The First Apostle

Echoes of a Fallen Empire

In the sweeping tapestry of late antiquity, The First Apostle plunges readers into a world on the brink of transformation. When Marcus Valerius, a decorated centurion haunted by the horrors of war, is dispatched to the crumbling eastern reaches of Rome, he uncovers a clandestine sect whose whispered prophecies challenge the very foundations of empire. With every step through sun-bleached ruins and across merciless deserts, Marcus’s loyalty is tested as he grapples with visions that blur the line between divine inspiration and insidious manipulation.

Veil of Conspiracy

As Marcus delves deeper into the sect’s clandestine meetings beneath mosaic-lit catacombs, he crosses paths with Lydia of Antioch, a healer whose fierce intellect and unshakeable faith ignite a spark of hope—and danger—in his world-wearied heart. Together, they follow a trail of cryptic scrolls, coded inscriptions, and forbidden rituals, racing against time to unmask a high priest whose ambition could unleash chaos upon Rome. Every encounter—whether in the teeming bazaars of Byzantium or the shadowed corridors of the imperial palace—bristles with tension, painting a portrait of a society poised between collapse and renewal.

Dawn of Revelation

In a breathtaking climax atop the marble steps of the Capitol, Marcus must choose between the ruthless commands of his superiors and the stirring call of something greater than himself. With the empire’s fate hanging in the balance, alliances fracture and hidden truths come to light, igniting a reckoning that will echo through history. Rich in historical detail and propelled by masterful pacing, The First Apostle is a riveting exploration of faith, power, and the sacrifices demanded by belief.

Author’s Reflections

.James Becker describes The First Apostle as his tribute to the untold stories of those who stood at history’s crossroads, inspired by his lifelong fascination with ancient world politics and the paradoxical struggle between duty and destiny. Through Marcus’s journey, he celebrates the enduring power of conviction to reshape even the greatest of empires.