A Voice in the Wind: The Mark of the Lion, Book 1

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

“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!

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...

Such an amazing book! I couldn't put it down! As soon as I finished it, I HAD to order book 2 and 3. Just finished book 2 which was just as good! Can't wait to start book 3! Such a great message and although the story is fictional, it's really inspiring on how I show my faith in God through love, kindness, and above all to trust in God.

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

Excellent novel. Francine Rivers did her research about ancient Roman times, concluding the book n Ephesus. It hurts the heart to know how cruel mankind was during hose days. We’ve improved, but there is still hate for n our world. But this book has an incredible strong in the faith character, whom we can follow as an example of God’s love.

This book is very informative on the life of people way back in the very early days of Rome. Will probably get the second book when I'm done with this one. Very easy reading.

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.

This is my second time ordering this book. I've blended out so many times because it is probably the best book I've ever read.

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.

Great Christian fiction literature. Devoured this book. Just finished reading book I as book II arrived this morning.

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