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Mark Abel is an architect by trade but has dreamed of becoming an author over most of his life. Graduating from Arizona State University in 1980, with a degree in architecture, Mark began his career working for others before starting a practice of his own in 1987, which continues to this day.
It was in Mark's first year of college when he discovered his love for writing and recalls the day when his English professor said, "Forget everything you've ever been taught about writing and write about something you know and you're passionate about. And if your life is boring—lie.
In any case, life interrupted Mark's writing aspirations as he pursued a career in architecture, got married, and, with his wife, raised a family. But the dream to write continued to percolate. Then in 2008, the recession hit, and after running out of work, the idea of a story began to emerge. At that same time, his children were swept away with story after story about teenage vampires. Shaking his head, Mark fantasized about the idea of a story involving angels and demons. The contrast between good and evil could not be stronger, and besides, Scripture tells us, the spiritual battle is real. And that is when Mark began to write again.
Ephesus - A Tale of Two Kingdoms, represents his debut novel. Mark's passion in writing Ephesus—and other works in progress—is summarized in his mission statement as an author:
Exploring the Mysteries of God Through Story.
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Ephesus: A Tale of Two Kingdoms by Mark Abel is an intriguingly plotted, beguiling thriller that offers a unique view into the unseen realm of the supernatural. A novel that explores the theme of power and influence within the context of spiritual practice, it tells the tale of an ancient scroll that has been hidden by those who would prefer its message never to see the light of day. Two bishops are willing to kill for the scroll: one wants it hidden while the other craves its power. In modern times, Daniel Fairmont, who only wants to serve his church, finds himself embroiled in a game of power with Nick Hamilton, a man whose secret craving for power is masked by his outward charisma and interest in changing lives. To get the power he craves, Daniel must be out of the way.
Ephesus is a masterfully crafted story, a brilliant achievement with a skillfully executed and compelling conflict. Mark Abel fills the narrative with a strong sense of mystery in the symbolism of the scroll in the story. The story cleverly develops the themes of murder, the quest for power, brutal competition, and religion. Mark Abel’s characters are fully drawn, from Bishops Jonness and Gallus to the unsuspecting Batush, from Daniel to Amber to Nick. These characters are real, and the author writes their motivation in a way that defines them well in their actions, which moves the story forward, fueling it with suspense as readers want to know what each character is up to next. Ephesus: A Tale of Two Kingdoms features dazzling prose, superior storytelling craft, and unforgettable characters. It is a story that will have readers thinking about what motivates them when they engage in religious activities.
