The Hidden Warrior

The King's Men #0.7

by Connilyn Cossette

Shalem has always felt like he doesn't quite measure up to his daring cousins, who chase swords and glory while he clings to his love of words. Though smaller and quieter than the rest, he longs to prove himself worthy of more than their good-natured teasing. When an unexpected discovery launches the boys into a dangerous quest, Shalem is drawn into a journey that takes them far beyond the safety of home. Treacherous paths, hidden secrets, and threats from both man and nature force the cousins to summon every ounce of courage and loyalty. As danger closes in, Shalem’s unique gift becomes more important than he ever imagined. With their lives hanging in the balance, he must decide whether to shrink into the background or trust Yahweh and step into the role he was meant to play—an adventure that could change not only his future, but all of theirs.

"The Hidden A King's Men Prequel Novella" serves as a bridge between the Covenant House Series and the King's Men Series published by Bethany House Publishers. This novella offers a window into the evolution of Shalem, Avidan, Gavriel, and Zevi's friendship, leading up to the fateful day when they witness Saul's anointing as Israel's first king in "Voice of the Ancient" (Book One of The King's Men Series).

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Short Stories, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2025

About the author

Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award-winning and bestselling author of stories that illuminate the ancient world of the Bible, in hopes readers will dig deeper into the Word and encounter the Great Storyteller himself within its pages. She is blessed to be the adopted mother of two graduated homeschoolers and is a recent breast cancer survivor. She and her husband of nearly thirty years live just north of Charlotte, NC when they aren't traveling around, exploring the world together!

Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com

Reviews

[Stephanie Mccall · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading and loving Splendor of the Land, I wanted more, as I do with most if not all Connilyn Cosette's books. And having loved the other King's Men prequel novellas, I was thrilled to get to read The Hidden Warrior. I love how these novellas not only offer insight into who the King's Men were as boys, but also shape the beginnings of Shalem's personal journey. Since what ultimately happens to him is still unclear, The Hidden Warrior gave me even more clues to play with.

Shalem, Gavi, Avi, and Zevi are still the irrepressible young preteens and teens from the other books. Yet here, I could tell they had all grown, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. More in this novella than the others, I could also see how their personalities and roles were shaping up to form the grown men they'd become. For example, my heart still ached for Shay because he's the youngest and the one left out the most. But here, that ached morphed into deeper understanding of, he's no longer a kid who feels left out. He's a young man who doesn't feel included, as if he doesn't have a say in his own life, as if "four's a crowd." I went from feeling sympathy for him, to feeling the first twinges of empathy for the adult Shay I'm sure I'll meet later.

Avi, Zevi, and Gavi all have these moments, too. Connilyn did a wonderful job of balancing them among the three acts of such a short story--before the journey to the cave, during, and after. And what I loved about the other cousins' "growing up" moments more than Shalem's, is that because I have now read their books, I could see where those moments would take them. I found myself rooting for the younger versions of my favorite characters and saying, "Just wait a little longer. God is going to take you somewhere completely unexpected, and it's going to be incredible."

The secondary characters pop as well. I think more than the other novellas, The Hidden Warrior shows off how close-knit and loving the cousins' families are--while also showing how being a small part of such a big unit can feel difficult for a growing, changing kid. I didn't quite understand the entire role of the Weaver Sisters, but I loved them as characters and would like to know more about them. And in general, Connilyn nailed the fact that a place like Kiryat-Yearim can have all the ups and downs of a small town--warm, open, always ready to welcome you home, but also knowing everybody's business 24-7. I caught myself chuckling in empathy more than once.

As always, Connilyn packed less than a hundred pages with a memorable plot, too. I admit, at first I wasn't sure how the legend of and search for the treasure would fit in with the other novellas. I'm still not completely sure, which I'll address. But I did love how Connilyn took what could and maybe should have been a simple "boys' camping trip" type of story, and made it into one where each cousin had to face fears, confront painful truths, or develop gifts he might not be aware of or ready to embrace yet. Additionally, having enjoyed Zaidur so much in the last novella, I was thrilled to meet Khaem here. I'm wondering now what impact these new friends will have on Shalem's story.

I dropped a star because as I said, I'm not completely sure how or if the legend of the hidden warrior fits in with the other prequels. I recognize that it does, but it didn't carry quite the weight of say, Shay's interaction with the wedding gift or his friendship with Zaidur. Also as mentioned, I loved the Weaver Sisters, and I love the idea of Shay being gifted with the message "listen" well before his story proper begins. Yet Bithyah's overall declaration and singling out of Shay struck me as odd, since I don't remember her being in the other prequels or doing that with the other cousins. (Maybe I should go back and reread)?

Anyway, those questions aside, The Hidden Warrior is still another of Connilyn Cosette's well-written little treasures. It provides valuable insight into these characters, not just "bonus material." This and the other prequel novellas are well worth a read before, during, or after the King's Men novels.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bridge between two series that Cossette wrote: The Covenant House Series and The King's mens series. Both are historical fiction with a Biblical focus. It was well written and enjoyable to read.

[Karlies DesignStudios · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a prequel

We finally have a story about Shay, and I love that he has the special gift of dreams. I'm excited to learn more about his adventures in the main story to come. Bring on book 3! Thank you, Connilyn, for the preview!

[Camella Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Shalem is a great main character, relatable, sharing his desires, fears, doubts, and hopes. I enjoyed his adventure in this book with his cousins just as much if not more than the others! Looking forward to the King's Men!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just enjoy Connilyn Cossette books so much!!

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Kindle Unlimited, I've read Cossette 's three short stories in the last 6 weeks. Somehow, this third story seems very similar to the previous one.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved reading through these novellas. This is the 3rd one and last. It gives a bigger picture into Shay's life, as well as his friends. I can't wait for book #4 in the Kings Men series!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella # 3 of the Kings Men series.
The four cousins embark on another adventure, getting into trouble and gaining wisdom and camaraderie.