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The Age of Prophecy #1
The Lamp of Darkness
Experience an Adventure of Biblical Proportions
In the Vein of The Alchemist, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings
The Age of Prophecy series transports you back 3000 years, to the epic battle between the Israelite Kings and Prophets. Lev, an orphaned shepherd boy, begins a journey of discovery when he’s hired to play as a musician before the prophets. He soon learns that his father’s knife holds a deadly secret about his hidden past. As he is drawn deeper into the world of prophecy, Lev fights to unearth his true self while the clouds of war gather around him.
Rooted in the Ancient Oral and Mystical TraditionsAuthors Dave Mason and Mike Feuer spent years researching the Oral and Kabbalistic traditions detailing the inner workings of prophecy and the world of Ancient Israel.
The Epic Story Brought to LifeThe backdrop for The Age of Prophecy is the epic conflict between King Ahav and the Prophet Eliyahu (more commonly known as Ahab and Elijah in English). Learn the inner story of the battle, in a way that will reframe all you've ever heard about the Israelite Kings and Prophets.
Unlock Your Past, Unleash Your Future!309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
658 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 4, 2014
As I'm writing this, I'm still fairly new to the Goodreads community, so I'm still a bit thrown by the idea that an authors are allowed, even encouraged, to review their own books, something I would never feel comfortable doing on Amazon. Clearly, my views here are not objective, and anyone reading this should know that what you're about to read is terribly biased.
Nonetheless, I LOVE this book. Six years ago I had a vision of a new kind of book that I would like to see come into the world. I don't think I've ever worked on anything as hard or as long in my entire life. Yet, the writing was truly a pleasure.
This book was born out of a deep fascination with the world of the prophets. Though I had spent years before beginning the book studying ancient texts, visiting key archaeological sites, and walking the land of Israel, once I began working on the book it completely transformed my experience. Suddenly I needed to know how the prophets ate, how they spoke, how they celebrated and how they mourned.
The Lamp of Darkness is set with my very favorite Biblical story as the backdrop, the epic battle between Eliyahu and Ahav (Elijah and Ahab in English). However, the main story does not deal with figures of Biblical proportions. It focuses around one boy, Lev, entering a journey of discovery within this world.
Following Lev's experience absolutely brought this whole period alive for me, and I hope it can do the same for all of you.
Nonetheless, I LOVE this book. Six years ago I had a vision of a new kind of book that I would like to see come into the world. I don't think I've ever worked on anything as hard or as long in my entire life. Yet, the writing was truly a pleasure.
This book was born out of a deep fascination with the world of the prophets. Though I had spent years before beginning the book studying ancient texts, visiting key archaeological sites, and walking the land of Israel, once I began working on the book it completely transformed my experience. Suddenly I needed to know how the prophets ate, how they spoke, how they celebrated and how they mourned.
The Lamp of Darkness is set with my very favorite Biblical story as the backdrop, the epic battle between Eliyahu and Ahav (Elijah and Ahab in English). However, the main story does not deal with figures of Biblical proportions. It focuses around one boy, Lev, entering a journey of discovery within this world.
Following Lev's experience absolutely brought this whole period alive for me, and I hope it can do the same for all of you.
March 22, 2014
A New Star Rises in the East, Hugh Centerville reviews The Lamp of Darkness
It’s the Biblical time of Kings, somewhere between the glory of King David and the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel. It’s a desert land, not a salt or sand desert but a desert of rugged hills (with lots of cool caves) and sparse vegetation. A man and his family can survive in this world, with sheep and crops but it’s a tenuous survival, dependent on so many things beyond the control of the man, like the weather, and when things are beyond his control, man turns to god, but to which god? That’s the backdrop, the superbly crafted landscape into which the reader enters in Lamp of Darkness, authored by Dave Mason and Mike Feuer.
