The Advocate

2015 Christy Award finalist!2015 ECPA Christian Book Award Winner!At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant youngassessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, ?Offer to release Barabbas.? The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths?Roman crucifixion.Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant?s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero?s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?The advocate?s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire. Review As a young man, Theophilus had lofty dreams of becoming one of Rome's elite advocates. After a childhood of privilege and rigorous training he was equipped with the skills needed to seek truth, sway Roman politics, and change the world. At age twenty, Theophilus was appointed as chief legal advisor to Pontius Pilate. It was during this time that Theophilus encountered Jesus and faced his first true test--one in which he failed miserably. When his service to Pilate ended, Theophilus returned to his beloved Rome to find mayhem in the senate and a lethally paranoid emperor. In the midst of this environment, Theophilus begins his career as an advocate--attempting to navigate the treacherous political waters of a failed republic and an insane emperor. With excellent historical details and strong spiritual components, "The Advocate" brings to life the story of Theophilus.I first heard about "The Advocate" last year in an interview with Randy Singer. At the time it sounded fantastically intriguing with an epic scope and unique speculative angle. I couldn't wait for the chance to read it. Finally, after a year of waiting I had the opportunity to dive in this book and was quite impressed by the imagination and originality of this story.About eighty percent of "The Advocate" is told from Theophilus' first-person perspective and works exceptionally well. I wasn't anticipating this approach to the story, but it has the intended effect of bringing readers deep into Theophilus' mind and helping them better understand the various situations he must work through. However, as the book switches from first-person to third-person the voice doesn't change. As a result, the portions written from the third-person point of view feel disconnected and lack the same intensity other parts of this book are able to achieve.Aside from this issue, there is really little else to criticize. This is an exceptionally well-written book. The details are amazing and the fictional story of Theophilus feels like a historical event. Additionally, Singer creates an intense and immersive environment where the reader can truly appreciate the intricacies the Roman political scene as well as the uncertainties facing Roman citizens of all classes. The progressive decline of the Roman Empire and its rulers is presented with detail, but streamlined so that the story flows smoothly and does not become cumbersome to read.In addition to creating a vibrant historical and political setting, Singer expertly portrays the various spiritual ideas of the time. While it's easy to shake our heads at these ancient beliefs, in "The Advocate," the reader gets a real sense of the history and reasons behind why the Romans worshiped as they did. As someone who likes to better understand why people believe what they do, I found these portions of the book absolutely fascinating.Given the time period in which this book is set, there are some very gritty and difficult scenes. Most reade