Mark of the Lion Series Gift Collection: Complete 3-Book Set (A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn) Christian Historical Fiction Novels Set in 1st Century Rome Paperback – September 1, 1998

I have never been a fan of Christian "fiction" and when reading Christian literature, I prefer true stories, theology, history, Scripture and commentaries. However, after 3 separate women at my church said I should read Francine Rivers (we were studying Hosea at the time), I bought Redeeming Love and by the time I finished it, I not only enjoyed the book, but found myself challenged as a Christian to think about issues in my own life. Compared to Mark of the Lion Collection, Redeeming Love was a more subtle book in regards to using Scripture. Redeeming Love is more of a compelling love story which un-apologetically presented God's presence and His love as one of the "characters," and left me wanting to read more of her work.Then I read Mark of the Lion Collection on my Kindle.Her characters are very well developed for a "romance novel" and she is able to imbue her main characters with passion and romance without getting "too graphic" for Christian readers. Her stories have twists and turns and she doesn't let the reader off the hook with lots of happy comfortable moments. In this collection, there is drama, sin and brutality, as well as Christian love. All which serve a purpose in the telling of her story. In fact, I was impressed with how well she was able to set the stage for the brutal, violent world in which Christianity was born and spread. It definitely blotted out the modernized attitude of a world that understands and accepts Christianity as one of the major world religions.Mark of the Lion Collection focuses on and tells the compelling story of a new Faith entering a very dark and dangerous world. For that, she receives high praise as a writer and a believer. She shows pagans steeped in their own religion and barbarians consumed with mysticism and superstition. She also confronts the power of darkness without flinching. The most amazing quality in her work is her ability to honestly express doubt - doubts that anyone today might have about the reality and power of God through Christ. She is not afraid to ask the hard questions and confront the validity of the faith in Christ held by her redeemed characters. She also is not afraid to present a miracle working Christianity, whether one wishes to acknowledge the validity of it or not. In her last book she could be criticized for overusing the miraculous, but the message she is sending is that sharing Christ, and living a Godly life was not all that was needed to turn the world around. I agree with that premise even if her use of it might seem "over the top" or even a poetic device to intervene in the lives of her characters. However, the miraculous was the exception not the rule in her books and was balanced by the majority of her story showing a love and a faith that was willing to face anything and sacrifice anything to remain true to God without any expectation of divine intervention.Ultimately, the story lines are interesting (gripping at times) and most importantly, Ms. Rivers creates characters you care about, and no matter your religious orientation, it makes for good writing and great entertainment. I'm now a fan and look forward to reading more of her novels.

This is one of the best fictional series I have ever read, enabling me to have a sense of living in Biblical times. I can't say enough. I didn't expect to like it, but my neighbor insisted I take her set home. After reading part of the first book, I knew I had to have my own set. It's one of the few series I will probably reread. Rivers' scene setting is all-encompassing. Just wait until you learn the mark of the lion.

This is by far the best fiction I have ever read! It is so well written... from the Characters, Historical setting, facts, scripture.... I could go on and on about how amazing each of these books are! You start with the first one and you are gripped! It is a story that will hopefully leave an impression on you and characters that you will not forget... And even more so... it inspired me. Francine Rivers is a very gifted author... I recommend all of her books but this series most especially!Update:I read this series years ago but it is still a favorite! I LOVED the first two books in this series especially but the third one is very good too. The history is so rich and she has captured the essence of the Roman Empire and culture during that time. But even more amazing is the story she weaves and the characters! I still think this series is incredible and it sets the bar high for others.I recommended it to someone and it took them a few chapters to get into it (when the characters converge) but then they were gripped and loved it! The first book in the series is A Voice in the Wind, Book 2 - An Echo in the Darkness, Book 3 - As Sure as the Dawn. I WILL WARN YOU, IF YOU DO NOT PURCHASE THIS AS A SET, THEN HAVE BOOK TWO ON HAND!!! YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY WANT TO PICK IT UP!!! I sadly didn't have it and finished book one at 10:30 at night and it was torture waiting till the next day to get book 2!

I have read some fictional works that are based on Christian Worldviews that were alright, but this series was the best I've come across yet and had been intensely researched by the author. It was based in the period of time after Christ had ascended, the New Testament was still in letter form [some still not written yet], being shared among the home churches in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, to name a few. Jerusalem was being conquered by Rome, torn down brick by brick and so many Jews and Christians as well as others were taken captive; many were crucified and even fed to the lions and otherwise slaughtered. Blood ran freely and suffering was great. The Apostle John was still living in Ephesus and was the leader of a home based church there. Most of the other Apostles had already been martyred. Gladiators [captured enemies of Rome], wealthy Romans living like kings that owned many slaves that were nothing more than chattel, property bought, sold, abused and often outright murdered, was the rule of the day. The decadent Senators and rulers were living like kings, lying in tricliniums, gorging on food that was served on silver platters of exotic delicacies like hummingbird tongues. Tyrants and horrid rulers, temples to many pagan gods and for idol worshipers, temple prostitutes, were everywhere. There is much in this story that is not for the faint hearted, so beware. It is a captivating read and was so real I felt I was there. It brought the times and characters up close and personal and often brought tears to my eyes. I became enchanted with many of the characters. Highly recommend this book !