Can the deepest loss bring the greatest gain?Rome’s conquering army took Ariana’s family and freedom, but nothing can take her faith in Jesus. When she rescues a tribune’s wife from certain death, her reward is freedom and a chance to free her brother and sister. But first she must catch up with the slave caravan before they vanish forever, and tracking them from Dacia to the coast seems … coast seems impossible for one woman alone.
Discharged from the legion with a hand crippled by a Dacian knife, Donatus faces a future without hope. When the tribune asks him to escort Ariana on her quest, it’s the only work he can find. It means four weeks with a Dacian woman and a gladiator bodyguard, but it takes money to eat. A man without options must take what he can get.
But a lot can happen in four weeks. Even battle-hardened men can be touched by love and forgiveness, and it’s easier to face an enemy with a sword than to face the truth. When his moment of truth comes, what will Donatus choose, and what will that mean for all of them?
Dangerous times, difficult friendships, lives transformed by forgiveness and love
Hope Unchained is the seventh volume in the Light in the Empire series, which follows the interconnected lives of four Roman families during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian. Each can be read stand-alone. The nine novels of the series will take you around the Empire, from Germania and Britannia to Thracia, Dacia, and Judaea and, of course, to Rome itself.
“A story that absolutely grabbed my attention from the very first scene. Ashby’s history and cultural research are impeccable, but they’re beautifully lived out by characters I cared about deeply. I partly listened to the book and partly read it–all in one day–and was completely enthralled.” – Mesu Andrews, winner of the 2018 Christy Award for Historical Fiction for her novel, Isaiah’s Daughter.
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This was a wonderfully written novel about ancient Rome, rich with historical detail. I was amazed by the author’s depth of knowledge, particularly for the geographic setting of the novel. The characters were realistic and fleshed out. If you enjoy Christian historian fiction or Roman historical fiction, you’ll enjoy this book.
Carol Ashby has once again delivered another inspirational tale of the early Christians under the Roman Empire. Her research of this time period is impeccable.
I found Hope Unchained to be a wonderful story of learning to love and serve our enemies and to be willing to share one’s faith. Ariana’s belief that God is in control of all events, bringing good from bad, is a story of hope. This is also a story of freedom, freedom that unchains us from the separation that sin has put between mankind and God.
One of my favorite quotes:
“Our hope in a time of trial could be what leads another person to seek God.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Hope Unchained is the first book I read in this series. It works well as a standalone. It is a story of hope and faith in terrifying times. The author’s research was phenomenal and I learned so much about the ancient world. This story was about finding Christ, testifying of Christ, and putting your faith and trust in Him. It was a wonderful reminder of what being a follower of Christ should be. That being said, I gave it three stars because it was a little too safe for me. Everything was tied up in a neat bow, but for me being a Christian is a messy affair, with doubts and trials that test my faith all the time. I would have liked to see the MC struggle with her faith a little more. She was almost too perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the third book in this series I’ve read and I plan to read all of them.
Adventure stories within the Roman empire. Each one is not only a good story but allows you to learn more of the customs and cultures of Rome and the surrounding nations and peoples. Each one has some sort of link with the others which means we can hear the ongoing stories of our favourite characters or some relative …
Strong Christian story to each and shared naturally, giving us an idea of what it was like to follow Jesus in the first centuries AD -without much personal access to scriptures and often in isolated situations. Yet the issues of learning to forgive, to trust … are universal ones.
Recommended. These books would also be appreciated by teenagers from about 13.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this book. Any opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a great book! It started out slow, but quickly picked up the pace. From there it held my attention until the last page. This story was a sweet story about how no matter the evils that may befall us, God never fails us and will always be with us. It reminds me of psalm 93, yea though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil. Thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me.
As Christian’s, we know that no matter what evil comes our way, God will turn what seems hopeless and devastating into something wonderful. Carol so clearly showed this to us in this book. Read this book so you can know, too, that God can turn anything bad circumstance around for our good