David: Reign

by Mark Buchanan

A boy, slight and swift, runs the spine of a steep hill.
A single false step, one stumble,
he’ll plummet headlong to a sure death.
But his footing is flawless,
more wing than flesh.
Daybreak splinters the stony ground
with light and shadow.
A cautious soul would slow.
He runs faster.

So continues Mark Buchanan’s trilogy of novels vividly recreating the life and times of David. In Book II, David steps into his role as king, first of Judah, then of all Israel. But trouble abounds, as factions and rivals and enemies, without and within, threaten his fragile kingdom, and as his growing power comes with dire consequences.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2023

About the author

Mark Buchanan lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife, Cheryl. They have three adult children, Adam, Sarah, and Nicola. He was a longtime pastor, an author of many books, and now serves as a professor at Ambrose University College in Calgary.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful and imaginative portrayal of David's life at the height of his reign. Full with all the tensions and intrigues of palace life, the sweat and blood of battle, and the geography and culture of Israel, this book brings to life one of the greatest life stories ever told.
I've read/listened to every one of Buchanan's books that I've found, and look forward to the completion of this trilogy.

[Darryl Dash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buchanan is already one of my favorite readers. I picked this book up and wondered if I'd enjoy it, given that I hadn't yet read the first. I needn't have worried. Buchanan knows how to make the ancient story come alive again in a way that's faithful to the biblical account.

I've already started reading the first book, and I expect to read the third as soon as it comes out.

Great book. It's one of those books that I was sad to see come to an end. Just be warned: you'll probably want to read all three.

[Ellen Hooge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking!

In Mark Buchanan’s second book on the life of David, we see David mature from a naive and cocky youth to an adult full of contradictions. He’s wise and rash and tender and cruel - depending on the situation. And aren’t we all a bundle of contradictions loved unconditionally by David’s faithful God? Thanks Mark for helping us understand that our heroes are human.

[Mark Peterkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark really brings the story of King David alive and gives you much to ponder as what might have been going on behind the scenes of what we read in scripture. Great read. Great series.