Daniel and Nephi: A Tale of Eternal Friendship in a Land Ripening for Destruction

This book finds Daniel (of the lion's den) and Nephi (of the Book of Mormon) meeting up as young children in a great adventure. It is well written and fun for both LDS members and non members. The author narrates the cassette versions and they are great.

This book is one of Chris' best books. I was surprised to learn in Religion class that Daniel was around in 600 BC, at the same time that Lehi's family left Jerusalem. And then I was delighted to learn that the author of Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites had thought of the same thing, and had had the imagination to make of it this novel. One of Chris' greatest feats has been his ability to make a completely plausible story out of the little information we have on the subjects he writes on. He obviously does his homework when it comes to detail, and his imagination is brilliant. This book is about Nephi, son of Lehi, and Daniel, young relative of King Zedekiah, and how they have an adventure the likes of which one cannot even imagine. Though the two start out (rightly) hating each other, by the end they become the best of friends, destined to be separated by thousands of miles. Destined to both become great Prophets to their respective peoples. When I think of this story, I think, why couldn't it have happened? And if it didn't, why didn't it? It certainly could have. Though chances are that they never even set eyes on each other, what if...

This book is a "what if?" What would happen if Daniel and Nephi had met in ancient Israel? Would they have been friends? How would they have met? What would have happened, and what are the ramifications of that meeting? All these questions are explored and expounded upon in this novel. Chris Heimerdinger does extensive research for his novels and tries to make them as historicaly accurate as possible. Not being a fan of most "historical" fiction and other spin-off genres, I found this book rather well written. The focus is on the characters, as it should be, with just enough background info to pull you in, and not too much to bore you. Although this book is written with LDS (Mormon) youth in mind, anyone can open the book and be carried along as the story moves forward. Fans of the "Tennis Shoes" series will love this book. Mr. Heimerdinger mixes the right amount of humor and drama into his novels, keeping the story going, and adding to the main theme of the book. Friendship knows no bounds, social class or education. True friendship is eternal and a precious gift.

I love the way he is able to draw the readers into his book and how you feel as if you are right there with Nephi and Daniel throughout the story.