What do you think?
Rate this book
Chronicles of the Kings #1
Gods and Kings
Though born the second son of King Ahaz, Hezekiah is not protected from his father's perverted attempts to gain the favor of the idol Molech. Terrified and powerless at the foot of Molech's altar, Hezekiah encounters for the first time the one true God of his royal ancestry, Yahweh.
But his journey to the Holy One is riddled by influence from an assortment of men: Zechariah, a grandfather of noble standing who has fallen into drunkenness; Uriah, the High Priest whose lust for power forces him to gamble the faith he proclaims; and Shebna, the Egyptian intellectual who guides Hezekiah's instruction.
For the two women who love Hezekiah, the meaning of love--and its sacrificial essence--will direct the course of their lives and help shape the young prince's future.
But his journey to the Holy One is riddled by influence from an assortment of men: Zechariah, a grandfather of noble standing who has fallen into drunkenness; Uriah, the High Priest whose lust for power forces him to gamble the faith he proclaims; and Shebna, the Egyptian intellectual who guides Hezekiah's instruction.
For the two women who love Hezekiah, the meaning of love--and its sacrificial essence--will direct the course of their lives and help shape the young prince's future.
317 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
1700 people are currently reading
15697 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
55 books5,457 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,256 reviews
June 25, 2011
I read this book because I was offered a free copy and because a friend recommended it to me.
On the plus side, I agree with my friend that the author writes with more complexity than the marketing for her books would lead one to believe (if such a thing can be determined from reading one book). And I found the plot to be compelling enough that I was eager to get back to the book when I had to put it down.
However, the dialogue was wooden and the characters were two dimensional at best. But my main dislike went much deeper.
From the first page to the last Austin writes a story about characters that lived in an actual and historical ancient culture. However, she appears to know almost nothing about how this culture viewed the world, themselves, society, and faith. The things she had her characters say, think and do were so entirely the sorts of things people in her own modern day, western, individualized culture would say, think, and do. At times this was merely distracting, but frequently it made the book read like a parody.
A few examples:
When reflecting on her arranged marriage, a woman reflects that she did not pursue her own desires and dreams but allowed herself to be led by her father's wishes. She reflects that this needs to change. She is asked by a man, regarding her upcoming arranged marriage, if she "ever wanted something enough to fight for it" and the implication is strongly that she has a sad, sorry, weakness she must overcome in this area. And it is stated at one point that it is royalty and a few other segments of society that have their roles cut out for them regardless of their own choosing.
Where can I even begin?!? In a society such as this one (and all non-Western, non-modern, non-individualist societies) EVERYONE (not just women, not just people of a certain societal level) follows the path that their place in society by birth dictates to them. To do otherwise is nearly beyond imagining, holds no positive or healthy associations, and is very literally the very definition of sin. To do so would bring trouble and ruin to the entire society. I could go on and on but instead I'll continue.
The description of religion and the role it plays in a person and in society!!!! In both big (the King says "religion belongs in the temple, not in the streets and certainly not in the government") and smaller ways (people talking about if they believe in God, or their "faith" or wondering if God really exists and how we can know when we don't see him, and talking about their faith become an "empty ritual" and dozens of other examples found on every page of dialogue) Austin again makes a parody of the book by entirely not understanding the ancient view of the sacred and inserting our own modern, western view. There was NO sacred/secular distinction during this time and in this sort of society. This was NOT how God/religion was viewed or spoken of or thought of nor was this the purpose of it. Not at all.
Here are a few other ridiculous quotes:
"yet he hesitated, his rational mind refusing to believe in a supernatural answer."
"Can you prove any of this? I can't rest the fate of my nation of a superstition. I have to believe in things that can be proved in a tangible way." (A distinction of the modern/western worldview, not the ancient worldview)
"I don't have the proof you are asking for. I believe it by faith." (NOT the ancient definition of faith!!!!)
Again, I could go on and on and on. Yes, this how we think in this hemisphere at this time. I wonder if Austin was truly unaware of the cultural lenses she wrote with (and did not write with) or if she was aware but was speaking to her readers by using the thoughts and definitions that they would have. Either way, I'm dissapointed.
On the plus side, I agree with my friend that the author writes with more complexity than the marketing for her books would lead one to believe (if such a thing can be determined from reading one book). And I found the plot to be compelling enough that I was eager to get back to the book when I had to put it down.
