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A.D. Chronicles #4
Fourth Dawn
Where is the promised liberator who will set the world right?
No one is secure in Judea. Betrayal and suspicion are the coin of the realm as King Herod plunges deeper into madness, determined to hold on to his kingdom . . . no matter the price.
Young Mary of Nazareth receives an unusual visitor as she tends a cow in her parents’ barn. What he tells her will change everything about her life . . . and impact all those in Judea and beyond, for eternity! Yet will Yosef, her betrothed, believe her? Or will she lose the one she loves?
Onias the Tutor puzzles over the ancient prophecies in secret. If anyone discovers what he knows, not only he, but his beloved wife and child, will be in imminent peril.
Now signs are appearing in the heavens. But what do they mean?
No one is secure in Judea. Betrayal and suspicion are the coin of the realm as King Herod plunges deeper into madness, determined to hold on to his kingdom . . . no matter the price.
Young Mary of Nazareth receives an unusual visitor as she tends a cow in her parents’ barn. What he tells her will change everything about her life . . . and impact all those in Judea and beyond, for eternity! Yet will Yosef, her betrothed, believe her? Or will she lose the one she loves?
Onias the Tutor puzzles over the ancient prophecies in secret. If anyone discovers what he knows, not only he, but his beloved wife and child, will be in imminent peril.
Now signs are appearing in the heavens. But what do they mean?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2005
109 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
212 books1,328 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 10, 2024
A wonderful retelling of one of the Bible's best-loved stories.
November 27, 2016
The entire AD Chronicles series, starting with book 1, is some of the best writing I've encountered, both in the spiritual and secular realms. Bodie's insights into Scripture are consistently deep, often deeper than what I have seen from many pastors and teachers of God's Word. The fictional details that she creates to flesh out the details of the story not recorded in Scripture seem insightful and accurate to a surprising degree. I highly recommend this book and series as the pinnacle of Bodie and Brock's work, which has all been superb in my opinion. Each book of the series (I've read 1-12) is well written and hard to set down. There is romance, passion, action, and fun. At the same time one can learn Biblical truth and insight, without even being aware of it most of the time. Enjoy.
October 25, 2021
I finished this book up really fast!
As usual, I really enjoyed the Thoenes' writing. This book in the series actually takes a step back, to the time before Jesus was born, and explores what it could have been like for Mary and others leaving under Herod's tyranny.
The beginning I find the best part for me, honestly, and the ending. (Potential spoilers from here on out.)
Peniel realizing just what Jesus was, and his own unholiness, and his subsequent fear, is very relatable, and perhaps proper. But Jesus reassures him. And the ending, when Jesus heals Onias, is also amazing.
And good grief, the political intrigue-! We think we have it bad nowadays, but that was just... crazy. How evil was Herod. And Talmai.
Overall, another enjoyable read from the Thoenes', although it did feel shorter than their other books. I did expect it to be longer, but then realized all those extra pages was just study questions lol.
As usual, I really enjoyed the Thoenes' writing. This book in the series actually takes a step back, to the time before Jesus was born, and explores what it could have been like for Mary and others leaving under Herod's tyranny.
The beginning I find the best part for me, honestly, and the ending. (Potential spoilers from here on out.)
Peniel realizing just what Jesus was, and his own unholiness, and his subsequent fear, is very relatable, and perhaps proper. But Jesus reassures him. And the ending, when Jesus heals Onias, is also amazing.
And good grief, the political intrigue-! We think we have it bad nowadays, but that was just... crazy. How evil was Herod. And Talmai.
Overall, another enjoyable read from the Thoenes', although it did feel shorter than their other books. I did expect it to be longer, but then realized all those extra pages was just study questions lol.
September 27, 2012
I have never been disappointed by anything Bodie Thoene has written. This story covers the time period from right before the angel appears to Mary through Mary and Joseph's wedding. Thoene has done an excellent job of portraying the thoughts and feelings of Mary, Joseph, Mary's parents and siblings as well as her Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Zachariah (the parent's of John the Baptist and a cousin of Mary). This was biblical fiction at its best.
December 21, 2016
3.5 Stars
Recommended for ages 12+
It took me forever to get into this book. I realize now that was probably because it's the fourth book in a series (whoops), so while I was able to enjoy it without having read the others, the slow and slightly confusing prologue and initial chapters can be explained by my unfamiliarity with the previous books.
