Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely A MUST !!!!
Review: This book is about the best book I have read in years. The description of what it would be like in 70 AD brought my imagination to life. This my first time reading a Francine Rivers book and this book has me hooked. I read this book in 2 days because I could not put it down. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start a series.
Rating:
Summary: Christians in a corrupt culture: superb & suspenseful
Review: In this first volume of the Mark of the Lion series, Francine Rivers spins a spell-binding and deeply-moving story that entertains, educates and enthrals. The captivating tale of the Christian Jewess Hadassah took me on a breath-taking ride that starts in the ruins of Jerusalem, travels to the godless hub of first century Rome, and concludes in the Artemis worshipping city of Ephesus. This book has the capacity not only to keep you captivated for as long as it takes to read (500 pages plus!), but long afterwards also. Rivers' story-telling capabilities are simply superb, as is her colourful characterization, and these are unquestionably some of the highlights of this novel. Particularly compelling is the touching manner in which Rivers portrays the special relationship between the slave Hadassah and her master Julia, and I gained valuable insights and understanding about slavery from this relationship. Rivers' theological weaknesses (endorsement of Arminianism and belief in ongoing revelation outside of Scripture) are evident, but only occur incidentally, and do not really detract from the power of the novel. Her portrayal of first century Rome is especially outstanding. The culture of the Roman empire is described in vivid detail, complete with its godless and decadent lifestyle, political intrigue and corruption, infatuation with gladiators and games, sex and sensuality. The description of Rome's decadence is at times almost too vivid, and consequently the book is not really suitable for younger readers. The inclusion of contemporary issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and common-law marriage at first seem anachronistic, but I soon realized that the decay evident in contemporary Western culture is merely a mirror image of the decay that also characterized and eventually destroyed corrupt Rome. Over against the destructive decay of Roman culture, Rivers describes its counter-culture: Christianity. The only hope for a people trapped in a immoral and disintegrating world - both then and now - is the Saviour and restorer of life: Jesus Christ. Ultimately this age-old contrast between the church and the world is at the heart of this epic novel. As never before, I was able to picture and appreciate the extent to which the Christians of the early church were counter-culture in first century pagan Rome. This renewed understanding of Christianity being counter-culture quickly became a personal incentive to be a faithful Christian in our equally corrupt times. It is especially this quality that made "A Voice in the Wind" not only immensely satisfying, but also incredibly stimulating for my own faith. This novel is not just good, it's great, and is undoubtedly one of the very best in contemporary Christian fiction. Very highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Unique
Review: I absolutely love reading Christian fiction novels, and also love classic books, and this is by far the best book I have ever read. Francine Rivers took a unique idea that hasn't been covered in historical Christian fiction since books like The Robe and Quo Vadis. She made Hadassah come alive, she was so real. Her life is filled with tribulations, and yet you see her struggles. I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: The Best Books Ever!
Review: The "Mark of the Lion" series (especially the first 2 books) are the best books I have ever read. Ever. The charters are so wonderful. You get so involved. I have read these books 3 times over the last 2 years. The ONLY books, I might add, that I have ever re-read. I still can't put them down and end up reading a book in a day or two. If I had one wish, it would be that I could find more books exactly like these. I have read thousands of books - even the "Left Behind" series. None compared to these. An absolute MUST read. And I humbly beg Mrs. Rivers to write more!
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Read
Review: This is one of those books that I can read again and again, and not grow tired of the story. The only other 'christian' fiction that I have read was "Prairie Rose". This by far was a more interesting read. I did not find that the author was attempting to pursuade the reader regarding religion, but rather Hadassah's religion was her source of peace and strength.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: I enjoyed this book by Ms. Rivers. The characters and the plot were interesting and developed. Her writing was clear and her characters were strong and real. I could not put the book down. I was transported to the first century Rome where life was not secure for a Christian. It made it clear that the first century Christian had to face many difficulties and faced death and destruction. Yet, God was there as a guide for those brave people who gave their live for Christ. It serves as an example of how Christians in other countries are living today. This is the fifth book that I have read by Ms. Rivers. In each book, I have not been disappointed in her writing or her characters. Her writings have made me think and feel what other people may be feeling.
Rating:
Summary: Bre's
Review: This is easily one of the best books I have ever read. Francine Rivers is incredible. The characters are realistic, the story is realistic. Written with an incredibly powerful style, it immediately transports you to another place and time. The range of characters is diverse, the scenery ever-changing. It is true that Rome has been likened to the Western culture of the day, but it is also true that Rome was exactly the way that Francine Rivers has described it. Simply wonderful. Believe me, waiting to read the sequel will be the hardest thing you have ever done.
Rating:
Summary: Who wouldn't want to be like Hadassah?
Review: Francine Rivers is amazing- and this is the series that proves it! When you read this book, you are instantly transported to 70 A.D.; her characters are so vivid and realistic,they become cherished friends. The character of Hadassah is skillfully written; a woman who lives her life as Christ would have us do, yet struggles with her own fears and doubts. A story that challenges the reader to examine his/her own life. I'd give it ten stars if I could.
Rating:
Summary: YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!
Review: Francine Rivers has truly created a marvelous work in this book, as well as the others in the series. The characters are so real, you miss them when you finish each book. Set in the years following the resurrection of Jesus, you gain a new perspective on the times surrounding the writing of many of the letters in the New Testament. The rich tapestry of setting in these books gives you much insight. I read the New Testament now with a wholly different view. This book has romance, hardship, unshakeable faith, believable characters, spine-chilling suspense. I give it my highest recommendation, which is reserved for very few books.
Rating:
Summary: History and Entertainment
Review: Oh, how much I learned from this series! The historical accuracy was amazing. Someone worked hard and researched thoroughly to complete this work. I found this book graphic and difficult to read at times, but the great story line kept pulling me back in. Now that I've completed it, the "rough" areas are now the very things I appreciate most about this compelling book. Great suspense. Great romance. Excellent history. You simply must read books 2 & 3 also. (Everyone I know who finished book 1 went out and bought book 2 the very next day). Enjoy!
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