Through the Fire

Heartbeats of Courage #1

by David Phillips

Antipas, an important figure at the end of the First Century, comes to life in this historical novel. His name appears at the very end of the New Testament. This book examines the historical city of Pergamum, with social and societal interactions between rich and poor, Romans, Greeks and Jews, slaves and free. Antipas and his granddaughter Miriam have escaped Jerusalem's destruction in 70 AD, thinking they are now safely established in the city of Pergamum, located in the Province of Asia Minor. Forces begin working against Antipas' business and his community. His opposition to Greek gods and goddesses bring priests and priestesses together in a plot to destroy this Jewish businessman. Lydia-Naq, the high priestess of the Altar of Zeus, begins to plot Antipas' downfall and she carries out her purposes in a deliberate series of actions. In celebration of the freedom of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, Antipas has been purchasing slaves at the annual slave auction and then giving them their freedom. This activity is a threat to slave owners. Into his little community come several people. Marcos, a lawyer, and Marcella his wife find comfort in the healing of their daughter Florbella. A wounded Roman soldier carries scars from his years as a scout in Legion XXI in Upper Germanica; he has now been reassigned to prepare scouts for the coming war against Dacia (Romania). An important historical event shapes up as various strands are woven religious tension, the complexities of human nature, history, politics, intrigue, ethics, Jewish culture and history, early Christian, Roman and Greek cultural elements and transitioning cultural norms. This book is the first in a series of seven historical novels. As Book One ends, the action moves from Pergamum to Sardis for the second book in the Heartbeats of Courage. Vivid descriptions in each of the seven novels take the reader along crowded city streets, shopping at stalls in the market place and into the homes of the rich for meals. The entire saga introduces the reader to life in each of the seven cities of the Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Anthony, the Roman soldier faces an impossible Miriam's grandfather will not permit her to marry outside the bounds of his Jewish culture. Anthony, has been consumed by his need for revenge after almost being killed in Upper Germanica, learns that walking in faith brings him into communities of humble people throughout the province of Asia Minor. Major themes in the novel healing, forgiveness, religious tension between early Christians and Greek temples and gods, persecution by Roman Authorities and Jewish traditions becoming incorporated into the new Christian faith.

Genres: Historical Fiction

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2020

About the author

There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.

Reviews

[Robert-Elizabeth Lumkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating story. I read this book aloud to our family on a road trip, and we were all immediately gripped by the characters and their compelling lives. Even my youngest begged to keep on reading, “just one more chapter.” The author has described the places and the setting with details that make it easy to picture yourself as part of the story. The historical details are so accurate that you learn about the first-century Roman world effortlessly and memorably with an emotional connection missing from typical history books or commentaries.

You will fall in love with Antipas and his family as you read this book. You will laugh and cry and perhaps view the world around you and your role in people’s lives differently by the end of this book that is based on an actual city and a real person mentioned in Revelation. I recommend this book on many levels: it is entertaining and well-written; it beautifully portrays the lives of its very colourful and diverse characters; it sheds light on what life was like for various levels of society in the first century, and it will challenge and encourage you to live out your faith with love and courage even through the darkest of days.

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Some serious research of history and culture was done for the writing of this novel!
Things like the Greek idols and many so called gods of 80 AD in Pergamum,
but also, the spiritual growth of the believers in the early days of Christianity, was looked at in great detail.
A detailed look at the interactions between all the levels of that Roman society.
There are healing, forgiveness, talk of the Messiah Jesus, prayers, scriptures, trials, tribulations,
sacrifice for others etc.

[Tami Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revealing The History

David Philips has done an outstanding job of bringing to life the stories of the Fellowship of Believers after the destruction of Jerusalem. Philips weaves together scripture with recorded history in an inviting story that enlightens the reader to the realities of the cost of following Jesus and sharing the gospel message. In a world that preferred the liberal lifestyle afforded them by their pagan worship, the great commission became a life of persecution and punishment to the disciples just as Jesus said it would. If you are looking for a deeper understanding of scripture, supported by historic writings, I highly recommend this series. Richly researched historical fiction that includes references to support the framework of a well told story.

[Kathi Cash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much extra stuff

I enjoyed the central plot and the characters. I appreciate the idea of giving us Antipas' backstory. However, this book could use quite a bit of editing. There are too many history, geography, and culture lessons, making them less interesting instead of appealing, as they should be. There is too much narration of mundane life, minorly important dialogue and subplots of minor characters. I felt like I was slogging through a swamp of words to find the island of the main story, which had a good plot.

[Wendy Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book. Writing about the background of the towns of Revelation is a fantastic concept. However the writing of this book is quite stilted. The author totally abuses exclamation marks in a way I have never seen before. Dialogue features them every other sentence in the most unnatural of manners. The character development is quite lacking. They are incredibly wooden throughout. I forced myself to finish the book.

[Cris · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lot of historical research may have gone into this book, but it is sooo boring, that I can't even begin to describe it! The story drags on and on with a lot of thinking and pondering of characters, there's almost no surprise, every turn and twist can be expected beforehand. The writing is too simplistic to be captivating in any way. The characters are underdeveloped.
I could barely finish it and I regret wasting time reading it. Just my honest opinion.

[Sally Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

I love this book and have ordered the rest of the series and can hardly wait to read all of them. I learned so much about history and culture and especially about the love of God and believers in Jesus Messiah. It was well written and had wonderful character development and story lines. It held my interest from cover to cover. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the Fire

Although I found this book a slow-go, I gave it 5 Stars simply because it was interesting enough to keep on reading! It takes the reader through the tumultuous times of the earliest Christians, their growth, & persecution. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical novels.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative

I loved the actual history and the culture's accuracy. It is amazing what the information of actual social and cultural norms will do for the understanding of what is said, done, believed, and feared.

I am really looking forward to my understanding being enjoyed as I continue with this series.

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A church in Revelation.

This is a biblical fiction of the church in Pergamum. Also it is about Antipas. I enjoyed the creative storyline between what has been gleaned from history and imagination to fill in the gaps.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it was a series going into it, but it was left a little to "open" for my liking. And while I appreciate all the research, there could have been a little less detail on the idolatry. Nevertheless, it was a great start and I've already purchased the second installment.

[Cathy B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This book was good. It was slow moving but towards the end you could see the parts fall into place.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me. Very good story that is well researched. Like the footnotes which adds even more authenticity. Looking forward to book 2.

[Anastasia Tuckness]

recommended by Winnie Feb 2024, Kindle edition

[Mary Jane Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful historical review

Well worth the read to gain understanding of the time of the seven churches. I enjoyed book one very much!

[Diane C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

through the fire

I really enjoyed book 1 . The history was fascinating. You have done much research & have much knowledge. Thank you.

[Jessica Ulery · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very clear the author researched many hours on the history of the times, cultures, geography, and traditions featured in this book. However, the amount of historical information shared sometimes took away from the story. The story itself was good, but there were too many historical references I had to gloss over to get to the actual plot.