This story is so fascinating that I had a hard time putting this book down! Connilyn Cossette does a tremendous job of bringing her characters to life. I love history & especially Biblical history. The author makes me love Biblical history even more! The relationships among the main characters are woven throughout the story & this really keeps your attention! I highly recommend Voice of the Ancient & all Connilyn Cossette books! She is an outstanding historical Christian writer!!! 5 stars always!!!

If you're looking for a story that brings the eras of the Bible to life, then Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette will grab you with high-stakes battles, tender romance, and governmental strife from the first page!

Voice of the Ancient captured me with a nuanced look as Israel embarked on becoming the nation they wanted to be, a nation divided with contentious opinions and a new, flawed king who didn't always seek God's will for the kingdom. It was good to see the good, bad, and messy middle portrayed. Also, I'm a huge sucker for any sort of on-the-run storyline! The teamwork and urgency driving Avidan and Keziah made for excellent pacing, but it also meant that I read the last page way too soon!

I loved Keziah and Avidan's spiritual journeys! Keziah's journey to God was so beautiful, layered with tenderness and gentle love as she discovered God's heart for her. I especially appreciated how she wasn't judged and confronted about her idols, but she got to see the character of God reflected around her and interceding directly on her behalf. It was soft and steady, and it felt so genuine. My favorite part of Avidan's journey was how he came to accept that God did not make him a warrior, and then his subsequent realization that God had made him a storyteller and that was an act of worship. This message was so special to watch unfold via the power of story!

Five stars ~ Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette is an evocative journey into Biblical times! Voice of the Ancient is the first book in the author's new series, The King's Men. I can't wait to read the next book! In the meantime, the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Connilyn Cossette is a master at writing excellent biblical fiction filled with engaging characters and rich historical detail woven seamlessly throughout the story. Voice of the Ancient, the first in a new series by Connilyn, is the latest example of her storytelling skill to draw the reader into a long ago world.

Set in 1042 BC at the time of Israel's first king, Saul, Avidan struggles with his family position as a Levite. When the call goes out for men to go to war, he makes the choice to join.

Keziah is a pawn in her father's hands. When he arranges her marriage to a ruthless man in order to protect his interests, plans are made for her escape.

Throughout the pages of Voice of the Ancient, Connilyn takes the reader on an adventure filled with choices, sacrifices, loyalty, and love, in a world that immerses the reader in the time when Israel asked for a king. It is an adventure you don't want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

From the very beginning, with the four cousins hiding above and spying on the proceedings as the nation of Israel waits with bated breath for lots to be cast and a king to be called forth, Voice Of The Ancient moves furiously and eloquently through the bloody beginning of Saul*s reign. Zevi, Gavriel, Avidan, and Shalem are cousins on the cusp of manhood when the new king*s ragtag volunteer army is called up for battle and the pact of their blood brotherhood is put to the test. With two of them meant for the life of a soldier, the others must decide who they are and who they are meant to be in the eyes of the One Who Sees. And the One Who Sees has a plan beyond their rebellion. For Avi, that includes crossing paths with a young boy who is mistaken as his missing cousin and who is not actually a boy, but a woman in disguise for the sake of her treacherous journey to the safety of family she has never known. As Avidan and Keziah search for his missing cousin and her family, they learn together to listen to the Voice Of The Ancient for guidance.

Connilyn Cossette writes this coming of age story filled with turmoil and hope in a message about value and redemption from the One who gives both. I tried so hard to read it slowly and savor every detail, but was captivated from page one and finished it in a day. Connilyn has a great knack for truly immersing the reader in the lives of her characters. I am particularly fond of the longstanding relationships built throughout the course of her novels, which could be read enjoyably as standalone stories, but have a richness in the familiarity that has been developed through generations as I have read each of her novels.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

"Today the first king of Israel would be chosen. And I would see it happen with my own eyes."

Avidan's words set the stage for a sweeping story that takes us back to the beginning of Saul's reign as the first King of Israel. After a two-year absence from the publishing world, author Connilyn Cossette returns with a stunning tale filled with adventure, romance, and inspiration. She's a master at weaving biblical history into her stories and this is just one more example of her passion for sharing God's Word through fiction! Two amazing characters are at the center of this story and reading Avidan and Keziah's journey prompted me to return to the biblical account that's recorded in 1 Samuel 8: 10-22. I was totally caught up in Avi and Keziah's friendship, their budding romance, the dangers that they encounter, and the true faith that they find.

I was thrilled to have a reunion with some of the characters from the Covenant House series but there's no problem if you haven't read these books. Voice of the Ancient can be enjoyed as a standalone and it's a wonderful introduction to a new series. I highly recommend Voice of the Ancient and I can't wait to read the next book of The King's Men series!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.