Gods & Kings

Title: God's & Kings
Author: Lynn Austin
Genre: Fiction/Historical

What can I say? I'm really starting to enjoy historical fiction especially when it comes to Biblical accounts. This book is the first in a 5 book series. This juicy novel is based out of II Kings 16, 18, II Chronicles 26-29, Jeremiah 16 and prophesies from Isiah and Micah.

The story starts in Judah under the reign of the evil King Ahaz. It's the middle of the night in the palace and princes Hezekiah and Eliab are suddenly awakened by the footsteps of soldiers trampling through the palace hallways. Both boys are snatched from their beds, tunics quickly are placed on them and they gathered together with all their other young half brothers. They are marched out of the palace and outside the city gates of Jerusalem to the Valley of Hinnom. Every instinct in Hezekiah screams to run, but he is unable to get away from the grip of the strong guards. The taunts of "Molech...Molech...Molech" rings in his ears and Hezekiah is more afraid than ever. Finally, a priest approaches the two brothers and Eilab is snatched away and immediately thrown, kicking and screaming, into the fiery furnace of the god Molech.

Hezekiah's life is forever changed in that moment. Despair begins to take over him as he and his mother, Abijah, try to put their life back together. Queen Abijah brings her grandfather and temple priest, Zechariah, to try to being help and healing to Hezekiah's broken spirit. Zechariah tutors Hezekiah in the ways of Yahweh, but soon as King Ahaz hears of this, both Zechariah and Abijah are removed from Hezekiah's life.

Many events take place leading to the final death of King Ahaz and suddenly Hezekiah is king over the crumbling nation of Judah. Can Hezekiah remember the teachings of the Torah taught to him by his grandfather during the early years of his life? Will he be able to restore this nation and bring revival to a land that has completely turned its back on Yahweh?

For the answer you can read this book, or obviously turn the Old Testament and read the above mentioned scriptures!

Although I recognize the fact that this is indeed simply a fiction novel, it is exciting to read how things may have indeed happened between the lines of scripture. Author Lynn Austin does a great job captivating her audience and keeps the story line moving. Although I do know how the story will end, I look forward the second book in this series "Song of Redemption".