Rating: 
Summary: Historically accurate novelization of actual events
Review: Accounts of the early Christians in ancient Rome sometimes portray all Roman characters as evil, cruel and greedy. Maier provides a more nuanced understanding of the sitatution through his sympathetic portrayal of Flavius Sabinus, a Roman administrator (not himself a Christian) who acts as as an advocate and protector when the wife of a friend is placed in jeopardy because of her religious beliefs. The story generates suspense even though the major culminating events (the burning of Rome and the subsequent execution of Christians by Nero) are well known. This novel was much, much better than I expected based on the title, the cover art, and the commentary on the cover. There was nothing preachy in the narration of the story. Historical fiction readers who do not generally read "Christian fiction" will find that this well researched novel provides a plausible look at life in first century Rome. Through the character of Flavius Sabinus, Maier showed that there were at least a few individual Romans who were horrified, rather than entertained, by Nero's execution of Christians.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Historical Fiction of Ancient Rome
Review: Along w/ historical notes by a well-respected historian, Flames of Rome offers an interesting and attention-capturing account of Nero's persection of the Christians in 65 AD. Characters are well developed and believable. If you like historical fiction, that is heavy on the history and less on the fiction, this is the book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: well-documented, poor writing
Review: Although this book partially describes the same events as the Claudius novels by Robert Graves, it *never* comes close to the quality of Graves's writing.(on second thought, and to be perfectly frank, I must add that I've read this book in Dutch translation) Perhaps Maier is too eager to display his profound historical knowledge, but in any case he does not have the ability to construct a proper novel from this rich material. Some characters enter and leave the story without any introduction or background and remain shallow throughout the book. Towards the end, it gets better as the fascinating story of the start of the Christian religion is described.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Dr. Maier is an incredible author and scholar of history. He tells and excellent story and also educates the reader about Roman history in the first century. I have had the pleasure of taking a class taught by Dr. Maier, the man is incredible. Please pick up one of his books, you will surely put it down.....fully read.
Rating:
Summary: Maier Is A Master Storyteller
Review: From the author of A Skeleton In God's Closet. Outstanding historical fiction, telling the story of Nero's rise to power as emperor of Rome, why he "went bad," and climaxing in the infamous burning of Rome that was blamed on the Christians. This book takes a plethora of historical research, uses that as its foundation, and fills in the blanks with some fine speculation and character enhancement by Maier. It makes history come alive, with vivid brush strokes. This is a definate hidden gem, and one that anyone interested in this era will want to search out.
Rating:
Summary: Maier Is A Master Storyteller
Review: From the author of A Skeleton In God's Closet. Outstanding historical fiction, telling the story of Nero's rise to power as emperor of Rome, why he "went bad," and climaxing in the infamous burning of Rome that was blamed on the Christians. This book takes a plethora of historical research, uses that as its foundation, and fills in the blanks with some fine speculation and character enhancement by Maier. It makes history come alive, with vivid brush strokes. This is a definate hidden gem, and one that anyone interested in this era will want to search out.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible work by an incredible author.
Review: Having sat through many sermons of Dr. Maier, I have experienced the amazing depth of knowledge he possesses. This book is certainly not lacking, either. I came away from reading this book much more knowledgeable on the matter of the start of the Christian church than I could have through any other means, other than if I were actually to have lived back then. You can even refer to the New Testament and find the same characters, and not just Paul et al. _The Flames of Rome_ may be a novel, but it's as close to the truth as one can get without a videocamera. This book is a definite must read for anyone who would like to know more about the origins of the Christian faith.
Rating:
Summary: What a great story!
Review: I couldn't put this book down. If you want feel like you're actually living ancient Rome this is the book for you. I've also read "Pontius Pilate" also by Maier and I'm looking for more. How come I didn't find out about this great author sooner?
Rating:
Summary: Facinating glimpse into the lives and times of Ancient Rome
Review: I love reading historical novels and I have found Maier's amoung the best. I appreciate that he gives a chapter by chapter account of what is based on fact. This book was facinating!!! Nero, life in those times, the games at Circus Maximus, the history of the early church! I highly recommend this one!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and moving book.
Review: One of my favorite books! The story is incredibly moving and inspirational. Strengthened my faith to see the faith of these martyrs in action. The heavy historical documentation only caused me to honor these Christian heroes even more and hope to live my life similarly. Strongly recommend this book!
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