I give this book 5 stars for a few reasons. One, it has a couple of subplots that make up the bigger plot, but they are not disjointed and then hastily tied together in the end. The subplots build carefully with interesting character development that make it interesting from the beginning even if you are not sure how they will tie together.

Two, the characters are very believable. I enjoy Christian fiction immensely if it is quality and the characters are believable, someone you could picture in real life. I have a hard time finding Christian fiction I enjoy because the characters seem canned and to be perfectly honest, corny. Francine Rivers however is able to develop interesting characters with characteristics and interaction you can find believable and that you can relate to. Hadassah can at times seem a little too "good", but you get to see the human side of her when her struggles and thoughts are described. And to be perfectly honest even if it is difficult to relate to her at times you see the impact she has on people and see something to aspire to.

The third reason I enjoyed it is because of the Christian principles and characteristics involved. Like I mentioned, Hadassah does seem a little too "good" at times, but you get to see her struggles and how she handles them. Struggles I find very believable and easily related to. Many other characters are able to be related to as well. The selfishness of Julia, the unwavering pursuit of money and pleasure by Marcus, the frustration and sadness of Phoebe and Decimus, and the judgment from the servants all make it able to be related to. I know that even as a Christian who is pursuing God, I still struggle with many of the same things that people who don't know God struggle with and this book shows clearly the logical conclusions that these characteristics take you to. Hands down one of the best Christian fiction books I have ever read.

This Book is not only an inspirational book but also a thought provoking book and a love story. You won't be able to read this one and not order the next two books that come with it.

From Jerusalem to Rome to Ephesus, travel with Hadassah, a young slave girl, as she clings to her faith in the face of the decadence of Rome in "A Voice on the Wind". As usual, Francine Rivers crafts a beautiful work of fiction full of poignant and thoughtful moments that touch the heart. There is also plenty of action as the author brilliantly draws the reader into the breathtaking locations of her tale. She brings Biblical characters to life beside her fictional creations in this wonderful novel. I highly recommend this novel and am proud to have it in my collection.

This book also contains a very helpful glossary of terms and an invaluable discussion guide for use with any reading group.

Well written ... check.
Historical ... check.
Spiritual ... check.
Adventure ... check.
Romance ... check.
Characters you love ... check.
Characters you don't ... check.
Pondering when you set it down ... check.
Today's reality revealed ... check.
Lessons for life ... check.
Growth in your heart ... check.
Inexplicable deep meaning ... check.
Wish you read it earlier ... check.
A hunger for more ... check.

Bon Appetit!

This book was recommended to me by multiple people and I found out why once I read it. It is my new favorite book, and Francine Rivers is definitely a new favorite author. Francine Rivers knows how to create an exciting story plot and bring you into it with vivid descriptions and believable characters.

Beautiful. This has to be the best Christian book that I have ever read. The characters are so real as are -most- of the situations. Francine Rivers has a very gifted style of writing-I couldn't put this book down once I started it and rushed to the bookstore to get the sequel after I finished.

Beautiful. This has to be the best Christian book that I have ever read. The characters are so real as are -most- of the situations. Francine Rivers has a very gifted style of writing-I couldn't put this book down once I started it and rushed to the bookstore to get the sequel after I finished.

I think this book shows that Christians should be strong in their faith. Strong enough to give everything up and die for it. Hadassah is a wonderful example of true, strong Christianity and a fantastic heroine.

Do not start this series unless you intend to finish it. Do not read this book unless you want to be haunted by the characters for months to come. Francine Rivers' A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion Series #1) is hauntingly written, with powerful archetypal characters that will linger in your subconscious. Once you come to know them they will surface in your thoughts repeatedly to remind you of important lessons in Christian character.

Powerfully written, this first in a series of three works of historical/biblical fiction transports us to a time shortly after Christ's death. Hadassah is a young Hebraic Christian girl whose father knew Jesus during His time here on Earth. We first meet her during the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman armies. Losing her entire family during the siege and attack she finds herself taken hostage and eventually sold as a slave.

