A historical novel about Perpetua, a wealthy Roman noblewoman just coming of age in Carthage (in North Africa), discovers Jesus at a time when Christians are being thrown to the beasts for sport in city amphitheatres. Rejecting the gods of the ancient Roman Empire, she embraces a passionate relationship with Jesus and falls in love with a man who shares her faith. Together they navigate the treacherous, bloodthirsty waters of the social culture, but every step seems to take them closer to the ultimate sacrifice. (394 pp.)