The stories in this book are absolutely amazing. It is very well worth reading. However, there is one small flaw: because there are so many of these stories, they can become repetitive if you read too many if them in one sitting which really doesn't do them justice. But if you read at a pace of a story or two every now and then, the pace of the book becomes much more manageable.

I think with a book like this, you can't help but compare yourself to the people in the book. It is part of the purpose of the book. I wonder about myself; whether I would have faith strong enough to die for it. Right now, I don't think I would. So it's interesting to me that all the people in this book have died or lived for there faith. Part of me wants to strive to be like them—living for my faith. Another part is confused.
I think this is a interesting book for most Christians to read because we all want to strive to be more faithful in life. If you are not Christian, I am not sure it will interest you. It might but I think it is a little strong for non-Christians.

I read through this book very slowly in year 9 or 10 at high school. I think it's really challenging for a young Christian, especially one who has been brought up in a very sheltered Christian family, to see what people around the world in different times and places are doing with their faith. It can be easy to view your faith as a dormant object that you keep with you but never really use, whereas this book reminded me (without even saying it out loud) that God is powerful and our faith in Jesus is not in vain.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" - Matt 5:44

That essentially sums up this VOM publication. It's one of Jesus' most powerful commandments; and one could say the best witness of Christian faith one could have.

Some truly incredible testimonies are contained within these pages; memorable words from believers facing their own deaths; and awe-inspiring examples of God's love, Christian love towards each other, and most of all, the ability to love and forgive even those who hurt us worst of all.

I remember reading these stories when I was less than ten years old. Because I read them during my formative years, they impacted me in a way that's shaped my thinking throughout my life.

My woeful devotion to Christ pales in comparison to the men, women, and even children in these true stories who were willimg to give up life and freedome for their faith, let alone creature comforts.

I'd rate this an R for disturbing content including abuse, torture, and murder.

Original review posted on 11/8/23.

I teach 5th and 6th grade sunday school and I use some stories from here as examples from time to time. Many of the young "martyrs" help today's youth understand that their freedom of religion is a gift.

Great book. It shares stories of martyrs from all over the world spanning just after Jesus died until as recent as 1999 (when the book was published). Most stories are between one and three pages, so just small snapshots of each person or group’s stand for their faith. Some “martyrs” discussed did not die but faced horrible torture or other cruelties, but many did. It puts in perspective how many people have given up their lives for the faith. This is only a small percent, think of how many more whose stories we don’t know and maybe never will. But God does and He honors them greatly in heaven.

When more of these pop up on swap, I'm going to request them, so I can give copies to everyone I know.

It is so succinct (for me, anyway) in illustrating how short our time is on earth compared to our infinite eternity and how willing we should/could be to untether ourselves from the things of the world.

I am on page 35 and I'm already writing letters. This book has stirred me.

Don't read this. Far from reinforcing one's faith, this book is written for the superstitious. I don't see an ounce of religious worth in it. It is the product of mixing the depth grammar of science with the surface grammar of faith.

Libro con grandes historias de mártires, no hay mayor forma de sellar tu testimonio que con sangre.

WOW! I got to read this powerful book to my first period class each day. This was easily done with its short stories - - one story each morning. It really made the students think because many of these tales have taken place during their lifetime. Awesome!

Books that teach us to question ourselves and to see how other people lived really makes us think and i think that DC Talk did a real good job co-writing this book. In fact, it points as to how strong we really are. 8 year olds enduring their faith while their parents are killed before their eyes and parents doing the same while their kids are being murdered. All for Jesus and that while as morbid as it is, they are rewarded for it. You can't help but cry and be touched by these stories of people so bent on dying for Jesus that it just make you wanna reach out and touch them.
Getting this book is a must. If you like compilation books just like the Chicken Soup series, then get this one. It makes you think and it touches your heart. I also use this book to teach a bible study class and they said it was one of the best classes they ever experienced. :)