Fifth Seal

A.D. Chronicles #5

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

The little town of Nazareth is a long way from Jerusalem and King Herod's evil clutches. Yet is anywhere in Judea far enough?
Gossip swirls around the newlyweds Mary and Yosef. It is far too soon for her womb to carry the growing baby, neighbors say. Yet too much is at stake for Yosef to reveal the truth. He vows to protect Mary and the baby with his life, but how can he protect her heart from the barbs of betrayal?

As beloved prophetess Hannah boldly foretells the coming of Israel’s true King, King Herod plots her doom . . . and that of anyone else he believes challenges his throne. When a dying slave stumbles into Beth-lehem on a stormy night, shepherd Zadok and his wife, Rachel, wonder, Is her arrival guided by God or a trap set by the paranoid Herod?

As Mary and Yosef set out on a perilous journey to Jerusalem, astronomer Melchior sees unusual activity in the stars. He’s convinced something important will happen soon in Israel . . . and it will impact the world for all eternity.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Adult

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the previous book, this is an excellent retelling of one of the Bible's best-loved stories.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I really enjoyed this one. There were some parts that made me cry. I actually teared up when baby Yeshua was born. I am looking forward to the next one. However, I know my history and I know that the next book will be about Herod and his orders to kill all the boys under the age of two. Not really looking forward to that part, but will read the book. This is a great series. I have laughed, smiled, thought, and cried through all of them. They are GREAT books. Thank you so much to my friend, Shirley, for recommending this series to me. Love, love, love it.

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in the A.D Chronicles series
This book centers on Christ's birth into this world, and what it *might* have been like for Mary and Joseph. It also focuses on Chief Shepherd Zadok, his wife Rachel, and Hannah, the prophetess at the temple.
What can I say about this book?
I really enjoyed it, couldn't put it down when I should've been doing something else XD The plot was awesome, and so were the characters. It really reflects the hope of the nation for a Messiah at that time, and yet also the danger of thinking or speaking of the hope for one.
Overall, it was a great read! And yeah, I can't think of anything else to write in this review lol. It's like I've got so much to say about this book that I can't say it all, does that make sense?

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took quite a while for me to finish this installment. Was that perhaps because the story is so well-known? Was it because I couldn't get scenes from THE NATIVITY out of my head? Actually I think it was the star-gazing and visits from Joseph the Dreamer. Just wasn't as riveting as the stories in the first three books. I am moving on to THE SIXTH COVENANT

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book draws me in. Never in my life has a work of fiction drawn me to such a profound sense of worship. I love how reading this story of the birth of Christ helps me to understand to a new depth, the Biblical account of the first Christmas and the context of history He was born into. This series is just so wonderful!

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book of this series was definately the best. after that... they are still good but then seem to go downhill. this one is very slow, so i never really got into it. a little bit of a let down after the brilliance of the first 3, but i still think that the Thoene's are amazing authors.

[Meadow Frisbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series ever

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was well-written, overall. It covers "the latter portion" of the nine-months of Mary's pregnancy. It is a bit slower-paced than the prior books, which is "funny" - even though the story itself is "only" 284 or so pages long, it feels like it is "longer" than the prior books. It included "more miraculous moments" in it that worked. The character development is good, both in fictional characters as well as helping see Mary and Joseph in a "better" (different) light.

It is funny to me, but I never think of Mary in terms of having siblings or where she might have been in terms of birth order. Not sure why that is the case. I guess because the Gospels do not mention it (that I am aware of) I never thought about it or considered it important. The authors give Mary four sisters and she is in the middle.

One thing (among "many") this book did was open my eyes to what Mary and Joseph probably went through regarding her pregnancy and his not being the biological father. Pastors have mentioned in sermons how Mary and Joseph were probably judged and condemned by their neighbors and friends, by members of the synagogue, yet until I read about how it might have gone down in this book, I never really ever considered the truth of how they were probably judged, despised, and rejected by the rest of the Jewish community where they lived. It was a bit of an eye-opener.

