Connilyn CossetteRecensioni

Let it be known that this is the first time I have ever finished an adult Biblical fiction novel.

Voice of the Ancient is a truly engaging story about two young people (mainly) who are living at the beginning of King Saul's reign in Israel - and they each have their own set of difficulties. Avidan is a Levite living amongst the Benjamites, but he would like to be a soldier instead of handling worship music, like his father. A born storyteller, he is close to his cousins, and when King Saul calls for all able bodied men to join his army to repel the Ammonites, he and his older cousins go to join the rest of the men - and they soon discover that their 15-year-old cousin, Shalem, has followed them. In the aftermath of the battle, Shalem is missing. Guilt ridden, Avidan is determined to find him before he goes home.

Meanwhile, Keziah, a young girl of the tribe of Manasseh, is being sold in marriage to a wicked, older man, Vadim, by her father in exchange for protection for their village against invasion. At first, she is resigned to her fate, but when she learns some things about Vadim and about her own heritage, she escapes on her prized stallion while dressed as a boy. When Avidan and Keziah meet, they join forces for practical reasons (no spoilers). Along the way, Keziah learns through Avidan and his stories that Elohim, the God of Jacob, is not what she had always believed, having grown up with stories of the kind goddesses and the angry, tyrannical god. Will she come to faith in the true God? Will Avidan learn to trust and rely on God instead of trying to control things himself? Will Avidan and Keziah reach their goals? Is something growing between Avidan and Keziah beyond helping one another during their journeys? Read it and find out!! I truly enjoyed it!

I loved this wonderful story of biblical fiction. I loved Avi and Keziah. I love that he learns his true calling while helping Keziah. I loved the stories that Avi tells. I laughed and cried. I enjoyed all of the action and the romance.

My Review:

Genre: Biblical fiction.

My Rating: 5 stars! (I’ve found some good books this week!)

My Recommendation: 13 to 16 up depending on how readers like romance. . . Warnings below, too.

My Favorite Character: Though she made mistakes and was at first a somewhat spoiled character she soon grew into a wonderful woman who fits perfectly with this

My Verse for Rivkah is Mark 5:34
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (King James Version.) (Plague in this verse has to do with Rivkah’s sins.)

My Thoughts: This Biblical fiction, was actually Biblical fiction — set during Bible times but not changing a book of the Bible. There isn’t much that people know about the time this novel was set in but Cossette showed what I imagine life was like during the time. She did amazing with the setting and stayed true to the time without taking away from the enjoyment of fiction. I loved this book and I don’t often say that about the Biblical fiction I read.

Warnings: A man drugs a woman, slavery, some drinking, mentions of being unfaithful, (not true.), characters die . . . They are at war sometimes so, yeah, all that and stuff.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review — all the thoughts are my own.

It took me a bit but I ended up really loving this story. It was eye opening to imagine someone being introduced to YHWH without ever having heard of him before and after following such evil gods in the past. Great story!

I didn't love this quite as much as book one, but it's still miles and miles above any other "faith-based" series; besides, maybe, Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

I struggled throughout because the narrator changes from Kiya to Shira. I kept getting confused because I had Kiya on the brain. Maybe need to wait a bit before picking up book two next time around.

One thing that really threw me and made it "not as awesome" for me was there were just a few too many pious, self-contemplative speeches---especially by Shira. The reader really can come to a lot of these spiritual conclusions on her own---don't need the character to spell them out for us.

Seemed to be lots of foreshadowing hints for part three... We'll see!

It definitely took me a little bit to get into this one, Rivkah was just SO unlikeable for so long! But, I pressed on and it turned out to be one of my very favorite stories. I anticipated the very big thing at the very end and it had me in tears.

With each of these Cities of Refuge stories, I've had the same thought. I can't imagine how the truly repentant people in the refuge cities were torn, knowing that their freedom required the death of the high priest. ...and the burden that put on the heart of the high priest! Knowing that so many were estranged from loved ones and living in fear, waiting for your death. YHWH was merciful in creating these refuge cities---how heartbreaking, though, to experience it all.

I really enjoyed this series, though I did think this third book was a little less plausible than the first two. Still the best author since Francine Rivers wrote the Mark of the Lion series.

I have loved everything I've read from this author. As a Torah Observant believer in Yeshua, it's so great to have these Biblically based books written about Older Testament times. Lots of scope for the imagination! Can't wait for book two!

I did enjoy this though I think I enjoyed the first book a little better. This one seemed just a tad more contrived and definitely seemed to take a few cues from the story of Atretes, Francine Rivers' eventual hero in The Mark of the Lion series. Still, I enjoyed it and am really looking forward to reading more from Cossette!

I really enjoyed this book---much more than I thought I would. I pretty much gave up contrived Christian romance quite awhile back but this one was definitely different. There was some real meat to it and I felt it was straight from the pages of Scripture, as well as being pretty faithful to Torah.

I appreciated that the author used Hebrew names and words and that the story was not the normal contrived and obnoxious blah that Christian fiction usually puddles into. I love how the author took seriously Yahweh's commands and made a good representation of the feast days. All in all a great story!

This was a sweet coming of age story that really spoke to YHWH's grace at leaving a remnant in every generation. Avidan encountered lots of people who had lost the truth of what it meant to be a child of the One True God, and he was able to use the gift he was given to rekindle a revival of truth in these communities. I'm reminded of the ministry of Tirzah of Connilyn's Cities of Refuge series. I love that. Avidan's encounters with the elders in Yazer reminded me of the ministry of Yeshua in similar situations.

I also love that neither protagonist has emotional issues. It's refreshing that someone isn't carrying a bitter grudge or a messy past. The two main characters are very young and their story is a gentle one.

I did find it hard to keep all the boys straight. Not only did they have similar names, but they weren't different enough to help me really separate them out. Once they started to go their separate ways, it helped tremendously.

All in all a very encouraging story set in the time of King Saul. I'm looking forward to more!

What can I say? Literally the best author writing Biblical fiction today---or any time, really. When I've finished this series, I'll have read everything she's put out and I'll be jumping at the chance to buy her next one as soon as it releases! Thank you, Connilyn Cossette for writing good Biblical fiction that stays true to the Word and shows you know what you're talking about. Good stuff.

Sweet semi-continuation of the series prior to this one. It never occurred to me that one might be barred from reaching the altar or the city of refuge... Really brings the Tanakh to life!

Reading this made me feel sad at all Israel lost when they chose to go after other gods... and all we are still relinquishing because we won't fully give up the ways of this world. We believe so many of the enemy's lies...all the while, YHWH just wants to rescue us.

I loved the part of the story where the Hebrews started singing the Shema--- reminding themselves of who they are.

I don’t really like these, “I am woman, hear me roar types of stories…” But after reading the author's notes in the back, and learning to like Tirzah as she matured over time, I came away liking the story a lot better than I thought I would when I began.

Very rarely do I see contrived dialogue in one of Connilyn's stories, but Odeleya’s lengthy covert message to Tirzah after her first “mission” was terribly unbelievable. Since this is the 9th of Cossette's books I've finished and the only time I can remember thinking a sentence was wonky, I'd say this makes her a pretty fabulous author!

When King Saul asks for fighters, Avidan sneaks away with his cousins to join the fight. In order to protect the youngest, they hide him in a case for the battle. Afterwards, there are few signs of what happened to him and where he went. Determined to find him, Avidan leaves the rest and searches alone. Keziah, the daughter of a clan chief, is set to marry a brutal and violent man. On the day of her wedding, her maid hatches a plan to free her. Keziah cuts her hair, disguises herself as a boy, and leaves with her horse. On her first day alone, she is robbed. Avidan saves her from the robbers and the two decide to travel together.

This was a fairly interesting read. At times the book felt too preachy and repetitive. Keziah seemed a bit stereotypical at first, but quickly grew and developed throughout the series. Avidan was easy to like from the beginning. I'm not sure I would pick up another book in the series, overall 4 out of 5 stars.

'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.

A trip back in time to the beginning of the reign of King Saul. Four cousins embark on a journey to join the army slated to rescue their fellow Hebrews from the Ammonites. Told through the eyes of Avidan, a Benjaminite and a Levite and Kesziah, a girl being used as a pawn in a political alliance. I was transported to a world that was dangerous and interesting. I learned a bit about how the tribes of Israel diverged from worshipping only the One True God and accepted other gods alongside Yahweh, diluting His true character. I appreciated Avidan because he was taught the old stories of his people and kept the True Faith. He was representing Yahweh as he recounted the history. Keziah was so very brave and came to know that Yahweh was the Only God through the stories that Avi told.
The themes included the steadfastness of God, the importance of remaining faithful to God and that “Only Yahweh knows the end from the beginning.”
A very exciting and immersive book that has me eager to read the next book in the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Reviewers. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Life & Death in the Colorful Past!

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.

Avidan 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.

While I don’t often read Biblical fiction, there are some authors I make exceptions for, and Connilyn Cossette is one of them. Her impeccable research and beautiful prose bring her stories to vivid life. I often find myself re-reading parts of the pages because the writing is so captivating and the imagery so remarkable.

Voice of the Ancient is another of Cossette’s masterpieces, and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters were well-drawn, engaging, and flawed--with room for growth and development during the tale. Avidan and Keziah were both endearing characters and their growth in faith was beautiful to see. I also was delighted at the appearance of some of the characters from the author’s previous series in this story.

Plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, inspiration, and a touch of romance fill this book, and those who enjoy superbly written Biblical fiction will likely love this.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

With happy anticipation of an engrossing story, I cracked open Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette. The plot held an ebb and flow of danger that kept my attention without being too intense. Both main characters, Keziah and Avidan, were in their late teen years and retained some youthful naivete that lent a young adult feel to the novel. As events progressed, both characters matured in ways that created depth in character and story. I particularly liked Avidan’s coming-of-age progression as he learned to find his calling and embrace his Levite heritage.

The romance between Avidan and Keziah added a layer of sweetness to the overlaying danger in Voice of the Ancient. Avi’s integrity and kind treatment of Keziah endeared him to me. Some of the situational juxtapositions and statements about how the Israelites valued their wives and daughters seemed to be a bit of a stretch to me. (I’m certain many of them did, but in the patriarchal society of the Old Testament females were often chattel.) The slow-burn romance created a relationship built on a communion of minds and hearts that made me smile.

Voice of the Ancient laid a foundation for The King’s Men series by Connilyn Cossette as Avidan and his cousins appear together in a way that we may not see again until the end of the series, if then. Mentions or cameos of characters from Cossette’s The Covenant House series appeared fairly often, and I found myself wanting to reread that duology, but Voice of the Ancient works fine as a standalone. I recommend Voice of the Ancient to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with danger and romance in a Biblical-era setting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Connilyn Cossette brings readers a brand-new series beginning with Voice of the Ancient. Avidan is a Levite who believes he is destined for battle. Keziah is a young woman who loves her horse more than anything forced into a betrothal with an older man in order to ensure her clan’s security.

From first meeting these two characters, I was intrigued by their stories. At the opening, we witness the appointment of King Saul. Cossette excels at weaving Biblical facts alongside her fictional characters, giving readers a taste of what life may have been like during the era of Israel’s kings.

Both Keziah and Avi are on the edge of their adulthoods. Both face some difficult circumstances, and both have extreme growth throughout this engaging story. I enjoyed how Cossette subtly wove truth in all the right places for Avi and Keziah.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Sarru because he was often the scene-stealer.
I look forward to seeing where the author takes this story with Avi’s brothers and cousins.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Voice of the Ancient (The Kings Men Book 1) is a beautifully written story that swept me away from start to finish. The plot’s turns, twists and characters are well developed and the story is truly captivating! My thanks to Mrs. Connilyn for this beautiful story as well as the amount of time she spent researching and creating it.
I highly recommend Voice of the Ancient and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to be released!

I received this book, courtesy of the author, LibraryThing and the publisher in exchange for a fair review. I hadn't read anything by the author before, but it had many elements that I liked: historical fiction set in the ancient times of the Bible (Samuel and Saul) which is a very interesting time, charming leading characters... An absolute page-turner.
The author writes perfectly, of course with some licenses because after all it's fiction, and it's seems she has a lot of other books and even sagas that are equally engaging and which I surely would very glad to seek out.
Avi, the boy is talented, kind and compassionate. Keziah, the girl is brave and resolute and smart.
You know from the beginning they are perfectly matched and that they will meet, even if it's a bit later into the book. And they are so young... Teenagers. But at that time, at that age, they were considered adults at all effects. For war, for marriage...
Even the pure-bred horse Sarru is a charming addition.
Also, the story doesn't end here, it's not closed, and I would love to know how it continues... their families, their search (Avi's in particular).
Also, this is of course a clearly religious author and gives much importance to faith and cult, which is all right, it is very well woven into it. I wish her that she can delight us with many more stories.

I couldn’t wait for this book to come available to read! I’ve loved Connilyn Cossette’s books for years, and although I know her writing hiatus wasn’t by choice, I am really glad that she’s been able to come back with another story. I may have bugged the publisher a little to get a copy to read (nicely, of course), and I was excited to finally be able to dive in.

There was so much to love in this story!

1. Setting: I’ve never known Cossette to not deliver on the setting. No matter whether you’re climbing up to a cave, watching a waterfall splash over the rocks, or (as in this book) stuck in the middle of a wedding feast, she nails it. And she does it well.

2. Characters: I loved the way Avidan saw the world, and the way he was able to translate what he saw into stories…I’d love to have that gift. And Keziah…I felt so sorry for her, but admired her courage, too!

3. Family: I think this is true of almost all of Cossette’s books, but the healthy families she depicts are the kind of families that don’t appear in fiction very often these days. There was one family in particular that I really fell in love with in this story—I wish we could have had more time with them!

4. Gentle romance

5. HISTORY! This time period is hardly ever covered in fiction, so that aspect of the story was pretty neat.

There were a couple of things I struggled with, too. People were shown eating dairy and meat in the same meal, which was prohibited in the Mosaic law, and an unmarried couple spent a lot of time alone traveling together, which I don’t think would have happened in that context.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. But several times, the historical inconsistencies jerked me out of the story. Regardless, it was great to get a bit of a peek into Ancient Israel, and I found this to be a gripping, fast-moving read. I loved the characters’ spiritual growths through the story (this book had some of the best I’ve seen in a while!), and I loved the wisdom sprinkled throughout the book.

I particularly loved this quote from Ronen:

“Those songs don’t teach us about ourselves, son. They teach us about the God who freed us. Because if we forget who Yahweh is, if we let ourselves slide down that slippery slope, then we are no different from the nations around us.”

If you enjoy Biblical fiction with a dash of romance and adventure, you’d probably enjoy this story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

This was a wonderful book telling of the adventures of our primary characters during the beginning of the reign of King Saul of Israel. It is a coming of age of the 2 primary characters (from different places and backgrounds) as they seek family members and come to understand what they want in life and where they think their place is. Faith is a thread wound through the whole tale. The story was peopled with characters that spanned the political and religious spectra of the time. All the characters are realistic and behave in ways that make sense in the given situation. There is a tremendous sense of place and I felt immersed into the setting of the story, as if I were traveling with them. Everything, from the depiction of battle to the various locations, felt very real and natural. Would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction of ancient peoples.