Along The Eagle's Way

With vivid prose and compelling characters, Along the Eagle's Way offers a captivating glimpse into Biblical times. The destinies of Linus Flavian, Maria of Magdala, and their son, Marcus, play out in this dramatic first-century story that spans the extremities of the known world of that time, from Britannia to India.   The Roman Empire is rising to its Flavian height while a fledgling religious sect of Judaism reconciles itself with the mystery of its crucified leader, Joshua of Nazareth. Growing from a clash between nationalistic Judaism and a messianic universalism, followers from Saul of Tarsus to Simon Cephas take the fledgling faith out to the Gentile world on the trading routes of the House of Arimathea. Their witness, however, differs from the very personal understanding of divinity that Maria believes that she learnt from her lover, the crucified Lord. She passes this legacy on to her son, Ben Joshua, a child whom Joshua never knew. Ben Joshua finds this message enhanced when he travels to India as a partner in the House of Arimathea—but his survival is anything but certain.   Longley's prose skilfully navigates a complex and intricate narrative. An intriguing read and a great alternative telling of a very old story. – Portland Book Review   The politics of faith are as complex as the politics of nations. Exploring the politics of Judaism and the will of the Empire throughout the first century as well as many challenges to personal faith, Along the Eagle's Way is a riveting read that should prove hard to put down. – Midwest Book Review