“Amora by Grant Hallstrom is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted historical fiction based on a true story that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this well researched story will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. This for me was a phenomenal read…It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class historical fiction with perfect pacing. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.” –Piaras, an Amazon distinguished Vine Voice Reviewer.
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“The quality of prose is evident from the opening lines… Cinematic in presentation and deeply inspiring in the manner in which the spiritual aspects of the tale are delivered, this book makes a solid impact from beginning to end.”
–Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 50 Reviewer
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“The author has created a living and breathing work whose tale, characters and messages will stay with one after reading and experiencing it…the author has created a story that is fluid and alive with emotion and passion. Grant Hallstrom has composed a memorable and dramatic tale of redemption.” –Jaime
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“I absolutely loved this book! … Great story matched with great characters. Highly recommended.” –Robin
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“I found myself having a hard time putting it down as I was fully invested in the story, the characters and the history. The book tells a compelling story that is action packed, interesting, and motivating.” –Shane Biornstad
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“This book effectively combines engaging plot, believable characters, and historical and theological background. Once I began the book, I did not want to put it down! It reveals a compelling message of love, faith, and hope.” –Leann K
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“Definitely a Five Star read! It takes you back to the days of the Roman Empire with such amazing detail that you feel that you’re there experiencing the feelings and challenges of living in that time of history. It is one of those ‘can’t put it down books’ as you want to discover what the outcome will be for those people with whom you have developed an understanding and kinship during the reading.”–John
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“Amora is a book that flows like a well-edited movie. Its historical fiction is well researched culturally, geographically, and even as regards Roman war tactics. It is a book of conflict – interpersonal, government, religious, and cultural – and a book of reconciliation… It is an impressive book!” –Jay Markanich
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“The message of Forgiveness, is clear, inspiring and joyous.” –Robert R.
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“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this transformative book. It is action-packed, and was hard to put down once I started reading it! I was impressed with the author’s beautifully descriptive language, in-depth character development, and deep spiritual insight… Powerful reading!” –Sheila Edmonds
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“Amora is a heartfelt message of hope and forgiveness narratively crafted, with compelling characters wrapped in a historical, gladiator-style gut-wrenching saga.” –Stefan Swanepoel, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author
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“I loved this book! It kept me interested throughout. I found myself crying during the sad parts and crying during the happy parts. Very well written.” –Becky McClellan
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“From the very first word of this book, I was pulled into the world of Ancient Rome. If you liked The Gladiator you’ll be sure to enjoy this novel. Though it is touted as a faith-based piece of fiction, I don’t think it will detract from your enjoyment of the book and its historical value.” –Charles Hanna
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“Amora by Grant Hallstrom is a well-written book that is sure to touch the reader’s entire being. The plot is nicely developed, the writing is powerful and compelling and the development of the characters is expertly accomplished…From the very beginning of the read the engaged reader will find themselves drawn inexplicably into the very heart and soul of Amora…In addition, this powerful novel … is sure to engage the imagination and sweep across the heartstrings of the reader.” –Brian Aird
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“Grant Hallstrom’s Amora is a masterfully written novel set in Greco-Roman times. He adeptly describes each scene using imaginative metaphors, believable dialog, colorful details. The work is rich in logos and pathos that compel the reader page after page after page. Mr. Hallstrom’s perceptive ways into the human soul are revealed time and again as he threads multiple story arcs to a climax definitely worth the read. So uplifting, profoundly emotional.” –E.K.
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“The time and theme of Amora is only a device for the reader. No matter what you are reading on the page, Hallstrom is deftly turning it into something else…In a modern world, as modern people, with modern problems filled with ‘born again’ paganism, which often leave little room for the sacred, Hallstrom offers a seemingly contradictory way of thinking. Forgive. ‘Forgiveness’ he writes, ‘is not the enemy of justice. It is its mate.’” –Debbie Pugliese
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“I was pleasantly surprised at not only how inspiring but also how captivating and exciting the storyline was; I could not put it down! It also gave me a better understanding of the Greco-Roman world and a greater appreciation of what the early Christians had to endure and the sacrifices they made. The author did a beautiful job telling this story and incorporating so many different emotions: happiness, sadness, courage, fear, hate, and, most importantly, the power of love and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book; it will not disappoint!” –Toni Powell
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“There is plenty of detail about everyday life, politics, military campaigns, and religious strife. All of this information is imparted to the reader as organic to the story; it never makes you feel like you’re reading a history book. You’ll get an enjoyable and interesting story, and learn some things in the process. What could be better?” –Kimmie
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“The core concept of the novel feels like Christian forgiveness on a collision course with revenge.”

“The ideas of vengeance and forgiveness as two sides of a coin is a really compelling underlying motif for this novel.”

“I loved the inexorable pull of vengeance and betrayal pulling on all the characters. Knowing that the merciless hand of fate is moving towards Leo, creates the kind of delicious tension that drives stories in this genre.”

“We watch these characters struggle in different ways but all of them find their way to the same place at the end. I liked seeing the tension throughout the book as these moments of fate and decision wound together.”

“The novel does a great job zooming out for the big picture but also being able to really focus in on intimate human details and moments with these characters.”

“The blending of several distinct and quite separate storylines come together very well and provide an emotionally satisfying end to the book.”