Myrad is the adopted son of one of the Hebrew magi in ancient Persia. After having a dream of a star in the sky that didn't move throughout the night, Myrad is brought into the order of the magi, just in time for a massacre. Barely escaping, Myrad now must outrun his pursuers while also attempting to discover the meaning of his dreams about the star and the prophecy of the Hebrews Messiah that his father taught him about.

With Christmas looming, I loved the idea of reading a book about the advent of Christ from the perspective of the magi that visited Him not long after his birth. This book really hit the spot, easing me into the season. With great characters and some fun relationships, following the star with Myrad was an adventure that highlighted some important Biblical truths.

Myrad himself is a decent protagonist, young and inexperienced, learning everything around him along with us. He has a clubfoot, which gets in his way quite often. Walagash is now one of my favorite characters ever. And the relationships between Myrad and Walagash, Roshan, and Aban are enjoyable to watch develop along the way.

One of the main reasons for 4 stars, instead of 5, is that there was a lot of politics in the book, which is the main thing that caused the story to drag in parts. It does make sense, given the state of the empires in that region at the time. But it wasn't terribly interesting to read the characters discussing it.

What I loved most about the book, though, was that it went past the birth of Christ to the real root of Christianity--His death and resurrection. We see the rift form between those Hebrews who believe that Jesus is the Messiah and those who don't, because he didn't conquer the Romans like they thought he should (or because he died and they left before his resurrection). And when the magi who stayed in Jerusalem even after the resurrection because they felt there was more for them there got exactly what they were looking for, they left changed.

For me in particular, the book really drove home the importance of trusting that God's way is the best way, even when we can't see what He's doing. It's a reminder that He can and does use anyone He chooses for his plans, even those people who think that they are worthless--even those people who don't follow Him. We can only do our part and accept His will in our lives, and in this, we can have peace in stressful times. This has been really important for me lately.

While this book could easily be pigeon-holed as a Christmas book, it is so much more than that. I recommend it for all fans of Biblical fiction. In truth, I think it should be read by anyone who enjoys historical fiction or quest-driven stories, because the message contained within is important and should be heard by everyone.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy of this book to review. ( )

As a young, lame magus who has lost his family, Myrad is running for his life when he joins a merchant's caravan for protection. A perilous journey ensues, and all the while, Myrad can't forget his dream of a star and a centuries-old message of a coming Messiah in The End of the Magi by author Patrick W. Carr.

Since I've been planning for a while to try some fantasy by this author, I was particularly interested when I saw he'd written a Biblical Fiction novel. It's important to note that even with its connection to the magi and the Messiah, this book isn't a "straight shot to the manger" or necessarily a Christmas read. I appreciate where the author begins, tying in familiar and relevant Old Testament figures, and the opening of Myrad's tale is both heart-gripping and intriguing.

While I couldn't help but to develop a soft spot for Myrad as I read, he starts to seem something like the awkward pet of the story, in a sense, and it isn't only on account of his physical condition. The tolerant people around him, male and female alike, are a good deal savvier in their situation than Myrad, as he stumbles into mishaps and foolish decision-making.

Some of the danger feels redundant, the development of a romantic attraction takes an approach I tend to find pretty weird in any story, and there were times when I lost a real sense of a plot driving the events. The read began to lag for me, and after getting past the halfway point, I didn't have enough interest to press through to the end.

Nevertheless, I still plan to try a fantasy read by this author sometime.
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Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

Follow the star this holiday season in Patrick W. Carr’s The End of the Magi. It is a story of prophecies and politics, an epic journey of secrets, peril, courage, and the coming Messiah. History springs to life with clarity and imagination and will forever alter your understanding of the beloved Christmas story.

I have long known the wisemen as an element of Jesus’ birth story, but never gave much thought to their experience. As Carr fleshes out their humanity and purpose, especially through the character of Myrad, I could not help but be captivated by the story that he pens.

If you love Christmas reading, like I do, and need a break from feel-good romances, The End of the Magi is a book you should read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

When the King's favor turns against his Magi, killing Myrad's father, it unleashes a chain of events that send Myrad on a journey that will leave him forever changed.

A step in a slightly different direction for author, Patrick Carr, who I am familiar with as an epic fantasy writer, in The End of the Magi, he delves into the time before Christ was born, showing the political tensions and unrest of a world in need of a Saviour.

Myrad is a newly appointed Magi, who has been dreaming of a luminous star that calls to him. After his father's death he finds himself at a loss, not knowing who to trust or where to turn, with the wrath of the Queen's soldiers after him. On the journey he faces attacks, betrayal, and also finds friends that become like family. Myrad shows a keen mind with a wisdom beyond his years, I admired his devotion to his mission, and determination to not let physical obstacles get in his way, as well as his honesty about his weaknesses.

Overall a well written high stakes journey, that imagines what it might have been like to follow the star, risking it all in a explosive political atmosphere, for the promise of the King. A story of courage, faith, and hope, just in time for Christmas. Multiple colorful characters, well researched, and daring. Great for fans of Biblical fiction and of Mr. Carr's worldbuilding skills!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

The story of the three wise men is familiar to Christians. They are briefly mentioned in the New Testament. This story explores who and what the wise men could have been.

The book begins with Daniel in Babylon 537 BC. He creates a group of people called the Magi who count down the days until the Messiah would be born. The Magi over the years become corrupted with the political power that they have been given. Tragedy strikes the Magi and Myrad escaped with the calendar and other political documents. He was hunted and took measures to make sure his task was successful. Myrad had a disability, he was born with a clubbed foot that made him easily recognizable and slowed down his flight from Persia.

This book is fascinating. The thought of "what if" and "what could have happened" during the time period propelled me to keep reading. I loved following Myrad on the trade routes through the desert. He faced life-threatening situations and was sustained by his God and belief.

This book is perfect for this season. But it is so much more. It is an adventure. It is about faith and prophetic dreams. It is about a young man learning and growing. It also has quite a bit of the time periods of culture.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. ( )