Voice of the Ancient: The King's Men, Book 1

Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette is such a good story. I was captivated by the end of the first chapter and did not want to put this book down. I have been a high school teacher for 18 years. I know teens. I love how Cossette perfectly captures the bravery, honesty, and immaturity of her main characters. This story begins with teen boys being teen boys: wrestling, playfighting, and goading each other. Then a real-world, adult thing happens — King Saul summons all able-bodied men, 20 and older, to fight against the Ammonites. Disregarding the advice and wisdom of his father, Ronen, 18-year-old Avidan sneaks off to join King Saul’s army. Full of arrogance and the assuredness that comes with being 18, Avidan thrusts himself into his first military skirmish…and things don’t go as he had planned. Every adult reading this story will shake their head and say, “Yep. Should have listened to your dad.” Being a teacher to teens, I knew Avidan was heading into trouble, but I also knew he had to experience and live through the consequences of his actions and choices. Adults can give all sorts of well-meaning advice and wisdom. Some kids genuinely take it to heart, but most kids have to live life and learn the hard way. Avidan, it turns out, has a lot to learn and what ensues is a beautiful and adventurous coming-of-age story about humility, truth, relationships, and responsibility.Keziah is a quiet, unassuming 16-year-old who blossoms into a strong and courageous woman of action. I love how brave she becomes. I don’t know if I could do half of what she does throughout this story. I also appreciate that she is willing to listen, learn, and adjust. At the start of her story, Keziah has long-standing, but incorrect, beliefs. But as she listens to Avidan, as she allows him to be her teacher, she understands that her long-held ideas are grossly incorrect and she needs to ask forgiveness, denounce her incorrect views, and move forward in truth. Her journey to this understanding is fraught with all the things women fear most (seriously, as a woman, I was so tense for most of this story), but she picks herself up by her bootstraps and does what needs doing regardless of how scary a situation might be. She really is quite the tough cookie! It does help that she has her life-long companion — an amazing war horse named Sarru — and Avidan to help her through this arduous journey. The relationship between Avidan and Keziah, from strangers who help each other out, to trusted friends, to lovers, is fantastic. The chemistry is there from the beginning, but the pacing and timing of their budding relationship is realistic. I was initially worried at the start of this story that I would struggle with Keziah’s pretending to be a boy because I hate what I call the Victor/Victoria trope. You know, where one character lies about who they actually are for most of a story, falls for the hero (or heroine) while they are smack dab in the middle of the lie, and then reveals their story in a way that makes the lie OK? I hate this trope because it means the relationship’s foundation is a lie. But Cossette is a master of her craft. I had nothing to worry about. She navigates the situation in a way where there really is no lie, making Avidan and Keziah’s relationship real and based on a strong foundation. So good!As with all my reviews for a Cossette novel, this one does not do Voice of the Ancient justice. The book is just too good and too full of amazing truths and adventurous moments for me to adequately cover in a single review. I loved every second of this story and highly, highly recommend it. If you are a fan of Biblical literature, if you love solid, well-researched Historical Romances, and if you love masterful storytelling, then I recommend you get a copy of this novel ASAP. Voice of the Ancient is a 2023 #MustRead you do not want to miss!I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. I also purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on July 5, 2023. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When I read that Connilynn Cosette had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I feared an end to her wonderful writing as she tackled the disease. But not only is she tackling and winning against this formidable foe, she has started a brand new series I almost dreaded reading. That is, I dreaded reading Voice of the Ancient because I knew that once I finished, that would be the end of the book and I'd have to wait for the next one. In fact, I put off purchasing it, then reading it, as long as I conceivably could, even on a trip, which is when I usually seek new books.Well, Voice of the Ancient was worth every bit of the wait. Connilynn is back and if it is humanly possible, better than ever. Biblical fiction isn't my genre--I wouldn't dare tackle it for fear of getting something wrong. But I want to be like her when I "grow up" in my writing. Her characters are multifaceted jewels, her plot engaged me from page one onward, and her spiritual threads are front and center, yet organically woven into the story.In many ways, Voice of the Ancient is Connilynn's riskiest book. She delves into the kingship of Saul, which is largely a "blank space" in Biblical history. That in itself carries a big risk, but as always, she does her homework in terms of research, bringing ancient Israel's culture to life while remaining faithful to the Old Testament (major kudos on bringing in Moses' genealogy and the intermingling of Israel with pagan cultures, as well as the Rehavite culture, about which I was clueless). Connilynn also took a plot and pacing risk, in that Avidan and Keziah don't even meet until about halfway through the novel. I admit some skepticism there. But by the time they did meet up, I had seen enough development and growth from both protagonists, that I understood why they needed to take their first half journeys alone.Speaking of, Avi and Keziah work great both as a couple and on their own. If you read my reviews, you know that's one of my big litmus tests for romantic couples, and they pass with distinction. Keziah's intelligence, grit, and almost wrenching self-sacrificial nature meshes perfectly with Avi's protectiveness, loyalty, and understated gentleness--still wrapped in a cloak of some of the most determined masculinity I've seen lately. Yet when these two were alone, their voices pushed me deeper into who they were becoming as people, how they were coming to love each other, and how Yahweh was shaping them.And that brings me to the fact that of course, I can't review a Connilynn Cosette book without discussing Yahweh. The spiritual threads in Voice were some of the best she's done yet (and I know I say that a lot with her, but she just keeps topping them). I loved Keziah's journey to find Yahweh for the first time, especially the way Chava and Imati influenced it, in highly unexpected ways. One of her final scenes with the amulet was one of my favorites.Yet Avidan and his thread was the one that captured me most. I've always loved stories, so I adored Avidan's plot thread of coming into his own as a storyteller. On a deeper level, I found myself convicted along with Avi as he realized that the path he ran away from as a Levite, was the path Yahweh had for him. I found myself confessing the same behavior. No, I've never run off to war, but I've been a "Levite girl." I have a disability and, while my support needs are low, it has caused me to miss out on a lot. I've felt the way Avi does, like, "All the other 'tribes' get to do X and Y important things, and I'm stuck with the stupid crap that's left over." Until of course, Yahweh reminds me that He has a deeper purpose for me--as He has to do often, to my chagrin but gratitude at His patience.Finally, I loved the way Connilynn sets up Voice to be part of a series in a way I haven't seen with her other books. For instance, the question of Shalem remains unanswered, as do the exact trajectories of Gavi and Zevi. By the end, I couldn't decide whose story I wanted next, which is saying something because usually with a story like this, I have a clear "vote." But all that means is, I don't care which one Connilynn writes next, I just want more!I do want to take a second and give a nod to some scenes that particularly "pop" throughout the story, since I had so many favorite parts of this book it would take too long to go into every detail. Look for:-Keziah and Imati's escape plan and the conversation therein-Just Avi's loyalty to Shalem even when things seem hopeless, and his determination to search (ah! Floaty hearts)!-Avi and Keziah's first meeting-As mentioned, Avi's growth into the storyteller role-Keziah's courage and sacrifice at the climax (oh, SOB)-An absolutely GORGEOUS, courageous speech from Keziah to the story's villain (s)There are probably more, but I'll stop there. Rather than gushing on, I'll tell you to grab a copy of this book, curl up, and savor!

I was so excited to read the newest Cossette book! Honestly, I tried to read it slowly, to savor it, but the story kept forcing me to turn pages. So good! I love that it is set at the beginning of King Saul’s reign, that the cousins are continued from a previous series, and that Keziah is from the east side of the Jordan and does not have a clear understanding of the Ancient. As you read this book - for definitely, you should - look for the gems placed within, such as a word fitly spoken, a scene beautifully written, a character who surprises you, and, perhaps more importantly, look for yourself between these pages. Read and enjoy!

Well worth your time - interesting, funny, exciting, surprising, suspence and spiritually enlightening- you won't want to put this down until you finish.

I love these stories. They bring those days to life and things people went through. It’s difficult figuring out how to say the names but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Another fabulous book by Connilyn.I couldn’t wait to read each night to read of the experience of the characters. Felt like I was in the book.

You can never go wrong with a Connilyn Cossette book. This is another bestseller. I love everything about it!!!! I could read Connilyn's books all day long, they're simply the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!

I absolutely loved this book. I always enjoy reading Connilyn's books as they are so filled with faith and hope and love.Wehn I was far from God they challenged me and pulled me close. I can see God speaking to me through your books, thank you for your service and using your gifts to honor Him. Glory to Him alone forever and ever.Mild spoilers from here!I loved Keziahs character, being a horse girl myself and her sweet yet resilient character.And avidan is probably one of my top 3 favourite out of all males so far! Him sharing the faith is so vital and him gently encouraging others is wonderful to watch.

We read this book aloud as a family, and it was a captivating story. The pace was great and the plot moved smoothly from one scene to the next. An exciting read!

This book is just amazing and I love it!