A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion #1)

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.