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53rd out of 164 books
—
173 voters
Song of Redemption (Chronicles of the Kings #2)
by
Lynn Austin (Goodreads Author)
When King Hezekiah discovers that God's Law forbids him to take multiple wives, he must choose one woman to love. He must also choose to trust God's promises when he decides to rebel against his powerful Assyrian overlords. Hezekiah seeks to strengthen his nation's fortifications by building a tunnel in Jerusalem to hide his water supply. The tension mounts as the Assyrian...more
Paperback, 349 pages
Published
May 1st 2005
by Bethany House Publishers
(first published January 22nd 1995)
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The thing I love about these books, is that Mrs. Austin does a masterful job of bringing the Kings to life.(as well as the other characters) I know for me, when I read my Bible, I don't think much about the day to day struggles the people in any particular book faced.
Lynn Austin has made me realize that these people had struggles and issues just like all of us! In this book, there are times King Hezekiah is conflicted,and trying to do what is right, but the situation seems hopeless. You will see...more
Lynn Austin has made me realize that these people had struggles and issues just like all of us! In this book, there are times King Hezekiah is conflicted,and trying to do what is right, but the situation seems hopeless. You will see...more
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group | May 1, 2005 | Trade Paperback | ISBN 978-0-7642-2990-9
As King Hezekiah embraces God’s Law, he leads his country into renewed prosperity. But following the will of Yahweh is a perplexing process, requiring unpopular choices – for both his personal life and political career. Now his archenemy’s demands for tribute are forcing Hezekiah into a precarious situation.
Jerusha, a young Jewish woman far from home, has seen firsthand what the dreaded invaders are...more
Baker Publishing Group | May 1, 2005 | Trade Paperback | ISBN 978-0-7642-2990-9
As King Hezekiah embraces God’s Law, he leads his country into renewed prosperity. But following the will of Yahweh is a perplexing process, requiring unpopular choices – for both his personal life and political career. Now his archenemy’s demands for tribute are forcing Hezekiah into a precarious situation.
Jerusha, a young Jewish woman far from home, has seen firsthand what the dreaded invaders are...more
Song of Redemption is the second book in the Chronicles of the Kings series about the life of King Hezekiah of Judah, who's story is told in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings, and Isaiah in the Bible.
I only bought Song of Redemption because Ms. Austin cruelly started a romance at the end of Book 1, and I HAD to see how it panned out. Ironically, the romances in this series are not heavy-handed, and the culmination of the aforementioned romance was not what I expected.
However, the rest of the book was very e...more
I only bought Song of Redemption because Ms. Austin cruelly started a romance at the end of Book 1, and I HAD to see how it panned out. Ironically, the romances in this series are not heavy-handed, and the culmination of the aforementioned romance was not what I expected.
However, the rest of the book was very e...more
The second book in a series, and I think the first one was better. This book bounces around mostly between Hezekiah, Eliakim, and a new character named Jerusha. Hephzibah fades into the background mostly. I felt this book needed to be longer. Lynn Austin glazes over a lot of events, sometimes writing right around them. The best story bits come from Jerusha, which is great, but I would have rather had Hezekiah and Hephzibah's characters received more depth. Personally, this makes it harder for me...more
I loved this book. For me, it is a 5-star rating. Why is that? This novel earned my elusive 5-star rating because of the self-examination it stirred within my soul. When I find myself thinking about my own life and evaluating my faith and my convictions long after finishing a book, the author gets the rating. In addition, it sparked some pretty good conversations with my teenage son.
Was the writing perfect? No. However, the author is bringing the Old Testament to life. She doesn’t avoid the hard...more
Was the writing perfect? No. However, the author is bringing the Old Testament to life. She doesn’t avoid the hard...more
348 pages - The second book in the Chronicles of the King series.
Another great book depicting life during the time of King Hezekiah's reign, and the power of God. Hezekiah has become, as those who greatly oppose him refer to him as, a "religious fanatic." He governs his entire nation on God's laws, remember this is Old Testament time periods, and God shows up. Although, its not in big ways li
ke parting the Red Sea, but on a more personal level. Its interesting to read about the Temple sacrifices...more
Another great book depicting life during the time of King Hezekiah's reign, and the power of God. Hezekiah has become, as those who greatly oppose him refer to him as, a "religious fanatic." He governs his entire nation on God's laws, remember this is Old Testament time periods, and God shows up. Although, its not in big ways li
ke parting the Red Sea, but on a more personal level. Its interesting to read about the Temple sacrifices...more
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click here.
I started this book on Saturday, I'm almost finished. I am loving this series. They are very exciting and I love the separate stories of each character. Some people have commented on how modern the language is for being a biblical fiction. I love that the language is modern, to me, it is so much easier to read - I know it isn't how they talked back then, but if I read it in that language I would constantly be trying to determine the meanings. I love how I can completely understand the story, rel...more
After surviving a tumultuous childhood, when Hezekiah is at last crowned king of Judah he determines to purge his country of idolatry and return to the worship of Yahweh. But years of idol worship are not set aside so easily by all of his subjects, and his sweeping religious reforms meet with stiff opposition. When the Temple is rededicated and the celebratory feasts are re-established, Hezekiah sees the beginning of God's answer to his heart's cry -- his people are turning back to God, and pros...more
I read this series a few years ago, and am really enjoying it the second time around again! The Bible story of Hezekiah comes to life, while staying true to the Biblical account. This second book is heartbreaking at times with a story line of a young girl stolen by the Assyrian army who clings to life by not fighting back during rape and abuse. But her father trusts that God will return her, despite the skepticism of others that God will (or can) answer that prayer. The connection of this story...more
I can't put down the books from this series. This is the second book of the series, Chronicles of the Kings. I am currently on the third. They are based on the Biblical and historical facts of the Kings of Judah in the Old Testament. Lynn Austin brings the Word of God to life and puts flesh on the people we read about. I feel so connected to my Lord reading these. I relate to the human failures of these characters who want to please and serve God but get caught up in doubt and their own thinking...more
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1.5 stars 4 stars for the story and 1 stars for conten
This is Lynn Austin's second book in her series about King Hezekiah. I did not like her second book as much. The story is very engaging and I got hooked very quickly.
READER BEWARE! This story had a lot of trauma in it! If you have any sensitivity to reading about trauma, rape or war, do not attempt this. A lot of description of war and torture. This book kept me awake because of the disturbing images. I read it through once quickly to see th...more
This is Lynn Austin's second book in her series about King Hezekiah. I did not like her second book as much. The story is very engaging and I got hooked very quickly.
READER BEWARE! This story had a lot of trauma in it! If you have any sensitivity to reading about trauma, rape or war, do not attempt this. A lot of description of war and torture. This book kept me awake because of the disturbing images. I read it through once quickly to see th...more
Oct 09, 2011
Wendy
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
fiction-christian
1.5 stars 4 stars for the story and 1 stars for conten
This is Lynn Austin's second book in her series about King Hezekiah. I did not like her second book as much. The story is very engaging and I got hooked very quickly.
READER BEWARE! This story had a lot of trauma in it! If you have any sensitivity to reading about trauma, rape or war, do not attempt this. A lot of description of war and torture. This book kept me awake because of the disturbing images. I read it through once quickly to see th...more
This is Lynn Austin's second book in her series about King Hezekiah. I did not like her second book as much. The story is very engaging and I got hooked very quickly.
READER BEWARE! This story had a lot of trauma in it! If you have any sensitivity to reading about trauma, rape or war, do not attempt this. A lot of description of war and torture. This book kept me awake because of the disturbing images. I read it through once quickly to see th...more
"The Song of Redemption", the second offering in the "Chronicles of the Kings" series by Lynn Austin breathes life into the continuing saga of the reign of King Hezekiah. I don't know that I thought that I would have enjoyed these books as much as I have, but I will absolutely keep reading this series as Lynn Austin truly does a wonderful job bringing her characters to life with a fast paced tale.
King Hezekiah is truly beginning his reign and learning what it is to be a King who honors and fol...more
King Hezekiah is truly beginning his reign and learning what it is to be a King who honors and fol...more
I picked this book up because I so enjoyed "Gods & Kings", the first in a five book series by Lynn Austin. Austin brings facts and fiction together in an attempt to tell the story of the kings of Israel. I enjoyed book two just as much as book one... book three is ordered.
Austin presents a captivating story filled with vibrant characters. She grapples realistically with the challenge of living out faith in the midst of life's struggles. Trust, love, and forgiveness are repeated themes.
I re...more
Austin presents a captivating story filled with vibrant characters. She grapples realistically with the challenge of living out faith in the midst of life's struggles. Trust, love, and forgiveness are repeated themes.
I re...more
This is the second book of the Chronicles of the Kings series, dealing with the very beginning of King Hezekiah's reign, and I am truly enjoying reading them; time seems to fly. Lynn Austin stays true to the Biblical account, but adds details that enable you to remember what the Kings were like long after you finish the book. King Hezekiah was so admirable and heroic for the way he changed Judah, and Jerusalem itself. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys either Biblical or Historical fi...more
I'm only at Chapter 11, but I can see that this story and its characters are not as well developed as those in the first book of this series. I will finish the book and hope for some better development along the way - I DO hate to leave a story unfinished. In this, the second of the series, the author seems to take the words and details of the Bible story and plant them on her own pages, unembellished, resulting in flatness. I wonder if she is as dissatisfied with the result as I am.
(I ultimatel...more
(I ultimatel...more
The author, Lynn Austin, is a born-again Christian. In an interview with her that I read, she said that her first purpose in writing is to tell a good story. That she does. One of her books, Candle in the Darkness, is one of my favorites. But as much as a good story, her writing is also a plea for faithfulness and keeping the Lord's commandments.
The Chronicles of the Kings are historical novels based on Old Testament history. The first 2, which I have read (see my previous post on Gods and Kings...more
The Chronicles of the Kings are historical novels based on Old Testament history. The first 2, which I have read (see my previous post on Gods and Kings...more
This book continues the story of King Hezekiah and how he rules Judah by trusting in God and following His ways. Interesting to watch the progression of the faith of Hezekiah and of Eliakim from following God's written law to seeking God's will in a personal relationship. We're following two love stories; Hezekiah and Hephzibah and Eliakim and Jerusha, and they are both compelling. This story took place 3,000 years ago...and I can't wait to see how it ends in book 3!
I'm impressed with the entire series. As someone who doesn't re- read,
Austin maintains scriptural and historical accuracy while bringing the story to life.
Be aware there is violence and slightly explicit depiction so its not for immature, sheltered or below the high school age readers.
That said,I must also say it is authentic to the time period it portrays and would be a poor and shallow attempt at writing without those depictions.
Austin maintains scriptural and historical accuracy while bringing the story to life.
Be aware there is violence and slightly explicit depiction so its not for immature, sheltered or below the high school age readers.
That said,I must also say it is authentic to the time period it portrays and would be a poor and shallow attempt at writing without those depictions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this series and the second did not disappoint either. I appreciate the research done to make the story as true to the actual events as possible. Like with the last book, it caused me to stop and think about what I would have done in such dire circumstances. If you are looking for a faith building read that compliments the Bible, I highly recommend this series!
Jul 23, 2011
Christina
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2011-christina,
part-of-a-series
I had moderate expectations, but this is well- written Christian fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed the biblical timeline and complexity of the characters and their struggles, and I was not disappointed in the writing as I have been with some other Christian fiction series by other authors. The theme of this book could be "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" and the author answers it well, intertwining God's word and works with her story line. I will move on to the third book in this series.......more
I love this series of 5 historical fiction reads dealing with King Hezekiah and his son Manassah. Lynn Austin weaves a great epic story from the Biblical scriptures making it personal. The first book was a little bit slow to get into, but oh my, once you grasp on to the story, you will not want to quit till you finish the whole set from one thru five books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did the first book in the series. It follows the story of King Hezekiah through the threat of Assyrian invasion. It inspired me to be courageous and not look at circumstances when I am seeking God. This author has a fantastic imagination and is gifted in bringing new color to these stories I have known my whole life.
May 04, 2011
Sean Lynch
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2011-reading-list,
christian
This book continues the story of the reign of Hezekiah and deals with his struggles as he deals with the implications of eliminating Pagan worship in Israel, and reinstitutes the worship of the One True GOD. In introduces a new character who is our main eyes into the interactions with the Assyrians and gives us some insight into their character and makes GOD's prophecies of using the Assyrians to judge Israel that much more ominous and fearful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had to immediate...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had to immediate...more
I really enjoyed this book. Although I have read the account of King Hezekiah in the Bible, this really helped me understand that period in history. I reread the story in the Bible, and it makes me want to go to Jerusalem and see Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam that he had built to provide water in case of a siege by the Assyrians.
Excellent 2nd book in the Chronicles of the Kings series. After his father's idolatrous reign, King Hezekiah is trying to turn Judah around by following the Tora and turning back to the Lord. Great theme of faith and obedience intermingled with doubt, something I think we all deal with (ie will the Lord really save us if we put our trust in Him?) There were a couple short cameo appearances from Isaiah, as in the first book. It is a great fictional story based on real Old Testament characters. Th...more
#2 in the series. This one focuses on King Hezekiah's reign, the fight against idolatry, and the growth of faith in several characters. I'm still fascinated. Good story telling and interesting characters give me a new depth and dimension to what it may have been like in the time of King Hezekiah and the advance of the Assyrian army.
LOVED IT EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK IN SERIES!! Lynn Austin blows me away with her writing and imagination and how every character GETS ME! I can see my relationship with God through their struggles and it is really challanging my faith. IF you are an unbeliever READ THIS BOOK! You too will identify and be challenged!
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FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: For 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 B...more
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“You pray. And you allow the Lord to be your strength. Remember the Lord doesn't give you strength. He is your strength.”
—
3 people liked it
“Alliances with other nations lead to bondage," Zechariah explained. "Joseph started out as Pharaoh's trusted advisor in Egypt, but later generations ended up as slaves. And wasn't it Ahaz's so-called alliance with Assyria that led to our present slavery?”
—
1 person liked it
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