It is AD 312. Rome teeters on the brink of war. Constantine’s army is on the move. On the Rhine frontier, Brandulf Rex, a pagan Germanic barbarian, joins the Roman army as a spy and special forces operative. Down in Rome, Junia Flavia, the lovely and pious daughter of a nominally Christian senator, finds herself embroiled in anti-Christian politics as she works on behalf of the church.As armies … armies converge and forces beyond Rex’s and Flavia’s controls threaten to destroy everything they have worked for, these two people from different worlds will have to work together to bring down the evil Emperor Maxentius. But his villainous plans and devious henchmen are not easily overcome. Will the barbarian warrior and the senator’s daughter live to see the Empire bow the knee to Christ? Or will their part in the story of Constantine’s rise meet an untimely and brutal end?Travel back to one of the most pivotal eras in history–a time when devotion to the pagan gods was fading and the Roman Empire was being conquered by the sign of the cross.
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I became a fan of Bryan Litfin’s novels through the Chiveis Trilogy. When he announced a new series, I immediately put it on my TBR. I had such great confidence in the author, I didn’t really care what the series was about. Although, my love of history, especially church history, had me anticipating the release very much. At the release, I started seeing posts on Facebook and Instagram from influencers I follow that saw what they felt were major flaws in the book. After looking at reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, I began to wonder if I even wanted to read this book. A lot of folks were saying it wasn’t very “Christian”. This confused me, because I considered some of those folks people I have a lot of commonality with when it comes to reading preferences. I trust what they say. But… when I started to think through what I knew of the author’s writing style (from reading the Chiveis Trilogy), it didn’t match up to what I saw in those reviews. So, I bought the book and decided to find out for myself.
Personally, I didn’t find it as horrible as some have made it out to be. I just finished it a few days ago, and really enjoyed it. If you’ll stick around with me, I’ll be happy to explain why that is and my thoughts behind why some were very disappointed. This may help you determine if this book is right for you.
The first thing you need to know when you’re considering a Bryan Litfin book is that his novels are always going to be plot driven. Action, adventure and history are going to be the main focus. There will be some romance develop between characters, but they will play second fiddle to the plot. If you’re primarily a romance reader, know that Litfin doesn’t really write the type of romance you’re probably used to. He writes pretty heavy themes. I think this was confusing for some because they saw an awesome cover and thought, “Biblical Fiction,” which is a pretty romantic, chill genre. However, because they had no experience with this author, when they ran into war scenes, evil emperors and likewise, evil people, they were like, “Uh, wait a minute…” I attribute this to the fact that for most folks, The Conqueror would be the first book they’ve ever read from Litfin. When he published the Chiveis Trilogy, it got categorized under Fantasy in the Young Adult / Teen section. Therefore, no one knew who he was, even though he had authored a complete series already. Because I read both the Fantasy and Historical Fiction in CF and was familiar with his work, my expectations going into this series were completely different than others.
Now, something I feel like I have to cover – because it was brought up so much in other reviews – is the idea that there was a lot of sexual content in this book. Honestly, this is one of the reasons I was so confused about in reviews on The Conqueror. Bryan Litfin had ZERO sexual content in his other books and I just didn’t see that being a problem with anything he wrote. It really had me stumped because I don’t like books that include such content. (After all, I read Christian Fiction for a reason! LOL!) So, I want to share what I think happened when people started reading this book, and of course, I’ll throw in some quick facts to reference at the end of this section to simplify things.
I feel like what others wrote in their reviews portray that the whole book is strewn with bad scenes and thoughts. That’s not the case. After reading it myself, I feel the author included certain things so readers could understand the evilness and pagan society of Rome during that time. But, those parts of the story existed in conversation form, or, in a character’s thoughts. These characters did talk about sex in a way that goes against how Christians view it. But, you need to know that the characters in this conversation were the antagonists (aka. bad guys). Secondly, these antagonists are only mentioned having a conversation like this once or twice out of 500 pages. Thirdly, the Christian characters are not involved in such scenes/conversations. Overall, I don’t feel that sexual content was overemphasized in the story. I think readers were thrown off by the fact that the author didn’t try and candy coat the facts of what pagan society was like in this story. Simply put, evil was portrayed as evil. Because of that, when you read those parts, you didn’t feel good. I don’t feel like those parts of the story were intended to make the reader feel comfortable or entertained. In fact, I honestly think the point of those parts was to make you feel uncomfortable – and from the sounds of it, the author hit the mark. Though the immorality of ancient Rome can be difficult to read about at times, I don’t think Litfin did anyone a disservice by adding the parts he did so we could understand the evil and carnal minds the good characters were up against. It’s a heavy read at times, I will give it that. But please don’t think the whole book is about this one thing. It isn’t.
Quick Facts:
There are NO bedroom scenes in this book.
Characters are tempted by it – but do not indulge.
The antagonist and his wife do talk about it in a way Christians wouldn’t.
From the reviews, I also picked up that the last chapter also threw some readers. Exclamations like, “How could someone end a story like that?” were common. As a previous reader of Litfin, I know the author is going to take those experiences and build them into the next book. But if you haven’t read the Chiveis Trilogy to know that’s how Litfin typically ends his books, I can see how someone can be frustrated. My advice would be to wait until all three books are published, then binge them so when you read, there’s no break in the story.
Conclusion: Now that you’ve made it through all that, I’ll finally get around to my personal feelings about The Conqueror! This is a five star read for me. Even if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I believe it’s a good book. I enjoyed how the heroine was a Christian who experienced persecution and the hero was an unbeliever in Constantine’s army who teetered back and forth between his German god and Jesus, the “new patron” of Constantine. There were epic journeys and hard truths to take in, but I loved the history behind the novel. The plot was top notch – the unpredictable kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I felt like I walked the streets of Rome and (kinda) understood the politics behind Rome when Constantine became emperor. There was a lot to take in (500 pages worth!) but I feel it was written and presented well. I can’t wait until book 2 is released this fall!
Have you ever opened a package and immediately felt giddy over the book that popped out? Well, I will be honest that is how I felt about this book. The cover pulls you in, the weight and feel of the paper further builds up the hopes in your mind, and then to cap it all off, the description is intriguing! Did I mention I got a hardcover edition?
Bryan Litfin is a new to me author with a very great writing style. He pulls you in with vivid characters, drama, battles, and dreams. I loved the period and setting, and I am so thankful for the research Bryan Litfin put into making this book believable and accurate. The characters were pretty realistic, and they chose believable courses of action. Although at times I marveled at their courage! The Religious aspects of the book were spot on for the period (but more on that in a bit), and I truly felt like I was back in time facing off against the lions with the characters. Both Flavia and Rex captured me from the first page, and I enjoyed getting to go on their journey (But I am curious to see what happens to them next).
On the religious aspect. I usually only review Christian Fiction. This is not your normal overtly Christian Fiction. It does not mention God in the sense of having a personal deep abiding relationship with him. He is thought of more as a deity and mostly mentioned in passing. He is not the focus of this story, as most people expect from Christian Fiction. Yet to clarify it is not primarily listed as Christian Fiction, but Ancient, Historical, Romance with a Christian fiction genre thrown in there. Personally, if this book were to be marketed directly to a non-Christian audience, I could see it doing very well (maybe even having a movie made of it) but directing it towards Christians… I do not think it will go well. Also, because it has sexual connotations throughout the story, as well as taking an odd (period correct though) stance on women.
Overall, I give it 2 out of 5 stars (honestly not sure how to rate it) for the great research, interesting story plot, and vivid characters. But I would NOT recommend it to anyone who is not sure of their faith, has problems with reading sexual references, or an impressionable audience. I would also recommend the publisher Revell not label it as Christian Fiction.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own
From the moment I saw this book, I knew I wanted to read it, and not only because the cover is beautiful and very well done. Despite being an avid historical fiction devotee, I have read precious few books about the early Roman Empire. In all honesty, it was not a time period that drew my interest until I took Latin in college; my immediate love of the language planted a seed of interest in the ancient culture that dominated the landscape of the early Christian church. Not often do I have the opportunity to review a book based on this era, after the Diocletian persecutions. As Bryan Litfin remarks in his Historical Note section at the beginning of the book, “The Conqueror” is not a biblical novel, but rather a historical one, which sets the scene for the entire story.
Perhaps because it is intended to be primarily historical, “The Conqueror” leaves me feeling conflicted and struggling to tease out my thoughts. Amazon does not list it among Christian fiction, but because it is published by Revell, that is what I would expect, and the book summary lends credence to this. My issue is that it reads like a secular novel, with too much focus on “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Flavia is a devoted Christian, yet she seems unable to truly defend her faith and answer Rex’s questions; granted, she is a teenager, but given her privileged upbringing and the amount of time she spends engaged in helping the church, this seems implausible. Similarly, I would have liked to see more dynamic characters. Here, evil is evil and it seems like a missed opportunity at times to test the characters’ ability to change in more deliberate ways. I do, however, appreciate how Flavia and Rex’s stories converge, leading to more integrations as the story progresses.
Covering somewhat less than four years, from October 309 A.D to May 313, “The Conqueror” is an epic novel of the fight between the authorities of the day and between polytheism and Christianity. I think that it is safe to say that politics haven’t changed much over the years. Power grabbing, scandals, affairs, assassinations. Let’s just hope that we never see a return of the amphitheaters! As for the Roman army, I find the thorough training of the speculators such as Rex and his best friend Geta both interesting and disturbing, because they are taught to kill without compunction if necessary. I understand this concept in a war environment, but it can be taken to excess in less dire situations. I will say, though, that Litfin excels at keeping the plot moving with plenty of action, adventure, and drama. I enjoyed learning about the catholic (universal) church at this time in history, and about the Empire’s journey toward Christianity. In the opening indices, Litfin includes a list of the major characters in his story who were actual historical figures, a Gazetteer of Ancient and Modern Place Names, and a glossary of terms, all of which enrich and inform the reading experience.
My overall impressions are that if you enjoy historical fiction set in the ancient world and are not disturbed by violence or sensuality, you may enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Brandulf Rex, whom Rome considers a German barbarian, joins Constantine’s army as an elite spy after Constantine spares his life. This book delves into the history of how the Catholic Church got a foothold in Rome which previously was persecuting the Christians. Things are beginning to change even to the point that Emperor Constantine has an army to back him up.
Junia Flavia is a Christian woman who is the daughter of a senator that finds herself in a fight for the plight of Christians in the pagan Roman senate. Eventually through the turmoil of Rome’s civil war, Rex and Junia’s paths converge. The characters are great and they all change drastically throughout the book. This story is filled with adventure, conquest, and twists that made this historical time come to life. If you are interested in the history of Rome and the early Catholic Church this is the book for you.
I have been on a reading splurge of author Litfin’s and I especially enjoyed his other series (futuristic medieval) and this one with the ancient Roman/German atmosphere was a good one to get lost into too.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin is the first novel I have read by this author, so I was not sure what to expect. The author makes it clear the story is not Biblical fiction but historical fiction, and I would agree. I appreciated the vast knowledge of the Roman era–everything from the description of the local bathhouses to the food that was found on the character’s plates. The detail is exquisite and brings the ancient Roman empire to life on the page. I enjoyed learning about the training and life of a speculator, or spy. The fight/action scenes were well written, full of tension, and easily followed. I stood in awe with Flavia at Rex’s ability to defend, disarm, or throw to the ground any who dared to challenge him.
I also enjoyed the discussion between early Christians about their doctrine and faith. It was interesting to see their rituals, and how following Jesus translated into their lives as Roman citizens. It definitely made them stand out from the mob. We could learn a lesson or two from these brave believers!
For me, it took me a while to become engaged in this story. It was over 100 pages before the hero and heroine meet each other, but the action quickly escalates from there. And while I liked the conspiracy of rebellion and the web of spies, the action often lagged in between events.
I know in the culture of the time immorality ran rampant, but it did seem over-emphasized in this story. For someone like me who reads only clean/sweet romance, the talk of brash adultery, casual dalliances, etc., maybe too much. I will say there were no explicit scenes only crude dialogue.
Overall, I’m a little conflicted about The Conqueror. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy the rich detail of the period, but those who read strictly Christian fiction may be disappointed by some of the more crude sexual discussions.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin takes history, war, and romance to bold, epic levels!
I appreciated how the author sought to accurately align with history in the portrayal of the early Christians who had recently come out of intense persecution, early church theology, the grim realities of war, and the debauchery of Roman culture. I’m always grateful for authors who are not afraid to tackle subjects like this. However, that brings me to my next thought…
TRIGGER WARNING! If you have had sexual abuse, trauma, and/or betrayal in your life, then please be aware that there is a lot of content that is VERY triggering!
While the pacing made it harder for me to be connected to the events of the story, the author has a strength for historical detail, particularly with political games and battle scenes! Though the characters weren’t soulmate characters for me, I would be interested to know how their story progresses in the following books of the series. Hopefully with a happy ending after that cliffhanger! Ultimately, it is the characters’ individual reconciliations with the costs and joys of following Christ that add a deep profoundness to their journey in The Conqueror!
Three Stars ~ The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin is an adventure in history! The Conqueror is the first book in the author’s series, Constantine’s Empire.
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Conqueror
Constantine’s Empire #1
By Bryan Litfin
First off, I really love the cover of this book. One sees a hero fighting for what they believe in and it fits with the description of the book. The idea behind this book is more than a little intriguing – an empire on the brink. A newish religion struggling to survive in the face of opposition. But the idea, in my opinion, was better than the book. I really tried to like this book and the beginning was more than promising but the further I got into the book the harder it was to keep reading.
The excessive immorality and lingering on sexuality and physical attributes just turned me off. Seriously, I had to double-check just who the publisher was as this is not what I associate with Revell. I get it that the Roman Empire was morally bereft but I would have preferred fewer details about this aspect of their decadence.
I’m sure that there are those who will not have their sensibilities taxed by these scenes. But I can’t recommend this if you are looking for a clean read. I have read other books, that were in a similar time and place setting that were better if you are looking for historical fiction without the blatant, in-your-face debauchery. Unfortunately, for the book, this along with the pacing kept me from connecting in any way with the characters.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Conqueror is the first book in a new Christian historical fiction series about how Emperor Constantine re-united the Roman Empire and welcomed Christianity. The two main characters are Rex, a young speculator (spy) for Constantine and Flavia, a Christian daughter of a senator for Constantine’s rival. They are on opposite sides of the empire, but they find themselves working together for the betterment of Rome and the Christians.
I found this an intriguing book. The events chronicled are historical, as far as I understand, as well as the culture. I knew the bare details about how Constantine’s rule changed the Empire and Christianity’s relationship to it at the time. I knew the bare details, but this book takes it much further and goes into battles, culture, descriptions of monuments (some of which are still there), politics, Christian theology of the time, and much more. It was fascinating! And based on the author’s credentials and non-fiction books, Litfin seems to know what he is talking about when he wrote it (though ancient history is always a little spotty). I loved it.
The fictional part of the historical fiction is the two main characters. Rex and Flavia are fictional, as is their budding romance and their struggle with initially believing in Jesus and/or remaining faithful to Jesus in the tumultuous and sinful world. I believe the characters were dynamic and well-written, and I look forward to reading more about them in subsequent novels. They were really young, though, at least for an adult novel; both were in their upper teens. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them, whatever their ages.
I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the following books in the series, whenever they’re published. Especially since this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger! I recommend it to fans of Biblical fiction and war novels.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to write a positive review.
I’m having some difficulty writing a review for this book because it is obvious that the author did a lot of research for this novel and overall, it is very well written. However, I had a hard time reading about the inappropriate pagan behavior of the Romans and did not think that content needed to be that detailed for a book published by a Christian publisher. I definitely do not recommend that this book be read by young adults due to the explicit descriptions of adult content. I recognize that the author wished to portray the depravity of humanity during this time, but I do think some of the details could have been more subtle and just as effective. The plot overall is interesting and I appreciate all the research that the author did for this book, which clearly comes through. I liked certain portions of the story and thought the character development was well done. The cover is stunning and there is some good material packed within the almost 500 pages. However, overall, I would caution others that some of the content is explicit and not suited for all readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Let’s just start with the cover of The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin. I can feel the heat and fury radiating off the exceptionally handsome dust jacket. My husband took one look and announced that he is going to want to read it as soon as I finish. Though his preferred genre is nonfiction and technical, the statement does respect the fact that this beautifully designed graphic does its job to pique the reader’s interest.
To start a book with maps and a detailed historical note is to get my attention. The author has given us context and set expectations for the time period and socio-political climate in which the story is set. There is no doubt that he has done extensive research, a trait I greatly respect in any historical fiction. Litfin’s historical note was the proverbial carrot I eagerly followed into a work of fiction meant to illuminate history. There is one thing to consider, however, when reading The Conqueror; Litfin clearly states in the historical note that he has “…tried to add a certain realism to my story that reflects the way things really were.” While this spurred me on initially, I later realized this should have been my first clue that things were going to get graphic. I’m a big girl, and I can handle it, but it’s not a choice I typically make.
