Set in the first century of the common era Pearl-Maiden is quite a vivid tale set in biblical times in Jerusalem itself, and the surrounding region.

Whilst the story starts off a little slowly as it lays the foundation for where and the circumstances to which Miriam is born, once she is on her own with the Essenes Jewish sect the story begins to pick up and becomes quite interesting.

The tension depicted of the inter-Jewish conflict leading up to and during the siege of Jerusalem is quite daunting and morally appalling. It really paints quite a terrible picture of the Jewish community at that time, with the exclusion of the Essenes who seem to be the only morally unimpeachable society within the novel.

The ending was pleasant and wrapped up the story neatly. I think people who are interested in historical fiction stories and aren't turned off by the more rigid writing style of the 18th to early 19th century would find it an enjoyable and immersive read. ( )