Henry O. Arnold

I’ve always had a fascination with King David, and reading Lion of Judah really helped humanize him even more in my mind and showed me a depth to his indiscretions and tragedy that surrounded him that I hadn’t originally thought of.

This is clearly a character-driven novel and really brought a fairly known Biblical story to life in heartbreaking detail. I have never stopped to ponder this Old Testament account in great detail before, and seeing it fleshed out changed my perspective in a show more profound way. That’s one reason I have fallen in love with Biblical fiction recently. It really does make these stories come alive and gives me a hunger to delve deeper into my Bible and see it with fresh eyes.

The one thing I can’t get off my mind since finishing this novel is the story of Bathsheba, which has always bothered me. Seeing David’s thought process and reading Bathsheba’s account, particularly during the initial attack, was sickening, to say the least. David was a predator of the worst kind, and reading this part of his story was jarring to say the least and quite triggering despite not being graphic. David’s story is a lot more tragic than I realized, with multiple assaults and a lot of innocent lives that were lost.

The story itself is wonderfully written with a nice flow that is easy to digest. Despite the devastating and heartbreaking details throughout, it clearly shows that even a man who was after God’s own heart could easily be led astray and do unimaginable things for his own gain. It also showed a world that differed greatly from our own with what was acceptable yet also showed that there were struggles then that sadly still persist today. Talk about a powerful and thought-provoking story.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

Lion of Judah is not only the first book I’ve read in this series but also my introduction to this author’s work. I’m impressed! The way the author brings David to life on the page is remarkable, making one of my favorite Biblical figures feel so real and vivid.

What really stands out to me is the portrayal of David’s imperfections and shortcomings. As a child, I always saw King David as larger than life, but with age, I’ve come to understand that he was human and had common show more weaknesses we all share. I appreciate how he talks with God and seeks guidance and forgiveness.

The themes of faith, forgiveness, and restoration make this story so emotional and inspiring. The author is a great storyteller, creating vivid scenes that play out like a movie in my mind.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own. show less

Talk about impactful! Wow! This novel has a slower start, but the intensity comes out of nowhere and packs a powerful punch, gripping you tighter and tighter until the climactic and emotional end.

Though I do believe this novel is more impactful by reading the first book in the series, it’s not necessary as the author does a great job of getting the reader up to speed on past events and what’s led the characters to where they are now. Maxwell is clearly going through immense guilt and show more personal crisis after the events of the last novel, which is both heartbreaking and understandable considering what all happened, and this novel pretty much picks up where the first book left off.

There are multiple POVs, which gives a well-rounded and deep glimpse into the situation at hand and what everyone is feeling. There is some heavy subject matter handled, but it’s through a Christian lens, so while it can be uncomfortable to read, these situations are handled with the upmost respect.

Seeing the faith of each family member and how tightly they held on to God, their trust in their family and one another was truly inspiring. What they endured is the stuff of nightmares, yet this is a reality that sadly many endure on a daily basis. My prayers go out to anyone who has been affected by human trafficking of any kind.

It was practically impossible to put this novel down, and I devoured it in mere hours. It has such a raw and real feel that it wouldn’t have surprised me if this was based on a true story. Gritty and steeped in truth, this faith-based novel is incredibly written and impactful, and I felt uplifted and empowered after reading it. Truly wow...

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

The Mercy Seat is one of the more unique novels that I’ve read in awhile. A pastor with a servant’s heart for his church and community is doing all he can, while serving in one of the roughest parts of Tennessee. What he doesn’t expect is just how dark his world will become, how deep the corruption goes, and who will be taken down in the process.

Profound descriptions describe a dark and desolate place and I fought the helpless and depressed feelings that washed over me as I read. show more Sadly, I am very familiar with this world as I grew up in a community not too dissimilar to what was depicted in The Mercy Seat. It is triggering for me to go into any details, but suffice to say I know this world better than I should, and the author did a great job of capturing the underbelly and those that are fighting to be free.

There are multiple narrators throughout the novel which I appreciated as it gives you insight into this situation from varying points of view. These characters have quite an authentic feel, with the exception of the language, which is cleaned up considerably, and rightly so. There is a lot that is packed within these pages and takes the reader on a journey that no one wants to be on. I admit that it took me a few chapters to really get the gist of what I was reading, but once I was grounded in the narrative I was hooked.

This is an intense read and though it is a Christian fiction it is not for the faint of heart. There is gang and drug activity as well as violence and corruption, but there is also faith, hope, and the power of redemption. The Mercy Seat is a compelling reminder that though the battle rages on there will one day be victory.

*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less