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There Ariseth Light in the Darkness: A Novel of First Century Galilee
Three wandering souls. One miraculous teacher. A story of love and forgiveness… In ancient Palestine, three survivors struggle to find solace in a world of injustice and repression. Azara is studious, headstrong, and committed to her ideals. Jonah is pure and virtuous, but his heart has been darkened by the evils of man. And Vitus is a Roman soldier battling for order and progress when he is unexpectedly confronted with a different kind of war…Separated by miles of dangerous lands, and decades of turbulent history, these three wandering souls set off on a journey beyond their imagination. Their travels will test their faith and culminate in an encounter with a mysterious rabbi from Galilee—a teacher who upends their lives with his revolutionary message of love and compassion… A man called Jesus of Nazareth. Author JV Love blends meticulous research with an absorbing, heartfelt story. There Ariseth Light in the Darkness is an epic biblical adventure that sweeps readers into the lives of its unforgettable protagonists.( An updated version was released in July 2019 to correct mistaken references to two New Testament Hebrews and Ephesians.)
- GenresEbooksFictionHistorical
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2019
395 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
J.V. Love
5 books5 followersBorn and raised in mid-Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts from The American University in Washington, DC. Lived most of adult life in New York City, Washington, DC, and Honolulu, HI.
A lover of philosophy, theology, and mystic teachings, the author's view of the meaning of life can be summarized best by the last lines of a poem by one of his characters (Katya) in the novel "The End of Sorrow"
"Love is the beginning,
and Love is the end,
and here in the middle
is where we must mend."
A lover of philosophy, theology, and mystic teachings, the author's view of the meaning of life can be summarized best by the last lines of a poem by one of his characters (Katya) in the novel "The End of Sorrow"
"Love is the beginning,
and Love is the end,
and here in the middle
is where we must mend."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 2, 2019
First, I really question why the title reflects King James English when the book is about first century Israel? Even the bandits speak King James English ("shine forth")! By the way, I'm not sure a Jewish person would refer to his homeland as Palestine, a term that comes from the Greek for Philistia. Yes, the Romans called the entire region Syria Palestine, but there's no evidence a Jew would say that. The author tried to keep historical accuracy and added details in the back matter. However, there were obvious errors. In one setting the Roman centurion is leaning against a wagon wheel and looking at a cactus. While there are many prickly pear cacti is Israel today, they were brought there by the Spaniards from Mexico 1500 years later than this story. Another error was when Jesus is first introduced (as a rabbi) and he is on the way to see john the Baptizer. At that point int he story Jesus already has disciples traveling with him; men who were actually disciples of John the Baptist and didn't start following Jesus until after John pointed Jesus out to them. I understand the author's point that Jesus probably told similar teachings in several different setting, but there's no indication that he was quoting from 2nd or 3rd century Gnostic writings, the apostle John would not be talking about some kind of universalism (coming from love and returning to it), and there is no evidence that Barnabas or Luke the physician (and companion of Paul) ever met Jesus. It was nice to see the fictional story of three primary characters interweave near the end, but the end was totally unsatisfying. The story ends with Jesus as a nice teacher who influences a few people to be better people (loving and forgiving), but it misses the entire heart of the gospel of the kingdom.
June 17, 2019
This is a review from a fellow author, Susan Johnson Hadler ("The Beauty of What Remains") who is unable to post it herself:
"The story dazzles with its realistic portrayal of humanity and impressive relevance. Characters who are as believable as they are engaging jump off the page through deftly drawn details. Vividly expressed descriptions focus the location and add a quality of immediacy that draws the reader in ever more.
I love this book for the present-day wisdom that emerges from characters who embody universal conflicts, conflicts that remain today as they were two thousand years ago. It’s as if the author transported himself to first century Galilee with all of its diversity and so transports us into the story in absolutely compelling and at times surprising ways.
Most surprising is the way the story has transformed my understanding of that time and place, of what happened there, how it happened and what it means for the personal and global challenges we face today. Beware! This is a story that just might change the way you see yourself and the way you interact with those around you."
"The story dazzles with its realistic portrayal of humanity and impressive relevance. Characters who are as believable as they are engaging jump off the page through deftly drawn details. Vividly expressed descriptions focus the location and add a quality of immediacy that draws the reader in ever more.
I love this book for the present-day wisdom that emerges from characters who embody universal conflicts, conflicts that remain today as they were two thousand years ago. It’s as if the author transported himself to first century Galilee with all of its diversity and so transports us into the story in absolutely compelling and at times surprising ways.
Most surprising is the way the story has transformed my understanding of that time and place, of what happened there, how it happened and what it means for the personal and global challenges we face today. Beware! This is a story that just might change the way you see yourself and the way you interact with those around you."
June 28, 2019
Outstanding with high caliber writing.
I'm a "tough crowd" to please. Sometimes when I read, finishing a book becomes a chore. I think this is because I can predict the outcomes (I try not to - but I can't help it). This was not the case with There Ariseth Light in the Darkness.
The book was exceedingly fresh, surprisingly full of action, and it has a loaded story that led to legitimate self-reflection.
It had just enough detail to make me feel like I was there - but not too much to where I felt like I was "reading about being there", and it often made me forget I was reading.
It was a very good read and I recommend it.
I'm a "tough crowd" to please. Sometimes when I read, finishing a book becomes a chore. I think this is because I can predict the outcomes (I try not to - but I can't help it). This was not the case with There Ariseth Light in the Darkness.
The book was exceedingly fresh, surprisingly full of action, and it has a loaded story that led to legitimate self-reflection.
It had just enough detail to make me feel like I was there - but not too much to where I felt like I was "reading about being there", and it often made me forget I was reading.
It was a very good read and I recommend it.
April 24, 2020
April 10, 2020
I do NOT recommend. I will add a full review later.
April 24, 2020
So, here's my full review:
This was the most poorly written book I have ever read. To begin with, there were three different plotlines told by separate characters, none of whom crossed each other's paths until more than halfway through the book, and the flow of the story was extremely choppy and awkward even within sections by the same protagonist. In addition, the paragraphs and even sentences were either grammatically incorrect or awkward. Plus, there were a lot of crude, unnecessary descriptions; for example, I don't need to know when a character scratches his butt. Also, a lot of the characters cussed and talked really roughly, but then, every time one of them quoted Scripture, it was in King James English, which just felt so jarring and out-of-place. Then, there were random leaps forward in time, and each time, the writer put in a short description of the real history of the time period the story was set in, which made the book feel even clunkier than it already was. Even worse, for a book that promotes itself as being about Jesus, He doesn't even appear until the last quarter of the book and is barely a secondary character to the story. Then, the character of Pilate sounds nothing like the impression of the man a person gets from the Bible. If all that weren't enough, the story abruptly ends partway through the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand and is followed by an appeal for the reader to either donate to an organization in order to support the fact that this book is always free on kindle (because it's a mission of the writer to always provide it for free on kindle) or to purchase the book in printed format (because apparently, his personal calling needs monetary support).
If only I had those hours back...
I do NOT recommend. I will add a full review later.
April 24, 2020
So, here's my full review:
This was the most poorly written book I have ever read. To begin with, there were three different plotlines told by separate characters, none of whom crossed each other's paths until more than halfway through the book, and the flow of the story was extremely choppy and awkward even within sections by the same protagonist. In addition, the paragraphs and even sentences were either grammatically incorrect or awkward. Plus, there were a lot of crude, unnecessary descriptions; for example, I don't need to know when a character scratches his butt. Also, a lot of the characters cussed and talked really roughly, but then, every time one of them quoted Scripture, it was in King James English, which just felt so jarring and out-of-place. Then, there were random leaps forward in time, and each time, the writer put in a short description of the real history of the time period the story was set in, which made the book feel even clunkier than it already was. Even worse, for a book that promotes itself as being about Jesus, He doesn't even appear until the last quarter of the book and is barely a secondary character to the story. Then, the character of Pilate sounds nothing like the impression of the man a person gets from the Bible. If all that weren't enough, the story abruptly ends partway through the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand and is followed by an appeal for the reader to either donate to an organization in order to support the fact that this book is always free on kindle (because it's a mission of the writer to always provide it for free on kindle) or to purchase the book in printed format (because apparently, his personal calling needs monetary support).
If only I had those hours back...
April 17, 2020
I loved this book right up to the last chapter when the author spoiled it by adding in stuff that isn't biblical. It's still worth reading, as I can't imagine anyone not recognizing that Jesus never taught that when people die they all return to the great love of God. He taught that He was the only way to God and everyone who tried some other way besides what the Bible says, would go to Hell. plus there's a couple of other short quotes in the last chapter that he got from an extra biblical source. It's really a shame as if not for these things it could be a great book.
