An Ember In Time by Anna Aquino

An Ember In Time

In a time where Pastor Jon Stevens feels like he has lost his hope . . .

One Divine Encounter will change his life.

One mistake that started with a simple flower, will begin to unravel history.

And one spark will illuminate the way home.

The Guru's Review: 

I bought this novel in April 2016 and had not read it yet. The author contacted me through my blog to ask me for a review of the sequel, A Marriage In Time. This has been released this month. I agreed but stated I would need to read An Ember In Time first. 

I can honestly say that I am very happy that Anna contacted me. I don't know when I would have read this novel. I have a very large list of novels waiting to be read.

Now having read it, I am in awe at this novel. I agree with one of the Editorial reviews on Amazon who suggested that this novel is destined to be a Classic. This is simply a humbling experience.There are so few novels around where you feel the Spirit in the novel and I felt Him in this one. 

This is the first novel of Aquino's I have read and it won't be the last. I am so looking forward to its sequel, A Marriage In Time and the third novel, A Legacy In Time. These three novels are based on the events surrounding Bathsheba and Uriah (An Ember In Time), King David and his adultery with Bathsheba (A Marriage In Time) and which of his sons to succeed him (A Legacy In Time). This first novel is a very imaginative creation on Aquino's part and so is the description of its sequel. 

I am not one for biblical historical fiction but when an author like Aquino adds a unique twist to it, then I am hooked. Aquino has grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Two twists here did this for me. The first is time travel. I love time travel novels as the whole idea of it opens up vast scope for plot, action, suspense, speculative imagination and fantasy. The second, in that, going back in time and having the main character inadvertently affect the outcome of the Bible that would have grave and disastrous consequences for God's plan of salvation and everything connected with it does more than pique my interest and curiosity. It engages me totally and I have to see what happens and how this situation is reversed. 

Aquino pulls this off with humour and humility. I love her writing style. Through this, she brings to life the time of King David, the Jewish culture and customs, Uriah's family and Bathsheba's. Most authors are very successful in embedding you in the story through the development of the main character so that you see everything through them and to them you become endeared. I can say that Aquino is the master at this. I have not become so endeared to a character as Jon Stevens for quite a while. This character has so much depth and realism, you finish the novel feeling as though you have known him intimately (platonically) all your life. Aquino is successful as she is writing this character based on her experience as a Pastor. You can feel the depth of her experience from this. They say authors need to write what they know. Aquino is very competent here. More importantly, you experience the love she has put into this character for God, which of course just shows the same love she has for God. Ironic (planned by the author? ) that this novel is set in King David's time and who is attributed out of all the characters of the Bible to have a heart after God than anyone else!

I love reading novels from authors who are also Pastors. I find their novels provide a different aspect of Christian Fiction. I did not know Aquino was a Pastor until I read her Bio from her request for me to review the sequel. So I was more than encouraged to read this novel. Just as a Pastor is masterful at delivering a message in a sermon, I feel this same talent takes on a whole new meaningful aspect when a Pastor uses this to write fiction. I am not saying that an author is any less of an author if they are not a Pastor. A few times, while reading a novel, without realising the author is a Pastor, I start to think, "I wonder if this author is a Pastor? "and find out that they are. 

What is it about the writing of an author who is a Pastor? Firstly I feel the Shepherd side of the Pastor's calling comes to the fore in their novels. Secondly, their experience with dealing with people from this perspective. Thirdly, they see things from God's point of view in all things. Fourth, they need to show us the truth of the situation we are in and point us to Jesus. 

Aquino's humour adds great flavour to this novel and as part of Steven's personality. It adds a lightness to the suspense and seriousness of Steven's dilemma while adding a cohesiveness that works well. I would love to see what type of Pastor would graduate from seminary if all the extra topics and skills that Stevens suggests from some of the humorous experiences he encounters while trying to convince Bethseba to marry Uriah! It might just make them even more relational to their congregation and be well rounded and better adapted to their occupation! You will have to read the novel to see what I mean here! Aquino definitely has a great sense of humour and one that is seasoned by her Pastoral experience! Reading this novel, you cannot but laugh as you relate to Stevens' awkward, but well meaning, attempts to right the wrong he inadvertently caused.

