Rating:  Summary: Absolutely wonderful! Review: Wow. That's all I can think of when talking of these books. I haven't read #3 yet, but I'm sure it'll be as breath-taking as the first two. I'm amazed at Rivers' ability to hold my attention through many different characters. Usually I latch on to one or two and care little for the others, but I found myself drawn into each character's story. Reading Hadassah's story has helped me to see the flaws in my own faith, and I know I will be the better for having read this series.
Rating:  Summary: A must read -over & over & over... Review: I read through this series twice & I thought/felt it incredible -and very real- reading of Hadassah & her incredible & incredibly spiritual journey (hard, though it sometimes was) through life and I love the fact that she never lost touch with the Lord.Francine Rivers deserves the highest praie available for her writing, for I felt that I WAS Hadassah &, in feeling that way, really liked hearing of MY journey(s) & enlightenment through life...
Rating:  Summary: A must read -over & over & over... Review: I read through this series twice & I thought/felt it incredible -and very real- reading of Hadassah & her incredibly real & incredibly spiritual journey (hard, though it sometimes was) through life and I love the fact that she never lost touch with the Lord. Francine Rivers deserves the highest praie available for her writing, for I have felt that I WAS Hadassah &, in feeling that way, really liked hearing of MY journey(s) & enlightenment through life...
Rating:  Summary: Spectacular Series! Review: At first glimpse, the Mark of the Lion Trilogy seems somewhat intimidating and quite possibly loaded with needless padding. It is, however, amongst those rare breeds of literature that seize one by the shoulders and pull you into it's drama and intrique from the first few pages. When I began the first installment one Saturday morning two years ago, I found myself unable to leave my room for lunch, then dinner. Before I knew it, nearly the whole day had passed. I could not believe that I had spent so much time on a book. When I finished the last page around 7:00 pm, any self-chastisement for "wasting my day" vanished. I could not wait to dive into the next book in the series. Not only has Ms. Rivers succeeded in bringing to life such real and endearing characters, but she also paints a very vivid picture of 1st century, A.D. life. She has clearly done much research for the writing of the series. Although the third book in the series, "As Sure as the Dawn", is slightly paled in comparison to the first two, the radiance that beams from every page of "A Voice in the Wind" and "An Echo in the Darkness" causes the most dull portions of the third installment to glow with literary brilliance as well. The series is so beautifully written that it can be enjoyed by all ages regardless of sex and literary preferences. It is truly one of the finest pieces of literature on the contemporary market today!
Rating:  Summary: Enjoyable Historical Fiction Review: I wish I could have chosen 3 1/2 stars. This series is not a 3 but it is not quite a 4 or a 5. I have read the first 2 books and I enjoyed them. However, I personally feel that Mrs. Rivers could have left some of the detail out. While what she said was true, is it necessary to fill our minds with such wickedness? I think that the Roman's behavior at the time was gross, but I wish Mrs. Rivers had explained it in less detail. I first heard of Mrs. Rivers when a friend recommended Redeeming Love to me. I could not finish reading it because all of her details made me uncomfortable. I personally believe that the details included in Hosea is all that God meant for us to know. I was very challenged by Hadassah's servant's spirit, forgiving spirit, and she is a wonderful example of an energy giver. What a stark picture of how the choices we make now will effect is later in life. In a day where promiscuity is rampant I think the emptiness we see in Julia's life is a good "eye opener." If you like this type of Historical fiction I would greatly recomend you read The Robe by Lloyd Alexander. This series reminds me very much of that book.
Rating:  Summary: I don't know how to describe them Review: The only thoughts that come to mind when I think of this trilogy, consist of overused words, but they are all true! Captivating, inspiring, realistic, page-turning. I have read the first two books many times, with Sure As the Dawn running a little behind. Hadassah really inspired me, and sometimes her story comes to mind when I face my own trials. Rivers was unafraid to address some issues other Christian writers seem to shy away from. As Sure As the Dawn was my least favorite of the trio and would probably be a four star. The other two make the five stars, because Hadassah and the Valerian family were well characterized and interesting.
Rating:  Summary: The Best books I have ever read! Review: I'm only 14 and go to a Christian school.My librarian is also my bible teacher and has read all the books.She read A Voice in the Wind to the class and half way into the book I had to get them so I read along and read the others.These books are very large and I was surprised I read them but I did it and they touched my soul.I highly recomened that you read them.The stories are wonderful and I'm waiting for a movie to come along!
Rating:  Summary: GREAT! Review: This book got me interested in Roman culture. The characters were great and the plot magnificant. I fell in love with Marcus and Hadassah and by the end of the series I felt like they were my friends. This book has a lot of parrelles to today's America. Most of the parrells I didn't understand until I read this book. I loved it from the first page to the last page!
Rating:  Summary: Life affecting fiction Review: I have never experienced any characters quite like those of Francine Rivers'. When I close the cover of her books I feel as though the heros and heroines have actually passed through my life. The lessons of Hadassah and her servant's heart are ones I will never forget. This series is a must read and not limited to just women. You will wear the dirt of the Roman road, smell the salt of the sea, feel the adrenaline of the gladiators and breathe Hadassah's prayers. You will be changed.
Rating:  Summary: A Thrilling yet tragic tail for all to read! Review: I have just begun reading the Mark of the Lion series, and am loving it. Francine weaves together many characters and stories and makes them a whole. I didn't think I would be interested in this series, but was asked to read it by a friend. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. This is a truly wonderful series. I cant wait to read the next 2 books! Francine is a great writer, and these books are awesome!
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