What do you think?
The Kings of Israel #2
The Rise of David: Book 2
Book 2 of the Kings of Israel Series is Available for Pre-Order!
See the story through the eyes of the two men that lived it. Witness David’s rise to strength from humble beginnings and King Saul’s decent from the nation’s highest title. What drove David to succeed? Why did Saul fail?
David was a shepherd, then a warrior. Now, he’s a fugitive, called by God to lead the nation, yet chased into the desert by Saul, the mad king who rules in his stead. But he isn’t alone. Gathered with him is a ragtag group of the downtrodden and discontent. Men who need to a leader. Men who need a king.
Saul has fallen hard. Once the proud ruler of God’s chosen nation, he’s little more than an empty shell of fear and doubt, haunted by his past and unwilling to change. His obsession with finding David is leading his people into ruin, and God has commanded him to give up the throne.
When God speaks, shepherds and kings will hear. But will they obey?
See the story through the eyes of the two men that lived it. Witness David’s rise to strength from humble beginnings and King Saul’s decent from the nation’s highest title. What drove David to succeed? Why did Saul fail?
David was a shepherd, then a warrior. Now, he’s a fugitive, called by God to lead the nation, yet chased into the desert by Saul, the mad king who rules in his stead. But he isn’t alone. Gathered with him is a ragtag group of the downtrodden and discontent. Men who need to a leader. Men who need a king.
Saul has fallen hard. Once the proud ruler of God’s chosen nation, he’s little more than an empty shell of fear and doubt, haunted by his past and unwilling to change. His obsession with finding David is leading his people into ruin, and God has commanded him to give up the throne.
When God speaks, shepherds and kings will hear. But will they obey?
306 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 9, 2021
Very good writing!
Very good portrayl of Saul and David. Author stuck closely to scripture, which I appreciate greatly. Battle descriptions are quite detailed and violent, however, I believe history must have been like that even if it makes me sad. Great book!
Very good portrayl of Saul and David. Author stuck closely to scripture, which I appreciate greatly. Battle descriptions are quite detailed and violent, however, I believe history must have been like that even if it makes me sad. Great book!
October 24, 2021
David becomes king
Great story about David as he leads armies to defeat Saul and become King of Israel to take his place on the throne
Great story about David as he leads armies to defeat Saul and become King of Israel to take his place on the throne
November 27, 2021
Great Read
Second book of the life of King David is just as good as the first. You will not regret purchasing this book. Looking forward to Bryan Saye future books.
Second book of the life of King David is just as good as the first. You will not regret purchasing this book. Looking forward to Bryan Saye future books.
June 1, 2025
This book was not at all what I expected. The entire focus was on David's many years fighting battles. The descriptions were very explicit with detailed descriptions of injuries, and much more than I wished to read. This might be a great book for a man to read, but it definitely wasn't my cup of tea.
May 20, 2025
Really great sequel
This is the second book in the fictionalized account of David’s life written by Brian Saye. I read both books in less than a week and thoroughly enjoyed them. I’m hoping for a third, since this ended with David being crowned King of Judah.
Of all the books I’ve read about David, this probably appeals to the widest audience. The battle scenes are gritty, authentic, and plentiful. The characters are well rounded and motivations for things we read about but all might interpret differently are well thought out and interesting. Moreover, the book doesn’t just appeal to a faith or Christian audience. It definitely reads as well as any secular historical fiction and could be enjoyed by all, from those who read Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series to those who read the Bible (though there’s no profanity or gratuitous sex; there is violence but David led a violent life).
I personally come from a different faith view than the author, but that didn’t detract at all from my enjoyment of this book. I plan to read his other work as well and am pleased to have discovered his work.
Happy reading!
This is the second book in the fictionalized account of David’s life written by Brian Saye. I read both books in less than a week and thoroughly enjoyed them. I’m hoping for a third, since this ended with David being crowned King of Judah.
Of all the books I’ve read about David, this probably appeals to the widest audience. The battle scenes are gritty, authentic, and plentiful. The characters are well rounded and motivations for things we read about but all might interpret differently are well thought out and interesting. Moreover, the book doesn’t just appeal to a faith or Christian audience. It definitely reads as well as any secular historical fiction and could be enjoyed by all, from those who read Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series to those who read the Bible (though there’s no profanity or gratuitous sex; there is violence but David led a violent life).
I personally come from a different faith view than the author, but that didn’t detract at all from my enjoyment of this book. I plan to read his other work as well and am pleased to have discovered his work.
Happy reading!
October 26, 2022
There is much to enjoy and learn from this excellent fictional account.
Two strengths in this book collide in unusual ways. First the characterization and second the fighting descriptions. Both are unusual in a book where the main lesson for the reader is to trust God and not to lean on our own understanding. Easier said than done as is clear by the story.
