Swords of Joseph

by M.R. Durbin

Deep beneath the shifting sands and scorching sun of Lower Egypt lies the resting place of an ancient seer whose tomb has remained hidden more than four hundred years. It has been foretold that the bones of Joseph will lead Israel out of Egypt—now, as the time draws near for the prophecy to be fulfilled, the prophet Moses must rely on two young Hebrew men to undertake a quest that will change the shape of history . . .Joshua and Caleb have had enough—the burden placed on their people by Pharaoh is unbearable. After a foiled attempt at rebellion, they are offered an unexpected opportunity to truly make a difference when fate brings them to the home of Moses. There, they learn that they have been chosen by God to be instrumental in freeing Israel. Their task: find the body of Joseph. Joshua and Caleb accept the call, and their adventure begins as they follow a trail of clues that leads them through the shadowy stillness of Egyptian temples and across the barren desert. Threatened on every side by deadly plagues and the ever-present soldiers of Pharaoh, the young Hebrews are plunged into a perilous quest that has the potential to save a nation—if they survive . . .
Conspiracy and cryptic secrets, ancient prophecy, and action-packed adventure come together in this heart stopping novel.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds, Mystery, Lds Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been so much better. I liked the beginning of the book, but I am sure that words like stupid were not used in Moses day. Too many modern words and expressions, it really bugged me.

[John Balden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story wrapped around an event we all knew about, but didn't imagine what the details might be like for the people who lived through it. It brought to mind through a fictional story some of the elements of the exodus that I had not thought of before. I thoroughly enjyed the book.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt it was a modern day archeology adventure like Indiana Jones. The characters were immature and the story was far fetched, but, I liked the connections between the Egyptian gods and the plagues.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this - especially experiencing the plagues as they ‘popped’ up.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful adventure through Egypt right before the Exodus. I especially enjoyed feeling pulled into the story like I was right there with the characters!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fictional account of Joshua and Caleb finding the body of Joseph at the beginning of the exodus. Sort of an LDS "Davinci code" set in ancient Egypt. I won't give away the plot. What I will say is that it was better than expected (I admit that my expectation of LDS fiction isn't as high as I would like it to be). Bottom line I found it to be generally well written with a convincing story and plenty of suspense and action. It did also have the obligatory romance as well. I recommend it to any who like either genre I have mentioned.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place during the time of Moses. Caleb and Joshua are sent to find and follow clues that will reveal Joseph's final resting spot so the Hebrews could take his body home when leaving Egypt. The plagues and symbolism in Egyptian religion lay a great backdrop for this story which is part mystery, lots of action, suspense and a touch of romance. A fun read. My teenage son and daughter would probably enjoy it as well!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, as did my daughter. This is the story of two young Hebrew men who are sent on a quest to find and bring back Joseph's bones so that a prophecy can be fulfilled. This story is set in the time of Moses. Along the way to find Joseph's bones, other people join the group and help in the search. There are many obstacles in this search, including people trying to kill them, the elements, and the plaques of Egypt. This is a very good story and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Jennifer Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. It was a random find at the library and I'm delighted with it. Kind of a Nation Treasure meets The Ten Commandments. Along with the adventure, the author provides great insight into a realistic scenario of the Israelite mind and religious beliefs of the time. Very interesting and an adventure that moves along at a good clip - not a very common combination. Awesome.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about two young men during the time of Moses. They were sent on a quest/mission to find the hidden body of Joseph, which would fulfill the prophecy stating that Joseph's bones would lead Israel out of Egypt.
The plagues are roughly covered.
The one thing that I felt detracted from the book was the flippant, modern language and banter.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really really liked this book. it totally made me want to go back to the scriptures and study the story of moses... even though the story wasn't about moses specifically. good action, mystery, adventure, humor, and history. read this book peeps!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

How have I been unaware that when the children of Israel left Egypt, it was prophesied that the bones of Joseph would go with them? Add in a little Moses and the plagues, Joshua, and the mystery of where Joseph was buried, and it was a fun read.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the adventure and characters as well as the subtle education throughout the book. I was surprised how interesting the Bible seems after reading this book.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me plenty to think about. Intriguing story and great background research.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun take on a familiar scripture story, and despite some modern anachronisms with gender roles, it was a well-told adventure.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it hard to get into at first but thoroughly enjoyed it. i love the author notes at the end.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic fictional rendition of a biblical tale heavily leaning on the principles of the Abrahamic covenant.

[Jason Rowlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how the book brought a personal feel to Moses and Joshua in the exodus from Egypt

[Kathy]

I really like this book
Although it is a "Biblical Novel"
It was very good and most interesting!