However, the dialogue was wooden and the characters were two dimensional at best. But my main dislike went much deeper.
From the first page to the last Austin writes a story about characters that lived in an actual and historical ancient culture. However, she appears to know almost nothing about how this culture viewed the world, themselves, society, and faith. The things she had her characters say, think and do were so entirely the sorts of things people in her own modern day, western, individualized culture would say, think, and do. At times this was merely distracting, but frequently it made the book read like a parody.
A few examples:
When reflecting on her arranged marriage, a woman reflects that she did not pursue her own desires and dreams but allowed herself to be led by her father's wishes. She reflects that this needs to change. She is asked by a man, regarding her upcoming arranged marriage, if she "ever wanted something enough to fight for it" and the implication is strongly that she has a sad, sorry, weakness she must overcome in this area. And it is stated at one point that it is royalty and a few other segments of society that have their roles cut out for them regardless of their own choosing.
Where can I even begin?!? In a society such as this one (and all non-Western, non-modern, non-individualist societies) EVERYONE (not just women, not just people of a certain societal level) follows the path that their place in society by birth dictates to them. To do otherwise is nearly beyond imagining, holds no positive or healthy associations, and is very literally the very definition of sin. To do so would bring trouble and ruin to the entire society. I could go on and on but instead I'll continue.
The description of religion and the role it plays in a person and in society!!!! In both big (the King says "religion belongs in the temple, not in the streets and certainly not in the government") and smaller ways (people talking about if they believe in God, or their "faith" or wondering if God really exists and how we can know when we don't see him, and talking about their faith become an "empty ritual" and dozens of other examples found on every page of dialogue) Austin again makes a parody of the book by entirely not understanding the ancient view of the sacred and inserting our own modern, western view. There was NO sacred/secular distinction during this time and in this sort of society. This was NOT how God/religion was viewed or spoken of or thought of nor was this the purpose of it. Not at all.
Here are a few other ridiculous quotes:
"yet he hesitated, his rational mind refusing to believe in a supernatural answer."
"Can you prove any of this? I can't rest the fate of my nation of a superstition. I have to believe in things that can be proved in a tangible way." (A distinction of the modern/western worldview, not the ancient worldview)
"I don't have the proof you are asking for. I believe it by faith." (NOT the ancient definition of faith!!!!)
Again, I could go on and on and on. Yes, this how we think in this hemisphere at this time. I wonder if Austin was truly unaware of the cultural lenses she wrote with (and did not write with) or if she was aware but was speaking to her readers by using the thoughts and definitions that they would have. Either way, I'm dissapointed.
February 6, 2009
Hezekiah, prince of Judah, lives in a kingdom under siege from hostile forces within and without. His father, King Ahaz, has abandoned the worship of Yahweh and led his nation into idolatry. Gods & Kings chronicles Hezekiah's coming of age, detailing his turbulent childhood when he saw his father sacrifice his older brother Eliab to the pagan god Molech. Overwhelmed by fear, Hezekiah first encounters the life-changing touch of God through the love and teaching of his grandfather, Zechariah, a Levitical priest. These seeds of faith are all that Hezekiah has to guide him in a kingdom threatened by invasion and corrupted by idolatry. But surrounded by threats to his very existance, can he hope to survive and be given the chance to change the future of his country?
This is one of the best biblical fiction series out there, easily on par with Angela Hunt's Legacies of the Ancient River series. I don't feel that Austin's writing is as strong or her characters quite as well-developed as is evident in her later books (such as the Christy award-winning novels Candle in the Darkness and Fire By Night), but that's a very minor issue. Austin does an excellent job bringing the world of ancient Judah to life in all of its color, pageantry, danger, and intrigue. She breathes fresh life into the character of Hezekiah, creating a flesh-and-blood man whose struggles and weaknesses make his triumphs as one of Judah's greatest kings all the more inspiring. And the book lives up to perhaps the best measure of whether or not biblical fiction succeeds or fails - it inspires study of the actual biblical text.
