Wings of the Sword Book One: A Gladiator's Prayer

A powerful novella of faith, freedom, and divine destiny in ancient Rome. Outside Rome, 190 CE. Magnus has won eight battles in the arena. Four more victories will earn him freedom, but the path to liberty demands more than blood on sand. When a mysterious traveler speaks of a God unlike Rome's cruel deities, Magnus discovers a different kind of strength. As his faith ignites, it spreads like wildfire among his fellow gladiators and the broken children who see him as their hero. But in an empire that demands blood for entertainment and worship of its gods, Magnus's newfound beliefs mark him as dangerous. His final battle will pit him against more than mortal opponents. Magnus must choose between the sword that enslaved him and the cross that could set him free. Even if freedom means death. This inspiring novella (approximately 40,000 words) weaves heart-pounding gladiatorial combat with profound spiritual transformation. Perfect for readers who enjoyed The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers or Quo Vadis—a swift, powerful read that can be finished in one or two sittings. "A Gladiator's Prayer" is the first novella in a planned series exploring the origins of Heaven's greatest warriors.