Gods abound in the ancient world and Yahweh, the God of Israel, is a jealous god, no problem until the King of Israel marries a daughter of Sidon. It’s a political marriage that looks good - it can bring some real economic advantages to Israel, those Phoenicians are a commercial, seafaring people, but the marriage brings something else – trouble. The new queen is one of the most infamous women of the Bible, Jezebel and the trouble is her god, Baal.
Baal was very powerful in his day, and although it’s probably no spoiler to say how it’ll ultimately turn out, nobody today worships Baal, Yahweh’s ultimate triumph was far from a done deal. It was a very real struggle and Baal had the upper hand, if for no other reason than that his priests are aggressive while Yahweh’s prophets are, inexplicably to some, passive. At least for now. They want folks to come to the one God for the right reasons and not out of fear or coercion. So while Baal’s adherents live in the palace, in luxury, Yahweh’s prophets wander the wilderness.
What are the Israelites to do? If it’s Baal who controls the forces of nature, Baal who can decimate a nation of farmers with rain at the wrong time or no rain at the right time, wouldn’t it be foolish to anger him? What many of the Israelites choose to do, mostly reluctantly, and it’s easy, I suppose, to condemn them in hindsight, is bow down to Baal, their submissions constituting some of the most powerful scenes in the book. (And maybe if they don’t bow, maybe they’ll suffer more than just rain at the wrong time. Maybe Baal’s men will run them through with a sword.)
Enter our hero, a twelve-year-old shepherd boy, Lev, who will join in the War of the gods on the side of Yahweh and his prophets. Chosen by one of those prophets, Uriel, Lev sets out from home, thinking he’s going out to make a few coppers playing a musical gig but the prophets and Yahweh have much bigger things in store for him. Lev quickly becomes devoted to Uriel, the devotion rooted in his, Lev’s, faith in Yahweh. Lev recognizes the prophets as the voice of Yahweh, the voice of truth in a land in desperate need of the truth.
Initially, Lev appears to be an ordinary coming-of-age genre-book hero. He totes all the usual baggage, which is to say he doesn’t have a lot of prospects. Orphaned as an infant, he’s spent his years with his uncle’s family and although they’re kind to him and treat him as if he were their own, he’s not, and he knows it and they know it. He’s in love with his cousin and she’s in love with him but marriage seems impossible, not because marriage between cousins isn’t permitted, it is, but because Lev has no future and Uncle Menachem has a responsibility to ensure his daughter marries well. All Lev appears to have is a good deal of musical talent (all those long nights playing his kinnor while he tends to his uncle’s flock,) and a knife inherited from his dead father and something troubling in his past, so troubling the folks who care about Lev won’t even talk about it.
Those things, or similar things, you’ll find in most young fiction heroes and it’s their role, as star characters in their books, to overcome those obstacles but there’s something more going on here. The prophets were wise men and didn’t choose randomly and what we’re seeing, and it’s done superbly, is just exactly why Lev was chosen. Lev, as he is portrayed here, is capable of becoming a giant among men, bigger, perhaps, than the prophets and as Lev steps out, the reader sees what those prophets saw. This is an amazing kid.
If Lev remains true to himself in subsequent books (this is Book One of a series,) and to the prophets and to his god, (which I suspect he will,) and if he can avoid those nasty swords, he’s going to have a very promising future. So come along as Lev picks up his kinnor and the mysterious knife he inherited from his dad and the rest of his meagre possessions and heads out into the world of ancient Israel. It’s an extraordinary, breathtaking journey.
It’s the Biblical time of Kings, somewhere between the glory of King David and the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel. It’s a desert land, not a salt or sand desert but a desert of rugged hills (with lots of cool caves) and sparse vegetation. A man and his family can survive in this world, with sheep and crops but it’s a tenuous survival, dependent on so many things beyond the control of the man, like the weather, and when things are beyond his control, man turns to god, but to which god? That’s the backdrop, the superbly crafted landscape into which the reader enters in Lamp of Darkness, authored by Dave Mason and Mike Feuer.
Gods abound in the ancient world and Yahweh, the God of Israel, is a jealous god, no problem until the King of Israel marries a daughter of Sidon. It’s a political marriage that looks good - it can bring some real economic advantages to Israel, those Phoenicians are a commercial, seafaring people, but the marriage brings something else – trouble. The new queen is one of the most infamous women of the Bible, Jezebel and the trouble is her god, Baal.
Baal was very powerful in his day, and although it’s probably no spoiler to say how it’ll ultimately turn out, nobody today worships Baal, Yahweh’s ultimate triumph was far from a done deal. It was a very real struggle and Baal had the upper hand, if for no other reason than that his priests are aggressive while Yahweh’s prophets are, inexplicably to some, passive. At least for now. They want folks to come to the one God for the right reasons and not out of fear or coercion. So while Baal’s adherents live in the palace, in luxury, Yahweh’s prophets wander the wilderness.
What are the Israelites to do? If it’s Baal who controls the forces of nature, Baal who can decimate a nation of farmers with rain at the wrong time or no rain at the right time, wouldn’t it be foolish to anger him? What many of the Israelites choose to do, mostly reluctantly, and it’s easy, I suppose, to condemn them in hindsight, is bow down to Baal, their submissions constituting some of the most powerful scenes in the book. (And maybe if they don’t bow, maybe they’ll suffer more than just rain at the wrong time. Maybe Baal’s men will run them through with a sword.)
Enter our hero, a twelve-year-old shepherd boy, Lev, who will join in the War of the gods on the side of Yahweh and his prophets. Chosen by one of those prophets, Uriel, Lev sets out from home, thinking he’s going out to make a few coppers playing a musical gig but the prophets and Yahweh have much bigger things in store for him. Lev quickly becomes devoted to Uriel, the devotion rooted in his, Lev’s, faith in Yahweh. Lev recognizes the prophets as the voice of Yahweh, the voice of truth in a land in desperate need of the truth.
Initially, Lev appears to be an ordinary coming-of-age genre-book hero. He totes all the usual baggage, which is to say he doesn’t have a lot of prospects. Orphaned as an infant, he’s spent his years with his uncle’s family and although they’re kind to him and treat him as if he were their own, he’s not, and he knows it and they know it. He’s in love with his cousin and she’s in love with him but marriage seems impossible, not because marriage between cousins isn’t permitted, it is, but because Lev has no future and Uncle Menachem has a responsibility to ensure his daughter marries well. All Lev appears to have is a good deal of musical talent (all those long nights playing his kinnor while he tends to his uncle’s flock,) and a knife inherited from his dead father and something troubling in his past, so troubling the folks who care about Lev won’t even talk about it.
Those things, or similar things, you’ll find in most young fiction heroes and it’s their role, as star characters in their books, to overcome those obstacles but there’s something more going on here. The prophets were wise men and didn’t choose randomly and what we’re seeing, and it’s done superbly, is just exactly why Lev was chosen. Lev, as he is portrayed here, is capable of becoming a giant among men, bigger, perhaps, than the prophets and as Lev steps out, the reader sees what those prophets saw. This is an amazing kid.
If Lev remains true to himself in subsequent books (this is Book One of a series,) and to the prophets and to his god, (which I suspect he will,) and if he can avoid those nasty swords, he’s going to have a very promising future. So come along as Lev picks up his kinnor and the mysterious knife he inherited from his dad and the rest of his meagre possessions and heads out into the world of ancient Israel. It’s an extraordinary, breathtaking journey.
March 5, 2014
A wonderful, touching, beautifully written story that brings alive the world of the prophets. I could feel the anguish and triumphs of civil war torn biblical Israel. Dave Mason writes as if he himself has experienced or seen the receiving of prophecy. The characters are well developed, eliciting a real sense of identifying with and caring for them. The story is also cleverly baited with small mysteries that added much to my reading pleasure and made it so that I could not put the book down.
August 9, 2021
For a Christian to understand the Jewish culture and the war between the prophets of Yahweh and the prophets of Baal, this book is indeed enlightening. The authors have done deep research to recreate the times of the day during the lives of Elijah and the evil Ahab. Joshua's curse on the family who rebuilds Jericho has been truly personalized. The musicians,prophets, shepherds,kings and soliders have been portrayed in vivid clarity.
July 9, 2015
Judaism and Christianity share so much – first and foremost, a love of God and His holy Word, and a love for the Holy Land and its incredibly rich history. While some of us are blessed to live in Israel surrounded by this biblical tradition, others can travel to Israel – both past and present – through words, images, and our imaginations.
Two rabbis who live outside of Jerusalem, Rabbi Dave Mason and Rabbi Mike Feuer, have made such a trip to the historical Holy Land possible with their Age of Prophecy series.
The first book of the series, The Lamp of Darkness, transports the reader back three millennia to the age of kings and prophets. The book tells the story of Lev, a shepherd boy who is a musician for the Israelite prophets. As Lev learns more about his land, its people, and himself, so will you.
The Lamp of Darkness truly takes the reader back to biblical times. I recommend it to all readers – Jews and Christians alike – who want to join the authors on an epic journey rich with biblical history and imagination.
Two rabbis who live outside of Jerusalem, Rabbi Dave Mason and Rabbi Mike Feuer, have made such a trip to the historical Holy Land possible with their Age of Prophecy series.
The first book of the series, The Lamp of Darkness, transports the reader back three millennia to the age of kings and prophets. The book tells the story of Lev, a shepherd boy who is a musician for the Israelite prophets. As Lev learns more about his land, its people, and himself, so will you.
The Lamp of Darkness truly takes the reader back to biblical times. I recommend it to all readers – Jews and Christians alike – who want to join the authors on an epic journey rich with biblical history and imagination.
August 12, 2016
This was a fantastic story that I couldn't put down. Well-written, exciting historical fiction that is appropriate for all ages pre-teen through adult. I was transported into Lev's world from page 1 through the sights, sounds, and smells of ancient Israel, and his inner journey was timeless, relatable, and emotionally engaging. I'm looking forward to my 11-year-old daughter reading it as well, and I can't wait for the second book to come out, and hopefully more from this fantastic new author.
May 29, 2023
A good read based around 1Kings, telling the story of Jezebel and Ahab . A battle between good and evil, The One God of Israel and Baal introduced into Israel by Jezebel. Too many years have gone by for people to remember God’s promise and the prophets are being hunted and killed. One boy is called to aid the prophet Uriah and to find himself. An epic adventure.
August 9, 2017
Interesting and insightful story about Lev, a boy with a mysterious background and musical talent, who was sent to live with prophets. Historical fiction is my preferred genre to read and the writing placed me totally into the period of the story. It revealed prophetic wisdom and biblical tradition. Looking forward to a sequel.
May 6, 2014
With chills running up my body and my imagination stuck at a time long ago,I just finish the ending words of Uriel,in this Great Book.
This book moved me in a way that no other book has.
The author created a familiarity with all the deep insights and ideas he seamlessly weaved in, to such an epic story.
He was truthful about the biblical characters he so exquisitely portrayed, alongside the fictional ones that seemed almost indistinguishable.
It was a great read, and deeply insightful.
This was one of those books where your half way through, and enjoying it so much, you become hesitant to continue reading, because you don't want it to end yet.
The book is full of a unique type of suspense and novelty, one that is not felt in an average historical fiction.
The author managed to bring me back to a time and era so long ago, by portraying the nuances and ways of life in ancient biblical times.
I highly recommend it, and be prepared to be transported back to a time long ago.
I eagerly await the fate of Lev, together with the coming book!
This book moved me in a way that no other book has.
The author created a familiarity with all the deep insights and ideas he seamlessly weaved in, to such an epic story.
He was truthful about the biblical characters he so exquisitely portrayed, alongside the fictional ones that seemed almost indistinguishable.
It was a great read, and deeply insightful.
This was one of those books where your half way through, and enjoying it so much, you become hesitant to continue reading, because you don't want it to end yet.
The book is full of a unique type of suspense and novelty, one that is not felt in an average historical fiction.
