Customer Reviews

Shadow of Colossus (Seven Wonders Series #1)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(11)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Tessa of Delos is very much like the massive statue of Helios, located in the
port city of Rhodes, in ancient Greece. A structure whose feet she often rests
upon as she considers her plight in life. A hetaera (a kept woman), Tessa is
well-respected in the community, not only for her outstanding beauty, but for
her intelligence and astute political mind. Like the mighty colossus that stands
110 feet tall, Tessa and the structure have much in common, both are made of
stone and firmly anchored in their place.

Regardless of the respect Tessa receives, she is still enslaved to the whims of
her master, a fate that leaves her pondering the taking of her own life. She
would rather be free than continue to live her life as a possession for a man
she has nothing but disdain for.

When Glaucos, her wealthy benefactor is murdered by her own hands, Tessa is left
to consider the penalty of death she has reaped on her own head. Unwilling to
remain a slave she concocts a dangerous web of lies that will ultimately become
her undoing.

Helped in her quest to become free is a strong and handsome stranger, Nikos, who
mysteriously appears on the island and quickly becomes embroiled in her quest
for freedom. Through Nikos, Tessa must come to terms with the pain of her past,
gain his alliance, while simultaneously relegating him to the outer courts of
her heart, a heart so hardened as to be inpenetrable.

With a marvelous cast of interesting and intriguing characters T.L. Higley's
SHADOW OF COLOSSUS is a thrill-filled saga that will keep the reader's mind
abuzz with wonder at the masterful weaving of her intricate plots. Those with
acute sleuthing abilities will find themselves stumped time and time again as
they careen towards the climactic plot resolution. Although Historical Fiction,
SHADOW OF COLOSSUS is written with a modern day twist that doesn't bog the
reader down with irrelevant details, but takes them back in time and allows them
to view a world they may have never known. SHADOW OF COLOSSUS is skillfully
written, and masterfully executed.

Reviewed by Rosalind Stormer
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

After reading this story, while reading a note provided after the story within the book I found that this really explained what I think as a whole about the tale.

"Weaving in and out of actual events, brushing lightly against the lives of characters from the pages of history, the Seven Wonders novels take us beyond man's ingenuity and hubris to explore the Supreme Creator's work in the ancient world beyond Israel. From the fall of the mighty Colossus of Rhodes to the destruction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one thing becomes clear: The power of redemption will never be silenced, and the One True God still desires to draw all men unto himself."

This novel might have taken place in 227 BC, but there is no doubt in my mind that it falls within a classification of Christian fiction. Through the characters hearts and mind, the "one true God" makes his love and redemption vision known.

The author has used a talent for story telling to educate and to fill the soul with a redemptive tale that is as classic as the story of the woman at the well or the good Samaritan. God loves you, and can use you, and desires you, no matter your past or situation.

From the beautiful cover to the last word of this poetic story, T.L. Higley takes the reader captive in her novel, "Shadow of Colossus." This excellent book is nearly impossible to put down. Some situations transcend time and space. Tessa's tragic tale of human bondage is told beautifully against the historical backdrop of ancient Greece around the time of the earthquake that destroyed the Colossus of Helios. Romance, intrigue, and suspense are woven together in this non-stop epic that will transport the reader straight to Rhodes. I hope there will be more books of this sort from this incredible author. I also appreciated the mini-lesson in ancient Greek at the beginning of the book.

The year is 227 B.C. The place is Rhodes, a Greek island.

For ten years, Tessa of Delos has been in Glaucus's ownership as his hetaera (an owned woman). Tessa had given up all hope. It seemed like she would never experience freedom again. It looked like the only way Tessa would gain her freedom was to take her own life. The Gods had another plan; they were looking down on her that day. Glaucus befalls a terrible fate, which will ultimately change things for Tessa forever. The next couple of days will be the hardest for Tessa and will require all her strength in order to survive.

Tessa had a great personality about her. She was a pillar of strength as well as endurance. I enjoyed reading Shadow of Colossus. I found myself having a hard time putting it down. I felt Mrs. Higley writing really brought a real Greek authenticity to the story. Reading Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley is the first time I have read anything by this author. I love discovering new authors especially ones that I can recommend to all my friends. Shadow of Colossus was flawless in my opinion. Shadow of Colossus is the first book in the Seven Wonders series. If all the rest of the books are as amazing as this one was than this series will be a bestseller hit. I look forward to a long successful future to Mrs. Higley and her books.

Review by Carlo Gabbi, Author of "An Amazing Story"

Two centuries B.C. a slave and courtesan, Tessa of Dalos, from the Isle of Rodes, decide to commit suicide to escape the futility of her life.

But she change mind soon after when the body of Tessa's patron, the wealthy politician Glaucos is discovered. Fate had conjured to save Tessa's life and Glaucos death had intervened in time, giving her the opportunity she needs to escape her fate, but to avoid a justice punishment, she has to hide Glauco's body.

She embarks into a difficult journey which can take her into a different life, but the game offer also a dangerous side that as well as can destroy her.

In this novel we found many fascinating characters and also we found an excellent description of the culture, politics and people of that pre-Roman times living in the Isle of Rodes and presenting in the background one of the seven marvels of the world of the time, the statue of Helios that was not less then 110 feet tall.

The suspense is intense right through the story and captivates the reader till the last page. T.L. Higley is certainly a skillful writer.

Carlo Gabbi author of "An Amazing Story"

I'm picky. I don't have time to waste on a book that isn't going to keep my interest.

NOT a problem with Shadow of Colossus! T.L. Higley does a fabulous job keeping me interested and moving the story along. I love the setting (Ancient Greece, Rhodes, to be exact), the heroine, the conflict. And Nikos...ah, Nikos. :-D

You won't be disappointed!! It's a must-read!

Since the other reviewers have done such a good job explaining the plot, I'll skip that part... Shadow of Colossus was a wonderful read- rich with detail, history, humanity, and strong characters. Despite its length at over 300 pages, it's a pretty quick read. I didn't want it to end. Historical fiction is always so more enjoyable than normal fiction. It feels more real, because the place is real and some events really did happen. The story has all the essential elements of a good book (well essential for me...) some suspense, romance, history, drama, intrigue, and a strong faith message. I'm eagerly awaiting more from this promising author. The next book is already on my wish list! And there isn't even that long to wait- the next one (focusing on the Great Pyramids) comes out later this year.

Overall a great read. I would recommend Francine River's Mark of the Lion trilogy- another wonderful historical romance series.

In 227 BC, a young woman decides taking her own life is the only way she can escape the pain and futility of her life. Yet when her current patron, politician and schemer, Glaucos, succumbs to an untimely death, Tessa of Delos, the most highly paid and sought after courtesan on the island of Rhodes feels an unfamiliar seed of hope take root in her heart.

Accustomed to the hard work of a slave, Nikos knows first hand the joy of freedom, and in honour of the father who saved him masquerades as a servant to ingratiate himself in to the home of his father's enemy, the famous Glaucos of Rhodes. Spiro craves Glaucus' power and his beautiful hetaera Tessa in equal measure and he will gladly sink to whatever depths he needs to acquire both.

Fuelled by desperation and her burning desire for the freedom of her body, mind and spirit, Tessa embarks on a journey which may transform her life or just as surely, destroy it.

T L Higley transported me to the magnificent island of Rhodes, a cultural mecca of the ancient world, basking in the shadow of the enormous Colossus of Helios, in this tantalising novel of political intrigue and spiritual redemption. I felt Tessa's pain, a woman with great political influence yet without freedom, sold to the highest bidder. Nikos knows Tessa's status but is drawn to her and sees her as God does, as a woman of great worth. The Jewish plight is told through the eyes of Simeon and his family and God's faithfulness is shown through Simeon's devotion and Nikos' sacrifice.

Fast paced adventure, fascinating characters and insights in to the culture, politics and people of this ancient world make Shadow of Colossus a unique and unmissable read. I am delighted that the Ancient World will continue to be revealed in subsequent Seven Wonders novels by T L Higley.

Christian historical fiction tends to come in a few selected flavours: life as a Christian in the early New Testament church, life as a Christian in prominent historical periods in Western Europe and America, and the lives of prominent Bible personages regardless of testament period. Of course, there are a handful of exceptions to the standard categories, but I've never come across Christian historical fiction like T.L. Higley's Seven Wonders series.

Higley's series is set in pre-New Testament times, each tale intertwined with one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the first installment--Shadow of Colossus--takes place on the Greek island of Rhodes in 227 B.C. Into this pre-Christ setting Higley drops a fiery, wounded ice-princess of a heroine. Trapped in chains that seem inescapable and serving out a sentence as tenacious as that of any prison, Tessa of Delos has been in bondage for a decade. Held in high regard for her beauty, cutting wit, and political acumen, her services as courtesan are promised to the highest bidder in a process beyond her control. When her master dies unexpectedly, she glimpses an opportunity for freedom; with the help of a new servant Nikos, a man with a hidden past, she maneuvers treacherous waters in search of a way out.

Blending suspense, romance, political intrigue, and a healthy dose of drama, Higley brings the struggles, class differences, and pagan culture of ancient Greece to vivid life. Her attention to detail in recreating the historical and political climate is commendable, but what fascinates me most about this novel is the offer of freedom through salvation that is woven throughout a story that takes place in a pre-Christian culture. Tessa's physical bondage only serves to underscore her deeper need for spiritual freedom. Her encounters with the dispersed Jewish population of Rhodes throw the unrest of the city's pagan population into sharp contrast with the peace and joy experienced by those who know God. This marker alone sets Higley's novel apart from the majority of historicals. Pre-Christian history outside of the Middle East intertwined with the promise of hope and freedom for those looking towards the coming of their Messiah is entirely unique and enjoyable.

Also impressive is Higley's careful planning which allows readers a deeply personal glimpse into Tessa's life and heart, while entirely avoiding scenes which explicitly detail her lot in life. Though there's no doubt that her role in Grecian society is sinful, yet socially accepted, and even expected in the upper echelons of her world, Higley manages to present an entirely chaste period of Tessa's life.

Shadow of Colossus opens by diving directly into the crux of Tessa's struggle, but the pace slows throughout the bulk of the novel. Her introspection, along with the web of political entanglements and maneuvering, prove a tempering influence to an otherwise tight timeline. Toward the book's end, the pace builds exponentially into a pounding crescendo.

Strong characterization combined with rich historical detail have wonShadow of Colossus a home on my shelves of keepers. Though I rarely read a novel twice, Tessa's story is one that I want to keep on hand for future plumbing. Higley's work has certainly caught my eye, and I look forward to reading the stories she weaves around the remaining six Wonders of the World.

I have discovered a very special series of books that I'm thinking some of you haven't read yet and I am hoping to help you rectify that very sad situation. For lovers of historical fiction (and even those that may not think they enjoy historical fiction) this series is amazing! Welcome to the 7 Wonders Series by T.L. Higley... each book centers around one of the Ancient Wonders of the World and sets characters and mystery/suspense against that setting. I have read the first two (Shadow of Colossus (set against the statue of Colossus at Rhodes) and City of the Dead (set against the Pyramids at Giza)) and TL actually makes the particular Wonder of the World almost a character in the book. I was attracted to the series because of a fascination with the Ancient Wonders but drawn in by the amazing story lines. I thought the first one was great, and then the second one stepped up the story another whole level... I can't wait to read the third one! I strongly encourage homeschooling moms to get these books for their high school students because it will make ancient world history come alive. I am really hoping that sales are good for this series because I would love for TL to be able to finish all 7 books!