When reading this book (incidentally this was my second time), I was struck by how timely the story felt. Hezekiah was one small drop in an overwhelming sea of danger and false gods, but God used his life to literally change the course of an entire nation and people. So read, study, and be inspired as Austin helps to bring to life the truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14 -- "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
This is one of the best biblical fiction series out there, easily on par with Angela Hunt's Legacies of the Ancient River series. I don't feel that Austin's writing is as strong or her characters quite as well-developed as is evident in her later books (such as the Christy award-winning novels Candle in the Darkness and Fire By Night), but that's a very minor issue. Austin does an excellent job bringing the world of ancient Judah to life in all of its color, pageantry, danger, and intrigue. She breathes fresh life into the character of Hezekiah, creating a flesh-and-blood man whose struggles and weaknesses make his triumphs as one of Judah's greatest kings all the more inspiring. And the book lives up to perhaps the best measure of whether or not biblical fiction succeeds or fails - it inspires study of the actual biblical text.
When reading this book (incidentally this was my second time), I was struck by how timely the story felt. Hezekiah was one small drop in an overwhelming sea of danger and false gods, but God used his life to literally change the course of an entire nation and people. So read, study, and be inspired as Austin helps to bring to life the truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14 -- "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
May 9, 2012
This book is more of a 2.5 star book for me because there were parts I liked and parts I really didn't.
The first three books of the series Chronicles of the Kings tells the story of Hezekiah, a king of Judah, who's story is found in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.
The only thing I could remember about Hezekiah before reading this book was that he was a decent king who was granted 15 more years to live by God after he asked not to die, and that in that time period he gave birth to an heir who turned out to not be a good guy at all, so the point being, maybe it's good when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want.
So, one good part of this book for me was learning more about him (even if it was fictionalized), and learning who in the Bible were contemporaries with whom. Micah, Isaiah, and Hezekiah were all alive and kicking at the same time period, and I guess I either never knew that or forgot it.
The bad part was that, even though Ms. Austin has a degree in Biblical Backgrounds and Archeology, there was really very little historical details found in this book, at least not to the level of other historical novels I've read.
Also, there were many, many times when I felt like today's culture was being superimposed on characters. For example, one character who was the daughter of a high priest attends a sacrifice in the temple, which was a DAILY occurrence in those days, and her stomach is turned when the animal's throat is cut. Um, no. If you watched that every day growing up, it would not turn your stomach, I don't care how long it's been since you've attended a sacrifice. And some of their views on God and religion in general seemed much more Christian-y than Judaistic.
And then there were the preachy Christian sections. Having JUST listened to a message by Robert Jefress where he taught against one of the tenets of the emergent church-- going and joining sinners in their activities as a method of winning souls -- it seemed like this entire novel was basically the same message. I kept thinking, "SOMEone doesn't like the emergent church." I doubt that's what she was thinking when she wrote the book, but that's what I kept feeling everytime something was written about justifying compromises of your beliefs by saying you're just going to join them for a while, then you'll win them over at some point.
And now, back to the good part. Austin is a good writer. I may disagree with parts of the story, but she's a very good storyteller. In fact, she started a romance toward the end of this novel, and did it so well that I went and bought the next book. And I'm glad I did. I liked it, so see my review of Song of Redemption to see how much.
The first three books of the series Chronicles of the Kings tells the story of Hezekiah, a king of Judah, who's story is found in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.
The only thing I could remember about Hezekiah before reading this book was that he was a decent king who was granted 15 more years to live by God after he asked not to die, and that in that time period he gave birth to an heir who turned out to not be a good guy at all, so the point being, maybe it's good when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want.
So, one good part of this book for me was learning more about him (even if it was fictionalized), and learning who in the Bible were contemporaries with whom. Micah, Isaiah, and Hezekiah were all alive and kicking at the same time period, and I guess I either never knew that or forgot it.
The bad part was that, even though Ms. Austin has a degree in Biblical Backgrounds and Archeology, there was really very little historical details found in this book, at least not to the level of other historical novels I've read.
Also, there were many, many times when I felt like today's culture was being superimposed on characters. For example, one character who was the daughter of a high priest attends a sacrifice in the temple, which was a DAILY occurrence in those days, and her stomach is turned when the animal's throat is cut. Um, no. If you watched that every day growing up, it would not turn your stomach, I don't care how long it's been since you've attended a sacrifice. And some of their views on God and religion in general seemed much more Christian-y than Judaistic.
And then there were the preachy Christian sections. Having JUST listened to a message by Robert Jefress where he taught against one of the tenets of the emergent church-- going and joining sinners in their activities as a method of winning souls -- it seemed like this entire novel was basically the same message. I kept thinking, "SOMEone doesn't like the emergent church." I doubt that's what she was thinking when she wrote the book, but that's what I kept feeling everytime something was written about justifying compromises of your beliefs by saying you're just going to join them for a while, then you'll win them over at some point.
And now, back to the good part. Austin is a good writer. I may disagree with parts of the story, but she's a very good storyteller. In fact, she started a romance toward the end of this novel, and did it so well that I went and bought the next book. And I'm glad I did. I liked it, so see my review of Song of Redemption to see how much.
September 10, 2021
I have decided to reread one of my favorite series of all times. God and Kings is the story of Hezekiah rule. In this first book we see what his father rule did for his people. His father sacrificed his children to an made up God, sold his country for military help and had his country to stop following God. We see how Hezekiah childhood was like, learning the way of God thru his Grandfather, and his own father took his Grandfather and Hezekiah own mother away from him. When Hezekiah father dies he is at a loss to what to do, can he get help thru a Prophet and his grandfather who was locked away for years? I have read another version of this story by Mesu Andrews, which I also recommend. This story is about redemption and how God can restore His grace on you if you come back and follow Him and love Him. This story follows Hezekiah journey and his son journey as well. So an uplifting story that I think as Christian we all need to read for our own journey with God. Such a wonderful reminder of God grace!!
December 27, 2021
4 Stars ✨
Yahweh doesn’t owe us an explanation for what He does. He’s sovereign over all: ‘Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know?. . . If he comes along and confines you in prison. . . who can oppose him?’ So you see? I don’t need to know why anymore.”
Ok so it’s official- Lynn Austin is my favorite go to author of historical biblical fiction. She has a way of making the stories of the Old Testament come to life in a whole new way.
Gods and Kings focuses on King David’s Royal line - King Ahaz and his son Hezekiah. In this first book, we get to see how far a nation falls under a ruler who doesn’t follow the ways of Yahweh. How chaos ignites and can trickle down generation by generation. The first half went by kinda slow for me but by the second half I was fully engaged and ready for the next book in this beautifully written series.
Yahweh doesn’t owe us an explanation for what He does. He’s sovereign over all: ‘Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know?. . . If he comes along and confines you in prison. . . who can oppose him?’ So you see? I don’t need to know why anymore.”
Ok so it’s official- Lynn Austin is my favorite go to author of historical biblical fiction. She has a way of making the stories of the Old Testament come to life in a whole new way.
Gods and Kings focuses on King David’s Royal line - King Ahaz and his son Hezekiah. In this first book, we get to see how far a nation falls under a ruler who doesn’t follow the ways of Yahweh. How chaos ignites and can trickle down generation by generation. The first half went by kinda slow for me but by the second half I was fully engaged and ready for the next book in this beautifully written series.
February 23, 2012
I love this book. It is interesting because it tells the same story that is repeated in the scriptures - good king dies, bad king takes over, he is slothful, arrogant, brutal, evil, most of the kingdom is sinful and won't repent, prophets who call them to repentance are beaten, then one of his sons will take over and be a good king and get the nation back to worshipping God (Yahweh in this book) instead of pagan idols. I really like it because of the same lessons taught as the scriptures, but this fictional account takes you into the emotions of some of the characters and I find it interesting to feel what it must have been like to live back then.
DONE - LOVED THE BOOK!! Exciting, battle between corrupt and good.
DONE - LOVED THE BOOK!! Exciting, battle between corrupt and good.
January 30, 2016
So so good! Such a page turner! As a Christian, I really appreciated the language and commitment to the Bible this novel had. I can't wait to read more.
April 20, 2016
There was much about this book that I needed to just read past. I tried to imagine that this was a story pulled from an ancient text that WASN'T a text I've read and studied and that WASN'T a thread in the dominant religion in our current society. Both of those were tricky to pretend away and, at moments, I wanted to set the book aside for theological or social reasons.
If you set aside suspicions (founded or not) about the agenda behind this book, the story itself is interesting and well told. If you are looking for a scholarly text or a historical text, this might not be the book. But if you are looking for an interesting story then it's not bad.
There is still that awkward feeling, for me, that a casual reader might read this novel and use it as a historical reference - that now they know the REAL story of those ancient days - and that somehow I'm complicit in that by even reading the book. That odd feeling will probably keep me from hunting up the rest of the series. There are so many fabulous books to be read that don't leave an awkward feeling...
If you set aside suspicions (founded or not) about the agenda behind this book, the story itself is interesting and well told. If you are looking for a scholarly text or a historical text, this might not be the book. But if you are looking for an interesting story then it's not bad.
There is still that awkward feeling, for me, that a casual reader might read this novel and use it as a historical reference - that now they know the REAL story of those ancient days - and that somehow I'm complicit in that by even reading the book. That odd feeling will probably keep me from hunting up the rest of the series. There are so many fabulous books to be read that don't leave an awkward feeling...
October 13, 2011
2.5 stars (maybe)
Dialog (including internal) way too modern voiced and jarring to the ancient setting. While reading, I did not envision an ancient setting such as Jerusalem at the time of the Assyrian Empire should have evoked in my mind. I also felt the portrayal of everyday life and the traditional major life events and ceremonies were poorly researched and related. Too much cardboard melodrama and predictable snapshot scenes. I'm thankful this novel was so short. I will not continue reading this series.
Dialog (including internal) way too modern voiced and jarring to the ancient setting. While reading, I did not envision an ancient setting such as Jerusalem at the time of the Assyrian Empire should have evoked in my mind. I also felt the portrayal of everyday life and the traditional major life events and ceremonies were poorly researched and related. Too much cardboard melodrama and predictable snapshot scenes. I'm thankful this novel was so short. I will not continue reading this series.
April 21, 2023
This book tells the story of King Hezekiah’s origins under the guidance of his grandfather Zechariah, the love of his mother Abijah and the tyranny of his father Ahaz who spreads idolatry throughout the kingdom.
This was an easy and fast read but the rage I felt whenever Uriah spoke. He had me pulling my hair out with his compromised thinking. Anyway, this felt more like an introduction than the actual story which I’m hoping to get more of in the next book.
This was an easy and fast read but the rage I felt whenever Uriah spoke. He had me pulling my hair out with his compromised thinking. Anyway, this felt more like an introduction than the actual story which I’m hoping to get more of in the next book.
December 21, 2012
I love historical fiction that can place you in the setting with the sights, sounds, and culture of that day. Now when I read of Hezikiah in the Old Testament, I will have a better appreciation than I did before because of this account. You can easily see how the Jews left God and why and how terrible Kings of that day were. They really set the tone for their kingdom. Even in our world today, we can learn from the past and put our trust in God.
June 1, 2019
This is the best Biblical fiction I've read in a LONG time. I really enjoyed this a ton. I liked that it didn't have all the romance and it was so cool learning about people I didn't know anything about previously.
4 1/2 stars
4 1/2 stars
November 6, 2017
Oh my goodness, I don't even know where to begin...
Ok, so I don't tend to like reading novels about the New Testament because it can easily veer into a twee land of sticky sweetness and light and ugh shake it off shake it off. The OLD Testament however, is full of politics and war and SEX and death it's like a George RR Martin novel YAY!
Haha, except for when it's in the hands of a Christian fiction writer.
So the book is the first of a series following the Judean king Hezekiah, and it's more hamfisted, Christian-stuffed, and anvilicious than I ever could have imagined.
TL;DR Review: If you want to write a novel based on the FREAKING BIBLE, and you don't think it's "Christian-y" enough, so you feel the need to add in extra stuff to spruce it up, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
(I am sucking it up and giving it two stars because there were about 100 pages in the second half that actually had me interested, but then it RUINED IT ALL.)
Ok, so I don't tend to like reading novels about the New Testament because it can easily veer into a twee land of sticky sweetness and light and ugh shake it off shake it off. The OLD Testament however, is full of politics and war and SEX and death it's like a George RR Martin novel YAY!
Haha, except for when it's in the hands of a Christian fiction writer.
So the book is the first of a series following the Judean king Hezekiah, and it's more hamfisted, Christian-stuffed, and anvilicious than I ever could have imagined.
TL;DR Review: If you want to write a novel based on the FREAKING BIBLE, and you don't think it's "Christian-y" enough, so you feel the need to add in extra stuff to spruce it up, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
(I am sucking it up and giving it two stars because there were about 100 pages in the second half that actually had me interested, but then it RUINED IT ALL.)
May 16, 2013
I am now on the third book of this series and am really enjoying the whole series! Though these are centered around the life of King Hezekiah, I am learning so much about the history of this time period that I have a whole new perspective on other stories from the Old Testament. I now completely understand Jonah and why he ran away when God told him to go to Nineveh. Those Assyrians were so incredibly brutal, heartless and had no mercy for anyone, not even babies! Anyways, this is a really fantastic look at, not only the reign of Hezekiah (mostly in the 2nd and 3rd books), but also his idol-worshipping father Ahab (in the first book).
July 31, 2011
Just finished Gods and Kings, Christian fiction based on the book of Chronicles about King Hezekiah. I liked her message, but it was written more "modern" than I liked. Her characters were missing too much of the ancient philosophies and customary attitudes of the time.
March 17, 2022
I enjoyed this biblical retelling of King Hezekiah. The prose was accessible and lyrical. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. If you enjoy biblical historical retellings you will love this! Great time!
September 14, 2015
This is the second book by Austin I read. This is not my favourite genre (suspense) but I really enjoyed this book.
What I love about Biblical Fiction is that it break opens the Bible in different ways and you click events better than when reading the Bible. For example, how many times did I read the part in Kings where they said that King Ahaz offered his first born son, but only after reading the first chapter of the book I actually realized what that meant! Another thing that I love about Biblical fiction is that it takes you back to the Bible - after reading the first pages I went to the parts in the Bible this book is about and read it to understand if that truly happened.
I loved Hezekiah the child, and will look forward to reading more of Hezekiah as the King. I also enjoyed Zechariah's character and how he realised his faults and asked forgiveness and stood up for what is right after receiving this second chance.
What stood out for me is how men craved power back then already and how they will compromise their beliefs for power and lying to themselves about their choices. It made me think how we should on a daily basis be aware of our choices and if we compromise our beliefs.
What I love about Biblical Fiction is that it break opens the Bible in different ways and you click events better than when reading the Bible. For example, how many times did I read the part in Kings where they said that King Ahaz offered his first born son, but only after reading the first chapter of the book I actually realized what that meant! Another thing that I love about Biblical fiction is that it takes you back to the Bible - after reading the first pages I went to the parts in the Bible this book is about and read it to understand if that truly happened.
I loved Hezekiah the child, and will look forward to reading more of Hezekiah as the King. I also enjoyed Zechariah's character and how he realised his faults and asked forgiveness and stood up for what is right after receiving this second chance.
What stood out for me is how men craved power back then already and how they will compromise their beliefs for power and lying to themselves about their choices. It made me think how we should on a daily basis be aware of our choices and if we compromise our beliefs.
February 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this biblical historical novel. The time period and events detailed in this book had only been names from the Old Testament to me, and I never really knew the story of their names. This book does an excellent job of bringing to life King Hezekiah, his father King Ahaz, his maternal grandfather Zechariah, and the Prophets Isaiah and Micah. These names from the Bible are now fully fleshed people to me, and I can now picture the time they lived in, the idol worshiping that occurred, the human sacrifices, and the desecration of the Temple during the time of Kind Ahaz.
August 19, 2010
This is the second time I've read this book, and I enjoyed it just as much on the second reading. Lynn Austin's characters come to life and lift God's Word off the page and into my heart. Her detailed descriptions and extensive research make the various components of her story hum with tension. She explains Israel's penchant toward idolatry in a plausible way and expresses the invisible God's jealousy with awe and reverence. Masterfully written with a tender heart of worship.
September 17, 2015
Gods and Kings is the first of a Biblical Fiction series. Its focus is King Hezekiah from the time he was a young boy to when his reign begins at age 25.
While I very much enjoyed all the history, I was not fully engaged in the story. Overall,it was a good novel and one I'd recommend to readers who enjoy Biblical Fiction. I do plan to continue reading the series.
While I very much enjoyed all the history, I was not fully engaged in the story. Overall,it was a good novel and one I'd recommend to readers who enjoy Biblical Fiction. I do plan to continue reading the series.
September 13, 2015
A Quickie Review
Lynn Austin brings the old story from the books of Kings to life. With lots of emotion and plenty of historical detail, you've likely never seen Hezekiah and Ahaz portrayed like this before. Fans of Biblical historical fiction will definitely like this.
Score: 4/5
Lynn Austin brings the old story from the books of Kings to life. With lots of emotion and plenty of historical detail, you've likely never seen Hezekiah and Ahaz portrayed like this before. Fans of Biblical historical fiction will definitely like this.
Score: 4/5
May 23, 2024
A fictionalized telling of King Ahaz and King Hezekiah. I enjoyed reading this book because it challenged me to read II Kings and II Chronicles to learn what was true and what had she added to the story. It is so sad to read how King Ahaz desecrated the Temple and lead God's people to worship foreign deities. It helped me to see how even today it is so easy for man to turn away from God. Throughout the book, and throughout history, God has always had his remnant and it was so encouraging to read of the prophets and priests who remained faithful to the one true God, Yahweh.
