On Tour with Prism Book Tours
The End of the MagiBy Patrick W. Carr
Christian Historical Fiction
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 384 Pages
November 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem,
a prophecy sets a young magus on his path . . .
Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.
Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.
With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.
Review:
When the King's favor turns against his Magi, killing Myrad's father, it unleashes a chain of events that send Myrad on a journey that will leave him forever changed.
A step in a slightly different direction for author, Patrick Carr, who I am familiar with as an epic fantasy writer, in The End of the Magi, he delves into the time before Christ was born, showing the political tensions and unrest of a world in need of a Saviour.
Myrad is a newly appointed Magi, who has been dreaming of a luminous star that calls to him. After his father's death he finds himself at a loss, not knowing who to trust or where to turn, with the wrath of the Queen's soldiers after him. On the journey he faces attacks, betrayal, and also finds friends that become like family. Myrad shows a keen mind with a wisdom beyond his years, I admired his devotion to his mission, and determination to not let physical obstacles get in his way, as well as his honesty about his weaknesses.
Overall a well written high stakes journey, that imagines what it might have been like to follow the star, risking it all in a explosive political atmosphere, for the promise of the King. A story of courage, faith, and hope, just in time for Christmas. Multiple colorful characters, well researched, and daring. Great for fans of Biblical fiction and of Mr. Carr's worldbuilding skills!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Praise for the Book
"Carr retells the story of the Magi in this bustling biblical adventure . . . . Myrad's divine vision of the star and his arduous trek battling his own physical problems to pay homage to the Messiah capture the majesty of biblical narratives and will appeal to Christians well versed in scripture."--Publishers Weekly
"Patrick Carr brings us a captivating tale in The End of the Magi. Based on the Holy Bible, he weaves a fictional tale of the adventures of a group of magi from the east looking for the Messiah. Myrad is a strong main character even though he doesn't see himself as strong. He has great character traits and these help him find triumph over tragedy. . . . The End of the Magi is a great holiday read and gives us much to think about in our journey to know God better."--Fresh Fiction
(Affiliate links included.)
Patrick W. Carr is the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Staff and the Sword. A Cast of Stones won the 2014 Carol Award for Speculative Fiction and the 2014 Clive Staples Award. A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot were both finalists for 2014 Christy Awards. He teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four sons.
Tour Schedule
- One winner will receive a print copy of The End of the Magi and a $20 B&N gift card
- Four winners will each receive a print copy of The End of the Magi
- US only
- Ends November 29, 2019
I've heard good things about this book from my reviewer friends. TY for the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Biblical fiction because it expands on what I already know about that time in history from reading my Bible. The authors draw some pretty amazing word pictures that often times add dimension to the big story of the Gospel.
DeleteYes, I think you would enjoy this book. Mr. Carr does an excellent job with research of the political tensions of the times--I loved how he brings to life the perspective of a gentile at Jesus' birth.
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