As the story unfolds, we see the powerful influence of "the Master" upon his devoted friends – especially Judah, the headstrong young charge/apprentice to Lazarus. Judah and his friends are gravely concerned about the plottings of Jesus' enemies and they desperately wish to do something to protect him. The story helps to give us a very real sense of their helplessness and sorrow as they watched His Passion and death unfold. Mary's sorrow and faith during this difficult time are also very beautifully rendered. The reader, who has experienced the sorrow of the Passion with Jesus' friends will also rejoice all the more with them at His Resurrection

A fast-paced fictionalized account of the centurion who thrust the spear into the side of Christ. The book was clearly written for adults, but might be suitable for older teens. There is a great deal of violence (as might be expected), an attempted suicide, and other content appropriate for those with some degree of maturity. The story is very Catholic and the author weaves many Catholic ideas and thought into the conversations of the characters as well as showing how much people of that time (particularly the Romans) were in need of the message of Christ. The centurion in particular (Cassius Longinus) has lost all faith in fellow man and life in this world until he begins hearing about the Rabbi Yeshua and his followers. The immense quantity of well-researched historical details add a lot to the story as well.