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Truth Trilogy #2
Marcus Varitor, Centurion
Marcus, son of Senator Decimus Varitor, is a decanus in the Roman cohort in Jerusalem. His tribune hints at a promotion to centurion if Marcus can bring in Barabbas. There are really only two things Marcus really wants-to be a centurion and to win the love of an Egyptian girl. When Meskhanet is sent to Rome on a slave ship and Marcus is captured by the very brigand he's supposed to apprehend, those hopes may both evaporate faster than a small puddle under the hot desert sun. "Anne Baxter Campbell has created the perfect hero-with his flaws and all. She has created the perfect heroine-one who doesn't want to fall in love. She has created the perfect story-one filled with conflict that will keep you turning the pages. A masterful portrait of the First Century painted with both history and romance." Fay Lamb "Author Anne Baxter Campbell has done it again, releasing yet another page-turning thriller, laced with romance and tension. Don't miss it!" ***Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com) is the author of more than 40 books. She lives in Southern California with her husband, Al.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2014
5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Anne Baxter Campbell
27 books48 followersI'm a Christian, a wife, a mom, a grandma, and a great-grandma who enjoys her family, friends, and writing.
I'm the author of The Truth Trilogy (The Roman's Quest; Marcus Varitor, Centurion; The Truth Doesn't Die), multiple short stories, some children's stories, and a devotional.
I live in Northern California with a super-friendly little mutt (Meggie Wigglesworth) and a queenly cat who comes to the name of Cleo when she feels like it.
I write reviews of books I like. Sorry--I will not write a negative review. In fact, I don't finish reading books I don't think well of. Don't have time for that.
By the way--I do not accept friend requests from people who hide their profiles--especially guys. I also do not accept friendship from guys "looking for a relationship."
I'm the author of The Truth Trilogy (The Roman's Quest; Marcus Varitor, Centurion; The Truth Doesn't Die), multiple short stories, some children's stories, and a devotional.
I live in Northern California with a super-friendly little mutt (Meggie Wigglesworth) and a queenly cat who comes to the name of Cleo when she feels like it.
I write reviews of books I like. Sorry--I will not write a negative review. In fact, I don't finish reading books I don't think well of. Don't have time for that.
By the way--I do not accept friend requests from people who hide their profiles--especially guys. I also do not accept friendship from guys "looking for a relationship."
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 4, 2014
Marcus Varitor, Centurion, is book two of Anne Baxter Campbell’s Truth Trilogy. Book one, The Roman’s Quest, tells the story of Centurion Julius and his Jewish love, Miriam. Uniting a Roman centurion and a Jewish maiden involves many challenges in the first-century Roman world.
Book two, Marcus Varitor, Centurion, follows one of characters from the first book—Julius’ friend Marcus—and weaves his story.
Decanus Marcus (decanus means “chief of ten”) is a young centurion (a professional officer of the Roman army) who has lived a rather riotous life, but seeks to straighten his course because of the change he sees in his friend Julius as well as the attraction he feels for a young Egyptian slave named Meskhanet. Julius has become a Jewish proselyte and Meskhanet also is trying to understand the ways of Adonai, the One God.
Featuring strongly in this story is the infamous Barabbas, whom we know as the criminal freed instead of Jesus. From the start of the book, we know that Decanus Marcus is committed to capturing and convicting Barabbas, but the insurrectionist is a slippery fish to catch and also has plans for revenge and betrayal. The chase leads from Jerusalem to Rome and back, which offers much fodder for story depth and color.
The plot is further complicated by Marcus’ difficult relationship with his family, Meskhanet’s wish to serve her mistress instead of marrying, Barabbas’ mother and her divided loyalties, and many more fascinating subplots. The storyline is intense and unpredictable, which makes for a gripping read.
The characters are strong but not flawless, a must in order for us to identify with them. Campbell makes us care from the beginning what happens to the characters. Dialogue also plays an important part in giving a story credibility, and the author does this well.
Both these books are impeccably researched, from my point of view. Campbell knows the money, the clothing, the lifestyles from Israel to Italy (including Barabbas’ camp), the place of women in society in that day, the relationships between slaves and masters, and many other details we take for granted when we read the story. As in any good historical fiction piece, I learned a lot from the experience and was entertained and inspired at the same time.
I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction as well as those who do not normally read in that genre. The writing flows, the stakes are high and the takeaway value is worthwhile.
Book two, Marcus Varitor, Centurion, follows one of characters from the first book—Julius’ friend Marcus—and weaves his story.
Decanus Marcus (decanus means “chief of ten”) is a young centurion (a professional officer of the Roman army) who has lived a rather riotous life, but seeks to straighten his course because of the change he sees in his friend Julius as well as the attraction he feels for a young Egyptian slave named Meskhanet. Julius has become a Jewish proselyte and Meskhanet also is trying to understand the ways of Adonai, the One God.
Featuring strongly in this story is the infamous Barabbas, whom we know as the criminal freed instead of Jesus. From the start of the book, we know that Decanus Marcus is committed to capturing and convicting Barabbas, but the insurrectionist is a slippery fish to catch and also has plans for revenge and betrayal. The chase leads from Jerusalem to Rome and back, which offers much fodder for story depth and color.
The plot is further complicated by Marcus’ difficult relationship with his family, Meskhanet’s wish to serve her mistress instead of marrying, Barabbas’ mother and her divided loyalties, and many more fascinating subplots. The storyline is intense and unpredictable, which makes for a gripping read.
The characters are strong but not flawless, a must in order for us to identify with them. Campbell makes us care from the beginning what happens to the characters. Dialogue also plays an important part in giving a story credibility, and the author does this well.
Both these books are impeccably researched, from my point of view. Campbell knows the money, the clothing, the lifestyles from Israel to Italy (including Barabbas’ camp), the place of women in society in that day, the relationships between slaves and masters, and many other details we take for granted when we read the story. As in any good historical fiction piece, I learned a lot from the experience and was entertained and inspired at the same time.
I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction as well as those who do not normally read in that genre. The writing flows, the stakes are high and the takeaway value is worthwhile.
July 20, 2014
Wow, what a non-stop journey through the Roman Empire. I'm not kidding, there are back-to-back adventures all the way through, very dramatic, but also quite believable for this time period. I can imagine it as a TV series in which we have to wait, impatiently, for each new weekly episode.
Although I hadn't read the first book in this series, it was easy to pick up the plot. Marcus is a young soldier charged with the job of capturing Barabbas, a crook who turns out to be just as slippery as he was in the gospels. I like the way Barabbas was portrayed in this story, justifying his own warped and extreme principles. It seems fluky escapes were his established pattern. Realising Barabbas' dangerous character, Marcus tries a few unorthodox ways of getting hold of him, but they backfire badly. He finds out that it's not necessarily wise to go ad lib when you might end up getting yourself crucified.
Meanwhile, Meskhanet, the Egyptian slave girl who Marcus loves, has to wriggle out of one peril after another. It is definitely a precarious time for a lovely young girl with no family or personal effects to be alive in. Only her own resourcefulness and God's grace save her from the unscrupulous time and again.
There's a lovable cast of supporting characters. I really liked Rebecca, the sad old Jewess who wondered why her son, Barabbas, had gone so far off the straight and narrow. Then there's Septus, Marcus' cute little half brother, who steals every scene he's in. And Dinah and David, the 10-year-old twins who were bought by Marcus and his family. (Notice I said 'bought' and not 'adopted'.)
The story takes place partly in Caesaria, partly in Rome, partly in the desert wilderness and partly on the sea. What it takes to hold a book of this scope together is a hero with courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, a bit of cunning, and a kind heart. As Marcus is definitely all of that, and handsome as well, it worked great for me.
I received a copy from the author in return for an honest review.
Although I hadn't read the first book in this series, it was easy to pick up the plot. Marcus is a young soldier charged with the job of capturing Barabbas, a crook who turns out to be just as slippery as he was in the gospels. I like the way Barabbas was portrayed in this story, justifying his own warped and extreme principles. It seems fluky escapes were his established pattern. Realising Barabbas' dangerous character, Marcus tries a few unorthodox ways of getting hold of him, but they backfire badly. He finds out that it's not necessarily wise to go ad lib when you might end up getting yourself crucified.
Meanwhile, Meskhanet, the Egyptian slave girl who Marcus loves, has to wriggle out of one peril after another. It is definitely a precarious time for a lovely young girl with no family or personal effects to be alive in. Only her own resourcefulness and God's grace save her from the unscrupulous time and again.
There's a lovable cast of supporting characters. I really liked Rebecca, the sad old Jewess who wondered why her son, Barabbas, had gone so far off the straight and narrow. Then there's Septus, Marcus' cute little half brother, who steals every scene he's in. And Dinah and David, the 10-year-old twins who were bought by Marcus and his family. (Notice I said 'bought' and not 'adopted'.)
The story takes place partly in Caesaria, partly in Rome, partly in the desert wilderness and partly on the sea. What it takes to hold a book of this scope together is a hero with courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, a bit of cunning, and a kind heart. As Marcus is definitely all of that, and handsome as well, it worked great for me.
I received a copy from the author in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2014
Excellently presented Christian historical fiction romance with some war and criminal drama included. I really enjoyed reading this book
Readers are taken to a time in history shortly before the crucifixion of Christ. His ministry is referred to but the characters who are coming to belief are connecting with Adonai - Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
Marcus Varitor, Centurion is the 2nd novel in a series and is filled with adventurous scenarios, trials and tests of the new found faith, chaste romance and good description of the places where the action takes place. The story is easy to follow through all the action and pleasant to read. If you are reading little bits at a time, the story will work for you or if you sit down and try to read it all at once, it will work.
Marcus is a Roman soldier; there are some conflicts and battle scenes, but no gratuitous violence for the sake of gore. Some women are kidnapped, but their faith prevails to protect their honor. The characters began as Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for the most part and they were probably religious people, but had learned their religion is feeble. At this point, none who have converted were evil people before their conversion.
This is a spiritual book with a basis in Godly faith but with some detail about Jewish practices. Clean reading of a high spiritual quality will appeal to readers seeking this type of book. People who are looking for something different may not enjoy the story as the weight of history against faith content is more toward faith. The historical fiction content is excellent and a pleasure to read, but this isn't solely an historical book.
Readers are taken to a time in history shortly before the crucifixion of Christ. His ministry is referred to but the characters who are coming to belief are connecting with Adonai - Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
Marcus Varitor, Centurion is the 2nd novel in a series and is filled with adventurous scenarios, trials and tests of the new found faith, chaste romance and good description of the places where the action takes place. The story is easy to follow through all the action and pleasant to read. If you are reading little bits at a time, the story will work for you or if you sit down and try to read it all at once, it will work.
Marcus is a Roman soldier; there are some conflicts and battle scenes, but no gratuitous violence for the sake of gore. Some women are kidnapped, but their faith prevails to protect their honor. The characters began as Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for the most part and they were probably religious people, but had learned their religion is feeble. At this point, none who have converted were evil people before their conversion.
This is a spiritual book with a basis in Godly faith but with some detail about Jewish practices. Clean reading of a high spiritual quality will appeal to readers seeking this type of book. People who are looking for something different may not enjoy the story as the weight of history against faith content is more toward faith. The historical fiction content is excellent and a pleasure to read, but this isn't solely an historical book.
April 16, 2014
Non-Stop Action From Start to Finish
Marcus Varitor’s assignment: capture or kill the murdering, thieving Barabbas who wants to lead the Jews into rebellion. Marcus leads his men into an ambush that only he and the surly Brutus survive.
Unknown to Marcus, Barabbas has already captured the woman he loves, Meskhanet, the Egyptian slave of physician Loukas and his wife Joanna. Meskhanet befriends Barabbas’ mother Rebecca, who allows Meskhanet to escape. Three more times will Meskhanet will be kidnapped and escape, in the process coming to know the God of the Jews.
Marcus goes off on his own to infiltrate Barabbas’ camp, but is arrested as a turncoat when Roman soldiers descend on the camp. He escapes with the help of friends, learns Meskhanet is enroute to Rome on a slave ship, and heads after her.
He hasn’t seen his father, Senator Decimus Varitor, for years; they parted under less than amiable circumstances. Now he astonishes his father by returning home with an outlaw’s mother, a ten-year-old slave girl, a litter of kittens, and more.
Meanwhile he is AWOL from the Roman army. He must go back, but risks execution as a traitor.
Anne Baxter Campbell weaves a riveting story with more twists than a labyrinth. This is book two of The Truth Trilogy, with a cast of returning characters. A non-stop tale filled with God’s grace.
Marcus Varitor’s assignment: capture or kill the murdering, thieving Barabbas who wants to lead the Jews into rebellion. Marcus leads his men into an ambush that only he and the surly Brutus survive.
Unknown to Marcus, Barabbas has already captured the woman he loves, Meskhanet, the Egyptian slave of physician Loukas and his wife Joanna. Meskhanet befriends Barabbas’ mother Rebecca, who allows Meskhanet to escape. Three more times will Meskhanet will be kidnapped and escape, in the process coming to know the God of the Jews.
Marcus goes off on his own to infiltrate Barabbas’ camp, but is arrested as a turncoat when Roman soldiers descend on the camp. He escapes with the help of friends, learns Meskhanet is enroute to Rome on a slave ship, and heads after her.
He hasn’t seen his father, Senator Decimus Varitor, for years; they parted under less than amiable circumstances. Now he astonishes his father by returning home with an outlaw’s mother, a ten-year-old slave girl, a litter of kittens, and more.
Meanwhile he is AWOL from the Roman army. He must go back, but risks execution as a traitor.
Anne Baxter Campbell weaves a riveting story with more twists than a labyrinth. This is book two of The Truth Trilogy, with a cast of returning characters. A non-stop tale filled with God’s grace.
November 11, 2014
Anne Baxter Campbell has done it again. Take a Roman decanus, an Egyptian slave girl, and a thief, add history, suspense, action, and romance, and you have Marcus Varitor, Centurion. In a fast-paced story with a variety of intriguing characters, both fictional and historical and you have a recipe for excellent reading. Marcus Varitor will keep you turning pages from start to finish. Set in the first century A.D., with a host of characters including the bandit, Barabbas, the story makes the reader want more.
With more than 40 books, author Campbell knows how to hold an audience. Book Two of The Truth Trilogy is a triumph.
With more than 40 books, author Campbell knows how to hold an audience. Book Two of The Truth Trilogy is a triumph.
October 30, 2014
I can easily recommend this book because it is well-written and well-researched. The characters come alive, including a few children. The historical time period is evident in the abuse and slavery involved, without repercussions. Using some Latin terms from Roman empire times (nicely defined in the front of the book), the author also reveals the language barriers of those who knew only Greek or Aramaic. Incorporating realistic descriptions of the behavior of people and animals both, Anne creates a true-to-life story that one can imagine happening when Jesus walked the earth. Good job!
May 26, 2014
Anne Baxter Campbell's Marcus Varitor, Centurion, book two in The Truth Trilogy, is a page turner from one adventure to another. The story transports the reader back to the first century when the Jewish nation was ruled by the Roman Empire.
Marcus Varitor, a decanus in the Roman army, must find and capture the hardened criminal Barabbas and bring him to justice. The Tribune Marcus Rufus gives Marcos Varitor three weeks to accomplish the task. If he and his men are not back within that time, the Tribune will send troops to look for them.
Meskhanet is an Egyptian slave who's suffered at the hand of unscrupulous men yet puts the needs of others above her own. Her deep understanding of Adonai is reflected in her question, "How could a person speak to the Jewish God if not from the heart?
The story tells of a journey, both physical and spiritual, where characters pursue their goals. From Joanna and Loukas, to Marcus' father and younger brother, to a loveable giant who only utters "Ungh," and Barabbas mother, the reader becomes acquainted with each.
Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes embellish this Biblical tale. Anne doesn't sugar coat the narrative when she says of her heroine. "The cold sweat under her arms held an odor of its own, the smell of sheer panic." Reference to the common languages of the day: Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, fill the pages. I could almost taste the dried meat, salt, olive oil, flour, and roasting oxen the characters dine on.
Unforgettable are images of Roman centurions in full uniform, riding on horses with swords raised, and gladiators who fight to the end.
Most important, though, is the underlying Christian message that Jesus makes the difference in bringing peace between people and nations like the Romans and Jews in the first century, and I dare say countries of our world today.
Marcus Varitor, a decanus in the Roman army, must find and capture the hardened criminal Barabbas and bring him to justice. The Tribune Marcus Rufus gives Marcos Varitor three weeks to accomplish the task. If he and his men are not back within that time, the Tribune will send troops to look for them.
Meskhanet is an Egyptian slave who's suffered at the hand of unscrupulous men yet puts the needs of others above her own. Her deep understanding of Adonai is reflected in her question, "How could a person speak to the Jewish God if not from the heart?
The story tells of a journey, both physical and spiritual, where characters pursue their goals. From Joanna and Loukas, to Marcus' father and younger brother, to a loveable giant who only utters "Ungh," and Barabbas mother, the reader becomes acquainted with each.
Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes embellish this Biblical tale. Anne doesn't sugar coat the narrative when she says of her heroine. "The cold sweat under her arms held an odor of its own, the smell of sheer panic." Reference to the common languages of the day: Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, fill the pages. I could almost taste the dried meat, salt, olive oil, flour, and roasting oxen the characters dine on.
Unforgettable are images of Roman centurions in full uniform, riding on horses with swords raised, and gladiators who fight to the end.
Most important, though, is the underlying Christian message that Jesus makes the difference in bringing peace between people and nations like the Romans and Jews in the first century, and I dare say countries of our world today.
August 12, 2016
I want to start off by saying I'm not necessarily a historical fiction lover. I will read it, but usually stick to contemporary books. This one, however, drew me in and made me fall in love with not only historical fiction, but biblical times fiction. The story is so very well constructed. The characters are all very strong, draw the reader in and make you love (or hate) them. The story in no way follows a predictable pattern, catching my surprise with plot/subplot twists not just once, but several times. I love being caught off guard in a book and this one is able to do so time after time. And while the conclusion of the book was satisfying, I really want to read more about these characters (and see if they get to meet Jesus and if/how they're impacted by His crucifixion.) The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars are a few technical writing and editing fixes that were sprinkled throughout. With these changes, the book would definitely be a 5. Great job, Anne Baxter Campbell!!!
October 18, 2016
Another great book
I love this one as much as I loved the first. For me it was a page turner. Could not put my Kindle down since this morning. Can not wait to read book 3.
I love this one as much as I loved the first. For me it was a page turner. Could not put my Kindle down since this morning. Can not wait to read book 3.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews