Rating: 
Summary: another outstanding story by Huggins
Review: "Rora" is based on the true story of the Waldenses, a tenacious clan who live on the border between Italy and France. It is a well-researched story, as with all of the works of Huggins. Yet this book stands far above all his other novels in terms of quality of writing and lack of excess narrative. The majority of the story is told through the eyes of six characters, each with a distinct voice and motivation. Huggins manages to depict the reality of war without dwelling overmuch on the carnage. The scope of the book reaches from the European political arena to philosophical questions on the nature of war and justice. Though the last few chapters seem a little rushed, they were no less satisfying than the more character-driven story that makes up the bulk of "Rora." By far the best-written of all Huggin's novels, this story will not disappoint.
Rating: 
Summary: How unbelievably invincible can characters get?
Review: As a follower of Huggins after reading his novel Leviathan, I must say his latest was disappointing in two ways.
First, Huggins now makes his heroes (and his villains) utterly unbelievable. True, this book was based on factual evidence, but Joshua is ridiculous. I had to put it down a few times becuase my stomach was churning at the awful display of overkill. This disturbing trend began in Hunter. I was hoping that this book, as an historical novel, would correct the errors. The descriptions of the characters are stereotypical and utterly unbelievable.
Secondly, Huggins walks a line that destroys his premise. Are the bad guys bad or not? The Inquisition was one of the greatest travesties of humanity, yet he waters down the movement and pretends that only a few of its perpetrators were evil.
I for one was very disappointed in it, and will probably not bother with Huggins' books again.
Rating:
Summary: another outstanding story by Huggins
Review: I asked for this book for my birthday on Newt Gingrich's suggestion. I was not disappointed. The story is based on a TRUE struggle of the bible believing protestants to survive the power drunk machinations of the medieval Catholic church during the final days of the inquisitions. Don't let that scare you. This is a tale of heroism based on nothing more and nothing less than faith in God. It has led me to have questions of the Church of Thyatira in Revelation 2:18. The church is described as suffering Jezebel, the Queen who used charges of blasphemy to steal lands for her husband King Ahab in 1 Kings 21. Does that sound like any church you know? I have not read but I will suggest Dave Hunt's book, A Woman Rides the Beast for all who want more information on the conflicts that Rora expounds on.
Rating:
Summary: A Stunning Novel
Review: I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Mr Huggins. Then I
read Rora, and believe me I could not put it down. If there is
any way you can obtain a copy, do so. You will be richly rewarded
for having read this brilliant novel.
Rating:
Summary: Huggins does it again.
Review: I've got to admit that this is my favorite book of Huggins' to date. I wasn't sure anything would beat out my feelings of Wolf Story, but this one does. Huggins has an amazing knack for bringing you right into the story when you read his work and with the events of September 11 fresh in our minds, this is a book I would recommend for everyone. It informs us that we aren't the first people who have had to take a stand for our beliefs and our rights against those who would persecute us. It also gives us deep insights into dealing with these types of fanatics. I also detect a bit of the author in at least one of the characters which is a treat. I always find it interesting delving into the lives of those who are so talented in their art. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to read and appreciate this book. Mr. Huggins has outdone himself in this one, creating characters that are believably real.
Rating:
Summary: True to the Heart
Review: Inquisitors, John Milton, Incomel, Sir Oliver Cromwell, and the long-rumored Assassini...This book is a collage of historical pivot points that remains, nevertheless, true to the heart of its story. "Rora" follows Joshua Gianavel, leader of the Waldenses, as he bands his people to fight the horrors of the Inquisition. In the fortress-like heights of Rora, the Waldenses manage to stage miraculous victories over the far superior numbers of Marquis Pianessa's armies. Over and over, Gianavel holds off the marauders with strategic wisdom, heroic feats, and--never to be forgotten--Godly faith. In the light of the religion's gross errors, Gianavel's faith alone provides hope in the midst of brutal battle scenes and violent depictions. This book is not for the queasy. This is history brought to horrible and astonishing life. This is hate and bigotry displayed in all its ugliness. This is Godly light seen as a flared match in the darkness of the blackest times. I've read most of James Byron Huggins other works and found them thrilling but often overwrought with pretensions of grandeur. Here, Huggins matches all that he's ever strived for. This style of historical fiction finds Huggins at the top of his abilities. "Rora" not only brings to life the actual characters that were given animal form in his earlier book "A Wolf's Story," it also shows the gamut of human emotions in the midst of a siege...honor, betrayal, love, hate, and genuine faith in God. I was moved by the human face of heroism and brutality. I was challenged by the steadfastness of a man who stood at his moment in time and refused to back down against overwhelming odds. "Rora" is a book to cherish--for its historical veracity and for its spiritual truths.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling and emotionally heart-wrenching
Review: Think "Braveheart" and "The Patriot" with a better story than either and you will catch a glimpse of how profound this book is. Character development was as thorough as in any book I have read. The story is one of an undying faith that would not be quenched by any evil thrown against it. I walk away from this book examining my own faith and how I would respond to what the people of Rora faced. Joshua Gianavel is a historical figure that must be recognized and lauded as one of the truly great men of history. My fear is that the lack of political-correctness of this book (the war between Catholics and Protestants) will keep it from becoming a major motion picture, even though the story screams for that. I'll be thinking about this book for some time!
Rating:
Summary: Great Story of a True Christian Hero
Review: This was my first book by James Huggins (I bought it after reading Newt Gingrich's review) and I was not disappointed. I have studied church history in the past and am familiar with the Waldensians, whose story this is based on, but had never heard of Rora, or the hero, Joshua Gianavel. One reviewer said that the characters are unbelievable, and I can see how someone would say this. So, I looked around for more on Joshua Gianavel and found accounts of his life and the story of Rora in Foxe's Book of Martyrs and Wylie's History of Protestantism. Suffice it to say, the true Gianavel was quite a guy. This story is inspirational on several levels. It shows what one person can do against seemingly insurmountable odds and it gives a good demonstration of someone with the courage of their convictions. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good story, as I had a very hard time putting it down. It will also give some insight into the Waldensian movement and the Inquisition. But I believe it especially needs to be read by those in leadership, as Gianavel is one who truly was a great leader.
Rating: 
Summary: RORA READS LIKE BRAVEHEART!
Review: This wonderfully written novel by James Byron Huggins is a great and fun read of a history that I personally was not aware of. The novel of Rora reminded me of great epic movies such as Braveheart. I love the fast paced writing and awesome dialogue that Mr.Huggins always has in his books. The heroes are larger than life and the evil-doers are just as colorful. It is always a good thing when you can read a book and learn something from it as well as enjoy a great read at the same time as I did in this book. There is something here for everyone to enjoy - history, action, adventure, religion, and even a little romance threw in. When the village of Rora refuses to surrender their faith and the war of the hated Inquisitors begins, so does a novel of greatness unfold before you as a small band of determined people withstand the forces of a large army that soon learns that this is a very different type of war that they bargained for. Political intrigue abounds as well as assassins in the night, all for the grace of God - or is it really for something else? You really must find out on your own in this well written novel.
Rating:
Summary: RORA READS LIKE BRAVEHEART!
Review: This wonderfully written novel by James Byron Huggins is a great and fun read of a history that I personally was not aware of. The novel of Rora reminded me of great epic movies such as Braveheart. I love the fast paced writing and awesome dialogue that Mr.Huggins always has in his books. The heroes are larger than life and the evil-doers are just as colorful. It is always a good thing when you can read a book and learn something from it as well as enjoy a great read at the same time as I did in this book. There is something here for everyone to enjoy - history, action, adventure, religion, and even a little romance threw in. When the village of Rora refuses to surrender their faith and the war of the hated Inquisitors begins, so does a novel of greatness unfold before you as a small band of determined people withstand the forces of a large army that soon learns that this is a very different type of war that they bargained for. Political intrigue abounds as well as assassins in the night, all for the grace of God - or is it really for something else? You really must find out on your own in this well written novel.
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