John Kessel is one of the most imaginative writers that I have ever read. His books are filled with wonderful juxtapositions of the very old with the future, such as the introduction of a modern, luxury hotel in ancient Jerusalem. He also does an excellent job of creating characters with whom it is easy to empathize, including ones that may not be known from history as being particularly empathetic. Who would have ever guessed that Simon the Zealot would have such a tender heart and have all the troubles of a parent with a rebellious teenage son?