Spring Tide

by Mary Ray

It is A. D. 311 in West Britain and even in this far-flung province of the Roman Empire Christians are not safe from renewed imperial persecution. At Caer Taff modern-day Cardiff a brief skirmish against a marauding tribe, the Deisi, develops into a more dangerous struggle between the new religion and the dominant pagan culture of the local Roman fort. Two friends, Julius and Con, meet and befriend Brychan, a young Christian priest, who is later captured and imprisoned at the base camp of the legion. Torn between obedience to parental orders and the demands of friendship, the boys resolve to help him escape. Aided by Aaron the Hebrew, a Roman soldier who has secretly converted to Christianity after witnessing the martyrdom of St. Alban seven years earlier, they set out to rescue Brychan but with unexpectedly grave consequences. This thoughtful story highlights the boys courage, which will impact on all the characters involved. It also plays its part in bringing about the spring tide of hope that will eventually result in the Edict of Milan of A.D. 313 and religious tolerance for all Christians.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

173 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Born to a teacher and his wife, Ray enjoyed learning about the ancient history of Greece, Rome, and Britain. While working at a variety of jobs and gaining a wealth of education, Ray also traveled widely. This travel enabled her to give extra life through realistic details to her books.

An author of fourteen books and three plays, Ray's writing style often seemed stilted and formal. Thus, she often appealed more to adults than her intended young audience. However, her series about the Roman Empire will live on as significant in the historical fiction genre. Living with her cat, Phoebe, in Canterbury, England, Ray is currently working on science fiction for adults.

Reviews

[Johnson Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need more!

Wish all Mary Ray's book were in print or on Kindle. All I've read are great and my kids, ages 8 to 15.

[Wesley Glaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written because Mary Ray studied so much about this part of history. It has some very great characters.

[Jasmine Veliz · Rating 1 out of 5]

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