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

• Yes, you want the complete trilogy.....

  
  By A2KT80828WJGMU on 2004-10-12
  
  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.
  
  
  

• Life-Changing Fiction (And Fun To Read!)

  
  By A1TTKJIKU5WS on 2000-11-12
  In a short time Francine Rivers has become one of our finest Christian authors, and The Mark Of the Lion Trilogy is her crown jewel. Quite simply, these are my favorite works of fiction, ever. While other authors may sell more books at times, none can WRITE like this woman.

  The trilogy's setting is a short time after the resurrection of Christ, in the Roman Empire. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the movie Gladiator) as the main characters, three books are crafted with themes of faith, redemption and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and the ones she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to modern times almost seemlessly.

  These books will not only grab hold of you and demand to be finished but they will challenge you to take your walk with God to a much deeper level. Do not read this series unless you want to be changed. No other stories have every affected me in such a deep way. Forget the Left Behind series and go invest in a true Christian classic. Five Stars, times three.
  
  

• Completely enthralling! The best books I've read in years!!

  
  By A34A7JLVSB1F8Y on 1998-10-05
  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!
  
  

• Not just an incredible read; It greatly impacted my faith!

  
  By A2VNXQMMBN65J6 on 1999-11-21
  Francine Rivers has an amazing gift from God to tell a believable story from completely foreign time and place and make the reader feel like they know the characters personally. The linkages between today's culture and that of the Roman Empire are astounding - This book helped me fully appreciate the unchanging nature of God throughout history . Thank you for writing this series Francine, I can't wait to read more of your books!
  
  

• Outstanding, a remarkable achievement!

  
  By AK267X74IP8UA on 2002-06-13
  Generally, I dislike fictional books, however, in the "Mark of the Lion" series, Francine Rivers has successfully achieved a remarkable feat. By creating what could soon become known as a masterpiece in Christian fictional literature, Ms. Rivers brings the characters to life with incredibly evoking realism, emotion, and soul. The chapters quickly engulf you, and the portrayal of life in the Imperial Roman Empire is surreal. The life of the Jewish slave Hadassah, the tragedy and triumph in her life, nonlessthan captivate the imagination, and are a testiment to what faith really is.
  The historical accuracy and the terms (which are well defined throughout) are evidence that Ms. Rivers researched her material thoroughly, and add to the validity of the story. This is not just another novel, but rather a story that vividly depicts a glimpse into the cultural history of "the Nazarenes" (early Christians) during the first century. These books are not only a great read, they will change you - every Christian should read them. Perhaps the only negative thing about these books is that I couldn't put them down! I've read them all twice, and now they're circulating among my Christian and non-believer friends, and their reviews are all extremely positive. Buy all three, otherwise you'll be paying for overnight delivery from Amazon to ship the second and third books.
  
  
• Fair warning -start and you can't stop
  By A1KEKYQV2G8D4R on 2003-04-07
  Once you get into the very first book, you will not be able to put it down. Everything else will get ignored. This series shows God's amazing love when things are going just as awful as they can get. You involve yourself with the characters and are stunned at the end by God's love and forgiveness. The characters surprise you by their love, their violence and their heartfelt repentance.

  This trilogy is a must for everyone. A must!
  
  

• Poetic, moving, and well-researched!
  By A1YGA4QZ7FFFMM on 2005-01-22
  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?
  
  
• WOW!
  By on 2000-02-17
  Words can't even describe how much this series touches your very soul! I read this series years ago and I still can't believe how wonderful this series is! Your heart will fill to the brim (so there is room for nothing else) with so many emotions throughout the course of the books. Joy, extreme sadness, serenity/peace, thrill, wonder/amazement! Get ready for the read of your life. I recommend these for anyone! After reading these, I found myself comparing other books to them, i.e., good, but not as good as Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series! I can't say enough, so I'll stop now without repeating myself too many times! Enjoy!
  
  
• Mark of the Lion -- (Vol 1-3)
  By A25OP7IVTJF9OZ on 2004-02-19
  WHAT AN AMAZING TRILOGY! Francine Rivers has done it and she has done it well. When I was first recommended this book, I was a little aprehensive about reading it, only because I had never read a Christian novel before. All it took was the very first page and I was hooked!!! Francine Rivers writes with such vivid imagination and color. The characters were so real that I felt I knew them personally, I felt I could touch them and talk to them. I read this book about 2-3 years ago and I will never forget the impact that it has had on me.
  The story focuses on a young Jewish girl named Hadassah who is of Christian belief. She falls in love with Marcus Valerian, the wealthy son of Decimus and Phoebe, and older brother of snobbish and spoiled Julia. (They happen to be her masters; the family that she works for) Hadassah's solemn, humble, and plain way positively affects everyone she meets. She is a true example of the Child of God; strong and admirable.
  This is truly a masterpiece, and I would recommend this book to ANYONE, no matter what types of books you are into. This story will stay with you for years to come. A story like this should definatly be made into a movie!
  
  
• Rivers at her best
  By A3LNIWIHKGQDYQ on 1999-06-06
  I read this series not long after it was published, and Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series is one of the best Christian trilogies published. Following Hadassah, Marcus, Atretes, Rizpah and all the other characters' lives is truly a journey well worth the time. The books are historically accurate and very informative while still being highly entertaining. This is Rivers at her best. Her other books are good as well; I especially recommend _Redeeming Love_ and _The Scarlet Thread_.

  I loaned my books to a friend at church, and from there, the series fanned out to at least nine people -- moms, daughters and even my father is now reading the series. These are books everyone can enjoy, learn and grow from.
  
  

• Novels that you CAN NOT put down!!! I was hooked!
  By A2J70UAG0FGZN4 on 1999-07-14
  Francine Rivers writes in such an amazingly clear and accurate way. You will be enthralled with the characters and the story that she lets unfold. The first book does take about 100 pages to really get into, but DON'T STOP!! Keep reading. It is well worth it. By the end of #1 you will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens in #2. Let me tell you. It only gets better!!! What really captured my heart in these books is that they set out to tell a story, while giving the reader accurate information about the Jews, Rome and what it was like right after Jesus died. I really felt like I was transported back to that time period. The ultimate comment I can give is that these books have made me understand the Bible better. That is an AWESOME thing!!!!! Buy these books and find a nice comfy place to sit so you can read for hours!!!!! You won't be disappointed and you will be recommending them to all of your friends. Many of the ladies that I work with are now hooked!!! <><
  
  
• Open your heart....
  By on 2001-09-26
  Thank goodness that it was a dreary, rainy weekend when I started reading A Voice in the Wind, because I could not stop reading it. I finished the 500 plus page book in 2 and 1/2 days. You need to have An Echo in the Darkness ready to pick up as soon as you finish Voice. This series gave me such vivid insight into the times right after Jesus' death; painting such a clear picture of life in Rome and Ephesus. Francine Rivers interjects Scripture into the storylines in such a profound way that I found myself seeing each particular Biblical reference in a more personal way than ever before. It inspires me to know my Bible better, and to serve my God in a more determined way. Open your heart as you read these books, and I'm sure you will experience spiritual growth. Oh, to be as good as Hadassah!
  
  
• One of the best!
  By A2W31VRCP988R2 on 2002-01-16
  Francine Rivers has written a masterpiece with The Mark of the Lion series. Having worked in a library for several years I have come across many interesting books, but none of them compare to these.
  The research that had to be done to write such series must have been great, but it is Francine Rivers' talent as a writer that makes this series truely great. She has made her characters come to life, and one can almost see them while reading. Each character helps to weave an amazing story; one that is historically acurate, but that can also apply to life today. I even learned some lessons by reading about the struggles experienced by Hadassah (a young Jewish slave), Marcus (a Roman who thinks like an epicurean for part of the series), and Julia (Hadassah's rich young mistress). I was also thrilled that Rivers continued the Atretes (gladiator/slave) portion of the story because she took us outside of Rome and the other cities, and to Germania and the culture that existed there.
  If you haven't read this series - do. There isn't one out there I would recommend more.
  
