Rating: 
Summary: Intrigue of Nero and Peter and Paul
Review: That start of the church is fascinating time, and Maier is adapt at capturing this by adducing from history (which he is a prominent scholar of) and then placing this history in excellent prose, story form.The spread of Christianity to Rome and the troubles Nero is having with the ghettos provide the backdrop here for Luke's writing to Theopholis (Acts 1, Luke 1). The spread of the church via the diaspora was central to its launch outside the Middle East, via the Greek language and commerce on an ever growing world.
Rating: 
Summary: More history than fiction
Review: The subtitle, "A Documentary Novel," is accurate. The author's novel (pun intended) approach to writing this book was to use only historical personages, and to take no literary license. Fiction there is, but no historical fact is contradicted, and the fill-in fictionalizing is done on the most probabalistic lines. This genre of work is just a few degrees removed from that of Edmund Morris' "Dutch," the Reagan bio into which the author inserted himself as a ficticious person. The detailed notes appended to the story validate the scope and many of the details of the plot. The minute research and command of all surviving historical works from the period, down to unpublished inscriptions found on ruins across the breadth of the Roman Empire, mark the author as among the most deeply versed Classicists alive. As literature, the book's readable and fast-paced plot does not rise to the level of "Quo Vadis?" or "Ben Hur," but easily compares with "The Robe." A stimulating and enjoyable read - all the more facinating because all of the named characters are authentically historical. -Lloyd A. Conway
Rating:
Summary: More history than fiction
Review: The subtitle, "A Documentary Novel," is accurate. The author's novel (pun intended) approach to writing this book was to use only historical personages, and to take no literary license. Fiction there is, but no historical fact is contradicted, and the fill-in fictionalizing is done on the most probabalistic lines. This genre of work is just a few degrees removed from that of Edmund Morris' "Dutch," the Reagan bio into which the author inserted himself as a ficticious person. The detailed notes appended to the story validate the scope and many of the details of the plot. The minute research and command of all surviving historical works from the period, down to unpublished inscriptions found on ruins across the breadth of the Roman Empire, mark the author as among the most deeply versed Classicists alive. As literature, the book's readable and fast-paced plot does not rise to the level of "Quo Vadis?" or "Ben Hur," but easily compares with "The Robe." A stimulating and enjoyable read - all the more facinating because all of the named characters are authentically historical. -Lloyd A. Conway
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating.
Review: This documentary novel is really how all history should be written: in an enjoyable, inviting retelling of historical events, from the perspective of the actual historic people. Not only is the book well written, but you grow a strong attachment to the characters; even traditionally despised characters like Nero you grow a strong attachment for and feel sorry for him when he dies. Maier does well to keep biases out of the book and portray each character, whether deemed good or evil by history, believable and, most of all, human. It is fascinating to note to yourself that what you are reading really happened. The conversations and plots of the times are nothing less than riveting, and you'll find yourself wanting to read on to see what happens to each victim of each plot (the Romans were very clever in securing their power through devious and violent ways). The only minor issue I have with the book is that Sabinus, because he is the main character, is often a central figure in most of the happenings, including being a pretty close friend to both Christian church fathers Paul and Peter while in history (and Maier admits in his notes, thankfully) that most of Sabinus' involvement is only presumed or contrived. Also, since Maier himself is a Christian, there is a slight bias in favor of Christianity within the novel. But those minor details aside, this is a great book for anyone to read.
Rating:
Summary: Flames
Review: This is one of the most moving pieces of literature I have ever read. I couldn't put it down. It is very factual, and well crafted. The last copy of this book I bought has been read so many times it fell apart!
Rating:
Summary: Maier brings history alive
Review: This is the second documentary novel by Dr. Maier (see Pontius Pilate) and is a great introduction to the complex history of the period ruled by Claudius and Nero. Maier takes the primary source material and crafts it into a novel which nontheless stays as true to history as is capable.
I learned much more about the background to the New Testament Church from this book than I did with many seminary bible classes. Dr. Maier actually footnotes many key elements of his novel, and the footnotes will lead you into the tangle of primary sources without getting too lost.
If you want to understand what Paul and the early Church were up against, by all means pick up this book.
4 stars (not 5) due to some slighlty juvenile romance between some of the main characters that takes a little pleasure out of the experience.
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