Fourth Dawn (A. D. Chronicles, Book 4) [Hardcover]

Bodie Thoene (Author), Brock Thoene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

Leading up to the birth of Christ, Fourth Dawn tells the Christmas story like never before. This is Joseph and Mary's story—the human drama of a virgin teenage girl pregnant with the Son of God and her fiancé who must deal with the reality that he is forced to care for the mother of God's child and eventually care for the child himself. Told through the eyes of those who witnessed these events, Fourth Dawn takes place at a time in history when the evil Herod ruled—a dangerous time for anyone to show interest in the Messiah's coming, much less give birth to the Messiah, or to be the Anointed One!

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Betrayal and suspicion are the coin of the realm as King Herod plunges deeper into madness. Where is the promised liberator who will set the world right?

No one is secure in Judea. Plots are hatched, poisonings contrived, and the least innuendo can bring torture or execution. As the people long for the true heir of King David to take the throne, Herod determines to hold on to his kingdom . . . no matter the price.

As young Mary of Nazareth tends a cow in her parents’ barn, she receives an unusual visitor. 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? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

A timeless tale of faith, love, and redemption

In their most dramatic, ambitious, and significant historical series to date, Bodie and Brock Thoene once again transport readers back in time to first century A.D., to the most critical events in the history of the world.

Fourth Dawn is available complete and unabridged from Tyndale Audio and Luke Thoene Productions. Fourth Dawn is performed by actor Sean Barrett for your listening enjoyment. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842375155
• ISBN-13: 978-0842375153
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #594,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings the Early Christmas Story to Life, September 23, 2005

By 

Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fourth Dawn (A. D. Chronicles, Book 4) (Hardcover)

Zachariah is thrilled to be chosen for the once in a lifetime opportunity to offer incense before God in the temple. He and his wife are content but unhappy at never having had children. This will take away that reproach for the rest of his life. Then an angel of the Lord appears and promises that his wife, long past childbearing years, will have a son. Zachariah's lack of belief renders him speechless.

This amazing sign only increases the paranoia of Herod, king of Judea. Herod has no true claim to the Jewish throne yet claims to be a descendant of David. Rumors of the coming Messiah only make him more nervous.

Meanwhile, in Nazareth, a young woman also receives a visit from an angel. Mary is awed to learn she has been chosen to bear Messiah. But what will her family say? Does this mean she will loose the love of Yosef, her betrothed? Will her faith in God be enough to sustain her?

The Thoenes have a wonderful gift for telling stories of ordinary people caught up in world shaping events. This book is no exception. Even when we know the outcome of most of the stories, their writing pulls you in and enchants you. And the storylines of the fictitious characters were certainly suspenseful.

It is a little surprising to see them switch gears from the building storyline of the last three books to the birth of John. While the prologue and epilogue do tie into the last book, it felt a little odd.

Still, they provide their normal incites into the story we all know. I was especially fascinated by the astronomer's logs and the genealogical explanations. And they are able to bring Mary and Yosef to life in a very human way. While I knew the outcome, I cared deeply about them and wanted to see them reach it.

This turn of events has left me puzzling where the next book will go - back to Christmas or on toward Easter? Either way, I'll be back for it.

This book would be perfect to read in early December. It got me in the Christmas mood, and I even had to pull out my Christmas music before I was done reading it.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fourth Dawn, October 21, 2005

By 

Lois L. Riggs (Wauwatosa, WI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fourth Dawn (A. D. Chronicles, Book 4) (Hardcover)

I am a big fan of the Thoenes and have read every book they have written. I find it sad to say that this book is good but not one of their greatest. I have found that the A.D.Chronicles Books 1 & 3 outstanding and leave the reader anxious for the next book. I have also noted that Books 2 and 4 seem almost to be half books, unsatisfying and written in haste. Having said that, I am expecting Book 5 to be another outstanding book. I look forward to it. I consider Bodie and Brock Thoene the best Christian fiction writers. Brock's historical facts are invaluable.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Four, January 7, 2006

By 

Kerrin Maki "Crazy for Books" (Crazy for Books) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fourth Dawn (A. D. Chronicles, Book 4) (Hardcover)

What can I say? This book is great!! This book brings to life the most important time in history. You can feel the sand on your feet as Mary travels the long roads to see her cousin. You can feel the joy of Zachariah, when he finds out in his old age he is to be a father. Also feel the struggle Yosef has over his repuation and love for Mary. This series will truly make you feel everything! The Thoene's have done it again! Historical fiction at its best! Give this book a try.