This third book in the Mark of the Lion series is a fitting conclusion. Set in first century Rome, this one follows Atretes, the German, who had been sold into slavery and forced to be a gladiator for the sport of Rome. He earned his freedom and then set out to find his son. He was adopted by a Christian widow. He agrees to let her continue to care for him until he is weaned. He also sets out for home and takes Rizpah and his son Caleb on the long trek back to Germania. They are accompanied by Theophilus, a former Roman Centurion turned Christian who feels called to share the gospel with the people in Germania. There is great animosity towards Theophilus by Atretes and the journey is difficult, but when Theophilus saves Atretes' life three times, Atretes soon counts him a friend. Meanwhile, Atretes and Rizpah fall in love and marry. The real difficulty comes once they arrive in Germania and begin to share the gospel. It's a great missionary story and Rivers tells it well. She doesn't make the conversions unrealistic and fast, but shows the struggles people have with believing and the opposition to the gospel from many fronts.

Reading this story kept me on edge to see what happens next. I had shed tears over the way that these people were treated, but seeing the way God worked in their lives made it an even more reason to cry. I believe our redeamer lives and reading this, it's like you were living in those days as if it were happening right before your eyes. I have read these three books twice and I own all of Francines titles. I love how she put's Bible stories to life by letting us see by reading. When I was reading this story, I would not have dreamed that Artres dreams of going home would turn out like it did either. I was afraid for him when he began drinking. The way they killed people by putting them in a hole to sink to their death. My favorite was when God was there to bring Rizpah out of the hole before their eyes. What a mighty God we serve. I am closer to God than ever since reading these books. Thanks Francine,I await more to add to my collection.

This book made me feel as I was Ripazah.I loved it! I would recomend it to everybody who likes fiction, love stories, drama and action. You will not loose, you will only win the best.Read for reading is the only time when you can imagine all you've ever liked. Read for it feeds the Innermost. Hear every word in your heart.