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Chronicles of the Kings #5
Among the Gods
Fleeing King Manasseh's tyranny, Joshua leads the faithful remnant to their new home in Egypt. But as years pass, Joshua's desire for vengeance becomes an obsession. Blinded by hatred, he makes rash decisions, placing his loved ones in jeopardy.
Amid Joshua's turmoil comes an unexpected awakening of love--a love that burns so intensely it draws him from the dark inner seclusion where he often retreats. But what will it take for him to grasp the great love his Heavenly Father has for him--and for the chosen people of Judah?
Amid Joshua's turmoil comes an unexpected awakening of love--a love that burns so intensely it draws him from the dark inner seclusion where he often retreats. But what will it take for him to grasp the great love his Heavenly Father has for him--and for the chosen people of Judah?
347 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Lynn Austin
66 books6,050 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
September 24, 2012
This isn't just a story. This truly was a lesson on the forgiveness and love of a Heavenly Father. I'm a visual person and the picture was clearly demonstrated that no matter the depth of our sins God's strong arm of love is long enough to reach us. His desire is not to destroy but to heal.
Another thing I noticed that in each book of this series the author took care in really completing the story leaving you satisfied at the end. So many times I will read a book and it just seems like the author was so done writing and the last chapter is just a "hurry up and get this over with" chapter. Not so with these books, especially the last. Each sentence right up to the end seemed like it had purpose. I felt satisfied - even though I definitely would like to see the story continue on to Josiah.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the whole series. I would recommend reading the whole series though. You could probably get away with reading them each on their own, but you really shouldn't. Each feeds off of the other books before it as the characters develop.
Another thing I noticed that in each book of this series the author took care in really completing the story leaving you satisfied at the end. So many times I will read a book and it just seems like the author was so done writing and the last chapter is just a "hurry up and get this over with" chapter. Not so with these books, especially the last. Each sentence right up to the end seemed like it had purpose. I felt satisfied - even though I definitely would like to see the story continue on to Josiah.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the whole series. I would recommend reading the whole series though. You could probably get away with reading them each on their own, but you really shouldn't. Each feeds off of the other books before it as the characters develop.
April 30, 2023
A lot felt rushed. I felt like Joshua and Manasseh's story could have used one more book. Nevertheless, the topic on revenge and how it can blind you was handled well enough.
December 19, 2012
If you want to learn more about the Old Testament, you will enjoy reading these books. You also experience the not so difference of our hearts with her characters. How hard it is to forgive, to see God's forgiveness and His grace and mercy. This is a continuation of the Kings of the Old Testament. King Manneseh was the King of Israel's history. Unlike his father, his pride lead him to wickedness and lead his people there as well. Joshua recovering from the death of his father and the prophet Isaiah, escaped with his family and a group of Levites to Egypt. I felt like I had a better undestanding of what happened and why. The why is important because it can easily be our why as to our separation from the Lord. You see how Joshua struggled with anger and the anger his adopted son Nathan is not much different than him. Sometimes the Lord gives us people to show the struggle of our heart. This is an opportuntity of a heart cry from our hearts to the Lord to become more like him. We serve the Lord as we become more like His nature. We serve ourselves when we serve our flesh, the struggle is knowing the difference. A great story to show the difference of the nature of God and our flesh!
November 29, 2015
I recommend this series to every Christian out there who likes historical fiction. The author addresses plenty of tough questions that people learning about God face. I appreciated everything she used to make her point that God is a forgiving, loving, and second chance God. He never abandons us even when we abandon him to the darkest of sins.
This last book was hard to read at the beginning. The anger and bitterness that major characters expressed was discouraging to read. Once I got more into the plot, I was totally invested. I was completely content with the ending of the series. I actually wish there were more books to continue the Bible stories.
My favorite book of the series is The Strength of His Hand. The storyline and Christian teaching in this book related to me the most. But every book was good!
This last book was hard to read at the beginning. The anger and bitterness that major characters expressed was discouraging to read. Once I got more into the plot, I was totally invested. I was completely content with the ending of the series. I actually wish there were more books to continue the Bible stories.
