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Sword and Serpent
Storm of Fire and Blood
Where there is fire, there will be blood. Tossed on a ship bearing him to the icy northern reaches of Britannia, Jurian dreams of a mysterious woman and a sword driven into a stone. Kneeling in the candlelight in Cyrene, Sabra hears the whisper of the dragon in the depths of the earth. Taking the mantle from her gravely ill father, Aikaterina rules her fragile city under the threat of imperial disfavor. As the fourth century dawns over Rome, Jurian seeks to regain his honor along the Empire’s brutal northern frontier. When Casca brings back word from the oracle of Apollo, the Emperor decides that the only way to save the Empire is to solve the “Christian problem” once and for all. He needs only one spark to set the world ablaze. As the storm of fire and blood sweeps across the Empire, Jurian relinquishes his sword and the honor he most desires to fulfill the prophecy along with his destiny. Saints aren’t born. They are forged.
528 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2017
51 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Taylor R. Marshall
14 books468 followersTaylor Marshall reads, reads, and reads. And then he writes.
He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.
Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”
He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.
He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.
Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”
He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 6, 2017
I have had the privilege and honor to read and review Dr. Marshall's trilogy Sword and Serpent. In my previous reviews of the first two books in the series I spoke of Dr. Marshall batting a 1000 and I'm happy to say nothing has changed. I thoroughly enjoy Dr. Marshall's writing style and the way he weaves fact with fiction. It's fascinating to learn how these Saints lived and having "grown" up with many of them it's fun to see how they may have lived and interacted with one another.
Dr Marshall once more sprinkled in lots of Latin and keeps the characters very interesting. There is a lot going on for everyone from romance to violent fight scenes! There is more twists and turns and reasons to fall in love with the characters all over again. I am truly sad that this may be the end. I can only hope that maybe Dr. Marshall will take on another generation of saints and write about more exciting adventures! Until then this last book has made me want to go back binge read all three again!
Thanks Dr. Marshall! We want more!!
Dr Marshall once more sprinkled in lots of Latin and keeps the characters very interesting. There is a lot going on for everyone from romance to violent fight scenes! There is more twists and turns and reasons to fall in love with the characters all over again. I am truly sad that this may be the end. I can only hope that maybe Dr. Marshall will take on another generation of saints and write about more exciting adventures! Until then this last book has made me want to go back binge read all three again!
Thanks Dr. Marshall! We want more!!
December 7, 2017
It's my favorite book of the Sword and Serpent Trilogy.
November 28, 2017
I have finished this book twice now. I have read it and I have listened to it. I wanted to read it a second time before writing my review because I did not want to come off too much as a Fan Boy. My first thought when I finished it, was that it was incredible. Maybe even the best trilogy I have ever read! At the time of writing this review I have read 331 books so far this year, and 2238 books in the last 10 years, and this book is one of the best, and the series is by far the best series I have read in that time frame.
Trilogies can be tricky business. Too many authors want to write a trilogy out of the blocks, and the story just does not have the staying power. Other authors do not know how to count, and you get trilogies of 9 books like the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, or Xanth that is now up to 40 published and 2 forthcoming in the series. Obviously Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams cannot count. I did finish the first of those series and gave up before 10 books on the second. This series is finished at three books. It is a trilogy and it is an incredible trilogy. In Fact the only trilogy I liked as much were The Lord of The Rings by Tolkien, and I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, and for vary different reason.
In my review of Sword and Serpent I stated: “I believe that this would have been a book that both Tolkien and Lewis would have loved. I can picture the Inklings sitting with a pint discussing the story and speculating where it would go next.” And in my review of The Tenth Region of the Night I added: “I believe they would have loved this sequel and be eagerly awaiting book III.” And from where I sit it was worth the wait. It really is rare for books in a trilogy to get better with each book. Most authors cannot sustain that level of surprise, at least from the thousands of books I have read. But this series gets exponentially better with each book. And maybe that is due to the fact that this was his first foray into fiction. And as much as I love his theology, these historical fiction novels are incredible reading!
In this book, and this series, Dr. Taylor Marshall writes in and around the lives of saints, drawing us back in time to when Christianity was a feared and persecuted religion. He has drawn extensively from historical sources and written this incredible tale around truth, and around the legends. He weaves together the stories of many well know saints and also a number of lesser known saints. This story focuses around Jurian (Saint George), his friend Minas (St. Christopher), but we also encounter Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Helena, and a young man who will eventually become Saint Constantine. And the incredible character of Saint Nicholas or Myrna. This novel continues directly from book two. Jurian has been exiled, and he is heading north with Constantinus, he has a mission to return the sword. But after he receives a word of knowledge he knows that the future he had hoped for might not be, for he will be forced to choose between his faith, and his life. The snake Casca plays a major role in this book, but there are some incredible plot twists and surprises in this story, and is one of those who will surprise readers of the series.
This book is an amazing mix of history, legend and myth. While reading it you are transported to ancient Rome, North Africa, and Britannia. We travel by boat, sea, and by foot. We follow the stories of numerous characters, in different locals who are all being drawn to the Diocletian and a conflict between earthly and heavenly powers. Even with having read it twice I know I will read this book again. Maybe over the Christmas holidays read the whole series again.
As stated this book is the best of the last 2200 books I have read in the last 10 years! It is incredible. It will be appreciated by fans of historical fiction. Also by those who are Christian or Catholic and want a real glimpse of what like would have been like prior to Christianity becoming an approved religion. It is an epic story and that really is the best kind! And though we will not have more stories about Saint George, I can only hope we will have more stories with some of the other characters in this book. Not since reading the Sky Stone series by Jack Whyte have I encountered such an incredible story that touches on Arthurian Legend, but this book and series is so much more than just that! If you enjoy a good read, you must read this series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Dr. Taylor R. Marshall.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
Trilogies can be tricky business. Too many authors want to write a trilogy out of the blocks, and the story just does not have the staying power. Other authors do not know how to count, and you get trilogies of 9 books like the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, or Xanth that is now up to 40 published and 2 forthcoming in the series. Obviously Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams cannot count. I did finish the first of those series and gave up before 10 books on the second. This series is finished at three books. It is a trilogy and it is an incredible trilogy. In Fact the only trilogy I liked as much were The Lord of The Rings by Tolkien, and I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, and for vary different reason.
In my review of Sword and Serpent I stated: “I believe that this would have been a book that both Tolkien and Lewis would have loved. I can picture the Inklings sitting with a pint discussing the story and speculating where it would go next.” And in my review of The Tenth Region of the Night I added: “I believe they would have loved this sequel and be eagerly awaiting book III.” And from where I sit it was worth the wait. It really is rare for books in a trilogy to get better with each book. Most authors cannot sustain that level of surprise, at least from the thousands of books I have read. But this series gets exponentially better with each book. And maybe that is due to the fact that this was his first foray into fiction. And as much as I love his theology, these historical fiction novels are incredible reading!
In this book, and this series, Dr. Taylor Marshall writes in and around the lives of saints, drawing us back in time to when Christianity was a feared and persecuted religion. He has drawn extensively from historical sources and written this incredible tale around truth, and around the legends. He weaves together the stories of many well know saints and also a number of lesser known saints. This story focuses around Jurian (Saint George), his friend Minas (St. Christopher), but we also encounter Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Helena, and a young man who will eventually become Saint Constantine. And the incredible character of Saint Nicholas or Myrna. This novel continues directly from book two. Jurian has been exiled, and he is heading north with Constantinus, he has a mission to return the sword. But after he receives a word of knowledge he knows that the future he had hoped for might not be, for he will be forced to choose between his faith, and his life. The snake Casca plays a major role in this book, but there are some incredible plot twists and surprises in this story, and is one of those who will surprise readers of the series.
