A Torch in the Empire Series
A Torch in the Empire Series
Weaving together fictional characters with real historical persons and events, this powerful, hope-filled three book series takes you back to first century Rome when the early church faced the worst of persecutions under Emperor Nero.
Book One: The Fire and the Trial
It’s A. D. 65.
After the Great Fire of Rome, the Emperor Nero places the blame on the Christians, a people whose faith in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ of Nazareth carries them through the worst of persecutions.
In their home in Jerusalem, Jesse and his sister, Abigail, hear of the persecution in faraway Rome. Then suddenly it’s not so far away anymore. Jesse and Abigail’s parents are killed for their faith in a Roman Circus. After the death of their parents, Abigail clings to her faith in Christ. But Jesse is angry. He’s angry at the Romans and angry at God. More than anything, he wants revenge on the Romans, yet he feels helpless to do anything against them. Then one fateful day, Jesse and Abigail find themselves captives on a voyage to Rome. And what awaits them there? Slavery or death?
Book Two: More Sure than the Sun
It’s A. D. 66.
Abigail was warned not to try to escape. Warned of what happens to runaway slaves when they get caught. But ever since she was taken from her home in Jerusalem and sold as a slave in Rome, she’s longed for freedom and to be reunited with her family. So she ran. Now if only she can leave the city of Rome behind. For even if she’s not punished as a runaway slave, her Christian faith is enough to condemn her to a merciless death in the arena.
For Abigail’s brother Jesse, hating his life and yet fearing death, his existence as a gladiator is misery. He promised his father he would take care of his sister, and he failed. Forced to fight and kill for the entertainment of a bloodthirsty Roman crowd, he puts back every coin he collects, living for the day when he will be free and find his sister.
A Roman soldier and the son of a wealthy Roman patrician, Lucas has been told that the Christians are evil sorcerers. He is completely unprepared for what he encounters when he actually meets these Christ-followers.
Book Three: Whether We Live or Die
It’s A. D. 67. A year has passed since brother and sister Jesse and Abigail were sold as slaves in Rome. Both long to be reunited and return home to Jerusalem.
Abigail, still working in the patrician Aurelius’ house, tries to honor Christ even though she knows it’s only a matter of time until her master finds out she is a Christian and she faces the consequence--death in the arena.
Haunted by guilt for the lives he took as a gladiator and for how he failed to keep his promise to his dead father that he would care for his sister, Jesse is determined to rescue Abigail. He manages to escape the gladiator school, bringing his newfound friend Lucas with him, but a multitude of obstacles still stand in the way of him saving his sister. And even if he succeeds in rescuing her, the Jewish Revolt rages in Judea, and Jesse fears they’ll be unable to return to their beloved home.
As for Lucas Aurelius, his newfound Christian faith has given him hope through the trials he’s endured so far, but his difficulties are far from over.
What age level is this series for?
It's recommended for ages 12 and up, though it may be fine for younger children as a read-aloud. I wrote this series thinking both of parents reading aloud to their children and of teens and adults enjoying it on their own.
Content description:
There is some violence (for example, gladiator fights, slaves and prisoners being whipped, and Christians being killed by wild animals in the arena) though I took pains to not go into too much detail or be overly graphic in the descriptions. Very brief drinking (portrayed negatively). There is NO romance or other inappropriate content.
Who would like this series?
You might like this series if…
You like classic biblical fiction books such as Ben Hur by Lew Wallace, Twice Freed by Patricia St. John, The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare, Glaucia the Greek Slave by Emma Leslie, or the works of Florence Morse Kingsley.
You like to read books focused on adventure rather than romance.
You enjoy historical fictions books such as those by Douglas Bond, Lois Walfrid Johnson, and G. A. Henty.
You like books with illustrations and lots of bonus content like maps, historical notes, discussion questions, and recipes.
You like fiction with a strong message of faith naturally woven into the story.
You like books with strong family relationships.
What people are saying:
"This is an honest, exciting story of what life may have been like for early Christians in Jerusalem during Nero's reign! I loved the strong faith, courage, and humility in the characters who faced death or lifelong sacrifices for Jesus. It was beautiful seeing them in very difficult situations but still sharing Jesus and showing love to their enemies. I could tell the author did a great deal of research and prayer in creating this book which I so appreciated!"
-Hosanna Emily, Author of The Torch Keepers
"I love Savannah McCrary's style of writing. It flows so smoothly like water in a creek that flows unhindered. After listening to her own mother read books aloud, it's Savannah's hope that this would be a book that mothers could read aloud to their own children. She has created a book that tells a tremendous story that needs to be passed on to the next generation and she's written in a way that would be safe for a younger audience but still interesting to an older audience. Savannah has a wonderful skill for writing..."
-Beth Gray, Compass Book Ratings
"This was a wonderful read with light, fun characters and deep spiritual truths. My daughter enjoyed reading it and was surprised at the amount of detail and research the author put into it. The author's love for God and desire to relay accurate historic facts is evident throughout the entire book, even going so far as to place recipes in the index of meals the characters eat.
This is a fun and safe read for middle grade children whose parents want them to enjoy a good story and learn at the same time. Because who doesn't want to learn while enjoying a good book?"
-Dena S.
"A captivating read! I am in love with the way Savannah crafts her stories.. They are exciting and easy reading. She expertly weaves in solid Biblical principles into this exciting tale. It would be a great read-aloud chapter book for families. There are lots of historical details that I loved learning, and note there are discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book. I can't wait to read this author's next book!"
-Kerry B.
Where can I buy this series?
You can order signed paperback copies directly from me or purchase the series in paperback and ebook formats on Amazon.
Order a signed copy of Book One
Order a signed copy of Book Two
Order a signed copy of Book Three
Add on Goodreads
Click the link below to add it to your to-read list on Goodreads or rate it if you've already read it!
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