The author managed to bring me back to a time and era so long ago, by portraying the nuances and ways of life in ancient biblical times.
I highly recommend it, and be prepared to be transported back to a time long ago.
I eagerly await the fate of Lev, together with the coming book!
April 12, 2015
Great book with great biblical insights, reading it again.
It will become a classic.
It will become a classic.
June 28, 2024
This is a great piece of historical religious fiction. Goodreads calls this Christian fiction, but that is an insult. Yes, Judaism is our ancestor religion, but this is Jewish fiction at its heart--ESPECIALLY considering the authors are Rabbis and they have drawn from a number of extra texts to support their information. Make a new category, Goodreads; at least get rid of the Christian label on this because that does not touch the breadth of academic and historical knowledge woven in this story.
"Song is the language of the soul. When music speaks through you, it reveals that the ears that hear and the hands that play are merely garments for the neshama." - Uriel in the chapter "In the Cave: Music"
Lev is not even 13 when he is sent from his uncle's for few weeks with the prophet Uriel. He has the gift of music, particularly with the kinnor, and that gift is mentioned time and time again, playing an active role in the plot. He ends up playing music at the wedding of King Ahav and Queen Izevel along with some new friends. I find it absolutely fascinating that what Zim does to tempt Lev is a parallel to what Izevel does on a much greater level with Ahav and all of his land.
I like that Lev does not usually fall under that temptation, but it makes sense when he does given his age.
All too quickly do the Queen and her soldiers want everyone of Yisrael to worship Baal, and it's sad to see who does and makes me cheer when others don't.
Uriel is awesome.
The mystery around Lev's blade and the truth of his parent's deaths 10 years before slowly unweaves to a great climax of information at the end.
Lev's aunt is amazing. His uncle is less so, though not for lack of trying.
Eliyahu is seen and doesn't play the most major of roles, but what he does in the background is very obviously major. I was particularly intrigued about his taking one of the keys of the Holy One (that of rain).
Shimon is a very interesting character
"Song is the language of the soul. When music speaks through you, it reveals that the ears that hear and the hands that play are merely garments for the neshama." - Uriel in the chapter "In the Cave: Music"
Lev is not even 13 when he is sent from his uncle's for few weeks with the prophet Uriel. He has the gift of music, particularly with the kinnor, and that gift is mentioned time and time again, playing an active role in the plot. He ends up playing music at the wedding of King Ahav and Queen Izevel along with some new friends. I find it absolutely fascinating that what Zim does to tempt Lev is a parallel to what Izevel does on a much greater level with Ahav and all of his land.
I like that Lev does not usually fall under that temptation, but it makes sense when he does given his age.
All too quickly do the Queen and her soldiers want everyone of Yisrael to worship Baal, and it's sad to see who does and makes me cheer when others don't.
Uriel is awesome.
The mystery around Lev's blade and the truth of his parent's deaths 10 years before slowly unweaves to a great climax of information at the end.
Lev's aunt is amazing. His uncle is less so, though not for lack of trying.
Eliyahu is seen and doesn't play the most major of roles, but what he does in the background is very obviously major. I was particularly intrigued about his taking one of the keys of the Holy One (that of rain).
Shimon is a very interesting character
May 10, 2020
Compelling book that helped me view prophecy in a whole different light
The author writes well. I was caught up in the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside as I walked through it with the characters he has drawn with his words. I could feel the passion of the young musician as he struggled with his own identity before he was compelled to join the others at the meeting. I could feel his confusion as he learned tiny bits of his past while searching for his future. His growth from an orphaned child to a young man prepared to take on his role of protector/apprentice occurred in such a short space of time, but he was groomed for it almost from the time he arrived as a nursing baby in his uncle's household.
As a born-again believer, I feel we have much to learn from the prophets who carried the faith of the Israelites through the harsh years of the Old Testament. I have not always understood the why of many of the lessons there are there. Having books like this one which explain the hidden reasons that aren't readily available for those of us who have no knowledge of them is of great benefit, and I am thankful as well as blessed to have found this writer's work. I am looking forward to being able to have more of his insight in the later books of tnis series if this first book is any indication of wnat is to come.
