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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
Though this story isn't in the Bible, the author didn't take too much freedom to the point of going against the Word. The story was good, the characters compelling, and the writing strong. However, I found myself unable to really connect with Daniel's plight. I don't have that kind of hatred and unforgiveness within me, nor do I carry the same burdens, so the story didn't touch my heart. But it did give me a really good picture of what the attitudes of the Jews surrounding Jesus must have been. I had never really thought about how their strong hatred of the Romans caused so much discontent at the type of Kingdom Jesus meant to bring in juxtaposition to their ideas of a warrior Savior.
I had never really understood the dynamic between the Jews and the Romans, but now I totally get it. A lot of the Bible makes way more sense to me now.
A review from my old blog...
I knew nothing about this book before I picked it up and started reading. I hoped that this book would not disappointing like the previous read. I also expected that the book would have something to do with Native Americans or something like that based both on the title and one of the covers that displayed a Native American looking boy.
No, my expectations for this book turned out to be completely wrong. I ended up with a very positive read which was so wonderful after one of David Almond's books. The book is set in Jerusalem during the time of Roman occupation and Jesus' three year ministry.
I absolutely loved watching Daniel grow from the bitter, angry boy that he once was at the beginning of the book, so angry at the Romans who killed his parents and somehow (on this point I'm not quite sure) left his sister demon possessed and irrevocably damaged. Daniel makes quite a mature yet still young character that I think will appeal to many young readers both boys and girls.
I definitely recommend this book!
I knew nothing about this book before I picked it up and started reading. I hoped that this book would not disappointing like the previous read. I also expected that the book would have something to do with Native Americans or something like that based both on the title and one of the covers that displayed a Native American looking boy.
No, my expectations for this book turned out to be completely wrong. I ended up with a very positive read which was so wonderful after one of David Almond's books. The book is set in Jerusalem during the time of Roman occupation and Jesus' three year ministry.
I absolutely loved watching Daniel grow from the bitter, angry boy that he once was at the beginning of the book, so angry at the Romans who killed his parents and somehow (on this point I'm not quite sure) left his sister demon possessed and irrevocably damaged. Daniel makes quite a mature yet still young character that I think will appeal to many young readers both boys and girls.
I definitely recommend this book!
This was an exceptional book for young people to read but I think it would be good for older people to read because of the deep meanings. It takes place in Israel during the time that the Roman's were in power. Daniel has vowed to rid Israel of their rule. However that is interrupted by the death of his Grandmother and his finally getting to see Jesus.
I adore this author, and I was really interested to read YA historical fiction set in ancient Israel, but the repetition, the evangelism, and the rushed ending made me "eh" and question the validity of the Newbery Award.
Reading for english at IRCS, I remember liking the story alot :D
This was read for school, and much different than anything I would've read by my own choice. But wow. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would.
I loved the whole concept of Daniel being consumed by his hate and need for revenge, while Jesus is slowly nudging him in the right direction - despite how he so desperately wants Jesus to be the leader for war.
I loved Malthace and Daniel's romance; it was slow in coming, and I really didn't like Malthace at first. But then I began to like her more than Joel, and by the end, I was shipping it! Well done.
I loved the whole concept of Daniel being consumed by his hate and need for revenge, while Jesus is slowly nudging him in the right direction - despite how he so desperately wants Jesus to be the leader for war.
I loved Malthace and Daniel's romance; it was slow in coming, and I really didn't like Malthace at first. But then I began to like her more than Joel, and by the end, I was shipping it! Well done.
After reading other books by Elizabeth George Speare I figured this one would but just as good. Full of likable characters with redeeming qualities and a plot that pushed me on and kept me wanting more.
I read this book and found neither of these things. I found instead a book with a character who frustrated me to no end! Not having the courage to admit his own faults and instead choosing to blame them on others left me hating him by the end of the book! He tortures his poor sister and refuses to realize what a terrible person he is!
The only redeeming part of this book is it’s message. While I am not a religious person I can agree that the philosophy of love and acceptance that Jesus preaches is wonderful.
But the book’s message is lost on it’s awful main character! He moans he is alone when he pushes others away. Says things to his poor sister that send her into seclusion and then gets angry at her! If this book wanted to get its message across it could have been much more powerful if Daniel’s growth had been gradual! Instead I’m supposed to believe that the protagonist can change in the last 3 pages? I don’t think so! In total he is a terrible role model for he audience of children this book is intended for.
To conclude, the slow moving plot and unlikable main character make this book an unfortunate waste of time! As a lover of historical fiction I was let down. Mrs. Speare should have stuck to New England!
I read this book and found neither of these things. I found instead a book with a character who frustrated me to no end! Not having the courage to admit his own faults and instead choosing to blame them on others left me hating him by the end of the book! He tortures his poor sister and refuses to realize what a terrible person he is!
The only redeeming part of this book is it’s message. While I am not a religious person I can agree that the philosophy of love and acceptance that Jesus preaches is wonderful.
But the book’s message is lost on it’s awful main character! He moans he is alone when he pushes others away. Says things to his poor sister that send her into seclusion and then gets angry at her! If this book wanted to get its message across it could have been much more powerful if Daniel’s growth had been gradual! Instead I’m supposed to believe that the protagonist can change in the last 3 pages? I don’t think so! In total he is a terrible role model for he audience of children this book is intended for.
To conclude, the slow moving plot and unlikable main character make this book an unfortunate waste of time! As a lover of historical fiction I was let down. Mrs. Speare should have stuck to New England!