ALETHEIA VOL I: IN THE SHADOWS
Reviews
Review From Amazon
Aletheia is a powerful blend of historical intrigue, political drama, and emotional depth. Set in the shadows of Imperial Rome, it follows a diverse cast caught in a dangerous game of prophecy, power, and survival. The writing is vivid and immersive, and the story unfolds with the tension of a thriller and the heart of a classic epic. A fantastic debut that will stay with you long after the final page.
Review From Troubador
I enjoyed very much reading the book. I like historical books that take real history and persons and make them (history and the people) come alive and interesting. Authors like Conn Iggulden. I also liked that there were twists where main characters are brutally and unexpectedly ended. Overall it's a great read if you like these kind of books.
Review From Waterstones
Highly recommended, a compelling read.
The story takes the reader into the heart of Rome's power and its empire in the Middle East set at the time just after the death of Jesus. There is a wide cast of characters with a very effective interweaving of historical names with the central people in the story. The settings for the story and workings of the Roman Empire have been very well researched and you feel part of that world seen through characters from many walks of life.
The story and plot twists kept me reading for more and I'm looking forward to the next volume.
Review From NetGalley
A novel that takes the narrative framework of the original story by Wallace. A blockbuster conspiracy thriller as pulse-pounding as Game of Thrones, replete with betrayals, vivid, cinematic dialogue, reunions with beloved characters, introductions of new ones, and plenty of Biblical connections that the author deftly weaves through the tale. The villains were on par too, and I can totally see this as a big-screen spectacle. This masterpiece of Biblical adventure thriller fiction gets a ten out of five. Mr. Kohli, I cannot wait for the sequel. Bra-vo!
Review From Goodreads
A historical fiction/thriller novel that transports you back to the times after the Crucifixion. What a journey!
Inspired by Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur, the author takes us back to the Roman Empire, expands on the political image of the era, and weaves a multidimensional story with brilliant characters. A story that explores the politics, the self-interest, but also explores human relationships and psyche.
The narrative of the story flows beautifully. The characters are flawed and complex, and the writing is lively and vivid; it feels like you have travelled back in time. You are immersed in this biblical adventure like you are watching a film.
The novel is so very well-searched which is something that made me appreciate the story even more.
If you like historical fiction, adventure, intricate characters, and twists and turns, this is a book for you.
I will leave one of my favourite quotes here:
“These are strange times, Ayman. […] Enemies are all around. Those whom we would once have considered friends become enemies, just as enemies can become friends when the smith’s hammer hits the anvil.”
Read more on Goodreads or Breathing_Pages
Review From Reader Views
Aletheia, Vol 1: In the Shadows is an excellent example of historical fiction at its best, and I would recommend it to any fan of the genre. Luigi A. Kohli has made these historical figures real to us, and the entire story is an amazing journey to follow. I am very interested in seeing Volume 2 of A Ben-Hur Saga. I can’t wait. 5 Stars!
Luigi A. Kohli’s Aletheia series is a triumph of imagination and insight. Vividly evoking the textures of the ancient world while exploring timeless questions of identity, power, and fate, these novels offer both students and teachers an engaging gateway into the Classics. A compelling and humane contribution to the living tradition of antiquity. His novels are an excellent gateway for anyone to enter the world of Roman History and I heartily recommend them to anyone wishing to be transported by vivid prose and eternal questions that still resonate today.
Dr Leslie Ivings
Author of Byzantine Emperor Constantine V (Pen and Sword, 2025)
ALETHEIA VOL II: THE BINDS OF FATE
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THANK YOU
Thank you for being part of this growing journey. More stories, more worlds, and more words still lie ahead.
Luigi A Kohli. All rights reserved.