Throughout A Voice in the Wind we are able to watch Hadassah mature in her faith and come to trust in the Lord completely. The book chronicles the challenges she faces as she strives to love those she serves in a Christ-like way. The Roman family who owns her is immersed in the idolatry and widespread sin common in their society. Despite, and indeed because of this fact, Hadassah is driven to love them and serve them beyond her personal limits as she seeks to show them Christ's love relationally.

Her mistress Julia embodies the self-centered and morally decaying Roman society. Through her example we come to see that all types of sin have been with us ever since the fall, including modern `hot spots' such as abortion and homosexuality. At times one would think that the book was written in a modern setting due to the relevance of the issues dealt with throughout.

Julia's older brother Marcus is a Roman playboy, disaffected and empty, seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places. His emptiness draws him to Hadassah when he begins to see Christ's light shining within her. Rivers was a romance novelist prior to her conversion, and as Marcus is drawn to Hadassah we encounter some highly sensual scenes as he attempts to engage her physically. For those who prefer to avoid sensual, romantic novels, I can assure you that though Marcus is persistent Hadassah holds firm to her Christian values throughout. It is a delight to watch her placing God before anything else in her life, difficult though that may be.

I found myself challenged by Hadassah's integrity and seemingly never-ending love for those she served. As I watched her place her own needs and desires aside time and time again in order to serve I found myself challenged to examine my own performance in the role of servant-mother. Observing her walk with the Lord inflamed my desire to know Him intimately, and I sought to draw nearer to Him. Would that my light could shine as brightly as hers! Believers will come to love Hadassah as they are encouraged by her Christian example, strengthened in their faith, and challenged to go deeper - to give all.

Francine Rivers has developed a name for herself as a modern master of Christian fiction. I can see that her reputation is well deserved. While the characters can appear too archetypical - black or white, it is their clear struggles, weaknesses and strengths that make this novel a valuable tool for Christian growth. This tenth anniversary edition includes a new foreword, an introduction from the author and a book discussion guide. The discussion guide features probing questions for individual or group study of the characters' natures. I was, and remain strongly moved by their individual journeys; they continue to live on in my heart.

I just finished reading "A Voice in the Wind" by Francine Rivers. In many ways it was a disturbing read in that Rome in the first century was much like our world today. So much for the "good old days" huh! The challenges the main character overcame made me come face to face with the reality that even on my worst days, I am blessed. In the days that Hadessah lived in Rome every religion and thought was accepted and held in high esteem, EXCEPT for Christianity and Judaism. Does that sound familiar to anyone? The difference is that today, at least for now, in the United States the persecution meted out is humiliation or slander instead of facing literal lions in the coliseum.

When we watch the History channel on television and they show the coliseum we often think of the place as a place of games. IT WAS A PLACE OF SLAVERY AND DEATH! The blood thirst of the spectators held them prisoner as well as the gladiators and Christians. Most of the time the reality of the place never reaches our brain. God, forgive me!

My fear of offending or conflict has been hard to overcome. I know the Lord will be with me to stand for my beliefs to the end. This book has given me much to think about. The characters were interesting, complex, and infuriating. It is worth the time and energy to read and explore the deeper issues of life.
This is syndicated from Nan's Journey, and written by noreply@blogger.com (Elaine Littau).

If I had to guess, I would say I've read well over 1,000 books in my short 31 years on this earth. This book is by far the most captivating, engaging tome I have ever picked up. And speaking of picking it up - I didn't put it DOWN once I opened it. I read it on a Saturday morning, finished on a Sunday morning without even going to bed. I am not a huge fan of christian fiction because so much of it is pure drivvel, but this one will NOT dissapoint. Must read!

This story was utterly breath taking. It was sweet, exciting, and sad all at once. Hadassah is the true epitome of what a Christian should be. She is self-sacrificing, loving, humble and forgiving. Even in the face of death her faith never waivered. It also never waivered when she had to choose between her love for God and her love for Marcus.

Julia was one character that I grew to loath the more I read about her. She was spoiled, self-centered and uncompassionate. I couldn't stand the fact that Marcus catered to her every whim which is one of the reasons she became the person that she was.

Marcus did the unthinkable in ancient Rome. He fell in love with a Jewish Christian who was his sister's slave. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Marcus because in falling with Hadassah he went up a against a mighty force and that was God.

