ReviewsByErin

There's something wonderful about a book you can't put down, and that is exactly where I find myself with every new Tracy Higley book! "Garden of Madness" transports the reader to ancient Babylon with rich writing, exquisite details, and a depth of plot which keeps you turning pages to see what will happen next. Princess Tiamat is the daughter of King Nebuchadnezzar, who has been out of his mind and living like an animal for nearly seven years, secreted away in the famous Hanging Gardens. Tia fiercely loves her father, and is indeed passionate about everything she does. Like all determined and independent personalities, Tia has a hard time fitting into the role prescribed for her. She was given in a treaty marriage to a Jewish prince when she was 14, and after seven unhappy years, she finds herself a widow. The very same night as her husband's murder by poisoning, another body is found viciously dismembered on the palace rooftop. With the kingdom precariously balanced on the secret of Nebuchadnezzar's true illness, these killings threaten to expose everything and turn Babylon over to their enemies.

The queen, anxious to hold the kingdom together, desires to immediately arrange another treaty marriage for Tia, this time to a prince of the Medes. But Tia has no desire to be ruled by another man. She craves freedom. She knows that since she did not bear her husband any children, Jewish law dictates that she should be married to one of his brothers to raise up a child in his name. Pedaiah, Shealtiel's next younger brother and the new heir of the Jewish throne, has secretly been in love with Tia for many years, even as he despises everything that the Babylonian princess stands for, and his own weakness for being drawn to her. Hatching a plan to save herself, Tiamat tries to convince Shealtiel's family to betroth her to the youngest son in their family, who is but 10 years old.

Wicked forces who are indeed seeking control of Nebuchadnezzar's empire are involved in hidden works of darkness. There's a deep thread of spiritual warfare as these men call forth spirits and cast spells of torment. While this side of the story is done well, the evil creepiness is something I would shy away from younger readers seeing. Thankfully we know the power of the One True God, and that darkness cannot stand when He is near. We race through the chapters to see if Tia can come to trust in our God before her fate is swallowed by those who have been conspiring to use her for their own purpose before she was even born.

Amid these troubled times, Tia seeks the wisdom of her father's old counselor, Daniel. I absolutely loved having Daniel as a character in this novel! He was exactly as I'd always envisioned him: kind, wise, patient. He offers truth at every turn. He cautions Pedaiah against his immense pride, and extends help and protection when Tia is in need of it. Everything I have described here merely skims the surface of this story. Although I have enjoyed every Higley novel I have read, she is truly becoming a more masterful storyteller with each release. Keep watching this blog for another Higley review before the end of the week!

For more information about "Garden of Madness," check out the video and links I posted yesterday.