Book Blurb:
A doomed quest of love and ambition, awash in the glories of the Nabataean Kingdom—
The young sculptor Nahor enters the fast-track of the art world in the spectacular Nabataean Kingdom of ancient Arabia (you know its capital as the fabulous city of Petra). But his secrets of implication in the deaths of his sister and mother, and his father's abandonment, leave a dark chasm in the flint of his heart. His ache for belonging entangles him in the arms of a brilliant songstress, and a devastating injury deals the final blow to his ambitions. His quest to resurrect his ruined career takes him to the very ends of the earth, seeking the Shamir—a mysterious, powerful object buried beneath centuries of myth. The quest's price?...more than he can possibly imagine. Nahor’s loss of family, love, profession—and even his sanity—drives him to the very edge of humanity. Join this man in his perilous adventure, and discover with him possibilities hidden within the darkest impossibility.
"Brock Meier has done his research well."— Dan Gibson, historian and author of "The Nabataeans, Builders of Petra"
—A gripping tale of suspense, adventure, and romance, imbued with dark, and bright magical realism—
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/cstn
Author Bio:
After a half-century career of scientific research in infrared, lasers, and human vision, Brock Meier now devotes himself to finding the incredible, untold stories of little-known people from centuries past. Written, cultural, and material history are the springboard from which he imagines engaging and powerful new stories for today. Come with him on his journeys, as his "Stories Begin Where the History Ends."
When not writing, Brock Meier finds time to make exotic wines and experimental desserts as he listens to jazz, opera, and classical music—all while thinking about where the next story is headed.
Regardless of what he finds himself doing, Brock Meier endeavors to venture out on the keen edge of life, where Word and Spirit reveal the very reason for existence, and the purpose of it all.
Brock Meier lives in the Hill Country of Texas, where the land possess a quiet sort of beauty, running with cold, spring-fed streams, and treed with ancient cypress.
Editorial Review:
“I do have a single tale. It is a story of love found and love lost – of ambition and madness – of paradise and torment.”
“You would do us great service to tell us such, Sabah. Already in your debt because of the lamb, we would be even more indebted if you regaled us with this epic. May we hear it?” The old one pondered the request carefully...
Plunging into the depths of Brock Meier's enthralling novel, a narrative imbued with the echoes of ancient Arabian splendor and the haunting shadows of a young sculptor's turbulent life. "The Stone Cutter" is not merely a tale; it's a whirlwind of emotions echoing across time, resonating through the annals of history.
Meier's prose is evocative, unfurling before the reader's eyes, and vividly painting the Nabataean Kingdom in all its resplendent glory. Through his deft strokes, the legendary city of Petra breathes and pulsates with life, enveloping us in its enigmatic aura. The author's words transcend the confines of mere storytelling; they transport us to an era long past, where the winds carry whispers of secrets, and the sands cradle the mysteries of ages.
At the heart of this incredible story lies Nahor, a sculptor whose ascent in the echelons of artistic acclaim is juxtaposed against the cavernous depths of his tormented soul. Secrets weigh heavily upon him like burdens etched in stone, stemming from the tragic demise of his sister and mother, and compounded by his father's abandonment. Meier masterfully weaves Nahor's tale, infusing it with the poignant ache for belonging and the desperate pursuit of redemption.
“Luck or godly gift, I know not. But I am grateful for what I possess. And if ye find a tenth of what I have, a happy man ye will be!” A silence came upon them, and they watched the impenetrable, green forest float by. An unexpected path opened briefly through the trees, giving them a fleeting glance into a glade farther in the jungle, where a tiger lay, holding the limp carcass of its fresh caught prey – a red-deer fawn.
The ever-winding paths of Nahor's journey are fraught with turmoil, passion, and profound loss. His liaison with a mesmerizing songstress serves as both a solace and a harbinger of anguish, while a crippling injury deals a fatal blow to his cherished ambitions. The quest for the elusive Shamir, a mythical artifact buried beneath layers of folklore, becomes Nahor's elusive beacon of hope—a quest that demands a price beyond reckoning.
Within these pages, readers are not mere spectators; they are voyagers, navigating the tempestuous seas of Nahor's life. Meier's narrative prowess seizes our senses, immersing us in the kaleidoscope of Nahor's shattered dreams and relentless pursuit of redemption. The protagonist's descent into the abyss of loss, betrayal, and fractured sanity mirrors our own vulnerabilities, eliciting an empathetic bond that transcends the bounds of fiction.
Meier deftly entwines known biblical passages within the fabric of this mesmerizing saga, unveiling layers of intrigue that propel us forward, urging us to uncover the enigmatic truths veiled in the mists of time. The well-known stories of the demonized man wandering among the graves, and his interaction with Jesus of Nazareth come to life in this vivid narrative, fleshing out details about Nahor's faith and beliefs. The interplay between historical accuracy and artistic license enriches the narrative, lending it an authenticity that resonates with readers, leaving an indelible imprint upon their hearts and minds. Historical fiction like this, which makes a reader stop and pause, to ponder their own faith and beliefs, touches on a literary mastery weaving through the words.
It is impossible to navigate these pages without succumbing to the allure of Meier's masterful storytelling. His vivid imagery, meticulously crafted characters, and a plot that oscillates between the realms of reality and myth converge to create an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional literature.
For the first time in what seemed a life-time, he took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet aroma of life. He fell to his knees, streams of tears falling from his face to the sand. Blessed silence surrounded Shamir, the man, and the others on the beach. Only the lapping of gentle waves on that shore greeted their ears. A dove, gliding above them, cooed its approval. The man placed both his hands on Shamir's head and simply said, “Be cleansed, Nahor.”
"The Stone Cutter" is not just a book; it's an epic journey—an odyssey that beckons the reader to traverse the treacherous landscapes of the human spirit, to grapple with the intricacies of fate, and to discover amidst the darkness the faint glimmer of hidden possibilities. It is an epic that pulsates with raw emotions, leaving an indelible impression that lingers, long after the final page has been turned.
Brock Meier's novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity, offering a poignant reminder that within the darkest abyss resides the potential for profound enlightenment. As the echoes of Nahor's journey reverberate through the corridors of time, one cannot help but be captivated by the sheer brilliance of Meier's narrative prowess—a brilliance that transcends the confines of ordinary storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
*****
“The Stone Cutter” by Brock Meier receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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