This was another really twisty book from the Living Water series! A couple of biblical characters I hadn’t given much thought to before, but who of course must have a very interesting story to tell: the two thieves who were crucified beside Jesus.

Right off the bat this book surprised me! Our protagonist is a young woman who must depend on a thief known as Mouse to support her dysfunctional family. Longinus, a Roman centurion, is tasked with apprehending the slippery thief and his partners, and also finds himself drawn to the fiery Jewish girl who is determined to care for her blind brother. When a controversial preacher and miracle-worker arrives in Jerusalem, he changes the course of all their lives in unexpected ways.

As I have come to expect from this author, the characters are not always what you think, and the story turns around corners that I couldn’t predict! There were a couple characters from the previous book who appeared in this one as well, which was nice to see! ( )

i thought this book was very powerful. I loved loved loved it. I hope Mrs. Landsem comes out with many more books just like this one ( )

Exciting and compelling, the scenes written so realistically that moments of holding my breath during the tense drama of this saga were literally “breathtaking.” My personal reading appetite for Biblical fiction mixed with fact was satiated upon complete digestion of The Thief by Stephanie Landsem. My imagination needed no help as the characters leaped into my mind lucidly through Ms. Landsem’s colorful word paintings describing ancient Jerusalem in a wholly distinctive approach during the most life changing events to ever occur.

Nissa, a shrewish unmarried Jewish woman feeling abandoned by God, was pressed to provide for her household and blind younger brother Cedron. Their uncaring and abusive parents were sinful addicts, her mother to wine – her father to gambling. There are the usual traits peculiar to human nature at all times, it seems. Nissa has a secret about her relationship to Mouse and the Greek Dismas, both talented thieves. Cedron could be a depiction of the blind man healed by a mysterious healer in the Pools of Siloam. One might think the parents would be overjoyed over Cedron’s healing, however their unwarranted shame caused their complete abandonment and disowning of Cedron and Nissa, again left to fend for themselves. Longinus, a Roman centurion was a bystander at Cedron’s healing and for the first time noticed Nissa, to whom he was strangely attracted; as well as questioning the new mixed emotions and amazed curiosity about the miracle he had just witnessed. Could the Hebrew belief of there being only One God be true? Who is this miracle worker called Jesus? Longinus has problems of his own having just lost his best childhood friend and comrade centurion to murder; and assigned the duty to arrest the thieves before Passover to earn a transfer out of Judea. The breed of personalities encapsulating the Roman soldier’s brutality and unmerciful violence was compulsory to author this story to its paramount finality. The supporting cast is spectacular and many surprises and shocks are yet to come.

Ms. Landsem’s research into Biblical history, layout of Jerusalem’s city streets and alley ways, study of religious laws and holy commandments were only a few of the facts that drew this fictional story together as a sensational read. I deeply appreciated the background she drew into each character adding more depth to the story’s significant consequences from the actual incidents. Stephanie Landsem’s narrative brings the glory to God as each character is brought to the foot of the cross to recognize the Messiah. Ms. Landsem’s pen was indeed guided by the master author of the universe. It touched my heart and soul. Well done!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. ( )

Biblical fiction can be a tricky genre to write. There is a balancing act between creating a good story filled with complex characters and an interesting plot and being faithful to Scripture. Stephanie Landsem does a great job at both. The Thief takes the events surrounding Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection and creates a powerfully told story of guilt and forgiveness. This is one book I will wholeheartedly recommend to all readers.

Nissa, or Mouse, is a young Jewish woman trying to survive in Jerusalem. Her father is an abusive gambler, her mother a drunk, and her brother is devout, yet blind from birth, keeping him from full access to the religious world. Longinus is a centurion assigned to this hated part of the Empire. He wants nothing more than to escape Judea and get back to the peace of Gaul. A hardened fighter, Longinus is a study in contrasts — weary of Rome’s brutality, yet consumed with revenge. When Jesus heals Nissa’s brother’s blindness, their worlds are turned upside down. But the miraculous does not always bring comfort or safety or peace.

There are many positives in The Thief. The turmoil, political intrigue and religious dogmatism of the time is brought to vivid life. Landsem does a wonderful job of making real the sights and sounds of first century Jerusalem. The narrative flows naturally and keeps the reader turning the pages. There are elements of romance, suspense and history that will appeal to all readers. The characters are well-developed and complex. And the range of the characters is varied and represents all the players in the world of Jesus — Pharisees, Romans, peasants and nobles. The Biblical record is accurately followed as it weaves throughout this fictional account. But the novel’s greatest achievement is the portrayal of the power, sacrifice, love and forgiveness of the Savior. The account of the Garden of Gethsemane prior to Jesus’ betrayal is especially moving.

If you are going to read only one Biblical fiction novel this year, make sure it is The Thief. And get it quick — it makes a great pre-Easter read.

Highly Recommended.

(Thanks to LitFuse and Howard Books for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Title: The Thief (A Novel)
Author: Stephanie Landsem
Pages: 368
Year: 2014
Publisher: Howard Books
The Thief is a novel unlike any book I have ever read. Here is a fictional tale that will surely keep your heart racing and eyes reading line after line. Why? For me, the characters are a faint reflection of the various people who live today all around the globe. The way the author describes the scenes so richly painted with her words made me feel as if I were in the crowd watching the events unfold.
No matter how long one has followed the Lord one thing for sure is that all mankind looks for that which only Jesus did so we may have forgiveness. While there are those who mock Him in this story set in the past, there are people who still mock the reality of Christianity today. The novel has traitors and thieves, basically sinful people from many heritages. Today, we see sinful people everywhere. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, we need only look in the mirror to find one. Throughout the book, Stephanie Landsem shows the truth through the men, women and children readers will come to know.
The depth of the soul’s cry for forgiveness, peace, love and security can be found and much more in the fact of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The story shows the different ways some of the characters meet Jesus as well as their choice to believe or not to believe in Him. It was like witnessing first hand just a fraction of what Jesus was put through for me and for all who would humble themselves. The hope on the faces of those who chose Him in the book, I believe to be a part of reality because we don’t live as those who have no hope.
Along the way there is a budding romance that is richly painted as I got to read the thoughts of the characters as they met. As I kept turning pages, engrossed in the building tension leading to the climax, I felt thankfulness well within my heart at the conclusion of The Thief. The way scenes were written was as if I traveled back in time to ancient Jerusalem. This is a most stunning novel written powerfully with the touch of a master’s pen, one who knows firsthand the deep truth of redemption along with the love of our Savior. Please read and share the book with others. I believe it will touch the hearts along minds of many readers!
My rating is 5+ stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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