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Rora: One Man...One Faith...One Stand...Against Impossible Odds
The winds from the valley known as Pelice carried an ominous tale of sorrow and destruction. The army of the black-robed Inquisitors had laid seige to the defenseless inhabitants of the valley, destroying churches and killing those who refused to renounce their faith.
Yet high on a granite mountain above the land that forms the border between Italy and France stood Joshua Gianavel--one man who held the fate of his people in his hands. In the valley below Europe's mightiest army gathered to lay siege to his people. He would not allow the same desolation to reach his home and people in the valley of Rora. With lion-like courage he waged warfare against the Inquisitors with a brilliance the world had never seen.
Based upon the true story of the historic stand of the Waldenses in 1655, Rora is a spellbinding tale of a legendary hero, of international intrigue and subterfuge, of cloak-and-dagger tactics, of a faith that refused to die. Historical Fiction at Its Best!
Yet high on a granite mountain above the land that forms the border between Italy and France stood Joshua Gianavel--one man who held the fate of his people in his hands. In the valley below Europe's mightiest army gathered to lay siege to his people. He would not allow the same desolation to reach his home and people in the valley of Rora. With lion-like courage he waged warfare against the Inquisitors with a brilliance the world had never seen.
Based upon the true story of the historic stand of the Waldenses in 1655, Rora is a spellbinding tale of a legendary hero, of international intrigue and subterfuge, of cloak-and-dagger tactics, of a faith that refused to die. Historical Fiction at Its Best!
471 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
18 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
James Byron Huggins
24 books222 followersA veteran novelist and best-selling author, James Byron Huggins' life story reads more like fiction than fact. His career as a writer began normally enough. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from Troy State University, and then worked as a reporter for the Hartselle Enquirer in Hartselle, Alabama.
Huggins won seven awards while with the newspaper before leaving journalism in 1985. With a desire to help persecuted Christians in eastern Europe, Huggins moved to Texas to work in conjunction with members of the Christian underground in that region.
From the Texas base, Huggins helped set up a system used to smuggle information in and out of Iron Curtain countries.
In 1987, Huggins was finally able to leave the United States to offer hands-on assistance in Romania. As a jack of all trades, Huggins photographed a secret police installation, took photos of people active in the Christian underground, and also continued his work as an orchestrator of smuggling routes.
Huggins was instrumental in smuggling out film and documentation that showed the plight of Christians in Romania. He even found time to create a code that allowed communication with the United States. As in Texas, Huggins' life had few creature comforts. To survive, he would often remain hidden in the woods or in secure basements for days at a time.
After his time in Romania, Huggins returned to the United States and took up journalism once more. He again worked for a small newspaper and won several awards as a reporter. Later on, he worked at a nonprofit Christian magazine before becoming a patrolman with the Huntsville Police Department in Huntsville, Alabama.
After distinguished service as a decorated field officer, Huggins left the force to pursue writing novels. His first three novels--A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Leviathan--achieved best-seller status in the Christian marketplace.
From there, Huggins broke into mainstream science fiction with Cain and Hunter, both of which were optioned for film rights. Huggins then released Rora, a historical novel depicting the harrowing life of a European martyr. His following book, Nightbringer, was met with critical acclaim and is in production for a movie.
Huggins won seven awards while with the newspaper before leaving journalism in 1985. With a desire to help persecuted Christians in eastern Europe, Huggins moved to Texas to work in conjunction with members of the Christian underground in that region.
From the Texas base, Huggins helped set up a system used to smuggle information in and out of Iron Curtain countries.
In 1987, Huggins was finally able to leave the United States to offer hands-on assistance in Romania. As a jack of all trades, Huggins photographed a secret police installation, took photos of people active in the Christian underground, and also continued his work as an orchestrator of smuggling routes.
Huggins was instrumental in smuggling out film and documentation that showed the plight of Christians in Romania. He even found time to create a code that allowed communication with the United States. As in Texas, Huggins' life had few creature comforts. To survive, he would often remain hidden in the woods or in secure basements for days at a time.
After his time in Romania, Huggins returned to the United States and took up journalism once more. He again worked for a small newspaper and won several awards as a reporter. Later on, he worked at a nonprofit Christian magazine before becoming a patrolman with the Huntsville Police Department in Huntsville, Alabama.
After distinguished service as a decorated field officer, Huggins left the force to pursue writing novels. His first three novels--A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Leviathan--achieved best-seller status in the Christian marketplace.
From there, Huggins broke into mainstream science fiction with Cain and Hunter, both of which were optioned for film rights. Huggins then released Rora, a historical novel depicting the harrowing life of a European martyr. His following book, Nightbringer, was met with critical acclaim and is in production for a movie.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 12, 2008
Poorly written - or poorly translated.
My editor would never approve with such a bad written story.
Nevertheless I continued reading, since the subject was so very interesting. A (to me) completely unknown part of European history that should never be forgotten.
In that matter: thanks JBH for writing this book.
But please take some writing class or hire another editor.
My editor would never approve with such a bad written story.
Nevertheless I continued reading, since the subject was so very interesting. A (to me) completely unknown part of European history that should never be forgotten.
In that matter: thanks JBH for writing this book.
But please take some writing class or hire another editor.
December 27, 2018
This has to be one of my favourite books! I *love* the writing, the history, the rich depth that the author gave to each of these characters. I've read this book so many times, Ive lost count =)
The history in this book is accurate, and beautifully so. What history doesn't tell us was written about with such precision, and such research of other aspects of the times, that it seemed to be real. It is based on the life of Joshua Gianvel, and his people: the Waldensian's.
The Waldensian culture is a hard one to read about. It is hard to read of the persecution of so many Christians, and it is hard to craft a beautiful tale from that period of our history -- but this author far succeeded any expectations I had about that. The strong faith of the Waldensian's was a joy to read about, and it was encouraging to read about their stand for Christ Jesus under such duress. To have a faith like that, to be remembered throughout history for your faith....that is a grand legacy, indeed. To have the characters sharing, over and over, how the Lord had worked in each of their live, was a blessing to my soul. Even though this was a work of fiction, it was based upon true facts. And that enhances it's beauty. I also appreciated the author giving life to a character of history that is often looked over and barely glanced at. To make Joshua come ot life, to give him a voice and a message to share with others, it was just beautiful.
There is mention of torturing people in this book, and gruesome military acts are described. Because of that, I wouldn't recommend it for people under sixteen. That being said, I would recommend it to be read, again and again. I learn something new every time I read this gem!
The history in this book is accurate, and beautifully so. What history doesn't tell us was written about with such precision, and such research of other aspects of the times, that it seemed to be real. It is based on the life of Joshua Gianvel, and his people: the Waldensian's.
The Waldensian culture is a hard one to read about. It is hard to read of the persecution of so many Christians, and it is hard to craft a beautiful tale from that period of our history -- but this author far succeeded any expectations I had about that. The strong faith of the Waldensian's was a joy to read about, and it was encouraging to read about their stand for Christ Jesus under such duress. To have a faith like that, to be remembered throughout history for your faith....that is a grand legacy, indeed. To have the characters sharing, over and over, how the Lord had worked in each of their live, was a blessing to my soul. Even though this was a work of fiction, it was based upon true facts. And that enhances it's beauty. I also appreciated the author giving life to a character of history that is often looked over and barely glanced at. To make Joshua come ot life, to give him a voice and a message to share with others, it was just beautiful.
There is mention of torturing people in this book, and gruesome military acts are described. Because of that, I wouldn't recommend it for people under sixteen. That being said, I would recommend it to be read, again and again. I learn something new every time I read this gem!
January 18, 2018
Great story, not the best storytelling/editing. There were many times when I had to think about what was going on/who was being discussed when a new section began, and many sentences and paragraphs could have been written so that they were clearer. That being said, I enjoyed the characters and the politics, the battle scenes, and appreciated the amount of research Higgins did in order to tell the story as truthfully as possible. I’m skeptical that the wrath of the inquisitors was as intense as it is told here, but the rest of the story, especially the religious persecution and how the Waldenses stood up for their right to worship God according to the Bible, not how man (the Catholic Church then) says they should, is inspiring. Also, based on my knowledge of the church at that time, the persecution seems vividly true... In a time and country where religious persecution is not nearly as severe as it was in the 1600s, this story challenges Christians today to consider why they believe what they believe, and also asks if they are willing to die for that belief and that right.
May 2, 2020
This is the fourth book I've read by James Byron Huggins and while not my favorite, it was quite compelling. I might not have enjoyed quite as well as "Cain" or "Hunter," because Huggins was obviously "limited" by having to write about a man and events that actually happened. In his acknowledgements, at the end of the book he implies that the dialogue of the characters was aligned with the written record. With the research and limitations, I'm sure it was a hard book to write.
"Rora" is about as close to nonfiction as fiction can be.
If you read this book, be prepared for an emotional and hopefully spiritual investment. The action, the intrigue and the historical setting kept me reading well into the night. In the end, it is a violent, disturbing, but uplifting book. Much like the story of mankind.
"Rora" is about as close to nonfiction as fiction can be.
If you read this book, be prepared for an emotional and hopefully spiritual investment. The action, the intrigue and the historical setting kept me reading well into the night. In the end, it is a violent, disturbing, but uplifting book. Much like the story of mankind.
April 17, 2025
James Byron Huggins has written some of my favourite books. So, to read this and not love it was a disappointment. It wasn’t the story, but the writing for me. I’m not sure why it was so badly edited, but I found d myself rereading sections and editing it in my brain, which I don’t love doing. However, the story itself was a tragic and yet victorious one, and something I think would translate well into the screen. Or, into a better edited novel. In any case, the world could do with more knowledge of persecution against Christians, especially at the hands of those who would claim they were doing the work of God.
‘If life with God did indeed overcome death, then death did not ultimately matter… Man was not born to incalculable suffering only to be conquered, in the end, by death.’
‘If life with God did indeed overcome death, then death did not ultimately matter… Man was not born to incalculable suffering only to be conquered, in the end, by death.’
June 7, 2019
Wow. I'm giving Rora 5 stars for the content and incredible history. I've always heard about the horrible atrocities that took place in the Piedmont Valleys of Italy long ago, but I never knew the whole story. Author James Byron Huggins knows the history and has created this incredible story from the documents and histories of the 1600s. I'm glad now to know and appreciate the people in this slice of history.
There were a few editing blips along the way, but the story overpowered any flaws in the writing.
There were a few editing blips along the way, but the story overpowered any flaws in the writing.
July 11, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. I will give it that it sparked my interest in wanting to learn more about Rora and the Waldenses. This book has 27 (?) chapters and it took me until chapter 23 to actually want to keep reading and not fall asleep. I think if you’re really into military strategy and battles, you’ll probably appreciate this book.
October 3, 2024
Such a great read, was hard to put down.
An encouragement to take a stand for faith.
Historical Fiction is fun, the author lists his “tactics” of research and story crafting, it reads well.
Maybe a grammatical/editorial error or two, but to err is human, not significant enough to hold onto and remember, use context and read on.
An encouragement to take a stand for faith.
Historical Fiction is fun, the author lists his “tactics” of research and story crafting, it reads well.
Maybe a grammatical/editorial error or two, but to err is human, not significant enough to hold onto and remember, use context and read on.
January 13, 2026
This well researched book is engaging and I could not stop reading it. I knew about the Waldensians, a small group of peaceful, religious people in the mountains (piedmont) of northern Italy who refused to become Catholics and were persecuted for hundreds of years. I wish he had written what happened after the Inquisition to the Waldensians.
January 12, 2022
All should read
Wonderful book, history with a flair. . Love Huggins books most are completely made up . This one is based on facts. Even Millton wrote about it in paradise lost. Enjoy
Wonderful book, history with a flair. . Love Huggins books most are completely made up . This one is based on facts. Even Millton wrote about it in paradise lost. Enjoy
January 10, 2023
Currently my all time favorite book. My opinion is that this story could only be given true justice in cinematic form if it were broken up into a three movie series. 10 out of 5 stars, 100% worth the read no matter your situation in life.
October 21, 2018
Good read
Another great work from Mr. Huggins. Not as exciting as Hunter or Cain but still a good read with Todd characters.
Another great work from Mr. Huggins. Not as exciting as Hunter or Cain but still a good read with Todd characters.
July 30, 2022
Full of complex intrigue, gory battles, and evidence of human depravity.
February 4, 2026
a decent read. it's a bit clunky, most likely due to it being a translation, but the story keeps you turning pages.
January 8, 2013
I'm surprised at the number of five-star ratings. Perhaps the feel-good faith story trumps the mechanics and voice of the story, I don't know, but this writing is distracting. It's way too dramatic for my taste. It takes itself too seriously. Of course, I'm not saying it's not an enviable feat to create a novel such as this out of very scarce historical records, but I do mean to say the writing itself is not five-star material.
Readers should bear in mind that Rora is based on real characters, but it is very much a novel, not history. In legal papers Joshua Gianavel was Giosuè Gianavello; his wife, Catterina (not Angela), was not burned at the stake, as depicted in this book, but was freed after tremendous pressure from Protestant powers. The Hollywood-friendly duel between the hero and antagonist never happened, and while record keeping of the time is sketchy, the battles themselves were less grandiose than described by the author. (Though, really, whether the attacking army was 6,000 or 20,000, it was brilliant leadership by Gianavello.)
Anyway, I don't mean to seem negative toward an inspiring story, I just can't give this novel better than three stars. Were I not descended from Gianavello, I wouldn't have finished reading the book. (Which I grant may simply be a matter of taste.)
Readers should bear in mind that Rora is based on real characters, but it is very much a novel, not history. In legal papers Joshua Gianavel was Giosuè Gianavello; his wife, Catterina (not Angela), was not burned at the stake, as depicted in this book, but was freed after tremendous pressure from Protestant powers. The Hollywood-friendly duel between the hero and antagonist never happened, and while record keeping of the time is sketchy, the battles themselves were less grandiose than described by the author. (Though, really, whether the attacking army was 6,000 or 20,000, it was brilliant leadership by Gianavello.)
Anyway, I don't mean to seem negative toward an inspiring story, I just can't give this novel better than three stars. Were I not descended from Gianavello, I wouldn't have finished reading the book. (Which I grant may simply be a matter of taste.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2014
This story is about gruesome battles between the religious group known as the Vaudois or Waldensians, and the Inquisition/Catholic Church, who slaughtered and tried to annihilate their people, deeming them heretics. They lived in the Alps in Italy and tried to defend themselves with trust in God their only motivation. Many were killed in brutal, despicable ways, rivaling the holocaust of more recent times. My ancestry includes some of these people, so I wanted to read the book, but it is not very entertaining or enjoyable, although the hero of the Waldensians was honorable and exemplary. The story includes the political aspects and people of the time, such as the Duke of Savoy and Lord Cromwell of England.
March 10, 2014
Rora is the story of a small town in the mountains resisting the Spanish Inquisition, led by their brilliant (former military) leader. It took me almost a year to read Rora, because it isn't very gripping, but once I neared the end I started picking up the pace and it was quite exciting. It is by far the most violent book I've ever read, but it isn't senseless and gory. I would highly recommend Rora, but be forewarned, it isn't a light read and you have to be committed to finishing it. With that in mind, if you are still interested, you should know that this book is something special, and well worth the read.
August 9, 2016
The ending was a little disappointing, to tell the truth. the build up was so masterful, and it just...ended. i thought it could have been done better. but still, it's a good book, despite the main Christian message. You wouldn't think I'd like a book that kept saying "What chains can hold belong to man. The rest is God's" but I do appreciate the research and attention to detail. Intensely good book. Gorey and Christian. Overall well written, made me think about war and heroes and hypocrisy.
Want to read
August 24, 2009Recommended by Julie Kong. About the huguenots.
September 26, 2010
I've read this great book once. I'm now reading it to the kids. I'm certain I will not be able to read it without shedding a tear. I wonder if they will cry with me?
August 17, 2010
I tried really hard to like this book, but the writing seemed so stilted, I just couldn't get into the storyline- which should have been great.
August 12, 2016
I didn't finish this. I just had a tough time getting to know the characters. It is about an event in history that is very interesting to me, but the endless preparation for battle was just too much.
September 10, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was very fascinating. This is great story about a people who are not always remembered in history books. The writing and editing was very poor.
March 2, 2016
Can I give this 6 stars?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews