Martyr Inspires a Modern Teen

Leslea Wahl reviews Corinna Turner's new novel for teens: A Lion for a Tomb from her Friends in High Places series.

A Lion for a Tomb (Friends in High Places: Ignatius of Antioch)

by Corinna Turner 
UnSeen Books

Review: 

Daniel’s story continues in A Lion for a Tomb, the most recent edition in Corinna Turner’s Friends in High Places series. This book is told from the perspective of Daniel’s friend Razim. Razim has always been a devoted friend, steadfastly helping Daniel through his struggle with cancer. But Razim struggles to understand Daniel’s devotion to his Catholic faith and his fearless attitude about death. Through this curiosity, Razim begins to learn about Saint Ignatius of Antioch. No one is more surprised than Razim when the saint’s words spark something within him. 

This is a problem, though. Razim is of Muslim descent. While Razim and his parents are culturally Islamic, his older brother is becoming radicalized — causing danger for Razim and Daniel and their Christian beliefs. 

Turner does an impressive job of bringing to light this relevant issue. Her portrayal of the anger and hatred from this gang of teens was truly disturbing and in stark contrast to Daniel’s awe-inspiring steadfast devotion to Christ. 

Summary: 

WILL HE HAVE TO CHOOSE? 
 
Razim’s family are Muslim. His best friend, Daniel, is Christian. It’s never mattered before. But now Razim’s brother has become a crazed Islamic extremist and Daniel has turned into a total Jesus freak — and Razim is caught in the middle. 
 
When Razim stumbles across a prayer card of an old man with brown skin just like his, who seems mind-bogglingly happy that he’s being eaten by lions, Razim’s curiosity overflows. 
 
What could possibly make a man happy to face his own death? 
 
And will Razim have to risk his own to find out? 

A Lion for a Tomb is available from Amazon.com.

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Copyright 2024 Leslea Wahl
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