This is a work of Christian historical fiction set in biblical times. The story follows the son of one of the Magi as he journeys to worship Christ at birth as a young man, and again at Christ's death. From the very first page of the manuscript, the author packs each page and paragraph with descriptive narrative full of language that pops and sizzles. The author has a talent for setting scenes with brief but impactful statements that help the reader imagine exactly where and how the action of a scene is taking place. The descriptions of the area of Bactres initially and the journeys that follow regarding Christ are truly captivating for the imagination, drawing the reader deeply into the story. The author has successfully balanced the triad of components fundamental to any successful fictional work: narration, dialogue, and action. She paces each chapter consistently and smoothly with plot movement that is interjected regularly with conversations between characters. She also takes time to show the interior thoughts and emotions of the main characters, which is particularly important for developing Basil as he grows and matures, adding depth to his personality over the years. Finally, the author has done a beautiful job of integrating a faith journey into the story, even while the physical journey progresses. As we watch Basil grow up, we see a reliance upon the One God emerge, as well as a profound devotion to Christ, showing the preeminence of Christ over all peoples. Readers will come away from the book with a rich story of God's salvation story and how Christ's birth and death changed everything.
