Chasing the Lion by Nancy KimballMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jonathan Tarquinius will steal your heart from the moment you meet him as a fatherless boy of twelve trying to escape the village bullies, to the sixteen-year-old son of a nobleman sold into slavery by his cruel step-brother, and finally as the brave gladiator destined against all odds to become the champion of Rome.
As you read Jonathan’s story, you’ll share in his resentment and fury toward those who have wronged him, tortured him, used him—from the lust-hungry wife of his master, to his greed-filled owner, and the blood-thirsty crowds that throng the auditorium. You’ll weep for him. You’ll love with him.
But will he ever find his way back to his father and home? To the woman he loves? To freedom?
Amongst the injustice, hatred, envy, and lust, Award-winning author, Nancy Kimball, weaves the beautiful story of redemption. The scarlet thread is intertwined in the narrative and dialogue of Jonathan’s childhood memories; through the love of a young slave girl who fight after fight faithfully tends his injuries and pours salve onto his wounded soul; and in the sacrificial death of a worthy opponent. No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for a friend.
Set in ancient Rome in the era of gladiators and slaves, Chasing the Lion is an epic novel written in beautiful prose. For me, every word has been a sumptuous feast and I’ve not wanted this banquet to end. Well done, Nancy. I’m so proud to call you my friend.
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