You will love this story. I found myself envisioning each character and became very caught up in the story. It is harder reading than Redeeming Love but also very good.

The first 3-4 chapters are hard to follow as they are completely three different stories, but then by the 5th chapter they all come together and you will NOT be able to put the book down. The story continues in the other two books and likewise you will not want to stop reading. They are so good and you can learn so much of those times just by reading these books. I had actually already read all 3 books (borrowed from a friend), but I wanted the series for myself so I could share with others. They are truly a series you want to read.

Mark of the Lion.these books arrived to me quicker than i expected and they were in perfect condition.the three books had me engrossed, i didnt want to put them down fantastic books,very upbuilding ,touched my heart and made me cry at times.Amazons service was great i am totally satisified and will continue to do service with you

I was steered towards this series when I mentioned to a friend that I hadn't read a truly "life-changing" book in a while. Boy was she right! I found myself with a renewed fire for the Lord after reading each one of these books. Even through some graphically violent scenes, the peace of the message shone through. I wish I had read slower because now they're over. Maybe I'll pick them up again in a few years and find something new to love!

Francine Rivers "Mark of the Lion" series is the best fiction series I have ever read. I was sad to see it end. I have recommended it and given the series as gifts many times and everyone loves it!

I read these books several years ago, than again a few years later and I am about going to read them on my vacation for a third time. I have owned them two times, only to share them and never get them returned. This will be my final set to own, hopefully, as I will forever hold onto these. I still can't find any books that have touched me as much as these three. AMAZING writing and I still remember the smallest details of the charactors, the scenes are burned into my memory. I remember sitting in bed after finishing the first book crying and rushing to the library to get the second one and they had it checked out so I drove to another town to get it. I finished it in ONE DAY. Warning ... you really do want to be on a vacation to read these as you won't be able to get anything else done until you are finished. TRULY these are the most amazing writings and they have such a heart wrenching story that they will stay with you for a long time and most likely you will come back to read them again.

This book was absolutely incredible! I could not put it down!! I have since ordered 5 more copies to give to friends and my mom because the book is that good! It is such a testiment of how faithful the Lord is and I learned so much about stories in the Bible from the way she includes scripture in the story. I felt like I was in the book and could relate to every character. Francine River has a beautiful gift from the Lord to put his grace and faithfulness into perspective throughout Mark of the Lion. Besides Redeeming Love, they are the best books I have ever read.

Rivers began as a romance novelist, and she remains one. Mark of the Lion is predictable, hits all the hot-button issues (abortion, homosexuality, right-to-die, etc.), and gives the reader a steady diet of evangelical Christian reinforcement. That said, the books are quick, easy reads, plot-driven and pleasant. If you enjoy happily-ever-after endings, historical fiction, and a persistent Christian message, you'll probably like these (my mother loved these books--she's a Nicolas Sparks fan). If you are interested in excellent literary craftsmanship, look elsewhere.

The mark of the lions series is probably one of the best series i have ever read. I couldnt put the books down! I was constantly in my bedroom reading for hours. The books have everything in them from spiritual to action to romance; and Reading about Hadassah's faith for the lord just makes your faith grow even stronger and to see how she faces such terrible promblems in wich i couldnt even imagine , she still clings to her faith .


This is truly an amzeing book. I would recommend it to anybody.

I absolutely love these books. I can't believe how good the writing is, how amazing the love story is, and how much I love the characters. They are an easy read that will suck you in and never let you go. They are my favorite books of all time and such an inspiration.

I could probably write a book about this series of books! In fact, my book club just finished talking about the second one last night! These are great Christian fiction literature. Rivers ties the characters together so well, and really does NOT make the characters too "fictionalized". You can really see the struggles that they go through, it could be real.
I really love all three of the books... probably my favorite Francine Rivers books.

This series is amazing! Could not put them down. No one would be disappointed with this read, for sure! Francine Rivers takes a fictional story and makes it tug at your own Faith! Reminds you of God's amazing Grace and Love. Worth the read!

This is one of the best Christian Trilogies I have ever read!!!

In order, the books are:
(1)"A Voice in the Wind"
(2)"An Echo in the Darkness"
(3)"As Sure As The Dawn"

If you are looking into these books for the 1st time, my advice is... stop everything and go get them right now! I ABSOLUTELY INHALED all 3 books in record time. (I'm talking, so intense that I was up till 3 & 4:00 in the morning more than a few times!) I can not say enough about how great these book are. I am so sad that I am finished with them! All three books are so well written and I feel like I know the characters personally.

I feel like I can read about Hadassah to no end. I LOVED her character development and you can truly FEEL her love for Marcus and you can FEEL her pain through her trials. I borrowed these books from my friend, and I now plan to go out and buy a set for me to own, re-read & share. They were just too good not to pass around and recommend to others. In the last book, I was surprised that I became just as attached to the relationship of Atretes and Rizpah as I did with Hadassah and Marcus.

Francine Rivers is now one of my new favorite authors, and I am on my way to read Redeeming Love, which I have heard SO MUCH ABOUT!

God's Blessings to Miss Rivers- I look forward to many more of her books!

A friend gave me the first book "A Voice in the Wind" and I literally could not put it down once I started. I finished it in about 2 days. While reading that one,I knew I HAD to have the remaining two books. These are the absolute best I have EVER read, and I've read hundreds of books. The characters are ones that will stay with you a lifetime, they are so real. I never thought that a fiction book would impact my Christian walk the way these books have.

These books are a must read for anyone.

The first time I read this series, I stayed up all night to finish the first and second books. In the second book I cried until my eyes were puffy and my throat was sore the next morning. The second time I read the series, I discovered so many things I had missed, cried until my eyes were puffy and my throat was sore the next morning. The third time I read the series, I skipped straight to my favorite parts and cried some more. If I had another boy, I'd name him after Marcus...
Even though Hadassah is so close to perfection, her character is an inspiration to me.

I just finished reading A Voice in the Wind and I want to get the other two but I might as well get the 3 in 1 volume because I will read it again and again. Rivers did an amazing job with this book. I couldn't put down the book at night and even stayed up till 11 PM to finish it.

The story line is amazing and I can't wait to read the next two to see what happens to everyone.

Great Book! I would recommend it to anyone.

Hooked me in 1999 and I'm reading As Sure as the Dawn right now (for the 17th time). These books never get old. Few stories are as well written or as intellectually stimulating as these novels. They have a depth and a quality to them that resonates. I don't know why, but I can't seem to get enough of them. This is one of the few Christian series that actually strikes a bit of reality and isn't based on a perfect world; yet the conclusion is unutterably satisfying.

the books were in excellent condition, they got here as promised, and i've enjoyed reading them!

This is a must read! I started one, rushed to the second, and gobbled up the third. I was so sad when the trilogy was over. This is a gripping novel that made me question my faith and how much I trust God. My faith and spiritual walk are stronger after reading all three books.

Mark of the Lion : A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure As the Dawn (Vol 1-3)
An outstanding tale of early Christians during the Roman Empire.

I liked these books so much that I have bought several sets and sent them as gifts to all my friends and family.

I could not put this series of books down but once I was finished there was one thing that came to mind and that it is an amazing example for any Christian. I grew up in a very disfunctional "Christian" home and I had very few good models to look after. But while reading about Hadassah and her actions it was almost as if I was there. Now I get it, now I understand and I am so thankful for Francine Rivers for using her gifts in such a blessed way.

This is Francine Rivers at her finest! These books will change your life. A must for every Christial library, at home or at church!

We all kinda fell in love with the characters in this trilogy and devoured the books in rapid succession. It's the kind of series you can put on your bookshelf for a few years and pick up to re-read all over again - with just as much pleasure.

This trilogy offers an amazing story! You will not be disappointed and the gift set is a great price (better than buying them separately!)