The ending of this novel was gripping and touching. I had tears in my eyes as Marcus realized what Julia had subjected Hadassah to. His reaction was heart gripping. I look forward to reading the second installment.

I would strongly recommend this book.

This book was extremely good. The characters were alive and vibrant. I received a good lesson about Rome and about Roman culture. Plus it was a good reminder about how our brothers and sisters were persecuted and tortured because of their love for our Lord.

Do not be afraid to purchase this book, and once you start reading this exciting adventure--well you will be as hooked as I was.

I picked this book up a long time ago, skimmed over it to know the gist of it and put it back down. I found that I could not read it completely because, as another viewer said, it is not for the weak-hearted. If I had to find anything to compare it to today, I would compare it to the HBO series ROME. It is more Roman than Christian, meaning it is much more graphic than the usual Christian fare. It was the first book by Francine Rivers that I heard of, and I was almost scared off because this
book was so grim and realistic. I admire Rivers for being able to arouse such horror,anger and hatred in me for the Romans right from page 1. Because of these feelings, I can only give it 2 stars. It is not my kind of book because of the graphics and because of Hadassah. She is a wonderful Christian, probably the way Christians should be, but she is
quite unrealistic. I find it very hard to believe that she wouldn't have some temporary resentment for the Romans for killing her family,especially
for the Roman soldier who killed her brother and threw her sister's
lifeless body onto a pile of others. For her to say "I will never curse you" to that man later was VERY unreal. Hadassah witnessed it, for heaven's sake! I don't believe many people today could identify with her; I certainly didn't. If you don't mind these two points, buy this
book. It will be a real history lesson. As for me, I will stick with the Sons of Encouragement and Lineage of Grace series.

Personal Note: I would've liked it if her sister had survived. I've noticed that characters named Leah have a very hard time at the hands of
authors. They are either ugly, crazy, mean or they end up dead.

I generally enjoy a guy's read. In other words, I'm not interested unless the story has guns in it. I confess that, without reading any of her work, I wrote Francine Rivers off as Chick Lit.

In my home country, South Africa, she was really the only Christian fiction author available and, as such, I didn't read Christian fiction at all until a friend convinced me to give A Voice In The Wind a try. I read it and learned, in no uncertain terms, why her books have pride of place in every Christian retail outlet in my country.

The story was definitely not tame. Her characters are powerful and wild.

Ms. Rivers is captures the era with vivid imagery and keeps the reader riveted to the very last page. As I read my first Francine Rivers novel, I found myself enthralled - and unable to put the book down.

My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that A Voice In The Wind is really half the story. If you buy this novel, make sure you purchase the sequel An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2) along with it. There's no way you will read this book and not want to know more about these characters and their story.

Having read my first Francine Rivers novel, I became an immediate fan and wasted no time getting the next book in the series.

Sean Young
Author of Violent Sands - A Novel

I usually avoid Christian fiction because what I have read in the past never made me care about the characters or the plot for that matter. However, I also wanted to avoid the immoral content of modern, popular fiction, so I would read mostly 19th-century classics in order to find a balance between plot and morality. This is one of the only pieces of modern fiction that both mesmerized me and deepened my walk with Christ at the same time. Amazing!

The experience of reading these 3 books by Francine Rivers is not something I will forget in a hurry. I could'nt put them down. My Mother is reading them now and my daughter is waiting in line. A true life changing adventure. Thank you Ms. Rivers.

THE FIRST TIME I PAST THIS BOOK BY IN THE LIBRARY THE TITTLE CAUGHT MY ATTENTION BUT I ENDED UP LETTING THE SIZE INTIMIDATE ME...THE NEXT TIME I WENT IN AGAIN THE BOOK CAUGHT MY ATTENTION ONCE MORE AND ONCE I STARTED READING IT.I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. THE STORY IS BEAUTIFUL, THE WRITING IS GREAT. IT MOST DEFINITELY HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS. HADASSAH IS SUCH A GREAT CHARACTER, THE TRIALS SHE IS PUT TROUGH AND HER STRENGTH IN GOD IS AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY.

Never have I become so completely enthralled with a piece of fiction. I was mesmerized from cover to cover. Francine Rivers must be the best Christian fiction writer on the market. She has a way with words that makes it seem so easy. This trilogy of books is rich in history, rich in character development, and never lacks in plot. DO: read this book. DO: have the sequel on hand prior to completion. DO: enjoy thoroughly!

This book, by far, is the most captivating book I've ever read. It's one of the very few books that I've ever read multipe times. It had everything... great scene, lots of interesting characters, love, hate, loyalty, deceit, fear, hope, restoration. Once your read this book you MUST read the 2nd book in the series!

Here is an author that proves you don't have to have profanity or sex or even scene after scene of graphic gore to write a very intelligent, vibrant, engaging ADDICTING, amazing epic story! As another review said, "Why did I wait so long?!" I'm a 50 year old woman and I am a writer myself. For most of my life - at least in the past 30 years, I have only read and written non-fiction. A year ago, I began my own first attempt at writing fiction and have begun a series with the first book finished. Even though the first draft was finished, I needed to research other Christian based fiction during my rewrite and thus my hunt began for well written fiction I could learn from.

I'm not in Francine River's league and can only hope I can strive to TRY to be.

My college degree lo those many years ago was in English/British Literature. Who could possibly compare to the greats of British or even early American literature? I didn't even try. Well - yes I did - and I always, always came up disappointed. The most disappointing to me for the longest time was Christian fiction. It was written - in my opinion - on a nice 13 year old's level. Then Ted Dekker came along and now Liparulo (the genre I prefer) and Peretti's first few books (to name some action Christian authors). However - the overall "epic" was missing.

I will compare this series - this first book and the second because they go so intimately together - to "Gone With the Wind." I finished reading GWTW when I was 11 years old, on a Thursday evening. I will never forget that moment. From that time on, I used GWTW as the "standard" for epic fiction. (I have read the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy and other such fiction but I'm sticking to reviewing here the epic-love-story-for-chicks-or-guys-action-historical-drama fiction). With GWTW I felt like I was in the south during the Civil War, I could smell the smells and hear the sounds and I believed that Scarlett and Rhett and Mellie and Ashley were REAL. They were as if they had really lived and I was reading non-fiction about their lives. Over the course of my lifetime I have reread GWTW at least six times.

Nothing for me has ever come close to GWTW - as far as modern fiction goes as described above - UNTIL "A Voice In the Wind" and the following "An Echo in the Darkness." Again - other than non-fiction stories with real people, no other fictional accounts have ever brought me to tears - the sobbing, choking, coughing kind of tears since GWTW like River's "Mark of the Lion Series." I read "A Voice in the Wind" and then IMMEDIATELY went to Amazon even before finishing and bought the next in the series "An Echo in the Darkness" and read that. Not since GWTW have I EVER (since college) stayed up all night to finish a book as I did with the second in the series. I literally ended up with only one hour sleep because I would NOT skim (which I find I tend to do with a lot of fiction I've been reading lately because I just want to cut to the chase) and I had to find out how all would work out with the characters Rivers introduced us to who I grew to love, care for and who became as real to me as if they truly existed in this historical, Biblical time. I refused to skim even one word because I wanted to soak up the entire experience word by word JUST as Francine Rivers wove her tapesty of fiction.

I am currently just beginning the third in the series "As Sure as the Dawn" and I'm certain I will not be disappointed. She is a prolific author, but I am going to read every single book she has written and I'm only sorry I hadn't discovered her prior to now!

I have found a new author to consume! When I find someone I like I tend to read, read, read until I have conquered them all. Looks like I will be reading Francine Rivers for a while. This was a great book. Sometimes writers of Christian fiction sugar coat things so to not offend anyone. I think that Rivers does an excellent job of NOT sugar coating, yet not writing anything offensive either. Finished this at the gym this morning and all ready started number 2!

I had to struggle to get thru the first 1/4 inch of the book--which is not much considering how thick this book is. Then, I could not put this one down. I've already started on book #2 of this trilogy. The time period is 70 AD and starts with the fall of Jerusalem--a very bloody period in history. This was one of the best love stories I have ever read! It is very well written and has action, adventure, betrayal, and everything you can imagine. The way this book ended, I was glad I had book #2 to pick right up. Oh my...

I had to struggle to get thru the first 1/4 inch of the book--which is not much considering how thick this book is. Then, I could not put this one down. I've already started on book #2 of this trilogy.

The time period is 70 AD and starts with the fall of Jerusalem--a very bloody period in history. This was one of the best love stories I have ever read! It is very well written and has action, adventure, betrayal, and everything you can imagine. The way this book ended, I was glad I had book #2 to pick right up. Oh my...

This is Christian Historical Fiction which is at the same time an intriguing story that captures your imagination, and also challenging to the reader to consider how you would react in a similar situation. It is a very good read for even non-christians with vivid details of period life in the Roman Empire. The plot line is realistic, complex, and well paced.

Short of jumping into a time machine and visiting the Roman Empire at the fall of Jerusalem, this is the best method I would suggest for understanding the setting of the New Testament. The "world" that is referred to in Paul's writings is clearly understood for what it was, and the parallels to our lives today are uncanny and alarming. Be warned, however, Rivers graphically, but appropriately shows the Roman Empire for what it was, so this book is not for the faint hearted or young readers. I challenge you to read it and see if you ever think about the Jews, Romans and other Gentiles of the Early Christian Age in the same way ever again.

It was difficult for me to come up with a rating for this book. It was well-written with a captivating story. The ending left me wanting to know more about the characters and I will probably read the next book in the series just to find out what happens. I am also a fan of Francine Rivers and have loved a number of her other books.

The problem I had with the book was the graphic portrayal of the Roman empire during the time of the story. The author was very open about the society of the times and that meant that there was a lot of violence and sexual innuendo throughout the story. As I generally tend to like authors who do not sugar-coat their stories I was puzzled as to why this bothered me.

I do tend to be very squeamish when it comes to gory violence. The fights of the Roman Empire were quite violent and were vividly portrayed that way. The sexual content also bothered me. There weren't any details but the author gave enough information to leave little to the imagination. This is probably came from the fact that she wrote Romance novels before switching to Christian Fiction. I personally thought it was a little over done.

My favorite character in the book was Julia; the spoiled rich girl who reminded me of Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare. It was her story that kept me reading as I wanted to know more about what was going to happen to her and I wanted to see what other choices she might make. It was the flaws in her character that made her the most interesting to read about.

I tend to read books in the Christian genre when I'm looking for a good story without an overabundance of scenes I would prefer not to read. If this is not why you would pick up this book then it may be the right one for you. I would not recommend this book for young teens or anyone who wants to avoid reading material that has a lot of violence and sex as it is impossible to avoid in this book. When I make my choice in ratings I base it on whether or not I would own or would re-read the book. In this case I would not do either but I can easily see why someone else would answer yes to both of those questions.

In summary, if you are not bothered by violent fight scenes and/or sexual innuendo then you may very well enjoy this book. It was definitely an interesting read and it gave me a greater insight into the Roman Empire. For me, it proved a little too strong for my tastes.

From the moment I began reading this novel it simply took my breath away. I just could not stop, and when I had to put it down, I was counting the minutes or hours that I had until I could begin. I highly recommend this book.

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! i just got finished reading the series for the third time and honestly, outside of the Bible, this book has done more to encourage my walk with the Lord than any non-fiction book...its wonderful! francine rivers has been blessed with words to make stories come alive. loved it! you should buy it and read it!!!

I received this book as a Christmas gift. If I would have seen this book in the store I would have written it off as a romance novel and I don't do romance novels. It is a Christian novel set in Rome in the apostalic era. It follows the lives of its 3 main characters: Haddassah from Jerusalem, Marcus from Rome, and Atretes from Germany. Throughout the book you are taken to various scenes in each of the characters respective countries and lives. Their lives eventually intersect and you are meant to see that nothing happens by accident. It is a very interesting, thrilling, sad and yet hope-filled story. Warning: you can't read this book without having the sequel nearby.

Excellent Historical Fiction. Great series. This book and its sequel are wonderful. A great witness to those who would read romance novels. An engaging testimony without being to preachy or schmaltzy.

I ordered this book for my 16 year old daughter who had to read it for school. She enjoyed it so much that she wants me to read it as well...it is next on my list!