Rating: 
Summary: Fast paced ...
Review: Appreciation of the world in which Christ walked perhaps is not essential to enjoyment and edification when reading the gospels, but it helps. As you read First Light, that time and place will become clearer to you, and you will gain new insight into the depths of the Messiah, despite the fact that He plays only a peripheral role in the story.First Light's story is told through many eyes. Mananen emerges as the young man who asked Jesus to judge the matter of inheritance between him and his corrupt brother, Demos. The fact that Demos' name resembles the word demon is not a coincidence. Demos is wily and diabolical as the name implies. It is not only money that divides the brothers, but the love of a woman, Susanna. She truly loves Mananen, but Demos is powerful and determined to have her, no matter what blood price that demands. Then, there is Mananen's truest friend, a blind beggar who offers him and Susanna what help he can. Peniel, blind from birth has greater vision than many who can see. His kind and generous heart is displayed in many ways, and he is rewarded by helping prove that Yeshua (Jesus) is truly the Son of the Living God. **** Fast paced and detailed, the Thoenes give us a tale that will give new life to Bible reading. The unheard voices of the gospels come to life and bring new depth to old stories. You will gain a new appreciation for the wit and wisdom of Christ by the time the last page is turned. **** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.
Rating: 
Summary: A sobering story of hope
Review: Contrary to the review that Publishers Weekly gave A.D. Chronicles, First Light, I felt this book was fantastic! The Thoene's did a spectular job of making the characters real, I wept when they wept, I laughed when they rejoiced. A very powerful book...I simply can't wait for the next one!!!
Rating:
Summary: Magnificant and Enlightening!
Review: Contrary to the review that Publishers Weekly gave A.D. Chronicles, First Light, I felt this book was fantastic! The Thoene's did a spectular job of making the characters real, I wept when they wept, I laughed when they rejoiced. A very powerful book...I simply can't wait for the next one!!!
Rating:
Summary: First Light (A.D. Chronicles, No.1)
Review: I couldn't put the book down!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent read
Review: I have finished only half of this novel because I don't want it to end too fast. The Thoene's have again produced an exciting work of art that brings the reader back in time to a turning point in human history. Whether or not you've ever been to Israel, or Jerusalem in particular, you can read this novel and feel like you are there, part of the sweeping currents of politics and religion that led to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. The story is told through the eyes and words of ordinary Jews, powerful religious and secular authorities, Roman centurians, Temple guards, and simple New Testament luminaries such as Martha and Mary, Lazarus, and Nichodemus. (So far in my read, the Apostles have no major part in this book.) It is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the flesh-and-blood human passions of a Jewish culture invaded by Roman rule and Greek humanism. Most of all, it is the story of Jesus personally in the midst of His own people. First Light falls somewhere in the middle of a triange bounded by three works: the Gospel narratives, Ben Hur, and The Day Christ Died (by Jim Bishop). The funny thing is that nothing has really changed much in 2000 years; the people in this book could be you or me today. First Light causes the reader to face Jesus in person as if He were here today, in the flesh, in Jerusalem among His own Jewish people. You will identify (or identify with) most of the characters, some of whom are only lightly sketched out for us in the New Testament but are fully formed in First Light. It's an exciting and historically well-researched novel.
Rating: 
Summary: What Happened?
Review: I have not finished the book yet, but I'm am really disappointed in the Thoenes. This book barely gets into what the characters are actually like...it seems like they started the story in the middle of all the characters stories. I don't like how they made Mary Magadalene Martha and Lazarus' sister! I am finding the pace of the book very slow and parts of it are extremely boring. I really, really liked the Zion Chronicles and the Zion Covenant series, all of which I read several times. I was looking forward to a new series, especially one that involves Moshe Sachar. But, as I've said before, I am disappointed. The sentences are short and choppy...the Biblical stories too long. I recommend the MARK OF THE LION series by Francine Rivers...which takes place after Jesus' resurection and is about the Romans/Jews.
Rating:
Summary: What Happened?
Review: I have not finished the book yet, but I'm am really disappointed in the Thoenes. This book barely gets into what the characters are actually like...it seems like they started the story in the middle of all the characters stories. I don't like how they made Mary Magadalene Martha and Lazarus' sister! I am finding the pace of the book very slow and parts of it are extremely boring. I really, really liked the Zion Chronicles and the Zion Covenant series, all of which I read several times. I was looking forward to a new series, especially one that involves Moshe Sachar. But, as I've said before, I am disappointed. The sentences are short and choppy...the Biblical stories too long. I recommend the MARK OF THE LION series by Francine Rivers...which takes place after Jesus' resurection and is about the Romans/Jews.
Rating:
Summary: insightful, touching
Review: I just finished this wonderful story and rushed to my computer to order #2. The Thoene's do their usual masterful work of historical accuracy, great character development, and insight into the complexities of the human condition. I strongly identified with Peniel and when he was healed, I wept. This is a moving account of how lives are set free by the great I AM when we choose to seek Him. It is different in style and scope than their previous works, so don't expect it to be the same as their past series. I can see in this book the culmination of the Thoene's writing and research experience, as well as the fruit of their maturing faith. Enjoy!!
Rating:
Summary: insightful, touching
Review: I just finished this wonderful story and rushed to my computer to order #2. The Thoene's do their usual masterful work of historical accuracy, great character development, and insight into the complexities of the human condition. I strongly identified with Peniel and when he was healed, I wept. This is a moving account of how lives are set free by the great I AM when we choose to seek Him. It is different in style and scope than their previous works, so don't expect it to be the same as their past series. I can see in this book the culmination of the Thoene's writing and research experience, as well as the fruit of their maturing faith. Enjoy!!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: I loved this book and hated to see it end. This was the first book by this author that I had read, and I have already gotten two more from my local library (because many are now out of print). The characters and the Bible both come alive in this story. It was very important to me that this was also biblically accurate. I am recommending this to many of my friends.
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