Crown of Fire

The Thistle and the Cross #1

by Craig Parshall, Janet Parshall

History and good storytelling combine in Craig and Janet Parshall’s exciting new the Thistle and the Cross. It’s 1546. The great William Wallace—“Braveheart”—is long dead. But not the Scottish people’s desire for freedom. The truths of the Reformation have set Scotland aflame again... When Ransom Mackenzie witnesses one of the Scottish Reformers being burnt at the stake, he becomes an ardent follower of the great Protestant preacher John Knox. In hiding, Ransom meets the captivating Margaret, who shares his religious convictions. But when he joins Knox in London, the allure of the court...and a young aristocratic lady...enthrall him. Will he return to the deepest desire of his spirit? What kind of love will he ultimately pursue?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Christian Romance, Adult

415 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Craig Parshall is a bestselling fiction author with twelve suspense novels to his credit. His tales of human drama and spiritual encounter have garnered rave reviews from critics and readers alike. Craig is also a Washington insider serving as special counsel to the American Center for Law and Justice on matters before the US Supreme Court, on Capitol Hill, and before state supreme courts. As a constitutional lawyer, Craig has testified frequently before committees of Congress and the FCC, and has been interviewed on a wide range of cultural issues by most of the major media networks and newspapers nationwide.

Reviews

[Carol Van Der Woude · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set in Scotland and England in the 1500s. It is fiction but accurately covers the events in John Knox's life. Through the fictional characters we see an inspiring view of a marriage that is held together by their faith. I had some difficulty keeping track of the conflicts, kings and queens included. Perhaps that speaks to the time.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Learned so much about how many men fought for, and lost their lives for, our protestant faith. Truth definitely comes at a cost, and I thank men like John Knox and Ransom who fought for the truth of Christ! I will carry on the legacy! Great book, great story, and I highly recommend it. Now on to book 2!

[Michelle Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little slow in the beginning lots of characters but after a few chapters I was totally captivated.

[Mark Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice glimpse into the life of John Knox from a fictional point of view.

[Matthew Broaddus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading the first and second book and definitely plan on reading the third ! These are well written and make you care about the characters and the moral issues they go through.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craig & Janet Parshall have written a three book series called "The Thistle and the Cross." Book one is titled "Crown of Fire" and is set in the 1600's. The book is a history novel that tells of the reformation in Scotland. Ransom Mackenzie is the main character and the story is told through his eyes. Many historical characters are main parts of the story including the following: John Knox, Mary Queen of Scotts, John Shakespeare (William's Dad), Edward the King of England, Marie de Guise , and many others. If you enjoy history and especially church history and like to see how it might have effected the every day person back in the 1600's then this is the book for you. Just a couple of tibets from the book to wet your appetite:

"And your question?"
"Just that...Dante speaks of love, Mister Knox."
"Yes?"
"And you have said that God is love, and the source of it."
"Indeed I have. The Holy Scriptures teach it clearly."
"Then, how can love be sin?"
Knox paused, cloaking the temptation to smile at his student's question. Ransom's query showed that, at last, he was beginning to cast the searing light of God's Word onto the dreary stuff of his studies.
"Love," his tutor replied, "and by that I mean true love, is that which obeys the commands of God and emulates His design for our affections. Carnal love - the pursuit of the pleasures of the body in violation of God's holy plan - is the devil's substitute...always inviting, tempting all of us, but never able to satisfy, never able to reflect God's perfect design, which is that of marital affection and fidelity."



Ransom could not understand the wisdom of that course, but his time in the Highlands had taught him something else. That there were occasions where great reasons required great risk - even reckless abandon.

[Jodica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was about Scotland and England in the 1500's. The Bible was being secretly translated into English and the people who translated it or taught from it were burned at the stake. It was the time of Bloody Mary as queen and the Protestants verses the Catholics. I enjoyed the history as well as the story line. It was very interesting and well written. Looking forward to book 2.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true historical novel ... meaning, it is loaded with history. That was both a draw and a drawback for this book. I loved the historical context, but at the same time, I feel like it overshadowed the authors' original characters too much. I would have liked to see more development there.

[Marci Woodfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about a family in Scotland during the time of Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. Deals with the Reformation in Scotland.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good book - held my attention, historical fiction, about John Knox. I am not really good on keeping the history of the British Isles in order. this helped. Well written.

[Deanna Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical novel and very well written and fast moving.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

you had better not be Catholic if you are led by the king who is Protestant. It gets dicey if (when) he dies and the new monarch is Catholic - lots of burning at the stake in 14th century Scotland.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction set during the Scorrish Reformation. Full review coming.

[Sheldon Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads more like a docu-drama, but if you have any interest in the Scottish religious reformation, you will enjoy this book.

[Kristen Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book! Randomly bought this in high school and it turned out to be excellent.

[Kristi]

Loved it!! Lots of historical info. Just a good read!