My favorite book of the series is The Strength of His Hand. The storyline and Christian teaching in this book related to me the most. But every book was good!
September 25, 2019
Joshua is devastated by the execution of his father. He and the remnant of the faithful Jews, along with Prince Amaraia, King Mannasah's brother, have fled to Egypt and are living on Elephantine Island. Every decision Joshua makes is planted in his hatred for Mannasah. Can he find his way back to forgiveness and healing when the long awaited return to Jerusalem comes?
Austin's incredible historical research and Biblical foundation bring to life this part of the Kingdom time period in the life of the Jews as once again, an evil King turns away from God and to idols and immorality with numerous Jews following his lead. Each of her books has led me back to these events in the Bible with more understanding of what took place.
This is the last book in this series. I highly recommend this series for any who are interested in Old Testament Biblical fiction.
Austin's incredible historical research and Biblical foundation bring to life this part of the Kingdom time period in the life of the Jews as once again, an evil King turns away from God and to idols and immorality with numerous Jews following his lead. Each of her books has led me back to these events in the Bible with more understanding of what took place.
This is the last book in this series. I highly recommend this series for any who are interested in Old Testament Biblical fiction.
November 7, 2012
I feel like there should be a 6th book... *sigh* it's over... Now I have to find something else to read. The series was truly captivating.
December 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this series. This final book was also a strong one, but for some reason I only enjoyed it. What stood out for me is how our bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness can have a stronghold on us and keep us from a life of abundance.
Another point that stood out is no matter our past and just how much we sinned, God is a God of compassion and forgiveness and if we turn to him with a repentant heart, He will forgive and give us a clean slate.
Another point that stood out is no matter our past and just how much we sinned, God is a God of compassion and forgiveness and if we turn to him with a repentant heart, He will forgive and give us a clean slate.
August 24, 2011
Another great read from Lynn Austin. I must confess when I started the series I wasn't sure she could pull it all together, however I am happy to report, "I LOVE THE ENTIRE SERIES "Chronicles of the Kings"!
February 2, 2024
Definitely my least favorite of the series. I wish some of the time period was shown in flashbacks rather than needing to write chapters to get “into the scene”. It just became a lot. However, I did appreciate the progression of characters in this book.
Overall, I absolutely loved this series and will definitely be purchasing it so I can read it again.
Overall, I absolutely loved this series and will definitely be purchasing it so I can read it again.
April 7, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this series; it taught me so much, and reading books like these really helps me to see Bible characters as real people.
September 24, 2026
"Among the Gods" is the last book in Lynn Austin’s Chronicles of the Kings series. It follows Joshua ben Eliakim’s life as he struggles with resentment and hatred toward King Manasseh for what he did to his family. Joshua’s thirst for revenge also affects the lives of his loved ones living on Elephantine Island. At the same time, the book follows King Manasseh as he descends deeper and deeper into sin, dragging all of Judah along with him, before eventually being taken into captivity and finding his way towards the God of his father and mother.
As usual, Austin fills in the gaps in the biblical narrative with her own creativity, but, to be honest, this time it felt like there was a little too much of it. A significant portion of the book is devoted to the fictional story of Joshua—his resentment, his schemes for revenge, and his difficult relationship with Nathan, his adoptive son. While I initially struggled to understand the purpose of Nathan’s storyline, by the end I could see how it fit into the bigger picture. Joshua’s experiences with Nathan ultimately help prepare him for his final inner struggle between hatred and forgiveness toward King Manasseh.
I particularly liked the way Austin imagined the circumstances surrounding King Manasseh’s captivity in Babylon, his imprisonment there, and his spiritual journey back to the God of his father and mother. As always, Austin’s extensive research is evident, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the ancient Near East.
Overall, while I found some of the fictional elements a little overextended compared with the previous books in the series, I appreciated the way the different storylines eventually came together and highlighted the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and God’s mercy.
Favorite quotes:
«“All of us would like to believe that we could accomplish one brave selfless act for God and for His kingdom, but it takes greater courage to faithfully accomplish the daily thankless tasks of everyday life for Him, being a father to our children, a good husband to our wives, building His Temple, one laborious block at a time.”»
