Sara

Brilliant work of historical fiction that will stay with you long after the reading

Revisado: 03-19-22

Ted Dekker’s AD 30 may be one of the most moving renditions of historical fiction I’ve ever read. I was transfixed from the opening sentence and stayed entranced throughout every aspect of the compelling story. Dekker’s work transports readers to the time when Christ walked the earth, but it is His interactions with the work’s main character, Maviah, that are most transformational.

This novel is far from a simple work of fiction. Dekker’s description of each of his characters is so rich in depth that I felt I was living alongside them. From the Bedouin city of Duma in the Arabian desert to the rich grandeur of Herod’s palace in Palestine, every detail is superbly crafted to invoke an emotional experience like none other. I’ve read many works of Christian historical fiction, but none kept me riveted like this one.

In Maviah, Dekker has created a heroine who is at once both humbled and elevated as she journeys to Palestine not just to save her people but her father, a powerful sheik humbled by the barbaric takeover of his kingdom by not just a neighboring tribe but his own son.

Maviah’s journey is not just physical but also spiritual as she seeks to overcome the stigma of being an illegitimate daughter to her father who sold her into Egyptian slavery at a young age. Despite her cruel upbringing, Maviah’s father’s desperate need for help forces him to place a burden on this young woman, unlike anything she’s ever faced before. At every turn, she encounters obstacles that test her character and conviction - including the deaths of those most precious to her, powerful forces of nature, near-death experiences, treachery, betrayal, and physical torture that would have crippled a lesser character.

While she sees herself as an outcast, those around Maviah remind her that she is destined for so much more. She is Maviah, Queen of the Desert. She cannot give up. She must continue to press on to save her people, even when she feels confident that she will not be successful.

But more than a story of conquering all odds, AD 30 brings to life the person of Yeshua - the Hebrew name of Joshua, or Jesus - in a way that is life-changing not just to the novel’s main characters but to the readers of this work. While described as a “mystic” by some, Yeshua draws Maviah in a way that she can hardly resist. It’s through Yeshua that Maviah learns of her Heavenly Father. While she can’t understand why He would do so, Maviah knows in her soul that her Heavenly Father loves her - profoundly and without reservation. As she struggles to absorb Christ’s teaching, she must learn to let go of her fear and have faith in a love-based power beyond the tangible.

“When the storms of life rise and threaten to swamp you, can you quiet the waves? Can you leave that cherished boat behind and walk on the troubled waters, or do you cling to your boat like the rest of the world, certain you will drown if you step on the deep dark seas that surround you?”

Through the eyes of Maviah, Sabah, Judah, and all the characters in this novel, Dekker weaves a tale that brings readers close to the Messiah. In response to other reviewers who found this book “preachy,” I can only say your eyes must be as blind as Maviah’s. To find Yeshua, you must surrender to see beyond this world. You must envision yourself, instead, through the lens of an unseen Father who loves you, no matter your illegitimacy, earthly failures, poverty, or disgrace.

Read this book. It will get into your head, resonate with your heart, and stay in your soul long after you’ve completed the last chapter.

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Fascinating story of a forgotten period of history

Revisado: 09-22-19

Few people understand the significance of Russia’s Bolshevik revolution on the rest of the world. Fewer still grasp the horrors this people’s revolution invoked on the nation, under the guise of the popular topic of social justice, that fills our headlines today.

The “Lost Roses” has the ability to change that understanding. Through the retelling of both Russian aristocrat, Sofya and American socialite Eliza Woolsey Mitchell Farriday, whose dramatic friendship spans two continents during WWI, this story offers a perspective on the consequences of war and gullibility of the people who follow idealists, no matter how extreme.

As a prequel to “Lilac Girls,” set in WWII, we learn how Lilac’s Caroline learned her gumption - through the staunch influence of her mother, Eliza. The Woolsey women, fascinating historical icons, serve as staunch advocates for the less fortunate even as they deal with their own frailties and heartaches.

“Lost Roses” is a historical gift, based on fact from a forgotten era. Through the tragedies, triumphs and tribulations of this book’s characters, listeners learn the value of perseverance and appreciation. This book should be mandatory reading for all young people today. While graphic details of the revolution and its aftermath are, at times, hard to listen to, the story is poignantly told and utterly fascinating to listen to.

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Phenomenal storyline will keep you craving more

Revisado: 06-15-19

While this storyline was written with middle school characters (curious age choice), the storyline is so brilliantly written that readers will forget the age of the subjects, almost from the onset.

Told in first-person narrative as a video-diary, Emily takes listeners along on an unexpected journey as she begins her scholarship at a prestigious NY school for the ultra-privileged. From her entry examination to the final parting, it’s hard not to get caught up in the engaging and suspenseful drama that is Emily’s life.

