The Guest Star

by Milan Zivic

FBT review:

Embark on a thrilling Roman mystery in "The Guest Star" by Milan Zivic. Set in ancient Aegyptus, this captivating tale follows two students from the Great Library of Alexandria as they unravel the mystery of a new star in the night sky. With elements of romance, suspense, and historical intrigue, this novel offers a unique perspective on the Roman Empire and its intersection with ancient Chinese culture. Perfect for readers seeking a blend of adventure and intellect, "The Guest Star" will keep you engaged from start to finish. Dive into this scientifically rich and historically immersive story that promises love, betrayal, and a deeper understanding of the universe itself.

Publisher Description:

A thrilling Roman mystery wrapped into a scientific, historical, romantic, and suspenseful adventure that will keep you engaged all the way through.

At the end of the second century, after a mysterious new and large star appears in the night sky of Aegyptus, two students of the Great Library of Alexandria embark on a search for an explanation following a clue inserted into a famous Ptolemy's manuscript of the geographical description of the Roman Empire. Along the way, they meet allies and enemies, love and betrayal, and discover a path that brings them closer to a better understanding of nature and the universe itself.

The Guest Star is also a historical adventure in which ancient Roman and Chinese cultures intertwined at the start of the Silk Road, several years before the first major civil war erupted following Emperor Commodus' assassination. The story is portrayed from a slightly different perspective and goes beyond the generally accepted clichés in the history of the Roman Empire.

"I feel compelled to recommend this story not only because it's just that good, but also because it has the ability to take you back to a time that you didn't know in a unique way. The thing that I loved the most about this novella, is that the plot is so interesting and gripping, that romance only serves as an added layer of depth. I just couldn’t help but read this all in a sitting, and I admit I hardly wanted to put it down (I even continued reading while eating!)" - Amazon

"The story was very interesting to read. Even before I read the factual chapter at the end, I could feel the love of the various subjects, especially the Roman Empire and Scientific Thought. It sparked a lot of curiosity and reflection on the themes. I thoroughly enjoyed following along with the adventure of Hero and Lucia. My favourite aspect was how easy it was for me to envision the scenes and the characters. The overarching theme of rational/scientific thought was particularly close to my heart since I trained as a scientist and made the story even more enjoyable." - Fiverr