[.ca] First Light (ISBN 0842375074)

insightful, touching:
I just finished this wonderful story and rushed to my computer to order #2. The Thoene's do their usual masterful work of historical accuracy, great character development, and insight into the complexities of the human condition. I strongly identified with Peniel and when he was healed, I wept. This is a moving account of how lives are set free by the great I AM when we choose to seek Him. It is different in style and scope than their previous works, so don't expect it to be the same as their past series. I can see in this book the culmination of the Thoene's writing and research experience, as well as the fruit of their maturing faith. Enjoy!!

Wonderful book!:
I loved this book and hated to see it end. This was the first book by this author that I had read, and I have already gotten two more from my local library (because many are now out of print). The characters and the Bible both come alive in this story. It was very important to me that this was also biblically accurate. I am recommending this to many of my friends.

What Happened?:
I have not finished the book yet, but I'm am really disappointed in the Thoenes. This book barely gets into what the characters are actually like...it seems like they started the story in the middle of all the characters stories. I don't like how they made Mary Magadalene Martha and Lazarus' sister! I am finding the pace of the book very slow and parts of it are extremely boring. I really, really liked the Zion Chronicles and the Zion Covenant series, all of which I read several times. I was looking forward to a new series, especially one that involves Moshe Sachar. But, as I've said before, I am disappointed. The sentences are short and choppy...the Biblical stories too long. I recommend the MARK OF THE LION series by Francine Rivers...which takes place after Jesus' resurection and is about the Romans/Jews.

An excellent read:
I have finished only half of this novel because I don't want it to end too fast. The Thoene's have again produced an exciting work of art that brings the reader back in time to a turning point in human history. Whether or not you've ever been to Israel, or Jerusalem in particular, you can read this novel and feel like you are there, part of the sweeping currents of politics and religion that led to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. The story is told through the eyes and words of ordinary Jews, powerful religious and secular authorities, Roman centurians, Temple guards, and simple New Testament luminaries such as Martha and Mary, Lazarus, and Nichodemus. (So far in my read, the Apostles have no major part in this book.) It is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the flesh-and-blood human passions of a Jewish culture invaded by Roman rule and Greek humanism. Most of all, it is the story of Jesus personally in the midst of His own people. First Light falls somewhere in the middle of a triange bounded by three works: the Gospel narratives, Ben Hur, and The Day Christ Died (by Jim Bishop). The funny thing is that nothing has really changed much in 2000 years; the people in this book could be you or me today. First Light causes the reader to face Jesus in person as if He were here today, in the flesh, in Jerusalem among His own Jewish people. You will identify (or identify with) most of the characters, some of whom are only lightly sketched out for us in the New Testament but are fully formed in First Light. It's an exciting and historically well-researched novel.

A sobering story of hope:
I was greatly uplifted by this book. It is very well written and quite imaginative, but also based in good research. You might say that it combines the historical adventure of Ben Hur by Gen. Lew Wallace, and the political-religious intrigue of The Day Christ Died by Jim Bishop (written some 40 years ago). You might say that, but you'd be wrong. There is artistry in this story that gives it an original perspective on the final days of the Second Temple period. In a rather oblique way, Jesus is not the central figure in this narrative, yet He is the core that animates almost every character. Some can see Him, others can't. But Jesus is there, nevertheless, and he does have some minor speaking parts. This is a story of redemption of frail and fuming people, like ourselves today. Actually it is very much like today. Not much has changed in 2000 years, or 4000 years, or even 6000 years. It is a true historical novel and a great drama of life. It will give you insights into the New Testament story. If you've been to Jerusalem, you will experience the old city as if you were there at the time of Herod, the ancient Sanhedren, Nicodemos. The story revolves around a poor Jewish begar who is blind from birth. I was so touched by the story that I listened to the CD set after reading the book. What a story! I saw myself in so many of the characters and I felt the compassion of the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in my own life. The most wonderful parts of this story are when the blind boy is visited in his dreams of the Ushpazin -- by Isaac, Jacob and others. I can't describe the skill with which these parts were read in the CD version. I guess all I am trying to say is that this book touched my heart when I needed it, and it helped me through my own dark nights and days. If you are a Christian, you will come away with a greater love for the Jewish heart and the G-d that gives us hope. If you are a Jew, you will possibly understand better that gentiles need salvation as much as anyone, and that G-d was so kind to provide a redeemer of such enduring strength and compassion. This novel gives hope because it deals with The Hope -- Hatikva.