The Centurion - Softcover

Gire, Ken

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080240894X ISBN 13: 9780802408945

Publisher: River North, 2016

Synopsis

An ambitious Roman soldier. A stunning crucifixion. An unlikely romance. A long war and a chance reunion—the moving parts that make The Centurion a gripping story of love, duty, and sacrifice.

Lucius has always dreamed of military conquest and Roman glory. Little does he know how a routine crucifixion will change him forever.

Curious about this “King of the Jews,” Lucius seeks out His followers and falls for one named Mary Magdalene. But all is interrupted when Lucius is called to lead military campaigns. There the hardships of war, year after year, wear him down to nearly nothing.

When Lucius finally returns to Rome, the city has lost its allure. A chance encounter tests his allegiances, and he must decide who he is, what is real, and what is worth dying for.

This work of historical fiction includes an extensive annotated list of sources.

About this title

About the Author

KEN GIRE attended Texas Christian University where he earned a degree in History and Speech. In 1978 he graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Masters in Old Testament Literature and Exegisis. From there he embarked on a career of fulltime writing which has resulted in the publication of more than twenty books, several of which have won prestigious awards.Ken has a heart for helping individuals create space for reflection so as to develop their personal relationships with others and God. While his books speak to the deep seated need of individuals to slow down and live more reflective lives, Ken has also founded a nonprofit ministry to address this issue. Reflective Living works with individuals, helping them to develop a more reflective lifestyle in order that they might experience radical change, authentic relationships and most importantly: a deeper walk with God.

Review

"This book was my introduction to author Ken Gire. As first impressions are critical in securing future readership, The Centurion put Ken Gire on my radar and earned any subsequent novels by him a place on my to-read pile.

I remember the myriad of emotions I felt the first time I viewed Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. I was a new believer at the time and the brutality of the crucifixion, juxtaposed with the audacity of Christ's love, hit me like a sledgehammer. For me, Gire was able to dredge up the same emotions the movie had created years ago. Not to say his scenes were as graphic, but his writing re-engaged the same emotions. This forged an instant connection for me with the storyline.

A quick internet search revealed to me that Gire has authored both fiction and non-fiction books. Perhaps that is why his blend of fictional narrative with early Roman and church history comes across so effortlessly. In the past, I've often found that when authors skip large portions of time, something gets lost. However in The Centurion, the large lapses in time allow for the development of Lucius' character, as well as highlights Rome's world dominance, mentality, and methods. By concluding the story during the reign of Nero, Gire bookends his work with the theme of persecution. This is particularly applicable to the plight of believers today.

Despite a fair amount of brutality, the story still appealed to me as a female reader. The depiction of Christ's impact in the life of Mary Magdalene, as well as the perseverance of the early church, softened the edges for me. If you only read one fiction title during the Easter season, let it be The Centurion. Pre-order now or pick up your copy when it releases from River North (a division of Moody Publishers) on February 2, 2016.

I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley review 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.' "

Reviewed by Amanda Geaney, NetGalley, Dec 3, 2015

About this edition

• Publisher: River North
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 080240894X
• ISBN 13: 9780802408945
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 368