Rating: 
Summary: An excellent read
Review: This was my introduction into Christian Fiction, a gift from my husband. Once I got into the book, I just could not set it down. The author's detail about the time period, the setting and the characters is just overwhelming. She did a great job with the climatic scenes and keeping your ears peeked in wanting to know more abou the story and about the characters. I cannot wait to receive the second one in the mail. There is some blood as this was Rome, but that is part of the setting.
Rating:
Summary: By far, one of the BEST books I have ever read!!
Review: This book is absolutely AMAZING!! I have heard about this book for a long time and I have finally read it!! With this book you learn a TON about Roman history and will make you hungry to learn more about the Bible. Immediately, you become attached to Hadassah and can not wait to find out what happens to her. Even though this book has many pages -- I read it in 3 days!! I just finished it and I am extremely upset that I do not already have Book 2. Please take my advice - if you buy this book -- go ahead and buy the second book of the series because, if you are like me, you will want to start it right away!
Rating: 
Summary: Good but graphic!
Review: From the moment I picked up the book, I was drawn in. This was a good story that was interesting and well researched. I felt that I was given a pretty good idea of what life in ancient Rome was like. Once I started the book, I wanted to know what happened to all the characters. I would have rated this book 5 stars except for one small thing. I sometimes found it too graphic for comfort. I like that Ms. Rivers portrayed the time period exactly as it was without whitewashing it, but I don't see this book being one I will read again and again. It is a well written book that definitely leaves an impression. To me, it was also disturbing. It is definitely worth reading but not for the faint of heart.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: i picked this book up with its sequel at my local library,then rea it 2 in two weeks!this book was incredible!the charaters where so real to me,i cried at times for them,and yes,even hated some,like Calabah.it really shows a young womans struggle to share her faith even under the threat of death.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Series ever !!!
Review: On a scale from 1 to 10 I rate this book infinity.It is awesome!! I have read soo many books and usually years later i forget what happened in the book.These series however are still in my mind after 4 years. It is an inspiring book that will stay with you forever. I would tell u what it is about but i don't want to spoil it for u.Besides it is too magnificent to explain in words. Dont judge it by the cover or description on the back because you might miss a great book like i almost did.If u havent read it ur missing out on a chance of a lifetime. These books are priceless!!!
Rating:
Summary: The Start of a Fantastic Series
Review: I loved this book! I think Francine Rivers is one the best Christian authors around. This book made the past come alive. I was so involved in the story that the ending left me in tears. I couldn't wait to read the second book!
Rating: 
Summary: Adjust your expectations before boarding
Review: I received this book as a gift, and did not get what I was expecting. First of all, this is not what I call a complete novel -- it resolved almost none of it's ongoing conflicts by the end of the book. If people immediately rush out to buy the sequel, it's because this one is unfinished. I was also unconvinced by the portrait painted of Roman society; for one thing, it was too perfect an analogy for 1990s America. And don't expect a romance -- there is some love and (chaste) sexual tension, but no happy endings here. Considering the author was touted so highly by RWA, I expected a different focus. This book was engrossing, and I stayed up far too late reading it, but overall I was unsatisfied. Perhaps if I'd had different expectations, I wouldn't have been disappointed. But Hadassah's unwavering faith through all her horrendous experiences seemed too unreal to me -- she didn't *ever* have any doubts or conflicts? I'm sorry, but I'm too imperfect to relate to that.
Rating:
Summary: Historical LOVE Novel
Review: Rather than calling this book a historical romance novel, I would describe it as a historical love novel. The way that Rivers shows the love of God through this book is incredible. It has truly challenged me in my faith and has encouraged me to see others through the eyes of God.
Just be prepared to read the second book in this series right away. It is equally enthralling!
Rating:
Summary: gory but captivating
Review: In ancient Rome, Christians were fed to the lions, gladiators fought to the death... We've all heard this, but reading several pages of detailed killings requires a strong stomach - I was somewhat unprepared for the graphic violence in this book, but Rivers tells it like it was. Another weakness, is towards the end of the book the women seem to "cry silently" or "weep in sorrow" or "burst into tears" or "tears spring to their eyes" every other page. It got a little tiring to read about these strong female characters whose main reaction to problems seems to be crying and not knowing what to say. The pathos reduces somewhat the admiration one can have for the main character, Hadassah. In the earlier part of the book I found her inspiring and captivating. Despite the gore and the tears, something about this book made me unable to put it down. Am I, with far less challenging problems, as brave and confident in my faith as Hadassah was? This book challenges you, as the parallels between Rome and modern life in the USA are striking. Worth a read.
Rating:
Summary: The most inspiring novel I have ever read, bar none!
Review: Let me set the record straight. "A Voice in the Wind" is Christianity. It is history. It is romance. It is action. It is about people, and how they are interacting in arena of Ancient Rome. It displays all kinds of people. It brings out the best traits known to mankind and the worst traits known to mankind. "Voice" is centered around two different stories: that of Hadassah, the Hebrew/Christian girl sold into slavery, and her masters, the Valerian family- stern but fair Decimus and gentle, loving Phoebe; and their children, Marcus, whose feelings for Hadassah run high over, and Julia, the girl who Hadassah serves, whose only care in life is for her own pleasure.
The second is that of Atretes, German warrior-turned-Roman gladiator. All brawn and beauty....but also vulernability and anger. The object of Julia Valerian's affections. Draw your own conclusions. Francine Rivers is a masterful story teller, and the way she draws you into this book is amazing. It is life changing. Literally. You love some characters- Hadassah [the obvious!] and even the vulernable Atretes and the lustful Julia. You also hate some- Caius Urbanus, Calabah Fontaine; and feel pity for some, such as Arria and Octavia, God help her. In short, this is one of the best books of the decade...no, century...no...how about millennium!!!!!! You will be supporting one of the most talented authors on the planet by purchasing "A Voice in the Wind" and its magnificent follow-ups, "An Echo in the Darkness" and "As Sure as the Dawn". God Bless!
|
