(Live and) Dream a Little Dream

Synopsis:

The year is 993 BC. After years of bloody civil war, Eleazar son of Dodai, one of King David's most elite warriors, wants nothing more than to finally live peacefully in the land. But on the plains near the Great Sea, a terrifying army of Philistines has mobilized to crush the Hebrew tribes once and for all. In the sun-drenched valleys and dark forests of the hill country, Eleazar and his warriors make their stand against Israel's deadliest enemy. The fate of an entire nation rests on the courage of a small band of heroes known as the Mighty Men. In a land torn by conflict, depleted by drought and threatened by treachery, the horrors and heroism of the ancient battlefields come to life. Covenant of War is the second book in the Lion of War series---the intense, gritty, and stylistic portrayal of the Mighty Men of Israel, a rag-tag band of warriors who came to King David in his most desperate hour and fought with him while he claimed the throne he was destined to fill. Their legendary deeds are recorded in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11.

My thoughts:

The Mighty Men of Israel were a ragtag band of warriors who came to King David' help to gain his rightful throne and I will admit I knew nothing else about them. I have always admitted to being more of a New Testament student than the Old one and thus have much to learn. 

Cliff Graham clearly sees the legendary deeds of these Mighty Men not only from a Veteran point of view but of course as a man. Yet whilst I am certain this is not a book most women will reach out for, it has much to recommend it as it gives us an interesting portrayal of these warriors. As a student of History, I found myself often leaning towards such novels as Covenant of War, second book of the 'Lion of War Series'.

However I must say this was more intense than I wished and after a while I suggested to ex-RAF hubby to try it. I just wanted to be sure I was doing it justice and did not simply fail to understand the story being a woman. He admitted the many conflicts described in the Old Testament do not appeal to him and after reading the first 3 chapters declined to finish it! 

So back to my thoughts: Intense this book is and fictionalized of course, since we must speculate about this particular period. 

To be sure this book is to be read as entertainment!

But after all this is said, let's remember first and foremost these deeds are indeed recorded as part of Israel's tumultuous history and never doubt for a moment the courage of these desperate men in the face of adversity! 

I highly recommend keeping your Bible nearby for reference less you feel overwhelmed as I did!

I understand the Lion of war Series is soon to be a major picture franchise and very well received by the majority of male readers. I'll bow to their opinions: a good book just not for everyone!

For my taste, it is 3 Stars material!

'These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil...'

About the author:

Cliff Graham is an Army Veteran and the author of the Lion of War Series. For more on this Christian author please visit his website (here)

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.