I found this one well-constructed novel. Aquino's research of the biblical time frame has been applied appropriately and expertly, providing a solid foundation for the story. This adds a great measure of authenticity to the backdrop of this novel and makes it easy for the plot to unravel against. 

I get very particular with the depiction of angels. I rejoice when an author adheres to the biblical depiction of them as Messengers (Malak), advisers and warriors. No such problem with Aquino's depiction here. There are examples of these roles in the novel. Initially, where the angel Sergio delivered God's mission to Jon. Then during his time in Khirbet Qeilyafa, Sergio gave him much needed counsel during Jon's many and varied difficult situations where he struggled with the details of his mission. And when the demons attacked Jon, Sergio fought them off in warrior mode. 

The other aspect that I appreciated being true to the angelic Biblical record was that Sergio only acted under the instruction of what God instructed him. Kudos to Aquino for adhering to these principles. She honoured God and showed respect for His Word and creation. 

I do have one concern though. I appreciate that authors take poetic licence with various aspects of a plot and it constructs. In a few other novels, I have found the depiction of angels having technology for various functions. I do not understand why this is associated with angels. In this novel, Sergio uses a machine to transport Stevens through time. He also uses a text-like device (controller) to receive instruction from God. I find this frustrating and annoying. God is sovereign, supernatural, and omnipotent (as well as omniscience and omnipresent). Why would He need these devices for His angels to use? With the attributes and qualities just described, He would be able to give instructions to His angels supernaturally. Just as described in the bible to various human characters. The Bible talks about being translated from one place to another so why does Sergio need a machine to transport Stevens? It could be interpreted that the use of technology by God or His angels undermines the Sovereignty of God. If our God is a supernatural, omnipotent God, He does not need technology for any act on His part or an angel's to act on His instruction or Will. The Biblical depiction of angels in the Bible is totally technology free and they operate in the supernatural power given to them by God.  The use of technology can be left to the human race who needs it! 

I am certain that Aquino's inclusion of technology was not to undermine the Sovereignty of God. If it was, it would contradict all the other God honouring aspects that she has included in this novel and her experience as a Pastor. Despite this, I am not too concerned with this issue as Sergio only uses this technology a few times and it does not detract to any great degree from the main tenets of the plot. Or from my total enjoyment of it. 

I read in the Amazon Editorial Reviews that this novel,

transforms you and reignites the fire and passion of your purpose

and 

As you read you will be led on a journey that is sure to kindle a greater passion for the Lord and His purpose for your life 

I was very excited about this. I wondered while reading when the message behind this would occur. There are bits of it interspersed throughout, but the full message comes when all the plot lines converge leading to Stevens being powerless and at the end of himself. It is here that he has an encounter with Jesus. Aquino's narrative is very powerful and shows an intimate knowledge of what a person is like when they lose their way from God's will and plan for their life. Aquino has depicted powerfully the mercifulness of Jesus, the love and compassion for a broken soul and I feel her account of this is Spirit led. From being in ministry up until a decade ago (not as a Pastor, but as singer/worship leader), I can identify with the dilemma that Aquino has depicted in Stevens. Throughout this narrative and plot line, I felt as if I was Stevens. I cried throughout this section. I felt I was being restored and ministered to by Jesus as Stevens was as depicted by Aquino. I can definitely see the truth in the authors of these Editorial Reviews. 

This section has touched Aquino deeply as well. As much as a Christan author allows themselves to be used by the Spirit to deliver a message in fiction, they are affected too. Such is the ministry of the Spirit! In an email to the author about receiving a review copy of A Marriage In Time, I made the comment how affected I was by the narrative explained above. She replied, 

That scene with Jon in the cave makes me cry still. I bawled when I wrote it, and so many people come back to me that it has that same touch to them. I am so glad it ministered to you.

I can see by this, that Aquino has found her niche as a novelist. This just backs up what I have said in previous reviews and from my Why Christian Fiction? tab on this blog, that I expect from Christian fiction: 

• it has entertained me immensely, 
• it has encouraged my walk with God, 
• it has not deviated from known biblical doctrine, and it will not, I believe, lead a non-believer astray or promote false doctrine, 
• it honours God, 
• it does not encourage worship of the created (eg angels) instead of the Creator (God). 

Aquino ticks all these boxes for me in this novel. It is one fun, uplifting, humbling experience. She has quite a talent for delivering a Spirit filled message without it being preachy or a 'how to' scenario. 

