Mark of the Lion : A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure As the Dawn (Vol 1-3)

Rating:
Summary: Completely enthralling! The best books I've read in years!!
Review: A friend recommended Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series to me, and I am so grateful!! I love to read, but it is not often that my life is enriched by a work of fiction. From the very first book I found myself not only engaged, but challenged. Rivers begins by challenging her readers to a life committed to sharing the gospel and living Christ's love, through her main character, Hadassah. The second book takes an honest and powerful look at forgiveness, as God would have us forgive and love those who have hurt us most deeply. Finally, "As Sure As the Dawn" takes us into the heart and mind of an unbeliever who is chained by his anger. As I read of God's work in this man's life, I felt I was seeing an eye-opening perspective of my own life. Each book became so personal to me. The writing and research into each book is absolutely incredible. As a person with degree in English literature, it is so nice to read a book that I don't find myself editing as I read it!! I am certainly a new fan of Francine Rivers, and look forward to reading the rest of her work!

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best
Review: This book series is one that takes the era (approx A.D. 70) and makes it jump to life! It takes the scriptures and brings a dimension that I'd never seen. This book is an absolute page turner! I loved every minute of it. Way to go, Francine! I am your newest fan.

Rating:
Summary: I wish a fourth book could be added to the series!
Review: This trilogy is AMAZING! Once you start reading, you can't stop! I made the mistake of starting this series the week before finals, and I often blew off studying to immerse myself in the well-thought-out charcters Rivers creates. I recommend these books to anyone who needs a little hope or reassurance in their lives.

Rating:
Summary: Poetic, moving, and well-researched!
Review: Having never read a Francine Rivers novel before I gobbled up this trilogy, I was enthralled by the passion she feels for her characters. Even as she describes the actions of Julia, lost in sin, and those of Marcus, rebellious towards God, you know that her heart goes out to them. It's as if she's describing people she truly knows, and for whom her heart breaks. Though Hadassah's character is by far the sweetest and gentlest, I must say that most of us, Christian or not, are more like the others: blind to our own faults, selfish, and hard-hearted. This series, beautifully, eloquently written, opened by eyes to that. In addition, the tale is carefully researched. Having studied ancient civilizations for the past twelve years, I often read historical fiction with a mental "challenge" for the author to "get it right." After her portrayals of violence, sexuality, religion and politics during the early years of the church, I think Ms. Rivers has met that challenge head-on. I admit that some scenes could be considered disturbing to readers (the portrayal of homosexuality and gladitorial games, for instance) but what makes it worth it is to see how much each character grows out of his or her sin to walk in the love and forgiveness of Christ. For someone who sees these struggles in today's world, it's encouraging to know that early Christians faced the same problems we do today. These books feature the issues of feminism, homosexuality, promiscuity, abortion, racism, genocide, and religious intolerance. In case you're unaware, we as Christians face these issues daily, too! Ms. Rivers took our problems, gave them ancient faces, and created a tapestry of accessible, moving, interwoven tales of love, adventure, and salvation. How can I give it less than five stars?

Rating:
Summary: Sleezy, slimy book.
Review: I bought the first book of this series, A Voice in the Wind, because I thought Francine Rivers was my new favorite author. She writes with honesty and openness that are rare in Christian literature. Leota's Garden and And the Shofar Blew were awesome. But now, I'm a bit angry and won't be reading any more of her books, ever perhaps.

While reading this book, the minute detailed descriptions of the decadent society and perversions made me feel sick and sleazy - like I needed a bath to wash it all away. I continued to read, however, because of the sweetness of the Hadasseh character. I was so horrified by the ending that I literally threw the book across the room.

I do not consider this book Christian fiction - if anything it would be an argument of why NOT to be a Christian. I could never, ever, recommend this book to any of my Christian friends. I haven't led a very sheltered life, but I don't feel inclined as a Christian now to be immersed in detailed sinful descriptions that totally make up this book. I'm sorry, I just totally disagree with nearly all of you, and I'm not sure I can ever trust Ms. Rivers' work again.

Rating:
Summary: Yes, you want the complete trilogy.....
Review:
You could buy these books one at a time, but why? As soon as I finished one, I was immediately reaching for the next. They are that good.

The first book in the series, *A Voice in the Wind*, introduces us to the characters. During the first half, the pace is rather frenetic, and the chapters skip from one character's story to the next. I found it a bit confusing at times. It was an interesting tale, but one I could put down. Halfway through the first book, the characters converge, the tension builds and I was absolutely hooked.

In my opinion, the second book was even better than the first (which is saying a lot -- I LOVED the first book). All of the magic of the first book is found in the second -- and more.

A word of advice: when you read the first book, be sure and read the chapter that is included introducing *An Echo in the Darkness* that follows. I ignored it, thinking that it would be redundant; however, this chapter is NOT included in the sequel, and it VERY important. A quarter of the way into *An Echo in the Darkness*, I went back and read this and it answered a lot of questions!

As soon as I finish writing this review, I will start reading *As Sure as the Dawn*, the final book in this series. I can't wait to discover what happens to Atretes, the German warrior whose story we were introduced to in *A Voice in the Wind*.

All in all, a wonderful, heartwarming and inspiring story. Sparks your imagination of what it would have been like to be a First Century Christian living in Rome and Ephesus.


Rating:
Summary: Favorite Books ever!
Review: This is one of the best series I have ever read. Francine Rivers is a superb writer, very well researched and very in touch with her characters' lives. Hadassah, the heroine of the series, is a wonderful example of faith under trial. The setting is ancient Rome in the times of Jewish slaves and Christian persecutions in the Coliseum. Rivers makes the reader feel like they are actually witnessing history by the great detail she delves into. I can read the first two books in this series over and over again and never be tired of reading them. The heartbreak and love that Hadassah goes through only serves to strengthen her faith in God. There is also a bit of romance in the books, but nothing over-the-top or mushy. Just honest love.

Rating:
Summary: A touching triology!
Review: This trilogy has been a favorite of mine for more years then I know! You come to love the characters as if you knew them personally! Hadassah, Marcus, even Julia, although she is fun to hate at times. I would truly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys learning about Roman and Jewish history. It is full of historical value as well as good old romance and also has a strong christian undertone that works well with the story as a whole, even if you do not believe. I would highly recommend this trilogy to everyone!

Rating:
Summary: Mark of the Lion
Review: This is undoubtedly the best series I have ever read. Francine Rivers is an exceptional author.

Rating:
Summary: the best books ever!
Review: These books, set in the first century, are probably the greastest fiction books I have ever read (and read multiple times!). I absolutely love history, especially ancient history and the Roman Empire, and these were an excellent description of the times. The characters in the book are incredibly well developed, and the trials each go through in order to know Jesus are absolutely riveting! You simply cannot put them down! Even the second time through and knowing everything that would happen, I still had a hard time putting them down! It is rare for me to read a book more than once unless it touches me and leaves an impact, such as this series does! You will not be disappointed with these powerful books!