What begins as an exercise in capturing a new chapter in her life becomes Emily’s record of a story that feels “ripped from the headlines” of today’s news media. Listeners won’t be disappointed with this page-turner, which keeps one guessing until the very end. I loved every minute of the story, as well as the narration.

Keep these coming, Audible! Phenomenon production, overall.

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Brilliant sequel that keeps you longing for more

Revisado: 02-10-19

From the opening segment to the last stanza, Tony Lee’s masterful sequel to “Oliver Twist” captures the listener’s attention with a powerful storyline that seems to come from the mind of Dickens, himself. With a brilliantly immersive soundtrack, we walk the city streets of London with Oliver as he follows Dodger in the heist to end all heists. The characters are deep and satisfying, as is a plot so realistic you feel like you’re watching over Oliver’s shoulder, throughout the adventure.

The acting - superb; the audio - phenomenal; and the story so thought-provoking that you’ll never see the end coming, no matter how imaginative you are.

Well done, Audible! With more originals like this, you’ll keep your listeners thoroughly satisfied and coming back for more!

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Magnificent story of redemption and Grace

Revisado: 11-06-16

This story, based on the real life Bible encounter of the woman with the bleeding disorder and JESUS, will change the way you view your own life. While we know little about this woman's journey to the side of CHRIST, we know it was fraught with tears and rejection.

Tessa Afshar's fictional recounting beautifully brings this story to life in an unforgettable manner. You will laugh at Aliana's spirit and weep with her despair.

Even more, though, you will rejoice with her when her body, soul, and spirit were healed with the touch of her Savior.

This is an unforgettable story, beautifully depicted by a gifted storyteller. I will never forget it's telling and neither will you.

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Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

Revisado: 04-02-16

Although this story is slightly different than Wingate's usual fare, the story of a needy soul searching for something she's not even aware of, is true to Lisa's style and flair.


Women will identify with Tandi Jo's vulnerability. She's searched for love and acceptance in all the wrong places, after being abandoned by her parents and psychologically abused by her boyfriend, as a young adult. It takes going home again for her to find her true self, in the unconditional love of others and in her discovery of a deceased woman's collection of 81 prayer boxes.

Wingate's gifted imagery takes us back to a bygone era that fuses perfectly with the modern day story and life of Tandi Jo. This is a beautiful and unexpected telling that leaves one with a sense of peace after the hearing.

Another triumph for Wingate. I've read all her works and everyone is a new journey of life, love, and laughter. The Prayer Box is no exception to that rule.

Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

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Stellar Biblical Love Story

Revisado: 04-29-15

Tessa Afahar brilliantly brings the Biblical account of Nehemiah to life in this epic love story of Sarah and Darius, Jewish scribe and Persian nobility. While the two are joined together as husband and wife by both happenstance and fate, bringing their souls together proves to be another matter, altogether.

Interwoven in the story of Sarah and Darius is the incredible account of Nehemiah's undertaking to rebuild the wall around his beloved Jerusalem. Add a murder plot against the king of Persia, a colorful cast of characters including an unconventional daughter of a noblemen who disguises herself as a man to help discover the identity of the conspirators, a caravan across the desert, and a test to earn forgiveness for an act of betrayal and you have the "Harvest of Gold."

Only God and Tessa Afshar could deliver such a treasure.

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Unexpected pleasure

Revisado: 02-05-15

Lisa Wingate has written another winner that keeps readers engaged from the first sentence to the last. While this love-at-first sight offering might seem a bit cliche at the onset, Lisa's characters are wound together in such a way as to present a depth not often found in such novels.

Whether you're familiar with the Moses Lake series or not, this story is a highly entertaining read that can't be missed.

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Another winner for Lisa Wingate.

Revisado: 01-18-15

As the Moses Lake saga continues, new characters are caught in a web of intrigue that keeps the listener craving more. A secret past kept the authentic Heather hidden behind her hectic, fast paced big-city lifestyle. A trip back to her small Texas hometown of Moses Lake is more of an annoyance to this workaholic young architect than even she wants to admit. A series of misadventures, surprising encounters, and deep mysteries along the way may change Heather's life, forever, as a result.

Listeners won't be disappointed with this beautiful and exciting story read by a gifted narrator.

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VERY SLOW READ

Revisado: 03-17-12

I had high hopes for this novel after reading it compared to Francine Rivers, "Redeeming Love." It was NOTHING like that. I struggled to stay interested the whole first 15 chapters (that's saying a lot). The story seemed shallow. Too much detail with not enough plot to maintain interest. Didn't flow well.

The second half was much better and made the purchase worthwhile but not sure I'd recommend this book by any means.

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