Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Petra: City of Stone

by Tracy L. Higley (Goodreads Author)

4.2 of 5 stars 4.20 · rating details · 116 ratings · 40 reviews

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Que...more

Paperback, 344 pages

Published September 15th 2010 by B&H Books (first published August 25th 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Best Christian Fiction Book Covers

305th out of 568 books — 463 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 473)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 07, 2012 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Older readers

Petra was such a fascinating read! I loved the setting in the city of stone, and the characters were wonderfully developed! A happy ending seemed impossible at times, and yet it happened - a wonderful reminder of God's great power! I loved the picture of certain victory in Jesus' name.

Cassia and Julian are both running from their pasts when they come to Petra. Their lives, and the lives of many others, are intertwined as the plotting of a wicked queen seeks to destroy both Cassia's son and Julia...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 24, 2010 Mandy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-reviews

MOM'S REVIEW:

Higley builds a suspenseful novel, based on history, that brings the New Testament to life. It shares the persecution of Christians in a vivid way and makes one question the strength of his/her own faith. As you follow the believers in their struggles against real principalities and powers of the air, you become more aware of the evils in your world today and how you can fight them through the power of Jesus Christ. I recommend this book to believers and non-believers alike. It woul...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 28, 2011 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the first century, out-spoken Christians are fed to lions in arenas for the pleasure of callous citizens. That is, unless you have a father in the Senate, like Julian does. However, after his close friends are martyred, Julian must escape Rome to Petra, the city carved out of stone. Is this stone citadel beyond the reach of the Roman Empire?

Cassia must escape Damascus after her swindling husband is exposed and killed. With only her young son Alexander and the clothes on her back, Cassia heads...more

like · see review

Oct 19, 2010 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Set in 106 AD, during the rule of the Roman Empire over a large part of the known world at that time, we open this story to find Cassia, mother to Alexander and concubine/slave to Aretas. Abused by Aretas and treated as nothing but a punching bag and a pleasure giver, Cassia, is ready to make her run for it. However Aretas's greed changes all her plans, when he is caught cheating a traveling caravan leader and murdered for that act. Escaping, with just the clothes on their backs and a few coins,...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 26, 2010 Janna rated it 5 of 5 stars

T.L.Higley has done it again! She has picked a period and place in time that few people dare to tackle and she has brought history to life through a fascinating story. She has created characters that I love, a setting that I want to learn more about and a story that I didn't want to end. This time the setting is Petra, the city of stone, the time is about 170 AD and Rome is spreading their empire to absorb more and more places. Next on the list... Petra. Enter Cassia and her son Alexander who he...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 16, 2010 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Petra: City in Stone" is a very well-written, fast-paced Christian historical novel that contains some romance. It's set in 106 AD in Petra, Rome, and Damascus. Both men and women will enjoy it. The author completely immerses the reader in the culture, setting, and time period. I was left feeling like this story really happened. The characters were complex and realistic, and I cared about what happened to them.

The suspense was high throughout and was created by the threat of physical danger to...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 16, 2010 Wyndy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have always been fascinated by Petra and was anxious to see how the author would treat it. It was easy to see that she spent time there for the physical details were extraordinary. I felt like I was living in the city with the hero, Cassia. In this story Cassia arrives in Petra in the early 100AD's with her son looking for her dead husband's family. There she discovers that there was more to her husband than he told her, that his family is under the influence of evil. She also discovers the Ch...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 07, 2010 Linda B rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderfully rich and descriptive book! Petra is nothing less than enthralling. T. L. Higley’s detailed description of the area of and around Petra was so vivid that I was compelled to Google some photographs. I found that her verbal illustrations were spot-on.

The writing is beautiful and the story is interesting. Cassia is a strong character as she faces a new land, new people and danger around every corner. She is not sure who to trust, but she forms strong bonds with the local Christia...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 01, 2010 Kara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews-b-h, historical-fiction, reviews-all, fall-reading-challenge-2010

I'm the type of person that has a really, really hard time putting a good novel down once it draws me in. I tend to devour them, often in one sitting. Alas, my current busy household doesn't allow for extended reading time like that. Instead, I stayed up way, way too late two nights in a row reading Petra: City of Stone, the newest novel by T.L. Higley. I'm so glad B&H Publishing sent it to me for review, because I might have missed it if they hadn't.

Petra is the first in a new series set in...more I'm the type of person that has a really, really hard time putting a good novel down once it draws me in. I tend to devour them, often in one sitting. Alas, my current busy household doesn't allow for extended reading time like that. Instead, I stayed up way, way too late two nights in a row reading Petra: City of Stone, the newest novel by T.L. Higley. I'm so glad B&H Publishing sent it to me for review, because I might have missed it if they hadn't.

Petra is the first in a new series set in "lost cities"...the next volume, due out in mid-2011, will be set in Pompeii. In Petra, Cassia and her young son, having no where else to turn, travel to the city of Petra in search of the estranged family of the boy's recently deceased father. When they arrive, the discovery of the family's true identity puts both Cassia and her son in grave danger. While attempting to rescue her son, Cassia is joined by Julian, another recent transplant to Petra, who fled the Christian persecutions in Rome, and Malik, the elder of the Christian church in Petra, along with many of his flock. Cassia, desperate for love, and Julian, always searching for approval, both have much to learn from the situation and their encounters with Malik and the church. Eventually, Cassia learns that with the love of the one true God, she can love others from a position of strength...God's strength...rather than need, and Julian realizes that God's approval, rather than men's, is all he needs.

The book is an engaging blend of history, adventure, suspense, romance, and intense spiritual warfare. The ancient city of Petra comes alive under Ms. Higley's skillful pen. She obviously did her research, and has even more background and historical information available at her website. The characters are well-developed, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story. I loved the portrayal of the church in the early second century. It's easy to take for granted the relative freedom we have here and now to practice our faith. These believers (along with many others right down to the present day) risked their very lives just by being identified as followers of "The Way" and had to have an incredible trust in and reliance on God. I love how Malik instructs his flock to "love until they ask why", even in the face of opposition and persecution. We can all learn from their example.

I highly recommend Petra: City of Stone. It's an incredibly enjoyable read, especially if you like historical fiction in the same vein as the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. You can even read the first three chapters online to see what you think. The Dancer, my oldest daughter, is reading it now and loving it. It's perfect since she's studying ancient cultures this year! I've already ordered two of Ms. Higley's previous titles, from her series on the Seven Wonders, to check out while we wait for the next installment in this new series.

Thanks so much to Julie Gwinn at B&H Publishing for sending a review copy to me!

Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/2...
Under Creative Commons License(less)

like · see review

Dec 09, 2010 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianfiction, historicalfiction, forreview, forpleasure

Petra was an engaging story, much like Guardian of the Flame (the other story I'd read by T. L. Higley.) I could tell the books were written by the same author because the "voice" was identical. Petra was packed with Scriptures and spiritual lessons the character had to work through when they dealt with trials and opposition. I loved that the Holy Spirit spoke to Julian and others in that still, small voice.

The scenarios that portrayed what it might have been like to be part of the early church...more

like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Julie G rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the First Century, life is difficult.

Because of his public condemnation of Emperor Trajan's 'entertainments,' Julian's friends and betrothed are rounded up and sentenced to face the lions. Knowing that he cannot be silent and fearing that the emperor will eventually seek to harm his family, Julian flees Rome to a place Trajan's power does not, yet, reach: Petra.

In Damascus, Cassia sleeps poorly; her hopes to escape Aretas, dashed. In the early morning hours, two traders, cheated by Aretas and...more In the First Century, life is difficult.

Because of his public condemnation of Emperor Trajan's 'entertainments,' Julian's friends and betrothed are rounded up and sentenced to face the lions. Knowing that he cannot be silent and fearing that the emperor will eventually seek to harm his family, Julian flees Rome to a place Trajan's power does not, yet, reach: Petra.

