Book Review - Daughter of the Rebellion

Daughter of the Rebellion, the latest release from author Jamie Ogle, is the deeply emotional and vividly entertaining story of Visigoth war daughter Adelgard. Captured when the Roman army defeated her rebellious clan and sent to train and perform as one of the favored gladiatrices in the violent entertainment culture of Rome, Adel has leaned into her role as Amazon and endeavored to set aside thoughts of a home to which she can no longer return. The abuses she must endure are the consequences of decisions she has made that brought shame to herself and to her family. There is no path but forward.

Working in the ludus is not an appropriate occupation for a Christian, but medicus Felix must do what he has to do in order to provide for his mother and sisters. There he provides medical care for the injured gladiators and gladiatrices, making ends meet and dodging creditors in search of restitution for debts his father acquired before he disappeared. However, the Lord uses circumstances and individuals regardless of how appropriate or qualified they seem to human eyes and Felix has some heavy decisions to make when approached with a difficult offer.

This is a book I throughly devoured, regardless of every attempt to slow down and savor it. The scenes moved as though on film, expertly crafted descriptions and deeply human characters flowed in real time as pages turned and the story progressed. The messages of mercy and understanding unfold beautifully, bit by bit as our flawed and relatable characters begin to digest the concepts and embrace their identities in the eyes of the Father. The further blooming of identity is executed as deftly as the Amazon delivering the winning strike to an exhausted and unsettled opponent. Without giving away too much, it is safe to say that this is truly a story that does not end until the author strikes her final punctuation. Daughter of the Rebellion will stick with me for a satisfyingly long time.

Daughter of the Rebellion is available from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House    Christian Book    Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Walmart

I received a NetGalley ARC of this book. It did not influence my review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review - Vita’s Prayer

Imagine for a moment that you have decided to write a novel about the early church in Rome, taking on the lofty responsibility of conveying truth within the historical context, while weaving a tale that fully absorbs the reader into it. Now add the complicating twist of choosing to write this story in your non-native language. The challenge is great, but Grace Liu meets it with aplomb in her debut novel, Vita’s Prayer. There is no chance of missing her passion for the good news and the early carriers of it as she pours into characters that come alive and settings that live and breathe through her descriptions. One of the things I appreciate most is the character development, as motivations are revealed through understanding; even the most reviled are driven by something, sometimes more than greed. With a plot full of drama and intrigue, the reader is immersed in the dangerous world where mere mortals do the work of their gods and of the one true God.

Vita’s Prayer is available now from Amazon.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.