I am very much looking forward to A Marriage In Time and A Legacy Time. Aquino is one author I have added to my favourite list. 

Highly Recommended. 

World Building 5/5

Characterisation 5/5

Story 5/5

Spiritual Level 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 4/5 

Overall Rating 4.6/5 Stars 

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Spiritually, based on my review and on the following reference booklet,

A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland, and that An Ember In Time contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, I award Anna M. Aquino with

The Reality Calling Redemptive Fiction Award

Congratulations, Anna Aquino!

To buy or preview this novel, click on the BUY/PREVIEW icons on the image below:

Lazarus by V. K. Dorner

Lazarus by V. K. Dorner

Resigned to an eternity of helping those less fortunate, Lazarus finds himself in modern day New York City. But his simple life is thrown into turmoil when he meets a woman who is a mirror image of his long lost love and learns from a mysterious ally that an ancient enemy is amassing an army of soulless soldiers. With his past and present intermingling, Lazarus struggles to prepare for a battle that will test the limits of his strength and faith.

The Guru's Review:  

 

I picked this up as a free download. I made the mistake of reading the first few pages and I was hooked. Read this over the weekend and I am so glad I did. After the first few chapters, my reaction was WOW! What a plot and what a concept! This novel is constructed well, the author also writes well, the plot flows consistently, no peaks or troughs, keeps you coming back for more and you just cannot put it down. I found my curiosity building with each chapter and each event; Dorner really knows how to reel you in. I found my interest in some of the unique aspects of this novel increasing such as why immortality is granted after being resurrected by Jesus and the bestowing of the gift of ra'oh (no spoiler here, you will have to read it to find out, although the green eyes of Lazarus on the cover might give you a clue! and yes, that Lazarus, the one from the biblie!). You keep reading wondering where the author is going with this and it just adds to the building tension and deepening of the plot and of your reading pleasure. 

This novel is very faithful to the biblical account of the characters and events that it contains. Part of the clever construction is the poetic license that Dorner has employed surrounding the biblical events of these characters that the bible is silent on and this is successful in blending this plot and its intriguing concept seamlessly into each other and makes for one unified and well-rounded experience. I chucked in awe and excitement as I read how the effects of this contributed to this experience and how well this worked.

Dorner is very good at making her characters very relational, especially of the main character and protagonist, Lazarus. You find yourself becoming endeared to him, not because Lazarus is a biblical character and one that you may not know much about (the biblical account does not go into much detail), but from what he experiences in the present and his use of the gift of ra'oh and ministering God's love and mercy to those he comes across. What makes him come alive apart from this, is the flashbacks of his life from the biblical account and the gaps, or poetic license, that Dorner has created that is a joy to read. I usually find flashbacks tedious in novels as they always seem to hold too much information and unintentionally break up the plot and pace making it disjointed. Not so in this novel. Dorner's use of this unifies the novel, tying the past to the present, especially those events of Lazarus, Tali and Mordecai. If only other authors could be this successful in their flashback technique as Dorner! In this novel, these flashbacks add credibility to the characters and the plot, and its spiritual themes.

One of the things I loved while reading Lazarus is the honesty and sincerity that permeates from Dorner in honouring God in all parts of this novel. I have said before in other reviews that you should be able to discern the relationship between the author and God by the way they have treated the subject matter, the spiritual issues/themes, or doctrines of the bible including how they have portrayed God or Jesus and any Christian characters. I can honestly say that I can see that Dorner loves God and is very honouring of Him as this is evident in the flashback scenes, the spiritual warfare scenes being true to the biblical account and doctrine, how Lazarus is obedient and submitted to God since being granted immortality and seeking God many times when he discerned that God's guidance is needed or His involvement is directly requested and He responds, how she has portrayed Jesus, even how she has not sensationalised the demonic as shown through Mordecai. 

Dorner even extends this honesty and sincerity in a very brief but tasteful account of marital relations between Lazarus and Ruth to show the love between these two as husband and wife as God intended. There are two very brief and vague descriptions that are not titillating and do not detract from the plot or taint the flavour of this novel or dishonour God by its inclusion. Another example is the feelings that Lazarus develops for Claire, although she is married, but this shows how human Lazarus is and where these feeling comes from (no spoilers but his reasons are understandable) and true to Lazarus' commitment to God and his submission to same, he acts on his obedience and honours God in his final decision which is used by God to restore Claire's marriage.

 

This novel ticks all the boxes that I like to see in Christian fiction

• it has entertained me immensely

• it has encouraged my walk with God, 

• it has not deviated from known biblical doctrine, and it will not, I believe, lead a non-believer astray or promote false doctrine, 

• it honours God, 

• it does not encourage worship of the created (eg angels) instead of the Creator (God). 

This is one very memorable and engaging novel. I am very much looking forward to reading more from this author. 

Highly Recommended

World Building: 5/5

Characterisation: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Spiritual Level (including spiritual warfare): 5/5

Enemy Spiritual Level: 5/5

Average Rating: 5/5

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Award Bestowment:

Spiritually, based on my review and on the following reference booklet,
 

A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland, and that Lazarus contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Spirit-Filled Speculative Fiction outlined in this booklet, I award V. K. Dorner with

The Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Speculative Fiction Award

Congratulations, V. K. Dorner!

 

To read an excerpt or buy Lazarus, click on the icon below:

Methuselah's Table by Gary Rodenius

Methuselah's Table

The world is coming to a disastrous end, but for Methuselah’s family there is hope for survival. They have undertaken every preparation and they are ready—or are they? With only seven days remaining, Methuselah must address his family’s fears and instil within them their heritage of faith. Having lived long enough to know their forefathers, he alone is able to tell their stories of courage and hope—for no one is as old as Methuselah.

Can a people born of mortal birth stand against Naphal and his kind? Finding that the daughters of man are beautiful, Naphal has come down among men to take for himself wives from among them. Using his powers that grant favors to man, deals are brokered on Naphal’s behalf by greedy men who care nothing for the hapless young victims of Naphal’s desire. But when Enosh, a mortal man on a quest to find a land free of bloodshed, witnesses three young women being snatched from their loving parents by Naphal’s cohorts, he is called to take action and thus begins a generational battle against Naphal. It also marks the beginning of romance for Nediva, who finds in her rescuer the man she has prayed for. Can love and faithfulness endure when two jealous sisters vie for their hero’s attentions? Can good prevail in an era where every man does as his heart desires? Can Methuselah’s stories make a difference in time?

The Guru's Review:  

I downloaded this book in August 2013 as a free offer from Amazon. It had sat on my electronic shelf since. Recently, I was looking for a suitable book to read from the many (and I mean many!) books on my Planning To Read list when I cam across Gary's book. It was in a genre I had not read for a while. I discovered he was a new author and this his first book and only one review on Amazon. Not a hard decision of what to read after this discovery. I have stated before that I enjoy supporting new authors and/or those with only a few reviews. I contacted Gary and told him I was going to read and review his book and the reason why. I now have one very appreciative author! 

My first impression of this book is that it is well written. The author has a well developed command of the English language. The dialogue is written in eloquent prose and maybe of an old fashioned style that makes my heart soar and wish that this eloquence and sophistication were in the present as it would encourage far better communication between people. The overall consequence is that the narrative, plot construction and characterisation is enhanced and strengthened. Adds a richness that is refreshing. I am not sure whether this is the author's style being his first book and nothing to compare it to, or if he is depicting this as being what he believes would have been like in the early centuries of human society since populations began from Adam and Eve.

I would not say this is a fast paced novel but Rodenius has included more than enough detail and interaction with the characters and events to keep the reader turning the page. One of the reasons for this is that he has obviously researched this topic extensively and this adds to the richness of the novel on all levels, plot, characters, pace and true to the biblical account as well as including some poetic licence which needs to happen in fiction based on history or fact. Some of this research is evident in the numerous footnotes (40 of them) that he has included for characters names, places or events. I would recommend and encourage any reader to look up these footnotes and they encounter them. It will add to the solid background to this novel and the reader will see the veracity of the events, people and culture of this time period. It also shows the origin of some of the author's research and commitment to his mission to honour God and stay true to the biblical account. In the Kindle format of this book, these footnotes can be touched on the screen and the reference appears, increasing their benefit and accessibility. He also has a passion for this topic, as he stated to me,

‘Methuselah’s Table’ is my first attempt at writing, and came about when I made an amazing discovery in Gen. Chapter 5. Prior to that day, like so many, I tended to skim over genealogies, but here there was something to be revealed by the ages given for each of the patriarchs. With a little math we find that Methuselah lives to the year of the flood; additionally, of all the patriarchs Methuselah was the only one who was alive during the lives of everyone from Adam to his great grandsons Shem, Ham and Japheth. I began to ponder on what Methuselah must have known and the stories he must have been able to tell having heard of them first hand.

