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Taylor Marshall
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Nikolaos: A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story Kindle Edition

by Taylor Marshall (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
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In the heart of the Roman Empire, presbyter Nikolaos faces an otherworldly battle far beyond anything he has ever experienced.

Melitta, daughter of a fallen merchant, teeters on the precipice of slavery, her family's fate entwined with a demonic force gripping her father's soul. Nikolaos is tasked with the impossible: to free Melitta’s father from the demon’s malevolent clutches and save Melitta and her sisters from a life of shameful servitude. Can he overcome his own uncertainties to confront the demon and unravel the secrets binding Melitta's family to a fate worse than death?

As the feast of the Nativity approaches, the boundaries between faith and fear blur, and miracles are forged in the crucible of desperation. Will love, courage, and the spirit of the season prevail over the evil threatening the Empire’s very soul?

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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Print length
    141 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 6, 2023
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  8. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNYJRKXP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Saint John Press (December 6, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 6, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2729 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 141 pages
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Taylor Marshall

Taylor Marshall

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Taylor Marshall is the author of 11 books, including five #1 Best-Selling books in fiction (Sword and Serpent) and non-fiction (Infiltration). Infiltration once reached #7 on "all books sold" on Amazon.com. His books have been translated into Spanish, German, Polish, Portuguese, and Croatian.

Please visit online at: www.TaylorMarshall.com

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
663 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story beautiful with good tidings. They describe the reading experience as wonderful, revitalizing, and family friendly. They also find the book easy to read and well done. Readers find the characters relatable and sympathetic, and say it's a great gift to share at Christmastime.

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StoryReading experienceReadabilityCharactersGiftabilityOverall quality
19 customers mention "Story"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the story beautiful, poignant, and heartwarming. They say the book provides a real perspective on real life challenges and is a great surprise.

"...message that most impacted me in this “quick read” book makes it most memorable and one I will revisit again in the years to come, “Do not trouble..." Read more

"...Taylor Marshall’s writings and found all to be well researched and insightful. “Nikolaos: A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story” is no exception...." Read more

"...Hearing this beautiful story of faith of Saint Nick shows us that God’s light in the world is greater than any of the darkness." Read more

"...Dr. Marshall’s books are so inspirational and uplifting, especially in this season of Advent, and I truly love how he teaches us how to be better..." Read more

14 customers mention "Reading experience"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book wonderful, entertaining, instructive in the Faith, and appropriate for ages 12-18 and older. They also mention it's family friendly and easy to follow.

"...So, this book came at a perfect time for me. It is a fitting read for the Christmas season, but it can be enjoyed any time of year...." Read more

"...This IS the perfect must read for all ages. Though it can be read in one sitting, one will instantly realize that its message will endure...." Read more

"...This is one of the best short novels I’ve ever read. It feels like the real Santa Claus. I’m not a young adult but am 50 and enjoyed it thoroughly." Read more

"...It was easy to read. It could be a great read for a middle school or high school student. I’m a grandma and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, well written, and enjoyable. They also say it's a beautiful tale.

"...I couldn’t put it down. It was easy to read. It could be a great read for a middle school or high school student...." Read more

"...It was a quick read but one that will stay within my memory as an alternative to the commercial Santa or St Nick the culture would have us know...." Read more

"...This book is a short and easy read...." Read more

"This short novel by Taylor Marshall is a beautiful tale and very well done. The story really drew me in from the first few sentences...." Read more

5 customers mention "Characters"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters relatable, sympathetic, and impressed with the humble saint. They also describe the author as an extremely talented storyteller and a generous, kind, and powerful defender.

"...presents Nikolaos not as a jolly old elf, but as remarkable generous, kind, and as a powerful defender against the forces of darkness at work in the..." Read more

"...as a Catholic theologian and instructor, but he’s also an extremely talented story teller...." Read more

"...You will come away more impressed with the humble saint and with the desire that we should all put our faith at the forefront of our lives." Read more

"...Well written with a good flow of the story and very likable (well some not so likable) characters who draw you into the adventures...." Read more

3 customers mention "Giftability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a great gift to share at Christmastime.

"...Dr. Marshall has delivered a message of hope and a great Christmas gift. There are good tidings inside this beautiful story. Read it every Christmas." Read more

"...is good at storytelling and his novella would be a great gift to share at Christmastime." Read more

"...This is a perfect gift to a Catholic reader of any age and also for non-Catholics who are interested in the early days of the Church. Well done." Read more

3 customers mention "Overall quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a wonderful, revitalizing read that doesn't disappoint. They also appreciate the original ideas and fresh narrative.

"...elements of the Saint Nicholas story with original ideas, creating a fresh and alluring narrative, while reinforcing the message and ministry of his..." Read more

"Wonderful read! Rather reviting and easy to follow. Loved it." Read more

"Doesn’t disappoint..." Read more

🎅The Retelling of the Life of the Real Santa, a.k.a St. Nicholas with have your Kids Enraptured!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
🎅The Retelling of the Life of the Real Santa, a.k.a St. Nicholas with have your Kids Enraptured!!!!
To have your children sit around the Christmas tree & read the retelling of the story of St. Nick while dressed as His Excellency is amazing with Dr. Marshalls new book!!!! It enraptures their minds into the life of this saint and relates the virtues, the struggles, the miracles and life he must have lived. For example in Chapter nine, Nikolaos (St. Nick) struggles to save two daughters that belong to his parish, whose father wishes to sell them to make money in his poor situation. St. Nick promises to himself that he will do whatever it takes to save these poor girls and starts thinking and praying on what he can do. Saying: "If I were a better orator, maybe he would listen, Kyrie, but I'm not a great speaker. I can't command crowds like Paul. I'm not the Baptizer, bringing the most hardened sinners to the waters of repentance. What good can I do?....Kyrie Christe, he prayed, by this wood of Your Holy Cross, grant me the wisdom and the strength to do what I need to do. I don't understand how You will use this little tool to fix such a broken predicament, but...I trust in You." I highly recommend this book as a great gift not only to children, but adults alike and even Grandparents will love dressing up to read this by the Christmas tree to enrapture the children in this amazing life of St. Nikolaos!! God bless Dr. Marshall for his good work! Since the Sword and the Serpent, I have been waiting for your next book to read to the children, and this is it!
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Top reviews from the United States

James C. E.
5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Grandfather’s Santa Claus
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
Young people and people of all ages will enjoy this Christmassy tale that features human trafficking, supernatural interventions, spiritual warfare, and that’s just for starters. Along the way you will feel like you are learning a new language, are watching the pages of history unfold and be engaged in a superhero’s origin story that rivals anything the comic book publishers are putting out,

Nikolaos: A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story by Taylor Marshall is a captivating and unique take on the legend of Saint Nicholas. Set in the heart of the Roman Empire, the book presents Nikolaos not as a jolly old elf, but as remarkable generous, kind, and as a powerful defender against the forces of darkness at work in the world.

Marshall does a brilliant job of weaving together historical fact with fiction. The book provides an intriguing glimpse into the time-period and the church of that time. The author also cleverly blends traditional elements of the Saint Nicholas story with original ideas, creating a fresh and alluring narrative, while reinforcing the message and ministry of his life.

Nikolaos's has his own doubts and uncertainties, as any good superhero does. This makes him a relatable and sympathetic character, and readers will be rooting for him throughout the story.

I am quite familiar with the lore and history of Santa Claus and really enjoy connecting with “the man, the myth and the legend.” Every year I go out of my way to read or watch something to revisit him. So, this book came at a perfect time for me. It is a fitting read for the Christmas season, but it can be enjoyed any time of year. A poignant spiritual message that most impacted me in this “quick read” book makes it most memorable and one I will revisit again in the years to come, “Do not trouble yourself with what you can do for the Lord. Rather, be at peace with what the Lord shall work through you.”
19 people found this helpful
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Francine L. Gryniuk
5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of All Time for ALL Ages!
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
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This is an absolutely heartwarming read with a most profound message. Dr. Taylor Marshall eloquently brings the reader back in time to Myra, Anatolia in the year 299 AD. One is not only pulled instantly into the time period, but into the lives and conditions of each of the main characters. Nikolaos, the kindly and holy presbyter, interacts in the most extraordinary ways with those who enter his life. The reader is often lead directly into his thoughts and intentions as he processes and acts upon the needs, struggles, and dilemmas of those who come his way. I was deeply impacted by the humility and compassion of Nikolaos. His intense faith is ALWAYS the foundation for his motives and actions. This tale occurred during a time of both turmoil and fear. This was especially the case for Christians, who were forced to practice their faith in secret. This was a time when the worth of the human person was questioned, and often violated in the worst of ways. The more I read of this tale, the more I came to realize that that what occurred so many centuries ago, was, and STILL IS, the human condition of today. Therefore, the message of the writer has penned truly transcends time and space. Nikolaos shows us through both his saintly actions and deep faith, that love and charity can indeed conquer. This IS the perfect must read for all ages. Though it can be read in one sitting, one will instantly realize that its message will endure. I have personally read so many of Dr. Taylor Marshall’s writings and found all to be well researched and insightful. “Nikolaos: A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story” is no exception. This small gem is truly unforgettable and a must read!
13 people found this helpful
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Pauland in the south
5.0 out of 5 stars Captive
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
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Although this text is short, I was drawn in and held captive while waiting to finish it. This is one of the best short novels I’ve ever read. It feels like the real Santa Claus. I’m not a young adult but am 50 and enjoyed it thoroughly.
One person found this helpful
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Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars Great short read
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
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I really enjoyed this book by Dr Taylor Marshall. My only comment is that I found the content to be more mature than the rest of the Sword and Serpent series. I might recommend waiting on this one until High School, whereas the other books are acceptable for middle school.
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Jackie
5.0 out of 5 stars Dr Taylor Marshall has done it again!
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
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He has brilliantly fleshed out the life of Saint Nicholas. He wrote the book based off a miracle form Saint Nicholas’ life. He captured me right from the beginning, and I read it in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down. It was easy to read. It could be a great read for a middle school or high school student. I’m a grandma and thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I’m very grateful that Dr Marshall is bringing to life the wonderful Saints of our Catholic Faith. He has a unique ability to draw from their love of God and love for His people. Advent is also a great time to read this in anticipation of Christmas. Hearing this beautiful story of faith of Saint Nick shows us that God’s light in the world is greater than any of the darkness.
3 people found this helpful
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John Standifird
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book that is authentically Catholic and a worthy addition to the Sword and the Serpent series!
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
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I have been following Dr. Taylor Marshall for several years and have read most of his books, including the previous three in the Sword and the Serpent series. Nikolaos is a worthy addition to this series. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and find that the best books in this genre immerse the reader in the time period and makes them feel as if they are actually there interacting with the characters. Not only do Dr. Marshall’s books take the reader right into the Roman empire of the 3rd and 4th centuries, but they are very deeply and authentically Catholic! I love getting to walk alongside some of the greatest saints in the early church and experience their triumphs as well as their trials and tribulations. Dr. Marshall often states that saints are not born, they are forged, and his novels are a reminder to all of us that becoming saints should be our ultimate goal in life! I don’t want to provide any spoilers, but a passage that particularly moved me near the end of the book, at the climax of Nikolaos’ despair was his epiphany that “It isn’t what I can do for you, Father, but what You can do through me, and You have no regard for my littleness.” Dr. Marshall’s books are so inspirational and uplifting, especially in this season of Advent, and I truly love how he teaches us how to be better Catholics and servants of God while simultaneously entertaining us with marvelous historical fiction!
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

David Wills
5.0 out of 5 stars This reminded me of Narnia
Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2024
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This is a good "read aloud" book for the wee bairn. It is also solidly thought out, and entertaining. I found it a far better read than many "Christmas" stories, mainly because the auther really takes you to the places you read about in the Bible.
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Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars Short Story for Christmas
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2023
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This short story could be read on its own but is also set within the narrative of the author’s Sword and Serpent series. The story takes a perhaps unexpected course for those who know that. Within the trilogy, St Nicholas appears as an extraordinarily competent man; blessed with many spiritual gifts. Here he’s rather more blundering and takes awhile to see what he should do—and I guess that’s necessary for the narrative tension. And there’s a kind of slapstick ending, which works well enough. This is a different Nicholas—or a different view upon him.

The references to the material culture and customs of the time and place and the sprinkling of Latin and Greek terms help to set the scene.

One passage made me think of The Lord of the Rings.

“It’s as if … the darkness in Cyrene knows that I took it away but doesn’t know where I’ve hidden it. And it’s searching—stretching out its fingers into every corner of the Empire.”

One is reminded of the Eye of Mordor that “never sleeps” and its search for the Ring. I think there’s probably an echo of that here, although the object being referenced is a holy relic and not a ring of power, itself a means of domination and something that should be voluntarily relinquished.

The novella is strangely topical in that we see a world where slavery and human trafficking are part of life, and that, sad to say, is something that has not gone away. I’m sure the author is aware of this. St Nicholas’s role in the story is, of course, to save the three sisters from being sex-trafficked. The UK’s National Crime Agency says that “thousands of people across the UK are being held in squalor and undertaking forced labour”. Globally, the numbers are immense. Antislavery.org estimates it’s over 49 million people worldwide. The film The Sound of Freedom earlier this year addressed this scourge in specific reference to child-trafficking. In fine, while the story is set in the Ancient World there could hardly be a more serious or more topical issue involved. So this is a Christmas short story that, like Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and The Chimes, addresses the dark side of life. But we also see providence at work in people’s lives and the message is ultimately one of hope. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has never overcome it.
One person found this helpful
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slukic0776
5.0 out of 5 stars Timely Christmas read
Reviewed in Australia on December 11, 2023
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Dr Marshall has written a fabulously entertaining short novel, that opens your imagination to life in the 3rd century. He weaves into it the story of the original St Nick and the struggles of a family teetering on the edge physically, spiritually, emotionally and facing financial ruin and the poverty of life on the streets. The story captures your attention early on and maintains until the climactic end. The story reminds us that when problems are insurmountable to ‘let go and let God’. An inspirational book that you can finish in a single sitting, a great night in.
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MR P J HAMMOND
5.0 out of 5 stars Gritty, real-life take on St Nicolas
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 11, 2023
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I was pleasantly surprised by this gritty, relatable tale of St Nicholas, which sees him having to overcome doubt, fear and even despair. Unlike the sugar-coated, "got it all together" character we are usually presented with at this time of year, Taylor Marshall's St Nicholas has flaws and needs the help of others to overcome them. And overcome them he does, yielding to the grace of God to work miracles in his own life and the lives of others.

It was highly inventive to include exorcism at the heart of the story. This "dark side" is well-balanced by the inclusion of characters who exhibit good cheer and laughter, as befits the celebration of Christmas.

The book is concise (perhaps too concise, although perhaps we will see a sequel?) and pleasantly liberal with scripture quotes and greek/Latin words. I have read the "Sword and Serpent" trilogy which precedes it, but one doesn't miss much if one hasn't read it. The book works well as a standalone.

In terms of age range, the publisher quotes age 12 to 18, but given the theme of sexual trafficking, I would say it is better suited to those aged, say 15+. Adults will be blessed by it just as much as children.

Well done again, Taylor.
2 people found this helpful
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Janet T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting & engaging
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2024
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Taylor Marshall’s knowledge of biblical times and personages, ancient cultures, and everyday customs makes this book fascinating—everything from the architecture to the clothing to the lived experience of early Christians. The characters exist within their own times, with no idea or concern about where or how they will fit into history. Their individual, contrasting personalities and predicaments come together like a tapestry—a tangled mess from our human point of view, but resolving into a work of God’s art, planned from the beginning. Marshall has a true gift for imagining how, down the years, real events can be transmitted and transmuted into seemingly impossible legends and tall tales.
This short novel is linked to his trilogy “Sword and Serpent”, which is good to read beforehand if possible. My only minor criticism is perhaps an overuse of Latin terms, but they do keep the reader grounded in the time and place.
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