  
• Wonderful books, with a few flaws
  By A3LGX5A0B5PQLX on 2002-02-16
  Like so many, I also loved these books, and couldn't put them down once I started reading them. Francine Rivers is one of the best writers of Christian fiction today.

  However, I do have a few criticisms. Hadassah's goodness (like that of Michael in Rivers' book, "Redeeming Love" and Annie in "Leota's Garden") are unrelatable to the average Christian. Although she struggles with fear throughout the first book, it's her only struggle. In the second book, after she's overcome her fear, she only sins on one occasion by getting impatient with Julia.

  My second criticism is that Ms. Rivers uses a plot device that is common in far too many Christian novels: the Christian-non-Christian attraction or romance. Although Hadassah and Rizpah resist their attractions to Marcus and Atretes, they never surrender them. This plot device bothers me for several reasons. First, given the fact that early on these two men have few or no godly qualities, it means that Hadassah and Rizpah's attractions are purely physical. In that respect, Marcus comes out the best of the four -- Atretes was initially attracted to Rizpah for physical reasons, but Marcus was attracted to Hadassah's spiritual qualities.

  Second, the outcomes are unrealistic. Although I know that many Christians do fall for non-Christians, the outcomes of these relationships are usually heartbreaking. Rarely does the non-Christian become a Christian. In contrast, when I have seen Christians surrender (not just resist) their attraction to a non-Christian, God often blesses their surrender by putting the Christian man or woman of their dreams into their life soon after.

  Finally, because the Christian-non-Christian romance seems to occur so often in Christian fiction, I have to wonder what message the authors are conveying to their readers. Do they believe that a romance between two Christians isn't exciting or dramatic enough to hold readers' attention? I think many happily married Christians (and many single ones, too!) would disagree. To be fair, Rivers doesn't always use this plot device -- in "The Atonement Child," the romance is between two Christians, and in "Leota's Garden," the Christian heroine does not fall in love with the main non-Christian character, although he falls in love with her. I just wish a writer as wonderful as Rivers would portray Christian romances more often.
  
  

• Will bring you to your knees and reduce you to tears...
  By on 2004-01-08
  Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series is unquestionably one of the most profoundly moving works of fiction you will ever read. I can personally vouch that everything said by reviewers here about the powerful impact of these books is absolutely true. I first read "The Mark of the Lion" series five years ago and no novel I read previously or since has even come close to topping it. The stories and characters are so realistic they grip your soul and become a part of your life.

  The central thread of the plot surrounds the life of a young Jewish Christian slave girl named Hadassah. Small and thin, plain and homely, she is not your typical romance novel heroine. After witnessing the death of her entire family in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., she is enslaved and sent to Rome where she is sold to the wealthy Valerian family. As Hadassah adjusts to life the Valerian household, she comes to truly love and care for them: Decimus, the world-weary father; Phoebe, his gentle and somewhat naive wife; Marcus, their son, whose sole aim in life is the pursuit of pleasure; and Julia, the high-strung daughter who is Hadassah's special charge. Hadassah sees the emptiness in the Valerians' lives and longs for them to know the peace and fulfillment they can find in Christ. But her attempts at sharing her faith are hampered by fear for her life if anyone should discover that she is a Christian. Further complications arise when Marcus starts to get intereted in Hadassah without quite knowing why. She is completely different from any other woman he has ever known: she is pure both in body and spirit, she seems to posses an inner peace and contentment he has never felt, and she serves his selfish, rebellious sister Julia with a selfless devotion that Marcus cannot understand. Hadassah comes to love Marcus as well, but she knows that they can never be together as long as he is an unbeliever. Interwoven throughout the Hadassah narrative is the story of Atretes, a young German warrior captured by the Romans and forced to fight as a gladiator. Atretes' life becomes wholly driven by his hate and anger at the Romans for the way they treat him. Ultimately, he too comes in contact with Hadassah and her faith. The way the threads of these various plot lines evolve and entwine is nothing short of stunning. Every twist and turn is perfectly logical, perfectly natural, and completely plausible, leading to the inevitable conclusion you instinctively knew was coming. As has been previously mentioned, make absolutely certain that after finishing the first volume, "A Voice in the Wind," you have a copy of the second book, "An Echo in the Darkness," readily available. The cliffhanger ending of "A Voice in the Wind" is such that you are liable to break your legs or wreck your car trying to get to the nearest bookstore for the sequel.

  These books are a powerful Christian witness and offer much insightful and sobering commentary on human nature and life in general. The setting in decadent Ancient Rome forms a surprising (and frightening) parallel to modern day America. Such modern issues as abortion and homosexuality were prevalent even then, and are addressed in the books. Some have commented that the character of Hadassah was too sappy-sweet and goody-goody to be believable, but I strongly disagree. Hadassah's honest fears and struggles make her completely human, yet she also has such love for the Lord and others as to truly inspire you to better things. Such remarkable characterization is what makes the "Mark of the Lion" series so compelling. Ms. Rivers' psychology runs deep, turning your heart inside out to reveal things you were unaware of or had forgotten. I am typically not a very emotional person, but these books had me in tears frequently. As the story unfolds and God's faithfulness is so poignantly portrayed, you will be brought to your knees in thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty God we serve. The awesome impact that one Godly person can have, and that person herself a shy, frightened slave girl, was a huge encouragement to my faith. The books provide an excellent example of being in the world without being of it. But neither Hadassah nor any other character is glorified as the "hero," for Ms. Rivers points all the glory to Jesus Christ. He alone is the Voice in the wind, the Echo in the darkness, and the One whose faithfulness is as sure as the dawn.
  
  

• An epic that faltered after a brilliant start.
  By A1CIW2OEVAJRM2 on 2001-07-04
  Francine Rivers has made a name for herself with her enthralling three volume "Mark of the Lion" series. Her story-telling abilities, colourful characterization, and expertise in describing real feelings are superb. Unlike a great deal of contemporary fiction, the "Mark of the Lion" series is epic in scope and deep in content. It's not just entertainment, it's literary fiction of a high calibre. In each volume, Rivers addresses serious issues in the Christian life: witnessing to an unbelieving world, forgiveness and anger.

  The first volume, "A Voice in the Wind" is easily the best. With a deeply-moving story that entertains, educates and enthrals, Rivers has crafted a captivating tale of the Christian Jewess Hadassah that takes readers on a breath-taking ride from the ruins of Jerusalem, to the godless hub of first century Rome, and the Artemis worshipping city of Ephesus. Particularly compelling is the touching manner in which Rivers portrays the special relationship between the slave Hadassah and her master Julia. But especially outstanding is her portrayal of first century Rome. The culture of the Roman empire is described in vivid detail, complete with its godless and decadent lifestyle, political intrigue and corruption, infatuation with gladiators and games, sex and sensuality. The description of Rome's decadence is at times almost too vivid, and consequently the book is not really suitable for younger readers. The inclusion of contemporary issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and common-law marriage at first seems anachronistic, but actually the decay evident in contemporary Western culture is merely a mirror image of the decay that also characterized and eventually destroyed corrupt Rome.

  Over against the destructive decay of Roman culture, Rivers describes its counter-culture: Christianity. The only hope for a people trapped in an immoral and disintegrating world - both then and now - is the Saviour and restorer of life: Jesus Christ. Ultimately this age-old contrast between the church and the world is at the heart of this epic novel. It's an incentive to be faithful Christians and live counter-culture in our equally corrupt times. It is especially this quality that makes "A Voice in the Wind" not only immensely satisfying, but also incredibly stimulating for your own faith.

  The voice of God in Hadassah's life echoes in the dark and empty lives of Marcus and Julia in volume two, "An Echo in the Darkness." In their lives Rivers creates a vivid and wonderful portrait of the truth of Ecclesiastes - the emptiness and vanity of a life where one pursues anything except God. Just like today's world, Rome offers wealth, pleasure, power and knowledge. Both Marcus and Julia discover that the pursuit of pleasure, work, money and sexuality eventually proves to be meaningless and empty - the same conclusion as Ecclesiastes. But will they come to discover that meaning is found instead in God? Hadassah - now a miraculous healer beneath veils with scars that testify to the "mark of the lion" - proves to be instrumental in the resolution of their internal struggles, and in the end the lives of this three-some converge in a rather remarkable way.

  The gladiator Atretes returns in the third volume, "As Sure as the Dawn", and Rivers chronicles his journey back to his Germanic homeland, accompanied by the Christian widow Rizpah, nursemaid to his son. For Atretes, it proves to be much more than just a journey to his barbarian Chatti tribe, but especially a spiritual journey of faith. The portrayal of spiritual conflict as the gospel is proclaimed in pagan territory is particularly convincing. Rivers' description of demonic powers at work among the pagans under the guise of their gods is powerful and accurate.

  The preoccupation with internal struggles makes both "An Echo in the Darkness" and "As Sure as the Dawn" more introspective than "A Voice in the Wind". Readers who enjoyed the excitement and action of Rome's bread and circuses in the first volume, will be disappointed to find that instead of battles between gladiators and lions in the arena, Rivers focuses more on the inner battles of the heart, as Marcus, Julia and Atretes search for peace and meaning in their lives. Displaying a remarkable ability to convey and describe human emotions, feelings and struggles, Rivers demonstrates that she is as skilful at portraying inner conflict as she is at portraying outer conflict.

  However, the last two entries of the series are also subject to a questionable theological proposition. Rivers sets her novels in an era when the church was established and God revealed Himself almost exclusively through apostles, prophets, and the written writings. Yet despite this, she incorporates signs and wonders that were unique to the apostolic era (direct revelation, the gift of tongues, and miracles). It is most unfortunate that these become decisive turning points in the lives of her characters. Not only do these miracles and wonders result in an overly optimistic story-line that fails to reflect the harshness of real life for Christians today, they are dependent on a tenuous theological position that apostolic wonders and miracles did not cease with the apostolic era. Other flaws also emerge, notably her presentation of love and forgiveness as a Christian duty independent of repentance, Hadassah's purity of character which belittles the reality of an ongoing sinful nature, and the extent to which romance overshadows religion in determining the course of events in Atretes' life. The graphic allusions to Atretes' sexual relations outside of marriage and frank discussion of sexual thoughts certainly makes this series unsuitable for children.

  "As Sure as the Dawn" does overcome some of the weaknesses of "An Echo in the Darkness", but not enough to match the brilliant start begun with "A Voice in the Wind." Not bothering to read the entire trilogy can be justified, but to not bother reading "A Voice in the Wind" is to miss one of the best efforts in contemporary Christian fiction!
  
  

• AMAZING WORK!!!!
  By A3GCQI2M5ZIIV8 on 2001-07-12
  I read this series a few years ago and absolutly loved it. I finished Voice in 3 days and was so excited about the next one that I drove to a bookstore at 5 in the morning so I could be there as soon as they opened to get the next book. I was really inspired by Rivers writing, so much so that I read about the bible character Haddessa that inspired the book character and her faith is so admirable that I want to name a child after her (the bible character not the fictional) these books were so good I passed them to all my friends and they loved them too I now have to replace them because they are literally falling apart hey've been read so many times. I have to say these books will touch you, im so happy to have an example of how to weather rough times with God leading and not trying to do it myself, my point being that its nice to have a female example of christianity where the example has always been a males faithfulness, anyway I'm just really pleased with the Mark Series and recomend them for everyone. However a warning this book is powerful enough that if you are not straight in your walk with Christ this book with convict you to make it right with God. It really convicted me.
  
  
• Best series I've read so far
  By A2XO5PKBML3FKW on 1999-12-15
  Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed these books. They are historically interesting and spiritually uplifting. All 3 have applicable solutions to living life as a Christian today. Each book is interesting and the character development is very good. I highly recommend these books!
  
  
• Fantastic books, I read them at a friend's here in Brazil.
  By A36ML1VS0T7YB5 on 1999-10-04
  I had never heard of Francine Rivers before, but I've also been in the mission field here in the Amazon Basin for 5 years too! I was blown away by her content, accuracy and character development, and I'm an amateur history buff. It was so well done, that although I'm just a fledging internet surfer from here in Santarém, that I ordered them via the internet from Amazon.com. I also ordered some of her other books, since these were so well done. I have always loved the name Hadassah & it's meaning, and was VERY favorably impressed by her character, dignity, integrity and humility as she never saw herself as "doing it", but only JESUS. Excellent, excellent books. I highly recommend them to any adult as having depth & quality, and genuine tear raising scenes as well. Speaks so well to the genuine heart and spirit level changes that the Lord can do in ANYONE, if they are only willing to know the truth. I am definitely a Francine Rivers fan as of now. It's not that easy to get good books in English here in the middle of the Amazon Basin, let alone Christian ones. And I was a little concerned that they might not arrive well or in good shape, or even completely. To my pleased surprise, even though the box was open, not a book was missing. I also heartily recommend her other books: the Sin Eater and Redeeming Love (with Redeeming Love getting 10 stars in my mind). Wow. I really enjoyed these books incredibly. And as a missionary nurse here in the Amazon, I am NOT that easy to impress!

  The Lord is definitely held up as the focus of the books, and the transforming work He can and will do in our lives. If we will just invite and let him do so. May his name be praised and may he receive all the honor and glory for these writings!!

  I just wish books weren't so hard to get here or so expensive!
  
  

• If you want to buy A Voice in the Wind -- Get the Trilogy!
  By A2D9IOX4UJX1JJ on 2000-08-10
  If you read A Voice in the Wind, you will definitely want the other two books, so you should save yourself some money and get all three at once! These books are amazing. They take place in the first century a decade or so after Christ's death -- Have you ever wondered about the early Christian church, or why they talk about slaves so much in the New Testament? The character of Hadassah is unforgettable. The first book will make you cry and leave you desperately wanting to read the next one. After you finish them, you'll want to lend them out to your friends, they are so amazing! Unfortunately, I only ordered the first book when someone recommended the series to me. I ended up ordering the second two before I even finished the first -- but had to wait several days before geting to read them! Learn from my mistake, and go ahead and order all three now --- unless you're trying to cultivate the gift of patience!
  
  
• A touching triology!
  By A220QBSGE6ZPG8 on 2004-09-28
  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!
  
  
• Favorite Books ever!
  By A3V379LJNQ28C5 on 2004-10-05
  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.
  
  
• My favorite author and series
  By A627NZM98JRFR on 2005-03-19
  Rivers is an amazing author. She has a gift for making a book reality. In this series, you truely feel like you knwo the charchters like old friends. My faith was challenged reading this series. Many friends have borrowed them and the first one has been read so many times it is literally held together with a rubberband!
  
  I love them all and have recommended all of her books to all my friends.
  
  
• Good enough to steal
  By A1CCIXSR75DKYY on 2006-08-30
  I teach at a jail; I purchase many books for my students there. If a book is particularly good, someone steals it. The better it is, the faster it gets stolen. This whole set went missing as soon as word got out that it had to do with early Christianity, The Coliseum, soldiers, man-eating lions, etc. Truly it is a great series, and I hope it is still circulating in one of the jail pods. I like the lessons the books teach, plus they're exciting to read. (All of Francine Rivers' Christian-based books are well-done.)
  
  
• beyond words can express
  By on 2001-07-20
  Francine Rivers has manged to astound me yet again. I am rarely emotionally moved, and this series had me crying in the first chapter. "The Mark of the Lion" series is so captivating, it deals with pain, forgiveness, love, suffering, trial, any type of sin imaginable, and of course the Lord's unfailing love. If you want to read a series that is uplifting and consumes your every thought, this is it. Francine Rivers is by far my favorite author, the Lord has blessed her hands, for she knows the key to pull a reader in. And that is a gift that is truly rare.
  
  
• Not what I expected
  By A2KJURXVBWX9ZX on 2004-03-17
  While I found the writing and the stories in these books engaging and interesting, I was bothered by the unrealistic characters who were often too perfect and often behaved in manners that seemed to be uncharacteristic. As is often the case in this type of Christian fiction, both the characters and the author seemed, at times, hypocritical. Perhaps this was intentional, but it was quite a put-off for me, mostly because it seemed to be an accident of the author's personal biases.

  I was also troubled by the historical research; many things implied to be true of this period and of Christianity in this period were just plain false. When I read historical fiction, I expect things to be actually based on historical truth.

  In the end, I have enjoyed reading the books for their stories, but a few of the other characteristics of the books would lead me not to highly recommend them.
  
  

• I wish a fourth book could be added to the series!
  By A3O86WT78RMYZE on 2005-02-25
  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 characters Rivers creates. I recommend these books to anyone who needs a little hope or reassurance in their lives.
  
  
• THE BEST!
  By ALC7EP96GCIYL on 2000-07-06
  I've read various authors, Danielle Steele, Sidney Sheldon, Taylor Caldwell, Janette Oke but no author has the gift that Francine Rivers has. I have just finished the first book in the Mark of the Lion series and am astonished. Before I read it, I had no interest at all in the Roman Empire. It was too "foreign." But all has changed now. No matter who you are, what you do, what you have done, where you've been or where you're going, do NOT miss this series! This is profound, riveting reading. You will be thinking about the characters long after the book is finished. You will see the terrorizing parellels of ancient Rome to modern America. It is absolutely terrifying. In one review, someone wrote that it is too graphic. It has to be. This is humankind at its absolute worst and serves as a wake-up call to all of us. The bible also tells the Truth and graphically does so. In the midst of all the mess, there is Hadassah, whose heart is pure and is able to love with an unconditional love. I would be interested to hear from anyone who reads the series and does not like it or is not changed by it.
  
  
• Strength through the eyes of a woman...
  By A3KD3CRBXVM3UQ on 2002-01-07
  What a series. The main character and her tribulations are just breathtaking. She believes in God and Christ and never lets go. This was the first series from Francine Rivers I've read and it's truly a work of art. She shows Hadassah as a strong woman that is not beaten down by the pressures of the Roman Empire. I could not step away from all three books once I got started. By the end of the first book I knew I had to go on because I was crying so hard. I knew when I got so envouled in the story line that it felt so close to home. AMAZING series. You don't have to be a "believer" to enjoy this series just someone that needs a book to read. I have never liked reading but I'll take a F. Rivers book any day and this has to be the best of hers!
  
  
• Addicted to Francine Rivers
  By A1XY1ZHDNUWGW0 on 2002-12-01
  The story and all the characters in The Mark of the Lion series really came alive to me. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made an impression on me. Hadassah was a major encouragement to me and my faith; she became like a hero to me, even though she's just a fictional character! I was relieved to see that none of the characters were perfect (a quality not always found in Christian fiction) and had their share of struggles.

  I really liked the time period as well. Ancient Rome really interested me and the book actually encouraged me to read through the entire Old Testament (the part of the Bible I always avoided) and learn as much as I could about Jesus' time. I think the setting is what separates this series from others. It was refreshing to read a book that wasn't about modern-day people yet seemed so applicable to my life and faith.

  The beginning of the first book is a little hard to get into. It takes a little time to develop and draw the characters together, but after that, there is no slowing down. Nothing I've read in the way of fiction (Christian or non) compares!

  I've read the series twice now and several others by Rivers. These books were probably the best thing that happened to me. They were an inspiration and an encouragement and left me addicted to Francine Rivers.
  
  

• Redeeming Love
• The Scarlet Thread
• The Atonement Child
• The Last Sin Eater
• Leota's Garden