«“The only way to get rid of what I feel is to kill him. But that wouldn't be the end of it, Joshua. You're not just angry with Manasseh. You're angry with God.”»
«“You're right. It's impossible. But God isn't asking you to forget and He isn't asking you to condone it. He's asking you to forgive Manasseh in spite of what he's done. When you forgive someone, you make a choice to cancel the debt he owes you.”»
«“Was it possible that God had allowed all those years of struggle with Nathan just to show him his own heart toward His rebellious children?”»
As usual, Austin fills in the gaps in the biblical narrative with her own creativity, but, to be honest, this time it felt like there was a little too much of it. A significant portion of the book is devoted to the fictional story of Joshua—his resentment, his schemes for revenge, and his difficult relationship with Nathan, his adoptive son. While I initially struggled to understand the purpose of Nathan’s storyline, by the end I could see how it fit into the bigger picture. Joshua’s experiences with Nathan ultimately help prepare him for his final inner struggle between hatred and forgiveness toward King Manasseh.
I particularly liked the way Austin imagined the circumstances surrounding King Manasseh’s captivity in Babylon, his imprisonment there, and his spiritual journey back to the God of his father and mother. As always, Austin’s extensive research is evident, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the ancient Near East.
Overall, while I found some of the fictional elements a little overextended compared with the previous books in the series, I appreciated the way the different storylines eventually came together and highlighted the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and God’s mercy.
Favorite quotes:
«“All of us would like to believe that we could accomplish one brave selfless act for God and for His kingdom, but it takes greater courage to faithfully accomplish the daily thankless tasks of everyday life for Him, being a father to our children, a good husband to our wives, building His Temple, one laborious block at a time.”»
«“The only way to get rid of what I feel is to kill him. But that wouldn't be the end of it, Joshua. You're not just angry with Manasseh. You're angry with God.”»
«“You're right. It's impossible. But God isn't asking you to forget and He isn't asking you to condone it. He's asking you to forgive Manasseh in spite of what he's done. When you forgive someone, you make a choice to cancel the debt he owes you.”»
«“Was it possible that God had allowed all those years of struggle with Nathan just to show him his own heart toward His rebellious children?”»
March 7, 2022
4.5 stars.
Honestly, I'm slightly conflicted about how to rate this book.
This is the last book in the Chronicles of the Kings series. All the other books before it I had read, but I hadn't finished out the series by reading this one. So I went back and read all the other four again to remember where I was before I read this one.
Quite frankly, I've read books with better prose then this. There was way too much telling and way too little connection to the characters. The first half or third in particular felt stiff and unnatural. It wasn't... Like, really bad. If it had been, I probably would've given it three stars or not finished it at all.
But do you know what really kept me going? Well, for one I was determined to finish out this series but that's not the driving reason. The PLOT was what it was for me.
The plot, guys, was amazing. The devastation that the need for revenge wrecks is portrayed vividly. I love how Nathan was shown to be a type of Joshua, and how Joshua had to work through his hatred of Manasseh and his misunderstandings of how God works. It was a powerful narrative. Manasseh's story especially stick out to me in the Bible, because God HEARD HIS CRY despite the fact that he led Judah into the worst sin it had experienced up to that point, and restored him to his kingdom. In response to this Manasseh reversed his evil ways and cleared out the idols.
Overall, I feel like it's a great story but the execution of it could have been handled a lot better. However, to do so might have meant that the narrative would have to be expanded on, and if that was the case, another book might've been necessary.
Overall, an awesome story, and I think, a fitting end to the Chronicles of the Kings series.
(And yes, I did finish this book in two days. It was the weekend, so I had time to read lol)
Honestly, I'm slightly conflicted about how to rate this book.
This is the last book in the Chronicles of the Kings series. All the other books before it I had read, but I hadn't finished out the series by reading this one. So I went back and read all the other four again to remember where I was before I read this one.
Quite frankly, I've read books with better prose then this. There was way too much telling and way too little connection to the characters. The first half or third in particular felt stiff and unnatural. It wasn't... Like, really bad. If it had been, I probably would've given it three stars or not finished it at all.
But do you know what really kept me going? Well, for one I was determined to finish out this series but that's not the driving reason. The PLOT was what it was for me.
The plot, guys, was amazing. The devastation that the need for revenge wrecks is portrayed vividly. I love how Nathan was shown to be a type of Joshua, and how Joshua had to work through his hatred of Manasseh and his misunderstandings of how God works. It was a powerful narrative. Manasseh's story especially stick out to me in the Bible, because God HEARD HIS CRY despite the fact that he led Judah into the worst sin it had experienced up to that point, and restored him to his kingdom. In response to this Manasseh reversed his evil ways and cleared out the idols.
Overall, I feel like it's a great story but the execution of it could have been handled a lot better. However, to do so might have meant that the narrative would have to be expanded on, and if that was the case, another book might've been necessary.
Overall, an awesome story, and I think, a fitting end to the Chronicles of the Kings series.
(And yes, I did finish this book in two days. It was the weekend, so I had time to read lol)
April 16, 2019
This is the last book in this 5 book series. All are fascinating and I could hardly stop reading. My last ratings don’t actually reflect the interest I had in these books. I just felt that so much was made up due to there not being enough Biblical detail to know how the story went. That makes me somewhat uneasy as I have imprinted much that is not true in my mind. Still Austin stayed true to Bible principles and Godly teaching. It just gives me mixed feelings, particularly for those who have not been exposed to much scripture or are without faith or are young in their faith.
I also felt that Ms. Austin used principles and ideals more from Christianity than the Old Testament Jewish law. They were still under “eye for eye and tooth for tooth.” Though those are the right messages for us today, it’s not true for the time period she is covering. All that is just to reinforce the necessity of researching your Bible to know what is true. That being said, I truly enjoyed Austin’s writing and will certainly read her other works.
I also felt that Ms. Austin used principles and ideals more from Christianity than the Old Testament Jewish law. They were still under “eye for eye and tooth for tooth.” Though those are the right messages for us today, it’s not true for the time period she is covering. All that is just to reinforce the necessity of researching your Bible to know what is true. That being said, I truly enjoyed Austin’s writing and will certainly read her other works.
April 17, 2019
There couldn’t have possibly been a better conclusion to this series than this book right here. “Among the gods” was, above all other four previous books, an amazing story of forgiveness, redemption, anger, parenthood, love, kindness, sins, home and mercy. I had not one not two but quite a few moments in the book that got me crying like a baby. And, at the same time, I was so deeply touched by the way Lynn managed to transpose these historical facts into real tangible events and those historical figures into humans with feelings and battles, people like us, experimenting sorrow or joy or anger or confusion. And, above all, people feeling so deep in their lives God’s love. I’m amazed at how well this out-of-this-world feeling has been put into words and expressed in a way that anyone could understand it.
The most important message of this series and this book in particular? If they received that kind/amount of love from God and from the people around them, then so can we.
The most important message of this series and this book in particular? If they received that kind/amount of love from God and from the people around them, then so can we.
June 11, 2015
Joshua Ben Eliakim fled King Mannaseh’s ruthless reign of terror with a faithful remnant to a new home in Egypt. Yet far away, safe from the terrible tyrant, Joshua is constantly haunted by revenge. It will not leave him alone. As events pulled Joshua into one conflict after another aimed at dethroning Mannaseh’s Joshua keeps digging deeper into his tunnel of isolation, where bitterness, regret and sorrow are about to destroy him. Yet, Yahweh in his mercy and kindness reached down to wrap his loving arms around Joshua. The demons persist and Joshua struggles through the years to make peace with himself, Yahweh, his family and his enemies. As I read this book I couldn’t help but look into the mirror at myself as the characters and actions pulled me along in this incredible story. It will make you evaluate your faith.
February 24, 2012
The lessons in this series are amazing. I have learned so much and wish I could read more... Thanks Lynn Austin for writing this... We want more like this....
November 10, 2014
So good! This is an excellent series! So glad I read them.
September 21, 2023
Discussion Questions
Pg 16
The passover. They were thanking God from delivering them from Egypt while in the heart of Egypt.
Pg17-19 cont. 22
Discuss your thoughts on the union between dinah and prince Amariah.
Was it Gods will or Joshuas?
“But my brother isnt dead.
Hes dead in Gods eyes.”
Did Joshua make any connection between losing his previous love Yeal and forcing Dinah to marry a man she didnt love?
Pg57-58
Discuss hadads time in Manassehs prison and their plan to take down Joshua.
“Joshua is my enemy. I never said I was his enemy.”
Pg84-85
Manasseh killed Eliakim for not telling him the prophecy but Zerah keeps twlling him the signs are unclear and not telling him the prophecy.
Which ways does Zerah manipulate manassah?
Who discovered Hadads trap?
Discuss Miriams bravery. How did she get so wise when she wasnt born into the jewish religion? Pg96/97
Compare Zerah and josha.
Zerah was manipulating for the devil while joshua thought he was manipulating people for God. But was he really?
Pg117
When did joshua finally realize his revenge had gone to far?
Why didnt God punish the evil men instead of hurting Miriam?
Pg185
Manassah realized the men he killed had helped in his father’s success.
How ironic was king manassahs behavior?
Did Manassah think he was still doing Gods will?
Pg186
Manassah trusted Isaiahs previous prophecy but he didnt trust how the prophecy worked.
Discuss the prophecies on pg 187.
Pg189-90
Manassah finally realized he messed up.
Do you think the Urim and thummim were the word of God?
Ch 12
When you give your anger to God, he will do something glorious with it?
Pg341
Discuss the relationship between joshua and nathan.
Nathan was a big part in joshua forgiving manassah.
Discuss joshuas forgiveness towards manassah
Pg 16
The passover. They were thanking God from delivering them from Egypt while in the heart of Egypt.
Pg17-19 cont. 22
Discuss your thoughts on the union between dinah and prince Amariah.
Was it Gods will or Joshuas?
“But my brother isnt dead.
Hes dead in Gods eyes.”
Did Joshua make any connection between losing his previous love Yeal and forcing Dinah to marry a man she didnt love?
Pg57-58
Discuss hadads time in Manassehs prison and their plan to take down Joshua.
“Joshua is my enemy. I never said I was his enemy.”
Pg84-85
Manasseh killed Eliakim for not telling him the prophecy but Zerah keeps twlling him the signs are unclear and not telling him the prophecy.
Which ways does Zerah manipulate manassah?
Who discovered Hadads trap?
Discuss Miriams bravery. How did she get so wise when she wasnt born into the jewish religion? Pg96/97
Compare Zerah and josha.
Zerah was manipulating for the devil while joshua thought he was manipulating people for God. But was he really?
Pg117
When did joshua finally realize his revenge had gone to far?
Why didnt God punish the evil men instead of hurting Miriam?
Pg185
Manassah realized the men he killed had helped in his father’s success.
How ironic was king manassahs behavior?
Did Manassah think he was still doing Gods will?
Pg186
Manassah trusted Isaiahs previous prophecy but he didnt trust how the prophecy worked.
Discuss the prophecies on pg 187.
Pg189-90
Manassah finally realized he messed up.
Do you think the Urim and thummim were the word of God?
Ch 12
When you give your anger to God, he will do something glorious with it?
Pg341
Discuss the relationship between joshua and nathan.
Nathan was a big part in joshua forgiving manassah.
Discuss joshuas forgiveness towards manassah
July 23, 2018
Austin's Biblical kings series is AMAZING!! We can all read the stories of the kings in the Bible, but these books let the readers see and feel the details.
***Themes of this book and series:
1. Yahweh (the Lord, God Almighty, the God of Abraham) is the only true God.
2. God cannot be molded into our image of Him. He is sovereign, regardless of our opinion or understanding of Him.
3. God is both just and merciful. His plans, His way is sometimes impossible for any human to understand, but those who trust Him find peace.
***Favorite Quotes***
1. "I will thank Him for all the He has given me, not curse Him for all that I've lost."
2. "Our God is holy . . . He demands holiness of us because it's the only way we can have fellowship with Him. The Law is there to remind us to be holy in everything we do . . . It's true that other gods don't have laws for people to follow. That's what makes them so appealing. And it's also what proves they're false. Man creates those gods in his own sinful image. People don't want rules and laws; we don't want holy living."
3. "You only see the immediate rewards of sin . . . But if you went out in the world for a while and saw the long-term results of adultery or covetousness or living a life apart from God, you'd see how sin eventually destroys us."
***Themes of this book and series:
1. Yahweh (the Lord, God Almighty, the God of Abraham) is the only true God.
2. God cannot be molded into our image of Him. He is sovereign, regardless of our opinion or understanding of Him.
3. God is both just and merciful. His plans, His way is sometimes impossible for any human to understand, but those who trust Him find peace.
***Favorite Quotes***
1. "I will thank Him for all the He has given me, not curse Him for all that I've lost."
2. "Our God is holy . . . He demands holiness of us because it's the only way we can have fellowship with Him. The Law is there to remind us to be holy in everything we do . . . It's true that other gods don't have laws for people to follow. That's what makes them so appealing. And it's also what proves they're false. Man creates those gods in his own sinful image. People don't want rules and laws; we don't want holy living."
3. "You only see the immediate rewards of sin . . . But if you went out in the world for a while and saw the long-term results of adultery or covetousness or living a life apart from God, you'd see how sin eventually destroys us."
January 22, 2018
I’m trying not to judge this book according to how I understand God’s mercy and the law of justice. Manasseh’s murders and immorality seems too much to be forgiven of. It’s time for me to reread the Bible’s account to know what really happened. That being said, it humbles me to know that I don’t deserve forgiveness either, yet I know Father in Heaven has forgiven me of my past errors and continues to pour out His mercy as I struggle to follow His ways.
June 20, 2022
Joshua has led his family and Levites to the safety of Elephantine Island in Egypt during King Mannaseh reign. He is devastated by his father and Isaiah's deaths. This anger, bitterness, and need for revenge will drive many years for Joshua. Can he find forgiveness of others, himself and feel God's forgiveness before it's too late? An emotional conclusion to Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series.
April 21, 2021
The first three books in this series were great - insightful about the time, great stories, and full of scripture in context of the historical narrative.
The last two books were verrrry long accounts of two incredibly annoying, stubborn boys. The last hour of this book was interesting but not worth the hours of reading about the boys’ lifetimes of huffiness...at least, to me.
The last two books were verrrry long accounts of two incredibly annoying, stubborn boys. The last hour of this book was interesting but not worth the hours of reading about the boys’ lifetimes of huffiness...at least, to me.
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed the stories in this series and felt invested in the characters—it kept me reading. I often felt frustrated, though, by the Western perspectives and actions of the characters—some of the things they said and decisions they made were out of context for the culture the characters were living in.
November 8, 2019
What an amazing series!
Lynn Austin stirred up every possible emotion, while painting beautiful canvases with her rich descriptions.
But most importantly, this series has taught me how to better love and trust in Yahweh, and that in itself is a prayer answered.
Lynn Austin stirred up every possible emotion, while painting beautiful canvases with her rich descriptions.
But most importantly, this series has taught me how to better love and trust in Yahweh, and that in itself is a prayer answered.
February 27, 2020
I did enjoy this book, but it definitely didn’t feel as good as the others. Joshua held onto his anger for so long and it just kept coming back to the surface. This series was good, but I am glad it is over.
December 21, 2020
Loved reading of Isaiah' prophecies and how they go with the stories of the Chronicles kings.
December 26, 2022
Another good book in the series, just very violent.
November 3, 2025
I am so sad this series has ended! Listening on audio made it come alive for me.
March 20, 2026
Wow… just wow!! 😭😭😭
December 31, 2025
A fitting conclusion for an amazing series. This was a great story circling around the amazing grace and forgiveness that God gives to those who trust in Him. It speaks of the power of forgiveness and the need to let go and trust God.
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