PAULA'S REVIEW:
Be transported to 1040 BC and see what the soldiers of Israel have to do to prepare to serve King Saul against the Philistines. Zevi, one of the cousins from book one, Voice of the Ancient, is tasked with recruiting men for the army as well as artisans to benefit King Saul. Yochana is a perfumer and has lost her young husband to a battle and has disdain for the king.
From mistrust to awakening romance, through adventures and courageous actions, Zevi and Yochana grow in respect for eachother. Zevi has a complicated background and would seek revenge on the enemy for what they did to his hometown. But God has placed him in a loving family with a father who gave sound advice: “Just as a soldier trusts his commander and a commander trusts the king, you must trust the King above all Kings to direct you…the orders are more often whispered than shouted.”
I was captivated by the story and the Bible was brought to life. The descriptions of the perfuming craft and ingredients was very interesting. I loved the loyalty portrayed by Zevi’s family, especially when he was accused of murder.
If you like Biblical fiction, you will not want to miss this engaging tale of adventure.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"We are the people who were brought through the Red Sea on dry land. We are the ones who watched the walls of Jericho fall. . . . So we will not run. We will not fear. We will fight in the valley. We will fight in the hills . . ."
Spoken confidently, courageously, and adamantly by a formidable captain in King Saul's army on the cusp of his most significant foray to date. "I (Zevi) was no longer a frightened and lonely boy riddled with the wounds of my solitary past, but a soldier of the Most High God . . . " What had inspired such a dramatic change in perspective?
Perhaps a significant pivot occurred when Zevi stood on the threshold of a thriving perfume shop, its sole proprietress even more lovely than the odors permeating from within. Her wares displayed the kind of talent that King Saul would value in his court and while Zevi's priority was to recruit soldiers from Maresha, the king had also requested skilled artisans. After Zevi's persuasion attempts went awry, Yochana ended up in the back of a wagon against her will, along with the tools of her trade . . . to say that the young widow was furious, indignant, and uncooperative? . . . a gross understatement and understandably so.
Be still my heart! Enamored many times over with this story's sweet romantic interludes, the rich biblical history was informative, astonishing and awe inspiring. Watching this mighty warrior release his heart to the work of the Spirit within, I felt the depth of his angst over an unexpected betrayal while quietly observing his humble reliance on God's will even if . . . This entire narrative stands as a stalwart, tangible, unwavering, uncompromising reminder that our very souls may take refuge behind . . . the "shield of the mighty".
*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
WINNIE'S REVIEW
Connilyn Cossette is my go-to author for riveting Biblical fiction. I can always count on her stories to sweep me away to Biblical times and places and keep me engrossed and turning pages. Shield of the Mighty is Cossette’s second book in The King’s Men series and stars Zevi, who is a captain in King Saul’s army.
He is sent to surrounding cities to recruit soldiers to join the army and fight against the Philistines. He is also tasked with finding skilled artisans to serve in Saul’s court. When he happens upon talented and beautiful perfume maker Yochana, he tries to persuade her to join his group. Zevi is courageous and loyal, but his difficult past is proving hard to overcome. Yochana, whose husband was killed in battle, is plucky and has a gift for healing. The story alternates between the points of view of these two characters, and it’s interesting to see what each is feeling.
Cossette is a master at creating vividly-drawn, colorful, engaging characters and bringing them alive in a captivating tale. Her stories are richly detailed and impeccably researched and always have a deep inspirational message. This book has a very strong faith message as well as a message of the importance of family, whether biological or adopted. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy Biblical historical fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely love Connilyn Cossette’s Biblical fiction. She is such a talented author! I always become so immersed in her stories and the lives of her characters. I’m happy to say that Shield of the Mighty was no different!
I loved both Zevi and Yochana! Their chemistry jumped right off the page! I enjoyed how their bond developed and how their relationship showed the importance of forgiveness. Their story was one of healing, compassion and strength. It had so many surprising twists and turns! I loved every second of it. The mystery thread that started in the first story, Voice of the Ancient, continued in this story with many questions left unanswered. I cannot wait for its resolution!
I am so fond of this series and its characters! I cannot wait for the next story, which I’m hoping is about Gavi. If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you must try this excellent series!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 5 stars!
BackCover Copy
Captured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: Recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he faces a startling truth--the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign against their enemies.
Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces, threatening to consume her. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they're forced to confront present dangers and past scars.
Embark on a journey through ancient Israel with bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette in this exhilarating tale of vengeance, justice, and healing.
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