• As Sure as the Dawn

  • The Mark of the Lion, Book 3
  • By: Francine Rivers
  • Narrated by: Richard Ferrone
  • Length: 20 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (4,002 ratings)

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As Sure as the Dawn  By  cover art

As Sure as the Dawn

By: Francine Rivers
Narrated by: Richard Ferrone
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Publisher's summary

Atretes, a German barbarian who has won his freedom in the Roman arena, finds his life changed forever by an encounter with a young Christian woman. Atretes vows to move heaven and earth to find his son--the baby he thought was dead, and take him back to Germany. Only one thing stands in his way: Rizpah, the Christian widow who has cared for the child since his birth.
©2002 Francine Rivers (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about As Sure as the Dawn

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Why only the third book available?

I loved reading The Mark of the Lion series, so I purchased this audiobook. But I really don't understand why Book #1 and #2 aren't available for purchase from Audible. I'd like to listen to them in order, so PLEASE, Audible, make the first two books in the series available!

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38 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I was riveted

This novel is obviously Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) inspired.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved! Great ending to the Trilogy!

Where does As Sure as the Dawn rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my favorite books in my favorite series!

What other book might you compare As Sure as the Dawn to and why?

Any other book in the Mark of the Lion series.

Which character – as performed by Richard Ferrone – was your favorite?

Definitely Rizpah, he managed to give off the feist and vulnerability she had even though the reader is a man.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Journey to the Land of Tiwoz

Any additional comments?

You won't be disappointed with this book.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Gladiator to Father to His Knees

Atretes, German barbarian, turned gladiator, has finally earned his freedom after ten years in the arena and hundreds of kills to his credit . . . and a chance meeting with a Jewish slave girl, a Christian, about to be thrown to the lions, changes his life . . . and the life of his baby son, forever . . . he had thought the babe to have been dashed upon the rocks by order of his cruel, selfish mother, but now, knowing that he lives, Atretes, searches for him . . . finding him with a young Christian widow . . . still full of hatred and anger, Atretes rips young Caleb from the arms of the only mother he has ever known, while Rizpah remains crying at the gates of Atrete's estate . . . the baby, refusing the wet nurse, languishes, crying incessantly . . . until Atrete's is forced to call for Rizpah to care for his son . . . humble, she returns . . . yet many times her own human weakness wins, and her words bite at Atretes . . . and I find myself smiling . . . laughing . . . as he deserves her wrath . . . and worse . . . oh, my, being a Christian does not leave us perfect, does it??? Thus began a long arduous, tooth and nail journey for Rizpah and Atretes, one step forward, two steps back . . . their own pasts ingrained into them, both giving them strength and becoming stumbling blocks . . . they, like we, having to learn what to throw out of their minds, and what to keep . . . yet God giving them those along the way to bolster them . . . As Sure as the Dawn is a sweeping saga, that includes among many things, a primer of the Christian faith, from the garden of Eden to the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . . the turmoil of good versus evil . . . of the war of the Holy Spirit against false gods and religions, including those possessed of Satan . . . it is a call to the heart of believers to be true followers, no matter the sacrifice, up to and including death . . . this third in the trilogy brings to an end the Mark of the Lion series in a remarkable way, showing our Lord to be worthy, Holy and Mighty to be praised.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, great telling

Even though I started with the 3rd book of the series, Francine Rivers drew me into the story and made me want to get the first two books! You do not need to have read the previous books to understand this story line, but you want to.
I enjoy historical fiction. The story stays true to historical facts and yet shows that human nature is the same whatever era. The characters are vibrant with both strengths and faults. I love the faith aspect. One more than one occasion I found myself asking if I also held to such foolish emotions despite having the benefit of God's word.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Religous tripe

This book started out pretty good with a hero Atrides who had his head screwed on straight and was a gladiator of renown. Then a lot of religious flibertygiberty and a miracle turns his brain to rice pudding and the book goes downhill for me. I know there are a lot of religious people out there that believe in talking snakes and Madonna's picture on moldy bread but it is not for me. Somehow I can suspend my disbelief on science fiction but not religion. It does too much harm on this planet.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!

Francine Rivers makes you feel as if you are living in the story! Her descriptions and details make all of the books in this series real and alive! When I read the Bible now, I have a greater knowledge and understanding due to River's research.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good wrap up

This story was much like the other books in this trilogy. I appreciated the biblical references and spiritual encouragement. The narrator did an outstanding job creating distinct voices and bringing life to the story. I was not disappointed.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Third Time’s a Charm! ;)

I was hesitant to think I would be as excited about this book as I was the first 2 in the series. What a masterpiece! These 3 books have incredible character development that really draws you in to know how God calls us to be uniquely ourselves as we draw nearer to Him. Thank you for this gift, Francine!! For any reader sad not to have Hadassah and Marcus in this book, be assured you will love Atretes and Rizpah as well!! I’m so sad the series has come to an end. I will definitely read these again!!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable

Don't stop at this book, please continue with the other 2 books in the series

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4 people found this helpful