Book Review – From Afar

From Afar by Roger Thomas The Magi, or Three Kings, of the Nativity story are among the best loved yet most mysterious figures in all history. The fleeting and sparse account in St. Matthew’s Gospel raises as many questions as it answers. It has been so embroidered over the centuries that the original historical context has been almost completely buried. Yet the world of the early first century was as dynamic and intriguing as any legend – and much more perilous. In his compelling novelization of the journey of the Magi, Roger Thomas draws on Scripture, history, and modern research. This swift-moving tale brings these shadowed figures to vivid life. You meet them as men of their time and culture: learned and noble, yet experienced with a brutal world and even violent when necessary. Come with them as they search for a King they do not understand, and seek for answers to questions lying in the deepest parts of their souls – providing they survive the dangers of the journey. Review: I loved this fascinating fictional look into the Three Wise Men. While we all know of these three mysterious men, there is little that is actually known about them. The author takes us on a fictional journey into how these men knew about the birth of a King and why they were interested in a Jewish king. I was expecting an interesting story but was blown away by this exciting, adventurous tale that I couldn’t put down. Historic fiction is always so interesting. Getting a glimpse into another time period is a wonderful learning tool. From Afar really brought to light the environment into which Jesus was born. The evil corruption of Herod and the communities that worshiped pagan gods. Even though this is a work of fiction, it…