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9th out of 955 books
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1,451 voters
As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)
This classic series has inspired nearly 2 million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the latest edition of this beloved series. This edition includes a foreword from the publisher, a preface from Francine Rivers and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use. #3 As Sure As the Dawn: Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedo...more
Paperback, 520 pages
Published
March 1st 1998
by Tyndale House Publishers
(first published June 1st 1995)
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The third and last book in Francine Rivers, Mark of the Lion series, and again, this isn't a book that I would normally pick up and read but a coworker let me borrow all but this last book which I got a the library, because she thought I'd like them, which I did enjoy reading the series and I'm glad I did.
I would have to give this book 2 stars being that it's not as good as the first book " An Echo in the Darkness" which was my favorite in the series.
This classic series has inspired nearly 2 mi...more
I would have to give this book 2 stars being that it's not as good as the first book " An Echo in the Darkness" which was my favorite in the series.
This classic series has inspired nearly 2 mi...more
This book really spoke to me until they reached the Chatti. Then it became sort of weird. I definitely found the power of Satan stronger in this book. I've got some great lessons from it, almost more so than the first two. I could identify with Rizpah and her struggles as a born again Christian. I was hesitant to read it in the beginning but I am so glad I did.
This was my favorite book out of the 3 in the series. There was more romance in this one and as always despair. However, I thought it was great writing and really kept me captivated. definitely worth reading this book to finish the series.
I found this book easier to read than the first two, probably because I'm getting immune to the bad writing (not sure that's a good thing). The first part, with Atretes being comically at a loss with his son, reads like it was lifted straight out of a modern comedy (not original but still kind of funny). As with the first book, I doubt that the relationships between the characters are historically true to life. And even if you swallow the relationships, there are several major miracles in this b...more
Nov 12, 2012
Delicious Strawberry
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
francine-rivers,
historical-fiction
After the happy ending that Marcus and Hadassah got in the previous book, I wondered what this book would be about, and was immensely pleased to see that it would be about Atretes, and his son (the baby that Julia abandoned) and Atretes trying to get his son back. It's humorous how the baby has become so attached to Rizpah that when Atretes reclaims the baby and gets it a new wet nurse (A Germanic one to boot) the baby refuses the milk, and lo and behold, Rizpah is waiting outside, having known...more
Nov 15, 2011
Silviya
added it
I would recomend this book to Christian readers because it is very strong in religion and romance. Its about Artes that is running away from the Romans because they want him to go back into the arenas to fight. He had a son with Julia but she sent him to be killed, he wants his son back but he never knew that a widow had him. This book brings up alot of conflicts along thier path. The only reason that this book is so long is because in goes into depth into Artes's history as well as the widows....more
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4 likes · like · see review
Okay, I know these are Christian books, but I read them because they came highly recommended. The first two had good stories, good enough to overcome the preaching. The third basically drudged up some leftover characters from the first two books and had them quote the entire Bible to eachother. Oh, plus there were some pretty outrageous "heavenly miracles" in this book, while the other two managed to tell a good story without depending on acts of God for the storyline to progress.
3 likes · like · see review
Jul 24, 2011
Kiersten
added it
I enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as the first two. Maybe because Hadassah and Marcus were closer to my age (and their love story is one of my favorites of anything I've ever read), whereas Rizpah and Atretes are quite a bit older and more adult. I found them harder to relate to because their emotions and thought processes were so much more mature (Hadassah and Marcus thought like angsty teenagers! ha!). And I also found the setting considerably less interesting. Still, this was crammed with...more
The Mark of the Lion Trilogy are some of my favorite books. They were excellent, and dare I go as far as to say they were even life-changing? I realize these books are fiction, however, I believe that they must be somewhat representative of what life may have been like centuries ago, shortly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Realizing what the early Christians risked to follow Him shows how strong their faith was...in comparison with my easy life in a country where I am...more
There are books that are good, even great, books that you will remember and offer glowing recommendations to all you meet. And then there are books like As Sure as the Dawn, which, days later, will still leave you in awe and wonder. There’s power behind this story, that transformative, tremor-inducing power that makes you forget this is a work of fiction and not something that raised itself out of the ground.
This is considered Christian fiction, which by definition already holes itself to certa...more
This is considered Christian fiction, which by definition already holes itself to certa...more
Slow start because the characters were new (mostly) but picked up once they got to Germania and it was excellent after that. Better review to come.
The third and final book is As Sure as the Dawn. This installment was the hardest one to get into because a number of new characters are introduced. Atretes is the main event and although I felt like I knew him from bokks one and two, the new environment took some time to get into. I had to give it about 150 pages before I really cared. ***SPOILERS***...more
The third and final book is As Sure as the Dawn. This installment was the hardest one to get into because a number of new characters are introduced. Atretes is the main event and although I felt like I knew him from bokks one and two, the new environment took some time to get into. I had to give it about 150 pages before I really cared. ***SPOILERS***...more
Having read and liked, the first two of the trilogy how could I not read and like the third? Well, let me save you all a lot of time...it is about Atretis getting his kid and going back to Germania. Again, Rivers pulled off a happily ever after ending slapped on to the end. If you are compelled to read this book for the same reasons I did, but you are just not sure...then turn to the last few pages and read the happy ending. My problems with this book are two-fold. One. The praying/preaching is...more
My husband made fun of me on this one because it looks so much like a Romance novel on the cover. And I have to say out of the 3 Mark of the Lion series, this last one read much like a romance novel until about half way through before the story seemed to pick back up the pace Rivers had going with the last two. Atretes anger and rage... while completely understandable for his character (a man enslaved and who spent 10 years of his life as a trained killer) got a little old for my taste, but I st...more
While I adore the 2nd book of the series, I think this was my favorite. Atretes is frustrating and intense, and while I wanted very much to come through the pages of the book and strangle him, I loved reading his journey. I think his struggle with anger and what was done to him is so similar to many people today, that stubborn pride that just won't let you loose to experience God even when He makes himself obvious.
And then there's Rizpah, my favorite character in the entire series. I can relate...more
And then there's Rizpah, my favorite character in the entire series. I can relate...more
4 likes · like · see review
Dude, the first half of this book = romance novel. Straight up, with less nakedness and with the word "Jesus" muttered as something other than a curse or expression of sexual fulfillment.
The middle part = summarization of Bible stories through one character's pages and pages of talking. As if the people of the "projected" audience don't freakin' know. And as if anybody who appreciates good writing wants to see pages of info-dump via dialogue.
Second half of book = I don't even know. But, the actu...more
The middle part = summarization of Bible stories through one character's pages and pages of talking. As if the people of the "projected" audience don't freakin' know. And as if anybody who appreciates good writing wants to see pages of info-dump via dialogue.
Second half of book = I don't even know. But, the actu...more
3 likes · like · see review
It was a great book and a wonderful ending to an amazing series. It was sad to know that I wouldn't be able to follow the lives of Rizpah and Arteres anymore. As well as Haddassa and Marcus. :)
I suggest this series to everyone. Now I am a Francine River's reader. I am off to my next book of hers. :)
Many other readers commented that there was too much 'religious' stuff in the book. Her goal is to share the good news with you in story format. God gives us our talents and we use them to glorify Him...more
I suggest this series to everyone. Now I am a Francine River's reader. I am off to my next book of hers. :)
Many other readers commented that there was too much 'religious' stuff in the book. Her goal is to share the good news with you in story format. God gives us our talents and we use them to glorify Him...more
8 likes · like · see review
This story definitely relies more on miracles than the last two. Hadassah converted people based on the strength of her faith and her undying belief. On the other hand, Rizpah has a fiery temper that she struggles to control. When Atretes is converted, it's through the witnessing of a miracle, which is the same way a few of his people were converted. While it's possible to convert either way, I feel that true conversion occurs when you admire a person like Hadassah- who loves without conditions,...more
This is the third installment in the Mark of the Lion series and deals with Atretes, the gladiator
who is introduced in the first book, A Voice in the Wind. It is through Hadassah, the Jewish servant girl, that Atretes first hears about Jesus Christ. At that time, all religions were tolerated in Rome except Christianity. Being a Christian, if discovered, most certainly resulted in being killed, usually in the arena. Atretes was a German warrior, so he is used to fighting and killing. Romans raide...more
who is introduced in the first book, A Voice in the Wind. It is through Hadassah, the Jewish servant girl, that Atretes first hears about Jesus Christ. At that time, all religions were tolerated in Rome except Christianity. Being a Christian, if discovered, most certainly resulted in being killed, usually in the arena. Atretes was a German warrior, so he is used to fighting and killing. Romans raide...more
*some spoilers* Okay, so I read the reviews on here about how it wasn't that good. And I agree, expect I agree for the wrong reasons with people on here.
I actually thought it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be in the beginning, and then Rizpah really got on my nerves. I found her very, very "mean" to Atreus. I also did not see the reason for Theophilus; I felt like he was in the way the whole time. Yes, I wanted Atreus and Rizpah to get together, but then there was always this kind of back-a...more
I actually thought it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be in the beginning, and then Rizpah really got on my nerves. I found her very, very "mean" to Atreus. I also did not see the reason for Theophilus; I felt like he was in the way the whole time. Yes, I wanted Atreus and Rizpah to get together, but then there was always this kind of back-a...more
It was awful--a 300-page, pressure-cookery romance novel. This book also had the most problematic theology of the trilogy, and an unsatisfying ending.
Let me just pick one big problem with this book. It's about a Christian woman falling in love with a very unsaved man (as are the previous two books in the series). Outside fiction, this is known as "dating evangelism" and it is madness. Apart from anything else, how can a woman respect a man who she's leading spiritually?
I mean no disrespect to Mr...more
Let me just pick one big problem with this book. It's about a Christian woman falling in love with a very unsaved man (as are the previous two books in the series). Outside fiction, this is known as "dating evangelism" and it is madness. Apart from anything else, how can a woman respect a man who she's leading spiritually?
I mean no disrespect to Mr...more
I found myself thinking about this book when I wasn't reading it, which is always a good sign that it's drawing me in. But I was realizing as I was getting near the end and there was a lot that was unresolved, I probably wouldn't really like the ending. I had a similar feeling about another of Francine River's books (I think called The Atonement Child) and even the wrap up of the story that ended in the second book of this series. Her stories are riveting and you don't want them to end, so when...more
I was desperate for a book when I read this so I ended up reading the 3rd book of the series first. It actually worked out alright. This book reads well on it's own as it seems to have a different set of characters from the first two books. Really neat look at the warfare in Rome during the time of the gladiators. Unfortunately I had read Quo Vadis previously and it paled in comparison as far as books on Rome's history and the persecution of Christians go.
Rivers always offers a great picture of...more
Rivers always offers a great picture of...more
This book completes the story of Atretes, the slave/gladiator that we are introduced to in Voice in the Wind. I almost decided against reading this book because my favorite character Haddasah is not featured. I'm glad I changed my mind. While this was not quite as good as the first two in the series, it was a great read and a fitting end to the series. I loved the development of Atretes & Rizpah's relationship and the book was full of twists and turns. I cried with the first two books, and w...more
I liked much of the book, but some parts dragged on. Atretes' stubbornness was overemphasized - ok, I get it, he hates Romans and thinks that the Christian God is weak. When he converted, it was nice to see that he didn't magically become a saint, but still had his anger issues and grudge-holding that he had to deal with. The second part of the book, when Theophilus, Rizpah, and Atretes travel to Germania, had a This Present Darkness feel to it that I loved. It got a bit creepy, but it was great...more
I read all three of these books as recommended by my daughter. She writes well. I appreciated her Christian emphasis and attention to historical detail but, like so many modern writers and filmmakers, so much of the book is devoted to the bad behavior of the unconverted or the slow, stumbling process of the newly converted. There is also a great deal of mysticism passing for true spiritual growth and closeness to God. I found little spiritual depth here. They are also so female-dominated that sh...more
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I just finished reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Francine Rivers is an amazing writeer and I want to read more of her books. This trilogy, The Mark of the Lion, was really touching because it made me realize how oen person can affect so many people. However, my favorite character is not Hadassah, who is inthe first two books, but Rizpah, in the last book. This is because Hadassah seems to be absolutley perfect, and doesn't really seem like someone you can relate too. Rizpah, howeve...more
As you know I loved the first two books of the trilogy. I did wonder what ever happened to Atretes the mighty, handsome and angry Gladiator from Book 1--well this third book is his story. It is journey back home to Germania, to rejoin his people of the Chatti tribe. It was so interesting to learn more about that culture and people of that time. I thought it was a bit tedious and dramatic in parts, but overall still a good read! It was not as good as the first two books in my opinion, but I still...more
In reading other reviews of this book, a lot of people didn't like how religious this book was. They thought the miraculous things that took place were almost too much. I disgree. Yes, there was more religious talk and happenings in this book than her first two, but I believe it went well with the story line that the author decided to follow. I really enjoyed this book, even if it didn't follow the main characters of the other books. It was well thought out and uplifting. My emotions were tied t...more
I liked this book more this time through than the first time I read it several years ago. I think what bothered me before was that crazy supernatural miracles happened, things that seemed so ridiculous. But this time through, I see those same crazy supernatural miracles happening in the Bible. So I believe I've had a paradigm shift, and it happens to be that I really believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, and that He most definitely works miracles. We just don't see them much in our culture, w...more
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New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter...more
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“Better the discomfort that leads to repentance and restoration than temporal comfort and eternal damnation.”
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“I've done everything for the wrong reasons. All the good works people credit to me are nothing because I did them expecting God to repay me. I thought if I worked hard enough, God would have to give me what I wanted. The truth is I've never served the Lord at all. I was always serving myself.”
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