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The King James Men
Religious unrest. Political intrigue. A decision that could cost him his soul.
Richard Clarke is desperate to prove himself. After many years out in the cold for suspect sympathies, he has all but given up hope he will ever be accepted on his own merits again. So when he is offered a place on the King’s new translation of the bible he is willing to do whatever it takes.
Ben Kemp has paid dearly for his faith. Three years in prison, and seven more in exile. But when he returns to England in the hope that the new king will usher in a more tolerant reign, he discovers that the authorities have only stepped up the hunt.
Though working on the translation is everything Richard dreamed of, he still struggles to reconcile the deal he has made. And as the pressure builds to declare his allegiance once and for all, he faces an impossible choice – betrayal of one he loves or disloyalty to his church. Can Richard find a way to stay true to his faith without condemning his friend to death?
The King James Men is an engrossing historical thriller. If you like intelligent historical fiction about friendship, faith, and integrity, you will love Samantha Grosser’s thought-provoking novel.
Buy The King James Men now and be swept into the religious turmoil of Jacobean England.
Praise for The King James Men
"An addictive read." - Donna's Book Blog
“Intelligent historical fiction … with an excellent story.” - Jennifer C. Wilson
“The novel brings out some really relevant and important questions about faith, personal integrity and responsibility.” - The Book Geek
“Fast-paced, an intriguing blend of heart-in-your-throat, bitten nails, warm-fuzzies and air high-fives.” - Pursuing Stacie
“Intermingled between the beautiful descriptions is an in-depth understanding of history.” - Readers' Favorite
Richard Clarke is desperate to prove himself. After many years out in the cold for suspect sympathies, he has all but given up hope he will ever be accepted on his own merits again. So when he is offered a place on the King’s new translation of the bible he is willing to do whatever it takes.
Ben Kemp has paid dearly for his faith. Three years in prison, and seven more in exile. But when he returns to England in the hope that the new king will usher in a more tolerant reign, he discovers that the authorities have only stepped up the hunt.
Though working on the translation is everything Richard dreamed of, he still struggles to reconcile the deal he has made. And as the pressure builds to declare his allegiance once and for all, he faces an impossible choice – betrayal of one he loves or disloyalty to his church. Can Richard find a way to stay true to his faith without condemning his friend to death?
The King James Men is an engrossing historical thriller. If you like intelligent historical fiction about friendship, faith, and integrity, you will love Samantha Grosser’s thought-provoking novel.
Buy The King James Men now and be swept into the religious turmoil of Jacobean England.
Praise for The King James Men
"An addictive read." - Donna's Book Blog
“Intelligent historical fiction … with an excellent story.” - Jennifer C. Wilson
“The novel brings out some really relevant and important questions about faith, personal integrity and responsibility.” - The Book Geek
“Fast-paced, an intriguing blend of heart-in-your-throat, bitten nails, warm-fuzzies and air high-fives.” - Pursuing Stacie
“Intermingled between the beautiful descriptions is an in-depth understanding of history.” - Readers' Favorite
- GenresHistorical Fiction
368 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2018
About the author
Samantha Grosser
19 books121 followersHistorical fiction author Samantha Grosser originally hails from England, but now lives on the sunny Northern Beaches of Sydney with her husband, son and a very small dog called Livvy.
Combining a lifelong love of history with a compulsion to write that dates from childhood, Samantha is now bringing her passion for telling stories to the world.
Samantha has an Honours Degree in English Literature and taught English for many years in Asia and Australia. She is the author of wartime dramas Another Time and Place, The Officer’s Affair, and Out of the Ashes, as well as the literary historical novel The King James Men
Combining a lifelong love of history with a compulsion to write that dates from childhood, Samantha is now bringing her passion for telling stories to the world.
Samantha has an Honours Degree in English Literature and taught English for many years in Asia and Australia. She is the author of wartime dramas Another Time and Place, The Officer’s Affair, and Out of the Ashes, as well as the literary historical novel The King James Men
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 21, 2018
Source: I received a complimentary copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
My Thoughts:
I love this book! And several reasons led me to award this book an excellent rating.
