A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiantlit.com
Genre: romance, historical
Publisher: Tyndale
Publication Dates: March 1, 1998

Hadassah is a young slave girl with an amazing faith and an even more amazing story. Her father was raised by the dead from Jesus the Christ. She grew up surrounded by his disciples as her father’s friends and with her family strongly grounded in the faith that Christ taught. But as everyone in her family has peace about God, Christ and what Christianity meant, Hadassah never really understood it for herself.

The Valerian family is one of privilege. As patriarch, Decimus has spent his life building not only his family’s resources, but their valuable reputation. His two children, Marcus and Julia, have grown up wealthy, well known and generally liked, and without an understanding of the world around them. Marcus is a handsome young man with women (and conquests) overflowing while his spoiled little sister, Julia, chafes at her family’s over-protectiveness. When Hadassah enters their lives as a slave, they have no idea of the impact that one small relatively unattractive girl can have on their lives.

Meanwhile, Atretes is a warrior. His mother, a wise seer, ensures him that someday he’ll conquer and defeat all of his foes and that his life will be changed by a dark haired girl. He has trouble believing that when he’s captured into slavery and forced to become a gladiator in the Roman arenas.

Their stories intersect, weave together and become a beautiful masterpiece of storytelling in this, the first of Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series. Hadassah’s struggle to be a witness to those around her with both her life and her work is one that is relevant to Christians today. How much do you say? How little? Should you even use the words God and Jesus Christ in the work place? Though the outcome is much different for Hadassah (we won’t be thrown into a lion’s den) it is still possible for Christians to face persecution for their beliefs and sometimes, be thrown into the court of public opinion.

Rivers builds a story full of intrigue, rich characters, stunning storylines that will surprise and entertain you far more than you imagined possible. Hadassah’s struggles, Marcus and his unbelief, Julia and her wild child ways all resonate with a modern audience and gives us a new way to see God’s message of hope and faith. Entertaining with strong plot twists and richly vibrant characters, A Voice in the Wind promises more excitement and adventure from the rest of the series.

The book ends on a major cliffhanger so you may want to have the next book ready to pick up the second it ends. And you may want to keep tissues nearby. These characters embed themselves relentlessly into your heart until their trials and struggles become your own.

Rated PG-13 – The subject matter discussed is on the adult side of things. She’s open and honest about what happened in Roman society. Knowing that it was rife with sin, blasphemy and overindulgence, be ready for scenes involving all of these.

Review copy provided by Tyndale House Publishers.