What would it have been like to walk the first century streets of Galilee when Jesus was healing the sick and teaching the crowds that love was stronger than hate?
Here are two powerful quotes:
“It is the hate that is the enemy. Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.”
“Was it possible that only love could bend the bow of bronze?”
The main character is an 18 year old Jewish boy named Daniel bar Jamin. He is fueled by his hate for the Romans who killed his father when he tried to help his uncle escape imprisonment for tax troubles. Sadly, his mother grieved herself to death and Leah, his younger sister, overcome by fear, sinks into deep despair. Daniel retreats to the mountains and joins an outlaw gang run by a ruthless leader named Rosh and leaves his grandma to care for Leah.
Things begin to change for Daniel when Simon the Zealot shows up on the mountain to visit him. He lets Daniel know how things have been at his house, and urges Daniel to at least come visit for a day or two.. That Sabbath, Simon invites him to the temple to hear a Teacher who seems curious. Instead of the Teacher’s hometown being proud of Him, they tried to kill him. This, along with the chance of the Teacher being a Zealot, ignites Daniel’s curiosity and he agrees to go with Simon.
Rosh gave Daniel an assignment for Joel, whom he met earlier on the mountain when Joel and his twin sister, Thacia, went on a mountain holiday. Rosh wanted Joel to go to a large banquet to be attended by both Romans and rich Jews. Joel’s mission was to get a list of the names of Jewish leaders who were friendly with Romans. Daniel finds himself slowly disillusioned and let down when Joel is arrested, and Rosh refuses to help get Joel out. Daniel tells Rosh he no longer works for him and leaves. Daniel and some boys plan an ambush to free Joel, but the rescue does not go as planned. This is a roller coaster of a read! Elizabeth George Sphere takes readers back to a turbulent time. We hope you join us along with the boys as we recap this impactful Newbury Winner!