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The Great Victor: Love never fails
After betraying his King, Adam finds himself enslaved in the Dark Kingdom, a land full of violence ruled by the tyrant Malus. When a stranger enters the Dark Kingdom with the message that the King still loves Adam and wants to free him from the rule of Malus, Adam must decide if he will risk following the stranger to either freedom or death. Is the good King’s love truly powerful enough to free him from the grip of Malus?
"When I read a children's book, it is always through this 'Would I trust this message to be told inside the hearts of my grandchildren?' Sadly, many 'Christian' books, I would not. But, The Great Victor is an exception. It is a wonderful and creative telling of humanity's journey that is easily accessible to both adults and children, with an underlying theology that I can trust."
Paul Young , author of #1 New York Times bestseller The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve and Lies We Believe About God "
In The Great Victor , Manuel Becker has retrieved the historic gospel as 'eucatastrophe'--the good news of the Savior's grand victory. Beautiful echoes of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien's good-news storytelling that will ignite children's imaginations with eternal truth."
Bradley Jersak (Ph.D. Theology), author of Children, Can You Hear Me? and A More Christlike God
"A great introduction for children to the God of the gospel. A wholesome and life-shaping good-news story, charmingly illustrated."
Rev'd Dr. Robin Parry , author of The Biblical Cosmos and editor for Wipf and Stock Publishers
No human explanation can exhaust the wonder of God’s love given to us in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus (“Joshua,” in “God is Salvation”). Yet, in this beautiful little story, Manuel Becker reminds us that God is Love, Relentless Love. He does not change; we change. And Love does not fail. In Jesus, God reveals His heart and earns our trust. Trust is Faith won by The Victor.
Peter Hiett , Pastor of the Sanctuary Denver and author of The History of Time and The Genesis of You
The Great Victor got a 5-star review from Readers' Favorite :
Author Manuel Becker has done an amazing job of telling the story of God and how he will always love and forgive no matter what dark path you find yourself on. The Great Victor will teach children the many lessons they will need in life and they will also enjoy a beautifully written story. The story was engaging and entertaining, which will help keep the young reader's attention. I feel that you don't necessarily have to be religious when reading this book because children can still learn from it. I enjoyed this book very much, and I wish author Manuel Becker all the best in his future writing. Keep up the good work!
"When I read a children's book, it is always through this 'Would I trust this message to be told inside the hearts of my grandchildren?' Sadly, many 'Christian' books, I would not. But, The Great Victor is an exception. It is a wonderful and creative telling of humanity's journey that is easily accessible to both adults and children, with an underlying theology that I can trust."
Paul Young , author of #1 New York Times bestseller The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve and Lies We Believe About God "
In The Great Victor , Manuel Becker has retrieved the historic gospel as 'eucatastrophe'--the good news of the Savior's grand victory. Beautiful echoes of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien's good-news storytelling that will ignite children's imaginations with eternal truth."
Bradley Jersak (Ph.D. Theology), author of Children, Can You Hear Me? and A More Christlike God
"A great introduction for children to the God of the gospel. A wholesome and life-shaping good-news story, charmingly illustrated."
Rev'd Dr. Robin Parry , author of The Biblical Cosmos and editor for Wipf and Stock Publishers
No human explanation can exhaust the wonder of God’s love given to us in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus (“Joshua,” in “God is Salvation”). Yet, in this beautiful little story, Manuel Becker reminds us that God is Love, Relentless Love. He does not change; we change. And Love does not fail. In Jesus, God reveals His heart and earns our trust. Trust is Faith won by The Victor.
Peter Hiett , Pastor of the Sanctuary Denver and author of The History of Time and The Genesis of You
The Great Victor got a 5-star review from Readers' Favorite :
Author Manuel Becker has done an amazing job of telling the story of God and how he will always love and forgive no matter what dark path you find yourself on. The Great Victor will teach children the many lessons they will need in life and they will also enjoy a beautifully written story. The story was engaging and entertaining, which will help keep the young reader's attention. I feel that you don't necessarily have to be religious when reading this book because children can still learn from it. I enjoyed this book very much, and I wish author Manuel Becker all the best in his future writing. Keep up the good work!
52 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2020
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 27, 2020
Wonderful read. Familiar story but has some twists to it! Written by a friend who follows his heart and calling.
December 14, 2020
This would actually make a great option to read with your children over Christmas time. Helps to place the story of Christmas in the larger narrative.
This is a rendering of the Biblical story that feels familiar but is also it's own creation. And I think it works well at getting to the heart of Christian message.
It is not often that we get a children's book telling the Christian story with such great attention to Christus Victor and with an astute eye for a grander theology of the God-Human relationship. This would fit very well with the work of N.T Wright, and feels very refreshing in terms of how it makes that accessible to children.
This is a rendering of the Biblical story that feels familiar but is also it's own creation. And I think it works well at getting to the heart of Christian message.
It is not often that we get a children's book telling the Christian story with such great attention to Christus Victor and with an astute eye for a grander theology of the God-Human relationship. This would fit very well with the work of N.T Wright, and feels very refreshing in terms of how it makes that accessible to children.
May 23, 2024
In this worthy allegory of the price Jesus paid, author Manuel Becker transports young readers to the high fantasy realm of King Abba. There, even a small farm boy like Adam can live like a prince. That is, until overseer Malus convinces everybody that King Abba only wants slaves, not heirs. Believing they’re all living a lie, each throws aside their crown to follow Malus into freedom, including young Adam.
However, things are not what they seem in the care of hard master Malus. It’s a long road to get away from King Abba, and Adam finds himself in places he’d rather not be. Forced to trudge through a dark wood infested with demons, all that awaits him on the other side is a brutal life as a gladiator. At first, Adam is exploited for sport, but he's a survivor and soon makes a name for himself in the arena. He’ll be fine as long as he remembers one thing: only the weak can afford to love.
All the while, Adam is haunted by beautiful memories of his life in Abba’s kingdom. If only he could get back. Even if he could, how could he ever face King Abba again? Shame holds him down like a chain. But a mysterious prisoner named Joshua promises he knows a way—the only way—to break Adam free and back into the arms of Abba.
Author Manuel Becker and his team have spared no expense in overlaying the vivid storytelling with a top-notch book design. Paragraphs are crowned with decorative flair, and illustrations are rendered with rich colors and texture. Becker knows the value of restraint as well, maintaining to keep design choices simple and ever-readable.
The moody setting and atmosphere are the real highlight. Lively characters are drawn straight out of a Southeast Asian fairy tale, sprinkled with Thai motifs. It’s a refreshing departure, offering something different from the usual storybook aesthetic.
But Becker doesn’t settle for just a first-class fairy tale. “The Great Victor” packs in the Gospel message as well, transforming Becker’s expert pen for high fantasy adventure into an allegory of the Savior. As a whole, it’s a beautifully told parable of our atonement through Jesus’ sacrifice and love.
Becker doesn’t shy away from the ugly realities of the Gospel either. There’s sin and betrayal, a foul-lying devil and demons. The book isn’t afraid to take us by the hand into the deep dark. And the darker we go, the sweeter the victory comes when it finally arrives—through King Abba’s resurrection power.
It's bold, it’s ambitious, and it takes plenty of risks. But it succeeds on every level and makes an easy pick for kids who prefer their fiction with a little edge. Splendidly dark and imaginative, yet true to the deepest roots of the faith, “The Great Victor: Love Never Fails” by Manuel Becker earns our highest recommendation.
However, things are not what they seem in the care of hard master Malus. It’s a long road to get away from King Abba, and Adam finds himself in places he’d rather not be. Forced to trudge through a dark wood infested with demons, all that awaits him on the other side is a brutal life as a gladiator. At first, Adam is exploited for sport, but he's a survivor and soon makes a name for himself in the arena. He’ll be fine as long as he remembers one thing: only the weak can afford to love.
All the while, Adam is haunted by beautiful memories of his life in Abba’s kingdom. If only he could get back. Even if he could, how could he ever face King Abba again? Shame holds him down like a chain. But a mysterious prisoner named Joshua promises he knows a way—the only way—to break Adam free and back into the arms of Abba.
Author Manuel Becker and his team have spared no expense in overlaying the vivid storytelling with a top-notch book design. Paragraphs are crowned with decorative flair, and illustrations are rendered with rich colors and texture. Becker knows the value of restraint as well, maintaining to keep design choices simple and ever-readable.
The moody setting and atmosphere are the real highlight. Lively characters are drawn straight out of a Southeast Asian fairy tale, sprinkled with Thai motifs. It’s a refreshing departure, offering something different from the usual storybook aesthetic.
But Becker doesn’t settle for just a first-class fairy tale. “The Great Victor” packs in the Gospel message as well, transforming Becker’s expert pen for high fantasy adventure into an allegory of the Savior. As a whole, it’s a beautifully told parable of our atonement through Jesus’ sacrifice and love.
Becker doesn’t shy away from the ugly realities of the Gospel either. There’s sin and betrayal, a foul-lying devil and demons. The book isn’t afraid to take us by the hand into the deep dark. And the darker we go, the sweeter the victory comes when it finally arrives—through King Abba’s resurrection power.
It's bold, it’s ambitious, and it takes plenty of risks. But it succeeds on every level and makes an easy pick for kids who prefer their fiction with a little edge. Splendidly dark and imaginative, yet true to the deepest roots of the faith, “The Great Victor: Love Never Fails” by Manuel Becker earns our highest recommendation.
July 21, 2021
Wonderful, creative story about love, good vs. evil, faith
Wow. This is a wonderful story. Very creative story about love, good vs. evil and faith using Adam and Eve. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next.
King Abba ruled his kingdom with love. Everyone trusted him. He made everyone feel special. The kingdom was always bright, filled with love and happiness.
It was until Malvia put evil thoughts in everyone’s head did things change and everyone left to follow Malus where they lived in a dark kingdom. There was no love - lots of fear, anger, hate.
Then, Joshua came to save them all.
Must read!
Wow. This is a wonderful story. Very creative story about love, good vs. evil and faith using Adam and Eve. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next.
King Abba ruled his kingdom with love. Everyone trusted him. He made everyone feel special. The kingdom was always bright, filled with love and happiness.
It was until Malvia put evil thoughts in everyone’s head did things change and everyone left to follow Malus where they lived in a dark kingdom. There was no love - lots of fear, anger, hate.
Then, Joshua came to save them all.
Must read!
December 14, 2021
Interesting book for religious and no religious people
The story was based on the Bible with a twist. To me it’s about staying loyal. That’s the positive message I got from it. The negative message I got from it was that the king was able to not tell the entire truth so that Adam can make his own decisions. He just told him he would die. On another note, I like the book because you can take what you want from it and teach your children your own thoughts and beliefs in regards to this book.
The story was based on the Bible with a twist. To me it’s about staying loyal. That’s the positive message I got from it. The negative message I got from it was that the king was able to not tell the entire truth so that Adam can make his own decisions. He just told him he would die. On another note, I like the book because you can take what you want from it and teach your children your own thoughts and beliefs in regards to this book.
September 3, 2021
Awesome Storyline!
I love the illustrations and most of all the storyline and how it relates to the Bible. This book serves as a reminder to walk with compassion, light and love. Like King Abba, no matter what we do, God will never abandon us. He is a God of a 1st, 2nd and 3rd chance. This is story that a child could love, as well as an adult. Definitely, a cute/inspiring book that I would be happy to read again!
I love the illustrations and most of all the storyline and how it relates to the Bible. This book serves as a reminder to walk with compassion, light and love. Like King Abba, no matter what we do, God will never abandon us. He is a God of a 1st, 2nd and 3rd chance. This is story that a child could love, as well as an adult. Definitely, a cute/inspiring book that I would be happy to read again!
September 19, 2021
Truth never fails
Truth and love will always win. Even after Adam had left the garden King Abba waited for him to come back to him.Ever faithful to his children God waits for us to decide to come back to the light and mend our ways. He gave us free will which gets us into a lot of trouble at times. But God wants us to want to choose him and the light. 5 stars to the author wonderful representation of the truth of the Bible.
Truth and love will always win. Even after Adam had left the garden King Abba waited for him to come back to him.Ever faithful to his children God waits for us to decide to come back to the light and mend our ways. He gave us free will which gets us into a lot of trouble at times. But God wants us to want to choose him and the light. 5 stars to the author wonderful representation of the truth of the Bible.
December 10, 2022
Joshua the Victor
I really liked the characters introduced in this book. King Abba, Joshua, Adam, Eve, and John. We meet also the enemy. It's a great inspired version of the love of Abba and Jesus Christ. The author has written the story in a beautiful way and captures the principles from the Bible and reminds us of our faith. The illustrations are very nice too. I am very interested to read other books from this author. It's definitely highly recommended.
I really liked the characters introduced in this book. King Abba, Joshua, Adam, Eve, and John. We meet also the enemy. It's a great inspired version of the love of Abba and Jesus Christ. The author has written the story in a beautiful way and captures the principles from the Bible and reminds us of our faith. The illustrations are very nice too. I am very interested to read other books from this author. It's definitely highly recommended.
December 5, 2021
Beautiful
Based on true Scripture, this story is well written, and beautifully illustrated. I would recommend this book to all young readers. One thing I would’ve liked to see was JESUS named as JESUS, not Joshua since Adam and Eve were appropriately named. Otherwise, great book! Thank you for being a vessel to reach young(er) audiences!
Based on true Scripture, this story is well written, and beautifully illustrated. I would recommend this book to all young readers. One thing I would’ve liked to see was JESUS named as JESUS, not Joshua since Adam and Eve were appropriately named. Otherwise, great book! Thank you for being a vessel to reach young(er) audiences!
December 17, 2020
Beautiful illustrations and a great story
Really liked this book! I actually bought it for my nephews for Christmas and had a quick read thru it. So many good lessons here... I am sure they will love it. Amazingly beautiful illustrations too!
Really liked this book! I actually bought it for my nephews for Christmas and had a quick read thru it. So many good lessons here... I am sure they will love it. Amazingly beautiful illustrations too!
July 26, 2021
Great Christian book for kids!
My son really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written with Christian undertones. It’s a modern twist to the original Adam and Eve yet still manages to keep you engaged throughout!
My son really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written with Christian undertones. It’s a modern twist to the original Adam and Eve yet still manages to keep you engaged throughout!
August 11, 2021
Recommend
The grandkids and I really enjoyed this story. Showing showing the great love King Abba and the Prince have for Adam, Eve, John, Brutus and others. Beautiful illustrations.
The grandkids and I really enjoyed this story. Showing showing the great love King Abba and the Prince have for Adam, Eve, John, Brutus and others. Beautiful illustrations.
August 21, 2021
One of those Amazing stories that stays with you!
An extremely powerful story that keeps its focus on faith and love. Beautiful depiction of the great story, accompanied by amazing illustrations.
One of those rare stories that stays with you long after you have finished reading.
An extremely powerful story that keeps its focus on faith and love. Beautiful depiction of the great story, accompanied by amazing illustrations.
One of those rare stories that stays with you long after you have finished reading.
August 26, 2021
Love never fails
A well written Christian childrens book with beautiful illustrations. I was pleased to see the invitation at the end that encourages children to discover their own journey with God. Discussion question also help children to internalise what they have learnt.
A well written Christian childrens book with beautiful illustrations. I was pleased to see the invitation at the end that encourages children to discover their own journey with God. Discussion question also help children to internalise what they have learnt.
September 4, 2021
Beautifully illustrated and descriptive story
I really loved the gorgeous illustrations and beautiful imagery. It was an interesting take on the story of Adam and Eve, more captivating than the original!
I really loved the gorgeous illustrations and beautiful imagery. It was an interesting take on the story of Adam and Eve, more captivating than the original!
September 13, 2021
Great story
This is a great story whether you are religious or not. G-d loves you know matter what whether you are good or bad. You will know what is right. Great discussion questions in the back and the illustrations are wonderful and helps tell the story
This is a great story whether you are religious or not. G-d loves you know matter what whether you are good or bad. You will know what is right. Great discussion questions in the back and the illustrations are wonderful and helps tell the story
September 16, 2021
A bible re-telling
Reading the bible with my kids is one of life's true joys. I found this book interesting with lovely pictures and imagery. It inspired me to sit down with my kids and open the bible for an extra devotional. The ultimate message here is God is love.
Reading the bible with my kids is one of life's true joys. I found this book interesting with lovely pictures and imagery. It inspired me to sit down with my kids and open the bible for an extra devotional. The ultimate message here is God is love.
December 31, 2020
Wonderful story of God's love
Nice depiction of the great story. I hope that God will use this book for many to draw near to Him and experience true love and forgiveness and reconciliation.
Nice depiction of the great story. I hope that God will use this book for many to draw near to Him and experience true love and forgiveness and reconciliation.
May 9, 2022
Excellent story
Close to the theological idea of Christus Victor believed by the early church, but in a way children can understand it. It is a great option for kids.
Close to the theological idea of Christus Victor believed by the early church, but in a way children can understand it. It is a great option for kids.
November 25, 2021
¡Qué hermosa historia!
Este libro contiene el mensaje del evangelio accesible para todas las edades. Es una analogía increíble acerca del amor de Dios con su pueblo.
Este libro contiene el mensaje del evangelio accesible para todas las edades. Es una analogía increíble acerca del amor de Dios con su pueblo.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews