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A.D. Chronicles #1
First Light
Winner, 2004 Logos Bookstore Award for Fiction
Go back in time to first-century Jerusalem. It's a dark time in the world's holiest and most turbulent city. Walk with Peniel, the blind beggar who longs for rescue from his suffering. Peek into the lives of Susannah and Manaen, two lovers separated by overwhelming odds. And meet an unusual healer, who ignites a spark of controversy in the fire of hatred, deceit, and betrayal that is always burning in this ancient city. This first book in the A.D. Chronicles series will bring you face-to-face with the man called Yeshua.
Go back in time to first-century Jerusalem. It's a dark time in the world's holiest and most turbulent city. Walk with Peniel, the blind beggar who longs for rescue from his suffering. Peek into the lives of Susannah and Manaen, two lovers separated by overwhelming odds. And meet an unusual healer, who ignites a spark of controversy in the fire of hatred, deceit, and betrayal that is always burning in this ancient city. This first book in the A.D. Chronicles series will bring you face-to-face with the man called Yeshua.
450 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
329 people are currently reading
3515 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
196 books1,351 followersBODIE 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
April 6, 2023
Although First Light may be historical fiction that takes place during Jesus' time on Earth, it isn't a narrative of Christ's birth, ministry, and death. Instead, it tells the story of Peniel, a blind beggar who is unloved by his family and rejected by society, and how earnestly he sought out Yeshua of Nazareth. It's a decidedly different take on New Testament times, and that, along with the amazing writing and historical details that the Thoenes always deliver, makes it well worth reading. Check it out!
May 11, 2017
This book... was awesome. I fell in love with Peniel, (he's my very favorite character in all of the series) I fell in love with Manaen, and I fell in love with Marcus! I have a habit of loving the Roman soldiers in this series. Sue me. ;) And, of course, I absolutely love Yeshua. Who wouldn't? Although he does seem elusive way too many times... other than that, First Light is very Biblically accurate, (as far as I could tell, and also as far as my mom can tell) and produces deep thinking. The Thoenes make the Bible stories SO real! And I just can't get over Peniel. <3
January 24, 2012
It's so easy to think that the times we live in are especially turbulent. But the truth is, ever since the Fall of Man, we have been living in dark times. Which is why, reading First Light was especially fascinating for me, because it brought to life the history of the dark times in which the True Light walked on the earth.
First Light is the first in the A.D. Chronicles series. The story looks at a few main protagonists: Susanna bat Maccabee, who is being pressured to marry Demos bar Talmai but loves his younger brother Manean bar Talmai, Peniel the blind beggar boy (the blind beggar that Jesus healed), Marcus the Roman Centurion and Zadok the Chief Shepherd of Israel. Their actions and interactions revolve around Yeshua, and how their lives have been changed by him.
I feel that by using such a diverse cast of characters, the authors have managed to bring out life in Jerusalem more fully. From the 'high society' that Susanna and Manean move in, to the lowest of the low, Peniel a blind begger, life in Jerusalem is brought to life. Futhermore, the use of the Jewish spelling of the name helped me to remember to look at the same Bible stories with fresh eyes.
Of course, it goes to say that I really loved reading this book. All the characters were brought to life, and I liked how the authors gave characters like the blind beggar in the Bible a believable history. Needless to say, Peniel was my favourite character. His faith even in the midst of the bitterness of his mother and the apathy of his father was very touching, and I don't think I can ever read John 9:20-22, where his parents do not speak up for him, as I did in the past.
The only quibble I have with the book is the unrequited romance between Mary (the sister of Lazarus) and Marcus the Centurion. The supposed reason for this is due to her past as a prostitute, they got to know one another. But my understanding is that the Mary that was a prostitute and Mary the sister of Lazarus were two different people. But this is a very minor part of the book, and nothing happened between them.
Overall, I heartily recommend this book if you're into historical fiction. It's well-written and very enjoyable.
(First published for IntoTheBook at http://www.intothebook.net/2012/01/fi...)
First Light is the first in the A.D. Chronicles series. The story looks at a few main protagonists: Susanna bat Maccabee, who is being pressured to marry Demos bar Talmai but loves his younger brother Manean bar Talmai, Peniel the blind beggar boy (the blind beggar that Jesus healed), Marcus the Roman Centurion and Zadok the Chief Shepherd of Israel. Their actions and interactions revolve around Yeshua, and how their lives have been changed by him.
I feel that by using such a diverse cast of characters, the authors have managed to bring out life in Jerusalem more fully. From the 'high society' that Susanna and Manean move in, to the lowest of the low, Peniel a blind begger, life in Jerusalem is brought to life. Futhermore, the use of the Jewish spelling of the name helped me to remember to look at the same Bible stories with fresh eyes.
Of course, it goes to say that I really loved reading this book. All the characters were brought to life, and I liked how the authors gave characters like the blind beggar in the Bible a believable history. Needless to say, Peniel was my favourite character. His faith even in the midst of the bitterness of his mother and the apathy of his father was very touching, and I don't think I can ever read John 9:20-22, where his parents do not speak up for him, as I did in the past.
The only quibble I have with the book is the unrequited romance between Mary (the sister of Lazarus) and Marcus the Centurion. The supposed reason for this is due to her past as a prostitute, they got to know one another. But my understanding is that the Mary that was a prostitute and Mary the sister of Lazarus were two different people. But this is a very minor part of the book, and nothing happened between them.
Overall, I heartily recommend this book if you're into historical fiction. It's well-written and very enjoyable.
(First published for IntoTheBook at http://www.intothebook.net/2012/01/fi...)
July 22, 2020
Second reading and I found the going a little slow at the start, but it got better towards the end...
Enjoyed reading this book again...
Enjoyed reading this book again...
January 4, 2010
As Rome rules ruthlessly, the people of Jerusalem wonder if Messiah will ever come. Susanna and Manaen wish to marry, but Herod Antipas has forbidden they be together. While Susanna resists being married to a wicked man, Manaen searches for a way he and Susanna can be together. There are two other stories in this novel, that of centurion Marcus and Peniel, the blind beggar boy.
First Light was an intriguing look at life during the time of Jesus. Yeshua of Nazareth was even a minor character in this book. I liked how the authors intertwined all three stories into one, though Marcus’ story felt a bit incomplete. Perhaps his story continues in one of the next books in the series? Jerusalem—or Yerushalayim, as the Jewish characters pronounced it—was fascinating. I really admired the research the Thoenes’ must have done to write such a gripping and accurate storyworld. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a story of love, trust, and history all rolled into one.
First Light was an intriguing look at life during the time of Jesus. Yeshua of Nazareth was even a minor character in this book. I liked how the authors intertwined all three stories into one, though Marcus’ story felt a bit incomplete. Perhaps his story continues in one of the next books in the series? Jerusalem—or Yerushalayim, as the Jewish characters pronounced it—was fascinating. I really admired the research the Thoenes’ must have done to write such a gripping and accurate storyworld. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a story of love, trust, and history all rolled into one.
June 27, 2011
First in the AD Chronicles series, the concept is interesting and potentially insightful.
First off, the hang-ups. This book feels like it's missing the beginning of the story, so it's a bit confusing to track characters, how they relate, and why we should care about them (are they major or minor players?). Halfway through the book, I've counted four historical/Scriptural errors, though they're fairly small. And there is NO CONSISTANCY with picking spelling for foreign names (I'm a linguist, so this is a constant distraction from narrative flow)! The writing is over-the-top at times, conveying more emotions than realistic, and not enough at other times.
Secondly, the story concept is great: personalize the Gospels about Jesus using informed imagination to draw the reader's engagement and investment in Scripture and history.
Writing: C
Vocabulary: B
Plot: A
Worldivew: Christian
First off, the hang-ups. This book feels like it's missing the beginning of the story, so it's a bit confusing to track characters, how they relate, and why we should care about them (are they major or minor players?). Halfway through the book, I've counted four historical/Scriptural errors, though they're fairly small. And there is NO CONSISTANCY with picking spelling for foreign names (I'm a linguist, so this is a constant distraction from narrative flow)! The writing is over-the-top at times, conveying more emotions than realistic, and not enough at other times.
Secondly, the story concept is great: personalize the Gospels about Jesus using informed imagination to draw the reader's engagement and investment in Scripture and history.
Writing: C
Vocabulary: B
Plot: A
Worldivew: Christian
April 7, 2021
When I first began reading First Light by Bodie and Brock Thoene, I was a bit unsure of whether I was going to enjoy it or not. The length was a little intimidating, and for me, it had a bit of a slow start. I stuck with it however, and I am so glad I did. The way the authors combine so many points of view into the story adds a lot of depth and overlapping that you wouldn’t otherwise have. I love the way the authors took common Bible stories and themes and put twists on them, adding new characters but still keeping the same message and history. The characters were complex and felt very realistic; it was easy to relate to the thoughts, feelings, and emotions they were experiencing. I also enjoyed how the prologue and epilogue were different from the rest of the story but still tied in with the main ideas. My only complaint with this story is that the beginning is a bit slow. I would highly recommend this book, and overall it was very good.
April 20, 2009
Incredible first book in a nine novel series entitled "A.D. Chronicles". Historical fiction, set during the time that Yeshua/Jesus walked on earth among us. Bodie and Brock Thoene put an extensive amount of research into their novels...so much that some of their books have been used to teach history in college classrooms. The writing style of the Thoene team causes your heart to be pulled into the characters' lives, and you find yourself in the middle of biblical stories being played out by people you have come to "know" and love. It was a book that was difficult to put down.
June 24, 2022
This is the first of a series I cannot wait to keep reading. The narrative was delicately and beautifully woven together with rich symbolism and so many layers of meaning. I love a book that makes me cry but this one was next level.
July 5, 2020
3.5/5
It's been well over 10 years since I first read this series. I can remember who recommended it to me and that I enjoyed it well enough to go on and recommend it to others. Since I've forgotten much of the story, I made the decision to read through the A.D. Chronicles once again.
First Light wasn't as good as I remember. Things I didn't question as a new believer gave me pause. Take for example all of the lucid dreams where Peniel communes with the Ush-pi-zin (dead). During his conversation with Yitz'chak (Isaac), Isaac tells him, "When the sun glinted on the blade of the knife and it flashed toward me, I was dead... you know? But my father received me back alive again." This does not align with Scripture (see Genesis 22). There were other instances like this where the authors may have been drawing from Jewish tradition rather than the Bible, but there's not an author's note at the end of the book where they separate fact from fiction and tradition, as you see in many biblical fiction novels today. The other thing I found irksome was the obsessive repetition in the characters' thoughts and dialogue.
After I read a few more books from my 2020 #tbr, I’m going to read the second book in the A.D. Chronicles. It will determine whether I finish the series or clear these books from my shelves.
It's been well over 10 years since I first read this series. I can remember who recommended it to me and that I enjoyed it well enough to go on and recommend it to others. Since I've forgotten much of the story, I made the decision to read through the A.D. Chronicles once again.
First Light wasn't as good as I remember. Things I didn't question as a new believer gave me pause. Take for example all of the lucid dreams where Peniel communes with the Ush-pi-zin (dead). During his conversation with Yitz'chak (Isaac), Isaac tells him, "When the sun glinted on the blade of the knife and it flashed toward me, I was dead... you know? But my father received me back alive again." This does not align with Scripture (see Genesis 22). There were other instances like this where the authors may have been drawing from Jewish tradition rather than the Bible, but there's not an author's note at the end of the book where they separate fact from fiction and tradition, as you see in many biblical fiction novels today. The other thing I found irksome was the obsessive repetition in the characters' thoughts and dialogue.
After I read a few more books from my 2020 #tbr, I’m going to read the second book in the A.D. Chronicles. It will determine whether I finish the series or clear these books from my shelves.
April 25, 2010
This particular series is a fictional retelling of the life and ministry of Jesus. First Light begins at the start of Yeshua's ministry. Jerusalem is in turmoil. People are rioting. Herod Antipas is trying to keep the peace and quiet the Jews. Caiaphas wants to silence this Jesus who people are claiming is the Messiah. The really cool thing about this book so far is that it gives flesh and blood to familiar Bible characters/stories. I know for myself that I often forget that the people in the Bible were real people with real lives. The unfortunate thing is that the Bible doesn't really give us much detail about people's lives (which is fine because that's not the point of it), and the Thoene's are great historians who can also tell a story.
My favorite character in the book was Peni-El. If you remember the man Jesus healed who was blind from birth in John 9, this is him. Although he's actually a boy in the books. At any rate, Peniel's parents have basically disowned him, blaming him for his older brother's death. They hate that he's blind and often call him a "cracked pot" and consider him not worth anything. Every day he sits outside of the temple and begs, which also provides him with opportunities to hear the "gossip" from people talking who pay no attention to the blind beggar boy. Peniel has been waiting for the Messiah for his entire life, and he hears wind that a man named Yeshua is going around teaching and healing. Could He be the Messiah? Peniel wonders. At the end of the book, Peniel finally meets Yeshua, and He heals him. Just the thought of what it would be like to have your physical eyes be opened for the first time like that...and how Jesus repeated over and over that it was so God could receive glory. Pretty awesome.
My favorite character in the book was Peni-El. If you remember the man Jesus healed who was blind from birth in John 9, this is him. Although he's actually a boy in the books. At any rate, Peniel's parents have basically disowned him, blaming him for his older brother's death. They hate that he's blind and often call him a "cracked pot" and consider him not worth anything. Every day he sits outside of the temple and begs, which also provides him with opportunities to hear the "gossip" from people talking who pay no attention to the blind beggar boy. Peniel has been waiting for the Messiah for his entire life, and he hears wind that a man named Yeshua is going around teaching and healing. Could He be the Messiah? Peniel wonders. At the end of the book, Peniel finally meets Yeshua, and He heals him. Just the thought of what it would be like to have your physical eyes be opened for the first time like that...and how Jesus repeated over and over that it was so God could receive glory. Pretty awesome.
February 8, 2008
The First Light takes place in Jerusalem just before the time of Christ. It is written from the angle of a blind beggar. I found it very interesting to read from this angle because of the persecution of the blind (or any disability) during this time period. Also has other views including that of a Roman Solders and a shepherd. I am just starting the 2nd in this series. Written by Bodie & Brock Thoene
February 24, 2018
The series is set during the time of Jesus living among us.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Peniel, and the bit of romance in the story.
All the characters are realistic and genuine.
The biblical events are described in a believable way. There are scripture references that are entwined with educated imagination.
I am looking forward to the next book “Second Touch”.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Peniel, and the bit of romance in the story.
All the characters are realistic and genuine.
The biblical events are described in a believable way. There are scripture references that are entwined with educated imagination.
I am looking forward to the next book “Second Touch”.
June 26, 2013
Excellent historical background and plenty of Scripture to fill in the blanks of who the blind man Jesus healed could have been along with how his character interwove with so many others. Looking forward to finishing the rest of the series.
September 22, 2016
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. And it really has me interested in the culture during the time of Jesus. But sometimes it was hard for me to understand who everyone was and what was going on. But overall, i did enjoy the book.
I enjoyed this book. And it really has me interested in the culture during the time of Jesus. But sometimes it was hard for me to understand who everyone was and what was going on. But overall, i did enjoy the book.
November 21, 2008
Historial fiction that really puts names and faces to people in the New Testament. Good, good book!!!
August 24, 2025
One of the best biblical historical fiction books I’ve ever read!
Very “The Chosen”-esque. Fresh. A lot of character development, sub-resolutions, drama, tension, and more. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Very “The Chosen”-esque. Fresh. A lot of character development, sub-resolutions, drama, tension, and more. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
November 29, 2018
I was so excited to start a new series by the Thoene's! First Light is a fantastic novel for any biblical fiction lover. The Thoene's talent for creating an historically accurate and emotionally gripping novel makes them the best writing team I've read! In this, their first of a 12-book series (The A.D. Chronicles), a contemporary Jewish family living in the Holy City gathers, despite the broken hearts left in wake of terrorism acts. An unexpected conversation leads to the recollection of another time… A time when our Lord walked among us. The city is in chaos when Yeshua of Nazareth arrives in Jerusalem. Follow a determined old shepherd, a blind begger, a royal couple, a Roman centurion, and more as they stumble through the streets of Jerusalem. With desperate Jews praying for a warrior-savior, a Roman governor enmeshed in dangerous politics, and the half-crazed son of Herod the Great ruling over the Holy City, it's an unexpected setting for our broken and weary characters to find healing of the heart… and perhaps a few miracles.
October 22, 2019
I really didn’t know what to expect when I saw this book at a nursing home where my mother was for rehab. I am pursuing my masters in theology so it caught my eye. I then purchased the first book and after a slow start, I got hooked. It was interesting getting a glimpse of life during this time. The characters were great especially Peniel. I also
liked Marcus, Manean and Zadok. It brought to life the struggles of the people at the time around Jesus’s time. And even made it clear how difficult it was for Jesus to spread his message. So many against him. Such greed and evil which to me is no different than the world today. Even the world since these times. Humans fall so easily to sin and bad behavior. Money, power, sex, control are what was faced then and ever has been. Makes me sad to see that not much has changed except for those who saw The Light then in human form and those who see it now in their faith and belief. Anyway the book was great and really made many of the Bible stories come more alive to me. Great read!
liked Marcus, Manean and Zadok. It brought to life the struggles of the people at the time around Jesus’s time. And even made it clear how difficult it was for Jesus to spread his message. So many against him. Such greed and evil which to me is no different than the world today. Even the world since these times. Humans fall so easily to sin and bad behavior. Money, power, sex, control are what was faced then and ever has been. Makes me sad to see that not much has changed except for those who saw The Light then in human form and those who see it now in their faith and belief. Anyway the book was great and really made many of the Bible stories come more alive to me. Great read!
December 1, 2020
Story of miracles
The last part of the New Testament retold from an original perspective: that of the characters subjected to Jesus’s miracles. Their individual (imagined) dramas, doubts, convictions, searches. Nothing new under the Sun in the stories, but original psychological perspective. Description of Peniel’s impressions, emotions when he is given the gift of sight: priceless, powerful, conveying joy!
Interesting Bible references and good way to bring the scenery to life.
The last part of the New Testament retold from an original perspective: that of the characters subjected to Jesus’s miracles. Their individual (imagined) dramas, doubts, convictions, searches. Nothing new under the Sun in the stories, but original psychological perspective. Description of Peniel’s impressions, emotions when he is given the gift of sight: priceless, powerful, conveying joy!
Interesting Bible references and good way to bring the scenery to life.
August 31, 2013
I read this a while back before I was on goodreads. The prologue was really awesome and I liked the premise. I found the many different perspectives confusing, especially since some of them had similar names. I also didn't like some of the situations, very much. I really loved the blind boy though. His story was so heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time.