July 31, 2021
This is my favorite type of book. It's set in Biblical times and follows the lives of ordinary people, in this case people that are alive during the time when Jesus was growing up and later began his ministry. I was hooked by the 2nd page of this novel and have a hard time setting it down to do the things I have to do each day. This is extremely well written, JV Love is definitely a 5 star author.
October 7, 2021
Simply wonderful
This book brings rich history into an Engaging read that provokes thought and emotion, questions and longing.
I would recommend to those who want to enjoy a great story with historical details and a most excellent message.
The authors ability to weave the different perspectives and lives into a fluidly moving storyline that remains intact throughout and continually builds making it a pleasure to read and hard to stop.
This book brings rich history into an Engaging read that provokes thought and emotion, questions and longing.
I would recommend to those who want to enjoy a great story with historical details and a most excellent message.
The authors ability to weave the different perspectives and lives into a fluidly moving storyline that remains intact throughout and continually builds making it a pleasure to read and hard to stop.
June 1, 2020
Absolutely Brilliant
I have been moved by this book so much that as soon as I go back to work, I promise to make donations in all of your requests. My life has went from being raised Jewish to being Born Again and Baptized. I am a firm believer that All things are possible with God! Thank you, JV Love for allowing me to read your work and rest assure I am a man of my word.
I have been moved by this book so much that as soon as I go back to work, I promise to make donations in all of your requests. My life has went from being raised Jewish to being Born Again and Baptized. I am a firm believer that All things are possible with God! Thank you, JV Love for allowing me to read your work and rest assure I am a man of my word.
February 19, 2021
Enlightening. Come away in peace.
This book brings to life what it must have been like to be attending and listening to Jesus's preaching the good word to all the people. Jew, gentile, believers and giving all inspirational words thru parables. Makes one wish for a time machine. Jesus had a simple belief, Forgiveness.
This book brings to life what it must have been like to be attending and listening to Jesus's preaching the good word to all the people. Jew, gentile, believers and giving all inspirational words thru parables. Makes one wish for a time machine. Jesus had a simple belief, Forgiveness.
June 28, 2019
Great Read
One appreciates an author who can put flesh and complexion on skeletal Scriptural stories. Must read more JV Love! The only puzzlement was anachronistic references by characters to two NT epistles which could not have yet been written (Hebrews and Ephesians).
One appreciates an author who can put flesh and complexion on skeletal Scriptural stories. Must read more JV Love! The only puzzlement was anachronistic references by characters to two NT epistles which could not have yet been written (Hebrews and Ephesians).
April 13, 2022
very good book!
This was a very well written book, it really catch you intrigued the whole time, I was constantly wanting to get back to reading it! I wish it would’ve and it a little better, it was too vague, and left you hanging way too much.
This was a very well written book, it really catch you intrigued the whole time, I was constantly wanting to get back to reading it! I wish it would’ve and it a little better, it was too vague, and left you hanging way too much.
August 8, 2019
Women lib 2000 years ago
Good at times but falls short of being a good book. How did God want man and woman to live?
Good at times but falls short of being a good book. How did God want man and woman to live?
June 8, 2021
Good
A well-researched book based on historical facts. The characters were realistic and the plot kept me reading. I liked it.
A well-researched book based on historical facts. The characters were realistic and the plot kept me reading. I liked it.
September 3, 2021
I really enjoyed the read!!
January 7, 2023
It was ok.
July 22, 2024
I love reading how things were in Biblical times.
January 29, 2021
Feed the poor
I donated to Technoserve in my Mother’s name because she was always poor but always fed others. Enjoy the book!
I donated to Technoserve in my Mother’s name because she was always poor but always fed others. Enjoy the book!
October 8, 2022
DNF. Read this one as part of a work thing, and while it wasn't bad, it wasn't to my taste at all.
August 8, 2019
I am very much enjoying the story, the twist and turns, the different viewpoints from the characters. However, I am NOT appreciating or enjoying the constant mention of the male characters pissing, scratching, farting and talking about their penises.
Seriously?? We can do without all that added in. 🙄 It's getting very annoying and irritating.
Seriously?? We can do without all that added in. 🙄 It's getting very annoying and irritating.
October 12, 2024
Christian fiction. Follows the lives of multiple characters. A delight to read with a focus on Christ’s impact in His time. Good for my soul. Enjoyed very much.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews