The Bronze Bow

This is a wonderful book, written by Elizabeth George Speare. The main character is Daniel, a young adult/teenager who who is living his life to avenge his father, who was killed by the Romans. He lives in a cave, high on a mountain with many outlaws. Waiting to drive out the Romans who have captured and own their small town of Galilee, this rough band of men raid caravans and steal sheep to survive. But Daniel's life is changed one day when an old friend of his, named Joel, and Joel's sister, Malthace, take a trip to the mountains, where Daniel is forced to think of things he would rather forget. But the unfortunate death of his grandmother bring Daniel back down the the village, where he hears of a man named Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus speaks about driving out the Romans, but Daniel is upset that this teacher does not seem eager to take action and fight the people who tore his life apart. Eventually, Daniel begins to take matters into his own hands, but as things begin to get out of control, Daniel realizes that he has gone to far. He needs to give up his hate, and forgive the Romans who he so mightily detests.