I had expected debauchery. I mean it's Rome we're talking about. The book was really interesting. It's a violent/romantic book but the teens are going to enjoy it. Honestly aside from being a monk, I don't know how you could live a 2020 Christian life during that time period of history. The book moves pretty quickly and I enjoyed how the two characters were portrayed. My only pet peeve was how long this book was. It's over 400 pages and the ending is...I don't wan't to take away the surprise, but the author is going to need to write a lot more pages to answer the remaining questions.

I received this book in exchange for a honest review.

Brandulf Rex, whom Rome considers a German barbarian, joins Constantine's army as an elite spy after Constantine spares his life. This book delves into the history of how the Catholic Church got a foothold in Rome which previously was persecuting the Christians. Things are beginning to change even to the point that Emperor Constantine has an army to back him up.

Junia Flavia is a Christian woman who is the daughter of a senator that finds herself in a fight for the plight of Christians in the pagan Roman senate. Eventually through the turmoil of Rome's civil war, Rex and Junia's paths converge. The characters are great and they all change drastically throughout the book. This story is filled with adventure, conquest, and twists that made this historical time come to life. If you are interested in the history of Rome and the early Catholic Church this is the book for you.

I have been on a reading splurge of author Litfin's and I especially enjoyed his other series (futuristic medieval) and this one with the ancient Roman/German atmosphere was a good one to get lost into too.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

In The Conqueror, Bryan Litfin explores the contrast between the two very different cultures sharing the same time and space, while also portraying the reality that the One True God is available to all. All in all, I enjoyed this book and appreciated its realism within historical context. However, I do feel that I should temper my recommendation by stating that this book veers to the edge of propriety within the realm of Christian fiction. Still, it is important to realize and remember these things, pondering what those who came before us in the faith endured to advance the cause of Christ.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are completely genuine.

I really enjoyed learning about Ancient Rome and how Constantine becomes Emperor. I love the characters of Brandulf Rex and Junia Flavia. I love how the spy and the daughter of a high ranking Roman get to be friends. I loved learning some of the ways that the first Christians prayed and celebrated the mass. This has romance, intrigue and religion all in the same story. This is well written and kept me wanting more. I am looking forward to reading more about Constantine, Rex and Flavia in the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin is the first novel I have read by this author, so I was not sure what to expect. The author makes it clear the story is not Biblical fiction but historical fiction, and I would agree. I appreciated the vast knowledge of the Roman era--everything from the description of the local bathhouses to the food that was found on the character's plates. The detail is exquisite and brings the ancient Roman empire to life on the page. I enjoyed learning about the training and life of a speculator, or spy. The fight/action scenes were well written, full of tension, and easily followed. I stood in awe with Flavia at Rex's ability to defend, disarm, or throw to the ground any who dared to challenge him.

I also enjoyed the discussion between early Christians about their doctrine and faith. It was interesting to see their rituals, and how following Jesus translated into their lives as Roman citizens. It definitely made them stand out from the mob. We could learn a lesson or two from these brave believers!

For me, it took me a while to become engaged in this story. It was over 100 pages before the hero and heroine meet each other, but the action quickly escalates from there. And while I liked the conspiracy of rebellion and the web of spies, the action often lagged in between events.

I know in the culture of the time immorality ran rampant, but it did seem over-emphasized in this story. For someone like me who reads only clean/sweet romance, the talk of brash adultery, casual dalliances, etc., maybe too much. I will say there were no explicit scenes only crude dialogue.

Overall, I'm a little conflicted about The Conqueror. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy the rich detail of the period, but those who read strictly Christian fiction may be disappointed by some of the more crude sexual discussions.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.