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sailaranel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
anitad's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book to fulfil the goal read a book with a two word title. i love biblical fiction. It really makes me appriciate the scriptures more.
shelfesteem's review against another edition
2.0
I find the Apostle Paul to be one of the most fascinating author's of the New Testament. In fact, I devoted 32 weeks last year to reading, studying, and then teaching 1 & 2 Corinthians to a class of elementary aged students. Having spent so much time in Paul's writings helped me to decipher which portions of the Empire's End where fictional from those that were not.
What I admired about this novel is how Jerry Jenkins includes large portions of Paul's writings into the narrative — mainly in the form of God's direct revelation to Paul in the wilderness. Throughout the apostle's letters to the churches, Paul furnishes numerous details about his strict adherence to the law (as a Pharisee), conversion experience, and devotion to the resurrected Christ. What he did not include were solid details of the time between his conversion and the beginning of his gospel ministry. Recreating those in-between years is what Jenkins has undertaken with this book.
Empire's End is the second book I've read by Jerry Jenkins. Despite my continued affinity for biblical fiction, I've discovered that Jenkins' writing style does not appeal to my tastes. Absent from the story, for me, was a genuine love for it's characters. Instead of being drawn into their experiences — joys and sorrows — I remained an observer. Furthermore, Paul's miraculous escape into the desert and the relationship that ignites between Paul and a widow were a little too far fetched for my liking.
Regardless of my dissatisfaction with the story, I found David Cochran Heath's narration of this audiobook to be flawless. His warm tone and steady cadence kept me hanging on to the very end.
2/5 stars
I received this book for free as a member of the christianaudio reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What I admired about this novel is how Jerry Jenkins includes large portions of Paul's writings into the narrative — mainly in the form of God's direct revelation to Paul in the wilderness. Throughout the apostle's letters to the churches, Paul furnishes numerous details about his strict adherence to the law (as a Pharisee), conversion experience, and devotion to the resurrected Christ. What he did not include were solid details of the time between his conversion and the beginning of his gospel ministry. Recreating those in-between years is what Jenkins has undertaken with this book.
Empire's End is the second book I've read by Jerry Jenkins. Despite my continued affinity for biblical fiction, I've discovered that Jenkins' writing style does not appeal to my tastes. Absent from the story, for me, was a genuine love for it's characters. Instead of being drawn into their experiences — joys and sorrows — I remained an observer. Furthermore, Paul's miraculous escape into the desert and the relationship that ignites between Paul and a widow were a little too far fetched for my liking.
Regardless of my dissatisfaction with the story, I found David Cochran Heath's narration of this audiobook to be flawless. His warm tone and steady cadence kept me hanging on to the very end.
2/5 stars
I received this book for free as a member of the christianaudio reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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