Beyond the Desert Gate (Hylas series) (Volume 2)

Reading this well written book is an easy way to learn about the political turmoil of first century Israel. It introduces older children to the difficulties of that time and place while providing an interesting story line that keeps their attention.

History and fiction blended well. Enough detail to help children understand without being overly graphic for older children most definitely.

This is a read-a-loud for SonLight Curriculum 6th grade. My kids and I really enjoyed this book and even read ahead. Jesus doesn't make a cameo appearance but is discussed a lot. The main character is a young boy with a Jewish mother (deceased) but raised mainly Greek by his father during the Roman occupation. The boy's merchant father dies and the adventure is about he and his brothers trying to survive. The boy and his one brother look Greek but the 2nd brother favors their mother, an interesting way to weave the political conflicts. The boys show real grit and ingenuity with a little help from friends. There are wonderful lessons about humility, patience and perseverance. It's a great read for any young boy.

This series came highly recommended and was suggested as good material to fill in some history gaps. I thought these historic novels would be a nice way to supplement what we already have. Unfortunately, my sixteen-year-old son and my seventeen-year-old daughter did not like the books at all. I am only posting to Beyond the Desert Gate since that's the only title I read (in order to confirm their dislike for the series) and I have to agree that the dialogue is interminable and tedious. It reads like an exaggerated soap opera and I prefer to have my children read well-written works. It hurts to be critical of an author, but I am compelled to be honest for the sake of other home educators who may also be on a strict budget.

The other reviews give a good outline of the story in this book, so I won't repeat it. I read this aloud to my children (ages 14, 12, and 8) to go along with our study of the the first century. The book really gave us a good idea on how it was to be Roman, Jewish, or one of those stuck in between during the time when Rome finally put Judea down once and for all. In that way it enhanced our understanding of the history; yet, it is not a book that you finish and feel good about. How can it be when it is set in Palestine in 70 A.D., the year Jerusalem burned? Even the victors, the Romans, had to exert so many men and so much time for such little benefit. The story is good, compelling, and draws you in, but leaves you feeling sad at the loss and the uncertain and possibly bleak future awaiting the characters. Will I read this book again when my little children study this time period years from now? Yes. But will I look forward to reading it again? No.

read this book to my son and enjoyed reading it together. Ray created great characters. It's good history! well worth the read!

A good view of life in the middle east just after Christ. Greek life and views are nicely presented. The non-ending is a bit of a downer. Part of a larger series.

This book was so amazing, it kept me up most of the night because I wanted to read just one more page.