Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle

 

Daughter of the Rebellion - Jamie Ogle
4 Stars

Thank you to Tyndale for a gifted copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

I have really enjoyed Jamie's books on St. Valentine and St. Nicholas so when this was announced I was super pumped. This one took me a bit to get fully into, 30% or so, but once I got there, I was invested. I didn't know that female gladiators were a thing so this was very interesting to read about. Loved Felix and Adel's dynamic. Slow burn romance. Telemachus was really good too. Lots of Christian themes, courage and compassion. The arena also feels so real with the desperation of those trapped in Rome's game. Jamie really brings her stories to life. Overall, a good read for anyone who wants ancient-world Christian fiction with strong characters and faith content. 

About the Book: Set in Rome, AD 403, Adel is captured and sold to a gladiator school. She is the most famous gladiatrix in Rome. Felix despises Rome's fascination with violence. He returns from medical training to discover his father missing and his family is desperate. He accepts a position at a gladiator school managed by his uncle and meets Adel. He gets orders that compromise his beliefs and is at a crossroads. Telemachus is a Christian leader who approaches Felix with with an urgent message, if the Visigoth captives are not releases, their army will invade Rome. The emperor is insistent to have a deadly day of gladiatorial games. Telemachus wants to save the Visigoth fighters and Felix and Adel join forces in a rebellion.

Content/Trigger Warnings: violence within gladiator arenas, violence, death, murder, themes of sexual assault captivity, war themes, mentions of past trauma, Christian persecution, drugs, clean romance, slavery

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As Sure As The Sea by Jamie Ogle

 As Sure As The Sea by Jamie Ogle - 5 Stars

Another powerful historical novel that will immerse you in the dangerous world of early Christianity under the Roman Empire's persecution. Set in AD 310, this explored themes of faith, sacrifice and redemption through the lives of Demi and Niko. Jamie Ogle crafts another great historical fiction story - this time in the form of St. Nicholas' story.

I loved her St. Valentine story, Of Love and Treason, and this one was another beautiful faith filled story. The attention to historical detail is great - she really brings to life the bustling city and the dangers of pearl/coral diving. I think fans of Francine Rivers and Tessa Afshar would enjoy Jamie's books because they are early church history style.

In this book, Demitria (Demi) makes a small living harvesting coral and pearls for a merchant. We kick off the book with her and her brother out on their boat when her brother gets hurt. This is when she meets Nikolas and he helps her and her brother. Nikolas (Niko) has guilt from his brother's death and as the new pastor in Myra, he is determined to use his wealth for good. Demi helps Niko retrieve his lost fortune to help others in need. These two form a romance but circumstances happen that separate them and a very dangerous situation ensues. 

Overall, I loved the main message of faith through their trials - no matter what. Demi's ultimate test of faith was shown here and very well done. Niko's strength in his trials and faith not being wavered - absolutely POWERFUL and INSPIRING. The message of the Gospel was also ever present and I so appreciate that!

"The only thing that mattered was the blood of Jesus Christ covered him. There was nothing less, nothing more he could do to affect the love and grace God bestowed on him. On all those who believed."

I loved the ending of this book most of all. I cried. I was moved. Highly recommend! Thank you to Tyndale for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7140307632
Amazon: https://amzn.to/41AhCbR
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/597353

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Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle 

4.5 Stars (Rounding up to 5 Stars on Goodreads).

A Powerful and Moving Story of Faith, Love, and Sacrifice - A St. Valentine Retelling 

WOW. This is a stunning historical novel. From the very first page, I was captivated by the gripping story of Valentine, a man of unwavering faith who stands boldly against an emperor. He is full of bravery, compassion, and devotion to Christ. There are some beautiful salvation stories in this book thanks to Valentine!

Iris truly stole my heart too. Her longing for physical and spiritual sight was beautifully written, and her transformation was breathtaking. The way she discovers faith amidst the dangers of Rome, all while navigating her relationship with Valentine, made for an emotionally rich and deeply compelling story. 

We see such an important focus on standing for Christ in this book. We see how hard it was to be labeled a Christian during this dark time of history. We see the trust in God's goodness here, even when He doesn't answer prayers when we think He should. Specifically in the ending. The ending made me CRY so much because of the beauty shown in sacrifice and faith. 

The author brings ancient Rome to life, from the political tensions to the early church’s desperate struggle to survive. The stakes felt real, and the danger ever-present. It puts me in the mind of the Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers, which is also a historical fiction but it's set during biblical times. This book is not a biblical fiction, as its two centuries after the Bible was finished, but it is more of an early church historical fiction set during Rome, AD 270.

Overall, I loved this so much. While some of the romance elements were not my favorite as the pacing was a bit slower in that part, I completely see why the author added that in there. She needed someone to truly love Valentine for the faith impact at the ending to make sense. This book is an absolute must-read for fans of Christian historical fiction. It’s unforgettable. I know this is not biblical fiction, but I think if you like biblical fiction, this would be one you enjoy due to the early church history side of things in this. Certainly a favorite book of 2025 for me. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6266622296

Amazon: https://amzn.to/40P8f7U

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/540784

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