I want to start off this review by saying, the description on the back is completely misleading. I bought this book assuming I would learn about Pilate and more about Jesus being crucified, but that didn't take place until the last 20 or so pages of the 368 page book! Although the back summary was misleading, all in all it was a great book. It lead me to Google Pilate and learn a great amount about the Roman Empire. One large downfall of this novel is the timing. As I mentioned, the main focus of the book didn't take place until the very end, so less-meaningful events were often stretched out while important details were rushed. I think May would have done much better with a short series rather than one novel.

Basic Synopsis: The main character of this book is a girl named Claudia who is the daughter of Roman royalty. What makes Claudia unique is her "sight". All of Claudia's dreams happen to come true. Drawn to goddess Isis, (much against her fathers wishes) she becomes an initiate and a follower. Soon after she meets a man named Pilate and becomes quickly enamored by him, leading her to cast a love spell for his affections.  Her spell is successful and the couple is married shortly after. After her marriage, Claudia quickly starts to realize that her husband is unfaithful and finds solace in the couples young daughter. Claudia starts losing all of her family members at once due to conflict within the empire, which leads her into the arms of a handsome gladiator from her past. After a mandatory move to Judea, Claudia meets a Messiah, the self-proclaimed "King of Jews" named Jesus, who becomes the focus of her visions. She goes on to tell Pilate of her dreams of death and crosses surrounding Jesus, but as history goes on to tell, Pilate doesn't listen.

My Rating: I give this book a 3.9 out of 5 stars. If it wasn't for the sometimes rushed or lengthy writing, I would've given it a full 5. The way the author describes woman's roles in the Roman empire makes this a very fascinating read.