Fiction
“Afshar again shows her amazing talent for packing action and intrigue into the biblical setting for modern readers.”
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Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
AUGUST 2018
Thief of Corinth
First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption―the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure.
After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains.
Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future―and very lives―hanging in the balance.
When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for.
Reviews
“…Another beautifully written tale based on the New Testament… Afshar’s well-drawn characters and lushly detailed setting vividly bring to life the ancient world of the Bible. A solid choice for fans of Francine Rivers and Bodie and Brock Thoene.”
Library Journal
“Fearless. Bold. A survivor. This is Ariadne… Afshar brings to life the gripping tale of one woman’s struggle to choose between rebellion and love. This work of biblical fiction does not require biblical knowledge and offers superb momentum, exhilarating scenes, and moving themes of love and determination.
Afshar’s lyrical approach to Ariadne’s voice makes for a relatable protagonist wrestling with timeless questions of worth and belonging in this exquisitely realistic portrait of the early missionary Paul.”
Booklist
“Brilliant and beautifully written, with authentic research and strong characters, this story brings the land and times of the Bible to life and reveals more of ourselves than we might imagine.”
Cathy Gohlke, Christy Award-winning author of Until We Find Home
“Concise writing and a twisty plot produce an engaging read.”
World Magazine