This book is an amazing mix of history, legend and myth. While reading it you are transported to ancient Rome, North Africa, and Britannia. We travel by boat, sea, and by foot. We follow the stories of numerous characters, in different locals who are all being drawn to the Diocletian and a conflict between earthly and heavenly powers. Even with having read it twice I know I will read this book again. Maybe over the Christmas holidays read the whole series again.
As stated this book is the best of the last 2200 books I have read in the last 10 years! It is incredible. It will be appreciated by fans of historical fiction. Also by those who are Christian or Catholic and want a real glimpse of what like would have been like prior to Christianity becoming an approved religion. It is an epic story and that really is the best kind! And though we will not have more stories about Saint George, I can only hope we will have more stories with some of the other characters in this book. Not since reading the Sky Stone series by Jack Whyte have I encountered such an incredible story that touches on Arthurian Legend, but this book and series is so much more than just that! If you enjoy a good read, you must read this series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Dr. Taylor R. Marshall.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
January 11, 2025
Well, this was a mixed bag. There were parts I absolutely adored: The characters were as enticing as ever, the writing wasn't showy but conveyed the point perfectly, the court politics was well done, I learned a lot about Ancient Rome (geography, politics, language, etc), and the piety of these early Christians was beautiful and moving. My favorite characters were the perpetually amazing, fierce, and clever Aikaterina; Constantius (I don't know why I liked him so much, but he was just great); and Casca, whom, even though he was awful and creepy and killed about a million people, was just super entertaining to read about, and said so many clever things, and oh my gosh I just died when he saved Aikaterina from the fire.
But. . . the pacing was really off. For the first 250 pages, not much happened. I might be biased because Casca was barely in the first 250 pages and I was annoyed about that, but I don't think so. Especially for the last book in a trilogy, the pacing was very slow, and every five pages it would say "three weeks later" or "two months passed" or "Jurian had spent the last five months doing so-and-so" which just made me feel a little disconnected from the story. I don't know if the story HAD to span three years, to make things historically correct or something, but I think the plot would have been smoother and the overall story a little more interesting if the book had only spanned a year or so.
And the ending was JUST TOO SAD. I know when you're writing a book about martyrs during the reign of Diocletian, it might be hard to keep things upbeat, but I finished the book feeling sort of depressed. The end felt a little hopeless. . . especially because wouldn't the persecution just keep going on? Nothing really felt achieved except that all the main characters were dead. And a certain character's arc (CASCA) was not entirely satisfying. It SO had potential, but it seemed a little rushed.
I'm really only being nit picky about this last book because the first two books were just so amazing. If this wasn't such a good trilogy, I wouldn't have been so annoyed about these flaws. And I wouldn't want to shy anyone away from this book, because I really am just so glad I read it. From now on, Rome at the time of Diocletian will be a much more familiar and beloved place to me, and everyone I hear about St Catherine of Alexandria, I'll burst out shrieking I KNOW HER! THAT'S AIKATERINA!!! Taylor R Marshall has definitely introduced me to some good friends in Heaven.
But. . . the pacing was really off. For the first 250 pages, not much happened. I might be biased because Casca was barely in the first 250 pages and I was annoyed about that, but I don't think so. Especially for the last book in a trilogy, the pacing was very slow, and every five pages it would say "three weeks later" or "two months passed" or "Jurian had spent the last five months doing so-and-so" which just made me feel a little disconnected from the story. I don't know if the story HAD to span three years, to make things historically correct or something, but I think the plot would have been smoother and the overall story a little more interesting if the book had only spanned a year or so.
And the ending was JUST TOO SAD. I know when you're writing a book about martyrs during the reign of Diocletian, it might be hard to keep things upbeat, but I finished the book feeling sort of depressed. The end felt a little hopeless. . . especially because wouldn't the persecution just keep going on? Nothing really felt achieved except that all the main characters were dead. And a certain character's arc (CASCA) was not entirely satisfying. It SO had potential, but it seemed a little rushed.
I'm really only being nit picky about this last book because the first two books were just so amazing. If this wasn't such a good trilogy, I wouldn't have been so annoyed about these flaws. And I wouldn't want to shy anyone away from this book, because I really am just so glad I read it. From now on, Rome at the time of Diocletian will be a much more familiar and beloved place to me, and everyone I hear about St Catherine of Alexandria, I'll burst out shrieking I KNOW HER! THAT'S AIKATERINA!!! Taylor R Marshall has definitely introduced me to some good friends in Heaven.
March 23, 2024
The finale does not disapoint.
December 6, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this work to review.
Dr. Marshall's trilogy, and this book in particular, are a necessary inoculation against the skeptical view that modern Catholics often have to the Legends of the Saints.
The wide-spread skepticism that has grown up since the middle ages is perhaps best expressed by the French expression, "he lies like a second nocturne." Even within living memory of widely-known thaumaturgists (e.g.: St. Pio of Pietrelcina), many Catholics still dismiss the "unrealistic" or "fantastical" stories of the early saints and martyrs. This leads to a strange sort of dualism where the saints are seen (sometimes simultaneously) as nice people who lived good lives but didn't really do the things accredited to them or fantastical super-humans who received great gifts from God that are totally unavailable to anyone else (and may have in fact been totally fabricated). The sad result is a lack of belief in the power of God to work great miracles through men who love Him but who are still fully and simply men, men in a state of grace and openness to the will of God which is attainable by each and every one of us. It leads men to invent silly concepts such as "ordinary saints" (as if any saint were ordinary) to try and make sainthood more "accessible" - a similar error to "aiming for purgatory." It is a lowering of the bar, an exchanging of the crown of sainthood for a participation ribbon.
Storm of Fire and Blood fights against this pernicious outlook. By presenting the great saints of the Diocletian persecution as men who accomplished and experienced great supernatural events but yet remained men, Dr. Marshall inculcates in the reader the sense of wonder, gratitude, and -- most importantly -- attainability that sainthood had for the men of the mediaeval period. Dr. Marshall's St. George is, naturally, the best example of this, but it comes across in all of the many saints he portrays in these books, even that great Thaumaturgist, St. Nicholas. From St. Catherine's strained relationship with her mother to St. Alban's teenaged impatience and frivolity to St. Christopher's impatience, the humanity of these characters is well-established and believable. It is this realistic humanity that makes their responses to the miraculous and "legendary" events that happen to them ring true to the reader. And their responses are likewise both natural and supernatural at once - wonder, awe, amazement, but above all the acceptance that all things are possible with God. That some of these same characters proceed from these miracles to enter into dark nights of doubt and fear adds to the verisimilitude and links these "legendary" saints to the saints of our day and age, such as St. Theresa of Calcutta, whose dark night of the soul we are so familiar with from the laughable attempt by the media to make from her writings a scandal to discredit her. This portrayal of saints as fully human yet participating in the divine leads the reader readily to fruitful contemplation of Him who was their model - All Powerful God, Creator of the world, and fully human Man led to His bloody execution, united in the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
If some of the saints and other characters are found to be somewhat out of time or place, or a (very) few established historical facts set aside, or the beliefs and practices of the Church sometimes presented anachronistically in the form of the oak trees they developed into rather than the acorns they were at the time these novels are set, it is in the same tradition as the mediaeval mystery plays that often presented to the faithful the life of our Blessed Lord and creation history with anachronistic connections designed to bring out the mystical connections between events and persons in Salvation history and reinforce the notion that our Faith and our individual relationship with God is paramount. This emphasis on the viewpoint of God's Providential plan rather than a purely historical presentation is what raises this series above other very good and well-written works it may remind the reader of such as the Rosemary Sutcliff Roman Trilogy.
