The Cyrenian Trilogy
The Cyrenian Trilogy centers on two families—one Jewish and the other Roman—whose lives intertwine in ways that changed the world
Book 1
The Lighthouse
Overwhelmed by the plight of his fellow Jews, Simon of Cyrene boldly fights against injustice and violence while pursuing his passion for healing. When faced with treating a gravely wounded enemy, his dedication to the Hippocratic oath is challenged—a personal cross only he can bear.
Book 2
The Bronze Door
A story of defiance, love, and faith. As a grand bronze door is crafted for the holy temple in Jerusalem, Caligula demands to be worshiped there as supreme god. Simon’s childhood friend, now a noble Roman general, risks his
life to stop the desecration of the temple, while Simon is tormented by fears for his family who have embraced a new faith called Christianity.
Book 3
The Temple At Sunset
From the crucifixion of Jesus to the fall of the temple in Jerusalem, Simon of Cyrene witnesses forty years that changed the world. The cross—a brutal instrument of death—becomes a central symbol of a new religion. The temple—the most noble expression of holiness created by mortal hands—is
destroyed. Poised on the knife-edge between these two shattering events, Simon seeks revelation in his dialogue with God.
Reviews
"The Temple at Sunset is a fantastic finale to the series, which beautifully and agonizingly places the reader within the historical realities of ancient Rome for Christians and Jews, integrating political, social, and religious issues. ...Ciholas brilliantly offers moral dilemmas that test faith, conscience, and courage. this is a completely immersive story, and I would give it a whole bucket of stars if I could."
“An evocative and intimate account of the growing pains of Christianity…The meticulously researched theological, medical, and political threads come together to create a fascinating story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice.”
"Valerius is a man of heroic restraint and a brave exemplar of the best
Roman virtues. He and Simon were childhood friends, but Simon is incredibly
determined when it comes to protecting the Jews, so the fate of this
friendship becomes a key theme of the story…A well-spun historical tale
with a host of fully realized characters."
“Readers of Robert Graves’s I, Claudius and Claudius the God will find this trilogy to be a rich addition to an understanding of the age, but with a broader perspective of society. These novels are what historical novels should be.”
“The highlight of this novel is the deeply personal and detailed characterizations
that Ciholas has given to each character, who seem to have marched right out of ancient religious and historical texts to become living, breathing men and women. The storyline is intense and absorbing.”
“Backed by solid research into historical fact and insights into social and political currents of the times, Ciholas creates a vivid, memorable story powered as much by strong characters as by the forces that influenced this world’s directions... Her descriptions are memorable and hard-hitting, embracing not just Simon’s perspective, but the men and women who circle around him in various ways.”
“Valerius’s internal conflicts are both compelling and relatable. He is portrayed
as a man caught between duty and conscience, a warrior longing for peaceful resolutions. His reflections on his position as governor reveal deep-seated frustrations with the bureaucratic mechanisms of imperial rule, echoing sentiments of disillusionment that resonate with contemporary issues of governance and moral integrity.”
“Excellently researched historical fiction set in Alexandria and Jerusalem during early Christianity. I instantly fell in love with the characters as they grappled with religious change, immoral leaders, and the struggle to determine which matters more, one person’s life or the lives of many.”
“Details of Jewish and Hippocratic medicine, the political intrigues of the Roman Senate and succession...vivid details of everyday life in both the Jewish and Roman worlds in Cyrene, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Rome…amazing.”
“True history intermixed with a wonderfully storyline that will thrill any reader.”
“Readers gain insight into an era in which Jewish nationalism, nascent Christianity, Roman power and Hellenistic culture in the Mediterranean world converged, sometimes violently and tragically. Concentrating on Simon and his extended family, Ciholas adeptly and empathetically describes the tensions and polemics that arose when some family members adopted a new allegiance (Christianity) while others clung to the ancient paths (Judaism). At stake was nothing less than the self-definition of both Jews and Christians.”
“If you love James Michener, you will love this book! It evokes his keen sense of history and his ability to bring long-ago characters and settings to life.”
“The conflict between Simon’s commitment to his faith and the new
Christian beliefs embraced by his family sits firmly at the center of the novel…The blend of historical detail and human emotion kept me engaged throughout, and the morals underpinning the exciting plot encourage reflection on the nature of courage, faith, and love. A powerful and
thought-provoking read.”
“The sweep and depth of Ciholas’s grasp of First Century Greco-Roman culture and early Jewish-Christian interactions are impressive. ...Her imagination reaches into all the corners of First Century culture as she enhances the reader’s pleasure as well as speaks to matters of enduring religious and political significance.”
About the Author
Karin Ciholas was born in Virginia and grew up
in Switzerland where she studied classical languages.
The study of Latin and Greek led to her fascination
with the ancient world and its history. She has won
sixteen awards for her, short stories, plays, and novels.
Visit Karin’s personal website: