Voice of the Ancient

The King's Men, Book 1

By: Connilyn Cossette

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross, Leah Horowitz

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. When Ammonites attack the city of Yavash-Gilead, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan stays behind to search for him in hopes that he's still alive.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run. Dressed as a boy, she takes her horse and heads for the south, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family. Battling to survive the dangers surrounding them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As Keziah's true origins are revealed and Avidan's search for his cousin becomes increasingly futile, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Connilyn Cossette brings to life the first years of King Saul's reign.

©2023 Connilyn Cossette (P)2023 Recorded Books

We Swam Beneath Rainbows

Avidan (Avi), Zevi, Gabriel (Gavi) and Shalem (Shay) are the next generation, the sons of Shoshana {book: To Dwell Among Cedars}, her brother Lukio/Demon Eyes/Nathan {book: Between the Wild Branches} and their Hebrew kin that adopted them in Kiryat-Yearin, their sister Amina. Zevi had come back with Nathan, who adopted him giving him the gift of family as he himself had been given. The boys grow up together. "The Wedding Gift" is a prequel story about the boys, their relationships as children and sets the perfect stage for this story. Hopefully this story will also be on Audible soon.

Saul is anointed King by the prophet Samuel, and has called upon the children of Israel to fight in their first war under his leadership. When Zevi and Gavi decide to answer the call, Avi goes too, rebelling against his father's direct and very clear instructions not to go. Shay, the youngest, stealthily follows them until they catch him, shortly before going into battle. So they hide Shay in a place they think he'll be safe, then go on to their first real experience of war. When they get back, Shay is missing and Avi sets out determined to find him.

Keziah and her horse Surra are on the run from a marriage to an abusive man. She's disguised as a boy, in a slave's tunic. Wasn't sure how Connilyn would deal with this particular issue, but it's expertly handled with no political overtones at all.

I'll just say that "we swam beneath rainbows" is an apt description of Keziah and Avi. The scene that explains that saying and the retelling by Avi of the story of Lot from Genesis19 are just 2 of many powerful reasons this book is well worth the listen/read. Surra makes me want a horse and the breakdown of the beginning of King Saul's reign and how YAHUAH/YHWH actually felt about it is completely on point.

Narration was fantastic! I can't wait for the stories about Shay, Gavi and Zevi. I'm also hoping Connilyn writes 1 about Keziah's cousin Rahzul the Rechabite. Would love to see more of the Rechabites fighting styles and camels in this series. Excellent!!

Well Crafted Story and Powerful Faith Building

This beautifully crafted novel weaves exquisite storytelling, edge of your seat suspense, and elements of Biblical history to compile a compelling novel that kept me wanting more! I was thrilled with the ending but simultaneously devastated that it was over. This is a must listen! Well worth the credit!

God can find us wherever we are

It was a nice story. Not all the twists and turns were predictable, which was good. I enjoyed the characters.

Good!

Overall great story! Highly suggest listening to it. The voices were great and not overwhelming

Wonderful storytelling

I really enjoyed this book! It kept my interest as the story unfolded and I loved the characters. I would highly recommend!

quite love of G-D for his people.

shows how heaven and Earth pass alway put G-D love never pass alway. my heart moves when I see his Constant care for his people, Even when we don't see God is constant moving in our lives shows his love. His quiet still movement shows his love around us, Saw his still movement in this book, Even when we think hes not moving hes moving, Every person needs to hear the story in this book cause it shows God's faithfulness continuously in not alive with praise and worship, When times are hard it's good to praise and worship him. To the writers of this book thank you for allowing God to move you in the stillness it is shown,

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

Connilyn Cossette did an Amazing job writing this book and continuing the history of Israel with some of the same main characters from previous books inserted into the storyline with new characters. The Biblical accounts of the history of Israel comes alive throughout the pages of her books. THANK YOU CONNILYN COSSETTE for such an enlightening treat!

An action packed book

It would have been so hard to live during the time period in which this story took place. A handful of characters were easy to like as well as the characters who were not. There was not one boring scene in this fast paced story. This book is Connilyn Cossette at her best. I will recommend this book to all my book reading friens.

Intriguing story

First book I read/listened to by Connilyn, really good and enjoyable. Got me hooked from the beginning.

Avidan and Keziah

Avidan should never have been at the battle. But if he hadn’t he would never met have Keziah. The 2 decide to travel together. She is looking for her Mother’s people for protection and he is looking for his 15 year old missing cousin.

She has a magnificent horse. We hear a lot about this magnificent stallion. He is a Christian and tells stories from the Torah. It’s been a long time since the people they meet have heard these stories. They love the stories. Avidan also introduces Keziah to God.

There’s action, humor and light romance. This is one of my favorite authors of Biblical fiction. Always well researched. Outstanding narrator. Highly recommend.