"A Voice in the Wind"

(not my photo)

What an amazing book! I am so thankful that a friend recommended this series! "A Voice in the Wind" is the first book in the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. This novel is set during the time period of around 70 a.d. Taking you through Jerusalem to Rome and to Ephesus brings a whole world to life before your eyes. Many characters are brought into your spectrum and give you a wide variety of people! From gentle Hadassah, childish Julia, barbaric Atretes, rich yet empty Marcus, and a whole set of characters that revolve around each of these people, who can't help but compel you to stop and ponder. The bad and the ugly of these characters souls actually made me think a lot more about what Jesus did. He died for everyone. I have to say that I absolutely hated Julia! And to know that Jesus died for her, and people like her, too if she would receive Him is mind boggling at the love He has. Anyway.. lol ;)

       Having mere life nearly stripped from her brings Hadassah to her knees before the Lord. Everything gone, she now became a slave. Although the Lord had His hand on her and rather than being thrown into the arena for being a Jew, becoming a slave was a blessing! Serving with humility and loyalty soon brings warmth and love from her owners. But fear has a way of keeping ones tongue locked tight. Since being a Christian isn't necessarily "safe" she let's everyone just believe that she is Jewish. Though they can tell that she has a peace that surpasses understanding.  Will she tell those she has come to love about the hope that is in Jesus? Or will it come little too late?
         Hungry for pleasure, which Marcus hopes would fill some void within him, just leaves him with an even deeper cut within. Money, women, and power have disquieted his mind. Sensing a peace that Hadassah has brings a longing to his heart for her. Though refusing everything she believes in only brings more frustration as he tries to "reason" with her. What made him care so much for just a servant? Would he break her just to get to her?
        As she follows in her big brother's, Marcus, steps, it brings Julia down an even deeper, darker, and more shallow place within her soul. After so long Hadassah cannot control this torment of destruction that Julia brings upon herself. Adultery, murder, and a lack of feeling, are all she embraces. Rome has made Julia her child. Although she isn't fully able to come up with such conniving completely on her own and she is fully willing to listen to anything but reason and morality. Listening to lies brings her to hate the one person that loves her so. To what end will she bring "vengeance" upon this person?
        Taken captive by the Roman empire brings Atretes, a Germanic barbarian, to Rome as a gladiator. Releasing all his hate keeps his alive. Heart pounding and mind racing bring nothing to him other than distaste for this world. Adored by both men and women doesn't give him anything. Money pouring down on Atretes still cannot get him freedom. If he does succeed in gaining freedom, would it fill that desire, or will he die a gladiator and without hope?

Sorry for the longevity of this post. There was a lot to tell. :) Anyway I hope you consider reading this book because it is definitely a keeper. ;) Though I would say that you might want be to at least 16 before reading it because there is a lot of topics that are bit grownup... just saying. It didn't really go in detail but sometimes it might be a bit much for more naive ears(eyes). :P
God bless and have a wonderful day!