The Sword: Magnus and the Mystery of Romans

WORLD Magazine 2025 Children's Book of the YearBest-selling author Marty Machowski leads young readers on an adventure to unlock the mystery of the swords of Magnus while exploring Paul’s letter to the Romans. Following the format of his popular storybook studies, Machowski weaves a Bible study of the book of Romans with a fictional story. The Sword shares the story of Katana and Brant who find a wooden sword and ancient journal belonging to Magnus, a one-time gladiator who became a guard who watched over the apostle Paul while he was under house arrest. Their discovery leads the siblings on a quest to reveal the mystery of the swords by studying Magnus’s journal.The Bible study portion of The Sword is presented as the study notes of Magnus. It was through his study of the gospel from Paul’s letter to the Romans that Magnus received the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Readers will learn alongside Katana and Brant the bad news of our sin and the good news that rescues us through the cross of Christ.Vivid, full-color illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino keep the attention of younger readers.Written for upper elementary age level readers (ages 8–12) and designed to be read out loud as a family.Encourages families to read and study the Bible together as they develop regular family devotions. Read more