February 9, 2022
This book is incredibly well researched, and I loved how cleverly they tied all the POVs into each other and the Biblical narrative! However, though there were some excellent parts with both, the prose and characters weren't super strong, which put this down a star for me (:
April 9, 2013
This series really brought the New Testament to life for me. It helped me view the Savior in a much more real and thought provoking way. You won't be disappointed.
May 28, 2021
This was a fun story to read. The authors create fictional characters to inhabit the story and then blend those fictional characters with various moments in Yeshua's ministry before He is crucified. I thought those blendings were fairly seamless and well done; I enjoyed them. The character development was pretty good; I found myself caring about what happened to the majority of the protagonists who were introduced, so that is a good thing. The story held my interest throughout, but it did start to feel a bit long in the tooth towards the end. I also liked how the authors used Scriptures throughout the book; it felt like the Scriptures were a part of the natural flow of the story.
The authors also put words in Yeshua's mouth that are not "Scriptural," per se, but I still felt like what was said could have been words that He would have spoken had that specific event transpired as depicted. I know this is a touchy subject, and one has to tread cautiously in this regard, but I have read other books in which Yeshua is "merely" quoting Scriptures when depicted as speaking, and those moments in other books felt forced and unnatural a good chunk of the time. So I thought the authors did a nice job presenting how Yeshua might have spoken outside of what is presented in the four Gospels.
The story involves the various intersections of individuals in each others lives during the First Century AD as well as their occasional intersections with Yeshua. There is a Roman Centurion named Marcus, a young Jewish couple (Susanna and Manaen) who are deeply in love, a blind beggar named Peniel , a Chief Shepherd named Zadok, and . . . I forget who else. Those are the "main characters" of the story. Peniel's story is probably the hardest to read because of how heart-breaking it is . Their lives interact with each other at various points along the way as well as with various people who have interacted with Yeshua. I think the authors also do a nice job of using these individuals and other "minor characters" in the book to describe what life was like during this time outside of what is described in the four Gospels. The stories of these other individuals helps highlight what people living during that time experienced, what they were going through, between the Roman occupation, having corrupt local political and religious leadership, and rebels who opposed the Roman occupation (and brought about the death of innocent civilians for merely being in the wrong place at the wrong time). In some ways, it reminds me of Ted Dekker's A.D. 30 and A.D. 33 books (but I feel like this book was "done/written" better, overall, than Dekker's two books considered as a whole. I know I rated A.D. 30 as a "4 star," but that might have been because of the "suspense/action factor" more than anything else. A.D. 30 never felt like it dragged, whereas this one seemed to get a little slow in points). The writing style of each author is different enough that it is not really a "fair"/equitable comparison, though, so there is that aspect as well.
I enjoyed this book enough to try and finish the series. It was an interesting read. It kept my attention from start-to-finish and I had a hard time putting it down. It did provoke some strong emotions in me at times. So, yeah, I am glad that I finally got around to reading it.
The authors also put words in Yeshua's mouth that are not "Scriptural," per se, but I still felt like what was said could have been words that He would have spoken had that specific event transpired as depicted. I know this is a touchy subject, and one has to tread cautiously in this regard, but I have read other books in which Yeshua is "merely" quoting Scriptures when depicted as speaking, and those moments in other books felt forced and unnatural a good chunk of the time. So I thought the authors did a nice job presenting how Yeshua might have spoken outside of what is presented in the four Gospels.
The story involves the various intersections of individuals in each others lives during the First Century AD as well as their occasional intersections with Yeshua. There is a Roman Centurion named Marcus, a young Jewish couple (Susanna and Manaen) who are deeply in love, a blind beggar named Peniel , a Chief Shepherd named Zadok, and . . . I forget who else. Those are the "main characters" of the story. Peniel's story is probably the hardest to read because of how heart-breaking it is . Their lives interact with each other at various points along the way as well as with various people who have interacted with Yeshua. I think the authors also do a nice job of using these individuals and other "minor characters" in the book to describe what life was like during this time outside of what is described in the four Gospels. The stories of these other individuals helps highlight what people living during that time experienced, what they were going through, between the Roman occupation, having corrupt local political and religious leadership, and rebels who opposed the Roman occupation (and brought about the death of innocent civilians for merely being in the wrong place at the wrong time). In some ways, it reminds me of Ted Dekker's A.D. 30 and A.D. 33 books (but I feel like this book was "done/written" better, overall, than Dekker's two books considered as a whole. I know I rated A.D. 30 as a "4 star," but that might have been because of the "suspense/action factor" more than anything else. A.D. 30 never felt like it dragged, whereas this one seemed to get a little slow in points). The writing style of each author is different enough that it is not really a "fair"/equitable comparison, though, so there is that aspect as well.
I enjoyed this book enough to try and finish the series. It was an interesting read. It kept my attention from start-to-finish and I had a hard time putting it down. It did provoke some strong emotions in me at times. So, yeah, I am glad that I finally got around to reading it.
March 26, 2025
First Light by Brock and Bodie Theone is a refreshing spin on a well-known biblical story—the healing of the blind man by Jesus—by mixing in lots of historical detail that makes everything feel totally plausible. I loved how the book weaves historical events into the narrative; it really brings the ancient world to life. One of the coolest touches was the way the authors switch up names depending on who's talking—a Hebrew narrator will use the original names while a Roman narrator switches to the Greek versions. It’s a small detail that adds a lot of authenticity.
I was especially drawn in by the storylines of Peniel, Maenen, and Susanna. Their arcs felt rich and engaging, and the vivid descriptions—from experiencing blindness firsthand to the grim details of Maenen’s time in a prison cell—really pulled me into their worlds. On the flip side, Marcus’s trip to Alexandria felt a bit aimless, like it could have used more purpose.
The book is pretty heavy on the political intrigue, which can feel like a lot to take in at times. While that complexity adds depth, it can also make the reading experience a bit of heavy lifting when all you want is to get lost in the story. That said, the intricate politics set a solid foundation for the series, and I’m curious to see how the rest of the AD Chronicles balance these elements—hopefully with a bit more lightness in future installments.
Overall, I’m giving First Light a 3.5 out of 5. It’s an ambitious start with lots to offer, even if the political side of things isn’t for everyone. If you like historical fiction with a biblical twist and don’t mind a few dense parts, you might really enjoy it!
I was especially drawn in by the storylines of Peniel, Maenen, and Susanna. Their arcs felt rich and engaging, and the vivid descriptions—from experiencing blindness firsthand to the grim details of Maenen’s time in a prison cell—really pulled me into their worlds. On the flip side, Marcus’s trip to Alexandria felt a bit aimless, like it could have used more purpose.
The book is pretty heavy on the political intrigue, which can feel like a lot to take in at times. While that complexity adds depth, it can also make the reading experience a bit of heavy lifting when all you want is to get lost in the story. That said, the intricate politics set a solid foundation for the series, and I’m curious to see how the rest of the AD Chronicles balance these elements—hopefully with a bit more lightness in future installments.
Overall, I’m giving First Light a 3.5 out of 5. It’s an ambitious start with lots to offer, even if the political side of things isn’t for everyone. If you like historical fiction with a biblical twist and don’t mind a few dense parts, you might really enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
"First Light," is the first (but won't be the last), book I have read by Bodie and Brock Thoene.
I found it to be a compelling and informative read.
This book takes place during the start of Jesus' ministry and features several well known people from the gospels in it.
I found the stories of all the main characters to be interesting-particularly Susanna's and Marcus'. I hope that Marcus, Manaen, Susanna, Peniel, and Zadok and his three sons will all make appearances in the next book!
Another thing I liked about this book was how fast paced is is. Some Biblical Fiction books have a slower pace. This one did not! The twists and turns this book made kept my attention and kept me guessing about the end. The ending was so exciting and makes me want to pick up "Second Touch," soon.
I only have one real critic with the book and that is its abrupt start. We are kind of thrown into the stories of the different character without much preamble. It made me feel like I was missing something. Thankfully more background was given as the story went along. Hopefully the next book won't have such a jarring opening.
"First Light," is the first (but won't be the last), book I have read by Bodie and Brock Thoene.
I found it to be a compelling and informative read.
This book takes place during the start of Jesus' ministry and features several well known people from the gospels in it.
I found the stories of all the main characters to be interesting-particularly Susanna's and Marcus'. I hope that Marcus, Manaen, Susanna, Peniel, and Zadok and his three sons will all make appearances in the next book!
Another thing I liked about this book was how fast paced is is. Some Biblical Fiction books have a slower pace. This one did not! The twists and turns this book made kept my attention and kept me guessing about the end. The ending was so exciting and makes me want to pick up "Second Touch," soon.
I only have one real critic with the book and that is its abrupt start. We are kind of thrown into the stories of the different character without much preamble. It made me feel like I was missing something. Thankfully more background was given as the story went along. Hopefully the next book won't have such a jarring opening.
November 13, 2018
I wanted to read this book to check two boxes on my personal reading challenge - 1) A local author and 2) a story taking place when Jesus walked the earth. I am glad that I read this book. I enjoyed it somewhat, although I put it down several times because I just felt it was focused on violence. So maybe I have been awakened to the darkness of the time, or maybe when you have strong male characters with careers in the military, it goes hand in hand. Herod and Herodias - pure evil, so lots of dark moments. I preferred the story of Peniel. It was heart wrenching how his mother treated him, but she was dealing with grief and had her set of beliefs about human deformity, so I could stomach what was happening a little more. I would have preferred stories centering around those who were more touched by Jesus, so maybe if I keep with the series I will be in for a treat. I am willing to try.
October 21, 2017
The introductory book to AD Chronicles, this book held my attention quite well while driving. (I listen to books on CD to keep me awake.) I love the story and the plot, and learned quite a bit about the history surrounding Jerusalem at the time of Christ. It does get a little bogged down in analysis of the character's thoughts at times, but maybe that's why the characters become so memorable. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot, which keeps it interesting but also frustrates me at times when it just "doesn't seem right". Since it is historical fiction, I guess in real life there were a lot of things that just weren't right to have happen. The book was written from the viewpoint of a Christian Jew, which I found very interesting. It was not a popular stand to take a the time of Christ, and illustrates how much courage and faith it took.
September 19, 2019
Did not finish. I forgot what a bloody and tumultuous time this was and it starts out that way and it was a major turn off. I guess I'm of the weak of heart because this was a part of the time Jesus lived and I should be interested in it shouldn't I? Well, I'm all for love, peace, hope, salvation, grace, mercy, etc. but this other stuff is just too harsh for me so I gave up. I guess I'll go back to my favorite fiction books of the time, the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. Now that I think of it, that series doesn't begin nicely either but the gentle Hadassah was such a soothing and gentling influence. I liked the character from the beginning and it got me through the tough parts.
I recommend this book if you're Christian, if you like novels set in the first century AD, if you like historical novels in general, if you like the author.
I recommend this book if you're Christian, if you like novels set in the first century AD, if you like historical novels in general, if you like the author.
July 30, 2018
Here you can imagine what life might have been like for the man born blind in John's gospel. The author's imagine the turbulent times of Yeshua's day; there is treachery, violence, true love and self-sacrifice, while the person and beauty of Yeshua lingers like the fragrance of gardenias in the background. It is an engaging story, set during the time between Passover and Shavuot. The Ushpizin are featured, which puzzled me; don't they come at Sukkot, not Shavuot? They also use the term "Yahweh" which is not Hebrew word--it is a guess word. Nevertheless, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion--in part, the other part ends abruptly. The violence at the beginning of the story almost persuaded me to lay the book aside--it didn't make much sense.
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