Just read this for the first time in over 10 years! I love this series, though I don't care for this book all that much. It's very negative throughout. I understand that's necessary but Atretes is so mean that it makes his nice moments unbelievable. Also, I was so bummed at the very last page she makes a HUGE historical error in saying Caleb went to minister to the Vikings. She's about 800 years off...ugh. As someone else pointed out, these were written pre-internet so she probably didn't have a lot of access to research materials. But that one is a pretty big leap in the historical timeline!

(My cover is different from the one pictured above. I have the one with the original artwork.) ( )

Book 3 of 3

Takes places at the same time as book 2. Book 1 finishes and book 2 and 3 branch off in different directions following different characters.
Gladiator has gained his freedom and lost his mind. He returns home a changed man. ( )

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I’d heard some mixed reviews of this book before I picked it up, but since I was intrigued about Atretes’ story, I knew I wanted to read this one, regardless of other people’s opinions. It was an okay story, but not excellent, as I was hoping. Several scenes felt particularly sensual, and by the time I got about two-thirds of the way through the story, it was beginning to feel more and more contrived. Aside from those two disappointments, it was a good book, but I doubt I’d ever go back and re-read it. This is an intriguing view of first-century Christianity (although I do not agree with some of the Christians’ stances on self-defense), and what it may have been like to take the gospel to an unreached people group back then. From that perspective, I did enjoy the story. But it wasn’t all my cup of tea, unfortunately. It wasn’t my favorite Francine Rivers book ever, but I am looking forward to reading more of her stories in the future. ( )

Mark of the Lion Trilogy:

One of my all-time favourites by my all-time favourite author!

Christian historical fiction series with wonderfully-written characters and insights into the early church and the time period immediately following the lives of Jesus and the apostles.

Hadassah is a Jewish Christian slave girl serving the Valerian family, struggling with her desire to share her faith and her fear of persecution in a world where every belief system is tolerated except that which refuses to worship the Roman emperor as a god. Her gentle spirit and willingness to serve set her apart from the other slaves in the household, and the family soon takes notice as each of their lives are eventually transformed by the Presence she carries with her.

Atretes is a German warrior, captured by Roman soldiers and taken from his home to fight in the arena for the entertainment of the Roman mob. His path and those of the other characters meet at crucial intersections before diverging at the end of the first book.

A Voice in the Wind tells the first half of the story, as seeds are planted and each life is touched by those surrounding them.

An Echo in the Darkness follows each member of the Valerian family as Hadassah’s influence continues to take hold of their hearts in the aftermath of tragedy.

As Sure as the Dawn takes Atretes on a quest to return to his homeland and reclaim the life that was taken from him, but not in the way he expects.

This is one (3) that I recommend to anyone and everyone! They are truly amazing books, the characters are relatable and the historical details are well-integrated and immersive. If you’re a fan of character development, these books are pure gold! A reminder that anyone can be an instrument in spreading the gospel, and absolutely no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s love and redemption! ( )