Bryan Litfin certainly is a master at crafting moments of intrigue and intense battle scenes. I could practically feel the heft of the spatha in my hand, the thunderous quaking of the earth beneath the boots of legions, the spray of blood on my skin. Litfin’s writing style from the military perspective is spectacular. His crafting of political intrigue, superb. The stark contrast between the Christian lifestyle and that of the pagan society around them is highlighted at every turn: the mysterious, yet peaceful, sacraments of the Christians vs the chaotic and violent sacrifices of fickle pagan gods, the sacred nature of intercourse between a Christian husband and his wife vs the pagan sentiment that sex is a political tool and method of exerting dominance. The sexual tension between Rex and Flavia is more overt than I would prefer, though it does effectively portray the pull between what the eye sees, the body feels, and the morals dictate for the greater picture. I think it contributes to the contrast between Christian and pagan opinions of sex; the author effectively prods our emotions in that regard, certainly more than I would have chosen.
In The Conqueror, Bryan Litfin explores the contrast between the two very different cultures sharing the same time and space, while also portraying the reality that the One True God is available to all. All in all, I enjoyed this book and appreciated its realism within historical context. However, I do feel that I should temper my recommendation by stating that this book veers to the edge of propriety within the realm of Christian fiction. Still, it is important to realize and remember these things, pondering what those who came before us in the faith endured to advance the cause of Christ.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are completely genuine.
I really enjoyed learning about Ancient Rome and how Constantine becomes Emperor. I love the characters of Brandulf Rex and Junia Flavia. I love how the spy and the daughter of a high ranking Roman get to be friends. I loved learning some of the ways that the first Christians prayed and celebrated the mass. This has romance, intrigue and religion all in the same story. This is well written and kept me wanting more. I am looking forward to reading more about Constantine, Rex and Flavia in the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Oh, my feelings about this book are many and varied. When I was younger, I loved reading Caroline Lawrence’s Roman Mysteries. Greek and Roman mythology have always fascinated me. This is just a time period of history that I really enjoy. So to start with things I loved about this book, number one would have to be the setting.
The next amazing thing was the characters. They were complex and real and well developed. Even the pagans, (more on them later), were extremely well done. We kind of had four storylines – Rex. Flavia, Constantine, and Maxentius. Going back and forth between the stories never felt jumbled or abrupt. It flowed together seamlessly.
Flavia and her mother were bold but still had fear. They did what they had to do but cried out to God for the strength to endure. Her father, I felt bad for him and for his family. He’s kind of like the seed that fell among thorns. It’s sad.
Rex’s storyline might be the most intriguing to me. His sense of honor and doing what is right while also battling his desire for vengeance. Characters that have battles like this inside of them are quite interesting and usually have the most development.
Now, for what I didn’t like so much. I will start by saying that if the author had not included the historical note that he did, I might not have noticed these things as much. However, my biggest “issue” had nothing to do with that. There was a lot of “adult” things in this book. While it never got graphic or explicit, there was enough sensual stuff that I just don’t expect in “Christian” books. Now, to be fair, most of it was among the pagans. I understand being realistic but I don’t think you always have to include something just because it actually happened.
In the historical note, the author mentions including things, mostly regarding faith, that don’t fit today’s language. So he was trying, in some degree, to be historically accurate. Okay, cool, but then using the words “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” and Flavia’s personality don’t fit. I’m not one to be picky about history usually but it did stand out to me because I thought he was trying to be more historically accurate.
Along those lines, I’m not sure it is good or helpful to repeat poor theology just to be accurate. At this time in history, the church was starting to get into some “interesting” arenas theologically and that came out in the book on occasion.
Finally, I know the universal church used to be called “catholic” but I thought it a bit much how often the author included that adjective to describe the church. I’m not sure the believers went around calling it the catholic church all the time.
These are all little things. Minor inconveniences really. I liked the story enough that I want to read more, especially after that ending!!! I was engaged the whole time and it was quite the page-turner of a story.
There are two things that are odd, for me anyway. I appreciated that things didn’t always turn out well because there were too many instances of “God will make it all work” out, so I appreciated that it didn’t always happen. Also, a major betrayal didn’t bother me, and based on other things, it should have. I should have been devastated but I wasn’t. Odd.
Many thanks to Revell for a copy of the book. All opinions were my own and a favorable review was not required.
If you like historical fiction, war novels, spies, ancient Rome, and/or romance in the midst of danger, I think you’ll like this book. Litfin has taken what he has gleaned from much study about Constantine and turned it into a riveting book full of all of the above. Themes of lust vs love, political power vs spiritual power, loyalty vs betrayal combined with heart-stopping plot twists kept me reading late into the night several times.
Be warned that this is not a G-rated book – Litfin’s descriptions of brutal warfare, life for the poverty-stricken masses under crazed rulers, Christians being persecuted, and so forth are not sanitized. Also be warned that the ending leaves the reader hanging and heart-broken… I just hope it’s not a whole year before the next book in the series comes out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheConqueror #NetGalley
The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin is the first book in his Constantine’s Empire series. First off let me say that I didn’t finish this book. The story started off great but then became too graphic for a Christian fiction book; in my opinion. If the author had stayed away from going into the pagan/debauchery side of the story of early Rome, I might have been able to finish the book. There was too much inappropriate behavior and language included. Not just the characters’ language but the authors descriptive language. The flaunting of the marital vows by Christians, was the final straw. I won’t be getting the second book.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
I’ve had this book on my Goodreads to-read shelf since October 2, 2018. When I added it to my shelf, it was to be published through Crossway. I’m not sure what happened, but I was thrilled when it appeared in a blog post featuring the cover art for Bethany House’s Fall fiction. Not only did The Conqueror have a new home, but it also had an amazing cover to match the synopsis that captured my attention.
This is the first work I’ve read by Bryan Litfin so I’ll begin with what I feel he did well. Litfin excels in writing tension-filled, action-packed fight scenes. Whether he was describing close combat between two or three foes or battle on a massive scale, he is adept at drawing his reader into the fight. Another strength is that he held to the commitment (outlined in his Historical Note) to portray his characters not as “evangelicals in togas” but as members of the “ancient catholic church, not twenty-first-century evangelicalism.” In keeping with this, his characters pray to the saints, celebrate “mysterious rituals”, and often (in the case of rulers) practice syncretism. Finally, he paints a believable picture of life in Rome—complete with all its grandeur, filth, and debauchery.
Unfortunately, I did not care for these characters, Litfin’s portrayal of women, his writing style, or the gospel presentation being boiled down to “Try him.” It’s not that I’m a sensitive reader, I simply believe that anything published as Christian fiction should also be good fiction. While I will not read the next book in the series, you may read the following quotes and determine whether you’d like to read the first.
“What will my seduction accomplish? Do you wish me to uncover a secret from the emperor? Plant a rumor about Neratius? Or just impress him with my talent for sex?”
“Oh! I must remain faithful to my husband!” she said in a high-pitched, mocking tone. “I must wear dowdy dresses! I must keep my legs together! I must follow ancient Jewish morals!”
“Flavia finally halted, unable to retreat yet prevented from advancing further by her long-cultivated habit of holiness. A war raged in her soul, the ancient battle between lust and self-control.”
“The only other couch in the room belonged to Chloe, her cheerful, heavyset roommate who now carried the baby of an unknown imperial page.”
“The bony waif with the too-big eyes continued her work with the tweezer. Despite her personal ugliness, the girl was actually a good ornatrix.”
“If any pleasure was to be had from intercourse, it was to be obtained from slaves. But the point of sexual relations with a husband—or with an influential politician—was to achieve an objective, not enjoy the moment.”
“Sex was her most effective tool for achieving her goal. Without a romp in bed, …”
“Though she was only fourteen, she had the sensual moves and skimpy outfit of someone much older.”
***
“The bulges of his biceps were rounded like pomegranates, and to Flavia they seemed sweeter than any fruit could be. This was a young man in his prime—as lean and fierce as any savage beast.”
“The horse was a specimen to admire: a rippling and masculine beast with lively eyes, a proud neck, and great, bulbous testicles.”
“Raucous cheers erupted from the crowd, signaling to Maxentius that his men were suitably impressed by his male anatomy. With a cocky grin, the emperor let loose a stream of urine onto the sacred scriptures of the catholic church.”
***
“There is one in heaven who can.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Try him, Rex. Just try, I beg you.”
I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.