Storm of Fire and Blood, like the two novels that precede it, is also a fantastically good rip-roaring adventure tale that is impossible to put down. It is that rare work of fiction that both entertains and edifies, leading the the reader through their natural enjoyment of the story to a supernatural enjoyment of the true wonder and mystery of the communion of the Saints. This series deserves a place on any Catholic's bookshelf, especially in a home with Catholic adolescents for whom this a must-read.
Dr. Marshall's trilogy, and this book in particular, are a necessary inoculation against the skeptical view that modern Catholics often have to the Legends of the Saints.
The wide-spread skepticism that has grown up since the middle ages is perhaps best expressed by the French expression, "he lies like a second nocturne." Even within living memory of widely-known thaumaturgists (e.g.: St. Pio of Pietrelcina), many Catholics still dismiss the "unrealistic" or "fantastical" stories of the early saints and martyrs. This leads to a strange sort of dualism where the saints are seen (sometimes simultaneously) as nice people who lived good lives but didn't really do the things accredited to them or fantastical super-humans who received great gifts from God that are totally unavailable to anyone else (and may have in fact been totally fabricated). The sad result is a lack of belief in the power of God to work great miracles through men who love Him but who are still fully and simply men, men in a state of grace and openness to the will of God which is attainable by each and every one of us. It leads men to invent silly concepts such as "ordinary saints" (as if any saint were ordinary) to try and make sainthood more "accessible" - a similar error to "aiming for purgatory." It is a lowering of the bar, an exchanging of the crown of sainthood for a participation ribbon.
Storm of Fire and Blood fights against this pernicious outlook. By presenting the great saints of the Diocletian persecution as men who accomplished and experienced great supernatural events but yet remained men, Dr. Marshall inculcates in the reader the sense of wonder, gratitude, and -- most importantly -- attainability that sainthood had for the men of the mediaeval period. Dr. Marshall's St. George is, naturally, the best example of this, but it comes across in all of the many saints he portrays in these books, even that great Thaumaturgist, St. Nicholas. From St. Catherine's strained relationship with her mother to St. Alban's teenaged impatience and frivolity to St. Christopher's impatience, the humanity of these characters is well-established and believable. It is this realistic humanity that makes their responses to the miraculous and "legendary" events that happen to them ring true to the reader. And their responses are likewise both natural and supernatural at once - wonder, awe, amazement, but above all the acceptance that all things are possible with God. That some of these same characters proceed from these miracles to enter into dark nights of doubt and fear adds to the verisimilitude and links these "legendary" saints to the saints of our day and age, such as St. Theresa of Calcutta, whose dark night of the soul we are so familiar with from the laughable attempt by the media to make from her writings a scandal to discredit her. This portrayal of saints as fully human yet participating in the divine leads the reader readily to fruitful contemplation of Him who was their model - All Powerful God, Creator of the world, and fully human Man led to His bloody execution, united in the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
If some of the saints and other characters are found to be somewhat out of time or place, or a (very) few established historical facts set aside, or the beliefs and practices of the Church sometimes presented anachronistically in the form of the oak trees they developed into rather than the acorns they were at the time these novels are set, it is in the same tradition as the mediaeval mystery plays that often presented to the faithful the life of our Blessed Lord and creation history with anachronistic connections designed to bring out the mystical connections between events and persons in Salvation history and reinforce the notion that our Faith and our individual relationship with God is paramount. This emphasis on the viewpoint of God's Providential plan rather than a purely historical presentation is what raises this series above other very good and well-written works it may remind the reader of such as the Rosemary Sutcliff Roman Trilogy.
Storm of Fire and Blood, like the two novels that precede it, is also a fantastically good rip-roaring adventure tale that is impossible to put down. It is that rare work of fiction that both entertains and edifies, leading the the reader through their natural enjoyment of the story to a supernatural enjoyment of the true wonder and mystery of the communion of the Saints. This series deserves a place on any Catholic's bookshelf, especially in a home with Catholic adolescents for whom this a must-read.
November 28, 2017
I have finished this book twice now. I have read it and I have listened to it. I wanted to read it a second time before writing my review because I did not want to come off too much as a Fan Boy. My first thought when I finished it, was that it was incredible. Maybe even the best trilogy I have ever read! At the time of writing this review I have read 331 books so far this year, and 2238 books in the last 10 years, and this book is one of the best, and the series is by far the best series I have read in that time frame.
Trilogies can be tricky business. Too many authors want to write a trilogy out of the blocks, and the story just does not have the staying power. Other authors do not know how to count, and you get trilogies of 9 books like the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, or Xanth that is now up to 40 published and 2 forthcoming in the series. Obviously Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams cannot count. I did finish the first of those series and gave up before 10 books on the second. This series is finished at three books. It is a trilogy and it is an incredible trilogy. In Fact the only trilogy I liked as much were The Lord of The Rings by Tolkien, and I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, and for vary different reason.
In my review of Sword and Serpent I stated: “I believe that this would have been a book that both Tolkien and Lewis would have loved. I can picture the Inklings sitting with a pint discussing the story and speculating where it would go next.” And in my review of The Tenth Region of the Night I added: “I believe they would have loved this sequel and be eagerly awaiting book III.” And from where I sit it was worth the wait. It really is rare for books in a trilogy to get better with each book. Most authors cannot sustain that level of surprise, at least from the thousands of books I have read. But this series gets exponentially better with each book. And maybe that is due to the fact that this was his first foray into fiction. And as much as I love his theology, these historical fiction novels are incredible reading!
In this book, and this series, Dr. Taylor Marshall writes in and around the lives of saints, drawing us back in time to when Christianity was a feared and persecuted religion. He has drawn extensively from historical sources and written this incredible tale around truth, and around the legends. He weaves together the stories of many well know saints and also a number of lesser known saints. This story focuses around Jurian (Saint George), his friend Minas (St. Christopher), but we also encounter Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Helena, and a young man who will eventually become Saint Constantine. And the incredible character of Saint Nicholas or Myrna. This novel continues directly from book two. Jurian has been exiled, and he is heading north with Constantinus, he has a mission to return the sword. But after he receives a word of knowledge he knows that the future he had hoped for might not be, for he will be forced to choose between his faith, and his life. The snake Casca plays a major role in this book, but there are some incredible plot twists and surprises in this story, and is one of those who will surprise readers of the series.
This book is an amazing mix of history, legend and myth. While reading it you are transported to ancient Rome, North Africa, and Britannia. We travel by boat, sea, and by foot. We follow the stories of numerous characters, in different locals who are all being drawn to the Diocletian and a conflict between earthly and heavenly powers. Even with having read it twice I know I will read this book again. Maybe over the Christmas holidays read the whole series again.
As stated this book is the best of the last 2200 books I have read in the last 10 years! It is incredible. It will be appreciated by fans of historical fiction. Also by those who are Christian or Catholic and want a real glimpse of what like would have been like prior to Christianity becoming an approved religion. It is an epic story and that really is the best kind! And though we will not have more stories about Saint George, I can only hope we will have more stories with some of the other characters in this book. Not since reading the Sky Stone series by Jack Whyte have I encountered such an incredible story that touches on Arthurian Legend, but this book and series is so much more than just that! If you enjoy a good read, you must read this series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Dr. Taylor R. Marshall.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
Trilogies can be tricky business. Too many authors want to write a trilogy out of the blocks, and the story just does not have the staying power. Other authors do not know how to count, and you get trilogies of 9 books like the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, or Xanth that is now up to 40 published and 2 forthcoming in the series. Obviously Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams cannot count. I did finish the first of those series and gave up before 10 books on the second. This series is finished at three books. It is a trilogy and it is an incredible trilogy. In Fact the only trilogy I liked as much were The Lord of The Rings by Tolkien, and I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, and for vary different reason.
In my review of Sword and Serpent I stated: “I believe that this would have been a book that both Tolkien and Lewis would have loved. I can picture the Inklings sitting with a pint discussing the story and speculating where it would go next.” And in my review of The Tenth Region of the Night I added: “I believe they would have loved this sequel and be eagerly awaiting book III.” And from where I sit it was worth the wait. It really is rare for books in a trilogy to get better with each book. Most authors cannot sustain that level of surprise, at least from the thousands of books I have read. But this series gets exponentially better with each book. And maybe that is due to the fact that this was his first foray into fiction. And as much as I love his theology, these historical fiction novels are incredible reading!
In this book, and this series, Dr. Taylor Marshall writes in and around the lives of saints, drawing us back in time to when Christianity was a feared and persecuted religion. He has drawn extensively from historical sources and written this incredible tale around truth, and around the legends. He weaves together the stories of many well know saints and also a number of lesser known saints. This story focuses around Jurian (Saint George), his friend Minas (St. Christopher), but we also encounter Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Helena, and a young man who will eventually become Saint Constantine. And the incredible character of Saint Nicholas or Myrna. This novel continues directly from book two. Jurian has been exiled, and he is heading north with Constantinus, he has a mission to return the sword. But after he receives a word of knowledge he knows that the future he had hoped for might not be, for he will be forced to choose between his faith, and his life. The snake Casca plays a major role in this book, but there are some incredible plot twists and surprises in this story, and is one of those who will surprise readers of the series.
This book is an amazing mix of history, legend and myth. While reading it you are transported to ancient Rome, North Africa, and Britannia. We travel by boat, sea, and by foot. We follow the stories of numerous characters, in different locals who are all being drawn to the Diocletian and a conflict between earthly and heavenly powers. Even with having read it twice I know I will read this book again. Maybe over the Christmas holidays read the whole series again.
As stated this book is the best of the last 2200 books I have read in the last 10 years! It is incredible. It will be appreciated by fans of historical fiction. Also by those who are Christian or Catholic and want a real glimpse of what like would have been like prior to Christianity becoming an approved religion. It is an epic story and that really is the best kind! And though we will not have more stories about Saint George, I can only hope we will have more stories with some of the other characters in this book. Not since reading the Sky Stone series by Jack Whyte have I encountered such an incredible story that touches on Arthurian Legend, but this book and series is so much more than just that! If you enjoy a good read, you must read this series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Dr. Taylor R. Marshall.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
December 1, 2017
Where to begin? A Storm of Fire and Blood concludes the epic trilogy of the historical fiction story of the valiant Saint George.
Disclaimer: as a devout, practicing Catholic, Saint George was one of the Saints I ashamedly knew very little about apart from his common association with England. Reading this trilogy has helped my affection and appreciation for this soldier of Christ, and created in me a desire to learn more about this holy saint.
This book was full of excitement and kept my full attention throughout its entirety. While I don’t particularly love the cliche phrase ‘page turner’, this third part of the trilogy is most certainly that.
Book two (The Tenth Region of the Night) ended with complete excitement and planted a seed of anxious anticipation for the finale, “A Storm of Fire and Blood.” Fortunately for me, I was able to read all three books within a short period of time as if it were one seamless and fluid story. The timing couldn’t have been better for me, and I believe that added to the experience of Julian’s journey.
The third part of the story picks up at Julian’s exile out of the Roman Empire for false accusations of treason and betrayal to Diocletian. In the reader’s mind, there are a million things that you want to happen, and are unsure of taking place due to the nature of the genre of historical fiction; you’re on the edge of your seat the entire read.
It is determined that Jurian is set to travel to Britannia to fulfill the prophecy of the pappas with Excalibur. The historical accuracy and geographical description of the story make it almost realistic to the point of second guessing; is this what happened, or do I prefer what’s going on in the author’s rendition? I’ll admit that there was a few occasions of this thought process. To boot, due to my lack of knowledge of this heavenly Saint’s story, there were periods where I had to set the book down and research myself!
All the while the power-house female characters have plots of their own: Sabra on a journey to understand what her role is in this story and (with the help of Nikolaos) and Aikaterina (St Catherine of Alexandria) to help keep her Egyptian stable in control while her father dies. The intertwining relationships of these two characters and their binds to Georgious are addicting.
One of the most attention-catching and heart-felt themes of book three are He sufferings of my Christian brethren in the early Church. While the stories of the tortures or death of the early Christians in this book were fictitious to fit the story, the reality remains that these sorts of atrocities did indeed occur, and for that, there were many instances while reading this when I had to stop and set the book down and offer up many prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for His servants and their martyred blood.
The author provides many opportunists to do so for those of us readers who are in the family of faith, and for that alone, I am grateful.
All in all, this epic story comes to a beautiful end (with a zinger from a certain evil force) and leave the reader in a sense of understanding and prayerful discernment to ponder how might we see St George as an inspiration to become fierce soldiers of Christ.
A must-read.
Disclaimer: as a devout, practicing Catholic, Saint George was one of the Saints I ashamedly knew very little about apart from his common association with England. Reading this trilogy has helped my affection and appreciation for this soldier of Christ, and created in me a desire to learn more about this holy saint.
This book was full of excitement and kept my full attention throughout its entirety. While I don’t particularly love the cliche phrase ‘page turner’, this third part of the trilogy is most certainly that.
Book two (The Tenth Region of the Night) ended with complete excitement and planted a seed of anxious anticipation for the finale, “A Storm of Fire and Blood.” Fortunately for me, I was able to read all three books within a short period of time as if it were one seamless and fluid story. The timing couldn’t have been better for me, and I believe that added to the experience of Julian’s journey.
The third part of the story picks up at Julian’s exile out of the Roman Empire for false accusations of treason and betrayal to Diocletian. In the reader’s mind, there are a million things that you want to happen, and are unsure of taking place due to the nature of the genre of historical fiction; you’re on the edge of your seat the entire read.
It is determined that Jurian is set to travel to Britannia to fulfill the prophecy of the pappas with Excalibur. The historical accuracy and geographical description of the story make it almost realistic to the point of second guessing; is this what happened, or do I prefer what’s going on in the author’s rendition? I’ll admit that there was a few occasions of this thought process. To boot, due to my lack of knowledge of this heavenly Saint’s story, there were periods where I had to set the book down and research myself!