Let me expound on my hope for the reader. If I have succeeded in the least, I trust that you will see my attempt at conveying a depth of conviction on the part of our pre-flood patriarchs. As we learn from Saint Peter, Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet. 2:5). Having a heart for God while at the same time pleading his message to a people with no regard for God must have demanded an emotional toll known only to the chosen faithful. This, coupled with the fact that his grandfather Methuselah’s name was not mentioned as one to board the Ark, must have been a hard thing for Noah to bear.

Likewise with Methuselah and his forefathers, my goal was to show a real contrast between them and the godless people among whom they lived, and the conflict that would necessarily arise to those trying to live godly lives. And though we are not told of Adam’s later years, with much prayer and listening on the Spirit I tell of a very contrite father saddened for his progeny straying as the result of his fall.

What he had messaged me definitely shows in his novel. He portrays well this contrast between Methuselah and his forefathers and those godless people who have no regard for God. This adds a great strength to this novel and a great backdrop to the plot. I do feel for Methuselah not being mentioned as one who would enter the Ark and share in his family's grief that this is so, especially for Noah! But my empathy for Methuselah and Noah was short lived when I remembered the meaning of Methuselah's name. Taken from an article called Meanings Of The Names In Genesis 5 (Koinonia House):

                                            Methuselah

The Flood of Noah did not come as a surprise. It had been preached on for four generations. But something strange happened when Enoch was 65, from which time "he walked with God." Enoch was given a prophecy that as long as his son was alive, the judgment of the flood would be withheld, but as soon as he died, the flood would be sent forth.

Enoch named his son to reflect this prophecy. The name Methuselah comes from two roots: muth, a root that means "death" ⁵ ; and from shalach, which means "to bring," or "to send forth." Thus, the name Methuselah signifies, "his death shall bring." ⁶

And, indeed, in the year that Methuselah died, the flood came. Methuselah was 187 when he had Lamech, and lived 782 years more. Lamech had Noah when he was 182.⁷ The Flood came in Noah's 600th year.⁸ 187 + 182 + 600 = 969, Methuselah's age when he died.⁹

It is interesting that Methuselah's life was, in effect, a symbol of God's mercy in forestalling the coming judgment of the flood. It is therefore fitting that his lifetime is the oldest in the Bible, symbolizing the extreme extensiveness of God's mercy.

If Enoch knew this, it appears that maybe he did not pass this onto Methuselah, and Lamech and Noah! The author shows in this novel that Methuselah, Noah and the rest of the family were ignorant of this fact, however the truth of the matter became more evident to Methuselah and Noah in the last chapter. And yes, the author has portrayed Noah very well as a man and preacher of righteousness and one of sound and steadfast faith. I have always admired Noah from growing up as a child in the Catholic faith and later as a Christian in my youth. Rodenius has added to my admiration of Noah. 

I have read a few other novels in this genre that contain Methuselah as one of its characters but in this novel, Rodenius portrays him very much a man with a passion for his God and God's people and one you can relate to. I never knew both my grandfathers, and the depiction of Methuselah and his love for his family and his stories made me long again to have had the experience of grandfathers in my life. Methuselah would have more than fitted the bill!! I would have loved to have sat at his table and listened to the stories he had to tell and glean the message behind each one. Rodenius does this well and I can see where he gets the title of this novel from and from him reading Genesis 5 where he realised his aforementioned revelation concerning Methuselah being alive from Adam to Noah's sons.

There is a well developed sense of family and community within the family of Methuselah. Through this, Rodenius has brought to life the pre-flood world especially that of this family. In this environment we have Adam (yes, that Adam!) living on the property and coming in for evening meals, those who are willing to listen gathering around the table listening to Methuselah and/or Adam narrating another of their stories of the days of Adam and beyond his fall to sin. It is within this environment that this novel is told: around the table with all or most of the family present. Here we learn about Seth determined to be at least one of the family to live according to the Creator's will and standard and visiting the city of Enoch when his brother Cain established and took a stand for God against the evil and sinful ways of the city and against Cain; the story of Enosh, who like his father, was committed to following in the ways of his father (and therefore of God), and who takes a stand against Naphal (a fallen angel) who threatened to kidnap and sexually abuse two daughters of Elazar and who marries his eldest daughter Nediva from whose union Kenan is born. Kenan follows in his father's Godly ways and those of his fathers before him. Then from here we have Kenan's sons Mahalalel and his brother, Chaphets. Their history culminates in Mahalalel marrying Eliana, Chaphets going his own way and not towards the Lord, Mahalalel's son, Jared, marrying Yemima and having the final confrontation with Naphal. Together with Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel and Jared, we see these characters are not just having faith but living by faith and this is before anyone had the Word of God. Surely a lesson and encouragement for Christians in today's age who do have this Word! 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this story, and was sad to see it finish. Not only is Methuselah a great story teller, but Redenius is as well! This is one very good debut novel and this author shows a great talent and promise. I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Highly Recommended.

Disclosure: I have reviewed a copy that I downloaded free from Amazon and was not approached by the author for this review. I have not been compensated in any form for this review and the opinions contained herein are solely my own. 

Joseph (Sketches of Glory) by Clifton Voshen

This is a short story about Joseph - husband, father, carpenter.

Review: This intrigued me reading of Joseph's perspective being the father of Jesus while on earth. This was so beautiful and it really touched my heart. It was good to have my new found friend, Thor, the warrior angel back in this novella too.

This is a really beautiful story and I can imagine Joseph being like this! We don't have much to go on in the Bible about what Joseph was like; he is quite the background character.

I read this in 30 minutes; I would have loved this to have gone on for much more than this.

I gave this four stars for this reason. I respect Clifton's reason for having it as a novella, but for me this would have been great in a longer story.

Highly Recommended.

My Rating:  

Egypt (Sketches of Glory) by Clifton Voshen

Laden with gifts from the mysterious men from the East, Joseph and Mary travel to Egypt with orders from on High.

Review:

This one was very tender. Mary's perspective looking back on her encounter with Gabriel, being told she would bear the Son of God, falling pregnant supernaturally, bearing Jesus and being His mother. I can just imagine these thoughts, feelings she would have had, more than fond, more than love, more than tender.

It is good to have an author to write from this perspective. I wrote in my review of Joseph, that we don't have much to go on in the Bible concerning Joseph, well the same can be said for Mary. I have often wondered what they would have experienced and thought about being Jesus' parents. I have not read or know of any other author who has written from this perspective. Not saying they have not or that another novel does not exist.

I loved the way Voshen has portrayed the interaction of the lionness and bull with baby Jesus. That was beautiful and I do believe that animals would recognise their creator and know nothing else but love and submission to Him. Similar to the relationship our dogs and cats and other pets have with us, but on a grander scale.

I gave this novella 4 stars, from a very subjective POV, just because it was a novella!! I wanted this story to go on for longer! Voshen writes well and weaves a rich and powerful story in all its simplicity and you want it to not end so soon!

Highly Recommend
My Rating:

Julius (Sketches of Glory) by Clifton Voshen

Julius was the centurion charged with escorting Paul to Rome. This is a fictional account of his later life

Review: I absolutely loved this one! Voshen's imagination creates a wonderful account of God's grace, mercy and love, not to mention His Sovereignity and power.

This is a favourite now. Voshen really does bring to life these Bible character's. You forget they are fiction; it is very convincing as if it is their actual account of the biblical event.

Highly Recommended.

My Rating: 

Gideon (Sketches of Glory) by Clifton Voshen

A short story about Gideon, Judge of Israel.


Review: 

This was a good novella portraying the life of Gideon and his reluctant call to follow God. I have not read the biblical account of Gideon; all I have known is the part about using the fleece to confirm God's assurance of his doubts about what God wanted him to do.

I found it interesting that Gideon considered himself the "least of the least" yet after his victory in battle he became proud and rather selfish, enjoying the attention he drew to himself from the accolades of winning God's battle against the enemy. He went from one extreme to the other.

This is the only story by Voshen that I did not get frustrated with the length of the narrative. To me this length was just right.

My Rating: