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The Herod Chronicles #2
The Barbarian
An outcast and a pagan, KADAR THE NORTHMAN can't ignore the plea of a highborn Jewess who is desperate to recover her young son. Wronged by her power-hungry father, LYDIA ONIAS turns to the giant, blue-eyed barbarian who had been such a comfort during her bleakest moments. Denying their love as impossible to fulfill, Kadar and Lydia find more trouble when they align with Herod, whose power is threatened by palace conspiracies and murder.
But everyone's lives and future prospects are jeopardized when Jerusalem is attacked by an invading army. Kadar accompanies Herod to the dangerous courts of Cleopatra and Mark Antony to seek men and money to strike back. With Lydia and Herod's family stranded atop the water-starved heights of Masada, the fate of a nation and the woman he loves depend on the sword of... The Barbarian.
But everyone's lives and future prospects are jeopardized when Jerusalem is attacked by an invading army. Kadar accompanies Herod to the dangerous courts of Cleopatra and Mark Antony to seek men and money to strike back. With Lydia and Herod's family stranded atop the water-starved heights of Masada, the fate of a nation and the woman he loves depend on the sword of... The Barbarian.
332 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2014
178 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Wanda Ann Thomas
18 books70 followersWanda Ann Thomas is the author of Sweet Historical Western Romances and Historical Christian Fiction. She adores heart-felt love stories, featuring honorable heroes and courageous heroines. Men and women who will brave any danger for loved ones and who struggle against overwhelming obstacles to win their happily ever after.
Wanda starts each day bright and early at her computer writing and drinking coffee. When the weather allows she and her husband average three rounds of golf a week. She confesses to being overly fond of chocolate chips cookies, winter vacations spent in sunny Florida, and her large boisterous family.
Wanda starts each day bright and early at her computer writing and drinking coffee. When the weather allows she and her husband average three rounds of golf a week. She confesses to being overly fond of chocolate chips cookies, winter vacations spent in sunny Florida, and her large boisterous family.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 26, 2014
Believable, engaging characters to identify with. Fast paced with a lot of action. Wanda Ann brings you into the story like you are living in the era. A great biblical fiction, I can't wait for the next one. 5 stars.
January 10, 2015
Historical Romance
Judea, Egypt and Rome
Kadar the Northman is an outcast and a pagan. He also can’t ignore the plea from Lydia Onias who is both highborn and a Jewess. She is desperate to recover her son. Lydia has been wronged by her father who is power-hungry. Lydia is also at the mercy of her father. Kadar had been a comfort to Lydia during her bleakest moments. Kadar and Lydia have denied their love believing it was impossible to do anything about it. Now they have found more trouble as they align themselves with Herod, whose power has been threatened by palace murder and conspiracies.
When Jerusalem is attacked by an invading army everyone’s lives are put in jeopardy along with their future prospects. As Herod travels to the dangerous courts of both Cleopatra and Mark Antony to gain men and money to strike back, Kadar travels with him. Herod’s family and Lydia are all stranded atop the water-starved heights of Masada. The fate of the woman he loves and the nation depend on Kadar’s sword.
This is proving to be an interesting take on history. While this is the second book in the series it proves to be able to be read as a standalone but it is much better if the books are read in order. History comes to interesting life for the reader as they delve into the story and the characters that takes readers on a ride to another time and place. With each word that is read it takes the reader to back in history and will have them believing they are living it with characters. It also gives a different spin on a period in time that is not well known. It makes for a great read.
Received a review copy
Judea, Egypt and Rome
Kadar the Northman is an outcast and a pagan. He also can’t ignore the plea from Lydia Onias who is both highborn and a Jewess. She is desperate to recover her son. Lydia has been wronged by her father who is power-hungry. Lydia is also at the mercy of her father. Kadar had been a comfort to Lydia during her bleakest moments. Kadar and Lydia have denied their love believing it was impossible to do anything about it. Now they have found more trouble as they align themselves with Herod, whose power has been threatened by palace murder and conspiracies.
When Jerusalem is attacked by an invading army everyone’s lives are put in jeopardy along with their future prospects. As Herod travels to the dangerous courts of both Cleopatra and Mark Antony to gain men and money to strike back, Kadar travels with him. Herod’s family and Lydia are all stranded atop the water-starved heights of Masada. The fate of the woman he loves and the nation depend on Kadar’s sword.
This is proving to be an interesting take on history. While this is the second book in the series it proves to be able to be read as a standalone but it is much better if the books are read in order. History comes to interesting life for the reader as they delve into the story and the characters that takes readers on a ride to another time and place. With each word that is read it takes the reader to back in history and will have them believing they are living it with characters. It also gives a different spin on a period in time that is not well known. It makes for a great read.
Received a review copy
October 14, 2015
Sweet
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I found it to be engaging from the first page and a sweet romance. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance books. :)
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I found it to be engaging from the first page and a sweet romance. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance books. :)
March 23, 2019
Great read!
A fast-moving, action-packed, hard-to-put-down, love story set in biblical times. I intend to read all of the books in the series. A must read!
A fast-moving, action-packed, hard-to-put-down, love story set in biblical times. I intend to read all of the books in the series. A must read!
October 16, 2014
Picking up where The Warrior left off, this switches the focus to Kadar and Lydia. I would recommend reading The Warrior first, otherwise the back history and relationships between the characters might be overly confusing.
Kadar the Northman is a Norse barbarian, but he's in love with Lydia, a respectable Jewish woman, trying to protect her reputation as well as Lydia herself: a pagan barbarian could never marry her, yet his love is reciprocated. As with the first book this weaves a story around a historical framework of battles, treachery, political machinations and negotiations, using real events with well-known characters such as Herod and Cleopatra.
While I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the overall storyline, I felt this wasn't as strong as the first book. There were more problems that jolted me out of the story too often.
Time skips by quickly, a little too abruptly at times; characters died quite abruptly, and I think my copy was an ARC, as there were numerous minor errors in word choice/spelling or little inconsistencies that a good proofreader would pick up. I also had a couple of problems with the plot
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kadar the Northman is a Norse barbarian, but he's in love with Lydia, a respectable Jewish woman, trying to protect her reputation as well as Lydia herself: a pagan barbarian could never marry her, yet his love is reciprocated. As with the first book this weaves a story around a historical framework of battles, treachery, political machinations and negotiations, using real events with well-known characters such as Herod and Cleopatra.
While I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the overall storyline, I felt this wasn't as strong as the first book. There were more problems that jolted me out of the story too often.
Time skips by quickly, a little too abruptly at times; characters died quite abruptly, and I think my copy was an ARC, as there were numerous minor errors in word choice/spelling or little inconsistencies that a good proofreader would pick up. I also had a couple of problems with the plot
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2015
This is the second book in the Herod Chronicles. I was given a copy of "The Barbarian" by the author, Wanda Ann Thomas, in exchange for an honest review. I did read the first book and I like the fact that they can both be read as stand alone books. There is a lot of Jewish and Jerusalem history in both books. There is not any explicit sex, but there is talk of sexual activity, a little heavy for my liking, no swearing. I can recommend for ages 17 and up due to mature content. The characters are likable, and there is quite a twist on Herod, who we as Christians consider such a wicked man, not sure how much is accurate, or if he just went bad in the end, but the book is written from a Christian/Judeo viewpoint. I give it 4 stars.
September 26, 2015
I received this book for an honest review from the author. This is the first book that I have read of Ms Thomas and I thoroughly enjoyed it so much that I got the other book. This book is part of a series but can be read alone.
The story is well written and fast paced. Her knowledge of this time period is awesome. The details and accuracy of Jewish history leads the reader to delve deeper into the story. The main characters are well written and believable.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ms Thomas' books.
The story is well written and fast paced. Her knowledge of this time period is awesome. The details and accuracy of Jewish history leads the reader to delve deeper into the story. The main characters are well written and believable.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ms Thomas' books.
January 2, 2015
The Barbarian is a believable historical adventure.
September 12, 2017
Another good one
This was a good read, continuing the story of Herod as well as e few of the characters from the first book. A couple of errors such as using the wrong names (Nathan and Elisabeth, instead of Alexandra, and sometimes Alexandria), but nothing major.Looking forward to the next book.
This was a good read, continuing the story of Herod as well as e few of the characters from the first book. A couple of errors such as using the wrong names (Nathan and Elisabeth, instead of Alexandra, and sometimes Alexandria), but nothing major.Looking forward to the next book.
October 31, 2020
Good read
I enjoy reading historical Christian fiction books. This was book that piqued my interest from the start. I completed it in one sitting. Even though the ending was inevitable it was fun to keep going. I seem more eager to read the true accounts in the Bible. I will read all of the books in the series.
I enjoy reading historical Christian fiction books. This was book that piqued my interest from the start. I completed it in one sitting. Even though the ending was inevitable it was fun to keep going. I seem more eager to read the true accounts in the Bible. I will read all of the books in the series.
March 21, 2018
This book is written for those who like romance that sizzels
Romance that commands turning page after page in the middle of swords and shields. A heart that yearns to reclaim her son.
Romance that commands turning page after page in the middle of swords and shields. A heart that yearns to reclaim her son.
December 20, 2018
The tale continues...
The tale that began with Nathan and Alexandra continues with Kadar and Lydia, during the tumultuous war time of different factions desiring control over Jerusalem, which is absorbing in itself.
The tale that began with Nathan and Alexandra continues with Kadar and Lydia, during the tumultuous war time of different factions desiring control over Jerusalem, which is absorbing in itself.
November 2, 2020
Beautiful love story
I loved your description of their love for each other.. totally a delightful story. I am truly amazed of the struggles they had to endure in life. Thank you for the lovely story.
I loved your description of their love for each other.. totally a delightful story. I am truly amazed of the struggles they had to endure in life. Thank you for the lovely story.
June 11, 2018
I am loving these books! I love the history, the characters are well developed! Love them!
May 3, 2019
Not quite as good as the first book yet still enjoyable.
July 18, 2019
Terrific Book
I adore the way, this book and series use first century era things and make it a novel. Thank you Ms Thomas for writing it.
I adore the way, this book and series use first century era things and make it a novel. Thank you Ms Thomas for writing it.
January 28, 2020
Interesting
A well written book about ancient Israel. I enjoyed the intrigue, plot, and characters. The romance was more than I like but overall a good read.
A well written book about ancient Israel. I enjoyed the intrigue, plot, and characters. The romance was more than I like but overall a good read.
March 17, 2020
Excellent. I totally Lord this series!
August 12, 2020
Great historical fiction around the time of Christ. Hero's has just been crowned king
November 2, 2020
Historical fiction with slightly graphic descriptions still held me fascinated and kept me up late.
September 10, 2023
Good, though a little rushed towards the end
August 26, 2015
I got this in exchange of an honest review, I liked it but I was surprised in certain areas and how everything was written the characters were charming the events as well a lot of action suspense really well done
August 7, 2018
A bit edgy in his "romantic" details but nevertheless, sheds light on a part of history that is for the most obscure and misunderstood. Based on what I found for historical facts in Zondervan's Bible Atlas, this store hues to the true events it portrays. Well done research and storyline, as such.
April 5, 2017
Loved it. Excellent writing. Couldn't out it down.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews