Faith of My Fathers

Chronicles of the Kings

By: Lynn Austin

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The king's sudden death leaves his son Manasseh as the new ruler. Overcome with sorrow, Manasseh is angry toward God and begins a reign of terror that shocks the kingdom. His own insecurity prompts the death of his closest advisors, dividing the faithful in two. Barely escaping the carnage, his best friend Joshua suffers the excruciating loss of his family and plans revenge.

Acclaimed author Lynn Austin has won three Christy Awards for her historical fiction.

©2006 Lynn Austin (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"Austin capably weaves her intertwined threads and creates believable characters in conflict with themselves and with each other." (Historical Novels Review)

Another Incredible book

every book builds on the other. The excitement mounts as you can't wait to hear it again. I can't wait to read the next one.

Wonderfully written and powerfully delivered

What made the experience of listening to Faith of My Fathers the most enjoyable?

This book took the story of Manasseh which doesn't say too much in the Bible and wove a story that certainly explains HOW it COULD have been true. I have often wondered at some of the things I have read. Like... how could Manesseh be so bad after his father was good? This weaves a story that certainly answers how a heart could be turned to stone in one lifetime.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Faith of My Fathers?

I loved how the family was united with Dinah and Hadab, Joshua and Miriam at the end of the book.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Hadab saw Miriam from afar with the Funeral Cart carrying the body of Joshua.

Who was the most memorable character of Faith of My Fathers and why?

I really like Hadab. Hope he is continued in the next book.

Any additional comments?

This author is now my favorite. Wow.... what a story teller with so much research.

Foundations of Faith

These books by Lynn Austin absolutely bring the Old Testament to life and show why Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament covenant. They have strengthened my faith and shown me just how wide and deep the love of God is.

The Old Testament brought to life

Once again, in this the 4th book of the Chronicles of the Kings, Lynn Austin does not disappoint. The story she shares about how the lives of king Hezekiah's son Manasseh, and Joshua, son of Eliakim, best friends from birth, can change so quickly and drastically by a simple seed of doubt in God planted in Manasseh by a complete stranger. Austin is one of the best story tellers I have ever read. Her books bring the Bible to life and leave you wanting to know more.
Suzanne Torren, the narrator, is unmatched. I have never listened to a narrator as well versed and enjoyable to listen to.
Highly recommend this Audio Book!

loved, started slow but got really good!

Really good, loved learning about the Bible while being entertained. well told, well read,. great book

Thank you for your research revealed in the epilogue.

Wonderful depiction of the truth with the filling in of a wonderful story. Voice overs were equally fantastic.

Wow, a suspenseful Bible story...

I tried to explain the subject matter of this book to someone and the closest I could come is that it's a creative fictionalization of the Biblical story of Manessah (and, to some extent, his father and Joshua). Since Kings doesn't have much detail on Manessah's life (there are only a few verses about him after all), you know there's a lot of creative liberty taken, but it's actually surprisingly suspenseful. The events unfold as one would imagine they would.

I think one of the most enjoyable parts is that it wasn't really predictable. Well, ultimately we know what happens, but within the story we never know. Unlike "regular" fiction where the main character always "wins" or at least survives, we don't know that from the start of this story. God might be merciful but that doesn't mean that his people necessarily survive their "tests".

If one wanted to learn more about Biblical history, this would be an excellent way to do that since there are Biblical references/verses threaded throughout. The narration is excellent.

Excellent!

Excellent storyline, stays true to biblical narrative. Narrator very talented! Made me feel like I was hearing several different people!

Historically riveting, spiritually edifying

The author wove historical events together with teachings from the scriptures in a way that made them both meaningful. The character and plot development added suspense and kept me engaged. I highly recommend this book.

History made alive. I was there.

Would you listen to Faith of My Fathers again? Why?

I could not put this book down. One of the real beauties of this book was the step by step
telling of how Manasseh was seduced into total and complete idolatry.

What other book might you compare Faith of My Fathers to and why?

All of the books in Austin's series of the kings.

What about Suzanne Toren’s performance did you like?

I liked the pace and the not over the top dramatization.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Joshua's interaction with Rabbi Gershom. The Rabbi explained that you have to ask Yahweh the right question to get an answer from Him. I felt as if I was on holy ground as the Rabbi taught Joshua. The character Zeri was clever and his twisting of the Tora was convincing and eerie.

Any additional comments?