Countdown: A Time of Testing

Title: Countdown: A Time of Testing

Author: Lester Bauman

Grade Level: 7&8th

"Countdown: A Time of Testing" is the first in a series titled "Century in Crisis." It addresses the challenges faced by the Early Church in and around AD 284, during the time of Diocletian. The book contains much history, some of which are familiar and some of which are less well known. Unfortunately, it appears that the author had a difficult time finding the balance between textbook and story. As such, this book reads better than a history book but is not a particularly well-written story. The fictional characters should be better developed. Some of the history of this time is quite brutal, so be aware that some persecution will be discussed in rather graphic detail. However, for students in 7th through 12th grade, it has the potential to spark interest in a little-studied part of church history.