An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

This is not only the second book in the trilogy but my second Chunkster finished for the challenge. Here is my review:

Hadassah is gone thrown to the lions by the order of Julia Valerian. This one single event changes the lives of all involved. Julia delves deeper into a world that she is unsure of but doesn’t want to lose her freedom with her common law marriage to Primus. Marcus Valerian is so distraught that he not only leaves Ephesus but also goes on a journey to find the God of Hadassah. Phoebe watches her husband die and her children walk away from her. Yet she holds onto her new faith and hopes that things will change for the good. Alexander is a physician who finds a woman fiercely attacked by two lions and is able to save her. But will she be able to help him with his practice? Does Marcus go on his journey for nothing and never return? Has Phoebe hoped in vain and will Julia finally come to her senses?

This is the second book in the Mark of the Lion Trilogy and I finally understand the reason for the title but I won’t give anything away. The writing really encourages me and I enjoy the journey that is taken by all. Francine Rivers has a way with words that overwhelms me in this book. I was captured and taken a hold of till the very last sentence. I am not much of a saga person but this book is a good saga and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the final book.

Of all the characters, Julia not only reveals her true colors she embraces them a little too much. Phoebe is taken through a lot of hard trials but she always seems to be steadfast in what she feels. Her love for Marcus and Julia was the picture of a true Mother’s love and something I want to be able to do with my son and future children God willing. Marcus is hit the hardest by the events in the book but he starts to see things differently and I love watching him transform. The other character I enjoy the most is Phoebe’s servant Iulius who takes over the position of head servant. He has a strong head on his shoulders and really seems to care for Phoebe.

This book had me going up and down more so than the first one. It really changed my way of thinking and I hope to act on some of what I gleaned from the story. The story line and the events mentioned in the book true and maybe not so true really impressed me because it all weaved together so well. I don’t want this trilogy to end but I am sure that I am not the first to feel this way. I also plan on reading more by Francine Rivers in the future.

I won't read any more tonight but tomorrow I plan on starting The Book of Lost Things by John Connoly. Good night all!