Review – Chasing the Lion

Set chiefly in the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96), this historical novel tells the adventures of Jonathan, son of a Roman senator and a Christian slave woman. Until he was sixteen, Jonathan has been unknown to his father. But then the father brings him and his mother to his estate. The mother dies soon afterward, and Jonathan enjoys four years as the favored son of the senator. His time there ends when a jealous older brother arranges his assassination. The assassins, however, find it more profitable to sell him into slavery rather than kill him. This begins Jonathan’s long odyssey through a clerkship, severe beatings, training as a gladiator, and finally, emergence as a champion among gladiators. These fast-paced events lead to a truly gripping climax and a satisfying resolution. In addition, the novel also chronicles Jonathan’s spiritual odyssey from denial back into faith.

Throughout the novel, the author shows herself a master of suspense fiction: Her skill keeps the reader turning pages far into the night to find out what happens next. But she also excels as a master of historical detail: the details of equipment and training of gladiators, of course, but also minutiae of clothing and diet as well as politics, palace intrigue, and early Christianity. These details never slow the action, but are so intricately woven into the story that narrative and historical detail are inseparable.

The result is one of the most interesting novels I have read in the past two years. I recommend it highly and look forward to the next novel in The Sword of Redemption Series.