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Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite
New Star by Lana Christian tells the story of Akilah, a well-renowned astronomer and Persian Magus priest who discovers a star connected to a pivotal Jewish prophecy. In the wake of political tension in Persia, the sudden arrival of this unique star prompts Akilah to analyze its meaning thoroughly. Even though his inquiry might cost him his position as a Magus, Akilah delves into Jewish prophecies that foretell the birth of a powerful king to uncover more about the star's origin. Determined to unearth more details, he conscripts two other Magi for an exploratory expedition to Israel. Not everyone on the Magi Council is convinced of the significance of this voyage, and they attempt to thwart Akilah's plans. Nevertheless, Akilah and his two companions embark upon a challenging journey. What they find will force them to question their beliefs and compel them to trust a God they are increasingly discovering more about.
Lana Christian's New Star is book one of The Magi's Encounters series. It intertwines a spellbinding exploration of the biblical story revolving around the Magi and their discovery of the birth of Jesus, the King of the Jews. This book offers a fascinating representation of the conflict between empirical discovery, religious traditions, political and cultural nuances, and political power. The author skillfully interlaces historical facts with well-developed characters in a narrative that reverberates on numerous levels. This refreshing take on the Magi is an eye-opener to the discord that might exist between their established beliefs and their pursuit of knowledge. I applaud the author's ability to profoundly capture Akilah's cognitive and emotional states throughout the narrative. Both Akilah and his companions were relentless in their search for truth, even if it might cost them their societal status or contradict their religious ideologies. Lana does an exceptional job of illustrating this point in her book, making it an engaging and thought-provoking tale from start to finish. If you appreciate vibrant and intellectual writing with complex human relationships and relatable characters at its core, New Star is a must-read.
