So many characters... ( )

Magi is the fictional story of Ramates, one of the three wise men. It provides a wealth of details on the Parthian culture, caravan travel and Middle Eastern geography. Grounded in writings of the period, nativity apocrypha and traditional lore, the author has woven together a story of prophecies fulfilled and destinies changed forever. The short novel is written from a nondenominational Christian perspective and makes a quick, enjoyable Christmas read. ( )

Many students in history believe that somewhere in the world there exists a brotherhood, or order of initiates, secretly guiding the destiny of humankind. Evidence suggests that the Magi, the three wise men who visited Jesus soon after his birth, were part of this brotherhood, and that, using their knowledge of the stars, they were midwives for the event. The book shows how Jesus'horoscope can be seen hidden symbolicallywithin the story of the Adoration of the Magi, and how the Magi's knowledge was preserved and passed back to the West at the time of the Crusades. ( )