In Damascus, Cassia sleeps poorly; her hopes to escape Aretas, dashed. In the early morning hours, two traders, cheated by Aretas and eager to recover their money, burst in and attack. There is nothing Cassia can do, but protect her son.

Three days later, as she stands over Aretas' rock-covered grave, she promises herself and their son a new life with his father's family in Petra.

After traveling ten days through the desert, Cassia and Alexander arrive in Petra, only to be attacked and robbed. Forced to rely on the help of strangers, Cassia seeks Aretas' family and finds that they are the rulers of this city in stone. Her dreams of a happy life are soon dashed, however, when the new queen, Hagiru, takes Alexander and has Cassia thrown from the palace.

Seeking only a peaceful life as a stone carver, Julian is approached by Malik, the leader of Petra's church, who speaks of "the Jew's Messiah" and the future. He resists the message. But when he finds Cassia, battered and bruised on the palace steps, Julian takes her to Malik and becomes entwined in her mission to free her son, as well as the fledgling Christian church in Petra.

*****

I chose this book because of a personal fascination with Petra. I was not disappointed. The descriptions of the city are so incredible, one would expect the author had time-traveled from the ancient Nabataean capital to tell this story. A story that feels old and ... real.

While I might not have picked this title, had I known the underlying theme, a well-written book is still a well-written book. I can easily recommend it to anyone interested in the city or the time period. Or the beginnings of Christianity.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic galley of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com professional readers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
(less)

like · see review

Nov 27, 2010 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book I have read by Higley and I have really enjoyed her writing in all her books. I would say that this is one of my favorites. I was instantly sucked into the story.

Cassia a young mother who has had a hard life. When her "husband" dies and she is left with just her son she arrives in Petra with hope and a dream of a better life. When she searches for her son, Alexander's family, she gets more than she bargained for. She soon encounters Julian, a young Christian,who has run from...more

like · see review

Jun 23, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Julian, a privileged son of Rome, fled his home and family when he failed to stop a new wave of persecution against Christians, costing him his betrothed and leaving his confidence in his faith and calling deeply shaken. Cassia abandoned the security of her home in Damascus following the death of her young son Alexander’s brutish father. Desperate to provide for her son, she makes her way to Petra, the great trading city cut out of stone, seeking Alexander’s estranged grandparents and the hope o...more Julian, a privileged son of Rome, fled his home and family when he failed to stop a new wave of persecution against Christians, costing him his betrothed and leaving his confidence in his faith and calling deeply shaken. Cassia abandoned the security of her home in Damascus following the death of her young son Alexander’s brutish father. Desperate to provide for her son, she makes her way to Petra, the great trading city cut out of stone, seeking Alexander’s estranged grandparents and the hope of a brighter future for her son. Cassia’s hopes for a fresh start in Petra are crushed when she earns the enmity of Petra’s powerful, malevolent queen, and her son is stripped from her arms. Left frightened and alone, Cassia is shocked to discover aide from an unexpected quarter – followers of The Way, a faith that subscribes to only one God, a strange people she’d been taught to distrust. Julian longs for the comforting escape of anonymity, but his empathy for Cassia’s plight and the dark spiritual forces at work in the city call him to take a stand. In the fight to save Alexander, the untried and the tested alike will face forces that will threaten the very existence of Petra’s fledgling church and the future of the city itself.

Petra is my first T. L. Higley novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. I love the fact that she sets her fiction in periods that do not seem to receive a great deal of attention in the current market. The ancient time period and exotic setting lend Cassia and Julian’s story an appealing flair of high stakes adventure and romance. It’s refreshing to read a novel set in ancient times that isn’t biblical fiction. Instead, Higley makes good use of the post-resurrection time period to explore the establishment of the early church, and the push and pull of how it functioned in a largely polytheistic world increasingly dedicated the persecution of “upstart” Christian believers. I loved how through the church fellowships Higley illustrated the critical role letters from leaders of the faith (i.e., Paul’s letters to the Ephesians, etc.) played in growing the church and encouraging often-vulnerable or reviled Christians to stand firm in their faith and witness to their communities.

Higley’s first “lost cities” novel is a fast-paced tale, liberally laced with adventure and spiritual truths. I felt like the narrative got a bit bogged down in the final fourth of the novel with the main characters’ “spiritual awakening” moments. While certainly critical and important to their character arcs, I felt like it stalled the forward momentum of the plot a bit longer than I would’ve preferred. That said, Higley does a superb job with the story’s sense of place and time and in crafting characters that really feel authentic to their time period, and timeless and relatable in their struggles and experiences. Cassia is a fantastic example of Higley’s character-crafting abilities – it would be all too easy to present her as a single mother, with modern views on women’s roles and independence, but Higley doesn’t fall into that trap. Cassia’s desire to be loved wars with a desperate need for independence and security birthed from years of victimization – a struggle that is relatable today, but believable within the ancient timeframe of Petra.

The entire time I was reading Petra, I was reminded of the Indiana Jones films. This is in no small part, I’m sure, due to the fact that Petra makes an appearance in The Last Crusade. But more than that, the timeless spirit of adventure that Higley imbues in every page of her story is what reminded me of Indy’s adventures. Higley clearly appreciates and relishes the adventure of faith, and that, coupled with a strong sense of time and place and fast-paced action makes Petra an absorbing, thoroughly entertaining read.(less)

like · see review

Nov 02, 2010 Rel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tracy Higley's exceptional talent for detailed research and fascinating storytelling are both on display in her latest tale, Petra: City of Stone. Taking a break from her brilliant Seven Wonders series, Petra launches her Lost Cities series which will also encompass the cities of Pompeii and Babylon. Combining adventure, suspense, romance and faith, the story of Cassia and Julian is entertaining and thought provoking in equal measure. Be prepared to smell the dust and feel the cool stone walls o...more

like · see review

Jun 15, 2012 Lisa Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

In full honesty, I'll tell you that I generally don't go looking for Christian fiction novels. A lot of times I've found this genre to be rather fluffy and not very gripping. Usually I find the implimenting of Christianity to be intrusive and not-really-important to the story - quite a turn off really. Maybe I just haven't been reading the right stories, but that has been my experience.

When I was given this book to review, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It sounded terrific from the cover -...more In full honesty, I'll tell you that I generally don't go looking for Christian fiction novels. A lot of times I've found this genre to be rather fluffy and not very gripping. Usually I find the implimenting of Christianity to be intrusive and not-really-important to the story - quite a turn off really. Maybe I just haven't been reading the right stories, but that has been my experience.

When I was given this book to review, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It sounded terrific from the cover - action! adventure! warfare! What's not to like?!

So, I started to read.

From page one I was gripped by the story. I couldn't put it down. Written extremely detailed, but not in an overbearing way, author T.L. Higley throws you into a world of Christian martyrdom - arena sacrifices in the centre of Rome, of the struggles of one young, passionate believer who ends up running from the pain he's caused for the people he loves.

And then the story switches to a girl named Cassia and her young son, Alexander. After the life they've known comes to an abrupt end, she attempts to start a new one by journeying to the city of Petra. The king of the city is dying, and his wife - the queen, evil and calcuating, decides to create a plot against young Alexander, throwing Cassia into a world of despair, danger, loneliness, and intrigue. She meets Julian, the young Roman, and the two of them are soon introduced to the leaders of the Petra church. Surrounded by a community of Christian believers she doesn't know, willing to put themselves in danger for both her and her son, she learns about real love, and that faith is stronger than evil.

I loved this book - devouring it quickly, eagerly. The kind of book that grabs hold of you from page one and keeps you reading until you turn the last page - wishing the story didn't end! It delivered exactly what it promised - action, adventure, warfare - and more, including a fresh view of faith, especially the passion of early believers.

Looking forward to reading more from this author!(less)

like · see review

Apr 13, 2011 Diane A Brown rated it 5 of 5 stars

Journey back through the sands of time...

Vivid adventure, survival, and a quest for truth fill the pages of Petra, City in Stone. The glory days of the Roman Empire and the struggle of the early Christians make a compelling background to the lives of nobles and slaves alike.
Powerful characters carry the story down dangerous paths, filled with sinister shadows and evil darkness. Petra, City in stone, harbors many secrets but light and love can find a way when the heart is open. Failures turn into...more

like · see review

Oct 15, 2010 Kate L rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I remember seeing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when I was a very little kid. It scared the crap out of me so bad that I didn't dare watch it again until I was an older teen and it was then I not only discovered that the movie wasn't actually very scary, but I also discovered the beautiful city of Petra and so my fascination with the place began. Naturally, when I first came across this book, I snatched it right up with super high expectations, and I can proudly say that thi...more

like · see review

Sep 17, 2010 Theresa rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teens through Adult

Recommended to Theresa by: B&H

Shelves: christian, fiction, historical-fiction, review-copy, suspense

I wish there were half stars here, because I would rate this as a 4.5 instead of a 4.

A beautifully written story, "Petra: City in Stone" takes place in Rome 106 AD. At this time, the apostle Paul has died, and Christians are being persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ. This book follows two people's lives during this time, one a believer and one a non-believer creating a very interesting and well told story.

Julian is a Roman who watched his fiancee murdered for her belief. He was so distra...more

like · see review

Aug 15, 2010 Ronie rated it 4 of 5 stars

T.L. Higley is an amazing author, and I love the exotic locales she allows her readers to explore through her stories. I've read Shadow of Colossus, City of the Dead, and Guardian of the Flame. Petra: City of Stone was a really good read, but not exactly what I expected. There was a heavy exploration of the powers of darkness and the power of God that--to me--seemed to overpower the rest of the story. Yet...they are intricately interwoven. Characterization is one of Highley's strong suits--and I...more

like · see review

May 11, 2011 Cheryl Olson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley

In Petra, City in Stone by T.L.Higley, our story starts out with a young man who sees his fiancé and friends brutally murdered right before his eyes. Next we meet a beautiful young woman who has been continually abused by her live in boyfriend. She is a mother and does everything she can to protect her young son from his father’s short temper and over eager fists. They all need an escape hatch from their current situations. Sounds like all the makings of an exciting contemporary novel, right? Ac...more In Petra, City in Stone by T.L.Higley, our story starts out with a young man who sees his fiancé and friends brutally murdered right before his eyes. Next we meet a beautiful young woman who has been continually abused by her live in boyfriend. She is a mother and does everything she can to protect her young son from his father’s short temper and over eager fists. They all need an escape hatch from their current situations. Sounds like all the makings of an exciting contemporary novel, right? Actually this story takes place in 106 AD, starting off in Rome and then quickly moving to Petra, the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. But the storyline follows many themes and questions that still ring true and are relevant to us today.
Our young man is “Julian” and a man who is fighting his past failures in Rome and runs to Petra in the hope to start over and forget his past. The beautiful young woman is Cassia, who also flees to Petra as her abusive lover has now been murdered. She arrives in Petra with her young son Alexander in tow, hoping to make a fresh start in Petra with her son. Unfortunately, her son is taken from her and she is in a desperate quest to get him back. The current queen and High Priestess Queen Hagiru is an evil woman and holding him from Cassia. Julian, along with the elder of the Christian church of Petra -Malik- and his flock hatch a plan to rescue poor Alexander from his current plight.
There are many wonderful sub-plots going on in this story- Alexander and his ability to rely on God’s strength and not his own. Another lesson he learns is how to come out from under the trap of being a man pleaser instead of a people pleaser. This is especially important as the calling for Julian’s life by God begins to unfold throughout the novel. Cassia with her abusive past , trusts no one, and so her journey in trusting Jesus takes awhile before she is able to surrender her life to him. My favorite part for Cassia is when she learned to love from a place of strength, being God’s own, instead of loving from a place of need. It was a well written touching scene in the book.
I really enjoyed this book- fast pace, great characters that drew you in, and the author’s descriptions of Petra were very beautiful and intriguing. There were just so many elements to it that I enjoyed- the suspense, the spiritual truths and the romance all worked together to bring forth a really great story. Very well done! This is my first read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by her in the future.
Disclosure- I was kindly given a digital copy of this book by the B&H Publishing group in connection with the Netgalley program. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 18, 2011 Crystal Laine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cassia and her son, Alexander, flee Damascus in A.D. 106 to seek her dead husband's family in the rock city of Petra. When she arrives, she's immediately accosted. Kind Christians take them in and help her to find her husband's family. The Christians become her allies when Alex is taken.Nobleman Julian has fled Rome where his fellow Christian friends are persecuted and martyred. He, too, seeks refuse in Petra. Cassia's and Julian's destinies intertwine as they race against an evil queen and her...more

like · see review

Dec 02, 2010 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 stars goes to this action filled, historical fiction novel about this uniquie city of stone - Petra - and the early day Christians that lived there. This is the first book I've read by Higley, and I'm glad I found this author! She paints a wonderful story and expresses her characters thoughts and feelings very well!

I instantly felt drawn to the brave Cassia, who was willing to do whatever it took to protect her son, Alexander. Alexander seemed the picture of innocense, trying to beleive good i...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 04, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely devoured this book. A beautifully vivid story of the early Christians in Petra and Rome. When Cassia arrives in Petra, she is shocked to learn that her son is heir to the throne. The ailing king's wife is an evil woman and an ardent follower of Dushuna (Zeus). Jealous, she will let nothing keep her own son from inheriting the throne of Petra.

Julian has escaped persecution in Rome and fled to Petra, hoping to distance himself from his calling to lead God's church. As his life merges...more

like · see review

Nov 04, 2010 Amber Stokes rated it 4 of 5 stars

T. L. Higley knows how to make history real for the reader! Although Petra: City in Stone has a different flavor than the first three books in Higley's "Seven Wonders" series, it is by no means less intriguing! In fact, because the story takes place about 100 years after Jesus' death, after the start of the church, the spiritual aspects of this particular book are even more prominent than in the "Seven Wonders" series.

Once again Higley drew me into a different time and place that became almost t...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 03, 2011 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

The year is 106 AD. Julian is a Roman citizen running from the persecution which has taken the lives of some dear fellow Christians. Cassia is a young mother seeking a new start with her beloved son. T.L. Higley presents us with another masterpiece of historical fiction, using her descriptive style and unique gift to make this ancient city come alive for us. You'll ride along with a caravan, climb Petra's sandstone steps, scout out the Nabataean palace and ache or cheer with our characters throu...more The year is 106 AD. Julian is a Roman citizen running from the persecution which has taken the lives of some dear fellow Christians. Cassia is a young mother seeking a new start with her beloved son. T.L. Higley presents us with another masterpiece of historical fiction, using her descriptive style and unique gift to make this ancient city come alive for us. You'll ride along with a caravan, climb Petra's sandstone steps, scout out the Nabataean palace and ache or cheer with our characters through this journey.

I was intrigued to see how Higley handled the spiritual aspect of a book written after Christ's coming. I have loved her novels set at the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and each of them has featured believers looking forward to the Redeemer. "Petra" has a wonderful focus on the early Church and those who claim the Jewish Messiah as their own. There is a powerful spiritual war ongoing throughout the novel, culminating in a Peretti-esque battle before it is all over. Petra's fate hangs in the balance as a new heir to the throne is discovered and the Roman army marches across the desert to overtake take them and bring them into their empire.

