 Author: Connilyn Cossette Genre: Biblical Fiction Series: The King's Men #2 Pages: 352 Release Date: August 20, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House Captured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he is dismayed when the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign, leaving the town vulnerable to retribution and the threat of outside enemies. Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they'll be forced to face present dangers while confronting scars of the past.
 Reviewer: Linda Klager I wanted to read this book because I very much admire Connilyn Cossette. Not just because she is a great author, but because of her steadfastness over the years. She is staying strong despite many struggles and challenges. I love to read the Holy Bible, and this book sheds a lot of light on Bible history. Zevi is a captain in King Saul’s Army. Zevi became a great warrior. The soldiers in his command respect and admire him. He is troubled by what he experienced in the past. He wants to annihilate the Philistine Army. He does it with a vengeful heart. God had to speak to him about this. God showed him that He was in control, not Zevi. Yochana became a widow very early in her marriage. She and the people from her village do not trust King Saul. They have seen too much destruction. When Zevi comes to her perfume shop, he invites Yochana to join him in working for King Saul. King Saul loves his wife and Yochana’s perfumes and balms would be much appreciated. Yochana refused the offer to go with Zevi and join up with King Saul. Zevi decided to do the unthinkable. This caused a huge rift between Zevi and Yochana. As you can imagine, some brutality was mentioned in the book because of the battles that Zevi and his men faced. A dear friend of Zevi’s was murdered. Zevi was blamed for this friend’s demise. I found it fascinating that a man of Philistine heritage raised Zevi and that they had a wonderful relationship. Isn’t God great that there was no disharmony? Please read this great book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest review. Reviewer: Winnie Thomas Connilyn Cossette is my go-to author for riveting Biblical fiction. I can always count on her stories to sweep me away to Biblical times and places and keep me engrossed and turning pages. Shield of the Mighty is Cossette’s second book in The King’s Men series and stars Zevi, who is a captain in King Saul’s army. He is sent to surrounding cities to recruit soldiers to join the army and fight against the Philistines. He is also tasked with finding skilled artisans to serve in Saul’s court. When he happens upon talented and beautiful perfume maker Yochana, he tries to persuade her to join his group. Zevi is courageous and loyal, but his difficult past is proving hard to overcome. Yochana, whose husband was killed in battle, is plucky and has a gift for healing. The story alternates between the points of view of these two characters, and it’s interesting to see what each is feeling. Cossette is a master at creating vividly drawn, colorful, engaging characters and bringing them alive in a captivating tale. Her stories are richly detailed and impeccably researched and always have a deep inspirational message. This book has a very strong faith message and a message of the importance of family, whether biological or adopted. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy Biblical historical fiction. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise Be transported to 1040 BC and see what the soldiers of Israel have to do to prepare to serve King Saul against the Philistines. Zevi, one of the cousins from book one, Voice of the Ancient, is tasked with recruiting men for the army as well as artisans to benefit King Saul. Yochana is a perfumer and has lost her young husband to a battle and has disdain for the king. From mistrust to awakening romance, through adventures and courageous actions, Zevi and Yochana grow in respect for each other. Zevi has a complicated background and would seek revenge on the enemy for what they did to his hometown. But God has placed him in a loving family with a father who gave sound advice: “Just as a soldier trusts his commander and a commander trusts the king, you must trust the King above all Kings to direct you…the orders are more often whispered than shouted.” I was captivated by the story, and the Bible was brought to life. The descriptions of the perfuming craft and ingredients were very interesting. I loved the loyalty portrayed by Zevi’s family, especially when he was accused of murder. If you like Biblical fiction, you will not want to miss this engaging tale of adventure. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Once again, Connilyn Cossette writes a moving, heartfelt story that will transport you into the Bible, giving the reader an immersive experience of Old Testament times. Each scene is vividly rendered and filled with wonderfully detailed observations, from the descriptions of plant life and their uses to fierce battles fought with the Philistines. Cossette has created another captivating story I found hard to put down. Zevi’s depictions of gripping guilt are relatable to anyone who has done something (either intentionally or not) and lived with regret. I loved how the author shows the love and power of God in getting Zevi to a place where he can learn to forgive himself. Yochana was the perfect match for him, even though she fought him tooth and nail. I loved her compassion for others and for animals and how that compassion helps open her eyes to letting God be in charge. I was very moved by the author’s comments at the end of the novel. Connilyn has been through a lot and to write such a book while going through such trauma is a testament to her faith in God and His gift of writing to her. I highly recommend this series and I look forward to the next book! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle The Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette was so enjoyable! I looked forward to following up with the boys whose lives I stepped into while reading Voice of the Ancient and truly, Zevi’s story was even better than I hoped. I’m in a very busy season and could only read in snatches, but the book kept my attention even with more pauses than usual. This series follows the personal stories of four cousins coming of age as well as Saul’s reign as king. It’s very interesting to watch his leadership unfold through the “eyes” of the people who could have lived under him. The Bible characters coming to relatable life is my favorite part of Biblical fiction. The magnetism between hero and heroine was delightful and not touched by circumstance. I loved that so much. Beyond that, it’s jam-packed full of redemption and a beautiful portrayal of the way God reaches for us in personal, real-life ways right down in the middle of our mess. All those wonderful things said, I would advise discretion for the younger readers in your life. There are mature themes discussed or described that were a stark reality of that time. Connilyn Cossette has earned her place on my TBR author list! I will be waiting expectantly for the next of these boys’ stories. While I do, I plan to read Lukio and Shosanna’s story. The snippets of them in this book have me thoroughly intrigued. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Mindy Houng “I let go. I realized that my understanding of Yahweh was far too small and that I had no right to demand he bend to my will.” It’s another enthralling journey through King Saul’s early days of kingship as Israel attempts to become a united nation from a loose group of scattered and fractious tribes. Zevi’s road to becoming a trusted captain in Saul’s army is fraught with hard work, sacrifice, and guilt. I loved his loyal and steadfast heart, his trained soldier’s bearing and instinct, and his dedication to Yahweh and his family. His encounter with Yochana starts with good intentions, but the terrible execution of the plan makes them enemies. I really enjoyed their banter and fire-laced conversations. When earth-shattering betrayal blindsides Zevi, it’s Yochana’s compassionate, kind heart and capable healing hands that Zevi ends up leaning on. The climax of the war is found in 1 Samuel 14, where the author’s imagination and God’s Word combine to bring forth a vivid, palpable battle scene. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot that will have you clutching the edge of your seat. Reconnecting with Natan and Shoshanna’s family is the icing on the cake. This is a must-read if you enjoy Biblical fiction. I can’t wait to read about the other two cousins, Gavi and Shay, soon. Connilyn Cossette has a gift for weaving beautiful, tangible, relatable threads into the Old Testament stories to bring them to life in full color. Her stories are unforgettable and never disappoint. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson Connilyn Cossette never disappoints with her historical works. Her books are always teeming with adventure, biblical history, and a strong dose of faith. Her current novel, Shield of the Mighty, has all the listed attributes necessary to make the time spent reading worth it. Set in the year 1040 BC (during the time of King Saul, the first king of Israel), Shield of the Mighty tells the story of Zevi, the adopted son of Natan and Shoshana. Having read the author’s Covenant House book series, it was a delight to discover the continuation of the young Zevi’s story. Zevi, now grown, is a captain in King Saul’s army who has been tasked to gather recruits and skilled people for the king. His quest to fulfil this order takes him back to his hometown, Maresha, a place full of childhood pain and loss. A ray of light shines in this dark place for Zevi in the form of Yochana, a young widow whose encounter with Zevi changes from fascination to hostility and eventually love. A hasty decision finds Yochana taken from her home and on a journey with a man haunted by the past and a missing cousin. Zevi and Yochana’s journey will lead them through betrayal, love, faith and discovery of God’s vengeance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and was very excited to read about past characters like Natan and Shoshana. Fans of Connilyn Cossette, what are you waiting for? Grab this book. As usual, you will not be disappointed. For new readers of this author, I recommend you start a new adventure with this author. You are assured of a beautiful reading journey. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Conny Withay
“But when Zevi’s actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they’ll be forced to face present dangers while confronting scars of the past,” states the online description of Connilyn Cossette’s novel, Shield of the Mighty. The second book in The King’s Men series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page advanced reader copy, targets those who enjoy Old Testament Biblical fiction with a touch of romance. The topics of physical abuse, murder, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book ends with the author’s note and biography, an excerpt from another series, and advertisements. In this continuing story of four cousins set in Israel in 1040 BC, Zevi has risen in King Saul’s army and given the command to find more soldiers to fight the Philistines and artisans for the king’s court. When the captain goes to his birth town, he is instantly drawn to Yochana, a widow who is a crafted perfumer. Wanting to protect the town and her, he makes rash decisions that follow him into the battles of war and his troubled past. With Yochana’s help, Zevi must overcome revenge and trust the High Commander of Israel. Like the previous book in the series, the chapters are written in first person by a man and a woman who are oppositely attracted as they learn to accept and forgive one another’s faults. I loved the in-depth details of the tribes of Israel and their clashes with each other and the Philistines. With only remotely referencing Biblical stories, the tale flows effortlessly and realistically about the culture and nuances of the Israelis’ struggle to obey Yahweh. The healing scented concoctions of flowers, herbs, and oils were fascinating. Those who do not have a personal relationship with God may not like the prayers to the Almighty or relying on Him for protection. Others may not care for the brutal wars and their aftermath, but it is fictional as it coincides with Saul’s reign and battles. Some may be disappointed about the story’s loose end, which should be resolved later in the series. It would be helpful to have a list of characters and a map at the beginning of the book. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. If you love a tender story about a dedicated warrior and misdirected perfumer who are shielded by God as they protect their country and each other, this one in the series was riveting. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Leave a Reply. |
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