Breath-taking intrigue abounds in this novel that takes place in ancient Ephesus during a time of Roman rule and persecution of the early Christian church. Debut author Liisa Eyerly weaves a mesmerizing tale of murder and treachery in a city that rises up vividly from history. As Sabina, the story’s heroine, wrestles with her own personal faith and longings, she also finds herself thrown into the mystery of who committed a terrible murder in which a man is poisoned and dies right before her eyes. There are reasons to become involved, and most definitely reasons not to. Compelled to try, Sabina is opposed by enemies lurking within and without her circle of family and friends, and sometimes it’s hard to know who can be trusted and who serves their own nefarious purpose. Meanwhile, the clock ticks against the execution of an innocent apostle as well as Sabina’s own future happiness.
I was astounded at the historical authenticity of the story, but never felt like information had been dumped over my head. Rather, the author deftly plucked me out of my 21st century comforts and plopped me deeply into the lifestyle, customs, and sometimes-frightening beliefs of those ancient times.
Layer upon layer is slowly peeled back, revealing friend from foe and sub-plots that made every character more alive. I kept turning the pages into the night even after my eyes were burning to find out who the killer was in this race against time and evil. Readers of such Biblical fiction like that of Connilyn Cossette, Lisa Tawn Berggren, and Barbara Britton will definitely want to take note.
Though no strings were left untied, I think Obedient Unto Death begs a sequel. I look forward to reading more by this new author.
