Title: The Last
Temple
Author: Hank
Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer
Pages: 326
Year: 2012
Publisher: Tyndale
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988
The
setting is Caesarea in 67 A.D. as the story begins. The main character, Vitas, is posing as a
slave in a Roman official’s household.
He has been sent in as a spy by his brother, who is a slave hunter, to
investigate a domestic situation. As
they escort the official’s wife as she shops in the market, there is an
assassination attempt on her husband, and the Jews are declared the guilty
party as well as the master’s slaves.
The slaves are arrested, pronounced guilty, and sentenced to be
crucified. The story is fast-paced and
doesn’t slow down after this exciting beginning.
Vitas has
arrived in Caesarea after being secretly rescued from fighting in the arena, a
fight to the death. He has been sent a
secret message to go to Caesarea to meet someone. Who is he to meet? He is hoping to find a clue in the market
place. Now, however, that he is in jail
awaiting execution, he desperately hopes his brother will arrive in time to
free him. As a former soldier, Vitas knows
how people are crucified and has witnessed this form of punishment. Does his brother arrive in time?
Vitas
was married, but believes his wife is dead.
He loved his wife very much and misses her greatly. He was among the inner circle of Emperor Nero’s
advisors. Nero made a play for Vitas’
wife and Vitas attacked Nero, thus earning a death sentence. Then, Nero invites Vitas’ wife to “draw a
bath”, which is a euphemism for committing suicide. This takes place in the first book of the
series, but explains the deep feelings of hatred and desire for vengeance Vitas
has for Nero. His wife was a Jew, who
came to believe Christ was the promised Messiah. Vitas is not a believer, but he wants to
be. Every time he gets close to surrendering
to Christ, something holds him back.
Will he ever truly believe and come to know Christ? Will he ever get revenge against Nero? How long will the Romans put up with
continued Jewish rebellion before action is taken? Will the Romans go so far as to really destroy the temple in Jerusalem?
This is
the third story in this series. There is
plenty of action, betrayal, plotting, and political intrigue to keep the story
moving right along. The characters are
well-developed and realistic. There is
no time to get bored with all that happens!
You will definitely want to read this novel from these two great
authors.
My rating is 4 stars.
