did her research and Sunday she transported me to Greece and the story of Tessa.
This story was wonderful. The author managed to deal with some very hard, and very mature issues without making me feel uncomfortable. T.L. Higley has a way with words, and conveying the situation without being to graphic. I can't wait to read her next book.
This story was wonderful. The author managed to deal with some very hard, and very mature issues without making me feel uncomfortable. T.L. Higley has a way with words, and conveying the situation without being to graphic. I can't wait to read her next book.
July 4, 2011
I have always loved history, and I found this to not only be a fascinating story but greatly revealing as to this ancient culture. I'd never heard of a hetaeira before I read this book and enjoyed learning for the first time many things about ancient Rhodes. I love the character of Tessa, finding her and her struggles very real and personal. T.L. Higley weaved the gospel very effectively throughout the story. It's a great beginning to the series.
December 30, 2011
I started this with such high hopes since I love Greek and any ancient historical fiction! By 50 PGs in, I still could not get into it ( it should've hooked me by then). Characters boring and lifeless. And by pg 50 no real plot still. I couldn't even finish it. It was like pulling teeth just to get to pg 50. Very, very disappointed! Don't know if I should even attempt the other two in this series!!!!
December 30, 2012
I finally was able to read Shadow of Colossus after winning it from another site and then misplacing it. It appealed to me because of the Ancient Greece setting. Tessa was an okay lead character and I think she was what made me enjoy the book as much as I did. Overall it was just an okay book, some parts were very slow but it picked up the pace in other parts. I would be willing to read other books in the Seven Wonders series.
October 2, 2019
'Shadow of Colossus' (also published as 'Isle of Shadows') is an absolutely gripping read. The narrative is exciting and well-plotted, balanced out with realistic yet emotional moments. The colorful cast of characters really set this story apart. Higley also paints a beautiful picture of ancient Greece (Rhodes to be more exact); her descriptions of the settings are satisfactory but not overdone. An almost flawless read!
July 5, 2022
There was potential here. Maybe Rhodes during this period was different than other times/places in ancient Greece, but I've never heard of the hetaera system as depicted here. Tessa wasn't even a good hetaera -- for all the talk about her, she showed no diplomacy or social skills. I should have found her sympathetic, but she was frustrating instead. A lot of things about the book just rubbed me the wrong way, actually. It was more like fan fiction than historical fiction.
December 13, 2008
I enjoyed this so much. T. L. Higley did a superb job of not being too preachy, but still getting redemption into the story.
I loved how wonderfully researched this book was. I felt like I learned a lot while still really caring for the characters.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the Seven Wonders series!
I loved how wonderfully researched this book was. I felt like I learned a lot while still really caring for the characters.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the Seven Wonders series!
September 10, 2009
This book was very good. It is the first in a series of books set in ancient times and features the areas of the seven wonders of the world. This one is set in Ancient Greece, in Rhodes, where the Colossus once stood. The characters are very well done and likeable. The story line kept me interested. It is certainly a good read and worth picking up.
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