FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If you want to become the man God calls you to be, you must give more than your mind to Jesus. You must surrender everything, including your pain.”
The Lion of Corinth by Katrina Hamel begins with a gripping opening, pulling readers into an ancient world filled with sights, sounds, and an adventure that wasn’t easily forgotten. As the main character, Marcus ‘the Lion’ Leos, declares his faith in Christ and loses everything, this biblical fiction novel unfolds like a historical road trip. The vivid characterization gave a raw, gritty feel as the perspective shifted between Marcus, Selene the seer, and Aela, an orphan desperately trying to rescue her sister. The story was already captivating, but the connection between the three characters revealed midway through was both surprising and stunning. Even the villain was well-crafted—I found myself torn between rooting for Cassius’s demise and being on the edge of my seat, wondering how he would meet his end or if he would.
The beautiful faith thread weaves a wonderful story of redemption, plucking discordant chords of insecurity and forgiveness as they coexist in a single heart. The narrative’s central theme throbs with an evangelistic heartbeat, colliding with the strain of persecution prevalent for the times. This book truly immersed me in the ancient Roman Empire, bringing the scandalous city of Corinth to life through a rich tapestry of details. Though the romance is slight, the story’s themes of lost love, found family, and Christian hospitality are what make it truly remarkable. The ending prompted deep contemplation of the immeasurable grace of God. For those who love biblical fiction, The Lion of Corinth offers an unforgettable journey through sacred history.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for the synopsis and purchase link.
About the Author
Katrina Hamel lives in the beautiful province of Alberta, Canada with her husband and four children. As a life-long believer in Jesus Christ, Hamel loves to share the good news of the Bible through immersive Biblical Fiction. Hamel’s passion for responsible study and her love of first-century history lends authenticity to her narratives. With an earnest desire to understand women’s roles in the Bible and within the ministry of Jesus, Hamel is excited to present Bible fiction in a way that highlights women’s value while staying true to ancient culture.
When she’s not writing or researching, Hamel loves to play board games, sip iced coffee on the back deck, and enjoy bike rides with the family. You can connect with Hamel through her blog at katrinadhamel.com, where she explores the Christian faith with a focus on the daily lives and roles of women in the New Testament world.
Devoted Steps 