| Mark of the Lion Trilogy - Francine Rivers - book, 5 stars Anyone who is interested in the History of the Roman Empire, and wants to get a glimpse of what life was like back in the first and second centuries A.D. will absolutely love the Mark fo the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers. The first of the Trilogy - "A Voice in the Wind" focuses on three main characters: Hadassah, a young Jewish girl who is made captive and a slave after the siege of Jerusalem by Titus in 70AD; Atretes, a young German Chieftain who is captured by Roman Legions and made into a gladiator; and the Valerian Family, a patrician family from Ephesus living in Rome. This first book deals with the lives of these three, and how they become intertwined, all the while giving a glaring and almost graphic view of First Century Rome.
The Second Book of the Trilogy, "An Echo in the Darkness" surrounds the broken Valerian Family, following the alleged death of Hadassah, and shows how God works even through terrible tragedy and adverse circumstances to bring about salvation.
The Third Book of the Trilogy, "As Sure As the Dawn" tells the story of Atretes following his final gladiatorial fight in which he earns his freedom, and his eventual return to Germany. Traveling with a group of Christians and a trusted Centurion, Atretes and his friends meet up with unexpected challenges, riveting battles, and amazing miracles.
Anyone who loves ancient history, enjoys good fiction, and likes very good, believable characters will not be able to put these books down!!! |