Another factor in the slowness at the beginning was definitely the writing style. It was very much a telling, rather than showing, style, with a lot of introspective monologues. Once I got used to it, I really enjoyed the rest of the book, but there were times that the writing pulled me out of the story at first. The use of all the authentic Hebrew names for people and places that were familiar to me from the Bible (i.e. Yerushalayim instead of Jerusalem), while historically accurate I'm sure, pulled me out of the story quite a bit at the beginning as well before I got used to it.
Those complaints aside, it was interesting and well-researched. I found myself really invested in what happened to particular characters, which is always a sign of a good book; I especially enjoyed the exploration of Mary's story and her relationship with Joseph (ahem, Yosef, excuse me).
The cultural context of Herod's reign and his paranoia and madness really added to the drama. I was impressed with how tastefully the book dealt with hard things like Herod's brutality and the reaction to Mary's pregnancy. It goes back to the telling rather than showing, I think; that narrative style helped the book stay appropriate for 12 and up while still dealing with such hard subjects.
(On that note, content warnings: quite a bit of violence, but none particularly graphic; frequent little innuendo about relationships between married couples; plus Mary, with people thinking her pregnancy is illegitimate, is a centerpiece of the story. Tasteful, yes, but still not recommended for under 12.)
I got very much into this book by the end (finishing it in just a few days!) and so, despite the slow beginning, it left me satisfied at the end. I don't know whether I'll read the others in the series or not, but this one was not a waste of time.
Recommended for ages 12+
It took me forever to get into this book. I realize now that was probably because it's the fourth book in a series (whoops), so while I was able to enjoy it without having read the others, the slow and slightly confusing prologue and initial chapters can be explained by my unfamiliarity with the previous books.
Another factor in the slowness at the beginning was definitely the writing style. It was very much a telling, rather than showing, style, with a lot of introspective monologues. Once I got used to it, I really enjoyed the rest of the book, but there were times that the writing pulled me out of the story at first. The use of all the authentic Hebrew names for people and places that were familiar to me from the Bible (i.e. Yerushalayim instead of Jerusalem), while historically accurate I'm sure, pulled me out of the story quite a bit at the beginning as well before I got used to it.
Those complaints aside, it was interesting and well-researched. I found myself really invested in what happened to particular characters, which is always a sign of a good book; I especially enjoyed the exploration of Mary's story and her relationship with Joseph (ahem, Yosef, excuse me).
The cultural context of Herod's reign and his paranoia and madness really added to the drama. I was impressed with how tastefully the book dealt with hard things like Herod's brutality and the reaction to Mary's pregnancy. It goes back to the telling rather than showing, I think; that narrative style helped the book stay appropriate for 12 and up while still dealing with such hard subjects.
(On that note, content warnings: quite a bit of violence, but none particularly graphic; frequent little innuendo about relationships between married couples; plus Mary, with people thinking her pregnancy is illegitimate, is a centerpiece of the story. Tasteful, yes, but still not recommended for under 12.)
I got very much into this book by the end (finishing it in just a few days!) and so, despite the slow beginning, it left me satisfied at the end. I don't know whether I'll read the others in the series or not, but this one was not a waste of time.
July 18, 2017
**Update** I continue to waver just a bit as to whether I am going to keep this series. If I had made the decision after the first forty or so pages of this book, it would be donate. However, I came back to the book and continued to read. I ended up enjoying this one almost more than the first three, perhaps because there weren't quite as many characters. This book survives round two of the purge.
This is where the story starts to go off the rails. It's difficult to write fiction that involves Biblical characters and especially hard when those Characters are part of one of the most well known stories in the western world. I don't think the Thoenes managed as well as they could. These stories also reveal the differences in theology that I have with the Thoenes. It's hard for me to get into a work of Christian fiction when I'm struggling with that. I'm on the fence as to whether or my I'm going to donate this series.
This is where the story starts to go off the rails. It's difficult to write fiction that involves Biblical characters and especially hard when those Characters are part of one of the most well known stories in the western world. I don't think the Thoenes managed as well as they could. These stories also reveal the differences in theology that I have with the Thoenes. It's hard for me to get into a work of Christian fiction when I'm struggling with that. I'm on the fence as to whether or my I'm going to donate this series.
February 5, 2016
This was the first Bible novel I've ever read. I'm ready to give full score, because the story is absolutely loyal to the Bible and it gives realistic image of Joseph and Mary and the Antique's era. Though Bodie Thoene has added to the story some characters that the Bible doesn't name, the story gets even better and more believable. I love how Bodie writes with depth and emotion not forgetting to mention some attractive details. Bodie & Brock Thoene have been my favourite authors ever since.
July 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book; it was a fast read, it held my attention throughout, and I had a hard time putting it down. I was also able to pick back up in the narrative where I left off. It moves at a good pace. I think it helped that there were not so many characters to try and remember who they were and how they all related to each other. The character development was decent; it is about Mary and Joseph as well as Elizabeth and Zachariah, primarily, while sharing the historical events that were occurring around these four biblical/historical individuals.
It was somewhat amusing to me how many townspeople were related to each other in some of the smaller villages/towns. I also found myself temporarily distracted by wondering how the marriages "worked out" - with so many people being somehow related, you'd better know your family tree lest you marry somebody too closely related, blood-wise!
Speaking of relationships, it reminded me of the previous book. Both Mary and Joseph have numerous relatives, as do other characters in this book. In the previous book, the authors reference several of Jesus' (Yeshua's) disciples as being somehow related to Him, that several disciples (such as James and John, the Sons of Thunder) being His cousins. I could not quite decide if that was just the author's taking some liberties in terms of their "biblical historical interpretation" of the relationships between Yeshua and His disciples or not. It did not take away from the story, but it did put things in a . . . different light without changing the message, so to speak.
The authors continue their explaining different aspects of Jewish society and culture in this book. i would say this book focuses more on the various stars, planets, and "Jewish constellations" than it does the names of different characters. I honestly had no idea that the Jewish people had "their own constellations" when they looked at the sky; a bit of hubris or something on my part, I guess. I just never considered they might have their own names and meanings for the stars and planets as well as constellations that they used as reference points throughout the year/seasons. So it was fun to learn a little bit about ancient Jewish astronomy. Most of the explanations about the objects in the night sky are from the perspective of an astronomer in Parthia; those parts were probably the most interesting to me in the book.
I felt that authors were fairly realistic in their portrayals of what Mary and Yosef (Joseph) might have been going through, themselves, when Mary found out she was chosen by Yahweh to bear the Messiah and Yosef does not believe her at first. I also thought the reactions of her parents were fairly believable (although Mary's father was a bit of a disappointment in how he handled things, but he was put in an awkward position). I also liked how the authors explained the seriousness and significance of a Jewish engagement/betrothment, how it was tantamount to marriage and divorce tended to be the way to end such an engagement. I would say most modern people do not understand that; I know I really did not and still fully do not. It is outside of my realm of experience or understanding, in some respects. So I felt the authors did a nice job explaining how serious such a "relationship" was as well as the consequences for certain actions that would damage such a relationship.
The book begins and ends with a wedding celebration that began at the end of the third book. The "meat" of the book takes place during the approximate year or so prior to Yeshua's birth and is mainly about the intrigues that could have gone on in the palace under Herod's reign as well as Elizabeth getting pregnant at/around age 56 and her husband being struck dumb because of his doubts in conjunction with Mary discovering she is to be pregnant and bear the Messiah and how Yosef handled that. It "ends" with the wedding of Mary and Yosef. It was a dangerous time for the Jews as well as anybody who ended up on Herod's "bad list" (and they tended to die shortly after being seized and interrogated). We also learn the story of how Zadok's brother, Onias, is badly wounded and why/how he ends up in Alexandria. The book has some humor in it (or moments that I found funny) . It also has plenty of sad moments in it, too.
The book is around 340 pages long; 250 pages are the story itself. The last 80 pages of the book consists of a "study guide" that is designed to help the reader learn more about this time of history and I assume grow in their faith and knowledge. I have not started it, yet, but it does look pretty good.
In any case, it was a fun book to read and I am glad that I read it. I look forward to book #5.
It was somewhat amusing to me how many townspeople were related to each other in some of the smaller villages/towns. I also found myself temporarily distracted by wondering how the marriages "worked out" - with so many people being somehow related, you'd better know your family tree lest you marry somebody too closely related, blood-wise!
Speaking of relationships, it reminded me of the previous book. Both Mary and Joseph have numerous relatives, as do other characters in this book. In the previous book, the authors reference several of Jesus' (Yeshua's) disciples as being somehow related to Him, that several disciples (such as James and John, the Sons of Thunder) being His cousins. I could not quite decide if that was just the author's taking some liberties in terms of their "biblical historical interpretation" of the relationships between Yeshua and His disciples or not. It did not take away from the story, but it did put things in a . . . different light without changing the message, so to speak.
The authors continue their explaining different aspects of Jewish society and culture in this book. i would say this book focuses more on the various stars, planets, and "Jewish constellations" than it does the names of different characters. I honestly had no idea that the Jewish people had "their own constellations" when they looked at the sky; a bit of hubris or something on my part, I guess. I just never considered they might have their own names and meanings for the stars and planets as well as constellations that they used as reference points throughout the year/seasons. So it was fun to learn a little bit about ancient Jewish astronomy. Most of the explanations about the objects in the night sky are from the perspective of an astronomer in Parthia; those parts were probably the most interesting to me in the book.
I felt that authors were fairly realistic in their portrayals of what Mary and Yosef (Joseph) might have been going through, themselves, when Mary found out she was chosen by Yahweh to bear the Messiah and Yosef does not believe her at first. I also thought the reactions of her parents were fairly believable (although Mary's father was a bit of a disappointment in how he handled things, but he was put in an awkward position). I also liked how the authors explained the seriousness and significance of a Jewish engagement/betrothment, how it was tantamount to marriage and divorce tended to be the way to end such an engagement. I would say most modern people do not understand that; I know I really did not and still fully do not. It is outside of my realm of experience or understanding, in some respects. So I felt the authors did a nice job explaining how serious such a "relationship" was as well as the consequences for certain actions that would damage such a relationship.
The book begins and ends with a wedding celebration that began at the end of the third book. The "meat" of the book takes place during the approximate year or so prior to Yeshua's birth and is mainly about the intrigues that could have gone on in the palace under Herod's reign as well as Elizabeth getting pregnant at/around age 56 and her husband being struck dumb because of his doubts in conjunction with Mary discovering she is to be pregnant and bear the Messiah and how Yosef handled that. It "ends" with the wedding of Mary and Yosef. It was a dangerous time for the Jews as well as anybody who ended up on Herod's "bad list" (and they tended to die shortly after being seized and interrogated). We also learn the story of how Zadok's brother, Onias, is badly wounded and why/how he ends up in Alexandria. The book has some humor in it (or moments that I found funny) . It also has plenty of sad moments in it, too.
The book is around 340 pages long; 250 pages are the story itself. The last 80 pages of the book consists of a "study guide" that is designed to help the reader learn more about this time of history and I assume grow in their faith and knowledge. I have not started it, yet, but it does look pretty good.
In any case, it was a fun book to read and I am glad that I read it. I look forward to book #5.
July 15, 2022
On the back of this book is a phrase: “Discover the truth through Fiction”. This author duo is an auto buy for me so when I first started buying the series some years ago – I hadn’t read a single synopsis. I didn’t need to because I knew I would love it. And I was right. The A.D. Chronicles series is putting fiction details to the foundation of truth. This particular book tells the story of the coming of Jesus as a baby and the parents who were trusted to care for Him in His earthly form. The authors in no way alter the truth. They present it in a way that makes us think about the people who were living out that story- about possible dialogue that may have taken place. Gives us a visual into the minds of these people whose lives were so amazingly changed. Can you imagine what it was like for Mary to be told she is carrying a child when she’s not been with a man? Or imagine her fiancée’s thought when told his betrothed was expecting a child that he knew wasn’t his? The journey had to be a hard one and even knowing the truth – there was hurt- but on the other side – understanding and healing. Woven throughout Joseph’s and Mary’s story was the story of Herod Antipas and his paranoia of a new “King of the Jews” coming to usurp his throne. Little did he know that the King prophesied had nothing to do with that earthly throne.
If you are one who shares this faith or even want to know more about it – I highly recommend this book. In fact, I recommend the entire series.
Book Quote: “Shadows are the outline of something solid, something real. The coming of the Messiah is more real than the earth beneath our feet.”
If you are one who shares this faith or even want to know more about it – I highly recommend this book. In fact, I recommend the entire series.
Book Quote: “Shadows are the outline of something solid, something real. The coming of the Messiah is more real than the earth beneath our feet.”
