In my search of a new book series to dive into, I happened upon the A.D. Chronicles, by Christian authors Bodie and Brock Thoene. This series apparently picks up where another, Zion Legacy, left off. Even so, without reading those prior, the first book in this series of twelve, First Light, drew me in immediately.
Here is the summary, taken from the Thoene official website.
Jerusalem
The ancient city where hatred, deceit, longing, and desperation smolder in every heart
Spiritual and political darkness shroud the world’s holiest and most turbulent city. Ruled by Rome and manipulated by religious rulers with only selfish interests in mind, the people of Jerusalem wonder if their Deliverer will ever come.
Susanna and Manaen desperately search for hope and meaning – in a world where their love is forbidden. Others pray and wait for light, the True Light of Messiah, to dawn. Peniel the beggar, Marcus the Roman Centurion, Zadok the Chief Shepherd of Israel, and his three adopted orphan boys – all long for a vision of hope. Now a healer named Yeshua walks the streets of Jerusalem. Is he the true Messiah? Or only another imposter, like so many before him?
Susanna and Manaen desperately search for hope and meaning – in a world where their love is forbidden. Others pray and wait for light, the True Light of Messiah, to dawn. Peniel the beggar, Marcus the Roman Centurion, Zadok the Chief Shepherd of Israel, and his three adopted orphan boys – all long for a vision of hope. Now a healer named Yeshua walks the streets of Jerusalem. Is he the true Messiah? Or only another imposter, like so many before him?
I personally enjoyed this book. I loved the idea of a historical fiction series based on the true life of Jesus and those surrounding his life. The authors have taken such care to detail, and have brought to life ancient Jerusalem and it’s inhabitants. To read about Rome and the Jews, and the political and religious controversy at the time was interesting. It was also interesting to read in novel form about some real biblical characters and what their everyday lives may have involved, and their view of the Messiah.
I did have to take my time and read slowly through the descriptions of many of the Jewish customs and language at the time, simply because I’m unfamiliar with most of it.
I felt as though I were reading a history book at times, and have come away with a greater understanding of the Jewish culture. I am looking forward to the second book, as well as others by these authors.
This is NOT a sponsored post, I’m sharing this book with my readers simply because I love it. The opinion in this review is 100% my own.
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