4 out of 4 stars
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The Son of God Series Book 1: Unto Us by Sharon Lindsay is a historical fiction book about the life of Jesus Christ. It is a story that spans the time from his birth to his childhood.
The book begins by exploring the life of Mary, who is the mother of Jesus. She encounters an angel, and the angel proclaims the birth of the Messiah and John (the forerunner of Jesus). However, Mary is espoused to Joseph, and she is of Jewish descent. Mary’s parents find it hard to believe their daughter's story about an angel appearing to her. Later, Mary gets pregnant as prophesied. Joseph feels betrayed, and their trust in God is thoroughly tested. Jesus is born in Bethlehem, but the child faces strong opposition from King Herod. Herod believes that Jesus was born to take his place.
The author brings the entire story of Jesus and how others are affected by his birth to life. For instance, the impact of Herod’s decree, to execute all the children below the age of 2 in Bethlehem, on the populace. Herod orders the killings, but Jesus and his parents escape. The sentiments of the people involved are explored. Furthermore, the book provides valuable insight into the story of creation, the fall of man, and the account of the fallen angels.
I love the fictional elements of the book. The intricate and beautifully narrated plot is highly commendable. Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph’s dream, and their journey out of Israel and back are some of the scenes you should anticipate. The book helps one to understand Joseph’s perspective concerning accepting the responsibility of being the child’s father. The obligation of a father can be a herculean task, especially when it involves a child that is not his. Furthermore, the many challenges the parents face in trying to cope with a son that possesses God's Spirit and powers are expressed realistically. In addition, I appreciate the “index of character” section inserted at the end of the book. It helps to differentiate the fictional characters from the non-fictional ones.
I would have loved to read about how other children and neighbors (excluding relatives) feel and relate to Jesus through his growing years. Notwithstanding, I give the book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The book is professionally edited, and it does not contain any noticeable grammatical error. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction books of religious themes. It can be used to teach children about the birth of Christ as well as assist in reaching out to non-believers in the Christian faith.
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The Son of God Series Book 1
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