Book Blurb:
THE BRONZE DOOR opens to a turbulent time in history when great courage is needed to defy a tyrant.
Unwavering in his mission to save lives, Simon fights for justice for his fellow Jews but faces a new challenge when his wife, Aurelia, and his sons embrace Christianity. Despair and fear grip Simon as Caligula seeks revenge for Simon's past opposition. Caligula appoints Aurelia's brother, Valerius, as governor of Syria, and orders him to lead his legions to Jerusalem to erect Caligula's statue in the temple. To obey Caligula means the slaughter of thousands of Jews who are ready to give their lives to save the sanctity of the temple. To disobey means death for Valerius and his family. Faced with this agonizing choice, Valerius gains strength from his deep love for Rachel, Simon’s sister.
In this story of courage, faith, and love, witness the unfolding drama against the backdrop of a world torn between cruelty and humanity.
“The Cyrenian Trilogy is an extraordinary accomplishment as to the scope of the material, the command of literature, and the balance of judgment. Readers gain insight into an era in which Jewish nationalism, nascent Christianity, Roman power, and Hellenistic culture in the Mediterranean world converged, sometimes violently and tragically. Concentrating on Simon and his extended family, Ciholas adeptly and empathetically describes the tensions and polemics that arose when some family members adopted a new allegiance (Christianity) while others clung to the ancient paths (Judaism). At stake was nothing less than the self-definition of both Jews and Christians.”
- Beth Glazier, author of Malachi, The Divine Messenger: A Critical Reappraisal
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/kKta
Author Bio:
In my historical novel, I want you to see, taste, and feel first-century Rome
and walk through the streets of Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria is the
intellectual hub of the empire and the site of the famous Lighthouse.
I delight in discovering the quirks, qualms, and quests of my characters and
suffer with them when they go through heartbreaks and challenges. We meet strong
women, emperors, generals, artists, scientists, and philosophers. But I am also
intrigued by the lives of the less powerful who step onto history’s stage and
make a difference. Such a man is Simon of Cyrene—a Jewish physician—whose
passion is healing.
I was born in Virginia and grew up in Switzerland where I studied modern and ancient languages. The study of Latin and Greek led me to a life-long fascination with the ancient world and its history.
Editorial Review:
Editorial Review: “The Bronze Door” (The Cyrenian Book 2)
Author: Karin Ciholas
“Between meetings, Valerius enjoyed escaping for a moment from the confines of the palace to wander through Ephesus. It was a thoroughly Greek city that favored beautiful architecture, revered the goddess Artemis, and rivaled Athens in encouraging philosophers to roam the streets. One of his favorite vistas was from a tiled terrace just below the governor’s palace. He went there now to gaze out over the Aegean Sea. When he felt something at his side, he looked down and saw a little girl touching his military cuirass. When he bent to see what she wanted, the child gasped and fell. Then she started to cry. He picked her up, wiped tears off her cheek, and tried to console her. Just then, a young woman rushed up to him to apologize.
“I am sorry my daughter bothered you.” She turned to scold her child. “Why did you do that?” “I thought he was a statue.” The girl whimpered and held her arms out to her mother. Valerius laughed and placed the frightened child into her mother’s arms. “Your daughter is charming.”
The woman suddenly realized who he was. Aghast, she stepped back, apologized again, and seemed as stricken as her daughter. She clutched her child tighter in her arms and hurried off the terrace steps.”
“The Bronze Door” by Karin Ciholus is set in the First Century AD (also, Common Era), with a cast of historical characters who will all be familiar to those of us who revel in the Greco-Roman culture of the times, with its ancient kingdoms, lost empires and emperors who even now stand in popular culture as the ultimate examples of indulgence and depravity. Of course there is political intrigue, of course there are machinations and powerful allegiances lost and found. But what really makes “The Bronze Door” a standout among others in this genre is its detailed focus on religious change - the established Jewish beliefs and the emergence of Christianity. These significant issues are played out both in wider society but also within the characters and family at the center of the narrative – Simon of Cyrene, his wife Aurelia, their sons and also their extended family. As Simon defends the Jews, Aurelia and his children explore Christianity, as do others around them.
This review is of Book Two, which this reviewer has happily read as a standalone. A list of historical characters and an additional author’s note, provides more detail about the inspiration and setting for “The Bronze Door”.
The reader is immersed in First Century life right from the start of this novel, with Valerius depicted as a feared figure even as he tries to display his human side. The highlight of this novel is the deeply personal and detailed characterizations that Ciholas has given to each character, who seem to have marched right out of ancient religious and historical texts to become living, breathing men and women who are all completely of their times but also totally relatable for any modern reader. The storyline is intense and absorbing – this is not the sort of book to read half-heartedly. It is anything but a superficial story, as it deals with fundamental challenges to belief systems and personal lives.
““Caligula can accomplish nothing without the strength of his army to back him up. You simply refuse. You are, after all, the most powerful man in this region. You control the army. You take your legions back to Antioch. He will be left to fend for himself, and the crowds will lie down on the roads in front of him and his statue and will not let them pass.” Valerius plunked his wine goblet on the table. “Mutiny! Treason! Is that what you so glibly recommend? It all seems so simple to you, doesn’t it? At every turn, I get yet another petition to save your precious temple.” Valerius got up and kicked his helmet to one side. “I told you before, the only thing I can do is stall and delay. I’ve been doing that for two years now, and I’ve run out of options. Getting me out of the way will do no good. Caligula will appoint another military commander who could quite happily obey him promptly.”
“The Bronze Door” is well-paced, and the reader will find the pages turn or scroll seemingly of their own accord as the chapters unfold. Like any well-researched historical novel, the character arcs are of course based on historical fact. Ciholas has obviously completed a vast amount of research to write such a detailed book, and her passion for the era shines through the narrative. Some readers may find that at times there is more focus on this background than on the central storyline, but others will appreciate engaging fully in the complete First Century world the author has created. The ending of the novel sets the scene for the next book, but also brings a level of resolution for the reader.
“At dinner, Simon spoke about the first time he had come into Sedek’s house and was reunited with his sister after his long and desperate search for Rachel. The children were fascinated and wanted to know more about how Sedek had met their Aunt Rachel. Sedek told how he had found Rachel at the slave auction in Alexandria, and Valerius was so affected by his account that he got up and went over to the parapet to look out toward the temple, where the music and dancing continued, muted now and therefore more pleasant. Aurelia guessed Valerius had tears in his eyes, remembering how close they had all come to losing Rachel. She went to stand quietly beside Valerius and clasped his arm to feel his comforting presence and to comfort.”
“The Bronze Door” by Karen Ciholas transports the reader to the First Century, with a storyline that is intensely thought-provoking and emotional as the central characters reflect on personal beliefs, protection of wider society, and love for family. The roll call of iconic historical characters, and the powerful characterizations created by the author, give the reader a superb insight into the life and times of Simon of Cyrene and others around him. A memorable tale of ancient times!
*****
"The Bronze Door” by Karen Ciholas receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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