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A.D. Chronicles #3
Third Watch
From the wilderness of Sinai in the south to Mount Hermon in the north, the question of Yeshua of Nazareth’s identity resounds across the ancient land of Israel. Even evil waits to hear the answer. It is in the very air, the storm, and the sea. Zahav, the lonely, unmarried daughter of an old rabbi, waits for the promised Messiah . . . waits for love. Her heart is drawn toward Alexander and his young son, who is ravaged by evil forces. But can their forbidden love endure the trials that will face them? Susanna and Manaen struggle as they begin their life together. Bitter over an evil act of violence that left him blind, Manaen cannot accept a life of darkness. Will their relationship survive the overwhelming odds? Can the truth about Yeshua defeat the evil that lurks in the land?
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2004
118 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
201 books1,360 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 7, 2024
A great historical fiction work that takes place during the time of Christ.
April 14, 2008
Just finished it this weekend. I can't wait to read the fourth one in this series. I just LOVE this book. This series brought the people Jesus healed to life for me (although entirely fictional). It made me think, and changed my perspective on many things. The history and culture is rich in this book. Jesus loves so unconditionally.
January 31, 2018
These others always have a way of drawing or an end of the story. They have some creative ideas. But I lost interest about halfway through the book because this book is frankly quite tedious. It just goes on and on and on. They use many of the same techniques make their religious fiction interesting and creative but this one I thought went a little heavy on the bitterness issue. I didn’t live in the early centuries of the common area but I rather don’t think that blind character was believable and why is it that in every book she wrote that Jesus and his mother have some intense conversation. OK I understand but every book? Maybe I have just read it to any of these books and she put them down. But their descriptions of countryside in detailed things are always interesting but I just found this one kind of over the edge.
November 19, 2020
A must read! This series is one of the best I've ever read. I try to re-read them every two years. Someone just gave me the whole set.
July 8, 2021
I was happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The second book in the series was a bit of a hard read; it had great insight but was still "slow" and "frustrating" in (different) parts. This one I enjoyed, overall, from start to finish. I liked the explanations for what different words and names mean, be it in Hebrew or Greek. I enjoyed the insight that is given throughout the book; the authors do an excellent job at explaining different ideas, concepts, and perspectives. I also enjoy how they blend fictional characters into moments recorded in the Gospels; it is truly a delight.
One statement really stood out to me (towards the end) about how blindness of the heart is far worse than blindness of the eyes. I think they did a great job of illuminating this throughout this story and actually the second book as well.
For me, there was one area of "great weakness."
It's funny; sometimes as I read, I wanted the story "to move along faster" because it had elements or moments that seemed to slow things down, but such things did mirror "real life." Those "slow moments" in the story felt "more real" than other moments I have read in other historical fiction books or even general fiction, so they did a good job of capturing the minutiae of everyday life and how boring it can be at times.
I loved the redemption. I also think it is interesting how those who saw Jesus (Yeshua) and interacted with Him on a daily basis still struggled with their faith, their believing in Him. And yet He Himself explains to His disciples at times that His intention is to confuse His listeners because it is not yet time for those who listened to Him to understand and believe. Yet I know myself (and others I have listened to) think that it would have been easier for those who walked with Him everyday to have more faith, more belief. So the book does a nice job of mirroring "real life" in that regard as well, of capturing how people may have struggled with their faith even though they physically were there when miracles were performed and interacted with Jesus on a regular basis.
I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the insight and explanations given. It was much better than I thought it would be, and the pacing actually moved faster than I thought it would move (based on how slow the second book was and how long it took me to read that one). I am glad that I took a chance and continued reading this series.
One statement really stood out to me (towards the end) about how blindness of the heart is far worse than blindness of the eyes. I think they did a great job of illuminating this throughout this story and actually the second book as well.
For me, there was one area of "great weakness."
It's funny; sometimes as I read, I wanted the story "to move along faster" because it had elements or moments that seemed to slow things down, but such things did mirror "real life." Those "slow moments" in the story felt "more real" than other moments I have read in other historical fiction books or even general fiction, so they did a good job of capturing the minutiae of everyday life and how boring it can be at times.
