A Faith Untamed: A Novel of Babylon's Destruction of Biblical Jerusalem

by April W. Gardner

He breached her city, chained her king. Neither her faith nor her heart is as easily conquered.Jerusalem 587 BC
Liora, once a noblewoman of Jerusalem, is now bound to General Nebuzaradan, the Butcher of Babylon, who captured her city and now strips the Temple bare of wealth and dignity. Though her future seems sealed, a rash vow he made to Yahweh keeps him at a distance.

Just when she believes the worst is past, a rebel from the hills seeks her out and an ambitious Babylonian prince arrives with designs for the Ark. While the rebel wants her aid and the prince wants her knowledge, Nebuzaradan simply wants her. As Jerusalem burns, Liora is thrust into the dangerous political games between prince and general, rebel and the people of her heart.

In a world of destruction and intrigue, Liora is once again a tool in the hands of power-hungry men—only her untamable faith in Yahweh will guide her through.

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Series best read in
Book 1: A Light Undimmed
Book 2: A Faith Untamed
Book 3: A Love Unmatched
Book 4: A Song Unsung (coming 2027)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

April W Gardner is an award-winning biblical fiction author whose great passion is writing stories with little-known biblical figures and events. April lives in South Texas with her husband and two German shepherds. She's a beekeeper, a polyglot, and an avid traveler who dreams of visiting all the national parks.

You can find April at these locations:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
BookBub

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun]

“A vow is not a vow if it is broken.”

Gardner brings Jerusalem 587BC alive for her readers and gives us a ‘foot on the ground’ perspective of what it must have been like during Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem. I loved learning more about Liora bat Chesed and how being bound to General Nebuzaradan brought advantages and disadvantages. How disheartening it must have been to watch her former city being captured and looted.

The triangle of allegiance held my attention and I needed to know if Liora could still hold her ground with those who sought to control or manipulate her. I read as the walls of her city were breached and those she revered were chained, hoping that her steadfast faith wouldn’t allow her own walls to be breached nor her soul to be chained.

I loved the visual of Liora’s claim that “he’d shakled himself to power, [but] she’d bound herself to a faithful hope,” the reminders regarding limiting God’s power, and the benefits of having our heart in His hand.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Emma Filbrun]

I really enjoyed A Light Undimmed, so I was really looking forward to this sequel. I found it a little bit of a let-down; there was more of an emphasis on the romantic side of the story than I found in the first book, and less of the history. At the same time, I really liked the author’s idea of what may have happened in and around the Temple during that time. The picture painted in this book of the consequences when people turn away from God is quite vivid. I really appreciated that, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[D.M. Griffin]

A stunning cover wraps around a beautiful story in April Gardner’s, A Faith Untamed. This amazing sequel to A Light Undimmed picks up where that book ended. The complex relationship between Liora and the infamous General Nebuzaradan, Butcher of Babylon, becomes the heartbeat of a story pulsing with faith and redemption.

Typical of Gardner’s immaculate writing style, plenty of spiritual takeaways enrich the chapters with pondering worth savoring. The beautiful intertwining themes dance between trust and doubt, mercy and justice, as both main characters attempt to keep in step with God's spirit on their individual paths. Steady beats of Biblical truth pulse throughout the well-paced story, taking place in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s invasion by Babylon. Liora's internal dialogue, a blushing peek into a reverent heart wrestling with its divine calling, develops her character in a poignantly authentic way.

The palpable tension of the historical plot vibrates like a gentle hand brushing against the heart, breathing life into the Old Testament's ancient words. Once again, April Gardner offers a story that challenges and transforms through an amazing writing style and wonderfully poignant themes that pull readers back in time. For lovers of Biblical Fiction, this is a must-read. The ending will keep you wanting more.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Claudia]

Amazing novel based on biblical prophets Jeremiah’s and Ezekiel’s writings

A love story based on “the butcher of Babylon,” the most ferocious of King Nebuchadnezzar’s generals —and his captive bride from Jerusalem. She, a pure, undefiled beauty who loved and devoted herself to Yahweh, the only God of the Jews. He, a fierce godless man who allowed himself to a vow of not even touching her— out of respect and fear for her God’s power. Court intrigue in both Judah’s kingdom and Babylon’s, wends its trickery through the lives of an unlikely married couple. Following Scripture accounts from Jeremiah and Ezekiel accurately, Mrs. Gardner creates an amazing story which may very well have happened in these lives as she imagines it. Could a beautiful captive Judean woman actually fall in love with a brutal man from Babylon — the very nation God is using to bring Judah into a 70-year captivity? The nation who enslaved Daniel and other Godly men? Unlikely! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Eva Cedarland]

Again, April W. Gardener did NOT disappoint with her beautiful sequel to Liora and Neb’s story.

I don’t think I could tire of these vibrant, deeper-than-an-ocean characters.

One thing I admire about Gardener’s work is that she doesn’t shy away from the Old Testament realities. There is no sugar coating over here—which creates a raw and complex environment. And I am all here for it.

I never put down one of her stories without feeling refreshed, breathless, wanting MORE, and like of just come back from the most incredible journey.

And A Faith Untamed was no exception.

Neb and Liora were perfection. So complex. So real to the time. But so so beautiful. They are perfect for each other!!
Their dynamic is *chef’s kiss*

I cannot wait for more more more of them!

Prepare to blown away by another masterpiece.

*I received a complimentary review of this book and was not at all required to write a positive review 💕

[Tracy Krauss]

As the second book in the series, this one lived up to the first one's high standard. Perhaps I enjoyed it even more since the romantic elements are more pronounced. Even though "The Butcher of Babylon" is ruthless, we see a softer side to him when it comes to his love for Liora, the Jewish woman whose life has become entwined with his. As noted after reading book 1, it is not typical Biblical fiction in that it deals with the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar, using Jeremiah as the main point of reference. To my knowledge, this has not been a "popular" time period as far as Biblical fiction goes, but the author has done a very good job of researching and making it come to life. Her writing style does contain a lot of metaphors, which some may find slows the story down a bit. However, I was intrigued enough to want to continue reading the series.

[The Bookish Pilgrim]

The second book in the planned trilogy, a Faith Untamed echoes the sombre tones of the biblical books of Jeremiah and Lamentations. Jerusalem is fallen, the Temple is doomed to destruction and the Israelites will be deported.

Fast paced events are placed in the week prior to deportation. Liora, Nebuzaradan and the Babylonian Prince Nergal witness one of the most holy, awesome, and sorrowful spectacles of all time (until then): each of them is affected deeply, personally, but differently.

If Lamentations is the book of the weeping prophet, Ms. Gardner has created a similar, non canonical work of fiction based on real biblical events and her imagination. You get a similar sense of pathos, grief over Judah and Jerusalem's downfall, weeping over their sins and acknowledgment of God's hand in their judgement via Babylon and yet, with a silver lining in the midst of unrelieved gloom and a faith that trusts God despite it all. You also see the defiant, unrepentant faction that in pride and arrogance do not humble themselves before God's mighty hand and pay the price.

However, in the power politics the Prince indulges in, will Liora become a casualty? Will Nebuzaradan acknowledge YHWH? Will Liora go to Babylon a conqueror's guerdon or does another, worse fate await her? Will she still trust God, and serve him only?

Hope grows and grows...God has not abandoned his people.

I received an ARC copy to read, but the views expressed here are my own. All graphics are courtesy the author, April W Gardner .

#AFaithUntamed #YokeofBabylonBookTwo #AprilWGardener #BiblicalFiction #BabylonianDestructionofJerusalem #587BC #TheBookishPilgrim

[Lana]

Liora and Nebuzaradan: thrown together, by God’s own design, as He has chosen “Neb” to bring about the destruction of Jerusalem, which God had earlier decreed. But, Neb doesn’t want to kill Liora! He saves her with all of his strength and power. This book is very moving, uses as much factual knowledge from the Bible to try to share with us what might have been…the parts not told to us n the Bible, but easily imagined with an author who has the gift of storytelling. Such a well written book deserves a read by all Christians, especially fans of Biblical fiction!

[Neva]

only a partial story

If you want to read this book, make sure you have the whole set because as many books now days, it is only a part of a story and not a stand alone story, I enjoy the writing but I detest selling books as a full story when it is not. To me this is deceitful, a way to force one to buy other books. Unfortunately it seems to be the custom now Although it’s not right. Otherwise it’s a good story.

[Barbara Beebe]

Nergal

Nergal, son in law to King Nebuchadnezzar is definitely a problem child. This is the continuing story of the Butcher of Babylon and the daughter of the most high God. Just when you think that they are almost there with their relationship, then someone throws an obstacle in the way.

[Lisa Wilson]

What an amazing installment in this series. The faith of Liora is inspiring and challenging all at once, and watching Arioch’s heart slowly open at each turn has been wonderful to see unfold. I can’t wait to read the third book when it comes out.

[Shelli Owen]

Perfect Title

Untamed faith in Yahweh—shown by the faithful main character and growing in the unbelievers—especially Arioch. If you love the Lord, you’ll love the middle episode of this series.

[Julie]

The first book was great and was looking forward to book two. This was okay and not as engaging as book one.

[Paula White]

Kindle

[Tera Eddleman]

loved it!

Can’t wait for the next book to come out! Couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend this book after reading the first one in the series.

[Mrs G Lewis]

Brilliant

This is an amazing book showing God’s supreme power even in the place of His people’s captivity. He is working out His purposes.

[Jenelle Hovde]

Oh my goodness--this series is phenomenal! I'm off to binge book three! Romance, danger, nail-biting danger--and faith!

[Malgorzata]

I got engaged in the book from the beginning. I just love the story which author created about Liora and Neb, and how she discribed the spiritual struggles of the characters. I highly recommend this book for all who likes Biblical fiction.