•The additional two sections in the back of the book hold:
-Bible quotations used in the book, they are listed by chapter; and they are from the 1611 King James Version.
-A list of further readings on this subject.
•The relationship between two men who were best friends when younger. These men loved each other as brothers in Christ Jesus. They felt compassion, commitment, and loyalty to one another. However, when the men grew older they adhered to different religious beliefs that drove them apart. Each man feels the love they have for one another, but they are also steadfast in their beliefs. This is a strong point in why this book is special. The strong love of the two men versus their strong beliefs in religion, and this brings turmoil in the book.
•Books have been written about love between women who are friends. Has a book been written about love between two men who are friends? I have not heard of another book like this topic. This topic brings originality to the story.
•Richard Clarke works as a translator for the King James Bible. His work of meticulous details, praying, and painstaking research to translate the Bible is fascinating.
•Family life, marriage, and the domestic life of the early 1600s gave me a strong view of this era.
•Ben Kemp and Richard Clarke’s thoughts are heavy in the story. Their memories, feelings, fear, trepidation, apprehensions, loneliness, and insecurities. These things increase their humanity in the story. It is the strongest reason I became immersed.
•The use of the environment to tell the story. For example, “a new chill” compared to a new, cold, daunting assignment.
The King James Men is one of the best books I’ve read in 2018! Thank you Samantha Grosser.
My Thoughts:
I love this book! And several reasons led me to award this book an excellent rating.
•The additional two sections in the back of the book hold:
-Bible quotations used in the book, they are listed by chapter; and they are from the 1611 King James Version.
-A list of further readings on this subject.
•The relationship between two men who were best friends when younger. These men loved each other as brothers in Christ Jesus. They felt compassion, commitment, and loyalty to one another. However, when the men grew older they adhered to different religious beliefs that drove them apart. Each man feels the love they have for one another, but they are also steadfast in their beliefs. This is a strong point in why this book is special. The strong love of the two men versus their strong beliefs in religion, and this brings turmoil in the book.
•Books have been written about love between women who are friends. Has a book been written about love between two men who are friends? I have not heard of another book like this topic. This topic brings originality to the story.
•Richard Clarke works as a translator for the King James Bible. His work of meticulous details, praying, and painstaking research to translate the Bible is fascinating.
•Family life, marriage, and the domestic life of the early 1600s gave me a strong view of this era.
•Ben Kemp and Richard Clarke’s thoughts are heavy in the story. Their memories, feelings, fear, trepidation, apprehensions, loneliness, and insecurities. These things increase their humanity in the story. It is the strongest reason I became immersed.
•The use of the environment to tell the story. For example, “a new chill” compared to a new, cold, daunting assignment.
The King James Men is one of the best books I’ve read in 2018! Thank you Samantha Grosser.
November 21, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoyed this story, I love this period of history and couldn’t wait to get stuck in to reading this book!
I thought the story was well planned out and the execution was great, it was a story that transported me back and I felt at times as though I was with the characters in the story. It is executed very well and made for an additive read, especially for me being such a massive fan of historical fiction!
4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Amazon and Goodreads – I really enjoyed it – highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this story, I love this period of history and couldn’t wait to get stuck in to reading this book!
I thought the story was well planned out and the execution was great, it was a story that transported me back and I felt at times as though I was with the characters in the story. It is executed very well and made for an additive read, especially for me being such a massive fan of historical fiction!
4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Amazon and Goodreads – I really enjoyed it – highly recommended!!
November 29, 2018
The early 17th century in England was an interesting time. King James ascended the throne after the death of Elizabeth I and the religious issues that bubbled during her reign were still percolating. The King was still the head of the Church of England but there were still Catholics and now the break with that church due to the impact of Martin Luther. In addition the Puritans were pushing for their beliefs feeling that the reforms to the Church of England didn’t go far enough and therefore they knew best.
It was during this religious quagmire that King James decided a new Bible translation was needed. And when the King wants something, the King gets something. That book is of course, what we know today as the King James Bible.
The King James Men tells the tale of one of those men, Dr. Richard Clarke (based on a real man who did indeed work on the translation.) Dr. Clarke’s reputation is a bit stained by his past friendship with a man who is now one of those Puritan Separatists. Ben Kemp was his friend at University but even then they would argue about the nature of man’s relationship with God. Richard fully believes in all that the Church of England stands for while Ben believes in the more personal relationship with God absent the trappings of the church. They parted in anger and Ben is seen as a traitor.
When Richard is chosen to be one of the translators and writers of the new Bible is his honored and relieved that his past is finally being forgiven. It is only when the Archbishop of Canterbury asks him to live with the family of his old friend so he can report on his activities that Richard wonders if he was chosen solely for his knowledge of Hebrew and the Bible.
What follows is a story about friendship, love, loyalty, conflict, betrayal and enlightenment. Richard decides he doesn’t have much choice but to do what is asked of him. He hopes that his friend has changed his convictions but he knows in his heart that Ben is strong in his beliefs.
Ben has been overseas on his father’s business for several years but is now back in London. He has lost none of his fervor for reform. His reunion with his friend is wary but not totally unwelcome. As they work back towards balance it all falls apart in the worst way.
I enjoyed – well, perhaps enjoyed is not the right word for what is a somewhat dark and depressing read at times. It is very well written and for anyone with an interest in religion and the bits and pieces that make organized religion the force that it is, this is good read about the movement that ultimately led to the Puritans coming over on the Mayflower. That particular event is still many years in the future from the events in this book but the groundwork is being laid.
4.5
It was during this religious quagmire that King James decided a new Bible translation was needed. And when the King wants something, the King gets something. That book is of course, what we know today as the King James Bible.
The King James Men tells the tale of one of those men, Dr. Richard Clarke (based on a real man who did indeed work on the translation.) Dr. Clarke’s reputation is a bit stained by his past friendship with a man who is now one of those Puritan Separatists. Ben Kemp was his friend at University but even then they would argue about the nature of man’s relationship with God. Richard fully believes in all that the Church of England stands for while Ben believes in the more personal relationship with God absent the trappings of the church. They parted in anger and Ben is seen as a traitor.
When Richard is chosen to be one of the translators and writers of the new Bible is his honored and relieved that his past is finally being forgiven. It is only when the Archbishop of Canterbury asks him to live with the family of his old friend so he can report on his activities that Richard wonders if he was chosen solely for his knowledge of Hebrew and the Bible.
What follows is a story about friendship, love, loyalty, conflict, betrayal and enlightenment. Richard decides he doesn’t have much choice but to do what is asked of him. He hopes that his friend has changed his convictions but he knows in his heart that Ben is strong in his beliefs.
Ben has been overseas on his father’s business for several years but is now back in London. He has lost none of his fervor for reform. His reunion with his friend is wary but not totally unwelcome. As they work back towards balance it all falls apart in the worst way.
I enjoyed – well, perhaps enjoyed is not the right word for what is a somewhat dark and depressing read at times. It is very well written and for anyone with an interest in religion and the bits and pieces that make organized religion the force that it is, this is good read about the movement that ultimately led to the Puritans coming over on the Mayflower. That particular event is still many years in the future from the events in this book but the groundwork is being laid.
4.5
December 14, 2018
The King James Men although the story of the translation of the bible which became The King James Version is more a story of friendship and a lesson in real faith. At the heart of the book is the friendship of Richard Clarke a biblical scholar, one of the interpreters of the KJV bible and a curate of The Church of England and Ben Kemp a Separatist. The two met in college and became best friends in spite of their difference in beliefs.
This book touched me in ways I can't explain. I was raised in the Congregational Church which is one of the original puritan Separatist churches in the United States. Although I knew the basic history of the church I was unaware of the overwhelming sacrifice made by the founding members in England. If you are a Protestant this book is the story of the faithful who began and sacrificed everything for your religion. In order to appreciate your religion I believe you must read this book. For me it provided the words I could never find to express what made my church and my beliefs different than other Christian sects.
The character development of this book is wonderful. Ben is always sure of his beliefs and is a fully formed character from the beginning. Richard believes he knows who he is and what faith is but watching him question and grow through the book was an experience I've never experienced with any character in any book before.
I highly recommend this book. It did start slow but eventually I was caught up in the story and just had to keep reading. I'm having a hard time expressing exactly how eye opening and moving I found this book because of my Protestant upbringing. All I can say is if you belong to a Protestant church you have to read this book. It will change you and the way you view your beliefs for the better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book touched me in ways I can't explain. I was raised in the Congregational Church which is one of the original puritan Separatist churches in the United States. Although I knew the basic history of the church I was unaware of the overwhelming sacrifice made by the founding members in England. If you are a Protestant this book is the story of the faithful who began and sacrificed everything for your religion. In order to appreciate your religion I believe you must read this book. For me it provided the words I could never find to express what made my church and my beliefs different than other Christian sects.
The character development of this book is wonderful. Ben is always sure of his beliefs and is a fully formed character from the beginning. Richard believes he knows who he is and what faith is but watching him question and grow through the book was an experience I've never experienced with any character in any book before.
I highly recommend this book. It did start slow but eventually I was caught up in the story and just had to keep reading. I'm having a hard time expressing exactly how eye opening and moving I found this book because of my Protestant upbringing. All I can say is if you belong to a Protestant church you have to read this book. It will change you and the way you view your beliefs for the better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2018
It was a refreshing change to read a book about a friendship between two men. Richard Clark was working on the translation of the Bible for King James (it’s true, I googled it) and Ben Kemp was Puritan. Not a good mix.
This is my first time reading this era and this book has really got me thinking and itching to read more. With attention to detail, from the family dynamics to life in a gaol to religious persecution and so much more, the author vividly described the times these men lived in. It was a dark time with the struggle to survive prominent unless you had money, social status and your religious views were the same are the King.
The blurb above does a great job describing what this book is about and shows the many layers here. It's about a friendship between men, faith, and family and so much more.
This is one book where I would have loved some author notes, just for more insight into the motivation for writing it and what was fact versus fiction. But the lack of those will not stop me from reading more by this author.
My thanks to Amy at HFVBT for the invite to be part of this tour.
This is my first time reading this era and this book has really got me thinking and itching to read more. With attention to detail, from the family dynamics to life in a gaol to religious persecution and so much more, the author vividly described the times these men lived in. It was a dark time with the struggle to survive prominent unless you had money, social status and your religious views were the same are the King.
The blurb above does a great job describing what this book is about and shows the many layers here. It's about a friendship between men, faith, and family and so much more.
This is one book where I would have loved some author notes, just for more insight into the motivation for writing it and what was fact versus fiction. But the lack of those will not stop me from reading more by this author.
My thanks to Amy at HFVBT for the invite to be part of this tour.
April 2, 2019
I enjoyed this book because the subject matter was fascinating. I had not realized to what extent the Separatists became persecuted in post-Reformation England. This story is that of two friends who take differing and personally conflicting paths, and the pangs of conscience that afflict them both. The style was not immediately crisp or the characters as well drawn in terms of personal rather than religious depth, but still it was worth a read.
November 30, 2018
There is a new king on the throne and things are not as sable as they were before he got the throne. One has returned from exile and all they wants is a quiet life but it will not be so. The king wants everyone to conform and goes after those who are not. What is going to happen? See what will happen
January 11, 2020
A fantastic read a story of religious upheaval during the reign of King James I
October 17, 2018
An amazing story, fascinating period of history. The depth of research is impressive, this is a must read. You feel with both of the central characters and are torn between them as they are with each other. Beautiful, eloquent prose, Grosser’s ability to take you to another time is her gift as a writer.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews