Book Review: Petra: City of Stone by T.L.Higley

Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Date: September 15, 2010

Cassia and her son Alexander arrive in the city of Petra hoping for a new beginning in the wake of the death of Alexander's abusive father. Soon after arriving, Cassia is viciously attacked, but a rescue by people of the Way sets their lives on an unexpected course. When the Queen of Petra forces Alexander from Cassia's care and plots his death, Cassia must rely on her new friends and a God she's not sure she can trust to save herself and her son.

Weaving rich historical details with heart-pounding action, Higley has provided a captivating read. Petra is a masterpiece, and I greatly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I loved reading about a setting I've never even heard of before, the stone city of Petra, and the intense battle between the false gods and demons of Petra and the powerful name of Jesus was brilliantly written. Higley writes with grace and beauty, and has created an enjoyable cast of characters that I wish I could read more about.

I especially resonated with Julian's journey, his struggle to grow beyond his past to become who God has called him to be. I was convicted by Julian's thoughts, where he wonders "What would happen if he gave up his need for approval, if he walked away from the safety of praise and their admiration? If he rested in the acceptance gained through Jesus' death for him? Risked everything to answer the call to lead through humility to be a servant?" These are questions any of us would benefit from asking, to worry less about what others think of us, and instead respond to the call Jesus has on our lives.

I highly recommend this novel, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

This review is based on an electronic copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley for the purpose of completing this review.