1. The Advocate
    Randy Singer
    Tyndale House / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$12.49 Retail Price$15.99 Save 22% ($3.50)
    4.8 out of 5 stars for The Advocate. View reviews of this product. 34 Reviews
4.8 Stars Out Of 5
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Displaying items 1-5 of 34
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  1. Pam Burke
    Potosi, MO
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Intriguing Biblical time period fiction
    July 23, 2016
    Pam Burke
    Potosi, MO
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 0
    Value: 0
    Meets Expectations: 0
    The Advocate is quite different from Randy Singer's usual contemporary legal thrillers. It is historical fiction set in New Testament times, with both real and fictional characters as well as real and fictional events. It was a story, though, that I found very intriguing.

    While the details came from a mixture of Biblical facts, historical facts, and fictional thoughts from the author's mind, the story helped bring to life some of what the world was like where Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament people lived. Whether or not the Theophilus Luke mentioned in his writings actually came into contact with Pontius Pilate, Paul, or Jesus, imagining the events from his perspective made for a very compelling story.
  2. eb7bibliophile
    High Desert West
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Excellent and Intense Historical Realism
    July 30, 2014
    eb7bibliophile
    High Desert West
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This reminds me of a courtroom drama, only better, with more depth and intensity. Mr. Singer is masterful at drawing us into the world of the first century. The historical scenes and figures were fascinating. He portrayed them from the viewpoint of Theophilus, the advocate, then he created narratives from various other viewpoints, making a compelling drama. He used real figures and added details, extra characters, and dialogue that really sound feasible. I loved the quotations from philosophers. It is a tragic story but has a message of hope. The research really made this exceptional.
  3. jacquiR
    Illinois
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    The Advocate
    February 13, 2015
    jacquiR
    Illinois
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for The Advocate.
    The Advocate by Randy Singer is a great book for those interested in historical stories, set in classical times. He creates a story about a young Roman boy, Theophilus, (mentioned in the scriptures but about whom little is known) who is fortunate to be a student of the famous, Seneca the Younger. The boys rise to the position of an esteemed advocate is the focus of the novel. His life interacts with such historical figures as Agrippa, Claudius, Caligula, Nero, Pilate, and more. Singer interweaves the stories of fictional characters, Flavia and Mansuetus. Flavia is an honored Vestal Virgin, and Mansuetus is an adored and successful gladiator. Their attraction to each other is forbidden by law; yet, they cannot deny their love.

    After six years of study in Greece, Theophilus is assigned to serve as an assessore for Pilate in Judea. He accompanies Pilate to Jerusalem for the great Jewish feast of the Passover, and there he encounters the Nazarene. What he advises Pilate in the case of the Nazarene haunts him for the rest of his life. He witnesses the torture and crucifixion of Jesus, and he is ashamed to be a Roman.

    Years later after Theophilus is married and has a teen-aged son, he encounters the Apostle Paul. He is asked to defend Paul against Roman charges and is introduced into the movement of the Way which changes his life forever.

    The novel includes the horrific and cruel actions of the Romans, the ineffectual and violent leadership of the emperors, the bloody and deplorable Circus games, and conspiracies. However, he depicts the hope and change in the lives of the people who encounter the Nazarene and his followers, like Paul, and even the wife of Pontius Pilate. The novel shares the history of Rome and the emergence of Christianity. The reader feels that he is a part of that time, seeing it as it was, immersed in the drama. As a former Latin teacher, I highly recommend this book which will sweep you up into the stories of Theophilus, Flavia, Mansuetus, and many more well-defined characters. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.

  4. Nancee
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Powerful!
    February 2, 2015
    Nancee
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for The Advocate.
    "He defied an emperor and inspired a faith." The Advocate is historical fiction, the story of Theophilus, a character about whom very little is known. As a fourteen-year-old Theophilus suffers crucifixion at the hands of his peers, leading to his education continuing in Greece. Through his association with Pontias Pilate he was instrumental in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a decision he later regrets and spends the rest of his life in remorse and atonement. Political and legalistic protocol from that time in history is the focus throughout this well researched book.

    Incorporating historical fact with fiction Randy Singer has created a powerful novel that is unforgettable. This book is not for the faint of heart. There is graphic detailing of violence and bloodshed, an open and realistic portrayal of the life and times. Detailing and historical accuracy reveal the author's in-depth research in order to bring this book to fruition. Details in legalism and the customs from this period in history are compelling. This is a tough book to digest, with much to absorb, but well worth the time to read and ponder the events from that period of time.

    Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
  5. Jean
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Awesome Story!
    January 22, 2015
    Jean
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Since I had read one other book by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was anxious to read this book, especially when I learned that it revolved around the drama of an attorney (advocate), as I love legal themes. I was not disappointed. I LOVED this book! Although it is centered around the time of Christ, it did not focus on the story that we all know. It portrayed the legal system in that era and allowed the reader to witness the many examples of how "justice" was handled. It brought the leaders that ruled the people, to life, giving us a taste of not only the events of the times, but the huge difference between how sentences were meted out at that time vs today. So often, I wanted to shout out my frustration at reading the outcome of the trials of the defendants and how the defendants were at the mercy of these emperors and their "handlers".

    Aside from the legalities, there were so many exciting twists and turns that held you riveted to the story. It centered around Theophilus, who assisted Pontius Pilate at the sentencing of Jesus Christ. He felt that he made a mistake in the advice that he gave Pilate and spent the rest of his life regretting it and attempting to make up for it. Wonderful, wonderful story!!!

    I highly recommend this book. I received this book from the author through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying items 1-5 of 34
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