All the while the power-house female characters have plots of their own: Sabra on a journey to understand what her role is in this story and (with the help of Nikolaos) and Aikaterina (St Catherine of Alexandria) to help keep her Egyptian stable in control while her father dies. The intertwining relationships of these two characters and their binds to Georgious are addicting.
One of the most attention-catching and heart-felt themes of book three are He sufferings of my Christian brethren in the early Church. While the stories of the tortures or death of the early Christians in this book were fictitious to fit the story, the reality remains that these sorts of atrocities did indeed occur, and for that, there were many instances while reading this when I had to stop and set the book down and offer up many prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for His servants and their martyred blood.
The author provides many opportunists to do so for those of us readers who are in the family of faith, and for that alone, I am grateful.
All in all, this epic story comes to a beautiful end (with a zinger from a certain evil force) and leave the reader in a sense of understanding and prayerful discernment to ponder how might we see St George as an inspiration to become fierce soldiers of Christ.
A must-read.
January 22, 2021
Excellent ending to the trilogy. Can't speak highly enough about this trilogy. I learned a lot and it was never dry. And I made a fee more friends in heaven because of it! One of the best fiction experiences I've ever had. St. George, pray for us!
Read
April 13, 2023This was a very good read. You could feel what was coming, as it's based on history, yet the individual events using a mix of real and fictional characters keeps you turning the pages.
November 28, 2017
Great book!! Keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. Brings out different emotions throughout the entirety of the book. Lots of surprises. Great book a definite must read!! The complete series is a must read!!!
July 6, 2023
This is such a good series! I highly recommend it for anyone who likes reading about Catholic saints!
June 4, 2020
I want to name one of my sons "George" after reading these books.
November 27, 2017
With Storm of Fire and Blood, Dr. Taylor Marshall’s epic trilogy centered on the life of Lucius Aurelius Georgius Cyrenicus, a.k.a. St. George, takes its place among Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings as an outstanding trilogy with a resounding, glorious conclusion that will make readers weep and triumphantly exult simultaneously.
Most trilogies turn on the middle installment. Either, the second book/movie is the best of the three, as is the case with Star Wars, or it seems like it is just holding time for the conclusion, as many critics (quite wrongly) say with The Lord of the Rings. In this case, the Sword and Serpent trilogy has more in common with Star Wars. Narrative themes are shared more closely between these two novels than the sequel that comes between them.
Moreover, the first and third installments somewhat share a similar narrative structure, in that anyone who is familiar with the story of St. George will know how each novel ends. In The Tenth Region of the Night, Dr. Marshall was largely free to tell his own story, adding to the story he told in the eponymous novel of the trilogy, continuing narrative threads and most importantly, developing characters. In both the first and third novels, there is a certain ending that Dr. Marshall must reach and the success of both novels depends on his ability to do so in a way that is both convincing and compelling.
As I wrote in my review of Sword and Serpent, this process seemed rushed in the first novel. However, it is clear that Dr. Marshall has matured as a novelist over the course of writing this trilogy. My only complaint is that the climax of this novel, and therefore the conclusion of the trilogy, seems rather abrupt. I would have liked to see more dialogue and debate between Diocletian and Jurian (as the martyr is called in the trilogy) and a fuller development of the hints that Diocletian and the dragon from the first novel are somehow connected. However, while the rushed nature of the first novel’s storytelling detracted from the overall plot, the abruptness of that of the final novel adds to the pathos and devastating nature of its conclusion.
It is once again evident that Dr. Marshall has been diligent in the research for this trilogy, weaving in facts and personages that of which only someone with a commanding knowledge of the historical context upon which the events of this novel are based would even be aware. I daresay that I am quite knowledgeable on the historical and hagiographical context of the Tetrarchy and rise of Constantine, yet I learned a number of things through further research inspired by my reading of Dr. Marshall’s work. This has led to much use of foreshadowing throughout the novel as well as a powerful employment of dramatic irony.
While reading book two, I realized that Constantinus would play more than a supporting role in the trilogy. Since reading that Dr. Marshall was a fan of English Catholic author Evelyn Waugh’s fictional biography of St. Helena, I knew he would include a certain fact in the narrative of the trilogy and sure enough he did. Although this particular minor point flies in the face of accepted scholarship, as a historian, I appreciate that Dr. Marshall does not simply ignore the historical consensus but both responds to and maneuvers around it with authorial adroitness. Once again, Dr. Marshall has done an outstanding job of taking the historical anachronisms present in the legends surrounding his dramatis personae and integrating them into his narrative in a way that makes sense within the historical context of his novels.
The aforementioned narrative fact further connects the Sword and Serpent trilogy with Arthurian legend, which is one of my favorite subjects. One of the most important narrative threads shared by the first and final novels of the trilogy is the importance of the sword Excalibur to the plot as whole and most importantly to the climax of the novel. This was but one of my many favorite parts of the novel, as well as the trilogy as a whole. My least favorite part was always the villain Casca. However, nowhere has the development of Dr. Marshall as a novelist been more evident than in the development of his Casca character and nowhere is this complexity more evident, and unexpected, than in the final novel.
I had thought that the final novel of the trilogy would detail the fates of the other martyrs that Dr. Marshall chose to include in his story of St. George, however; I am glad that, in the end, he does not. This is Jurian’s story, after all, and nothing should detract from his triumph. Perhaps, Dr. Marshall will write a follow up or companion novel to conclude these stories. If he does, I would most certainly read it with great enthusiasm.
Most trilogies turn on the middle installment. Either, the second book/movie is the best of the three, as is the case with Star Wars, or it seems like it is just holding time for the conclusion, as many critics (quite wrongly) say with The Lord of the Rings. In this case, the Sword and Serpent trilogy has more in common with Star Wars. Narrative themes are shared more closely between these two novels than the sequel that comes between them.
Moreover, the first and third installments somewhat share a similar narrative structure, in that anyone who is familiar with the story of St. George will know how each novel ends. In The Tenth Region of the Night, Dr. Marshall was largely free to tell his own story, adding to the story he told in the eponymous novel of the trilogy, continuing narrative threads and most importantly, developing characters. In both the first and third novels, there is a certain ending that Dr. Marshall must reach and the success of both novels depends on his ability to do so in a way that is both convincing and compelling.
As I wrote in my review of Sword and Serpent, this process seemed rushed in the first novel. However, it is clear that Dr. Marshall has matured as a novelist over the course of writing this trilogy. My only complaint is that the climax of this novel, and therefore the conclusion of the trilogy, seems rather abrupt. I would have liked to see more dialogue and debate between Diocletian and Jurian (as the martyr is called in the trilogy) and a fuller development of the hints that Diocletian and the dragon from the first novel are somehow connected. However, while the rushed nature of the first novel’s storytelling detracted from the overall plot, the abruptness of that of the final novel adds to the pathos and devastating nature of its conclusion.
It is once again evident that Dr. Marshall has been diligent in the research for this trilogy, weaving in facts and personages that of which only someone with a commanding knowledge of the historical context upon which the events of this novel are based would even be aware. I daresay that I am quite knowledgeable on the historical and hagiographical context of the Tetrarchy and rise of Constantine, yet I learned a number of things through further research inspired by my reading of Dr. Marshall’s work. This has led to much use of foreshadowing throughout the novel as well as a powerful employment of dramatic irony.
While reading book two, I realized that Constantinus would play more than a supporting role in the trilogy. Since reading that Dr. Marshall was a fan of English Catholic author Evelyn Waugh’s fictional biography of St. Helena, I knew he would include a certain fact in the narrative of the trilogy and sure enough he did. Although this particular minor point flies in the face of accepted scholarship, as a historian, I appreciate that Dr. Marshall does not simply ignore the historical consensus but both responds to and maneuvers around it with authorial adroitness. Once again, Dr. Marshall has done an outstanding job of taking the historical anachronisms present in the legends surrounding his dramatis personae and integrating them into his narrative in a way that makes sense within the historical context of his novels.
The aforementioned narrative fact further connects the Sword and Serpent trilogy with Arthurian legend, which is one of my favorite subjects. One of the most important narrative threads shared by the first and final novels of the trilogy is the importance of the sword Excalibur to the plot as whole and most importantly to the climax of the novel. This was but one of my many favorite parts of the novel, as well as the trilogy as a whole. My least favorite part was always the villain Casca. However, nowhere has the development of Dr. Marshall as a novelist been more evident than in the development of his Casca character and nowhere is this complexity more evident, and unexpected, than in the final novel.
I had thought that the final novel of the trilogy would detail the fates of the other martyrs that Dr. Marshall chose to include in his story of St. George, however; I am glad that, in the end, he does not. This is Jurian’s story, after all, and nothing should detract from his triumph. Perhaps, Dr. Marshall will write a follow up or companion novel to conclude these stories. If he does, I would most certainly read it with great enthusiasm.
Want to read
May 13, 2021In an extraordinary conclusion to this trilogy, the author tells the story of the desperate Christian effort to keep their Faith alive in a time of treason and persecution. Jurian, now an exile of the Roman Empire, travels northward with his friends Constatinus (Saint Constantine) and Menas (Saint Christopher), bringing his sword, Excalibur, to its home in Britannia. He and his companions learn more about the ever-growing threat to Christians under Emperor Diocletian. Aikaterina (Saint Katherine) has returned to Alexandria and Sabra has gone to Myra to seek the help of Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas). Despite their efforts to return to normal, the girls find themselves in
constant fear and intrigue. There is a sense of both loss and adventure in their lives:
Jurien met Agapius’s eye, and by the stricken look on his friend’s face, it seemed that the reality of Julian's exile had suddenly dawned on him as well. Jurian jerked his gaze away, seeking a glimpse of the bustling wharf behind his friend. The stench of raw and salted fish mingled with the rich savory smells of roasting spiced meats and the hushing breeze carried the noise of barter and trade from the brightly-canopied stands. Jurian gripped the ship’s rail as if to steady himself, his heart burning. This might be the last chance he ever had to touch Roman soil.
While the book offers a fictional account of the lives of these saints, it also demonstrates how we as Christians are asked to treat those who are against us. In the book, when asked if he had any last words for the man who betrayed him, a leader of the church of Cyrene says, “I forgive
you, my son. I pray one day… you may forgive yourself.” This is the attitude with which we are called to treat our enemies. All of the characters who face death forgive their captors, thinking not of themselves but of those who are left behind. The courage with which Christians of Rome
face their death with grace and love was remarkable. As demonstrated by Jurian’s arch-rival, even the Romans were staggered to see Christians accept their death with peace. We are not called to seek revenge, as one of the heroes tries, but rather to love our enemies despite their ways.
Readers will find that it is indeed possible for church literature to read like a thrilling story. The author captures all the elements of a good mystery novel, but also accurately portrays the book’s era. While some elements of the story may exaggerate the facts, and includes fictional interpretations of the saints’ lives, I believe the author has done well in illustrating their characters.
If you don’t like to read, this book may very well change your mind. I found it nearly impossible to put down after I had begun. This trilogy is excellent for readers of any age, most especially
the youth.
constant fear and intrigue. There is a sense of both loss and adventure in their lives:
Jurien met Agapius’s eye, and by the stricken look on his friend’s face, it seemed that the reality of Julian's exile had suddenly dawned on him as well. Jurian jerked his gaze away, seeking a glimpse of the bustling wharf behind his friend. The stench of raw and salted fish mingled with the rich savory smells of roasting spiced meats and the hushing breeze carried the noise of barter and trade from the brightly-canopied stands. Jurian gripped the ship’s rail as if to steady himself, his heart burning. This might be the last chance he ever had to touch Roman soil.
While the book offers a fictional account of the lives of these saints, it also demonstrates how we as Christians are asked to treat those who are against us. In the book, when asked if he had any last words for the man who betrayed him, a leader of the church of Cyrene says, “I forgive
you, my son. I pray one day… you may forgive yourself.” This is the attitude with which we are called to treat our enemies. All of the characters who face death forgive their captors, thinking not of themselves but of those who are left behind. The courage with which Christians of Rome
face their death with grace and love was remarkable. As demonstrated by Jurian’s arch-rival, even the Romans were staggered to see Christians accept their death with peace. We are not called to seek revenge, as one of the heroes tries, but rather to love our enemies despite their ways.
Readers will find that it is indeed possible for church literature to read like a thrilling story. The author captures all the elements of a good mystery novel, but also accurately portrays the book’s era. While some elements of the story may exaggerate the facts, and includes fictional interpretations of the saints’ lives, I believe the author has done well in illustrating their characters.
If you don’t like to read, this book may very well change your mind. I found it nearly impossible to put down after I had begun. This trilogy is excellent for readers of any age, most especially
the youth.
November 26, 2017
I’ve been looking forward to Storm of Fire and Blood, the third book in the ‘Sword and Serpent’ trilogy, ever since reading – and being bowled over by – Sword and Serpent and The Tenth Region of the Night. Dr Taylor Marshall has combined historical characters and events with the legends of early martyrs and saints, and with Arthurian themes: so in these books, the Carthaginian god Moloch is also the dragon slain by St George with the help of a fragment of the True Cross; the same hero carries Excalibur and travels to Avalon. It sounds as though it should be a literary mess; in fact, it carries utter conviction, and one ends up believing that it really couldn’t have happened any other way.
All three books range widely over the lands of the Roman Empire, but Storm of Fire and Blood probably covers most ground – from Cyrene to Alexandria, from Rome to Wales and Germany. Nor is the scope merely geographic: to quote the slogan from the old News of the World, all human life is here. There’s murder, revenge, battles and betrayal; there’s friendship, loyalty, love and romance. Most of all, Dr Marshall manages to show the beauty of the Christian faith and the glory of martyrdom without ever appearing to preach: Jurian (the name George uses for himself throughout) and Sabra, the woman he loves, are not immune from fear, rage and that shrinking from death which most of us experience.
In many ways, this is the most satisfactory of the trilogy. (It is definitely necessary to have read the previous two books in the series to understand who everyone is, and their relationships to each other.) Plot threads established from early on are resolved here, and while there can't, by the nature of the topic, be what is normally thought of as a 'happy ending', the final sequence is both satisfying and inspiring, with a twist which I can't, for obvious reasons, describe here but which made me first gasp and then punch the air.
While overall it would be unjust to give the book any less than the full five stars, there are one or two elements which are a little jarring, although they're very minor: for example, Dr Marshall makes some of the British peasants (who in the early 4th century would have been Celts) believe that the one-eyed giant Menas is the god Woden, the Anglo-Saxon god whom the Norse called ‘Odin’ – a serious anachronism, though it’s an amusing incident. It’s the more surprising because Dr Marshall’s historical research is (as far as I can judge) normally excellent. As a patriotic Englishwoman, I’m also a little sad that his version of Britannia seems to be either foggy or rainy the entire time – but truth be told, that’s not too inaccurate. In the end, this is a book I’ll return to many times.
All three books range widely over the lands of the Roman Empire, but Storm of Fire and Blood probably covers most ground – from Cyrene to Alexandria, from Rome to Wales and Germany. Nor is the scope merely geographic: to quote the slogan from the old News of the World, all human life is here. There’s murder, revenge, battles and betrayal; there’s friendship, loyalty, love and romance. Most of all, Dr Marshall manages to show the beauty of the Christian faith and the glory of martyrdom without ever appearing to preach: Jurian (the name George uses for himself throughout) and Sabra, the woman he loves, are not immune from fear, rage and that shrinking from death which most of us experience.
In many ways, this is the most satisfactory of the trilogy. (It is definitely necessary to have read the previous two books in the series to understand who everyone is, and their relationships to each other.) Plot threads established from early on are resolved here, and while there can't, by the nature of the topic, be what is normally thought of as a 'happy ending', the final sequence is both satisfying and inspiring, with a twist which I can't, for obvious reasons, describe here but which made me first gasp and then punch the air.
While overall it would be unjust to give the book any less than the full five stars, there are one or two elements which are a little jarring, although they're very minor: for example, Dr Marshall makes some of the British peasants (who in the early 4th century would have been Celts) believe that the one-eyed giant Menas is the god Woden, the Anglo-Saxon god whom the Norse called ‘Odin’ – a serious anachronism, though it’s an amusing incident. It’s the more surprising because Dr Marshall’s historical research is (as far as I can judge) normally excellent. As a patriotic Englishwoman, I’m also a little sad that his version of Britannia seems to be either foggy or rainy the entire time – but truth be told, that’s not too inaccurate. In the end, this is a book I’ll return to many times.
December 7, 2017
Truly Inspiring!
This novel, set in the 4th Century, is truly a masterpiece of fiction intertwined with legend and history.
Dr. Marshall has once again surpassed himself in spinning a tale that will excite and inspire all readers. There are so many novels today to pick from, how great to have a story that actually Is fun, interesting, hard to put down, and also life changing. The subject here, as in the other 2 books preceding it, is the Christian faith as lived by great saints. Saint George and his surrounding cast of villains and fellow saintly men and women are chronicled as they manuvere the Roman Empire and the persecutions of the early Church.
In “Storm of Fire and Blood” Taylor Marshall continues the story where the previous one left off. Jurian’s (Saint George) tale is captured in wonderful style by Taylor. In the mix are: Sabra, whom Jurian loves and longs to see again. Casca, his greatest enemy, that hunts him and those he cares about. Menas (Saint Christopher), Aikaterina (Saint Catherine of Alexandria), Constantinus (Constantine) and many other of his friends and acquaintances. And, of course, the mysterious sword, Excalibur!
Does Jurian ever see Sabra again? What happens between the enemies, Casca and Jurian? How does Excalibur play into it? What is the climactic ending to this epic tale? Truley, a must read!
Although a story, the book is truely Christian. Woven into the tale are great elements of true friendship, self sacrifice, forgiveness, conversion, and enduring Christian love. Many lessons are learned for our own lives in the here and now. A truely inspirational take away that will help you think about life and grow as a person. Here is a wonderful portrayal of some truely saintly lives spun into a very interesting and captivating story.
“.....The God he follows…only a true God could inspire such love. Do you hear me? Only the true God! The only true God! .....”
Get this book, become engrossed in the characters and their intertwining story. Enjoy the read and become moved in your own life to become a better, happier, and more loving person. Emulate the Saints!
From beginning to end the Sword and the Serpent triology has been amazing. The conclusion, this 3rd installment is, I think, the best. Although this book stands on its own, I highly recommend reading all three in order.
This novel, set in the 4th Century, is truly a masterpiece of fiction intertwined with legend and history.
Dr. Marshall has once again surpassed himself in spinning a tale that will excite and inspire all readers. There are so many novels today to pick from, how great to have a story that actually Is fun, interesting, hard to put down, and also life changing. The subject here, as in the other 2 books preceding it, is the Christian faith as lived by great saints. Saint George and his surrounding cast of villains and fellow saintly men and women are chronicled as they manuvere the Roman Empire and the persecutions of the early Church.
In “Storm of Fire and Blood” Taylor Marshall continues the story where the previous one left off. Jurian’s (Saint George) tale is captured in wonderful style by Taylor. In the mix are: Sabra, whom Jurian loves and longs to see again. Casca, his greatest enemy, that hunts him and those he cares about. Menas (Saint Christopher), Aikaterina (Saint Catherine of Alexandria), Constantinus (Constantine) and many other of his friends and acquaintances. And, of course, the mysterious sword, Excalibur!
Does Jurian ever see Sabra again? What happens between the enemies, Casca and Jurian? How does Excalibur play into it? What is the climactic ending to this epic tale? Truley, a must read!
Although a story, the book is truely Christian. Woven into the tale are great elements of true friendship, self sacrifice, forgiveness, conversion, and enduring Christian love. Many lessons are learned for our own lives in the here and now. A truely inspirational take away that will help you think about life and grow as a person. Here is a wonderful portrayal of some truely saintly lives spun into a very interesting and captivating story.
“.....The God he follows…only a true God could inspire such love. Do you hear me? Only the true God! The only true God! .....”
Get this book, become engrossed in the characters and their intertwining story. Enjoy the read and become moved in your own life to become a better, happier, and more loving person. Emulate the Saints!
From beginning to end the Sword and the Serpent triology has been amazing. The conclusion, this 3rd installment is, I think, the best. Although this book stands on its own, I highly recommend reading all three in order.
August 23, 2018
If you haven't read the first two books in this series then stop what you are doing right now and get them - you'll thank me. If you have read those books, you don't need my review to convince you to finish the trilogy. You've probably been waiting on pins and needles as I have for the final installment of the series. And it won't disappoint.
The Sword and Serpent series is a fascinating look into the world of Diocletian's Rome and gives a unique perspective I've found nowhere else on what it may have felt like to live as a secret Christian during those tumultuous years. Marshall has done a masterful job imagining the life of St. George and his contemporaries in a way that weaves the various legends surrounding them into a plausible historical narrative.
As a novel this book is excellent. It completes some of the great character development we have seen since the beginning of the saga, with all the major characters struggling with and growing in their faith. The story manages to follow multiple plot lines in different parts of the Empire without becoming confusing or losing pace. And The setting is immersive and convincing.
But this book's greatest accomplishment has been to spur my interest in and excitement about the saints it depicts and an appreciation for their lives under persecution. As soon as I finished the book I began researching their stories, wanting to know more about the characters I had grown to love. And while the author obviously takes some necessary license and has to fill in many historical blanks, I was always pleasantly surprised to find now closely this story hews to the facts we do have. Considering how many of these early saints may have known each other and how their lives may have intertwined has been eye-opening. For example, I never had considered that Sts. Constantine and Helena had been in Diocletian's court during his persecutions and how that would have impacted their later lives. I now have a much deeper devotion to the saints who appear oin the book, And other early Roman martyrs feel less like ancient names in a litany and more like real people who I can identify with even if they lived in very different circumstances than I.
The series may end with this book, but I hope Mr. Marshall will consider writing more historical fiction. A book like this one that both entertains and edifies is a real treasure.
The Sword and Serpent series is a fascinating look into the world of Diocletian's Rome and gives a unique perspective I've found nowhere else on what it may have felt like to live as a secret Christian during those tumultuous years. Marshall has done a masterful job imagining the life of St. George and his contemporaries in a way that weaves the various legends surrounding them into a plausible historical narrative.
As a novel this book is excellent. It completes some of the great character development we have seen since the beginning of the saga, with all the major characters struggling with and growing in their faith. The story manages to follow multiple plot lines in different parts of the Empire without becoming confusing or losing pace. And The setting is immersive and convincing.
But this book's greatest accomplishment has been to spur my interest in and excitement about the saints it depicts and an appreciation for their lives under persecution. As soon as I finished the book I began researching their stories, wanting to know more about the characters I had grown to love. And while the author obviously takes some necessary license and has to fill in many historical blanks, I was always pleasantly surprised to find now closely this story hews to the facts we do have. Considering how many of these early saints may have known each other and how their lives may have intertwined has been eye-opening. For example, I never had considered that Sts. Constantine and Helena had been in Diocletian's court during his persecutions and how that would have impacted their later lives. I now have a much deeper devotion to the saints who appear oin the book, And other early Roman martyrs feel less like ancient names in a litany and more like real people who I can identify with even if they lived in very different circumstances than I.
The series may end with this book, but I hope Mr. Marshall will consider writing more historical fiction. A book like this one that both entertains and edifies is a real treasure.
February 18, 2018
Phew! That was a ride! And so the curtain closes, on the story and characters I have loved so dearly over the passed three books. These stories are very real, and very, very raw. There is brutality in them that will have you wincing. There is joy in them that will have you laughing. The emotions are not forced, but very authentic and almost tangible. You can feel the pressing grief, the gnawing fear, the uncontainable joys, the frivolous laughter. That is one thing I loved about these stories: There are stories in this world that are dark and utterly hopeless. A dark story is fine, but a hopeless story is not. That’s what I love about these books. While the characters have moments of hopelessness, hopelessness doesn’t define the story. Many times as I was reading I thought, “How are they laughing? How are they smiling? After all of that?” But it filled my heart with so much joy. Because, despite the darkness, there is always light. Maybe it is just a flicker in the vast blackness, but it is there, and it is so much stronger than the dark. This is a dark story, but not one void of hope, not one void of joy. Well done, Dr. Marshall.
November 28, 2017
Although it is a novel, it shows you the story behind real characters, you can learn intimate details and how the events that shaped the history of Christianity took place. Taylor Marshall's narrative style will catch you and you can't stop reading until you know the end of the story, with something you didn't expect. The characters of the novel represent real saints who will show you a way of living the Christian life that is not only theory but a way of life worth imitating, faith put into practice. The narrated experiences will help you to live yours by trusting the Christian values exemplified in the characters of this novel.
The narrated story repeats itself over and over again and you may even in your life identify with some of the struggles to do good and the results of doing evil. You'll feel like you're living your own story.
This is the third book of a trilogy, so I recommend reading all three.
The narrated story repeats itself over and over again and you may even in your life identify with some of the struggles to do good and the results of doing evil. You'll feel like you're living your own story.
This is the third book of a trilogy, so I recommend reading all three.
November 27, 2017
Another Wonderful Historical novel but sad that it is the conclusion! I love how they become recognizable to us and we are able to see ourselves, our failings and strengths, in them as we see their struggles. The characters have such impact as we grow to care for them and understand more about what their lives were like. We see the lives of people with different ranks and stations in society. Once you become familiar with the characters in these books you will become emotionally invested in them and they will be more memorable when you hear their names again. Thank you for the dictionary at the back of the book!
November 26, 2017
I can't let go. I've finished it about half an hour ago and I'm still excited about this 3rd part. Of course, you know that the ending will not be: "...and they lived happily married ever after", but still there is a consolation bonus by the end that melted my heart. My favorite character has to be Aekaterina, who has pushed me to learn more about the real saint and include her among my top list of saints. May more books like this come along, as they are much needed, more so given the shallow times we are living.
August 23, 2018
Best of the trilogy. Full of lessons for contemporary Christians - what happened in 300 AD is scarily similar to what's happening now.
Even with the side trip to Camelot, Glastonbury, and Avalon (to tie together St George with Arthurian legends) the story was well-paced and kept one reading to see What Happens Next. Although we all knew how Jurian/George would meet his end, Dr Marshall still managed a surprise finale (which I won't spoil here!)
Historically accurate (Except for the Arthurian bits...) and fascinating. I feel like I know these folks, and await meeting them again
Even with the side trip to Camelot, Glastonbury, and Avalon (to tie together St George with Arthurian legends) the story was well-paced and kept one reading to see What Happens Next. Although we all knew how Jurian/George would meet his end, Dr Marshall still managed a surprise finale (which I won't spoil here!)
Historically accurate (Except for the Arthurian bits...) and fascinating. I feel like I know these folks, and await meeting them again
April 3, 2020
On thing I will say the title really is program lots of blood and decapitation going on!
But as Tertullian said “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” so maybe that’s why the early saints are so fascinating for us because they died for their convictions.
I confess that I liked the other two books a little bit more than this one.
But it’s still a great book and all three together as trilogy are amazing.
My favourite character still is Sabara. Yet in this novel I loved reading the story from Cascas point of view and to have a deeper look in his devilish personality.
But as Tertullian said “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” so maybe that’s why the early saints are so fascinating for us because they died for their convictions.
I confess that I liked the other two books a little bit more than this one.
But it’s still a great book and all three together as trilogy are amazing.
My favourite character still is Sabara. Yet in this novel I loved reading the story from Cascas point of view and to have a deeper look in his devilish personality.
April 26, 2021
Good book and while this effectively ends Jurian’s story, I expected at least an epilogue or 2, covering what happens next with Sabra, what Aikaterina does in Alexandria, and how Constantinus becomes Emperor Constantine and what his mother Helena is doing. Also it was teased either near the end of book 2 or early on in this book a backstory for Casca, but was never given it. What caused Casca to hate Jurian so and from childhood?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2017
Final novel in the must-read series from Dr. Taylor Marshall. Epic, with wonderful characterizations of early saints and the persecutions. Infused with period history and the perils of conversion to the faith.
April 19, 2021
Wow. Just wow.
I shan't be able to read anything for months now, as all other novels will feel pale and flat.
If I'm going to complain, it's only to say: Mr Marshall, won't you PLEASE write some more novels?!
I shan't be able to read anything for months now, as all other novels will feel pale and flat.
If I'm going to complain, it's only to say: Mr Marshall, won't you PLEASE write some more novels?!
January 2, 2022
Forgotten history that should be revealed
Taylor Marshall combines early history, fantasy and miracles in his trilogy. Roman fear of Christians reflects events of today. These books are page turners.
Taylor Marshall combines early history, fantasy and miracles in his trilogy. Roman fear of Christians reflects events of today. These books are page turners.
June 24, 2025
Definitely not the best writing, but these books are honestly just so nostalgic for me I can't help the four stars.
And that end...I knew it was coming, because obviously St. George was a Martyr but, oh! my heart.
And that end...I knew it was coming, because obviously St. George was a Martyr but, oh! my heart.
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