By Meg @ A Bookish Affair (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Man Clothed in Linen (Kindle Edition) This is a really great read. Earle takes the idea that Jesus may have been born of King Herod after mother, Mary, is forced to lay with Herod as he lays very sick. The story is mostly seen though not told from the point of view of Nicolas, Herod's trusted adviser of sorts and an educated man of his time. Nicolas is fascinating because he is running right with all of the big names of the time. He crosses path with many of the most powerful people when that area between Rome and Jerusalem really was the center of the world

The book could really be divided into different books. There is the story of Herod and his wives and the possible conception of Jesus. There is the story of Nicolas in Rome as he crosses paths with King Juba and Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra. This was probably my favorite section, mostly because I am absolutely fascinated with anything about ancient Rome (or present day Rome for that matter - hah). The last story is that of Jesus and his life. One thing I will say is the the timing of the different events in the first section was really difficult to follow. Some of the events regarding King Herod seem to flash back and forth between past and present and it was difficult to keep my place. The time becomes more linear as the book goes on so that issue is resolved later on.

This book definitely made me a little more interested in some of the bible personalities and stories that I don't know that much about. Even if you are not Christian or even not religious at all, I think this story can still be enjoyed as a straight historical fiction read.