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

A young Jewish Christian woman, Hadassah, is left alone when her father is killed for preaching, her mother and sister die from starvation, her brother is murdered by Roman soldiers, and she is sold into slavery. She is a living witness of a follower of Jesus for her owners even though she does not speak of her belief. Acknowledgement is surest way to arena. The master's son, Marcus, falls in love with Hadassah. He proposes but she refuses because he is not a Christian. In his anger to her rejection he makes some comment his sister overhears. The sister was jealous of her brother's relationship with Hadassah and capitalized on an opportunity to rid them of her. She had her sent to the arena. Marcus is unaware of this but he enjoys going to the arena so when his sister tells him she has a surprise for him at the arena he can't imagine what. When he sees Hadassah there is nothing he can do to rescue her so he sees her die. He is angry with his sister and walks out the arena. By the grace of God, Hadasah survives but with lasting scars. Through her scars many are saved including the family she served.

I love this series! Francine Rivers has a way of painting pictures with words and keeping you captivated with her storytelling. Make sure you have book 2 in hand before you finish this first book of the series. You can't put it down.

Francine Rivers....wow! Amazing story. I had to order the second book to be overnighted when I finished. The story was a slow starter, but the characters are so well written that they stay with you long after the book is done.

This book really makes you think. Wonderful read, I could not put it down. For those who know the truth it will grow your faith. If you never heard the gospel please take the time to read this and you won't be disappointed.

Excellent storyline. It moves slow in the beginning but if you are patient, the book is definitely worth the slow start. The underlying Christian theme is so moving - you will want to read again to ensure you understood the messages.

This was recommended to me as a good historical Christian novel. And just might be just that. But I personally had a hard time with the pagan society at the time. This was the author's first Christian book she wrote after having written many other secular novels. Too graphic for me.

This book and the following two books in the Mark of the Lion series are my favorite books of all the Christian fiction books I have ever read. Beautiful story that I get more out of every time I read it. I am one who re-reads my books and have shared them with my daughter and several friends.Such lessons in unselfish service, faith and humility.

Everything I want to say has already been said. However, it is not hard to go on a little bit more about it! It is definitely one of the best novels I have read. I love old literature/classics and get tired of the modern day christian romance novels because they all end up seeming the same or just a little "corny". Most christian romance novels don't have deep and intricated characters but this one tops them all. I loved Hadassah and every other character was very well developed. Francine Rivers is such a great author. She describes things in such a way that I almost felt I was watching a movie! Needless to say if you are even considering buying this book, just do it! Believe me, it is well worth the risk.

This series is amazing! Love it, starts off slow but is well worth it. Francine Riversers tells the gospel like no other writer. Could not put it down. I use this series as one of my evangalism toos Its Christian fiction but dont let that fool u. Its not a soft story.

I bought this book to replace my original copy, that was "borrowed" and not returned. This was the 1st book that I read by Francine Rivers, and this one every book since has been great! Haddassah, in this series is the type of woman of faith that lots of us strive to be. I LOVED this book, and the whole Mark of the Lion series!

This story is so amazing! Hadassah's love for God is incredible. I can't imagine living through her journey, she is such an inspiration to be all I can with God's love & strength. She makes you want to read and re-read the Bible and gain a hope from God that is straight from heaven.

This is my absolute favorite ancient historical fiction series ever written. An absolute must read series!!! So well researched and accurate. Wonderful message and painfully realistic. Well done!!!

Fantastic read! I couldn't wait to read what happened next! The series, set against historically accurate backgrounds and in agreement with scripture, shows us what a christian life should look like, and how sneaky and destructive sin is. The series entertained me, changed me, and drew me closer to God.

From the first description of the devastation in Jerusalem, readers are immersed into the time after the crucifixion of Christ when the city of God fell and Jews were massacred and dispersed. Young Hadasseh is alive but a slave in Rome, sold into a household that is fully Roman and succumbing to the depravity of the era. Follow her as she tries to overcome her fears and make a difference in the lives of Marcus, the handsome aristocrat she is falling for, and Julia, the willful and spirited girl she serves. Readers will also find themselves in the training ludus of the gladiator Atretes who was ripped from his forest home of Germania. Hold onto your hats as this book ends- Expect to gasp in shock and go running to find book 2, An Echo in the Darkness!

Story takes a young girl from childhood to strong woman of faith through extreme conditions in a time of persecution. Her faith grows as she shows love to her captors and the courage of her convictions.

Let me preface by saying, though I am a Christian I rarely ever read Christian fiction, as to me it comes off as "holier than thou" and is far too preachy. I was recommended this book by a friend and the reason I decided to read it was mainly the time period it was set in. This book was beautifully written. I think honestly the spirit and person portrayed in Hadassah is the best example of Christianity that I have ever read. This book does not censor itself and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for young readers as it does portray a time of terrible bloodshed. It does have Christian overtones as it is Christian fiction, and if that isn't your thing and it would upset you then by all means set it aside, but if you want to give it a try I think it is a wonderful book that is worth a read. One of the things I liked most about this book was that to me it didn't sound like it was written as what I had anticipated a Christian book to be written like (as one who spent 16+ years in Christian school I had a pretty fair idea for what to expect). All in all I loved this book.

Francine Rivers is one of my favourite authors, and once again, she doesn't disappoint. I've read this book about 2 times now and every time, I'm quickly turning the pages, excited to read what happens next. Definitely a must read!