Gods and Kings

By: Lynn Austin

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Three-time Christy Award winner and best-selling author Lynn Austin pens a fascinating historical novel based on actual Biblical events.

Shortly after the death of King Solomon in 931 B.C., the Promised Land is divided into two separate nations: Israel in the north, and Judah in the south. Hezekiah is the second son of King Ahaz of Judah. As he comes to power, he must navigate a troubled path to reunite his wayward people with Yahweh.

©2005 Lynn Austin (P)2005 Recorded Books

Enjoyable and eligtening

The author does indicate that they had to create dialog from available texts, other than direct quotes from the bible, but the books gives a unique insight into circumstances surrounding the story in the bible, that leads one to truly appreciate how much the prophets of those times truly had to take on themselves.

#abrknpoet reviews Gods and Kings

If you're looking for a gripping historical fiction series based on the biblical account of King Hezekiah, you might want to check out Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin. This book is the first in the Chronicles of the Kings series, and it introduces us to Hezekiah as a young prince who witnesses his father's wickedness and idolatry. Hezekiah is drawn to the one true God of his ancestors, but he faces many challenges and dangers from his own family and the enemies of Judah. Austin does a great job of bringing the ancient world to life with vivid descriptions and realistic characters. She also explores themes of faith, courage, love, and sacrifice that are relevant for today's readers. I enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.


@stuartbrknjohns Twitter/Goodreads Author

What an amazing book

The book opened up a lot of history of that time. A blessing to listen too!

great book!

Worth a read if you want to understand old testament stories, While it is fiction, you get a view of the overall story according to old testament.

An old story made new.

If you could sum up Gods and Kings in three words, what would they be?

This is the fictional adaptation of King Ahaz and how his wickedness almost destroyed Judah. It tells of the Prophet Isiah and the young Prince named Hezzikiah who grew up to be a King who loved God. It may sound dry, but it is a great listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hezzikiah

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I think I would have preferred a strong male voice for this story but it was good.

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

The return of the Israeli girl from her captors.

Amazing...Simply Amazing!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! This story pulled me in instantly. Plus I learned a lot.

What other book might you compare Gods and Kings to and why?

In the secular market...probably Pillars of the Earth. Well written, historically accurate and entertaining.

Have you listened to any of Suzanne Toren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended.

Hezekiah

Would you consider the audio edition of Gods and Kings to be better than the print version?

I thought the narration was very good. I have not read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Hezekiah's grandfather. He did some evil things, but then repents and does what he can to help Hezekiah and to obey God.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the part where Hezekiah and his grand father are reunited after long separation.

Who was the most memorable character of Gods and Kings and why?

The grandfather was one who had failed his family, himself and his God. But his relationship with his grandson was restored after his relationship with God was mended.

This is an excellent book

Would you listen to Gods and Kings again? Why?

Yes there is so much history and I'd love to go back and pay even closer attention to all the details.

What did you like best about this story?

It made the scriptures come alive.

Which scene was your favorite?

When young Hezekiah keeps calling out God's name

Who was the most memorable character of Gods and Kings and why?

Young Hezekiah because he was an overcomer

Interesting, Informative and Inspirational

I really enjoyed learning more about King Hezekiah and his era, especially the bits including the prophet Isaiah. I realize that much of this book is fiction, but I know that the major events and scriptures are not. I found it very good and I enjoyed learning more about that time frame. I had a little bit of a hard time with some of the dialogue. There were some passages that were put in merely for the reader as an educational device that sounded stupid to me. In the beginning one of the priests is asked why the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has no image. The priest hems and haws and acts like he has no idea what to say or that the question is entirely new to him. My guess is every Hebrew child knew the answer to that one. I got through that and generally enjoyed the book, as well as the next 2. The next one covers the building of Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Third their defeat of the Assyrian armies. I've read 4 now and can recommend the first three. They cover many historic and Biblically significant events. Although it includes a couple of pagan rituals in the beginning as the reason for Hezekiah's righteousness, it does not dwell on them or promote them. I quite enjoyed these first three. The fourth book is another matter entirely and you'll have to read my review for it to understand why. I took off 1 star because of the stilted dialogue, but found them very good overall. Suzanne Toren does a great job narrating. I've listened to other books by her and enjoy her narration. I think these books are very much of interest to those interested in the Bible and in Biblical history as well as those looking for an inspirational read.

God and Kings

Makes Chronicles come alive. Relevant historical fiction. Shows what is evil and what is good.