Of Fire and Lions

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews is a re-telling of the Biblical story of Daniel. From the capture of Jewish prisoners sent to Babylon to the return of the remnant to Jerusalem this story takes you on a ride you will never forget. Daniel and his young friends are sent to Babylon where they are trained to serve in the king’s court. I’m not one who usually reads Biblical fiction, but I thought I’d try this one. Ms. Andrews did not disappoint! I loved the way she brought the story to life. Giving Daniel and the Hebrew Children a family life seemed to make them more human and not just stories that you’ve heard from childhood. Her view of the story had me thinking about things I’d never even stopped to consider. Abigail’s struggles throughout the story were a reminder that God is always near waiting for us to be still and listen and He’ll always take care of us. I will definitely be looking for more books by this very talented author. I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Of Fire and Lions is historical fiction at its finest. Mesu Andrews does a marvelous job of telling the story of a young woman who first is depicted as a Hebrew captive, finds herself an idol worshiper, and ends up the beloved wife of the prophet Daniel. Taking Biblical history and fleshing out the story, the author brings readers a thoroughly captivating read. With descriptive prose that makes the reader feel like you are right there in the scenes and realistic dialogue, the author expertly portrays the struggles and the depth of emotions of the characters and brings clarification to some of the convoluted political alliances and tells of the Babylonian captivity of the Hebrews. The development of the characters throughout the story is strong, especially Abigail as she struggles to know who she is. Was she Belili, the woman who had won the love of the Medes' chief magus or was she still Abigail, a Hebrew captive who served Yahweh only? Could her family forgive her for her secrets and lies? Would Yahweh someday include her again in His watchful care? I enjoyed the portrayal of the prophet Daniel throughout the story, not just seeing him as a man who was continually faithful to Yahweh but as a husband and father as well. He knew God was good and nothing would make him deny the One True God. With the portrayal of warfare and subsequent captivity, and corrupt kings and their thoughtless rulings, this is not a light read but it is a story that portrays a sovereign God, the LORD God Most High, who alone holds all kingdoms in His hands. It is a story of sorting out fears and failures and extending and receiving forgiveness for the same. A story of the strengthening of one's faith as one learns the truth of Yahweh's love in the midst of hardship and despair, of seeing His working of miracles in impossible situations. Lovers of Biblical historical fiction will not want to miss Of Fire and Lions. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Waterbrook Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

I was so excited about this book, and it was a journey worth the wait! Daniel has recently become my favorite Biblical figure, and having loved Isaiah's Daughter by the same author, I was looking forward to reading her take on his life. Andrews has a writing style that sets you on the ground in history and helps you to experience the stories you know from Scripture with an understanding of the times in which they took place. You feel the dust of Jerusalem on your tongue and the smoothness of Babylonian tiles beneath your feet. Your heart is crushed by a culture that swallows God's people into the folds of pagan traditions, and then feel the fire of excitement in your soul when a remnant stands for Him. There were times I felt this one stretched the boundaries of creative license a little far, and while I have to say I preferred Isaiah's Daughter overall, I was able to "separate" the fictional aspects from the Biblical, and enjoy the story for itself. And I would definitely read this author again. There were sections of this book that were hard to read, even knowing that they were coming. Some mature themes alluded to, but I felt never crossed the line. Frustrations abound, but lessons are learned, and by the time you reach the epilogue (which I love is simply Scripture) you feel the satisfaction of a completed journey, and the need to praise God for His mercy and Truth. [I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]