Book Review: The Labyrinth of Immortality by Embrosewyn Tazkuvel

Innovative concepts for the ages

labyrinth of immortality by Embrosewyn Tazkuvel, is Book 1 of the Secret Land Series. This is a well written and well told story. Drawn from the New Testament figures of Lazarus, Miriam, Jesus, as well as a number of familiar names from the first century, I was interested in how Tazkuvel might change things and why. Let’s just say that those who take the Bible literally will be less than pleased. In many respects, the plots are unaltered, but surprising liberties also abound.

The focus is, of course, on Lazarus, inviting us into his first-person account of the events leading up to his death, his famous resurrection, the crucifixion of Jesus, the resurrection, and what happens after. It is what happens after the resurrection of Jesus that the themes of the book begin to take shape. Lázaro’s sister, Miriam, is also an essential character. In this story, Miriam wields more power than any woman of her time and place, disciple (and wife) of Jesus or not.

I found myself wondering if the same story could be told without the starting point of established biblical characters. When they go through portals to other worlds and meet strange beings, I think I would have preferred to have had a whole new set of characters that weren’t loaded with religious lore. In a way, I kept getting pulled out of the story because my brain had to do gymnastics comparing the new twists to the traditional story. Those who see the New Testament as non-fiction, moving into a fantasy world with a different plot, may find it difficult to follow along. Such readers are certainly not the book’s intended audience. But because these biblical characters have been ingrained for many people since childhood, like me, I think they might have a hard time staying within the confines of the story. I don’t blame the author for taking on the challenge and working creatively from this Biblical starting point with innovative concepts: the story is entertaining and well told despite everything.

Carla M. Paton Book Review