Gods and Kings (Chronicles of the Kings #1)

This book is an excellent dramatization of The Holy Bible. Prophets like Zechariah and Micah become three dimensional. The Kings and Prophets in the series were as real as you and I. Very well written😍

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Chronicles of the Kings." It is obvious that Lynn Austin has done a lot of research into the Scriptures and that she has tried to remain true to the Word. The Old Testament kings and battles have always been a difficult read for me but these books have brought those stories to life. I can feel the emotions of the people and will not forget the stories in this series. It has been a long time since I have read a book that absolutely gripped my attention and made me want to keep reading it. I recently purchased "The Restoration Chronicles" and am anxious to read that series. These books are very good, I highly recommend them.

Pros: I loved this story and at one point stayed up until 1:00 am to see what happens. I was uplifted by the scriptures and saddened by the history and choices of the people. I had to get my Bible out and compare!Cons: Over-told in places and a couple of plot lines just sort of disappear. The editor should have helped out with this. However, I spent years editing novels and have a very critical eye - most people may not feel this way. It was a little slow in the middle, but worth it in my opinion to get to the end.

This is one of the best Christian fiction books I’ve ever read. She’s probably my favorite Christian fiction author. I can’t recommend this series enough. She brought this story to life and made things that are foreign to our culture make sense. My husband even enjoyed it and he’s not a big reader. But he has read it twice!

At first, I didn’t think I was going to like this book however; it ducked me right in. The author made these stories come alive. Before I finished this book, I ordered Song of Redemption. Fabulous book!!!

Absorbing, thrilling, emotional, thought provoking, on base with scripture. I got this first book because it was free. I have since purchased all her other books in this series and am presently on Book #3. I have to pace myself in reading or I will be through them all very soon. These books hold your interest, gather your imagination to the forefront and then brings you to reading the actual story in the Bible.I am so impressed with the accuracy in her writing, truly a talent. She has brought these stories to us through her thought s and ideas but I feel she was really inspired in her writing.I am a fan from the very beginning. Having read some of her other books, I find the Gods and Kings to be the best yet and there are so many more to go.In my humble opinion, if you like good clean books to read with intrigue, love, hate, terror, sweetness and reality, get her books. You will not be sorry. I read them at night when all is quiet and I can really get into the story, then next thing I know it is well past midnight. So very glad I got this series and this is one that I will read and re-read again.Love the story and the talent of this lovely author, Lynn Austin. Thank you for bringing this beautiful story to us.

I couldn't put this book down! Lynn Austin has a way of making stories come alive and she has, once again, made the Bible come alive. I loved the faith of Zechariah and how he influenced Hezekiah from a young age. The pagan worship that young Hezekiah witnessed made me sick to my stomach because I know this actually happened. I loved seeing how the Lord worked in his life and He still does so in our lives. Trust and believe.

The king sacrifices his firstborn to the idol Molech in the land of Israel. God had chosen Israel as His nation, but throughout the history Israel did not always choose God. During the reign of king Ahaz, idolatry was rife in Israel.Hezekiah witnesses his brother being sacrificed to Molech. Will he survive or is his father going to sacrifice him too? How many sacrifices will there be? Will Judah repent and listen to the prophets?Are the Levites strong enough to stand for their faith in God? Do they still believe in God? When the high priest is promoted, will he be able to withstand the temptations? "Grandpa?" he asked at last, "couldn't Yahweh kill all our enemies and save us? Then my father wouldn't have to spoil His Temple. Couldn't Yahweh do that?" "Certainly He could! Don't you remember the story I told you about how Yahweh helped David defeat Goliath?" Hezekiah nodded? "And remember Joshua and the battle of Jericho? And how Yahweh caused the sun to stand still so Joshua could defeat the five Amorite kings? Yes, of course Yahweh could defeat all of Judah's enemies." "Then why didn't He, Grandpa?" Zechariah's face looked sad as he shook his head. "Because our nation no longer believes in Him... and so no one bothered to ask Him to."Lynn Austin thoroughly researched the history of Judah during the reign of king Ahaz. She turned history into a beautiful story allowing the reading to experience different emotions while tension builds with the turning of each page.The story reminds us that God is the only God to serve. When we replace Him with idols, our hearts are hardened and it becomes difficult to hear the voice of Truth. "Belief in Yahweh doesn't come with your mind, Hezekiah. It comes with your heart. When you only believe in things you can see with your eyes and touch with your hands, it is idolatry."What I enjoyed the most, is how the characters came alive in the pages, pulling the reader into their emotions, fears, victories and love.I highly recommend Gods and Kings: Chronicles of the Kings.

Good condition when I got it. Good read

A

My eyes filled up with tears and not due to anything sorrowful, no, it was caused by one sentence in a scene that was full of God - It took me by surprise - I look forward to reading another Lynn Austin book.

In der Bibel lies man oft Begebenheiten im alten Testament und vergisst ganz, dass dort von Menschen berichtet wird, die genauso fühlen und denken wie ich, aber von einem ganzen anderen Umfeld beeinflusst wurden.Lynn Austin hat es geschafft, das Menschliche sichtbar zu machen und hat dadurch meinen Horizont erweitert. Danke!

A wonderful and insightful book. Written with a vivid imagination but fully believable. I look forward to reading Lynn Austin,s next book in this series.