SHADOW OF COLOSSUS: A Seven Wonders Novel [Paperback]

 

 

Create your own review

Reason for Reading: I had been wanting to read it anyway. The Ancient Greece and Seven Wonders angle appealed to me.

Summary: Set in 227 BC on the Greek island of Rhodes, Tesa was sold into bondage by her mother ten years ago and has been a courtesan ever since. She holds quite a high position in society as the hetaera of a wealthy politician, but still she must meet his every need in the privacy of his home. When her patrician is accidentally killed Tesa comes up with a plan to finally escape this island and its bondage but at this time she also meets a young man different than all the other men whom she has grown cold towards, this man actually seems to care. And all the while brewing deep beneath the earth the tectonic plates are coming together in what will be an immense earthquake that will destroy not only the Greek town and Jew village but also bring the Colossus statue of Helios to it's knees.

Comment: I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I have to say I wasn't particularly in an Ancient history mood when I sat down to read it but the book grabbed me from the first chapter onwards. Tesa is a strong character caught in an ugly life of slavery and prostitution from which she is determined to free herself. Though to have survived so long in this lifestyle she has set aside her joy for life and become a cold, unfeeling person, impossible to reach. When she finds love it is extremely hard for her to set aside the control she has placed on her feelings for so long.

The book has an exciting political plot, with people plotting behind one another's backs to become the most powerful one. With three deaths and a near mass murder, one cannot help but be carried away by the fast-paced, exciting plot. Part love story, part political thriller and part examination of the Old Testament Jewish faith this engaging read was a page-turner for me.

From a Christian publisher I feel the label "Christian fiction" is a bit of a misnomer as the story takes place 227 years before Christ. Yet one can't quite call it "Biblical fiction" as the events are fictional, not from the Bible. I'm more apt to call this simply "historical fiction" or "historical romance" that mainstream readers would most likely enjoy. There are Jewish characters who believe in God and they introduce Him to a couple of Greek characters. There is one sentence near the end of the book where a Jewish character mentions the coming, one day, of a Messiah. I'd recommend to anyone, regardless of creed, who is interested in the time period. I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.

Christian historical fiction tends to come in a few selected flavours: life as a Christian in the early New Testament church, life as a Christian in prominent historical periods in Western Europe and America, and the lives of prominent Bible personages regardless of testament period. Of course, there are a handful of exceptions to the standard categories, but I've never come across Christian historical fiction like T.L. Higley's Seven Wonders series.

Higley's series is set in pre-New Testament times, each tale intertwined with one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the first installment'Shadow of Colossus'takes place on the Greek island of Rhodes in 227 B.C. Into this pre-Christ setting Higley drops a fiery, wounded ice-princess of a heroine. Trapped in chains that seem inescapable and serving out a sentence as tenacious as that of any prison, Tessa of Delos has been in bondage for a decade. Held in high regard for her beauty, cutting wit, and political acumen, her services as courtesan are promised to the highest bidder in a process beyond her control. When her master dies unexpectedly, she glimpses an opportunity for freedom; with the help of a new servant Nikos, a man with a hidden past, she maneuvers treacherous waters in search of a way out.

Blending suspense, romance, political intrigue, and a healthy dose of drama, Higley brings the struggles, class differences, and pagan culture of ancient Greece to vivid life. Her attention to detail in recreating the historical and political climate is commendable, but what fascinates me most about this novel is the offer of freedom through salvation that is woven throughout a story that takes place in a pre-Christian culture. Tessa's physical bondage only serves to underscore her deeper need for spiritual freedom. Her encounters with the dispersed Jewish population of Rhodes throw the unrest of the city's pagan population into sharp contrast with the peace and joy experienced by those who know God. This marker alone sets Higley's novel apart from the majority of historicals. Pre-Christian history outside of the Middle East intertwined with the promise of hope and freedom for those looking towards the coming of their Messiah is entirely unique and enjoyable.

Also impressive is Higley's careful planning which allows readers a deeply personal glimpse into Tessa's life and heart, while entirely avoiding scenes which explicitly detail her lot in life. Though there's no doubt that her role in Grecian society is sinful, yet socially accepted, and even expected in the upper echelons of her world, Higley manages to present an entirely chaste period of Tessa's life.

Shadow of Colossus opens by diving directly into the crux of Tessa's struggle, but the pace slows throughout the bulk of the novel. Her introspection, along with the web of political entanglements and maneuvering, prove a tempering influence to an otherwise tight timeline. Toward the book's end, the pace builds exponentially into a pounding crescendo.

Strong characterization combined with rich historical detail have wonShadow of Colossus a home on my shelves of keepers. Though I rarely read a novel twice, Tessa's story is one that I want to keep on hand for future plumbing. Higley's work has certainly caught my eye, and I look forward to reading the stories she weaves around the remaining six Wonders of the World.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See both customer reviews...

 

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Search Listmania!