I am aretired teacher with a particular leaning toward the English language, and I can only recall one error in the entire book! Add to that the fact that I was so engrossed in my reading that I failed to note it, and perhaps you will begin to understand how intriguing this writer's story is. He and his partner have crafted a wonderful read. Thank you.
The author writes well. I was caught up in the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside as I walked through it with the characters he has drawn with his words. I could feel the passion of the young musician as he struggled with his own identity before he was compelled to join the others at the meeting. I could feel his confusion as he learned tiny bits of his past while searching for his future. His growth from an orphaned child to a young man prepared to take on his role of protector/apprentice occurred in such a short space of time, but he was groomed for it almost from the time he arrived as a nursing baby in his uncle's household.
As a born-again believer, I feel we have much to learn from the prophets who carried the faith of the Israelites through the harsh years of the Old Testament. I have not always understood the why of many of the lessons there are there. Having books like this one which explain the hidden reasons that aren't readily available for those of us who have no knowledge of them is of great benefit, and I am thankful as well as blessed to have found this writer's work. I am looking forward to being able to have more of his insight in the later books of tnis series if this first book is any indication of wnat is to come.
I am aretired teacher with a particular leaning toward the English language, and I can only recall one error in the entire book! Add to that the fact that I was so engrossed in my reading that I failed to note it, and perhaps you will begin to understand how intriguing this writer's story is. He and his partner have crafted a wonderful read. Thank you.
July 12, 2022
This is a middle-grade novel by Rabbis Dave Mason and Mike Feuer (2014). The narrator is Lev, a twelve-year-old shepherd in Biblical times. He's recruited by an old navi (prophet) named Uriel to play music for the bnei neviim (prophets-in-training), and ends up playing for the royal wedding – King Ahav of Shomron marrying Princess Izevel of Tzidon. (Oh no!) Only gradually does Lev discover the secret of the knife he inherited from his dead father, and how it's connected to the golden calf at Beit El.
This novel skillfully takes a verse (1 Kings 17:1) about the clash between King Ahav and Eliyahu the Prophet, and fleshes out the story behind it. Interestingly, Eliyahu is not a major character in The Lamp of Darkness, but his emphasis on serving God through fear is contrasted with Uriel's emphasis on serving God through love. There's also a lot here about what's involved in the process of nevua (prophecy, which the authors spell "navua" for some reason).
Just as in Kurt Busiek's Marvels (and some of his Astro City graphic series), telling an epic story through the eyes of an ordinary person brings it to life in a fresh way. I hope to get hold of the sequel: The Key of Rain.
This novel skillfully takes a verse (1 Kings 17:1) about the clash between King Ahav and Eliyahu the Prophet, and fleshes out the story behind it. Interestingly, Eliyahu is not a major character in The Lamp of Darkness, but his emphasis on serving God through fear is contrasted with Uriel's emphasis on serving God through love. There's also a lot here about what's involved in the process of nevua (prophecy, which the authors spell "navua" for some reason).
Just as in Kurt Busiek's Marvels (and some of his Astro City graphic series), telling an epic story through the eyes of an ordinary person brings it to life in a fresh way. I hope to get hold of the sequel: The Key of Rain.
October 21, 2018
The Lamp of Darkness is a beautifully written novel about a 12-year-old living in the time of King Ahav and Queen Izavel (Jezebel). It follows the events of the Jewish Bible (Tanach) very faithfully, while adding the necessary characterization and personal perspective to draw readers in. Well-researched details about clothing, food, musical instruments, and the process of prophesy both make the book meaningful and well-rounded.
The material could so easily have slipped into clumsy didacticism or remained flat in an over-reliance to the source materials. I've seen similar books where the author's awe of the human subjects (prophets and so on from the Bible) overshadowed their ability to depict them with humanity. This book never makes those mistakes.
It made great Shabbat afternoon reading, but it would be enjoyable any time.
I'm anxious to read further books by Dave Mason.
The material could so easily have slipped into clumsy didacticism or remained flat in an over-reliance to the source materials. I've seen similar books where the author's awe of the human subjects (prophets and so on from the Bible) overshadowed their ability to depict them with humanity. This book never makes those mistakes.
It made great Shabbat afternoon reading, but it would be enjoyable any time.
I'm anxious to read further books by Dave Mason.
May 25, 2021
Kindle Customer
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY
This is an intriguing storyline which is set shortly after the civil war in Israel, during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel... I found it to be a challenging read because the names of the characters, locations and other references are written as they would be pronounced in Hebrew. Being familiar with the Torah and the Old Testament helped me to navigate through the book, but I wondered how difficult it would be for those who are unfamiliar with the terminology? Fortunately, I have a Messianic Jewish Bible that uses similar wording...
Prophecy is an interesting topic for me, but I would also like to see these authors write on the fulfillment of prophecy as it relates to the true Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth...
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY
This is an intriguing storyline which is set shortly after the civil war in Israel, during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel... I found it to be a challenging read because the names of the characters, locations and other references are written as they would be pronounced in Hebrew. Being familiar with the Torah and the Old Testament helped me to navigate through the book, but I wondered how difficult it would be for those who are unfamiliar with the terminology? Fortunately, I have a Messianic Jewish Bible that uses similar wording...
Prophecy is an interesting topic for me, but I would also like to see these authors write on the fulfillment of prophecy as it relates to the true Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth...
October 31, 2017
An interesting concept for a book (especially knowing the author is a rabbi) - it is set in the time of King Ahab and builds a panorama with the supporting characters. I highly recommend reading this on Kindle, because there are a lot of words that need to be looked up (although there was a glossary at the end). I felt like Book 1 ended at an odd place to me, and felt like the story dragged in some places. But I loved seeing 'around and behind' the story from 1 Kings.
Have not decided yet if I will read any more in this series.
Have not decided yet if I will read any more in this series.
May 30, 2019
This is an amazing book. In fact, one of the most amazing books I've ever read. I could hardly sleep a day without a doze of Lamp of Darkness. This book contains truths that I couldn't just read past without meditating on. Once more, I love his use of words to portray vividly a picture and this makes the reading more captivating. His use of poetry added a color tho to whole experience. Dave Mason really started a spark inside of me and I hope to read The Key of Rain.. He is an author of transcendent genius. I love that book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
Young Lev, an orphan, lives with his Uncle and Aunt in the time of King Ahab of Israel. He travels with the prophet Uriah to a gathering of prophets as a musician. When he is called from there to be present at the wedding of Ahab to Jezebel, his future life begins. His encounter with the prophet Elijah sets him on the trail of learning who his parents were and what his future destiny might be.
A gripping tale, it follows the biblical text and pads it out in a way to make the events of this time more understandable.
A gripping tale, it follows the biblical text and pads it out in a way to make the events of this time more understandable.
June 7, 2022
Painting a picture of what could have happened before Christ or even after Christ opens a door for me to imagine what life could have been like so many thousands years ago of people just like me living today as a Christian. I don't know the ages of these young people, but I know becoming an adult didn't start at eighteen as it does today for some. They had so much responsibilities, God talked to them and show them the way. I was on the edge of my seat and needed to know what is going to happened next! An excellent and good read!
January 26, 2023
I found many parallels between this story and The Hobbit. Bilbo and Lev both set out on journeys of self discovery which takes them out of their comfort zones to achievements beyond their dreams. It is an age old story of the battle between good and evil where the protagonist chooses the good at great personal suffering. Uriel is Lev’s Gandolf who guides him to unimaginable places outside and inside himself. This story presents a more personal insight into the Old Testament stories of Israel’s struggles between prophets and kings. I am anxiously waiting to read the next book in the series.
July 28, 2017
So interesting
I was drawn to this book because it is an inspirational book. I am not Jewish but am drawn to fiction historical religious stories. At first I struggled with the names of the people and places. I wondered about the quotes at the start of the chapters. I looked it up and discovered they were father wisdom sayings. Very profound. A great read of the time in the separated kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
I was drawn to this book because it is an inspirational book. I am not Jewish but am drawn to fiction historical religious stories. At first I struggled with the names of the people and places. I wondered about the quotes at the start of the chapters. I looked it up and discovered they were father wisdom sayings. Very profound. A great read of the time in the separated kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
April 27, 2025
From the very first page, I was completely drawn into this story. I found myself fully immersed in the main character’s journey and the relationships he develops along the way. What stood out to me most was the ancient wisdom woven throughout the book, as well as the rich history it’s based on. The writing is absolutely beautiful, making it a truly enjoyable read. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that captivates both the heart and the mind.
September 20, 2020
Kept me reading
Well written. Flowed with just enough detail but not too much to make you want to rush through to other parts of the story. Taking a portion of the history of Israel during the time of King Ahab and Jezebel and how it may have been experienced during that time through the eyes of a young boy. Enjoyable.
Well written. Flowed with just enough detail but not too much to make you want to rush through to other parts of the story. Taking a portion of the history of Israel during the time of King Ahab and Jezebel and how it may have been experienced during that time through the eyes of a young boy. Enjoyable.
August 22, 2021
A beautifully-written intriguing tale of faith and belief, based on old tales and writings in the judaic tradition. I liked the way "prophecy" enabled visions which led to necessary precautions. An interesting juxtaposition of Baal vs the One God. I liked the continuation into the second book. Definitely worth reading, engaging one's mind and heart.
December 12, 2021
É uma narrativa muito interessante, seja o leitor cristão ou não. Baseado em narrativas bíblicas, esta série lida com a guerra entre reis e profetas, e personagens muito conhecidas se fazem presente, como Jezebel. O conflito eterno entre luz e escuridão - uma não vive sem a outra - é talvez o tema central deste livro. Uma leitura rica, com a qual aprendi bastante.
June 22, 2023
Okay, I admit, I haven't spent much time in the Old Testament. I sat in on one semester (of three) of 1 Kings and I gave up. Yes, I know it is there for a reason but I get much more out of other OT books. Anyway, so I didn't recognize any of these characters, not even Jezebel - just Baal.
It was a fascinating read and I'm going to get the next in the series.
It was a fascinating read and I'm going to get the next in the series.
July 27, 2017
Great Biblical taie
As some have said a beginng requires a great step and this is it. Not a Shephard musician but a hidden Kohen youth in Yisrael where Jesabel and king Ahav rule. Yhvh is distant and Baal is enlarging his turf, his worshipers and his evil powers.
As some have said a beginng requires a great step and this is it. Not a Shephard musician but a hidden Kohen youth in Yisrael where Jesabel and king Ahav rule. Yhvh is distant and Baal is enlarging his turf, his worshipers and his evil powers.
July 31, 2018
Difficult reading due to Jewish vocabulary..
Good book, but very difficult to follow and understand due to Jewish vocabulary.. More enjoyable if Jewish vocabulary translated to English.
Good book, but very difficult to follow and understand due to Jewish vocabulary.. More enjoyable if Jewish vocabulary translated to English.
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September 22, 2019This story would make a great movie.
I rarely give books a 5 star rating. This book with its unique storyline deserves it. To our film makers out there, you should make a movie of this incredible story.
I rarely give books a 5 star rating. This book with its unique storyline deserves it. To our film makers out there, you should make a movie of this incredible story.
November 11, 2020
This book would probably be more enjoyable for a Jewish reader. It starts the story in the Kings
James Version of Kings relating the story of the prophet, Elijah, King Ahab, and Jezebel. Although I knew the story, the Jewish names used made for hard reading.
James Version of Kings relating the story of the prophet, Elijah, King Ahab, and Jezebel. Although I knew the story, the Jewish names used made for hard reading.
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