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red_steele's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing series. Lynn Austin makes the Old Testament come to life and I am eager to open my Bible and learn more about the kings of Israel.
I enjoyed the character development and the love stories throughout the series. This book perfectly illustrates God’s love through forgiveness and redemption.
Miriam and Jerusha were two of my favorite characters and I loved the relationship that developed between books four and five. As much as I loved Miriam, I did not like Joshua. He was a selfish, manipulative, pompous jerk who used people and thought he was smarter than everyone else including God. While I respect that he saved his family, he also tore apart countless lives by manipulating scripture and because of his determination for revenge.
At first I could not understand why Miriam continued to risk her life for Joshua when he continually treated her like garbage. I finally understood that Miriam’s actions illustrate the love God has for us. He constantly saves us over and over again when we do not deserve it.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading more Lynn Austin novels.
I enjoyed the character development and the love stories throughout the series. This book perfectly illustrates God’s love through forgiveness and redemption.
Miriam and Jerusha were two of my favorite characters and I loved the relationship that developed between books four and five. As much as I loved Miriam, I did not like Joshua. He was a selfish, manipulative, pompous jerk who used people and thought he was smarter than everyone else including God. While I respect that he saved his family, he also tore apart countless lives by manipulating scripture and because of his determination for revenge.
At first I could not understand why Miriam continued to risk her life for Joshua when he continually treated her like garbage. I finally understood that Miriam’s actions illustrate the love God has for us. He constantly saves us over and over again when we do not deserve it.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading more Lynn Austin novels.
ariaslibrary's review against another edition
3.0
A lot felt rushed. I felt like Joshua and Manasseh's story could have used one more book. Nevertheless, the topic on revenge and how it can blind you was handled well enough.
aj59bizg's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
maeclair's review against another edition
5.0
I hate to see this series end, but it came to a most satisfying conclusion. Aside from the main story thread of Joshua hoping to return his people to Bethlehem and have Amariah replace his brother on the throne of King David, there is are several engrossing side stories—that of Joshua and Miriam, (the servant girl who has loved him from afar and selflessly sacrifices for him time and again), and Joshua and his adopted son, Nathan. The latter relationship brought me to tears at times. Joshua made many bad decisions throughout the course of this novel, but the overall theme of a father’s love and forgiveness, (most especially that of our heavenly Father) delivers a beautiful message. After reading Lynn Austin’s wonderful series, I have a new appreciation for the Old Testament, and many of its lesser known kings. Highly recommended!!
shammons's review against another edition
4.0
I just finished this five book, Christian fiction series, and I can't think of enough good things to say about them. I really enjoyed them. I admit that my knowledge of the Old Testament is highly lacking, so it was wonderful to read this fictionalized account of kings such as Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manassah, as well as the prophet Isaiah. There were many other characters and side stories taking place, which just added to the books, to me. I have been reading a lot more lately in both 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles after reading these books. I wish I could be more eloquent, but suffice it to say, I'm glad I own these books and can read them again some day. I enjoyed them that much :)
ecahilly's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
thereadingknitter's review against another edition
4.0
Fleeing King Manasseh's tyranny, Joshua leads the faithful remnant to their new home in Egypt. But as years pass, Joshua's desire for vengeance becomes an obsession. Blinded by hatred, he makes rash decisions, placing his loved ones in jeopardy. Amid Joshua's turmoil comes an unexpected awakening of love-a love that burns so intensely it draws him from the dark inner seclusion where he often retreats. But what will it take for him to grasp the great love his Heavenly Father has for him.and for the chosen people of Judah? (Chronicles of the King Book 5)
My review - I love Lynn Austin and her writing! Saying that, I think I'm glad in a way that this series is over. I was so frustrated with Joshua in this book because of his hatred. But I loved how it was still a type of love story because with Miriam always helping Joshua. This book shocked me in some of the incidents that happened (Joshua's parents passing away) but also amazed me in the way that God finally got through to Manasseh! Now moving on to the NEXT Lynn Austin book!
My review - I love Lynn Austin and her writing! Saying that, I think I'm glad in a way that this series is over. I was so frustrated with Joshua in this book because of his hatred. But I loved how it was still a type of love story because with Miriam always helping Joshua. This book shocked me in some of the incidents that happened (Joshua's parents passing away) but also amazed me in the way that God finally got through to Manasseh! Now moving on to the NEXT Lynn Austin book!