I am just starting the third book of the trilogy and highlyyyyyy recommend that you purchase all three - they all run together and I literally couldn't wait to get to the next book! I usually don't like this kind of fiction writing and I CAN'T STAND romance books but I first got hooked with FRivers "Redeeming Love" and even though I don't like the somewhat sleezy details that you find in romance novels, the message in her books 'redeems' it. I read most of the reviews to get a well rounded feel for people's insights and even though there were some good points to the negative reviews, I came away from these books transformed and renewed as they helped me see how I can be better with my Christian walk. Hadassah's character, although a bit overstaged, was such a beacon for me and I hope to never forget her character. I read the reviews that some was true research and others said that much was untrue. I don't know but enjoyed having a look into what it could have been like. I wasn't thrilled with the gladiator edge but watching the Gladiator movie helped with the visual. That to me was the "romance edge" that could have been left out. I wish she would have done more with his humaness. But i was gripped by it overall - Enjoy - i did!

This is a Christmas gift for my husband so I have not reviewed the books, but based on all Francine Rivers' other best-sellers I know this series will also be fabulous!

The Mark of the Lion is such a classic series! It is Christian fiction that has adventure, romance, and mystery. I've only read the first two, but I know the third will also be fun to read, because I couldn't stop reading the first two. The setting is in Rome, Jerusalem, Ephesus, etc. about 40 years after Jesus rose from the grave, but Francine Rivers portrays the characters as people we can relate to. This series also helped my own relationship with God! I would recommend the Mark of the Lion to anyone, 13 years or older, because of some (slightly!) unappropriate content, but otherwise it's the best!

When I first started reading this book, I was a little leery, but as I continued to read I couldn't put it down. The author did a great job depicting the characters. I often times felt like I was watching a movie, because the details were so excellent that the words became alive right before me. It's not just a cheesy romance novel, but there are so many messages in this book that all surround a greater purpose with Christian principles. This is an EXCILLENT read. I would suggest that everyone read it.

It's a powerful series which can be wholly read and understood individually. I, unintentionally and personally didnt read them in the published order. Hadassah, the central character of the first book - A Voice In The Wind- is magnetic and thoroughly mesmerizing. Her example of Christian love, humility, virtue, witness and service is exceptional and you can totally understand why people start to (incorrectly) idolize her. Her devotion to Yeshua will leave you longing for Him, yourself.

Marcus' journey toward finding the Saviour in An Echo In The Darkness is gorgeously written. It's about being broken and re-made, seeking and finding.

In As Sure As The Dawn, the journey of Rizpah and Atretes is expertly chronicled and the central theme is of paganism and breaking down old customs and traditons. It is my least favourite of the series. I found Atretes not much likable and not quite deserving of Rizpah.

Finally, the rendition of the Old Roman Empire and that era is so richly done and realistic, I wonder if Francine Rivers didn't do a back-in-time travel; the decadence, the Coliseum, martyrdom et al, no holds barred. Francine Rivers is a force for Christ to be reckoned with.

I'm just so glad I bought all three books at one time. It would've been torture waiting for the other sequels to get in. All three stories were powerful and spoke of the unending power of love and forgiveness. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the book too. The historical facts were well and accurately presented, with poignant love stories woven within. I loved reading this series.

Someone let me borrow this series and I loved it soooooooo much that I had to order a set of my own. I felt the need to encourage others to read it. It is by far the best I have EVER read. I love these books so much. The first part of the book is hard to read but when you get past 50 pages or so you will not be able to put the book down. PLEASE READ THESE BOOKS.. I promise that you will love them...

I am only half way through the 1st book in the series but WOW! The first few chapters are spent developing the characters. I have quickly found myself not wanting to put the book down. I can hardly wait to see how the story unfolds. It is wonderful how the author incorporates Christian themes within a fiction book.

Another positive is that I think that this series would interest my husband as well. It doesn't seem to be written specifically for one sex or the other.

This series is one you will nto only not be able to put down ( buy the set... you dont want to have to wait for the next book to arrive) But its one that will touch your heart down to the deepest parts. I like these books becasue even though they are Christian Romances they are books that Anyone of any religion can enjoy. My Husbund and I both read them and provided copies for many friends of ours!

An amazing story that brings you back to the foundation of your faith, as they did for me. I laughed, cried, and rejoiced with the characters as they went through their trials and tribulations. Kudos to Francine Rivers for bringing a remarkable story for generations to come!

This series was so great. Not only does it keep your attention in an entertaining way but it makes you think more about what it was like for 1st century Christians.

Didn't get a lot done while reading this book, couldn't put it down. The story draws you in and you also learn alot about this time, the Roman Empire and the plight of their conquered peoples. Can be a little gruesome in parts. Highly recommend.

These books have really spoken to me. Ms. Rivers has done her homework when it comes to historical accuracy, even printing a glossary of terms in the back of the book. The story lines and characters are outstanding, and beautifully illustrate the story of God's love for us.

Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series provides believable plots; well-crafted, fully-human characters; satisfying love stories; and practical instruction in Christian living. These books are fun to read, but they go beyond that to provide a deep satisfaction that you can't get from mere entertainment. Also delightful are her polished writing and her attention to historical details. Her careful craftsmanship delights the heart AND the mind. History buffs, romance readers, and students of practical Christian living should all enjoy these books.

Others have detailed the plot, so I won't go into that. Francine Rivers is a talented author, who weaves plots together in a cohesive and compelling way. Her books pull you in and what seems like a long read ends up passing by much too quickly.

If you're interested in others of her books, I'd recommend REDEEMING LOVE most especially, but you really can't go wrong with anything she writes!

Oh my goodness, did I have a great time reading these books. I LOVED them. The first two books were my favorite. Book two picks up right after the first one, and the third book also picks up right where the first book left off. So, it's kind of like two continuations of the first book, just different characters. I thought that was a cool way to write a trilogy. I would tell others to bear with the first 100 pages of the first book, where Francine is really developing the characters. After that, it TAKES OFF and you'd BETTER have the second book on hand when you finish the first!

Glory to God for the talent He gave Francine Rivers to write.

You will NOT be disappointed in ANY of these books.

This trilogy just keeps getting better! When you think you are reading the most amazing part of the book, it just keeps getting better! I will be reading this one over and over again. It is so rich! If you know your Bible, it is much more fascinating as you have actually read about some of the people introduced in her story! A glimpse into what it was like in Rome and the early church. She develops her characters so endearingly. This would make a great gift!

These three books are amazing and thought provoking! They are about the early Christian church, their struggles and their accomplishments of spreading the Gospel! Awesome!

This series is my all time favorite out of all books I have ever read in my life! The first one is an awesome introduction to the characters but the second one is definetly the best! One of my favorite things about Francine's style is she never fails to bring her readers into the depth of emotions that her characters are feeling and dealing with. I love the passion she has for God personally and how she reflects that in at least one of her characters. I bought this series many years ago and have read it at least once a year ever since. To this day I have yet to find even a single book or Author for that matter that even compares. She simply doesn't write books fast enough! I would definetly recommend this book to anyone who loves the Lord and loves historical fiction. These books have some great insights to the termoil between the Jews and Romans.

As a lover of historical fiction, I found this trilogy the most exceptionally written craft of work in the Christian book market. I loved every bit of these books! They are my absolute favorite and I don't think there can be any other books to match them. They are in a league of their own.

I have to date read all but one of her books (Liotas Garden). The lineage of grace series, and (the ones on the men) were great. My first book was redeeming love, which I loved. Now the top of my favorites of hers was this series. I have a 2 year old, and found the time to get all three of these books read in a couple weeks. they are that good! You will keep the character Hadassah in your thoughts for a long time. now i'm on a book frank peretti "this present darkness"...it's great!

I have literally read this book (or series) three times and plan to read it several more. It is such an inspiring story that captivates you and forbids you from putting it down (even the 2nd and 3rd times through).

It deals with how to LIVE the Christian life, how to witness to those you love by example and through love. It is very inspiring and beautifully written. I would have to say it is the most excellent period piece I have read to date. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED!

I an a new Francine Rivers fan. I have read the account of the fall of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews in the Bible all of my life. This book puts "flesh" on these historical days. I walked along side Hadassah. I wept with her; I experienced fear with her, I am totally amazed by her humility and compassion. Her devotion to God is an inspiration. I will be a better person for having read this book. I couldn't put it down and was so grateful that it was only the first book in the trilogy.

I read all three and loved them. Couldn't put them down and when I did, I couldn't wait to get back to them!

An unforgetable journey into the past, this series, so meticulously researched,forces the Christian to evaluate his or her own faith: Could I be a Hadassah? Well worth reading -- and more than once!