From Roman Pig to Jesus's Sheep...

I loved this powerful,emotional book by Angela Hunt. A novelization of the motion picture by Paul Aiello and Kevin Reynolds, it contained a lot of brutality that was present at the time of Jesus's crucifixion. In fact, the main character, Clavius, is a Roman Tribune who has hardened himself to the death he sees and causes in Judea by the phrase,"Rome is always right." When Jesus's tomb is found empty, Clavius is commissioned to discover where His body could be and who could have removed it.

Rachel, a young Jewish widower, is the other narrator in this moving tale told in the first person pov. Rachel is looking for peace and love, but uncertain whether she can find either in Clavius.

Clavius brings in persons of interest to question regarding people claiming to see Jesus, post-resurrection. One old, blind woman, Miriam,asks Clavius, '"Don't you want to know what He said?"...
"Of course."
"He said a grain of wheat that falls to the earth and dies produces much fruit." Her face glowed with confidence. "You're too late to stop the harvest." '

My thoughts on the story itself:
The Scriptures used fit into place well, although some of what Jesus said was actually spoken before His death. I was impressed by the research that went into the project.
The story flowed well between the two narrators, and the action kept me quickly turning pages. It was easy to identify with the characters, and to hope that they would eventually identify with the Messiah. I was not expecting the ending. If you like Biblical fiction, this is a great book to flesh out the Scripture! I highly recommend this book! ( )

Title: Risen (The Novelization of the Major Motion Picture)
Author: Angela Hunt
Pages: 320
Year: 2015
Publisher: Bethany
My rating is 5 stars.
My husband and sons went to see the movie Risen in the theatre; I will see it when it comes on DVD as theater seating is uncomfortable for me. So when I saw the book being offered for review on Bookfun.org, I asked for a copy to read. The joy of being able to converse with my guys about the movie scenes and scenes from the book was fun; it’s a great family activity we do.
In the novel, the chapters switch between the Roman Tribune Clavius and a young Jewish widow named Rachel. When authors use this means of telling a story, it tends to enrich the reader’s understanding of what is occurring by using two points of view. Here it helps to see the Roman activity, thoughts and life compared to a widowed Jewish woman making bread and selling it in the market place as a means to take care of her needs. When these two lives meet and become involved in a relationship, knowing that neither the Romans nor the Jewish people would condone it, secrecy becomes paramount!
Also happening at the same time is the resurrection of Yeshua and the demand to locate his body by Pontius Pilate. Clavius goes to extreme and ultimate measures in order to obey the order. However, something more is occurring within the heart of this Roman Tribune. Rachel is a lonely woman who has never felt real love or care from her own people or her dead husband. The uproar in searching for the Nazarene’s body causes a stirring in her heart that no words can adequately express.
I couldn’t stop reading the novel because I wanted to see what was in the future for Clavius. Plus I was wondering if he would see Yeshua with his own eyes and then what he would do with his Roman gods that he seemed disappointed and disgusted by. Rachel drew my attention because of her unloving marriage and then being alone until she meets the Tribune. What would her future be or would she encounter Yeshua?
I hope you read the novel and perhaps with Easter around the corner or anytime during the year give the novel to someone who is searching. Maybe consider adding it to your personal library to enjoy again in the future. It is worth reading and sharing!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.” ( )

The governor of Judea summons Tribune Clavius and sends him to Golgotha to oversee the crucifixion of a Nazarene. Pontius Pilate fears the radical followers of Yeshua will steal the body and incite revolution by proclaiming this "messiah" risen from the dead and so orders the tribune to make certain the body of the Nazarene remains in the tomb.

Despite Clavius’s determined efforts, the body mysteriously disappears, striking fear into the hearts of both Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate. They demand that the tribune find the body and thwart those who would proclaim Yeshua as the promised Messiah, risen from the dead.

Clavius diligently searches throughout Jerusalem, visits the garden of Gethsemane, digs up graves in search of the hiding place of the missing body, and questions disciples and followers of Yeshua. But as his quest brings him in touch with both believers and nonbelievers, Clavius discovers that the truth, and the answers he seeks, are destined to change his life forever.

Written in first person, Clavius and Rachel, a Jewish woman earning her living baking bread, alternately narrate the story. Biblical narrative, woven throughout the fictional story of Clavius and Rachel, adds another dimension to the story, especially as they interact with Yeshua and His followers. The powerful sense of place allows readers to understand life in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion. With its well-developed characters and gripping story, readers will find it difficult to set this compelling book aside until they’ve reached its inspiring conclusion.

Highly recommended. ( )

The underlying story has been told throughout the ages, but the perspective is a fresh take on this age old story that is the foundation of Christianity in Angela Hunt's new book Risen. This novel is based on the movie with the same name - Risen - by Paul Aeillo and Kevin Reynolds. Clavius is a Roman Tribune in Rome's Tenth Legion stationed in Jerusalem. This is his perspective of what happened during the passover, Jesus' crusifixation, and after his burial. Clavius is a devoted follower of the god Mars. So when he is sent to investigate what happened to the body of Jesus, the reader is given an inside view of his thoughts, his inner turmoil, and his final decision: "By the time I had finished relating my encounter with the Nazarene, my next step became clear: I would return to the Antonia Fortress and testify truthfully when questioned..."(2015, p.306). Also, interwoven into the story is the story of a widowed Jewish woman, Rachel. Rachel relates her secret and her quest to discover if Jesus is the true messiah. This is a fictional account what could have occurred during this time period so Hunt has taken a few liberties for the sake of the story. I found the story rivoting and fast paced. Now I want to see the movie to see if it is just as gripping. I reviewed this book from Bethany House Publishers for free to give an honest review. ( )

"Risen" captures the Roman soldiers view of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This book is based on the historical fiction of the movie "Risen". Angela Hunt takes us into the lives of her made up people and mixes them with some real giving us a unique view of the bible as it may have happened for people. I liked how easy it was to relate to the people in her book. Can we as believers even fathom how it would have been to look upon our Savior? This book shows how an encounter with Jesus can change the lives of even the most unlikely people.
Clavius is in charge of guarding the body of Jesus by Pilate. They don't want anyone trying to steal away the body. Then out of nowhere the body goes missing even with the guards in place. What is Clavius to do? He searches everywhere. He is becoming desperate and lonely.
Meanwhile Rachel is desperately searching too but not for the body but something else. Two worlds collide when Clavius and Rachel become close and try and fill their loneliness in each others arms. They know it is wrong and what happens next will alter both of them forever.
This book is filled with action, discover, and finally clarity. You will not want to stop reading once you start. I look forward to seeing the movie.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )