In episode 21, we sit down for a discussion with Nathan Maki, author of several works of historical fiction, including The War Within Series and his newest release, The Keeper’s Crown. We discuss his writing process, Bible quizzing, the new book, and the orphanage that his parents operate in the Congo. Be sure to check out his new book; you won’t be disappointed!
You can find Bro. Maki’s books here:
Amazon: https://goo.gl/vvGo5Y
Barnes & Noble: https://goo.gl/z9KsCK
Author’s Website: www.nathandmaki.com
About the new book:
A Roman soldier in exile, a rebel Jewess, and an Apostle in chains…can faith, hope, and love unite them?
Some early reviewers had this to say:
“Unequivocally five stars all the way!”
“Fans of Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion trilogy will enjoy Nathan Maki’s immersive The Keeper’s Crown.”
“This novel unfolds like a movie and draws you into the sights, sounds and smells of first century Palestine leaving the reader with the ‘you were there’ experience.”
“Impeccably researched, this tale is difficult to put down and is sure to be a favorite of fans of Roman era historical fiction and the story of early Christianity.”
“A great read from beginning to end.”
In The Keeper’s Crown, readers will see Paul’s life and ministry in an immediate and accessible way, through the eyes of the young soldier who kept him under guard in Rome. The book follows Paul from his arrest in the Temple in Jerusalem, through his trials, transportation to Rome, shipwreck on Malta, imprisonment, appearance before Nero, and his eventual martyrdom. Along the way we meet such familiar figures as the governors Felix and Festus, King Agrippa, Timothy, Onesimus, Epaphroditus, Demas, and Emperor Nero. Readers will see the gospel of repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost played out before them, backed by Paul’s own words from his Epistles. Paul’s courage and determination and the overarching theme of “What is Godly Success?” will challenge believers to dare greatly and obey God’s will no matter the cost. All of this presented in an engaging, action-packed book that gets the message across without being “preachy.” Order yours today!
Paul turned the world upside down. Nero set it on fire.
Caught between them, can Quintus and Jael survive long enough to find the Truth?
From the Back Cover:
~Quintus~
As a boy, he dared to fight Nero. Worse, he won.
Stripped of his family, the love of his life, and his self-respect, he sets out on a quest to win a victor’s crown, rescue his parents, and restore his family’s honor. But his path to glory in the restless province of Judaea is threatened by the corrupt governor Felix, the murderous priest Melechi, and most of all by the rabble-rousing Paul of Tarsus. When Quintus finds himself in Rome chained to Paul all hope of a crown seems lost, but Paul’s example makes him question the true meaning of success. And why does Jael, the mysterious young Jewess who once saved his life, now respond with barely restrained flashes of hate?
~Jael~
The Romans took her father and her brother from her.
Now Jael vows to fight for her father’s faith, fulfill her brother’s oath, and avenge their deaths. But the further she travels with Paul and Quintus the more she feels torn. Can she follow her heart and still keep her vow?
~Paul~
He turned the world upside down.
Paul never expected to end his ministry in chains, but even still, he is determined to carry the gospel to Rome and the Emperor Nero himself. But what if those who need the gospel most are those closest to him? As the Great Fire strikes Rome, fanning Nero’s persecution of the Christians to a white-hot fury, murderous secrets, impossible choices, and steadfast faith will lead to tragedy and triumph.
Excerpt from the Book
The prisoner looked over his bare shoulder at Quintus. “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” His voice was steady and calm, as if he were asking a newcomer to a bathhouse about the weather outside.
A Roman! Quintus froze. If this man’s claim was true, by law they should not even have fettered him. They certainly could not scourge him.
“Hold,” he told the inquisitor. “Don’t touch him until I return.”
Quintus sprinted the stairs three at a time. He found Lysias nursing a cup of wine and staring blank-faced at the milling crowd in the Temple courts below. Lysias turned and cocked an eyebrow. “Has he broken already? I had him made of sterner stuff.”
“Watch what you’re doing with this one,” Quintus said. “This man is a Roman.”
The tribune set down his cup so abruptly its contents sloshed over his hand. He didn’t seem to notice. “Take me there.”
When they reached the dungeon, the prisoner was still bound as Quintus had left him. His arched back and lean, outstretched arms reminded Quintus of a juniper clinging to a wind-lashed crag. If he felt discomfort from the strained position he gave no sign of it.
Lysias paced around to face him. The man’s eyes were closed, and his lips moved without a sound. “Tell me,” the tribune demanded, “are you a Roman?”
The bound man looked up and met the tribune’s eyes with a frank gaze. “I am.”
“Hmm.” Lysias ran a knuckle back and forth across his lips as he slowly shook his head. “With a great price I obtained this citizenship.”
“But I was born free.” The prisoner’s eyes gleamed an inner light. “My name is Paul.”
Author Bio and Fun Facts
Nathan Maki lives in Prescott, Ontario, Canada with his wife Rachel and son Alexander. He has turned his degrees in Journalism and History into a writing career, and along with The Keeper’s Crown he is author of the best-selling War Within series, also set in Ancient Rome. Nathan’s passion is bringing the ancient world to life in a way that will challenge modern-day believers to fight the good fight of faith.
Like most true Canadians Nathan has a fake tooth thanks to hockey (and his high-sticking brother!)
In 2016 Nathan and his wife Rachel celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary with a trip to Rome (Which Nathan calls “My Happy Place.”)
Nathan, Rachel, and their son Alexander have two pugs, Pandy and Portia, whose idea of a good life is waking up, eating, napping, eating, napping, potty, and bed. A recent addition is Oliver, the Boston Terror…er…Terrior.
Nathan spent 13 years in a program called Bible Quizzing and memorized over 6000 scriptures. His team took 2nd place in North America one year.
Nathan graduated from Carleton University with highest honors in Journalism and History only to become a landscaper, author, and pastor. Go figure! 🙂
Nathan has ridden horses in Texas and Arizona, studied fencing and saber dueling, and considers skiing, skating, and tobogganing a great way to spend his free time in the winter. (When he’s not reading or writing historical fiction.)
