sadielady98's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Amazing book! I re-read the first two books in this series every January!
slclardy's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely the best book of its genre that I have read, and one of the best overall. Inspiring, reflective, memorable.
booksandchicks's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't realize I never wrote a review on this book. This is THE book I recommend for everyone to read. It was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the history of ancient Rome. The story is about a Christian girl who becomes a slave, a german barbarian that becomes a gladiator, and 2 high class Romans who live in frivolity. Such an enjoyable read, I couldn't put it down!
kimmybmom04's review against another edition
4.0
First I will mention that I have tried to read this book multiple times over the past 7+ years and have never been able to get past the first couple chapters. That being said, I finally took the time to read it and I am so thankful I did. I've had many people tell me that this series is life-changing and I must agree.
Take the time to get through the first 80 or so pages, and know that Rivers has to give the history for you to understand the storyline and the characters. It is worth it!!!
This book is of course Christian historical fiction, and the setting takes place 40 years after Jesus' death. The characters represent many different aspects of Christianity and it is truly beautiful. The story and the writing are both amazing and will leave you searching your self and where you stand in your Christian walk. Read it, digest it, and search for more in your own walk with Christ.
Take the time to get through the first 80 or so pages, and know that Rivers has to give the history for you to understand the storyline and the characters. It is worth it!!!
This book is of course Christian historical fiction, and the setting takes place 40 years after Jesus' death. The characters represent many different aspects of Christianity and it is truly beautiful. The story and the writing are both amazing and will leave you searching your self and where you stand in your Christian walk. Read it, digest it, and search for more in your own walk with Christ.
amalgamation_of_things's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly moving story, though the ending was heartbreaking. Can't wait to read (listen to) the next book.
dwheeler88's review against another edition
4.0
I finished this book a couple days ago and it left me feeling sad and disappointed and I haven’t picked up a new book to read yet. If you’re reading this, don’t make any extra effort to finish it right before bed. There’s a huge cliffhanger and it’s not a satisfying ending at all.
Hadassah, Julia, Marcus and Atretes are the main characters. The book is well written but it is also gruesome and depressing.
Hadassah, Julia, Marcus and Atretes are the main characters. The book is well written but it is also gruesome and depressing.
kayla_joyful's review against another edition
5.0
This book was recommended to me by a friend. It took me a while to find it, during which she kept bragging about it more and more, so much I was worried it wouldn't reach my expectations.
It did! Amazing work by Francine Rivers, the characters come to life.
She does bring a lot of frankness into the book, this is Roman history like you've never seen it before. But she did her research well.
My only problem with it was that the POV (point of view) would change suddenly from one character to the next. It made me a little dizzy at first, but I got used to it.
Just a note, I rate this book PG-13. Mainly because of the adult themes, and references to nakedness, homosexuality, and sex. This is not a children's book.
Well done Francine Rivers, you've earned yourself a new fan. :)
It did! Amazing work by Francine Rivers, the characters come to life.
She does bring a lot of frankness into the book, this is Roman history like you've never seen it before. But she did her research well.
My only problem with it was that the POV (point of view) would change suddenly from one character to the next. It made me a little dizzy at first, but I got used to it.
Just a note, I rate this book PG-13. Mainly because of the adult themes, and references to nakedness, homosexuality, and sex. This is not a children's book.
Well done Francine Rivers, you've earned yourself a new fan. :)
unicalasa's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so so good. I was greatly encouraged by Hadassah's faith and her dedication to God
themaskedwoman's review against another edition
The prose wasn't working for me. To me, it was chronicling events and actions of a plethora of characters that I wasn't invested or interested in. Maybe I'll endeavour reading it again, but the writing style didn't work for me.