From Library Journal
The Thoenes conclude their epic "Zion Legacy" series with another story-in-a-story, much like the previous The Jerusalem Scrolls and Stones of Jerusalem. Moshe Sachar is hidden beneath the Temple Mount during Israel's 1948 war of independence. When he opens another of the temple's ancient scrolls, the action shifts to first century CE. Word is spreading of the miracles performed by a mysterious prophet named Yeshua. The unlikely people Yeshua has touched--a Roman centurion, three orphan boys, and a rabbi from the high council--are all conflicted, wondering whether Yeshua is the Messiah. Only the head shepherd in Bethlehem is confident of Yeshua's true identity. As Passover approaches, an unruly mob in Jerusalem provokes Pontius Pilate to violence against them, and rumor spreads that Yeshua will spend the holiday there. Unfortunately, the novel never returns to the framing story set in 1948, so readers have no idea what happens to Moshe and his family. How satisfied readers will be with the inconclusive ending is debatable, but all libraries will want to complete the series. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
This is the sixth and supposedly last entry of the ZionLegacy series, following Stones of Jerusalem [BKL Ja 1 & 15 02]. Yeshua appears briefly and with none of the majesty of Stones of Jerusalem, sending his Sparrows--three street urchins--to carry a message to the shepherd Zadok in Bethlehem. Their journey is entertaining, though their message hardly seems vital. They become apprentice shepherds for Zadok in some winning but irrelevant scenes. Miryam is barely onstage in this installment, but she appears long enough for the Thoenes to hint of Nakdimon's love for her. Miryam's old love, Marcus Longinus, is more in evidence than Miryam, but the Thoenes jerk him around with their version of New Testament history, rendering him weak, or at least ineffective. Though events drift toward a violent climax, and Yeshua appears once more, this volume really doesn't go anywhere and leaves many plot strands dangling. If this is truly the end, it's a dreadfully disappointing one. John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
In this bestselling series Bodie and Brock Thoene have thrilled readers with an epic tale chronicling the struggle for the world's holiest and most turbulent city. As Jerusalem's Hope opens, strategist Moshe Sachar remains hidden in a secret tunnel beneath the Temple Mount, safely removed from the chaos of Israel's 1948 war of independence, while the funeral of an elder rabbi proceeds above him. Using the instructions the rabbi gave him before his death, Moshe opens another sacred scroll and is once again transported to the dramatic biblical story of a charismatic but mysterious prophet. As word of the miracles performed by this seer spreads, bloody violence erupts, threatening the future of the Roman state and revealing the prophet's surprising identity.

About the Author
Bodie and Brock Thoene are the authors of thirty-two novels including the first five volumes of the Zion Legacy series. They are also the authors of a new series, the a.d. Chronicles. They live in Nevada and London, England.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this bestselling series Bodie and Brock Thoene have thrilled readers with an epic tale chronicling the struggle for the world's holiest and most turbulent city. As Jerusalem's Hope opens, strategist Moshe Sachar remains hidden in a secret tunnel beneath the Temple Mount, safely removed from the chaos of Israel's 1948 war of independence, while the funeral of an elder rabbi proceeds above him. Using the instructions the rabbi gave him before his death, Moshe opens another sacred scroll and is once again transported to the dramatic biblical story of a charismatic but mysterious prophet. As word of the miracles performed by this seer spreads, bloody violence erupts, threatening the future of the Roman state and revealing the prophet's surprising identity.

Author Biography: Bodie and Brock Thoene are the authors of thirty-two novels including the first five volumes of the Zion Legacy series. They are also the authors of a new series, the a.d. Chronicles. They live in Nevada and London, England.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal