Maximus

by Richard L. Black Narrated by Adam Verner

Overview

A sweeping Christian fiction epic, Maximus is part mystery, part detective story, and filled with intrigue.

General Maximus is a battle-weary commander of one of Rome's finest legions. When he returns from a long, bloody campaign, he finds himself questioning his life. Word has reached Rome of a man named Jesus, who is causing a stir in faraway Judea. Maximus, disguised as a Jew, is sent to investigate the situation and assess his potential threat to Rome.

In this innovative rendering of the story of Christ, we see Jesus from the perspective of an outsider. Stripped of his cultural identity, Maximus is therefore free to ponder whether he can believe Jesus and find a new purpose in his own life.

Editorial Reviews

Patheos

"Maximus and Androcles were unknowingly part of a new religious movement, breaking through legalism to become a global religion. In light of the movement of the spirit, all movements were too small to contain the message of Jesus. Jew and Greek, male and female, slave and free, and every other polarity was relativized and healed by the grace of God…We are invited to take up the restless and adventurous faith of Androcles and Maximus as God's restless movement of creative transformation lures us forward to lively visions of Christianity for our changing times."
 

Deseret News

"Interesting premise…Richard L. Black…has done his homework about that era and includes rich and detailed descriptions that clearly share the settings."

Foreword Reviews

"A sword-and-sandal epic that combines warrior odyssey with spiritual enlightenment...Engaging...the characters themselves are interesting and placed in historical contexts well...Incorporates some careful period research...Combines faith and fantasy to the maximum, taking its characters on a religious journey to find salvation."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169865417
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	11/02/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

"General Maximus rode an impressive dappled-gray steed as it plodded the last few miles of the long trek back to Rome. He preferred walking with his men but the walls of the great city were within sight and he would be expected to display his leadership and rank; returning as the great conqueror. Word of the Legion's arrival had preceded them, and he could make out frantic movement in the distance. They would soon be marching on the Via Sacra which led to the Forum where thousands would be waiting to shower them with praise, flowers, and palms.

The Legion had put a thousand miles behind them since pulling up stakes in northeastern Gaul and the weary General had a thousand doubts about the continuing imperialism of the Roman Empire. Almost two years fighting fierce Germanic tribes had decimated his Legion by a third. . . .

Many conflicts during his lifetime were seared into his memory forever. More troubling to the honorable General than the loss of a finger on the battlefield in Gaul was his loss of faith in the philosophies of the Empire. He was indignant with the continuing subjugation of people. How many cultures did they need to crush and police? Greeks, Turks, Gauls, Jews--it never ended--treasures of gold stolen, treasures of culture destroyed. The campaigns no longer made sense to the logical General, but he kept those thoughts to himself; voicing them would be heresy and considered treason to the throne. His wounds hurt, but his heart hurt more." 

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