Chasing the Lion
Jonathan Tarquinius will steal your heart from the moment you meet him as a fatherless boy of twelve trying to escape the village bullies, to the sixteen-year-old son of a nobleman sold into slavery by his cruel step-brother, and finally as the brave gladiator destined against all odds to become the champion of Rome.
As you read Jonathan’s story, you’ll share in his resentment and fury toward those who have wronged him, tortured him, used him—from the lust-hungry wife of his master, to his greed-filled owner, and the blood-thirsty crowds that throng the auditorium. You’ll weep for him. You’ll love with him.
But will he ever find his way back to his father and home? To the woman he loves? To freedom?
Amongst the injustice, hatred, envy, and lust, Award-winning author, Nancy Kimball, weaves the beautiful story of redemption. The scarlet thread is intertwined in the narrative and dialogue of Jonathan’s childhood memories; through the love of a young slave girl who fight after fight faithfully tends his injuries and pours salve onto his wounded soul; and in the sacrificial death of a worthy opponent. No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for a friend.
Set in ancient Rome in the era of gladiators and slaves, Chasing the Lion is an epic novel written in beautiful prose. For me, every word has been a sumptuous feast and I’ve not wanted this banquet to end. Well done, Nancy. I’m so proud to call you my friend.
Blurb:
From the blood-soaked sand of the Roman arena, a divine destiny will rise.
For as long as Jonathan Tarquinius can remember, everyone has wanted something from him.
His half-brother wants him dead. His master’s wife wants his innocence. The gladiator dealers want him to fight—and die—for their greed. Rome’s most famous prostitute wants his love. And the gentle slave girl who tends the wounds on his body and the hidden ones on his soul longs for him to return to his faith.
What Jonathan wants is simple. Freedom.
But God wants something from Jonathan too—something more than anyone would ever imagine. The young warrior’s journey will push him to the limits of human endurance and teach him that true freedom is found within. The greatest battle Jonathan must ever fight will not come in the arena, but deep within himself as he is forced to choose between vengeance and mercy—with the fate of an empire and the life of the woman he loves hanging in the balance.
About the author, Nancy Kimball
Author, avid reader and shameless hero addict, Nancy Kimball makes her home in Houston, Texas. She loves history, great books with strong heroes, and doesn’t understand the point of white crayons. Her stories feature characters that must rise from brokenness to triumph, with a little love and faith along the way, solidifying her brand of storytelling, Fiction From the Ashes.
To stand a chance in the draw for an autographed print copy of Chasing the Lion by Nancy Kimball, please leave a comment and your email on this post by 13 June 2014.
Watch the exciting book trailer
“Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local or federal or international laws.”
Marion’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa, but with two gorgeous grandsons hanging their hats at the house next door, their empty nest’s no longer so empty.
Just from reading the bits and pieces on the author im reminded of Joseph’s life , almost alike , cant wait to read. Bless you
Absolutely Jane. Please will you send us your email address so that we can enter you into the competition.
Jane, thank you. The story of Joseph did inspire the premise for this gladiator tale so I’m glad you pick up that flavor. But please know it is not a retelling of Joseph’s story, as our hero Jonathan takes a very, very different path toward his destiny. God bless you, friend.
Sounds powerful! I tweeted about it, as well.
Many thanks, Sara. We appreciate that.
This story sounds engaging. It reminds me of Francine Rivers’s Mark of the Lion series, which I enjoyed a lot. Zoe M. McCarthy
Thank you, Zoe. Reviewers on Amazon are continuing to make that comparison as well but Chasing the Lion walks a very different path than the beloved Hadassah, Marcus and Atretes. But you clearly have great taste because those are some of my favorite books too!
I’m posting a response on behalf of Denise Schneider, the lovely wedding coordinator who I dealt with at Oakfield Farm with my oldest son’s wedding. Denise couldn’t access the blog, so I emailed her the review. She indicated that she’d love to be in the draw:
Thank you so much for taking the trouble to send today’s articles to me. I have read the interview you had with Nancy Kimball and I cannot wait to read Jonathan’s story. May our good Lord bless you abundantly in all that you do. Denise(at)oakfield(dot)co(dot)za
Denise, thank you friend. Jonathan’s story has a way of getting deep in the reader’s soul, and we hope it is no different for you. All the best!
I love reading and just by reading the few paragraphs of the book makes me want to stop time and immerse myself into the world of the book. Please let me me know wherebits possible to get this book even if I dont a signed copy!
Antonella, thank you and yes, be aware of when you start it as many reviewers state it is very hard to put down until finished. The e-book is available in all Amazon online locations worldwide.
I love the premise for this book and look forward to reading it. Thank you Marion. shirl.corder@gmail.com
Thank you, Shirley. Best to you.
Reading about this historical period grabs my interest, and this book promises to have all the essentials for a good read – people of different ages, difficult relationships, love and a test of character qualities. Looking forward to a holiday indulgence of hours spent soaking up the drama of lives lived long ago.
Thank you, Shann. It is my favorite period of history, which is why I chose it. Best to you!
This sounds like a non stop read! Thanks for sharing blessings
Chasing the Lion sounds absolutely amazing, Marion, and I would love the chance to win a copy. Thank you for this.
Geni and Kathleen, it is. If you don’t win it … seriously think of buying a copy. You won’t be sorry 🙂
Sounds like an awesome book to add to my collection. If I don’t win I will definitwly keep an eye out for it on the kindle store.
Bettinavana(at)gmail(dot)com
Bettina, you won’t be sorry.
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog.
I am hoping to see the same high-grade content from you
later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated
me to get my own, personal site now 😉