Reviews

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar

dnyameke's review against another edition

4.0

3.5⭐️

bookscrystals93's review

4.0

Thief of Corinth is another fantastic piece of biblical friction from Tessa Afshar. Set in first-century Corinth, it tells the story of Ariadne who runs away from her Grandfather and mother to who Father whom she has not seen since her mother took her and brothers (though technically one was found as an abandoned baby and they never actually adopted him) and left. When she finds out her father’s secret she does all that she can to keep him safe. I loved the redemption that was in this story. There’s a quote where Ariadne describes her want of God. I was instantly drawn to it as soon as I read it. It not only describes her want but also in a way describes god. It’s towards the end of the book so I won’t post it to avoid spoilers. She has a way of writing that just connects you to the characters. I’m looking forward to read Daughter of Rome and continuing the story of some of the characters in this book.

If you’re a fan of Biblical fiction and you have not read this yet I recommend it.

Also there is a character mentioned in this book that is from her previous book Bread of Angels. While I’ve not read it yet, I did not feel like it took away from this story. However I will be adding it to my to read list.

meeloen's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring fast-paced

helenaferreira's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sydneyholmes3010's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kfrickle's review

challenging emotional funny mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Fantastic book! I am impressed with the story line that she wrote. AND... I loved the cameos that she put in here! By far another 5 star read! Highly recommend though I will say that there are some topics that are hard to read about so be aware going into the story.

zoe_faith's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

thistlereads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced

5.0

michellef's review against another edition

5.0

Thief of Corinth is a biblical fiction novel by author Tessa Afshar. My favorite quote is found on page #3. “But the choices that lead us into broken paths often have there beginnings in more convoluted places.”

The female protagonist in this 374-page novel is Ariadne. Ariadne is running away from the abuse encountered at her grandfather’s house. She is running to her father for safety.

This story is well thought out and detailed of life in Corinth. I especially liked how the facts of Corinth history easily flowed with the story. I found it interesting to learn that soap (made with tallow and ashes), was a German invention (page #197). This is also a story of forgiveness and redemption.

I recommend this novel to fans of biblical fiction.

Disclaimer: I received this novel complimentary Tyndale Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition

4.0

After years under the oppressive yoke of her grandfather’s and mother’s expectations, Ariadne runs away to her father’s house in Corinth, refusing to marry the brute her grandfather picked for her. Her parents’ divorce has weighed heavily on her father, and it isn’t long before she discovers the secret that rends the marriage in two: her father is the Honorable Thief, a man who robs from corrupt citizens to help himself and others who have suffered from corruption. When a financial crisis begins to threaten their livelihood, Ariadne decides to help her father in his after-dark escapades. But after meeting Paul, a Jewish rabbi, Ariadne’s father decides to stop stealing. Ariadne isn’t convinced, though. She believes becoming the Honorable Thief is the only way to save their home from debt collectors… until her actions harm those she loves. Can Paul’s God ease the suffering caused by Ariadne’s mistakes? And can this God offer hope in the midst of uncertainty and hardship?

In the first half of the book, our main character, Ariadne, isn’t directly affecting the plot. There isn’t a strong protagonist, and the story seems uncertain about where it wants to go. Then in the second half, consequences from Ariadne’s choices propel the plot forward, and the novel becomes hard to put down. Afshar is great at developing characters who struggle with God’s message. Ariadne’s journey to overcome past hurt is what gives this novel heart. Additionally, I enjoyed the research spent on medical practices, clothing styles, toiletry habits, and social decorum. As a Robin Hood story set in the ancient world that explores the deeper morality of responding to villainy with thieving, this is an enjoyable tale with interesting characters, a strong setting, and an endearing message.

Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/thief-of-corinth/