Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Anakus Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Anakus

Author: Stephen Phillips

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: May 1, 2025

A boy torn from home. A world ruled by empire. A soul in search of redemption.

Anakus is taken from the hills of Ethiopia and thrust into the heart of a vast, brutal empire. From dusty roads to iron-clad legions, he is shaped by hardship, loss, and the long march of history.

But even in the shadow of conquest, a quiet hope endures- whispered through strangers, carried on distant winds, waiting to be found. Set against the backdrop of the ancient world, Anakus is a sweeping historical novel of identity, survival, and the unexpected power of grace.

For readers who believe that light can still rise from darkness-and that some journeys lead not just home, but to the heart of truth.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

I am a 41 retired U.S. Army veteran. Drawing from a life of service, resilience, and storytelling, I write with raw honesty and vivid imagination

More from Stephen

I have always been inspired by Pilgrim’s Progress’s story of the gospel and the imaginative way Bunyan wrote it. Now, by no means do I expect this book to ever be as successful as Pilgrim’s Progress, but I if one person is changed or saved through it, then to me that is a great success.

MY REVIEW

The story opens with a beautiful picture of rolling hills, a majestic sky and two young siblings playing with no care in the world. Anakus and his sister laugh as they enjoy being children with no care in the world. Their bond is very special and I could tell that Anakus was a fierce protector. His father gives him confidence when he tells him, “ you will be more than me.” Yes those words will carry Anakus as he faces an unexpected detour in his life.

When an attack on his village destroys everything, Anakus grieves for his family. Who are these people who have taken him away from everything he loved? He never said goodbye but left with heartbreak to live with everyday . The cruel reality hits when Anakus is sold to a man. What future does he have now?

Everyday Anakus (also now known as Felix) gets stronger and learns the language of his captors. Day after day Anakus had one thing on his mind. He wanted to belong not be ignored . No one allows him to speak only exist and be treated as a slave. Anakus has no idea that soon his life will take a detour. Men try to beat him down with words and punishment but Anakus cannot be changed like they want.

Learning to be a soldier is hard but Anakus never complains. He is thrust into a world where fighting is expected as he reaches Rome. I can’t fathom the many lives he had to watch be taken when villages were ransacked. No one was spared in their deliberate action. The many ventures he is on sees danger and unthinkable senseless deaths. At times the scenes are a bit graphic as the fights continue until stillness sets.

Join the author on this unforgettable journey to find a loved one who Anakus hopes to find , reestablish his identity and seek freedom. Oh how I loved when Anakus finds out about a man who heals the sick. Excitement mounts as the news is spread that , “the teacher,” is coming . His hears this man who speaks with grace and hope to all. A boy appears with five loaves and two fish. A miracle was happening before Anakus’s eyes. Yes he witnessed a miracle that day as there was enough for the thousands that came hungry.

That one moment when Anakus faces Jesus is powerful. He remembers all the harm he has caused others and questions if he could ever be forgiven. “Do you believe Anakus? The next words will never be forgotten. Hope, grace, forgiveness and redemption meet Anakus in his broken moment.

I loved traveling through the Bible and meeting the young boy who fed thousands, and run into Zacchaeus and Peter. The Bible comes alive in this emotional story. Anakus experiences the true meaning of forgiveness, unconditional love and being set free from sin.

“Belief does not remove the memory of pain or erase the scars you carry, but it redeems them.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.