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Septimus
Near the end of the first century, the Emperor Domitian has the Roman Empire in a stranglehold. Fifteen-year-old Septimus Rutilus is trapped on the island of Rhodes, held hostage by a conniving uncle and crippled by fear of the vengeful gods. One daring night, he breaks free and sets out on an Odyssean journey to find the magicians rumored to work miracles and live in defiance of the gods – the Nazarenes. Along the way, he encounters Epicureans, Jews, and pagans, until finally in Ephesus, about to die of starvation, he stumbles upon the Nazarene community. Living mostly in hiding, they are not what he anticipated at all. Yet, he has no choice but to mask his devastation while they nurse him back to health. Before long, he is drawn into this world of seeming paradoxes, inspired by the resilience of their faith. How will Septimus’ journey end? Find out in this compelling coming-of-age story.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2020
6 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 4 reviews
March 1, 2021
While I have to state up front that I know the author personally, this book was good on merits. I usually don't read historical fiction, especially in the Roman Empire, and I still found this work gripping and compelling. The world came alive, and the exploration of different philosophies active at the time really appealed to me as a SciFi reader who likes big ideas my fiction.
The choice of setting (Ephesus in the late First Century) was fascinating , and I found the writing technique to be pretty much flawless. A really great portrayal of the early Nazarene community and well worth reading.
The choice of setting (Ephesus in the late First Century) was fascinating , and I found the writing technique to be pretty much flawless. A really great portrayal of the early Nazarene community and well worth reading.
August 24, 2020
A rich story with a purpose
Amazing to witness the amazing transformation of young Septimus on his journey to find meaning and purpose in his hard circumstances. His story is easily relatable. The history and timeline is fascinating. Appreciated the character details. Miss Sanhammel is a wonderful author and I hope this is not her last work.
Amazing to witness the amazing transformation of young Septimus on his journey to find meaning and purpose in his hard circumstances. His story is easily relatable. The history and timeline is fascinating. Appreciated the character details. Miss Sanhammel is a wonderful author and I hope this is not her last work.
July 31, 2020
Couldn't put it down
I literally couldn't put it down. I devoured it in one evening. The character development and the clear insights into historical Judaism and early Christianity lent depth to a delightful story of faith.
I literally couldn't put it down. I devoured it in one evening. The character development and the clear insights into historical Judaism and early Christianity lent depth to a delightful story of faith.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 4 reviews