Having read this story in the Old Testament recently it is both familiar and new. With so much added to flesh out the characters it is unknown how close to the truth it might be, but it brings the stories to life in ways that are almost too real.
It is an enjoyable but graphic read in the war parts. It is a little scary to see how close to us—weak and strong—David is portrayed. But even that shows that despite our individual weaknesses or occasional doubt, that we can return to God and become strong again.
Two strengths in this book collide in unusual ways. First the characterization and second the fighting descriptions. Both are unusual in a book where the main lesson for the reader is to trust God and not to lean on our own understanding. Easier said than done as is clear by the story.
Having read this story in the Old Testament recently it is both familiar and new. With so much added to flesh out the characters it is unknown how close to the truth it might be, but it brings the stories to life in ways that are almost too real.
It is an enjoyable but graphic read in the war parts. It is a little scary to see how close to us—weak and strong—David is portrayed. But even that shows that despite our individual weaknesses or occasional doubt, that we can return to God and become strong again.
January 7, 2024
In the second book of The Kings of Israel, Saye continues to follow the lives of David and his persecutor, Saul, during the time David flees from the constant dangers of Saul’s wrath. Though there are a couple places the reader can recognize the author’s attempt to add detail not outlined in scripture, or expand on details that differ slightly from what’s outlined, the vast majority of the book feels to be closely aligned with the story in first and second Samuel.
In my opinion, this book draws the reader’s attention and expands on the probable warfare better than the first in the series. It ends with the anointing and announcement of David as king and leaves readers excited for his reign to begin. I would be eager to read a continuation of Sage’s analysis as David steps into the throne and how his life is altered some through the choices he makes while king.
In my opinion, this book draws the reader’s attention and expands on the probable warfare better than the first in the series. It ends with the anointing and announcement of David as king and leaves readers excited for his reign to begin. I would be eager to read a continuation of Sage’s analysis as David steps into the throne and how his life is altered some through the choices he makes while king.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Wonderful
I loved this book and the one that preceded it (The King and the Shepherd) so much. I read the account in the Bible a few times, but not recently, so it was almost like new. Bryan Saye's retelling of it in story form was spellbinding. While he, by his own admission, did take a little poetic license now & again, the basics were true to the word. He spun years of struggle and angst into their final victory with a never-wavering purpose. Highly recommended.
I loved this book and the one that preceded it (The King and the Shepherd) so much. I read the account in the Bible a few times, but not recently, so it was almost like new. Bryan Saye's retelling of it in story form was spellbinding. While he, by his own admission, did take a little poetic license now & again, the basics were true to the word. He spun years of struggle and angst into their final victory with a never-wavering purpose. Highly recommended.
Read
March 18, 2022The Rise of David
Ten stars! The story parallels the scriptures, which makes it inspirational, thought provoking, and hypnotic. It is a story that tells about a man after God's heart. He made mistakes forgot and doubted nevertheless God never forget, is loyal and true. Both stories are wonderfully written. Although , the violence was very descriptive, that was the era.
Ten stars! The story parallels the scriptures, which makes it inspirational, thought provoking, and hypnotic. It is a story that tells about a man after God's heart. He made mistakes forgot and doubted nevertheless God never forget, is loyal and true. Both stories are wonderfully written. Although , the violence was very descriptive, that was the era.
April 15, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the 3 book series I have completed. This author does a fantastic job of telling the story of David without to many liberties. He pretty well stays with what the Bible says. I read this on my kindle but will be purchasing the series for our church library. I will also read any book I can find by this author.
January 22, 2023
So good!
This book takes you to the heart of the battle but even more, to the heart of a man after God. A man who made many mistakes but sought God even when he thought he was not worthy. Such a good book. It was hard to put it down and did not want it to end because there is so much more to David's life after he became king.
This book takes you to the heart of the battle but even more, to the heart of a man after God. A man who made many mistakes but sought God even when he thought he was not worthy. Such a good book. It was hard to put it down and did not want it to end because there is so much more to David's life after he became king.
March 17, 2023
Excellent Series Thus Far
I just finished this book (#2 of the series) and truly enjoyed it. The author captures my attention and keeps it throughout the book. I look forward to the next time I get to read!!! I have not enjoyed reading, like this, in a long time! Thanks Bryan…keep up the great work!
I just finished this book (#2 of the series) and truly enjoyed it. The author captures my attention and keeps it throughout the book. I look forward to the next time I get to read!!! I have not enjoyed reading, like this, in a long time! Thanks Bryan…keep up the great work!
January 7, 2024
My Musings
What a fantastic tale of King David's rise to his kingship. I've recently read several other historical fiction novels regarding David. What I love about David is he gives hope to less than perfect Christians like me. It's okay to stumble and fall as long as we repent and seek God' s forgiveness. What an awesome God we have. A very grateful reader!
