Thief of Corinth
by Tessa Afshar
Tyndale House Publishers

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Christian , Historical Fiction
Pub Date 07 Aug 2018


I am reviewing a copy of Thief of Corinth through Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley:



Corinth in the first century is a city full of commerce as well as charm. It has a darker side too though, one of danger and corruption. The town is the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure!


After years of living with her Mother and her Oppressive Grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father's home in Corinth, where she discovers the secret that destroyed her Mother and Father’s marriage. Despite Galenos being a Greek of High Birth he is a thief that has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill gotten gains!


In order to keep her Father sake, Ariadne risks her reputation, her freedom and the love of a man she adores to become her father's apprentice. Ariadne using her unusual athletic ability and that ends up leading her into dangerous exploits. And discovers she revels in living on the dangerous side but when the wrong person finds out she and her Father could risk their very lives.


But after befriending a Jewish Rabbi named Paul, and realize the radical message puts into question everything they fought to build, yet offers something neither one of them hoped to date for.


I give the Thief of Corinth five out of five stars’


Happy Reading!

Ariadne doesn't understand why her parents separated and doesn't like living with her mother. With the support of her brothers she escapes to Corinth to find the father she loves. She finds much more than her father and what she finds isn't what she wanted.

A Biblical time period and the city of Corinth is the perfect combination for Thief in Corinth.  The author, Tessa Afshar, does an amazing job at using scenery and historical details to further our understanding of life in the first-century.  Her descriptions transport you to a cheering section at the Isthmian Games and often puts you at the scene of a crime. This makes for easy, fast paced reading that is enjoyable and fulfilling.  For even more richness we are introduced to historical characters that aid in Ariadne's character development.

This was my first Tessa Afshar book and it won't be my last.   She weaves a quality story while delving into social issues.  She does it subtly and as the plot becomes more complicated, moral issues are raised. Inevitably the reader stops to ponder what his/her choices would be if they found themselves in Ariadne's situation. I received a complimentary copy of this book from (Publisher) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Favorite Quote from Book: "There is a world of difference between knowing the Word of God and knowing the God of the Word" (The author was quoting Leonard Ravenhill).

Personal Rating: 4.88               Star Rating: 5/5

I loved this very different book of fiction. This is a very interesting time period. I have never read a book based in Corinth and enjoyed learning a bit about it. I loved the character of Ariadne and how strong she is. It had to be hard to choose to do something different than most other women. I enjoyed her journey of discovery along with all of her friends. I did not want to stop reading this story. I hope to read many more of Tessa Afshar’s books. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Thief of Corinth is a very well written biblical novel. I am normally not a fan of this genre but the cover caught my attention and I am certainly glad it did. The plot is fast moving and the characters very well developed. The author was new to me but I enjoyed her writing so much I will be reading more of her books. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this book. This story is at times both light-hearted and suspenseful. Tessa Afshar has written an exciting and inspiring book with many different ingredients that blend together to make a beautiful story: Betrayal, selfishness, love, redemption, faith, forgiveness, and hope. The family dynamics in this book cover all of those aspects. Ms. Afshar has done an excellent job of making each main character seem complex and each fits perfectly in their place. The setting of the city of Corinth during the New Testament time period comes alive as the author guides us through the city.

Tessa Afshar states that she wrote this book because “...fans have been asking me for a book they could .share with friends who are not practicing Christians.” She also wanted to “...tell a light-hearted story that still managed to grapple with a few important issues.” She has accomplished both those goals. As the fictional main character, Ariadne, moves from unbelief to faith, it will encourage you to want to reach out to your fiends to help them find the peace that only God can give.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I have not read a lot of Biblical Fiction. It isn't my first choice of genre to reach for. I have read a book by Mesu Andrews and Connilyn Cossette and have mixed feelings about the writing. But the Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar's cover looked amazing. Then I read the synopsis and figured it might be something I would enjoy reading. I'm glad that I did. With the Thief of Corinth, I finished the entire novel in one day.
Her writing is amazing. I have a deep respect for writers of Biblical fiction because they have to bring the world of the Biblical world to life without overwhelming their readers. They have to be careful with every little aspect. From what they wear to what they would talk like to what the customs of the day was. They have to include just enough to make the setting realistic for the story, but they can't overwhelm the reader with too much information about the Biblical time.
The plot in this story is something I haven't seen. It was interesting, and I had a hard time putting the novel down. I have heard of Corinth because of Paul's two famous letters to the Corinth church. First and Second Corinthians. I was spellbound by the characters and the troubles in their daily lives. Paul, the apostle, made an appearance and shared about God to the family. He helped them see the need for God.
The character of Ariadne was brave and heroic. She did what was not expected of her station in life, but she chose how to make her life. When her life started out pretty rough, she jumped ship literally and moved to Corinth in search of a better life. Dangers followed. The only issue I had with the plot was expecting Ariadne's mother and grandfather to follow sometime in the novel and find them. Not just allow them to go so easily.
Even though the story is about some characters from the Bible, I don't think Afshar made it preachy. She did a fabulous job at telling a story to show the need and desire for God's love.
Overall, Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar is a captivating novel filled with solid research to create an interesting story to show the aspects of living with the Bible characters I read about. I really enjoyed this novel. I think fans of Connilyn Cossette and Mesu Andrews should pick up this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Thief of Corinth, by Tessa Afshar, is a compelling story of a courageous young girl who yearns to be loved and accepted. (And don't we all?) Although other novels of this author are based on true Biblical stories, this book is a fictional story set in first-century Corinth and readers will see several real historical figures, such as the Apostle Paul, and Priscilla and Acquilla. Ariadne's home life is full of seemingly irreparable strained family dynamics and numerous secrets. She has been wounded by her parents' divorce and subsequent harsh treatment by her mother. With a strong sense of duty, Ariadne is compelled to help her father save the family home, leading to multiple complications and near disasters. Will she ever find a love that mends what is broken and endures all things, even a twisted past? The characters are strong, multifaceted, and evocative, and watching their relationships develop and evolve is engaging. Threaded throughout the story readers will find rich historical details, adventures, tension-filled scenes, a few twists to the plot, and some sweet romance. This is a wonderful story of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption--not to be missed. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Tessa Afshar has done it again! Thief of Corinth was a compelling story of a young girl, Ariadne who grew up in ancient Corinth and Greece. We follow her story to see the events that brought her parents to divorce and the consequences of that event. Ariadne seeks the approval of her mother and attempts to do what she thinks best for her father. She seeks the attention of her peers and of one particular young man. Through Ariadne’s eyes, we learn a great deal about the human spirit and the consequences of selfishness. Ms. Afshar has indicated that she wrote this book to be a bit of a crossover. And for the first 2/3 of the book, she succeeds. Thief of Corinth is still considered biblical historical fiction as it takes place during that timeframe, but God is very seldom mentioned until the last third of the book. I believe that this will enable her to reach more readers than those of us who prefer Christian fiction, but the last third gives all glory to God for the miracles and healings He has performed in the lives of Ariadne, her family and her friends. It was interesting to meet the Apostle Paul from this vantage point as well as he has a predominant role in God coming into play in that last third of the book. This book pans the depth of human emotion and really speaks to the human spirit and our utter need for God. It has an enjoyable story line, well developed and likeable characters, and addresses many of the issues we encounter in life – attempting to fit in with our peers, seeking approval from our superiors, trying to prove ourselves in any way possible. I saw a lot of myself in Ariadne. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a good story, for anyone who would like an outside perspective on the teachings of the Apostle Paul, and anyone who enjoys a book that makes you cry both happy and sad tears throughout. Two thumbs up!

Thief of Corinth is Tessa Afshar’s newest release. The author sure knows how to bring a reader back in time. The historical details were quite vivid and believable. I was drawn into the characters’ lives. I enjoyed Ariadne’s story. I found it to be exciting, adventurous, suspenseful, and inspirational. I, especially, enjoyed when Paul was introduced.

I give Thief of Corinth a well deserved 5 plus stars and highly recommend it. Such a powerful story.

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review this 100% my own honest opinion.

THIEF OF CORINTH is another biblically based novel by TESSA AFSHAR, every bit as good as the ones that have come before. The publishing date is 7/8/18 and it is well worth waiting for!
When Ariadne hears that her grandfather, with her mother's blessing, has promised her in marriage to Draco, the vile son of his friend Evandos, she runs away from Athens to live with her father in Corinth. Theodotus, her foster brother, goes with her, leaving her brother, Dionysius, who can't do anything wrong in her grandfather and mother's eyes, to smooth things over for her.
While she is living in Corinth, it is by accident that she finds out her father's secret and the reason her mother left him. She is devoted to her father and will do anything for him. Unlike his sister, Dionysius is angry when he learns his father's secret, and it takes meeting Paul the apostle for him to forgive his father.
It is a story of redemption, the longing to belong and to be loved, forgiveness and restoration. Ariadne's favourite statue in Athens was the one in honour of The Unknown God, and when the disciple Paul introduces her to the true Unknown God, the God of love, her life changes.
It is a beautifully written book. As always, the author has done a great deal of research into life at the time and the story really comes alive for us. It is full of biblical truth and really worth reading. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I loved the adventure in this story. Airadne is so upset with way things are going living with her mother and grandfather she runs away to find her father. The adventures begin when Airadne finds out the secret of her father and why her mother and father are no longer together. Her father she finds out is a thief. Now some light is coming to why her mother is not with her father anymore. Kind of a Robin Hood story. Lot's of adventure and great characters.

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar is a book that gifted me with entertainment, a message to ponder, and enough tension to keep my attention all the way through. Set in the ancient city of Corinth, Afshar delighted me with witty dialogue, multi-faceted characters, and a sense of adventure. Having read her previous books, I knew I was in for a treat with this one. And while I felt this book carried a more lighthearted tone that the previous ones, I was in no way short changed. In fact, I think the main character of Ariadne is now my favorite of all Afshar's heroines. I was enthralled with Afshar's masterful weaving of ancient history, a powerful message of forgiveness, and clever plot twists. Her writing ability ensures I will come back for more. I highly recommend all of Afshar's books. Her writing does not disappoint, but leaves you hungry for more!
I received this book from the publisher and am giving my honest review.