Customer Reviews

Mark of the Lion series Boxed Set: Gift Collection

5 star:		(114)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would just like to start by saying that I love this series and if I was rating it just based on the book I would have given it 5 stars.

I ordered these books and received them in adequate time. But when I opened the box and looked at it, the box cover holding the 3 books had a fairly large chunk taken out of it. It doesn't bother me too much, but it obviously happened before it was shipped so it's a little dissapointing that I was sent something that wasn't in great condition. It's really not that big of a deal, and I could just throw away the cover, but since these books are paperback the cover is very useful in keeping the books looking nice and I only wish that the cover look nice too! So if you are someone who likes having their books in mint condition, you may want to keep this in mind before you order from Amazon.

Francine Rivers knows how to weave historical fact into an intriguing novel. Based on time period around 70 AD and the fall of Jerusalem, the reader is allowed to see the "world" through the eyes of 4 main characters: Hadassah (a Jewish Christian who is taken captive by Titus and the Roman army after the city is conquered and destroyed), Marcus (a wealthy Roman merchant), Julia (his spoiled sister and owner of the slave girl Hadassah), and Atretes (a barbarian captured from the land of Germania and trained to be a gladiator in the arena).

The life of Hadassah is the primary focus of book 1. Her simple and caring lifestyle is set in contrast to the "worldliness" of that of Julia and Marcus. Book 2 focuses on Marcus and his search for happiness in his world of affluence and influence. Book 3 focuses on Atretes and his desire to return home. ("You can never go back home")

In the first two books, we are presented with the lifestyle of ancient Rome and seen how it parallels that of our own (decadent) era. These action in these two books will keep the reader riveted to the story. The third book plods along through the first two-thirds of the book; the remainder of the book illustrates the fears and superstitions of all those who hear the "good news" for the first time.

this is one of the most amazing, inspiring series i have ever read, and i read quite frequently. i recomend this book to everyone i know who is looking for something to read and they all end up loving it as much as i do. it gives strength to those who are looking for it and inspiration for those who aren't. there will always be a light in the darkness, even if you can't see it from where you're standing.

This book series is one that takes the era (approx A.D. 70) and makes it jump to life! It takes the scriptures and brings a dimension that I'd never seen. This book is an absolute page turner! I loved every minute of it. Way to go, Francine! I am your newest fan.

I started reading the first book in this series at night... and I couldn't put it down. Literally, I read until I finished it at six in the morning. When it ended, I got the sequel as soon as I could. The books are excellent, while I have yet to read the final book in the series, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone and everyone. The Christian beliefs that shine through the writing (and certain characters, such as Hadassah) are inspiring. God bless!

I am currently reading "As Sure as the Dawn" which is the third in the Mark of the Lion series. When I awaken eah morning the first thing I want to do is read a few chapters. I have encountered a problem with the third book and wonder if anyone else has discovered it or if it is only in my book.

Francine Rivers is the best author !!!!! I have read many of her books and look forward to each new one that I can find. I started with Tamar......and eagerly read each of the others in the Lineage of Grace series. Leota's Garden, and The Scarlet Thread were two of my favorites.

This is the very first Francine Rivers book I read, and I'm hooked for life.

Initially, I was wary of the categorisation "Christian Romance" having read a couple that were unbelievably preachy and historically inaccurate.

Francine Rivers has written a book that is not just Christian, it is eminently human, professionally researched and masterfully put together in such a way that nobody, Christian or otherwise, who reads this book, can go away untouched by the "realness" of the personalities and situations described.

The only other work of fiction I can liken this trilogy to is The Lord of the Rings, the difference being that Rivers has written a book that is both exciting fiction and accurate historical fact.

I have read many books, and have never been affected by a story as much as I did with these. What an incredible series. To be like Hadassah....only if we could have her faith.
Strongly reccomend to anyone.

I've read the first two books in the series and I was brought to tears at the end of both. I'm reading the third book now and it is SO good. if you want a REALLY good book to move you emotionally then these books are great! You really get to know the characters and you learn to love them. It was so hard for me to part with all the characters in book two only to fall in love with new ones in book three. Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors and i think that these books (and redeeming love) are her best works. FABULOUS!

I had totally given up on reading after reading some pretty bad books, and then my sister pushed me to read this series. I was hesitant at first, but i tried it out. After reading the first couple of chapters of the 1st book, i couldn't put it down. I stayed up half the night reading it (and failed a quiz the next day because of lack of sleep) and read it the whole next day at school--between classes, during free time, and even while the teacher was talking. I simply couldn't put it down. Hadassah and Marcus's story is so wonderful, and I cried more than i ever have in my entire life while reading it. When i finished the first book, i immediately wanted to start reading the second (trust me, you will too)--but my sister had lent it out to someone!!! I was in anguish until i finally got my hands on it and read it. (I cried in this one too!!) The first two books totally changed my outlook on life--and they impacted my faith. I just got finished reading the third book, and it is fantastic too! Trust me, you will LOVE this series! My words will never be enough to desribe the impact these books had on my life, and can have on yours too. Francine Rivers is truly an amazing tool for God.