Mark of the Lion : A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure As the Dawn (Vol 1-3)

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.