I loved the redemption. I also think it is interesting how those who saw Jesus (Yeshua) and interacted with Him on a daily basis still struggled with their faith, their believing in Him. And yet He Himself explains to His disciples at times that His intention is to confuse His listeners because it is not yet time for those who listened to Him to understand and believe. Yet I know myself (and others I have listened to) think that it would have been easier for those who walked with Him everyday to have more faith, more belief. So the book does a nice job of mirroring "real life" in that regard as well, of capturing how people may have struggled with their faith even though they physically were there when miracles were performed and interacted with Jesus on a regular basis.
I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the insight and explanations given. It was much better than I thought it would be, and the pacing actually moved faster than I thought it would move (based on how slow the second book was and how long it took me to read that one). I am glad that I took a chance and continued reading this series.
September 17, 2021
The whole series has so far proved to be AMAZING, with each book focusing on a different theme. (Second Touch was just so *chef's kiss* perfect.)
This book's particular theme is dealing with demonic powers. As with all of their books focusing on Jewish history, the authors weave a ton of Jewish legend (aka Jewish beliefs that don't necessarily come from the Bible but tie into it) through it, and it is amazing. I learned things while reading this book.
Again, this book's focus is on the demonic opposition that Jesus surely faced here in His time one earth. And on Herod Antipas's increasing hate and violence as he begins to feel threatened by Jesus.
Another central theme is the question, "Who do you say that I am?" from Jesus. And on how people are blinded from recognizing who he truly is. The Messiah, but not the Messiah that they are thinking about. Only Mary, his mother, is portrayed as recognizing it and what it means.
Eager to get onto the 4th book!
This book's particular theme is dealing with demonic powers. As with all of their books focusing on Jewish history, the authors weave a ton of Jewish legend (aka Jewish beliefs that don't necessarily come from the Bible but tie into it) through it, and it is amazing. I learned things while reading this book.
Again, this book's focus is on the demonic opposition that Jesus surely faced here in His time one earth. And on Herod Antipas's increasing hate and violence as he begins to feel threatened by Jesus.
Another central theme is the question, "Who do you say that I am?" from Jesus. And on how people are blinded from recognizing who he truly is. The Messiah, but not the Messiah that they are thinking about. Only Mary, his mother, is portrayed as recognizing it and what it means.
Eager to get onto the 4th book!
January 12, 2019
I really enjoy the characters created by the Thoene's, and the seamless way they fit into history as their individual character is developed. There are times when detailed geographical descriptions or analysis of feelings becomes a little too long and drawn out for my taste, but I'm still drawn in to continue by the story. Bodie obviously has done extensive research, and shares a lot of that knowledge with the reader. My favorite method of enjoying these books is through book on CD, while I'm driving in the car, as I'd have a hard time finding time to read them otherwise. Also, it helps keep me awake and I look forward to every opportunity to listen. It's something my husband and I enjoy doing together.
July 24, 2017
Palestine when Pilate was Governor
The rabbi’s daughter. A flute maker and his deaf-mute son. A victim of Herod Antipas’ cruelty. A blind beggar.
The stories of these and other ordinary people living in extraordinary times are woven together in this third volume of the A.D. Chronicles. Each life connects to the wandering teaching rabbi, Yeshua. Who is he? Will he give a great sign to the people? Will he proclaim a new kingdom?
Details of the time and culture make the characters come alive while their conversations, or dreams, present scripture passages. This is the first of this series which I’ve read and I found it a good story, able to stand on its own.
The rabbi’s daughter. A flute maker and his deaf-mute son. A victim of Herod Antipas’ cruelty. A blind beggar.
The stories of these and other ordinary people living in extraordinary times are woven together in this third volume of the A.D. Chronicles. Each life connects to the wandering teaching rabbi, Yeshua. Who is he? Will he give a great sign to the people? Will he proclaim a new kingdom?
Details of the time and culture make the characters come alive while their conversations, or dreams, present scripture passages. This is the first of this series which I’ve read and I found it a good story, able to stand on its own.
March 11, 2025
"Third Watch" continued on from "Second Touch", with each of the characters continuing to share in their story through the pages. A new edition to the cast is Alexander and his son, Hero. Unfortunately Hero is deaf and "ravaged by evil forces". One of the story lines in the book, is their struggle and eventually seeking out Jesus to heal Hero. The authors have taken the story of Jesus casting out demons and given us a background to what life could have looked like with an affliction such as what Hero had. Once again, B&B Thoene has taken me, the reader, to Jerusalem and given me an insight to life in Jesus days.
I loved it, and am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series!
I loved it, and am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series!
August 10, 2023
Maenen is now blind - and trapped by bitterness. Alexander fights for the life of his son - bound by a suicidal and deaf demon. Zahev is the daughter of the Rabbi but will never marry because of the birthmark on her face. Each waits through long nights for someone who will be able to rescue them....
The Thoene's never disappoint. They are consistently able to write books with intricate and exciting story lines that draw you; through historical accuracy; complete biblical worldview; and beautiful writing. You won't be able to put this down.
The Thoene's never disappoint. They are consistently able to write books with intricate and exciting story lines that draw you; through historical accuracy; complete biblical worldview; and beautiful writing. You won't be able to put this down.
October 19, 2020
Another Great Book!
The Thoenes have once again through historical fiction writing shone us how 1st Century life was for Jesus, his followers, those who came to believe & those who challenged His existence.
The Thoenes have once again through historical fiction writing shone us how 1st Century life was for Jesus, his followers, those who came to believe & those who challenged His existence.
December 5, 2024
Best yet in the series
The characters come alive and jump off the pages in this, the third installment in the "AD Chronicles" series.
The Thoenes have lived up to their reputation as premier authors in this genre.
The characters come alive and jump off the pages in this, the third installment in the "AD Chronicles" series.
The Thoenes have lived up to their reputation as premier authors in this genre.
July 7, 2025
This is the 3rd book of this series I have read. I highly recommend reading this series.It vividly takes you back to the 1st century AD when Jesus was walking on the earth preparing to go to the cross as our savior.
June 10, 2017
Ganska intressant läsa om Jesu vandring ur medvandrarnas perspektiv. Dock för mycket märkliga diskussioner som man inte riktigt orkar med.
April 15, 2018
I love the way ancient scripture is explained.
September 3, 2018
A good story but preachy.
July 29, 2019
I love the way Rabbinic teaching about Messiah has been scattered through this book. Wonderful insights.
November 24, 2020
no offensive content: Xn historical fiction
March 28, 2021
A little slow but still loved the story. The last paragraph confuses me.
May 11, 2021
The good reading continues. A perfect way to spend my Bamako evenings.
November 16, 2021
Excellent reading!
January 9, 2022
I have really enjoyed this series.
May 27, 2025
I think I liked this even more than “First Light” which I also rated 5 stars.
The Thoenes know their Bible & their history, and beautifully engage the heart & imagination in a well-crafted work of fiction that ultimately points readers back to Scripture. I’m blown away.
The Thoenes know their Bible & their history, and beautifully engage the heart & imagination in a well-crafted work of fiction that ultimately points readers back to Scripture. I’m blown away.
September 5, 2019
Generally good. there were a few things that bothered me, but I liked it.
December 9, 2018
The third book in the A.D. Chronicles continues Peniel's travels, returns us to the stories of some of our favorite characters from First Light and Second Touch, and introduces us to Zahav and Alexander, two very different people living in a city rampant with immorality. Peniel continues to struggle, even as he takes his place as a disciple of Yeshua. Even among Yeshua's most trusted, betrayal seems imminent. Dark forces are fighting for control amongst the people, and Yeshua's followers are not exempt.
The focus on possession and the forces of evil is eerie, but the story is not without hope: in fact, some of the most dramatic and powerful moments of Yeshua's time on Earth are retold in Third Watch. Fans of biblical fiction, especially those looking for historical AND biblical accuracy, will greatly enjoy this novel. With a touch of romance, a colorful cast of characters, and a spirit of hope even in the midst of the darkest moments of mankind, this novel is a beautiful work. I'm looking forward to book 4!
The focus on possession and the forces of evil is eerie, but the story is not without hope: in fact, some of the most dramatic and powerful moments of Yeshua's time on Earth are retold in Third Watch. Fans of biblical fiction, especially those looking for historical AND biblical accuracy, will greatly enjoy this novel. With a touch of romance, a colorful cast of characters, and a spirit of hope even in the midst of the darkest moments of mankind, this novel is a beautiful work. I'm looking forward to book 4!
December 23, 2016
89 % of this book includes the story content and the remainder is an evaluation digging deeper into the story.
This narration takes place from the time Jesus (who is referred to as Yeshua), is baptized and extends to the time when opposition against him becomes so intense. Yeshua's teachings and healing encourage many to follow him, and as the number of followers increase, fear and suspicion arise among the High Priest and others who begin to pursuit them and have them arrested. This is also a time when many believe in a Messiah who is to come and save them from their oppressors.
This story is made up of experiences relating to every-day struggles and events of individuals as they try to cope with the oppression and persecution. It is easy for the reader to become involved in their lives. Some of the characters portrayed are Susanna and Maenan, whose story is told in the 1st and 2nd Volumes. Others are Alexander, an apostate and his young son, Hero, and Zahav, the daughter of a rabbi who has a severe mark on her face. Some of these personalities portray familiar Biblical personalities. The authors have used some historical information in helping to provide environmental imagery. It is an interesting book, with lots of drama, intensity, love and colorful detail. This is a highly suspenseful writing using graphic description in portraying evil when confronted by good.
This narration takes place from the time Jesus (who is referred to as Yeshua), is baptized and extends to the time when opposition against him becomes so intense. Yeshua's teachings and healing encourage many to follow him, and as the number of followers increase, fear and suspicion arise among the High Priest and others who begin to pursuit them and have them arrested. This is also a time when many believe in a Messiah who is to come and save them from their oppressors.
This story is made up of experiences relating to every-day struggles and events of individuals as they try to cope with the oppression and persecution. It is easy for the reader to become involved in their lives. Some of the characters portrayed are Susanna and Maenan, whose story is told in the 1st and 2nd Volumes. Others are Alexander, an apostate and his young son, Hero, and Zahav, the daughter of a rabbi who has a severe mark on her face. Some of these personalities portray familiar Biblical personalities. The authors have used some historical information in helping to provide environmental imagery. It is an interesting book, with lots of drama, intensity, love and colorful detail. This is a highly suspenseful writing using graphic description in portraying evil when confronted by good.
May 30, 2019
The best book of this series yet!
January 13, 2016
Lots of people were searching for Yeshua (Jesus) in this 3rd installment of the A.D. Chronicles series. They didn't recognize him for who he was, not even his own disciples. They were looking to be healed from afflictions, for a larger-than-life warrior King to rid them of their enemies and establish his kingdom here on earth. Because he looked like any ordinary man, they couldn't believe he was their Messiah. To help this misconception along Satan was always whispering in their ears a web of lies to effectively block them from the truth. Here we see the struggle between Yeshua and the Prince of Darkness.
New characters in this book are Zahav, born with a facial birthmark, and so destined never to marry or have children - her heart's desire. Alexander, an apostate Jew, whose wife just died and now cares for his demon-possessed four year old son Hero. Returning characters are Susanna and her blind and bitter husband Manaen, Zadok the shepherd, and once-blind beggar Peniel.
Even tho this is a fictional account of Yeshua's ministry here on earth, there is a lot to learn - "Everything means something - everything points to the coming of Messiah". Insights into symbolism and prophecy that I never heard before. An example is the parallel between Ahab and Jezebel AND Herod Antipas and Herodias. Very enlightening! Well written, thought-provoking, and with many characters in the Bible brought to life.
New characters in this book are Zahav, born with a facial birthmark, and so destined never to marry or have children - her heart's desire. Alexander, an apostate Jew, whose wife just died and now cares for his demon-possessed four year old son Hero. Returning characters are Susanna and her blind and bitter husband Manaen, Zadok the shepherd, and once-blind beggar Peniel.
Even tho this is a fictional account of Yeshua's ministry here on earth, there is a lot to learn - "Everything means something - everything points to the coming of Messiah". Insights into symbolism and prophecy that I never heard before. An example is the parallel between Ahab and Jezebel AND Herod Antipas and Herodias. Very enlightening! Well written, thought-provoking, and with many characters in the Bible brought to life.
April 25, 2010
"This is the story of the battle between The Truth and the Father of Lies. Each fought mightily for the souls of mankind. Those who witnessed the conflict firsthand could not comprehend how ancient this war was, nor what the outcome meant for generations yet to be born."
That essentially sums up this book. Jesus's "fame" is spreading, and the Enemy is trying harder and harder to prevent the Truth from triumphing over his lies. There are some new characters introduced in this book as well as some old revisited. Zahav was destined from birth to remain single and never bear children - a fate that tears her heart in pieces. Alexander has recently lost his wife and daily battles with a demon-possessed son. I knew from the beginning of the book these 2 would end up together...and I was right. :-)
I love how the Thoene's describe Jesus. There's a gentleness and compassion that leaps off of the pages. An approachableness. He welcomes and loves people and doesn't miss opportunities to share Truth - to show and tell that He is the Truth that people are searching for. He is the piece that will fill the holes in their hearts. And that isn't merely fiction.
That essentially sums up this book. Jesus's "fame" is spreading, and the Enemy is trying harder and harder to prevent the Truth from triumphing over his lies. There are some new characters introduced in this book as well as some old revisited. Zahav was destined from birth to remain single and never bear children - a fate that tears her heart in pieces. Alexander has recently lost his wife and daily battles with a demon-possessed son. I knew from the beginning of the book these 2 would end up together...and I was right. :-)
I love how the Thoene's describe Jesus. There's a gentleness and compassion that leaps off of the pages. An approachableness. He welcomes and loves people and doesn't miss opportunities to share Truth - to show and tell that He is the Truth that people are searching for. He is the piece that will fill the holes in their hearts. And that isn't merely fiction.
August 19, 2011
(To be read after "Second Touch" and before "Fourth Dawn")
Third in a series of "books" written by historical fiction character Peniel, this story chronicles more of Jesus' works during his 3-year ministry in Israel. Main characters include Alexander, an apostate Jew with a demon-possessed son; Zahav, a disfigured woman and Torah scholar; Manaen, an apostate Jew and former ward of Herod Antipas; Susanna, Manaen's grieving love; and regulars Zadok, the Talmidim, and of course, Yeshua himself.
I'd consider recommending this book to a new Christian, someone who wants to get a feel for what life was like in New Testament times. But a learned Christian would be quite frustrated with bits of fanciful contra-theology and inconsistency of tone (are they trying to write from 1st century or 21st century perspective?!).
Writing: C
Vocabulary: A-
Plot: A-
Level: Moderate
Worldview: Christian
Third in a series of "books" written by historical fiction character Peniel, this story chronicles more of Jesus' works during his 3-year ministry in Israel. Main characters include Alexander, an apostate Jew with a demon-possessed son; Zahav, a disfigured woman and Torah scholar; Manaen, an apostate Jew and former ward of Herod Antipas; Susanna, Manaen's grieving love; and regulars Zadok, the Talmidim, and of course, Yeshua himself.
I'd consider recommending this book to a new Christian, someone who wants to get a feel for what life was like in New Testament times. But a learned Christian would be quite frustrated with bits of fanciful contra-theology and inconsistency of tone (are they trying to write from 1st century or 21st century perspective?!).
Writing: C
Vocabulary: A-
Plot: A-
Level: Moderate
Worldview: Christian
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews