Palace of Darkness by Tracy Higley Book Review

// Palace of Darkness //

By Tracy Higley

{Review by Bethany}

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher through Book Look Bloggers
Publication Date: September 9th, 2014
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN:1401687504

 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

// Book Synopsis //

Taken from Good Reads

"Previously released as "Petra."

She believed the city in stone could protect her from the past--until it threatened to destroy her future.

Cassia, a destitute young widow, seeks refuge for herself and her young son, Alexander, in Petra, the home of his late father's estranged family. The capital of the flourishing Arabian empire, a city carved in rock and still free of Roman control, Petra is hidden away among towering sandstone cliffs. Cassia hopes to secure a future here with Alexander's relatives and enjoy the family life she's never known.

But Alexander's father was not the man Cassia thought. He kept a great secret from her--a secret that leads an evil queen to steal Alexander from his mother and plan his destruction.

As the plot against her son unfolds, Cassia finds unexpected allies in her new friend, Julian, and the mysterious followers of The Way. These strangers sacrifice everything to help Cassia rescue her son from the dark palace and the pagan queen. And they offer Cassia the love and security of a family--asking for nothing in return.

With Roman soldiers poised to invade the city, Cassia learns that it will take more than her new friends to save her son's life. It will take a strength and a power beyond any Cassia has ever known--if she is willing to surrender and trust in the One True God."

// Bethany's Book Review // 

 

I've been a big fan of Higley's historical fiction for a while, so I was very excited to hear abut her newest release. Palace of Darkness was previously released in 2010, titled Petra, and has been re-published with a new cover. Since I had not yet had the chance to read this novel, I was excited to read another Higley novel!

This wonderful historical novel is about Cassia, and ultimately her journey of going above and beyond to protect her son's life, which was at risk. This story is such an intimate one that wonderfully displays a mother's true love. I was immediately drawn into Cassia's story, and was interested to learn more about her as I turned the pages. Her story was such an interesting one, and I especially enjoyed her story of becoming aware of Christ's great love for her. This theme in the novel was especially significant for her, due to her past which involved difficulty with trusting others. I was intrigued by her story, and loved seeing her character come out as she did everything within her power to save her son.

While not my favorite of Higley's novels, I still thoroughly enjoyed this exciting ride back in time. I really enjoyed all the historical aspects of this book, and enjoyed the setting in ancient Rome. Higley did an excellent job with the historical bits of this book! The setting was firm, and you can tell that she really did some research when writing this novel! I also loved how she incorporated the historical aspect of ancient Rome with a young mother protecting her son.

This book does have some mature thematic content that was entirely due to the time period this book was set in. At this time, there were many false religions that were practiced, and many evil practices that went with the religions. One particular character in the story was involved in such evil practices including "talking" to the gods with magic, and detestable human sacrifices. There is also mention of the Colosseum and the practices that went on there, mainly in one particular scene where several Christians lots their lives in the Colosseum after being violently murdered by lions. Even though these are more mature topics, I feel like Higley balanced them well and was discrete, and that the book wouldn't have been complete without the historical aspects that went with the times.

In all, I really enjoyed this sweet story of love-though a story of family love versus popular romantic love; which was a unique twist which I liked. The historical aspect of this book is sure to please any fan of good historical fiction!

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of Palace of Darkness from the publisher, for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review, and all thoughts expressed are completely my own, honest and unbiased opinion.