In this retelling of the life of Jesus, Pullman revisits the most influential story ever told.

A gospel written by Jesus's brother, James the Just, concerning unknown fragments of the Messiah's life is discovered by an Italian archaeologist in the ruins of the ancient Roman seaport of Ostia Antica. It ignites controversy in the religious world. Steven Randall, the owner of advertising agency in New York, finds his life in danger when he tries to bring the evidence out to the public.