This is one very beautiful story. My spirit soared like an eagle reading this novel. This is the third novel of Michael J Webb I have read and the third where he exhibits his flair for a well-constructed plot and well written prose. This particular novel is written beautifully, it is elegant, simple yet complicated, romantic yet full of drama. Webb's writing style immediately engages you and transports you to this era. Every day when I picked up where I left off previously, I was transported to the time of Christ's death and resurrection with all the social, political, and religious upheaval that existed between the Jews and Roman occupied Israel, specifically Jersualem in this novel.Webb has a flair for not just constructing well his plot but also his characters. These are well defined and you find yourself getting to know them well and due to his well constructed plot lines, you feel you are there sharing their experiences and not just as an observer or reader. This enabled me to grow fond of the main characters, be wary of others, or to despise and dare I say hate the main antagonists!! His characters are very real and relational. I have stated that in other reviews of Webb's books.I liken the main character of Deucalion Quinctus Cincinnatus in this novel to Gallus Sergius Vitas who is the main character in The Last Disciple trilogy by Brouwer/Hanegraaff which is also set in the same time period as this but also extends to the reign of Nero and also deals with similar issues in Webb's story. However, Webb's account in this novel is far superior and easier to read, appreciate and understand.I agree with Randy K, a reviewer who states on the Amazon book page for this novel,"For some who love to get lost in a great novel, there are just not enough great writers working in Christian Fiction . . . The really good news is that I have found an author you probably don't know anything about . . . Michael Webb brings so much more than just nail-biting action to the stage. He has an amazing knowledge of history and the inter-relationships of the major players during 1st Century AD. He weaves tales of deceit and manipulation that provide us one view of what might have been going on behind the scenes as Pilate, Saul of Tarsus, Herod Antipas, Caiaphas and others battled for power.There is seemingly never ending stream of specific anthropological, cultural, and religious insights that help us to see more clearly what the struggle between Rome, the Jews, and the new Christians was really all about. Add the spiritual realm to the equation to complete a tapestry that keeps you guessing throughout the work . . .Above, I compared Michael Webb to some huge authors. He is actually a better writer than Young or Dekker. His story lines are equal to any of the three. His research is as good as Alcorn. I'll give Alcorn an edge on writing, but not by much."I could not have expressed this any better myself and I totally support and reinforce here Randy's findings.I highly recommend this novel. It has left a lasting impression on me and I look back with fondness and joy on this novel.