Voice of the Ancient - (The King's Men) by Connilyn Cossette

'Today the first king of Israel would be chosen. And I would see it happen with my own eyes.' Avidan's thoughts set the stage for a sweeping story that takes us back to the beginning of Saul's reign as the first King of Israel. After a two-year absence from the publishing world, author Connilyn Cossette returns with a stunning tale filled with adventure, romance, and inspiration. She's a master at weaving biblical history into her stories and this is just one more example of her passion for sharing God's Word through fiction! Two amazing characters are at the center of this story and reading Avidan and Keziah's journey prompted me to return to the biblical account that's recorded in 1 Samuel 8: 10-22. I was totally caught up in Avi and Keziah's friendship, their budding romance, the dangers that they encounter, and the true faith that they find. I'm thrilled to have a reunion with some of the characters from the Covenant House series but there's no problem if you haven't read these books. Voice of the Ancient can be enjoyed as a standalone and it's a wonderful introduction to a new series. I highly recommend Voice of the Ancient and I can't wait to read the next book of The King's Men series! I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

Beautiful Keziah has found her father, for his own profit, has promised her to marry a vicious, violent man. Just when it looks her fate is sealed, she has two surprises. The first, that her maid, Imati, has arranged a way to escape, and, two, Imati is not who she seems. While Keziah is on the run, she faces attack, robbery, and killers sent by her would be husband to drag her back. Avidian has always been upset that he doesn't have a choice for his future because he was born into the priestly line of Levite, and must take up that duty. In an act of rebellion, he sneaks out with his cousins to fight with King Saul. Because of that, his youngest cousin, Shalem, turned up missing. Avidan has vowed to find him despite his other cousins refusing to help. When Keziah and Avidan's paths cross, they try to confine their two missions only to discover they face more danger and hazards together. The reader will experience the sights and sounds of amazing celebrations, along with the dire circumstances the two share. They do not admit the feelings growing between them since their destiny appears to go in two different directions. This clean story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read what happens. I recommend this five-star book to fans of thrillers, history, and well-written tales. Thank you, Bethany House Publishers, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

Love, love, loved! Ms. Cossette continues to astound with her novels, and Voice of the Ancient is no exception! I mourned and urged on Keziah’s escape from a lonely and abusive situation. I cheered and ached for Avidan’s brotherhood with his cousins. I was on the edge of my seat, halting halfway between horror and hope with every turn of the page! Every time something felt so far from resolution, it was really oh-so-close. And each time it seemed the answers would be right around the corner, the unexpected would shove it almost beyond hope of reach! I could NOT put this book down and eagerly soaked in every lingering moment of it. I will be awaiting the next books in The King’s Men series enthusiastically!

Every book by Connilyn Cossette I have read is perfection, deserving of the Carol and Christy Awards they have received, and this inaugural book of her new series is no exception. The author knows how to masterfully weave the reader into the era and culture of her story, with plenty of adrenaline-filled action, a touch of sweet romance, and rivers of spiritual and practical wisdom. She's a gifted storyteller who joins first-person voices of Keziah and Avidan to take us on an adventure that crosses to eastern side of Jordan during the early years of King Saul. I learned so much about how different tribes of Israel may have lived during that time and also saw these Bible stories through a different lens, as if I were truly living within the events. I will never read Saul's anointing, the battle at Yavesh (Jabesh), and Saul's coronation the same way again. I had always known that the infant Israel of this time was fractured and fragile but the author's vivid painting of the dissident political and spiritual landscape was eye-opening. Avi's kind, compassionate, loyal heart made me love him almost immediately. His growth in faith and maturity made me love him even more. His ordained talent of storytelling and his passion for reminding others of Yahweh's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness through stories made him the best kind of hero. Keziah with her tender, bruised heart was easy to love and her acceptance of the One True God was delightful to see. It's one of my favorite books of 2023! I am so happy that this series continues the lineage of families I loved in the author's previous series The Covenant House. This book (and series) can definitely be read as a stand-alone but having the background to Avi and his cousin Zevi's parents will make the story a richer experience. I received the book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews and LibraryThing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

“Traveling together, they must rely on each other to stay alive and learn to trust the King of Israel to guide their every step,” states the back jacket of Connilynn Cossette’s novel, Voice of the Ancient. ~ What ~ The first book in The King’s Men series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page advanced reader copy targets those who enjoy Old Testament Biblical fiction with a touch of romance. The topics of slavery, physical abuse, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book ends with acknowledgments, the author’s note and biography, discussion questions, and advertisements. In this story set in Israel in 1043 BC, seventeen-year-old Avidan prefers not to join King Saul’s new army, but the strong pull of his cousins has him questioning becoming a warrior. When one of his cousins goes missing, Avi feels it is his responsibility to search for the teen, which turns into a dangerous adventure protecting a woman who is to be married to an abusive man. ~ Why ~ This historical novel is cleverly crafted because the chapters are written in first person by not only Avi but also Keziah, the betrothed woman who pretends she is a slave boy. I loved the retold Bible stories, family traditions, and descriptions of the Promised Land. Recognizing the One Who Hears perfectly portrays God’s steadfast love toward His children, especially when Avi acknowledges his selfish desires were placed above his Levitical duties. Including the warrior stallion added dimension to the tale. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with God may not like the prayers to the One True King or calling on His name for protection. Others may not care for the Biblical genre, but it is fictional as it coincides with Saul’s new reign. Some may be disappointed about the story’s loose ends, making them yearn for the next book in the series. ~ Wish ~ It would be helpful to have a list of characters and a map at the beginning of the book. I hope the writer continues to write in first person from two people’s perspectives as it worked well in this read. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you love the Old Testament stories and want to feel a part of Israel’s traditions and terrain, this first book in a fascinating series shows how Yahweh knows the end from the beginning wherever the journey of life goes. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

This is the first book in a series, set in the era of newly-crowned King Saul and of Samuel the prophet. The story focuses on four cousins to start, in their young adult years eager to grow up and be men of war. The problem is, Avidan is a Levite and his place is as a future musician. In an act of rebellion, Avidan takes off with his cousins to join the King’s army, and begins a journey of adventure and great trial. In this journey, he meets Keziah, a runaway bride seeking sanctuary with her mother’s family while her horrible bridegroom chases after her. With dangers on all sides, these two young people come to trust and rely on each other for survival, finding friendship and something more along the way. With immersive and beautiful imagery, I was swept away into this ancient world and times - on the edge of my seat with just the right amount of adventure, suspense, and gentle romance. A coming-of-age tale, I especially enjoyed Avidan’s growth in wisdom and understanding as he tried to right his wrongs, and how tender he was toward Keziah along with his courage in protecting her. Keziah was the perfect match for Avidan, with her sweet personality and bravery. The conclusion was a bit rushed - as far as the development of their relationship. And I was disappointed in the lack of closure with Avidan’s family after his behavior and all he’d put them through. This overshadowed what could have been an amazing ending. But that aside, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to teens and adults. It is a clean read with mild violence. I was given this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.