December 9, 2018
In the writing duo's fourth novel of the A.D. Chronicles, Peniel finds himself becoming the record-keeper of the most magnificent story ever told: Yeshua's birth. Beginning with the long-awaited pregnancy of Elizabeth, the story of how Yeshua's Earthly family was chosen unfolds with skill and poignancy. Mary is a young woman with a simple but pleasant future ahead of her, but the visit of an angel will change her life - and the lives of all God's children - forever. Meanwhile, Herod the Butcher King rapidly descends into madness and paranoia, grasping onto the promises that evil shadows whisper to him in the dark of the night. Nazareth is not the only town that will be changed during this time… Jerusalem heaves under a quiet threat of anarchy and fear, while Bethlehem unknowingly prepares for the greatest birth of all time. Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zachariah, and all their family, are brought to life in their realistic struggles and doubts. A wonderful book, combined with their fifth novel, to read in time for Christmas, just in time to celebrate the birth of our Lord!
February 4, 2022
The times around Jesus' birth are shrouded in mystery as Scripture gives us such few details. However, there is historical data that tells us that a lot was swirling around Judea politically right as Jesus was born. This book helps give light to what the times may have been like. You can feel the tension in the air, the fear surrounding Herod, the anticipation of Messiah's arrival, confusion among the Jews. This is such a fascinating story that weaves true Scripture with historical facts and Jewish history into a narrative that puts the Bible in a new light. Well written. Fascinating. Captivating.
September 4, 2023
Thoene continues her carefully crafted gospel story through the eyes of Peniel. This time, Peniel sits at a wedding and listens to family remember the events surrounding Christ. Historically accurate; captivating as always; and well-written - this is as good as the others. Still, I had a harder time reading it because there were several scenes where Herod's minions tortured people - and those scenes were very difficult to read. Yet, Thoene does an incredible job bringing to life the faith, doubt, jealousy, and suspicion which filled Jerusalem before Christ's birth.
January 16, 2018
Bodie and Brock Thoene continue to create books that cause the time period and characters to come alive for the reader. The A.D. Chronicles recreates the time of Christ with characters that find a foothold in your memory and who encourage deeper thinking into the age-old Bible stories. The careful attention to detail of the time period and fast-paced woven subplots keep the reader seeking the next book in the series.
November 13, 2020
Fourth Dawn - Beautiful!
Another well-written Christian historical story by the Thoenes! I love the characters, the use of a flashback to the struggles for Mary & Joseph before their wedding, then they understand the message from God via the angels. They are greatly honored to play the parental roles of protection as God Himself comes to earth to save us all.
Another well-written Christian historical story by the Thoenes! I love the characters, the use of a flashback to the struggles for Mary & Joseph before their wedding, then they understand the message from God via the angels. They are greatly honored to play the parental roles of protection as God Himself comes to earth to save us all.
May 21, 2018
In this volume, one gets a refreshing look into what was (and may have been...this IS historical fiction after all) the lives of Mary and Joseph. Familiar and now beloved characters are also part of Fourth Dawn. Can't wait to continue the series!
March 4, 2018
This one has been my favorite of the series so far!
December 16, 2018
GREAT!
Wonderful retelling of Mary and Joseph dealing with the revelation of Jesus and the beginning of the life together. Loved it!
Wonderful retelling of Mary and Joseph dealing with the revelation of Jesus and the beginning of the life together. Loved it!
December 23, 2018
It was very educational. I just happen to choose it at Christmas time. Have a strong perspective into Christmas.
May 28, 2019
Good.
June 4, 2019
This is definitely a must read series!!!!
November 24, 2020
no offensive content: Xn historical fiction
April 1, 2021
Loved it. Here the story cover Jesus birth and I love how what Joseph and even Mary family must have gone through when they hear she’s pregnant even before she and Joseph are engaged.
May 11, 2021
Enjoyed it very much. The story continues . . . .
June 2, 2021
Amazing story of Mary and Joseph and the evil that men do.
September 11, 2021
Excellent
March 6, 2022
Great book!
March 12, 2022
Books 4, 5, and 6 cover the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. I'm rereading these three. Completed #4, Fourth Dawn. The fifth and sixth are my favorites.
January 11, 2024
You can't go wrong reading a book by the Thoenes. It fleshes out the times of Mary and Joseph and Herod.
February 6, 2025
What a gripping story of Mary! Drew me right into her story and the reality of the cost for all of us to follow the call of God- the price of a simple ‘yes’ it could be any woman!🧍♀️
March 3, 2017
His was the best book in the series so far! This book really brings to life the tumultuous world Jesus came into. It brings Biblical culture to life and gives a context for the events surrounding the virgin birth I finished the book in such a sense of awe ad worship. I can't wait to get to the library for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews