A Torch in the Empire Series Book Two: More Sure than the Sun

by Savannah Jane McCrary

It’s A. D. 66. Abigail was warned not to try to escape. Warned of what happens to runaway slaves when they get caught. But ever since she was taken from her home in Jerusalem and sold as a slave in Rome, she’s longed for freedom and to be reunited with her family. So she ran. Now if only she can leave the city of Rome behind. For even if she’s not punished as a runaway slave, her Christian faith is enough to condemn her to a merciless death in the arena. For Abigail’s brother Jesse, hating his life and yet fearing death, his existence as a gladiator is misery. He promised his father he would take care of his sister, and he failed. Forced to fight and kill for the entertainment of a bloodthirsty Roman crowd, he puts back every coin he collects, living for the day when he will be free and find his sister. A Roman soldier and the son of a wealthy Roman patrician, Lucas has been told that the Christians are evil sorcerers. He is completely unprepared for what he encounters when he actually meets these Christ-followers. The second book in A Torch in the Empire Series, More Sure than the Sun is a story of faith, hope, and courage in the midst of darkness. Weaving together fictional characters with real historical persons and events, this series takes you back to first century Rome when the early church faced the worst of persecutions under Emperor Nero.

Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Savannah Jane McCrary is an author, artist, history lover, and most importantly, a follower of Jesus passionate about creating beauty and spreading hope and light through her words and art. She is the author of several books for children and young adults. She’s experimented with a variety of genres but especially loves writing true stories and accurate historical fiction that points readers to the hope of the kingdom of heaven and reminds them that God is good.
The third born in an amazing family of seven children, Savannah was homeschooled all the way through and lives with her family in beautiful western Montana. Besides writing, drawing, reading, and researching, Savannah loves spending time with her family and their Bernese Mountain Dogs, going on adventures, enjoying God’s creation, getting together with old friends and meeting new ones, and cups of hot tea.

Reviews

[Acacia Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"More Sure Than the Sun" did such a good job of incorporating events that happened in the new testament- from the gladiator fights to Paul's letters being read allowed in a home church.
At times the characters felt a little flat- some decisions were made quickly/time passed very fast. However, I'd definitely recommend giving it a read- especially if you're interested in ancient church history.