Stephen: A Soldier of the Cross

"Stephen: A Soldier of the Cross" by Florence Morse Kingsley is a historical fiction novel. It tells the story of Stephen, a figure from early Christian history, and his connection to faith and challenges, especially during the tumultuous times for early Christians. Introduced are characters such as Anat, the blind girl with a beautiful voice, and her brother Seth, who are trying to survive in ancient Egypt, hoping for a better place in life. At the beginning of the story, readers are introduced to Anat and Seth, who are attempting a daring escape from capture, immediately pulling the reader into a world of survival and yearning for the sweet taste of freedom. As they hide in a tomb, their challenging situation becomes apparent, leading to a confrontation. Stephen's role plays later on, symbolizing the early Christian lessons and the power of trust. As the siblings face many challenges on their journey, they face moments where redemption and confidence await.