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.

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!

We have read many, many books together as a family recommended by a variety of homeschool programs. This is the only series not a single one of us could stand. For us it was very dry and could have used some serious editing to speed the plot along. It also would have helped if it was not already crystal clear how the book was going to end the minute we started it. We really tried to like this book and the other one, The Ides of April, but it just dragged on with nothing to grab the interest of the reader. In 10 years it was the only book we just gave up on without finishing. If you are looking something to skip on your schedule to make room for more hands on activities, a field trip, music lessons, a beloved childhood book, etc this is the book to skip.

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.

This was a good sequel to The Ides of April. I agree that as a read aloud the way it was written seemed a bit formal so it was a bit cumbersome to get through. But my children (ages between 14-10) and myself all enjoyed the book. We couldn't figure out what the main conflict was. It was more of a coming of age story, where the three teenage brothers and Hylas were trying to figure out what their lives mean and where their paths were meant to go. The Ides of April, as a mystery, was a much more enjoyable read, but as sequels go, we liked it. It definitely did what I read it for: a book where we learn history through story. Great historical aspects about the fall of Jerusalem, how the Greeks lived in the Roman Empire, and the Romans army, and how they fight.

We loved learning about this historical time period, and enjoyed how the story brought the Empire and different cultures to life, but I found the writing style of Mary Ray to be very cumbersome to read a loud. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it was a challenge to finish.