It is funny - Joseph has been a carpenter all his life since age 6 and is described as being a tall, strong, solid man. He clearly has muscles from his life of labor. Yet when Yeshua is described as a man in the prior books, He comes across as weak and slender and "not much of a man." I would respectfully disagree with these descriptions of Yeshua as a man considering he would have been doing the same work as his earthly father and building muscle mass from the hard labor. So it makes me laugh each time I read about how strong or hard or muscular Joseph is after having read about how physically "weak" Yeshua is described as being. Not that Yeshua should be some kind of "muscle-bound hero" of today's "comic book heroes" or the 80s/90s era of Hollywood movies, but He would not have been as "weak" as the authors portray Him to be (in my opinion).

Zadok, as much as I like him, "annoys" me because of his "brogue." His speech patterns remind me too much of how Scottish people are written as speaking (or even Irish, to some extent). Honestly, when I read his words, I hear either Mike Myers' voice from So I Married An Axe Murderer or the voice of another movie character whose name escapes me at this time. I know they are trying to "set Zadok apart" with his speech patterns, but it is funny how disruptive his speech patterns are for me in terms of the story.

I need to go back to the first book and see how the authors describe the way to find the hidden room beneath the temple mount. There are three tracks - "one-finger-wide, two-fingers-wide," and "three-fingers-wide." I thought it was the "two-finger-wide path," but Simeon uses the "three-finger-wide" path/track to take Zadok to Hannah in the hidden room beneath the temple in this book.

Rachel's verbally attacking Joseph like she does and her disparaging "men!" rant were funny to me. I think it is because it was a case of her not realizing prophecy is being fulfilled right before her eyes and she has no idea this is the case. In any case, it was a funny moment in the book. I half-expected the author to make some kind of comment about how the midwife suddenly realized that Mary was a virgin while helping Mary give birth to Yeshua. I think that "expectation" stems from another book I read in the late 80s or early 90s (The Door series of books, I think?) in which some midwives who are assisting Mary are talking about how obvious it is that Mary is a virgin.

One thing that struck me throughout the book was the strong belief that "with Yahweh, all things are possible." That is something well worth remembering.

I still enjoy the different explanations behind prophecy, the movement of heavenly bodies across the sky and what that means, as well as what various names mean and how “everything means something” and everything is somehow tied together. I have “always heard” it said that everything in the Bible ties together, “somehow,” but never really ever had any explanations given like those that are given in this series. This book is no different. I love it and the insight it brings. May it change my life where needed.

It was a good book. I would probably rate it 3.0 - 3.3 stars but have bumped it up to 4 stars because I think the authors did a good (great) job of describing the attacks that Mary and Joseph would have had to go through because of the mysterious, miraculous circumstances of her pregnancy. It did help illuminate something I had never really considered, so I would say that was well-done. I am glad that I continued with the series and did not stop reading after the second book; it is worth the reading.

[Wendi (_readingismylovelanguage_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The A.D. Chronicles series is putting fiction details to the skeleton of truth. This fifth installment walks through Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus.  It also covers Herod’s continuing paranoia of being “dethroned” as “king of the Jews” as well as Israel’s prayer for a Savior to come.  It gives such neat views into what these historical figures may have been thinking and may have said in day to day conversation with each other.  We read facts and figures in the Bible, so it is easy to forget that these were actual people.  People who needed sleep.  Who had concerns and ate dinner like the rest of us.  I am so grateful to the authors for these books.  Because even though I know the story and I know how it ends – the insight and personalization of it makes me go deeper in my faith.  I see things through magnified lenses if you will. 
 
If you are one who shares this faith or even want to know more about it – I highly recommend this book.  In fact, I recommend the entire series. 🙏🏻
 
 Book Quote: “ this, the difference between seeing and observing, just as there is a difference between hearing and listening.”

[Rachael Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Peniel continues recording Mary, Onias, and Zadok's memories of the events surrounding Christ's birth. It runs from the marriage of Mary & Joseph to the birth of Christ. Thoene really made the opposition and gossip that Mary must have faced come alive. I also appreciated the fact that she didn't feel the need to recreate the Nativity scene. The nativity scene was really touching and powerful - she was able to maintain traditional images of it while also making the people come alive and seem real. Why was Mary traveling so late in her pregnancy? Why were they in a stable and not a home? She also makes the spiritual forces of good and evil really present without becoming weird or leaving the physical realm (ie it doesn't read like a Frank Perretti novel).

[Ron Pendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good book in the A D Chronicles series. The best thing about this one is that The Thoene's really help the reader experience the emotions and the rejections surrounding Mary's pregnancy. It is a reminder that many times the people around are not concerned with truth so much as they are concerned with their petty view of other people. This book delved into the world of devious innuendo and a reminder to us all that it is always better to have compassion on people rather than yielding to the herd instinct and shaming and mistreating them because it is the groupthink thing to do.

[Arlene Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is my second time reading this book. I chose it because it was a good one for the season of Christmas. The author took the reader back in time to just before the birth of Christ and up to the actual birth and the surrounding events that occured. It included a historical look at attitudes and events and personalities of that time period. I would consider reading it again next Christmas time.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Birth of Our Savior!

Every word of this Christian historical novel helps a Believer to better know the story of our Savior’s birth. It is beautifully written so that one can imagine being there as a part of this incredible event. Times were very tumultuous, but God found a way to come down & save His people through the Christ Child.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series is just fantastic. I love how they weave history and culture into Bible narrative. It has a very Jewish perspective and that's so helpful in understanding Scripture, especially the Old Testament. They really tie the entire Bible together and show how all of it points to Jesus, while telling a beautiful, compelling story with characters you come to really love.

[Darla Cornelison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even begin to express what a blessing this series has been. Each book is different in its own way but we still get our familiar characters we love. Thank you for your writing and stories. They are awesome!

[Ann Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good continues. This one bogged down a bit with an over-abundance of prayers and scriptures that started to feel a bit like filler to stretch the story out to fill the pages. But the story line is wonderful and stepping back in time is wonderful.

[Shelley Alongi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptions are excellent. There are so many things leading up to the birth of Jesus that by the time we get there kind of anti-climactic.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

no offensive content: Xn historical fiction

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book chronicling the birth of Jesus.

[Bob Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No better story than the birth of Jesus.

[James Dakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing Thoene Treasure

Bodie and Brock Thoene have again delivered a gem in Fifth Seal. The chronicles told in this series leave me wanting more.

[Julia Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the life and times in the time of Herod the Great. Our Savior, Jesus, was born during this horrid time. The life of ordinary people is chronicled expertly. Their sufferings at the hands of Herod and the Romans. A babe, Savior of the World, born in a lambing cave in Bethlehem. I was moved to tears as the shepherds knelt and adored Him.

[Dyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth in the series and continues the flashback of the previous book. It occurs during the time of Mary's pregnancy and culminates in Jesus's birth. In this historical fiction we get a glimpse into what Mary and Joseph might have been thinking and feeling. It is far too soon for Mary to be showing after their recent marriage and the townspeople are shunning her along with their vicious gossip. Mary and Joseph cannot reveal the truth of her conception, and Joseph vows to protect her and the baby at all costs.

Paranoid King Herod has called for a census after he destroyed previous records. Mary and Joseph must set out for Jerusalem to register and pledge an oath to the "King of the Jews". In between most chapters there are excerpts from the journal of Court Astronomer Melchior from the kingdom of Parthia. He describes what is happening in the sky and the ever changing alignment of the stars and what that portends. His older friend Balthasar studies history and prophecy and has been studying the heavens for many years and knows that something momentous is about to happen. They set out on a journey to be there when it does.

Herod is also out to plot the death of the prophetess Hannah as she foretells the coming of Israel's true King thru the quoting of scripture. As he becomes more insane Herod longs to kill her but doesn't dare because his kingdom would be toppled by riot and revolt. The other prominent characters are the shepherd Zadok and his wife Rachel, the midwife who helps Mary during the birth.

I'm not looking forward to the next installment as I know what happens. This book read a little slower than the rest; but as always, imparts a lot of biblical insights that are interesting and profound. You can also dig deeper using a biblical study in the back of the book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Here he comes! Such shoulders. He'll carry his father's beams, I warrant. A strong one he'll be. Push! No wonder you had such a hard time. There you go, Mary! Look at those big hands. Must be a boy with such hands. They're wide-open. See? He's reaching out to the world. Once more - yes, that's it! Now push. Harder. One more time! And...there! Yes! A son, Mary! A baby boy!"

You know what blows my mind? Jesus' birth. I hadn't really ever thought about the details surrounding the entire ordeal until reading these books. He was born like any other baby. Jesus. Immanuel. God with us was BORN. The even crazier thing would've been being a Jew living during this time. Crazy in the sense that all of this was not even close to what they were expecting and hoping for. I mean, they lived daily at the whims of a crazy man, King Herod, who was the self-proclaimed "King of the Jews." He was so crazy that he didn't think twice about having anyone killed who threatened his throne - even his own 2 sons who he had strangled to death. It was against the law to speak against Herod - punishable by death and most like crucifixion at that. The Jews were anxiously awaiting the Messiah - the One who would come and overthrow Roman rule and drive Herod from his tyrannical reign (much like Judah Maccabee when he drove Antiachus Epiphanes out, cleansed the temple, and reestablished traditional Jewish worship). They were waiting for a triumphant king to ride in and save them, but what they got was a baby born in a stable to a nobody couple. God always has other (better) plans. But even though He came as a baby, Jesus did indeed come to change everything and put the world back right.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifth Seal continues the journey of Mary and Yosef as they begin their journey to Bethlehem. With danger swirling around them, will they be able to keep themselves – and those they love – safe? Thoene's fifth book of the A.D. Chronicles series was surprisingly disappointing. I love the Nativity story, and I was excited for this book. However, my enthusiasm dimmed with the completion of Fourth Dawn. It seems good things come in threes – the first three books of the series were excellent, yet the next three seem to pale in comparison. The writing feels forced, the plot stretched out (three books to tell the story of Christ's birth is a little much), and there is little new material or challenges. It's worth breezing through to get on with the series, but it's not one of the Thoene's better works.

[Lizzytish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ends with the birth of Jesus and I had tears in my eyes. These are powerful authors.

I learned that Israel is symbolized by the constellation, Pisces, fish. They call it The Two Fish. In Hebrew the exact words are; "May they increase abundantly like fish" Within the constellation are 2 stars, 2 fish, that symbolize the blessing of Israel. The first represents Mannasseh, the elder brother, the physical descendants of the seed of Abraham. The second for Ephraim, the younger, the Gentiles, who by faith will become the adopted spiritual children of Israel's blessings.

Mars is called the Adam and I can't remember the others right now.

A quote by Mary from the book: maybe....death makes the small things about our life, holy. Details we think are insignificant are....truly sacred.

[Todd Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire AD Chronicles series, starting with book 1, is some of the best writing I've encountered, both in the spiritual and secular realms. Bodie's insights into Scripture are consistently deep, often deeper than what I have seen from many pastors and teachers of God's Word. The fictional details that she creates to flesh out the details of the story not recorded in Scripture seem insightful and accurate to a surprising degree. I highly recommend this book and series as the pinnacle of Bodie and Brock's work, which has all been superb in my opinion. Each book of the series (I've read 1-12) is well written and hard to set down. There is romance, passion, action, and fun. At the same time one can learn Biblical truth and insight, without even being aware of it most of the time. Enjoy.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Update** This book flowed at a steady pace with the only detractor being the font the publisher chose for the writings of one of the characters. It is difficult to read which slows down the pace. Other than that I actually really enjoyed this book. It survives the second round of the purge from my personal collection.

I thought for sure that I'd already written this review. Guess I hadn't. The latter books in the series are so short that I'm finishing them more quickly than I can get the reviews out making my ability to review that specific book difficult. Instead of racking my brain to review this specific book, I'm going to refer to my reviews of the other books in this series.

[Mark Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary and Joseph deal with the fallout of getting married despite the fact that Mary is pregnant. However, with the political forces in play, what danger might they face. This was a slow moving book. The fictional characters were interesting, but it wasn't enough to save the book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Sarah Bfrown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the least of all of their books. I had to make myself finish it. They had too much "teaching" in it and not enough story. The characters were not deep and parts of the story seemed contrived. It was based on a true Bible story. They should have just left the story the way God wrote it and not tried to glorify Mary and mystify everything. Most of their other books are excellent.