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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, experience the epic, award-winning Aletheia trilogy by Luigi A Kohli, a masterfully researched historical saga that daringly continues the story of Ben-Hur to uncover the political and spiritual mysteries following the dawn of the first century.
The legendary tale of Ben-Hur, immortalized by Lew Wallace’s 1880 seminal novel and its iconic cinematic adaptations, has long captivated audiences. Now, author Luigi Kohli has embarked on a forty-year journey to expand this epic narrative. His award-winning Aletheia trilogy serves as an immersive continuation of the story, plunging readers into the turbulent, unexplored aftermath of the events following the crucifixion in the first century AD.
Bridging History and Imagination
The term “Aletheia” originates from a Greek word signifying truth, unconcealment, or revelation. True to its name, Kohli’s work aims to shed light on the unanswered questions left behind by history. After three years of meticulous research, the trilogy masterfully balances philosophical inquiry with propulsive, high-stakes storytelling.
Kohli focuses on a period he believes is often overlooked in historical fiction: the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion. By exploring why a burgeoning faith managed to survive and flourish when it appeared destined to fail, and by providing a narrative solution to the historical disappearance of Pontius Pilate, Kohli creates a compelling bridge between established history and imaginative fiction.
Book One: Aletheia: In the Shadows


The series opens with this Literary Titan Gold Book Award-winning debut, which introduces a world where the Roman Empire is aggressively expanding across the ashes of war. While provinces are consumed by religious fervor and a desperate thirst for power, a dangerous game is being played by an adopted Jewish son of Rome. Driven by a prophetic vision of the future, he is forced into an unlikely alliance that draws perilous attention from those in power.
Caught in the middle of this political web is a provincial governor and his two sons. The narrative explores the diverging paths of these siblings:
- Cassius: Driven by a desire for vengeance, his choices trigger a chain of events destined to echo through time.
- Justus: Seeking safety and obscurity, he attempts to avoid the storm surrounding his family.
Their only hope for survival and truth lies with two allies: Caeso, a trusted haruspex, and Hector, a forgotten hero of the Tenth Legion. Together, they stumble upon a explosive secret that has the potential to ignite a full-scale war.
Book Two: In the Binds of Fate


The second volume finds the family legacy in ruins and the characters scattered. Justus Pilate is in exile in Parthia, mourning the supposed loss of his family and the woman he loved. However, he soon discovers that the “keys to his freedom” are a dangerous curse he is terrified to utilize.
The plot thickens when a message reaches Justus confirming that his brother, Cassius, is still alive. Yet, this is no happy reunion; Justus discovers that Cassius has been transformed by his experiences. His brother’s path has shifted toward blind, all-consuming vengeance. Cassius’s rage acts as a destructive force against the embers of a new faith—a movement the haruspex has foreseen will eventually cover the world. While the world teeters on the brink of a new religious era, Cassius remains skeptical of destiny, unaware that he is a major player in a much larger, divine, and political game.
A Passion Project Decades in the Making
Born in London in 1965 to an Italian mother and Indian father, Luigi Kohli grew up in a household steeped in stories. Influenced by his grandparents’ experiences through WWII and the partition of India, as well as a love for the cinematic epics of the mid-20th century, Kohli spent decades building his corporate career before finally dedicating himself to his true passion: writing.
His transition to full-time authoring in 2022 marked the realization of a teenage dream to expand upon the world created by Lew Wallace. The trilogy has already garnered significant acclaim, with the third installment set to feature a foreword by bestselling author Raymond Khoury, known for The Last Templar. Furthermore, the first novel is currently available as an audiobook narrated by Martin Carroll.
Experience the World of Aletheia
The Aletheia series is more than just a historical drama; it is a vivid exploration of power, identity, and the fragile beginnings of a world-changing movement. For readers looking to dive into this sprawling epic, the first two volumes are available now, with the final installment currently in development.
To get a preview of the atmosphere Kohli has crafted, fans can view the project’s official trailer here. For those near Epsom, the trailer is also scheduled to screen at the Picturehouse theatre between 17th July and 23rd July 2026.
Find more from Luigi A Kohli now:
Vol I:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4fxwPkS
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4fflm8a
Audible: https://amzn.to/4w7huNO
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4ybZJhI
Vol II:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/44XOY5g
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4vwa6dN
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4pm3UU7
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LuigiAKauthor
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