A Voice in the Wind: Mark of the Lion Series Book 1 (Christian Historical Fiction Novel Set in 1st Century Rome)

“A Voice in the Wind” by Francine Rivers is a historical fiction novel based in the 1st century after Christ’s death. This book brings to life the brutality that the Jewish & Christian peoples faced at the hands of the Romans. I honestly had no idea. Gut renching. 5/5 stars. Seriously. I couldn’t put it down! This is the 1st book of her trilogy and I plan to start the 2nd book immediately. Please purchase this author’s book & support her! What was phenomenal and personal for me is the last part of this book is based in Ephesus. I visited the ancient ruins of Ephesus this past June during our trip to Greece. I’ve recently learned that the book of Ephesians in the New Testament is based on the Apostle Paul’s message to the people of Ephesus. I also visited Ancient Philipi (Philippians), Corinth (Corinthians), Thessaloniki (Thessalonians). After the four Gospel accounts in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) these books describe Paul’s voyage & crucial dissemination of Jesus’ message, death, & resurrection. I had no idea that my trip to Greece would become such a personal and spiritual journey at the time I needed it the most!! The New Testament was originally written in Greek because at the time it was considered the common language and it was the most practical way to vastly deliver the Word of Jesus to a large audience. Jesus and his apostles spoke Aramaic. I grew up Greek Orthodox and many of us believe the Greek Orthodox Church to be the founding religion of Christianity. Greek Orthodoxy later split away from Catholicism because they did not want to follow Papal Law (the Pope) and also they allow their priests to marry. This is known historically as the “The East-West Schism.” However, Greek Orthodoxy was not the first Christian religion; rather, the single, early Christian Church was established by Jesus Christ and the Apostles and later divided into the Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) traditions. The term "Orthodox" refers to the Eastern Christian tradition, which believes it is the direct, unbroken continuation of the original Church founded by Christ, a claim also made by the Catholic Church regarding the Western tradition. I now greatly enjoy being part of a non-denominational Christian Church. My family & I have found our home at OneLife Church based in Webster, Texas. I have to thank OneLife for their Bible based teachings. Much of the knowledge I have about The Bible and its historical accuracy is thanks to OneLife. Happy reading everyone!

Truly was a delight to read this 500 page book. As a Christian, persecution is something that we not only must be aware of but willing to endure. Hadassah may be a fictional character but she exemplifies the people in our world today who must endure. Read this book and comeback enlightened. The Valerians are a family who had everything but had truly nothing, we all have a void within us that only Jesus Christ can fill. This book might have been written to be in the 2000s, yet the same problems exist. This book is a reminder that you can have it all, but without God, you have nothing. If you have nothing but have God, you have everything. This book should not only act as entertainment but to sharpen and set your heart and mind on the things of above.

This is a really good book series! Romance, suspense, plot twists, human suffering and God's sovereignty.

A must read for Christian historical fiction. You’ll want to read the next in the series too!!!

Very bloody at beginning, very realistic for that time period. Character development is great. I prefer her other books. Not a fun book but a good book

This was a beautiful story. I had a hard time getting into this book, but around chapter ten the book took hold of me and I couldn't put it down. A deeply moving Christian story of faith ,courage,and trust we have in God. Inspirational, very moving, and insightful. Note: the end isn't the ending.

I love this book so much. I was getting so addicted to technology lately and social media and every day I would feel so gross in my spirit because I was filling myself with junk. I ordered a couple Christian Fiction books and ordered this one as well. It was the first book I read AND finished in probably years. When I read the end of the book, I was so desperate for the sequel I prayed they would show up quicker! I fell in love with the characters, with the storyline, and how Haddassa served God with everything inside of her, and loved even when it was so hard and challenging. I have even learned I must serve more in my everyday life, no matter the circumstances. I have found it challenging to find books as good as Francine River's books! I am almost done with the second book and will be reading the third in the next couple of days. Thank you Francine for your talented work, and your dedication to the Lord by providing your readers with edifying literature!

My wife has read a LOT of Francine Rivers' books. I had never read any. My reading preferences lean toward courtroom dramas and investigations fiction. But my wife pleaded with me to read this book simultaneously with her so we could discuss it. I relented and purchased it for my Kindle. (She prefers reading "real" books.) The first chapter or two started out just a little "ho hum", and I began questioning why I agreed. But then all of a sudden it just took off and I was enthralled. Hadassah is such a sweet, kind, and inspiring character that it's totally understandable how she could touch the lives of nearly everybody she meets. As a reader, you care about her and admire her steadfast faith while in the midst of such decadence all around her. The other characters are drawn up so skillfully that you feel as though you know each one. And that you've probably known a few people like them, albeit in a different time and culture. This book is an excellent example of the battle between good and evil that we all experience because of our human nature. I ended up passing my wife's reading pace, although she started before me. Even before finishing the book last night, I had already purchased the 2nd book in the series for my Kindle. I was that certain that I wanted to read all three. Excellent book that I would recommend to all...

This is a classic and a must read. Don't be deceived by its cover. Its a brilliant read and I think everyone should read this book. I already gave this book as a gift to 2 friends. One called me when she had just finished it. She was crying on the phone, overwhelmed by the book and the themes throughout. She bought herself the second and third book of the series and I think she finished it within a week (as I had).

This story captures the essence of what life was like for an ordinary person in the first century as we follow a young girl who becomes enslaved by the Roman Empire. On the other end of the spectrum is a proud Germanic prince who is captured and made to serve as a gladiator. The author’s choice of words, and attention to historical detail add to the mood of the story through fast paced fight scenes as well as longer travel narratives and love scenes. Very hard to put down once you start reading this book.

Highly recommended! Love her books - this is book 1 of 3 in the series and is well worth the read!

I like Francine River's books so that why I bought this book.

I have not been able to put this book down. It is such a beautiful story and it really illustrates the true meaning of being a Christian.