What a fantastic tale of King David's rise to his kingship. I've recently read several other historical fiction novels regarding David. What I love about David is he gives hope to less than perfect Christians like me. It's okay to stumble and fall as long as we repent and seek God' s forgiveness. What an awesome God we have. A very grateful reader!
July 24, 2024
Awesome, so well done
A very well written and exciting imagining of David's rise to King. The action was exciting, the view inside David's and Saul's head was always intriguing and well done. It really deepened my understanding of God's role behind this story and his purpose in bringing David up and Saul down.
A very well written and exciting imagining of David's rise to King. The action was exciting, the view inside David's and Saul's head was always intriguing and well done. It really deepened my understanding of God's role behind this story and his purpose in bringing David up and Saul down.
September 11, 2022
Great Book
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book. I’ve always been fascinated with David and his life. Once I started reading the two books I couldn’t put them down and read both of them in one weekend. I hope there is a third book on the reign of David.
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book. I’ve always been fascinated with David and his life. Once I started reading the two books I couldn’t put them down and read both of them in one weekend. I hope there is a third book on the reign of David.
March 22, 2023
AMAZING!!!!
Do you long to be swept away to a far away land? Filled with joy, adventure thrills and excitement? This is the book just for you! I never imagined a Bible story to be so rich and inviting so alive! Read well! Highly recommended!!!
Do you long to be swept away to a far away land? Filled with joy, adventure thrills and excitement? This is the book just for you! I never imagined a Bible story to be so rich and inviting so alive! Read well! Highly recommended!!!
April 9, 2023
Recommended for young readers
A page turner. A great achievement of the writer who intertwined biblical stories and passages to create this easy, entertaining novel. A good way to come close to the Lord, and to understand the human nature of biblical heroes.
A page turner. A great achievement of the writer who intertwined biblical stories and passages to create this easy, entertaining novel. A good way to come close to the Lord, and to understand the human nature of biblical heroes.
October 9, 2023
a king!
I found the book repetitious. A lot of the same gore and fighting among the Philistines and other tribes around Israel. The feud between Saul and David was never ending and very monotonous. I would have liked more about David the King and how he built up Israel.
I found the book repetitious. A lot of the same gore and fighting among the Philistines and other tribes around Israel. The feud between Saul and David was never ending and very monotonous. I would have liked more about David the King and how he built up Israel.
May 17, 2024
I thought the book was worth the time to read. It is fictional but it’s based on real biblical people and, for me, it was to understand that it’s not the Bible. I also like that it wasn’t filled with profanity and perversion.
June 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this first book of the series, I will admit to getting bored half way through the second. But I’d take that as a comment on me rather than the author, ADHD will get you one way or the other!
January 25, 2022
A really good read
A real, inspirational page turner that I found difficult to put down, even though I was already familiar with the biblical account.
A real, inspirational page turner that I found difficult to put down, even though I was already familiar with the biblical account.
January 30, 2022
This was one of those rare books I put off finishing because I didn’t want it to end. Please write another one about David’s reign!
June 30, 2022
what a great storyteller!
After having studied 1Samual extensively, and moving on to 2 Samuel, these books brought life to both Saul and David.
After having studied 1Samual extensively, and moving on to 2 Samuel, these books brought life to both Saul and David.
July 17, 2022
Great
Read this book.You will not be disappointed.I wish you didn't have to type twenty words because one word is enough. Super!
Read this book.You will not be disappointed.I wish you didn't have to type twenty words because one word is enough. Super!
August 10, 2022
wonderful!
I love the stories about David and this book took the Bible stories and embellished them with passion and heroism. I enjoyed reading this book. 😊
I love the stories about David and this book took the Bible stories and embellished them with passion and heroism. I enjoyed reading this book. 😊
August 17, 2022
the kings of Israel
Very good as the back story of David and Saul. Hopefully there will be a 3rd book. I liked it
Very good as the back story of David and Saul. Hopefully there will be a 3rd book. I liked it
October 3, 2022
A familiar story found in the Bible. David’s story here is well written and should point all readers to Yahweh.
October 19, 2022
I couldn’t stop reading
This is a wonderful story, well written, and riveting. I read both books in 2 days.
I will be searching for more of your work.
God Bless
This is a wonderful story, well written, and riveting. I read both books in 2 days.
I will be searching for more of your work.
God Bless
November 13, 2022
Great book
I loved both books in this series. Even though it was a novel it stayed very close to the s scriptures. My favorite stories.
I loved both books in this series. Even though it was a novel it stayed very close to the s scriptures. My favorite stories.
December 23, 2022
David’s Time
This was such a great book and follow up from book 1. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I would definitely recommend them.
This was such a great book and follow up from book 1. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I would definitely recommend them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews