Disclosure: I received this book to review. The post and giveaway form contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are 100% mine.
Most of my favorite stories are focused on romance. Period dramas, teen love, young adult relationships….it’s what hits home with me. That’s why I was just as surprised as the next person when The Advocate became one of my new favorites! This historical fiction novel drives us into the cruel reign of Caligula, tossing us like leaves in the wind throughout some of the biggest legal battles of ancient history. Although it’s a work of fiction, it’s difficult to separate the story from history. The Advocate is told through the eyes of Theophilus. I don’t typically read books that have a male main character, so this was another switch for me. In this giveaway, one lucky reader will win a copy of The Advocate!
I’m a pretty softhearted person, so even in middle school I tended to gloss over the Caligula and Nero notes in school. Even while typing this, thinking about the two of them makes me wrinkle my nose in disgust. The Advocate has some pretty graphic sections, as you might imagine if you know anything about Roman history. Try not to skip too much in this book, though, because every chapter is a tiny bit of magnificent. There’s a cast of characters in the front of the book which is quite helpful. It’s confusing to keep up with everyone. Singer has a beautiful way with words. I could hear the public speeches as if the words bounced off the marble columns. I’ve always wanted to visit Rome; in a way, I feel as though I did through this book. The Advocate is a powerful read that will stay with you for a long time! I would love to see this as a movie.
Singer must have been immersed in research for months (years?) because the tiniest details have been attended in this book. While biblical events are included as part of historical background, the story is entirely separate. It’s not completely devoid of romance, but romantic love isn’t the central focus of The Advocate. Instead, we learn what it’s like to feel tremendous regret and how to make things right again. In an interesting twist, it seems that The Advocate hints of changing times for America as well. Have we entered a crossroads like that found in The Advocate?
Would you like to read this book?
I read all the Roman historical fiction I can get my hands on. Thanks!
I remember reading a lot of this kind of book when I was in high school.
I have really enjoyed reading books based on this era. This one sounds fascinating!
looks like a wonderful book to read!
I am trying to read more Christian books of all genres to try to get a deeper learning.
I enjoy reading about history and I have been wanting to learn more about the Roman Empire, so this sounds like a perfect book to read for me!
I’d like to read it because I love historical fiction.
I have always like Roman history, so this would be interesting
Sounds good!
I am a big fan of historical fiction and I also value the Christian theme of this book.
Connie
I love historical fiction almost as much as I love reading Romance. I am an advocate of most all of your genres. The Roman era is also very interesting to me.
interesting premise
I’m fascinated by this genre- it sounds great!
I would like to read this to better understand the laws and justice of Biblical times.
Need a break from stories about ivory tower law firms and want to get down and dirty in the streets! The story line looks very imaginative. Looks really true to life.
I read “The Last Plea Bargain” by Randy Singer, so I know he’s a good writer. Since I also enjoy historical fiction, this would be a perfect match for me. It’s already on my Amazon Wish List.
I enjoy reading historical fiction.
I’d like to win a copy of The Advocate because it’s the genre I most like to read.
This books sounds really good…I would like to read it because I love historical fiction and I need a good one to read right now!
I would love to read The Advocate because I adore historical fiction.
I like historical fiction that is not full of ‘garbage’ so a Christian historical fiction book is perfect for me.
This is the kind of book I love to read!
I greatly enjoy ancient Roman history and this would be a great one to experience. I like that it is not told as a Biblical story but as a historical fiction.
I love this type of book, Roman history, Biblical history!
I love this genre!
The Advocate will be an interesting read.
I enjoy historical fiction and this books sounds intriguing.
This sounds like such an exciting book!
What really draws me to this book is that it reminds me of Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian. I love this type of book that takes history and tweaks things slightly to incorporate a story. It’s hard to find them set back so far in time – usually it’s Victorian era romance, or something similar. Would love to check this out!
I enjoy historical fiction.
This looks like a great read!
I was never interested in ancient history & civilizations when I was in school. But as I’ve gotten older it’s become more interesting to me, too. I’d love to read this to give myself some knowledge on a subject I’m not too educated in yet.
This book sounds like it would be a very interesting read.
I like to expand my horizons-therefore, I want to read this book
Historical fiction is cool- one of my fave genres!
The Advocate sounds like an interesting book.
I love historically based books, this sounds like it would be a good read.
These kinds of stories are right up my alley!
I would probably pick this up at the bookstore- it’s the kind of book I love!
This one sounds very interesting! :o) Thank you for the giveaway!
The Advocate looks like a book I would want to read.
I never cared for history in school. Now historical fiction is my fave!
I love books, and I always want to try something new.
This is an unusual legal thriller by Randy Singer because it involves the historical details of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus as well as the growth of Christianity even as people faced incredible torture for their faith. I love books like this that make history come alive. Randy Singer has gone to some early legal roots by putting his protagonist in 1st century Rome.
I enjoy reading this genre!
Oooh, this sounds cool. I love historical fiction pieces like this. History was never a subject I cared for in school with the way it was taught, but exposing it in a way that has a story to it (even fictionalized), I learn more and remember the facts. Would love to read it!
Historical fiction rocks!
I love reading. I read 20-25 books per month. This would be a great one to read.
This looks like a very good book
I love the subject and I love to read!
I love reading
I ENJOY READING
I want to read the work of Randy Singer!
Sounds like I will learn a little bit while reading. I love it.
I love reading these kinds of books!
I want to read The Advocate because I like historically based books.
READING IS SOMETHING THAT I LIKE TO DO ESPECIALLY ON WINTERY WEEKENDS
I love reading these kinds of books!
I love reading new books
this book looks good to read
I would like to read the work of a Randy Singer.
I like reading new books
I enjoy reading all kinds of books. Thank you for the giveaway!
I want to read this book because I am interested in reading about this colorful historical person.
It sounds like an interesting read.