November 7, 2024
Way, way too much hang wringing and emotionalism on the part of the main character. It became very annoying quite quickly. I couldn't finish it.
December 15, 2024
Quick note: when it comes to biblical fiction I always have my Bible for reference and I always go into them understanding that it's a combination of the Bible and fiction. Everything in these books are not true. Their purpose is to edify, strengthen my faith and entertainment.
This was a intriguing read for me. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I wasn't 100% sold on everything, but it still kept me intrigued enough to want to read the entire series. Lynn Austin has such a beautiful way of writing her stories. It pulls you in and play like a movie with each turn of the page.
King Ahaz was a terrible king who led his people astray. He was all about pleasing man rather than God. Uriah, the high priest, was also a terrible person. As a priest he should have denied many things, yet he compromised his faith for wealth and riches with man. They were both foolish men who choose their own ways rather than God's.
Abijah was a strong woman who had to fake her way through her marriage. Losing her son and dealing with an impossible husband, I admired her courage in the story. I felt so bad for what she had to go through.
Hezekiah is always interesting for me to read or study about. I enjoyed seeing his younger years and his interest in God. Seeing him go from loving God to being pulled away was insane, but he came back in the end.
The prophets Zechariah, Isaiah and Micah are featured in this story and though I adored Zechariah, I wanted just a bit more from Isaiah and Micah. The only character I wasn't a fan of is Hephzibah because she seemed a bit whiny and over the top. I am interested in seeing how things turn out for her in the sequel though.
Overall, this was a pretty good OT story that brings together the story of King Ahaz into King Hezekiah's reign. Definitely will be reading the sequel, Song of Redemption, soon.
This was a intriguing read for me. I enjoyed the characters and plot. I wasn't 100% sold on everything, but it still kept me intrigued enough to want to read the entire series. Lynn Austin has such a beautiful way of writing her stories. It pulls you in and play like a movie with each turn of the page.
King Ahaz was a terrible king who led his people astray. He was all about pleasing man rather than God. Uriah, the high priest, was also a terrible person. As a priest he should have denied many things, yet he compromised his faith for wealth and riches with man. They were both foolish men who choose their own ways rather than God's.
Abijah was a strong woman who had to fake her way through her marriage. Losing her son and dealing with an impossible husband, I admired her courage in the story. I felt so bad for what she had to go through.
Hezekiah is always interesting for me to read or study about. I enjoyed seeing his younger years and his interest in God. Seeing him go from loving God to being pulled away was insane, but he came back in the end.
The prophets Zechariah, Isaiah and Micah are featured in this story and though I adored Zechariah, I wanted just a bit more from Isaiah and Micah. The only character I wasn't a fan of is Hephzibah because she seemed a bit whiny and over the top. I am interested in seeing how things turn out for her in the sequel though.
Overall, this was a pretty good OT story that brings together the story of King Ahaz into King Hezekiah's reign. Definitely will be reading the sequel, Song of Redemption, soon.
April 7, 2012
Summary from Amazon: Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah's mother, Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to save themselves and their country.
My Thoughts: I first picked up this book because it was free on kindle. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Austin brought the characters from the Old Testament alive. I have read the Old Testament stories but rarely thought about the feelings or the humanity behind the words. These people went through the same struggles and temptations as I do. Reading this book made me want to reread the chapters about Ahaz and Hezekiah, seeing them in a new light.
The action is steady and exciting. Even though I knew what was going to happen since I have read the books of Kings, it was still a fast-paced adventure. The events line up with scripture and are evidence of Austin's research. Fans of Christian fiction with Biblical truth will love this book.
After reading this one, I eagerly downloaded book two!
My Thoughts: I first picked up this book because it was free on kindle. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Austin brought the characters from the Old Testament alive. I have read the Old Testament stories but rarely thought about the feelings or the humanity behind the words. These people went through the same struggles and temptations as I do. Reading this book made me want to reread the chapters about Ahaz and Hezekiah, seeing them in a new light.
The action is steady and exciting. Even though I knew what was going to happen since I have read the books of Kings, it was still a fast-paced adventure. The events line up with scripture and are evidence of Austin's research. Fans of Christian fiction with Biblical truth will love this book.
After reading this one, I eagerly downloaded book two!
June 23, 2022
Gods & Kings has been on my TBR for quite a while. Biblical fiction (historical fiction based on the historical accounts in the Bible) isn’t my go-to genre. But when a book challenge I’m participating in had “a book in a genre you don’t normally read” as the June prompt, I decided biblical fiction would fit. I had a few ebooks to choose from and finally decided on Lynn Austin’s because her book Wonderland Creek is one of my all-time favorite historical fiction stories.
I truly enjoyed reading Gods & Kings and am so glad I choose it! Clearly, I need more biblical fiction in my life! This story of King Ahaz and his son Hezekiah does what every good historical fiction story does. It drops you into the history account in a way that you can connect with the people, care about them, and learn what happened.
Obviously, as with any historical fiction, it’s fiction…but it’s based as closely as possible on actual events. I especially appreciated that the author gives the reader all the biblical references up front so you can (and should!) compare the Bible’s account to her story to know what’s made up and what is biblical.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars) for a well-written story that keeps as close to the true biblical account as possible. I look forward to continuing the series!
I truly enjoyed reading Gods & Kings and am so glad I choose it! Clearly, I need more biblical fiction in my life! This story of King Ahaz and his son Hezekiah does what every good historical fiction story does. It drops you into the history account in a way that you can connect with the people, care about them, and learn what happened.
Obviously, as with any historical fiction, it’s fiction…but it’s based as closely as possible on actual events. I especially appreciated that the author gives the reader all the biblical references up front so you can (and should!) compare the Bible’s account to her story to know what’s made up and what is biblical.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars) for a well-written story that keeps as close to the true biblical account as possible. I look forward to continuing the series!
February 9, 2017
Lynn Austin has become one of my favorite authors of historical fiction and this title didn't let me down. One of the best things about good Biblical fiction is that the stories and people come alive for you - and become ... more personal and easy to relate to.
Every character in Gods & Kings felt real to me. Whether I was weeping with Abijah over her lost child, cringing with young Hezekiah as he was drug to the sacrifices to Molech, feeling the loss and anger of Zechariah as he saw the temple defaced and robbed the first time ... they all had more than one dimension and changed and grew as the story evolved. There is a lot of action and tension even though we know story.
The only problem was that the book ended just as Hezekiah is coming into his own and you feel like the story should keep going. Lucky for us - this is just the first book in the series. :o)
Every character in Gods & Kings felt real to me. Whether I was weeping with Abijah over her lost child, cringing with young Hezekiah as he was drug to the sacrifices to Molech, feeling the loss and anger of Zechariah as he saw the temple defaced and robbed the first time ... they all had more than one dimension and changed and grew as the story evolved. There is a lot of action and tension even though we know story.
The only problem was that the book ended just as Hezekiah is coming into his own and you feel like the story should keep going. Lucky for us - this is just the first book in the series. :o)
October 20, 2015
I really really like the retelling of the biblical story about King Ahaz and Hezekiah. It made it come to life and put you there in the moment. I kept wanting to refer to scripture which in some instances I did. It really really put things in perspective for me and helped me to understand those stories more thoroughly. This book made me get teary-eyed in some points and all out sobbed in another. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that would like to read biblical fiction or to be really put there in the moment.
June 12, 2012
Wow! This book brought the boring Old Testament books to life! At first, that was not such a good thing...I will never again casually skim over a passage in the Bible that says, "they sacrificed their children to idols." I almost didn't want to continue after the first chapter, but I'm glad I did! Not only did this book bring the story to life, it also encouraged me to read my Bible! Any book that does that deserves 5 stars! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
May 10, 2024
*3.5
Definitely a set-up book for the series. I got most invested around the 60% mark, but I think it was also because I was traveling while listening to the audio. I would have been more engaged if reading the physical copy for sure.
The parent/child relationships were very interesting through seeing the generational effects of sin.
I also LOVED that we got to meet some of the prophets (Isaiah and Micah) and their passion to uphold the righteousness of God in the face of death!
Definitely a set-up book for the series. I got most invested around the 60% mark, but I think it was also because I was traveling while listening to the audio. I would have been more engaged if reading the physical copy for sure.
The parent/child relationships were very interesting through seeing the generational effects of sin.
I also LOVED that we got to meet some of the prophets (Isaiah and Micah) and their passion to uphold the righteousness of God in the face of death!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,256 reviews