by Ted Dekker
First published 2016
Maviah was born into nothing. Illegitimate, female, enslaved, she belongs to no one and nowhere. Then she encounters Yeshua, a teacher whose words give her strength she never knew existed. His teachings transform her from powerless slave into something unexpected: a leader. Deep in the desert, she builds a kingdom of outcasts like herself, wielding authority that surprises even her enemies. But power draws attention. The rulers who control the region see her growing influence as a threat. They strike back, destroying everything she has built and forcing her back into slavery. Desperate to save her people, Maviah searches for Yeshua again. When she finally finds him, she discovers he faces his own death. Now she must choose between saving herself and following the path he showed her, even if it leads to destruction.
Genres: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, redemption
Setting: Desert, Middle East
Period: 1st Century AD
384 pages · Paperback · Center Street
Content warnings: slavery