The Sisters of Corinth

Author: Angela Hunt
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: The Emmisaries #2
Pages: 384
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Publisher: Bethany House

When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor's households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor's firstborn son.

Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis's own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis's urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires--even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.

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Reviewer: Charity Henico

This book kept me awake last night. Not because I couldn't stop reading it, but because I kept dreaming about it. I kept dreaming about the situations the characters found themselves in, and it almost made me sick, not knowing what was going to happen. So what did I do? I got up early and read the last page.

I know. I know! I never do that, but I had to know. And then I could read without making myself so ill at ease over the unknown.

I absolutely loved this book. The depth of the characters, the point in history, and the devotion to Jesus. And while I love that biblical fiction brings the Bible to life, I ADORE when the book tells me which part of secular history it's in. This book takes place at the beginning of Nero's reign, and if you know anything about him, then you know the possible consequences, which keeps the tension high.

I was so bummed to read the last page (again), knowing that it was the end of the story. Imagine my delight when I read in the author's note that there will be a third book! And I am here for it!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“I would rather die than allow love for a man to overshadow my love for Yeshua,” Mariana conveys in Angela Hunt’s novel, The Sisters of Corinth.

The second book in the Emissaries series, this three-hundred-and-eighty-five-page paperback targets those interested in Biblical fiction during the Apostle Paul’s missions. With no profanity, topics of blood sacrifices, sorcery, fighting, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, twelve reading group discussion questions, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

This story involves two stepsisters who are at odds with each other as one becomes betrothed to the son of Corinth’s provincial governor. With Prima being outgoing, outspoken, and craving her father’s attention, younger Mariana is meek, timid, and a follower of Paulos (the apostle Paul) and his teachings of Yeshua. As the two clash regarding their belief in many gods versus the One True God, their status and positions in life are challenged and threatened.

I love reading biblical fiction, especially if it lines up with the Word of God. Having been a fan of Hunt’s novels, this one shows how trusting and loving the Lord are pertinent and vital to everyday life. I enjoyed the dual first-person chapters by each sister and how they took different paths throughout the story. While the tale includes worshipping and sacrificing to pagan gods and gory gladiators fighting, it does offer the eternal plan of salvation.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of God’s power and love for His own. While Paul, Luke, Aquilla, and Priscilla from the Bible are mentioned, it should be noted that the sisters are not listed in Scripture, so the story is fictional. Others may not like the addition that Paul wrote a letter to Mariana, but its content mimics one of his epistles.

I wish every pronoun of God were capitalized for reverence. It would be thoughtful to include a map, like the first book in the series did.

If you want to read another one of Hunt’s books about how we are to trust God over man, no matter what the cost, this is an excellent read that takes place during New Testament times, and it will not disappoint.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

Another historical gem from the pen of Angela Hunt.

Will I fight the good fight to the end? This is the question I asked myself after reading Angela Hunt’s The Sisters of Corinth. The struggles encountered by the early Christians are revealed in this novel.

The Sisters of Corinth is a book set in the city of Corinth during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero. Hester and Mariana are a mother-daughter duo living in the house of Narkis, magistrate of Corinth, with Prima, Narkis’s daughter, Hester’s stepdaughter, and Mariana’s stepsister. The two, despite living in a house where the Roman gods are worshipped, are followers of Christ. The novel revolves around the two opposite sisters, Mariana and Prima. Both women are devoted to their beliefs, with the difference being Mariana having to discretely practice her faith in the Jewish God.

Prima, who has passed the age of marriage, sees an opportunity to amend this with the arrival of the governor of Corinth and his son Marcus. Her hope of securing such an advantageous marriage is dashed when Marcus falls in love with her stepsister and proceeds to marry her. This begins Prima’s relentless journey to destroy this union and claim Marcus for herself.

I struggled a bit reading this novel because I found Mariana's character too gullible. The first half of this novel was quite slow-paced. The novel, however, picked up in the second half of the novel, with the cliffhanger tempting me to want to read the third installment of this series. Overall, the novel was a good read. The battle between good and evil, contending for one’s faith in a pagan world, jealousy, and rivalry was well captured in this novel.

Fans of Angela Hunt who are acquainted with her style of writing will not be disappointed by this novel.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

What can I say about The Sisters of Corinth that will do it justice? Angela Hunt has written a book that is richly detailed, absorbing, and highly addictive. Prepare to stay up all night because you will not be able to put this one down!

The story's premise centres on Hunt's Christian characters, placed in an idol-worshipping household. Hester and her daughter Marianna once worshipped the gods of Rome, but now they follow Yeshua. Unfortunately, the Roman Governor's son Marcus wants to marry Marianna, and so begins a difficult time for the young girl as she tries to remain faithful to Yeshua while married to an idol worshipper.

As she grows in faith (with letters from the Apostle Paul to help her), Marianna must decide how much she should share with her new husband about her faith. She could be risking her life if she says too much.

Her stepsister, Prima, on the other hand, couldn't be more different. She is determined to win Marcus for herself, even after he marries Marianna. Cunning and evil to the bone, her actions grow increasingly desperate, making this a story that will keep you thinking long after you put it down.

Marianna's strong faith and the novel's frequent references to the Scriptures impressed me. You cannot read it without knowing God's love and the risks early Christians had to take to stay faithful to Adonai. In addition, the author has included such detailed imagery that you will feel transported back to ancient Corinth.

I highly recommend this extraordinary book! You will not be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley for my honest review.

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