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sofiatconstantino's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
debs4jc's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing and thought provoking depiction of an Arabian woman's life changing encounter with Yeshua.
Maviah is the daughter of an Arab Sheik--but not honored by him or her people as she was the daughter of his mistress, not his wife. However when her father is attacked by a neighboring tribe he is forced to come to her for help. He wants her to go to Galilee and make a request of King Herod Antipas. Maviah, accompanied by Judah, who is of Jewish descent, and Saba, her father's best warrior sets out on a harrowing journey across the desert, a journey where they must avoid their enemies. This leads them into the most dangerous part of the desert where they barely manage to survive. Then upon arriving in Palestine they somehow have to gain an audience with King Herod Antipas and convince the wily leader to help them in their quest. Judah, however, is distracted by tales of a new Jewish teacher--Yeshua--who he believes is the king his people once followed a star to find when he was first born.
I was swept along by the adventurous aspects of this story--the details about how they traveled in the desert and survived were fascinating. I wasn't impressed by the implausibility of a woman being sent on such a mission and how some of the political machinations worked out, though the characters of Herod and Phasaelis seem perfectly suited to what we know from history. As for what happens when Yeshua (Jesus) enters the story, His words and actions fit the Biblical narrative, as does the extraordinary effect he has on his listeners. The climax of the book, when Maviah must confront her fears in front of an audience of Bedouins and a dramatic miracle occurs was nail-biting to read--but also thought provoking as to the necessity of such a dramatic intervention by God. However the inner workings of Maviah's mind and spirit as she responds to the words of Yeshua and learns to trust Him are the true drama of the book. Her spiritual journey will live long in my mind. Her adventures will continue in Dekker's next book, one I will eagerly seek out as the ending of this one leaves quite a few situations unresolved.
For well written Biblical fiction, go no further. For a story of adventure, intrigue, and spiritual awakening I highly recommend reading or listening to this book.
BTW, I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Ellen Archer, her feminine voice was well suited to become Maviiah--which is important as Maviah narrates the entire story--yet she was also able to subtly become the voices of Herod, Judah, Saba, and even Yeshua when those characters spoke. I highly recommend the audiobook for a great listening experience.
Maviah is the daughter of an Arab Sheik--but not honored by him or her people as she was the daughter of his mistress, not his wife. However when her father is attacked by a neighboring tribe he is forced to come to her for help. He wants her to go to Galilee and make a request of King Herod Antipas. Maviah, accompanied by Judah, who is of Jewish descent, and Saba, her father's best warrior sets out on a harrowing journey across the desert, a journey where they must avoid their enemies. This leads them into the most dangerous part of the desert where they barely manage to survive. Then upon arriving in Palestine they somehow have to gain an audience with King Herod Antipas and convince the wily leader to help them in their quest. Judah, however, is distracted by tales of a new Jewish teacher--Yeshua--who he believes is the king his people once followed a star to find when he was first born.
I was swept along by the adventurous aspects of this story--the details about how they traveled in the desert and survived were fascinating. I wasn't impressed by the implausibility of a woman being sent on such a mission and how some of the political machinations worked out, though the characters of Herod and Phasaelis seem perfectly suited to what we know from history. As for what happens when Yeshua (Jesus) enters the story, His words and actions fit the Biblical narrative, as does the extraordinary effect he has on his listeners. The climax of the book, when Maviah must confront her fears in front of an audience of Bedouins and a dramatic miracle occurs was nail-biting to read--but also thought provoking as to the necessity of such a dramatic intervention by God. However the inner workings of Maviah's mind and spirit as she responds to the words of Yeshua and learns to trust Him are the true drama of the book. Her spiritual journey will live long in my mind. Her adventures will continue in Dekker's next book, one I will eagerly seek out as the ending of this one leaves quite a few situations unresolved.
For well written Biblical fiction, go no further. For a story of adventure, intrigue, and spiritual awakening I highly recommend reading or listening to this book.
BTW, I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Ellen Archer, her feminine voice was well suited to become Maviiah--which is important as Maviah narrates the entire story--yet she was also able to subtly become the voices of Herod, Judah, Saba, and even Yeshua when those characters spoke. I highly recommend the audiobook for a great listening experience.
ereidsma's review against another edition
4.0
I love books about biblical times like Anne Rice’s “Christ is Lord”. Ted Dekker did a great job writing an entertaining story and provided a great fictional perspective on Jesus teachings.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting book set in the Biblical era. It wasn't amazing, but I still think I will read the sequel when it comes out.
angelarwatts's review against another edition
5.0
I shouldn't have finished this book at night, because I was sort of freaking out.... Haha.
A.D. 30 is a book set in the ancient times of the deserts and Palestine; when Yeshua our Lord was the Voice traveling over the crowds. From the point of view of Maviah, a slave, the daughter of of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia. Maviah is thrown into a journey to save the very people who rejected her, the people who hate her... Accompanied with warriors, Judah and Saba.
I don't want to give any spoilers, so it's rather hard to try and explain the book simply.
This book was... Deep. Strong. Thought provoking... Yeshua on earth, in ancient times, with His teachings that turned everyone's world upside down...
I'm always happy when books come into my life at the right time... And, as always, this one did enter at a great time.
Yeshua. Faith. Trust. Do we trust Him? We ask what having trust in Him would look like; but does He not tell us? Does He not show us; if we only seek? A.D. 30 showed us Yeshua's teachings in a way that it was as if I was standing there, too. Watching and listening to Yeshua. I had moments where I felt joy reading, and also thought I may cry, and times where I was amazed. Amazed by the writing, the story, the characters; most of all, amazed by Yeshua. Yeshua is truly a Light, a Savior...
To read Maviah's story... It was powerful. Very powerful. Because we can relate to her. Not just women. All of us. At some point in our life's, we're all Maviah. Lost. Hurting. Angry. Desperate for love. Whether we're a fighter or a lover, or both, or anything... I was grounded by Maviah's journey.
This book was full of wonder (wonderful, too... ;) ).... It was an incredible glimpse of Yeshua's time on earth, and the journey of Maviah and her loved ones was eye-opening.
A.D. 30 is a book set in the ancient times of the deserts and Palestine; when Yeshua our Lord was the Voice traveling over the crowds. From the point of view of Maviah, a slave, the daughter of of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia. Maviah is thrown into a journey to save the very people who rejected her, the people who hate her... Accompanied with warriors, Judah and Saba.
I don't want to give any spoilers, so it's rather hard to try and explain the book simply.
This book was... Deep. Strong. Thought provoking... Yeshua on earth, in ancient times, with His teachings that turned everyone's world upside down...
I'm always happy when books come into my life at the right time... And, as always, this one did enter at a great time.
Yeshua. Faith. Trust. Do we trust Him? We ask what having trust in Him would look like; but does He not tell us? Does He not show us; if we only seek? A.D. 30 showed us Yeshua's teachings in a way that it was as if I was standing there, too. Watching and listening to Yeshua. I had moments where I felt joy reading, and also thought I may cry, and times where I was amazed. Amazed by the writing, the story, the characters; most of all, amazed by Yeshua. Yeshua is truly a Light, a Savior...
To read Maviah's story... It was powerful. Very powerful. Because we can relate to her. Not just women. All of us. At some point in our life's, we're all Maviah. Lost. Hurting. Angry. Desperate for love. Whether we're a fighter or a lover, or both, or anything... I was grounded by Maviah's journey.
This book was full of wonder (wonderful, too... ;) ).... It was an incredible glimpse of Yeshua's time on earth, and the journey of Maviah and her loved ones was eye-opening.
nicoleankenmann's review against another edition
5.0
Audiobook: 12hr 47m
A few years ago I read the 1880 best seller, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace. This novel by Ted Dekker (similarly subtitled A Story of Jesus) is certainly the literary offspring of this longer, older work. Both narratives bring the reader into the cultural and emotional world that the incarnate God of the Bible called home. Both tellings lay out the political landscape that allows the crucifixion of a zealous young man with apparent delusions of grandeur to make sense. Both books bring you face-to-face with the gospel in a uniquely compelling way.
Dekker's book supersedes the former through formidable female characters, modern language usage, a well-executed main plot, and brevity.
Highly recommended, especially in the lead-up to Easter.
A few years ago I read the 1880 best seller, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace. This novel by Ted Dekker (similarly subtitled A Story of Jesus) is certainly the literary offspring of this longer, older work. Both narratives bring the reader into the cultural and emotional world that the incarnate God of the Bible called home. Both tellings lay out the political landscape that allows the crucifixion of a zealous young man with apparent delusions of grandeur to make sense. Both books bring you face-to-face with the gospel in a uniquely compelling way.
Dekker's book supersedes the former through formidable female characters, modern language usage, a well-executed main plot, and brevity.
Highly recommended, especially in the lead-up to Easter.
chrisbaker1981's review against another edition
5.0
I read a pre-release of this book, and it is simply excellent. Seeing Jesus through the eyes of a first century woman adds a dimension to many of the stories that I hadn't considered. This book has a way of helping you to hear the stories anew again. Highly recommended.
laurenexploresbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book to be heartfelt, engaging, and powerful. This book is able to provide a heroine that experiences fear, regret, love, and anger while also highlighting how Yeshua impacted her life toward hope and forgiveness and impacted the lives of people often seen as outcasts and full of shame and sin. This is an excellent read.
babbey's review against another edition
5.0
Really good. Unlike anything else I've read from him. I am looking forward to AD 33