Adira loves the freedom she enjoys traveling with her father’s caravan through Canaan. However, this freedom comes with a catch; she’s been raised as a boy her entire life, and only her father, Zakiti, knows the truth. By pretending to be “Adir,” she can learn her father’s trade instead of being confined to traditional female duties.
The caravan is headed to visit their elder, Abram. Along the way, they’re joined by three mysterious men—one old and two young—who don’t belong to Adira’s family. These newcomers spark rumors of being either giants or angels, piquing Adira’s curiosity. Zakiti then reveals that once they reach Abram, Adira will stay with him and his wife, Sarai. She’s on the brink of womanhood, and Zakiti worries she won’t find a suitable husband if she continues pretending to be a boy. Adira feels betrayed but has no choice but to obey.
After a fall from a horse and an encounter with a wolf leaves Adira injured, she and her father accept help from the mysterious men, whom she learns are brothers named Raph and Mika. Adira quickly develops feelings for Raph, feelings she’s never experienced before. To repay his kindness, she teaches the brothers her language.
As the caravan arrives at Abram and Sarai’s place, another twist occurs: Abram’s nephew Lot invites Adira and her father to stay in Sodom, and the brothers join them. Adira hopes that marrying Raph might allow her to stay with the caravan. However, she finds Sodom unappealing compared to the open expanses she’s used to.
In Sodom, a lightning storm seemingly set off by Raph and Mika raises suspicions about them, leading Lot to believe they are angels. Raph, Mika, and Adira leave Sodom to return to the caravan, but a raiding party attacks them, capturing Raph and killing Adira’s father. Determined to rescue Raph, Adira sets off with Mika.
They eventually join another caravan. To protect her disguise as a boy, Mika tells the hosts they are married and fleeing dangerous men. As they continue their journey, Mika reveals that Raph was captured because of a powerful token they carried—a box that only Mika knows how to use, causing him guilt over his brother’s capture. They encounter the raiders again, narrowly rescuing another member of her original caravan who informs them Raph is in Babylon.
In Babylon, Adira confronts the king and deals with her feelings for both brothers, shaping her future through these trials. T.K. Thorne gives Adira a vibrant voice, bringing depth to this historical novel. Adira’s journey is not just a coming-of-age story; it’s about defying others’ expectations. Strong and imperfect, she overcomes great challenges to seek justice and find redemption.
The novel balances romance and action effectively without one overpowering the other. Adira’s world is slightly idealized, but it doesn’t shy away from the desert’s harsh realities. The story delivers both joy and pain, leaving readers satisfied with Adira’s choices. Fans of Anita Diamant’s “The Red Tent” will find much to love here.
Adaptation Recommendation: “Angels at the Gate” would make an excellent feature film, showcasing the Middle East’s breathtaking landscapes. Odeya Rush would be perfect as Adira, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the role. Daniel Sharman would capture Mika’s mysterious nature, while Jamie Blackley would excel as the romantic lead, Raph.
Content Note: There is some sexual content that might make some readers uncomfortable.
Overall Rating: “The stuff that dreams are made of.”
Romance Rating: “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. I have loved none but you.”
