Book Review: The Last Temple + A Giveaway

About the Book:

Set in the turbulent years just before one of the most horrendous events in Jewish history, The Last Temple concludes the trilogy of The Last Disciple and The Last Sacrifice. Vitas is reunited with his wife and retires to Alexandria, determined to live a quiet, domestic life. But he can’t avoid the debts that he owes to the men who saved him, and he becomes a key figure in the plot to rid the empire of Nero. It sweeps him into the “year of four emperors,” when the Roman Empire is nearly destroyed, and takes him back to Jerusalem as Titus lays siege to the great city. Only then, as the prophecy of Jesus begins to unfold, does Vitas discover the true mission set before him and the astounding conspiracy behind it.

My Review:

This was one of those books. The one that you are dreading having to read but when you flip through the first few pages, you don't want to put it down. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of intrigue I experienced while reading this book.

The main character, Vitas, was one that the reader could identify with. His struggles were credible for a man living circa 67-70 A.D. on the run for his life. The questions that lingered in his mind are the thoughts of many, doubting the identity of the Cristos or Christ and having trouble fully accepting the Christian faith. 

The plot is set among ancient Rome’s emperors, gladiators, soldiers, and slaves all fighting for survival and prestige. Imagery- provoking scenarios exposed the gritty truth to the barbaric, and brutal behavior (don't mind my alliterations) so common in those days. I enjoyed the historical elements of this book as well. 

The historical elements were so on point as were the scriptural elements. I was interested by the mention of the Temple's destruction. 

I am a stickler for reading trilogy's in order but the authors did a splendid job with recapping the previous two books. I haven't read the preceding stories, but didn't feel as if something important was missing, in fact, I didn't realize that this was a trilogy until I flipped to the last pages.

Whether you're a history buff, fiction lover, or just an avid reader, you'll like this refreshing story. It's honest characters and fascinating plot are sure to please. I'd rate The Last Temple 4 out of 5 stars. I received this book free form the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

****If you'd like to win a copy of this book, leave me a comments saying so and I'll pick a winner on Friday August 24, 2012***