Mabry Binnicker turns Herod’s forgotten son into historical fiction

Mabry Binnicker has published The Prince of Judea, a historical novel that reimagines the life of Herod the Great’s overlooked son and frames his story through identity, scandal and survival. The book is now available from major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Why it matters: - The novel adds a queer lens to biblical-era historical fiction. - Binnicker centers a little-known figure, Prince Herod ben Herod, and ties his story to a famous New Testament scandal. - The book aims to broaden how readers think about ancient history, identity and representation.

What happened: - Mabry Binnicker released The Prince of Judea, the Memoirs of the Favorite but Forgotten Son of King Herod the Great. - The novel is positioned as a work of historical gay fiction. - The book is available through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. - The hardcover price is $29.99. - The ebook price is $2.99. - The ISBN is 9781966799955. - Review copies and author interviews are available upon request.

The details: - The story follows Prince Herod ben Herod, the first husband of Herodias and the father of Salome. - The plot centers on Herodias leaving Prince Herod for his brother, Herod Antipas. - That betrayal sets the backdrop for the beheading of John the Baptist. - Binnicker describes the novel as witty and irreverent. - The book explores identity, acceptance and resilience. - Binnicker says, "Throughout history, including biblical times, there have been gay people leading satisfying and significant lives." - The author says the novel was inspired by his Southern Baptist upbringing and a lifelong interest in hidden narratives. - The story uses researched details about Herod’s family line, including his mother, described by historians as the most beautiful woman of her time, and his daughter Salome, who became a literary temptress.

Between the lines: - The novel is doing more than retelling history; it is reframing a familiar biblical era around a character usually left in the margins. - The marketing around scandal, humor and queer identity suggests the book is meant to challenge religious and historical assumptions at the same time. - The emphasis on research and irreverence gives the project a split appeal: part literary reimagining, part provocative retelling.

What's next: - Manhattan Book Group says review copies and interviews are available on request. - Readers can buy the book now through major retailers. - More attention may come as the novel reaches readers interested in biblical fiction, queer literature and historical retellings.

The bottom line: - The Prince of Judea uses a forgotten royal figure to recast a famous biblical story through identity, scandal and survival.