I strongly related to the character of Julian. Like Julian, I am an organizer, a natural leader, and by God's grace have a great deal of personal strength. Strength can be a weakness, though, when one believes they can live by their own power rather than letting the Lord guide. How often I've found myself in Julian's shoes, going strong on a plan I've devised on my own without seeking God's wisdom or will. To see where Higley takes our hero was like a personal challenge to myself. I really enjoyed it and have found myself recalling lessons learned in these past few days since finishing the book. It made an impact and that is the mark of great story-telling.

As ever, you know the historical side is covered well when you find yourself wanting to research the location and setting on your own! I've had some time to look things up, both on Higley's own NoPassportRequired website and other places, and everything I found seemed familiar because she had seamlessly included so many actual facts and references that I had assimilated much information just by reading the novel. You can't ask for more than that as a fan of this genre! Higley continues to be a favorite and I can't wait for her next release!

This review originally appeared at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com (less)

like · see review

Sep 15, 2010 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sadly I don't get to read many books that are set during the age of the Roman Empire. I have however read some terrific ones this year including Francine Rivers' A Voice in the Wind. When I had the chance to read Petra, City In Stone I was thrilled especially since it was set during that time period but it was not set directly in Rome.

Petra focuses on Cassia a young woman who is fleeing her hard life in Damascus for a new start in the stone city of Petra along with her young son, Alexander. Life...more

like · see review

Sep 12, 2010 Clockstein Lockstein added it

Petra by T.L. Higley is the first book in the Lost Cities series. Cassia takes her young son, Alexander, and heads to Petra, the home of her late husband's family in the hopes of finding a place for them both. Instead she discovers that Alexander is the heir to the throne and immediately in mortal danger from the queen, Hagiru, who wants her son to be the new king, and Hagiru has allied herself with the dark gods of the city in order to assure her son's accession. The only people in town who hel...more

like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 Regie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars
This is a book that I enjoyed reading, particularly for the author's way of using history in christian fiction. I haven't often read historical christian fiction and I really enjoyed the way the author mixed history, adventure and faith all in one.

The characters were endearing, and I like that each of them grew throughout the book. I particularly liked that the story was not entirely centered around the lead character, but rather woven around different character, able to sh...more

like · see review

Feb 08, 2012 Mesu rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent book. I love Tracy's writing. This story didn't capture me as thoroughly as "City of the Dead" but I loved the imagery of Petra. She's still one of my favorite bib. fic. writers!

like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Toni Cross rated it 3 of 5 stars

Wow, how to describe this book? I'd say it was like a cross between Frank Peretti and Francine Rivers!

I admit, at first, it didn't grab me. I was a couple chapters into it and waiting for it to suck me in and then *WHAM!* Boy oh boy, did it ever take off!

I loved the feel of the book, from the passion of the first century characters to the texture of Petra's stony city. The spiritual dimension is very present, without taking away from the storyline.

Each of the characters seemed real, even the "v...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 15 16 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Historical Fiction

18 users

Christian Fiction

12 users

Christian

3 users

Christian Fiction > Christian Historical Fiction

2 users

Romance

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Words
by Ginny L. Yttrup
Baroness
by Susan May Warren
Love Amid the Ashes
by Mesu Andrews
The Heavens Before
by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
Harvest of Rubies
by Tessa Afshar

About Tracy L. Higley

From her earliest childhood, there was nothing Tracy loved better than stepping into another world between the pages of a book. From dragons and knights, to the wonders of Narnia, that passion has never abated, and to Tracy, opening any novel is like stepping again through the wardrobe, into the thrilling unknown. With every book she writes, she wants to open a door like that, and invite readers t...more

More about Tracy L. Higley...

Books by Tracy L. Higley

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Petra: City of Stone

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Petra: City of Stone
avg rating	preview: Petra: City of Stone Goodreads rating: 4.20 (116 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8183511-petra?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328764333l/8183511.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8183511-petra?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Petra: City of Stone by Tracy L. Higley[/url]

Petra: City of Stone

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website