Book Review: An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion Series #2) by Francine Rivers

Rating: 5 Stars

Published: January 1, 1994

Pages: 461

Genre: Christian/Historical Fiction

Buy: Amazon.com

---

This is the second book in the ‘Mark of the Lion’ series, and I have reviewed the first book in the series as well so if you have not read my review of that one yet, you can go check it out. I went straight into reading this book as the first book ended in a cliff hanger. It was as if I just moved into another chapter.

In this consignment, Hadassah’s story continues and we find that she is miraculously saved after being fed to lions in the arena at Ephesus. This is where we also come to know Alexander, the compassionate, intelligent and God-send doctor who becomes Hadassah’s friend and protector. They become an odd pair as they help people in the city (mostly the poor) who are plagued with all kinds of ailments. In the course of their work, they are summoned to the home of the Valerians, Hadassah’s former owners and Hadassah’s faith is yet again tested but she chooses God’s counsel despite Alexander’s fears and concerns. Worst still, she comes face to face with Julia her former mistress who sent her to the arena to be killed. On the other hand, Marcus Valerian makes a long journey to Judea as he is guilt stricken at what his sister had done to Hadassah and also angry at Hadassah’s God for allowing her to perish in the hands of lions. However, in the course of his quest to find answers to why God allowed this to happen to his faithful servant, he experiences an awakening that will stay with him as he finds his way back home and back to Hadassah.

This story I think has always been my favorite out of the three books in the series and I must say it brought me to tears at least three times in the course of my reading it. I was at some point angry at Hadassah’s choice to go back and tend to Julia. In my thoughts, just like Alexander, it is obviously God’s command that we forgive those who hurt us in any way but to willingly go back to serve that person is wild. I remember saying to myself while reading the story, ‘what is Hadassah trying to prove’? However, yet again, as I pondered on this, God began to speak to my heart and made me understand what He did for us while we were yet sinners. Not only did He send his son to die for us to wipe away our sins, but he also adopted us as sons and daughters again, giving us a fresh start, a clean slate, as if nothing ever happened, as if we never offended him. This is what God expects of us as well if the situation presents itself. Not for us to be foolish or put ourselves in danger, instead we should seek God’s face and ask for his wisdom as Hadassah did and when it is clear that he wants us to go back to that place or person or relationship that caused us pain after we have forgiven and “moved on” then we must trust him to stand with us through it all.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to you when I say I highly recommend this book to all Christians. In this story, we have both a sermon and entertainment. It is full of historical themes, helping the reader understand the times. If you haven’t yet read this book, what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a copy.

Also available in eBook and audiobook formats on Audible and Everand.

Thanks for stopping by.

---

The Author:

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America’s coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

---

Copyright © Biyai Garricks
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Biyai Garricks, rovingbookwormng.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.