The Master’s Calling, by Amber Schamel, is the third volume in the series Days of Messiah.  It is a Christian Historical novel.

About the Book:  After generations of waiting, the Messiah has come at last. And not a day too soon. All his life, Malon Ben-Tyrus has been squelched beneath Roman laws and religious traditions, and he longs to be free. The oppression of the Romans worsens every day, and the religious system led by the Scribes and Pharisees has grown corrupt.

Malon believes his life calling is to become a disciple of the Messiah and help free Israel from bondage. When Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, Malon knows this will be a historic event. Jesus will enter the city as the Son of David and take His place as the Messiah of Israel. He longs to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, but his family won’t allow him to go.

When at last his family consents, Malon arrives in Jerusalem only to discover that he is too late. The man he thought to be the Messiah has been crucified, and Barabbas—his greatest enemy—has been set free.

Appalled by the cowardice of Jesus’ disciples, Malon returns home seething with frustration and despair. Everything he believed he was destined to become died with Jesus. Was he wrong about his destiny?

About the Author:  Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call “historical fiction at its finest”. A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen books. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. Amber is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. http://amberschamel.com/ Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel Twitter: @AmberSchamel Pintrest – http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/ Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel

My Ideation:  I am new to reading Biblical fiction, but thoroughly enjoyed this story.  I always  feel as though I am an invisible character in each book I read, so reading a Biblically based book makes my “character” that much more rewarding.

Malon Ben-Tyrus desires to walk with the Messiah, but reaches Him too late.  He finds out that Jesus has been put to death and begins to lose faith.  He and his family are put through a test of faith when they have to endure Barnabas’ behavior.  Malon eventually finds out the Jesus was resurrected and happily worships Him.  His faith grows and so does his knowledge of Jesus.

Reading Biblical fiction allows me to greater understand the Bible.  I am able to get a better picture of the goings-on.  I liked having these characters brought to life because it helped me see the scene in a whole new light.  One that felt it was written just for me.

I was given a free copy of The Master’s Calling for an honest review.

Summation:  4/5