WINNER, 2004 LOGOS BOOKSTORE AWARD FOR FICTIONGo back in time to first-century Jerusalem. It’s a dark time in the world’s holiest and most turbulent city. Walk with Peniel, the blind beggar who longs for rescue from his suffering. Peek into the lives of Susannah and Manaen, two lovers separated by overwhelming odds. And meet an unusual healer, who ignites a spark of controversy in the fire of … fire of hatred, deceit, and betrayal that is always burning in this ancient city. This first book in the A.D. Chronicles series will bring you face-to-face with the man called Yeshua.
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Neat story, biblically based with spiritual truths that resound. Opens your eyes also to the times of the Bible, incredible story that built a fire for Bible reading.
The AD Chronicles are awesome!! Wonderful characters. Brings the Gospel characters to life. Read them All!!
3.5/5
It’s been well over 10 years since I first read this series. I can remember who recommended it to me and that I enjoyed it well enough to go on and recommend it to others. Since I’ve forgotten much of the story, I made the decision to read through the A.D. Chronicles once again.
First Light wasn’t as good as I remember. Things I didn’t question as a new believer gave me pause. Take for example all of the lucid dreams where Peniel communes with the Ush-pi-zin (dead). During his conversation with Yitz’chak (Isaac), Isaac tells him, “When the sun glinted on the blade of the knife and it flashed toward me, I was dead… you know? But my father received me back alive again.” This does not align with Scripture (see Genesis 22). There were other instances like this where the authors may have been drawing from Jewish tradition rather than the Bible, but there’s not an author’s note at the end of the book where they separate fact from fiction and tradition, as you see in many biblical fiction novels today. The other thing I found irksome was the obsessive repetition in the characters’ thoughts and dialogue.
After I read a few more books from my 2020 #tbr, I’m going to read the second book in the A.D. Chronicles. It will determine whether I finish the series or clear these books from my shelves.
This book is about Jesus Christ and those whom He touched. The first book is about the man born blind and how Jesus healed him. It is a fictional story based on the facts of the Bible. It is a well thought out book with many twists and turns.
Thoene’s books bring the Bible world alive in ways that make us see how everyday life was for people in those days. I have learned a lot from their different series of books. They have done extensive research and it shows.
Bringing the First Century to Life
While First Light is officially the start of a new series for prolific authors Brock and Bodie Thoene, it doesn’t feel like it. The story starts just moments after the end of their last novel, Jerusalem’s Hope, book six in the Zion Legacy Series. But since this book is with a new publisher, that might explain the new series title. Well, that and the fact that their focus has definitely shifted from Israel in 1948 to Israel in the first century. Once again, we are treated to stories of political intrigue and personal struggle during the life and ministry of Jesus. About half the characters are new, but the other half have been introduced in the last three books they wrote. You can jump in here, but to fully appreciate some of the events, it’s best to have read those other books.
Before the story really gets going, there is a prologue. Set in 2002, it does update us on long time character Moshe, so long time fans will at least know a little about his fate. Again, new comers to the Thoenes won’t care, but this fan was thankful for the glimpse. It does set up the story as Moshe shows his son a room full of old scrolls, one of which contains our story….
The Passover riot is dying down, but the political fallout is just heating up. Pilot and Herod Antipas want someone to blame. Centurion Marcus Longinus is caught in the cross fire and must carry out a mission to Alexandria to avoid being falsely accused. Meanwhile, Susanna is caught in a high stakes battle between brothers battling for her hand in marriage and their father’s inheritance. Manaen is the love of her life, but will his desire for his share of the money drive them apart? Blind beggar Peniel waits for the coming Messiah. Maybe he’ll come this Pentecost. And what of the rumors of Yeshua? Is He the promised one?
I have fallen in love with the Thoenes’ Biblical fiction because of the background they bring. I already know how some of the stories will end, but seeing it through the eyes of the culture adds to meaning to familiar tales. I especially enjoy watching the inner workings and politics of the Roman Empire.
The characters are the real strength of the book because they are real. You feel for the struggles these people are going through even if you already know the outcome. My favorite is Marcus because of his journey toward faith. Their picture of Jesus reminds us just how tender He was with those who needed Him. And they bring
The plot is the one area where the book suffers, a rarity for the Thoenes. While I love the cultural background, sometimes they got so caught up in explaining Jewish life and customs that they over do it, slowing down the story. Some passages skirt across a fine line and come across as more preachy then expository. Finally, while the climax of the Biblical story is wonderful and emotionally satisfying, the non-Biblical climax seems rushed. They can do better then this.
Long time fans will relish another story from these masters of the craft. While not their best, First Light is still an entertaining read that will transport you to another place and time.
Love. Love. Love.