Bondage

The Moses Chronicles #1

by H.B. Moore

A gripping, historical fiction account of the events that lead to Moses’s flight into the wilderness, The Moses Chronicles: Bondage will take you back to a rich period of history replete with scandal, strife, love, and hope as God prepares a prophet to lead His chosen people.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Lds Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She writes historical novels and thrillers under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact

Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Website: HBMoore.com

Twitter: @heatherbmoore

Instagram: @authorhbmoore

Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books

Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner

Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction based on real people and events. Heather Moore does a fantastic job of writing novels like these, and she is, in fact, one of my favorite authors. Even though I know the story, I love how the characters come to life and I'm given a fresh perspective on what may have happened to influence the decisions they make.

Miriam is a bit impulsive and sometimes that leads to something good, like saving Moses' life as a baby, and sometimes it leads to trouble, which happens twice in this book. She starts out determined not to marry but her father puts pressure on her and finds someone for her. She's appalled with his choice and finds someone more suited for her. It's not too hard to figure out at the beginning that Caleb has deeper feelings for her than he has let on and she finally considers him as something other than a nuisance. I loved their relationship and rooted for them as they dealt with some difficult circumstances along the way.

Moses is a young man who lives the life of a royal. It's widely believed that Bithiah, the pharoah's daughter, is his mother but his father is unknown so he's not fully embraced as one of them. He doesn't seem content and really doesn't fit in. We get to know more about his character as he helps Caleb get out of a bad situation, how he treats the Hebrew slaves who fight alongside the Egyptians against the Libyans and with how horrified he is by the way the Hebrew slaves are treated. He makes a life-altering decision when he witnesses a Hebrew slave being beaten to death. Shortly after that, he learns the truth about who he is and leaves Egypt.

There are some other characters we get to know as well. Bithiah, one of the pharaoh's daughters and the woman who raises Moses as her own, Mered, the Hebrew scribe who Bithiah feels drawn to but their backgrounds make it impossible for them to ever be together, and Katu, the nomad who helps Miriam during a difficult time. Aaron, Moses and Miriam's brother, isn't a main character in this story but does make some appearances and I'm sure we'll get to know him better in future installments.

I thought this first book was fantastic and had a hard time putting it down. Heather Moore does extensive research on her novels and I enjoy learning more about what life was like during this time period. There's so much more story to be told and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, epic, seriously can't wait for the next book in the series! I'm not often in the mood for Biblical fiction but I'm so, so glad I chose to read this one! Heather B. Moore never disappoints. This is the story of Miriam, Moses' sister, and her life as a Hebrew slave, daughter, and sister. She is headstrong but fiercely loyal, and attracts the interest of Caleb, who wants to protect her but doesn't understand why she continues to put herself in danger by watching the Egyptian royals (Moses and his friends). The story is also told from the perspective of Moses and his Egyptian mother which offers fascinating insights into his life in the Egyptian court, his compassion for the Hebrews, and the strength of the princess who raised him. The characters and setting are so well-written that I could easily envision the story in my mind and I couldn't put it down (words like intense and gripping apply here). There is action, drama, intrigue, romance, and while the ending of the book nicely wraps up Miriam's adventures, it's only just beginning for Moses...

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I ever get the opportunity to read and review a book by Heather Moore I take it. I know that I will be reading a fantastic story that is well developed, impeccably researched, and will also have an engaging story that will be impossible to set down.

This first book in the Moses Chronicles exactly fits my description above. If you think that it will be your typical story of Moses and the Ten Commandments, you would be wrong, and you probably have never read anything before that Heather has written. It always amazes me how Heather can take a story of a character that has been written previously, in this case a biblical character, and makes the story seem brand new. Bondage is the story of not only Moses, but his sister Miriam and his Egyptian mother Bithiah. I was thrilled to see this book written by the Point of View of Moses and two very incredibly strong women. Bondage has the perfect combination of action and romance. Each character from Moses, to Miriam, and even Ramses, are so well developed that you emotionally attach to them and become so vested in their stories.

Honestly, once I started reading Bondage I could not put it down. I came home from work and read while I exercised, ate my dinner, talked to my kids, talked on the phone...I'm talented that way!
The only problem I can see with this book is that the second book is not right here for me to read! I believe it should be coming out in the fall. This book receives 5 stars from me which I don't give out all that often, but it so richly deserves it. Give this book a chance, and you will be the one who will be enriched by reading such a wonderfully written story.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always go into any book that fictionalizes scriptural events hesitant. There are so many liberties that need to be taken to fill in the blanks and I hate confusing fact with fiction. But, I usually just approach books like this as works of fiction and not fact or scripture and then I'm okay.

This book was so rich and full of life. I could easily imagine the scenes and the people as I went through this book. I loved the alternating points of view of Miriam and Moses. It really helped me create a firm personal connection to them both.

Miriam is a character ruled by her heart. She acts and speaks from her heart. I love her devotion to Moses, even though he doesn't know who she is. She has such faith in him. Miriam gets into one scrape after another because she does allow her heart to lead her. I loved her journey in this book, her adventures and her road to love. She is a very satisfying character.

Even though I know the story of Moses, when I finished this book I was still a bit annoyed that it ended where it did. I wanted to continue on with Moses. It was a cliff hanger but not. The real cliff hanger is me wanting to know how the author will weave her magic into this story and make it something that pulls me in and engages my mind and my heart. I guess I'll just have to wait!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually pretty wary when I come across Bible-based fictional stories just because you never know how the author is going to interpret the people involved. But I shouldn't have worried about that with Moore at the helm. She has written many other scriptural-based fictional stories so she has plenty of experience at filling in the missing parts. The story of Moses is a fascinating one as the man goes from a position of power and influence to living in hiding in the wilderness and then back to a position of power and influence but this time guided by God. The images that Moore creates in her story help make Moses and Miriam and Ramses and the others all the more real. Fictional stories like this can make it easier to see these people as real people with real fears and strengths and weaknesses. It was interesting to compare the two very different ways of life of Moses versus Miriam. I can honestly say that I'm glad I didn't live then. Once again, H.B. Moore has created an eminently readable biblical fiction story that draws the reader in and doesn't let go. I'm eager to read the next book in the series.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any of Heather's books, the characters in The Moses Chronicles: Bondage are brought to live with her amazing storytelling and writing. I loved this fictional account of Moses and Miriam. I appreciated the point of view changes between Moses, Miriam, and Bithiah. Miriam was an especially enjoyable character. She was a very strong, and courageous woman in hard times. My heart broke for her with all she endured. Another aspect I enjoyed was Miriam's love for the brother she didn't know. Heather's Moses was also a strong character that was honorable and wise. This book is very hard to put down and reads quickly. There is so much to this book that will keep you turning pages. For me, it was the characters and the beautiful, gripping story. I also enjoyed the other characters, Caleb and Bithiah especially.

I received a paperback from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.B. Moore knows how do to a suspenseful historical thriller with extraordinary adventurous twists and turns that have you on the edge of your seat wondering if the characters will survive. This is even despite of the fact that if the reader knows their history, they already know the answer. In Ms. Moore’s prior novel “Eve: In the Beginning” for example, I experienced several moments of heart pounding fear and suspense wondering what would happen next to our heroine and hero despite having historical knowledge of the ending. Ms. Moore again had me on the proverbial edge of my seat in suspense several times while reading this gripping historical account of the Hebrews in bondage in ancient Egypt and the events leading up to the fugitive flight from Egypt of a future prophet of God.

She also writes great women’s historical fiction. I honestly admit this doesn’t always happen, but still so many of our female progenitors whether in general history or in the scriptures of the Abrahamic religions are written with either a misogynistic or very vague in information stroke. Ms. Moore does a great job bringing them to life and helping us to imagine why these women made the choices they made.

This first volume “Bondage” of the Moses Chronicles series starts with Moses at 18 years of age and ends with his fugitive flight from Egypt. Moses’ birth to that aforementioned flight from Egypt is only given a brief 25 verse chapter in the book of Exodus so there is a lot of room to expound on. Yet at least for this first book in the expected trilogy, Moses is only given may be a quarter of the book (he will get more POV in a future sequel).

Most of the book is about Miriam (Moses’ biological sister) and her point of view with some space given to Bithiah (Moses’ Egyptian mother) and her point of view as well. I was surprised to find out Miriam is only mentioned very briefly five times in scriptures. The first time not even by name during the extraction of Moses out of the river in his basket. As a prophetess leading the Hebrew women with a timbrel in a victory dance over the Egyptians. Again when she is given advanced stage leprosy by the Lord for her and her brother Aaron talking against Moses’s marriage to an Ethiopian woman. She is quickly mentioned in a census and again when she dies. So again a lot of room to expound. Miriam was portrayed just like I pictured her in this novel. Miriam attracts epic danger and adventure over and over in this novel. Just as you relax after she escapes one dangerous situation she ends up in another scrape. Yes, it is one suspenseful thrill ride after another with Miriam. Romance with a great man accepting of who she is included.

I loved that Bilthiah’s point of view was part of this novel as well. She raised a future prophet and must have been quite a righteous woman, mother, and example to her son amidst the temptations of the royal Egyptian court and the denigration and xenophobia against the Hebrews he was surrounded by at the time. I always imagined personally she must have been a widow or single, and in this novel she is portrayed as a single mother whom gives up the chance to marry and have other children for Moses, because of the assumptions made that she doesn’t dispel.

Sensuality content: Kisses. Mention of past incidents of Hebrew girls being taken and used sexually (raped) by Egyptians or taken longer term to be put in the royal harem.

Source: Loaned a digital review copy for my 100% honest opinion to be deleted after receipt of review.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant to review this book because I thought it might be dry (and a little boring) - I could not have been more wrong! So much happened in this book that I never lost interest!

This story is primarily Miriam's story, but we get three different points of view: Miriam, Moses, and Bithiah (Moses' mother). While I was already familiar with Moses' story, there were some parts of the history I wasn't as familiar with, and I love how this story brought the history alive for me.

Bithiah is not a favorite daughter of the Pharoah; she has made sacrifices to raise Moses as an unwed mother without ever revealing his Hebrew heritage. She also sacrifices her own heart because the man she most admires is the Hebrew scribe, Mered. I hope both Bithiah and Mered return in some of the future books in this series.

As Moses is getting older he is finding himself sympathizing with the Jews, which is not acceptable among the Egyptian royalty. When he watches a Hebrew slave getting beaten to death, in his rage he makes a split-second decision that will force him to leave Egypt as an exile. I can't wait to read more of his story in the next book in this series.

Through Miriam we get some perspective on the lives of the slaves. I found it interesting that the slaves seemed to have a lot more love and community although they had very little control over their lives. Miriam is the sister who followed the baby Moses as an infant to be sure he was safe. She takes great risks to see Moses and keep tabs on him, but she can't explain to anyone outside of her family why she is so fascinated with him. I loved Caleb and how he loved every part of Miriam - even her impetuousness. His desire to love and protect Miriam brought a lot of trouble on him, but he never complained or blamed her.

I thought this was a great start to this series, and I can't wait for the next book to come out...

Content: Clean
Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sounded fascinating, and it was. I enjoyed reading about this time in history and particularly this story. However, even though I know it was accurate to the era, I didn't like all the innuendos. For some reason it put a beloved story into a different light for me. As long as I was able to kept my perspective on the historical fiction part of it, I enjoyed the read. It is a fascinating story that most people will love.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this novel based on Moses' story except for one thing: one of my pet peeves is ridiculous, reckless women who do ridiculous, reckless things in spite of the many warnings from those older and wiser. Moses' sister Miriam spends this book putting herself and her family in danger in order to do things like catch a glimpse of her brother from afar or go to a battlefield full of men with a history of raping Hebrew girls just to be sure her betrothed is ok after a battle. Urrrrgh.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bondage is yet another fabulous read but HB Moore. I thoroughly enjoyed her imagination of how Moses and his family lived. I loved everything about this book, especially Mariam, Moses's sister.

I cannot wait to read book 2 of the Moses Chronicles series.

Wonderful read!

5 plus stars

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading Bondage, the reader is introduced to several strong characters that instantly have you hooked:

Moses: Struggling with not quite fitting into the popular beliefs and practices of the other Egyptians, Moses finds himself starting to find empathy for the Hebrew Slaves. Not willing to “visit” the harems with the other royalty, helping to free a Hebrew from false accusations of being a thief, and protecting a group of Hebrew women from the leering grasps of a fellow Egyptian are just a few ways that Moses notices that he’s not quite like the others.

Miriam/Caleb: Miriam, a Hebrew slave, has always watched Moses the best she can without becoming detected. Miriam finds herself loving Moses and wanting to protect and watch over him, being his older sister who helped save him from being killed when he was an infant, she can’t seem to let him go. Miriam pushes his little basket through the water into the arms of an Egyptian Princess, Bithiah. In love with Miriam, Caleb tries multiple times to keep her out of harm’s way. Not an easy task, because Miriam is always jumping from one dangerous situation to another.

Bithiah/Mered: Bithiah struggles with being a “branded” princess, since she is an unwed mother, but having adopted a Hebrew baby and pulling him from the water, she rises above that brand and loves Moses with all her heart. Secretly she is drawn to the palace scribe, Mered.

I had an internal battle of whether I wanted to read this book, I’ve grown up knowing the story of Moses and how he frees the Hebrews from bondage, but that’s all this was to me, a story from the Bible. Finally, my curiosity and my love of reading new books won out and I opened up the first page. To say I was hooked was an understatement! The characters came alive, they begged for your attention, and I couldn’t put it down. Every free second I had, the book was in my hand and I was devouring the words. This old story was rewritten and given life. What a remarkable account. I recommend this book to any reader, it didn’t fall into my specifications of a “religious” book, and I feel anyone would enjoy it, I never felt preached to. Bondage is a great read for all types of readers, whether it is: mystery, suspense, romance, or action.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was absolutely exciting and thrilling from the beginning to the very end!

“Bondage” Book #1 in the Moses Chronicles alternates chapters with the telling of Miriam and Moses’s story in their point of view. All the while weaving in real biblical characters like Aaron, Caleb, and Ramses II; and fictional characters like Katu and Deborah.

This book ends with Moses leaving his mother and the Nile Valley to head towards the Hebrew Villages; obviously leaving it open ended to continue with volume #2.

I love reading Bible-based fictional stories and have read many-including all those written by HB Moore (Heather Moore). Although there are fictional characters and events that happen; HB Moore does include real biblical facts and events, making this story rich with history and a thrilling story line.

I read this story in one night because I didn’t want to put it down and was disappointed to see it end. I can’t wait to read The Moses Chronicles Volume 2 when it’s released and this series of books will definitely be a set to keep on my bookshelf to read again and again!

I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this perspective into Moses and Miriam's life! Heather B. Moore always helps me look at scripture stories in a new way. I love her incite and the research behind her writing. She and her dad make a great team. He is a professor of ancient scripture. She always acknowledges his help in her research. With his help, she creates the world where these people we know and love lived. I grew up on the movie "The Ten Commandments." I always adored it. Anytime we recreate the past we have to guess at much of what happened. With this new perspective, I pondered parts of this story I had not thought that much about before. I was able to look at both works and think about what is just speculation. I went back to the scriptures to reread what we know. I imagined what it would have been like to live at that time. I came to love these people even more. As always, Moore's story telling kept me engaged in the character's lives. She introduced a character named Katu who is a desert nomad. I can't help but think he might play a bigger role as this story continues in other volumes. I just can't wait for more!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I've read one of H.B. Moore's scriptural based novels, and to be honest I was a little hesitant to read The Moses Chronicles: Bondage. I guess I've had him in my mind in a certain way, and I didn't really want to mess with that. Especially if it wasn't handled . . . reverently, I guess. However, I'm really glad that I gave this book a shot. I was reminded about how well Moore brings scriptural characters to life. I've read other scriptural based novels that really didn't place prophets in a good light, but Moore doesn't do that. Her characters are still very human, but their human follies make them more relatable instead of making them seem evil.

There were a few things I questioned, but I actually like that about her books. It makes me have a desire to go right to the source to separate fact from fiction. Plus, this book seemed as much, or more, about Miriam and Moses's adoptive mother as it was about Moses. It was enjoyable to consider his family life and his relationships with those around him.

I didn't care for the cover, but the story was very enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this rendition of the Moses story found in the Bible, Heather has brought the early era of Moses to life in a story that you won't want to miss. The story focuses on his sister Miriam and the watchful eye she has kept on the baby brother she sent down the river eighteen years before. We see how the Hebrew slaves lived and what a miracle it was that Moses grew up right under the pharaoh's nose.

Heather's knowledge of Biblical times enlightens the reader by showing how the setting in which Moses lived was such a dichotomy to his Hebrew heritage. Reading this made me think so much deeper about the story of Moses found in Exodus. For Moses to eventually turn his back on a life of royal luxury shows his depth of character and I can't wait to read more in the second volume of the Moses Chronicles next year.

I highly recommend this book because it is an engaging story with suspense, romance, and truth from its biblical roots conveyed in a way that made me feel a connection to a story that is thousands of years old.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I step into a fiction novel based on real events and people I am quite hesitant. I am always concerned over just how the author may blend their own imagination in and perhaps alter or confuse reality. I can gladly say that any concern over this novel was quickly dispelled. Heather B. Moore brought the historical figures, location and events to life. She took what we know from the Old Testament and wove a very lifelike and emotional story.

In Bondage we step into the lives of not only Moses, but also of his birth sister and adopted mother. Each and every character was beautifully written. I was able to connect with everyone in Bondage on some level. I love how Ms. Moore was able to turn untouchable historical figures into real living and breathing individuals.

I am looking forward to the next installment of The Moses Chronicles. I'm sure it will be as wonderful as the first installment - which I could not put down.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sharon Absher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for free to do a honest review!!

I really enjoyed reading this book as it took you into the lives of Moses and Miriam. H.B. Moore made you think and feel what Miriam and Moses must have felt back then and how life was for them. She bought them to life and made you really think that Hay this may have been what they where thinking and this may have been what they actually felt. She made them feel more real. You are able to connect with the character's so much that you will find yourself in the land of Egypt with Moses and angry at Pharaoh at how the Hebrews where treated and crying for Miriam for all that happens to her and how she was able to find happiness. This is a really good book to read and I would love to read more of this type of writing that H.B. Moore does from the bible. She really brings the biblical characters to life. This is a book that can be read from all ages and can really teach you a lesson. This is a real page turner and tear jerker! Highly Recommend Reading!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really probably 4.5 stars, but I enjoyed this book a lot more than I went into it expecting to. I really enjoyed the fictionalized account of Moses and his sister Miriam and how the author made the biblical story seem more real and relate-able than the language the scriptures is written in. There were plenty of details, plus my prior knowledge of the author's background, that made it apparent how well the author did her research and then applied her knowledge to the book to make it authentic (as it could be when the setting is well over 3000 years ago). There is a love story for Miriam, a bit of a mystery. It will be very interesting to see how the series continues and where the author goes with the characters and Moses' actions.

***A received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.***

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Heather Moore’s Bible stories. She makes the characters and simple scriptural verses come alive through her storytelling. This is the first installment in Moses’s life. He is 18 at the start of this book and living the high life as an Egyptian royal who is friends with the crown prince, Ramses. This fascinating tale involved his Hebrew sister Miriam and her love interest, Caleb, as well as his older brother Aaron and his Egyptian mother (the daughter of Pharoah), Bithia. These characters became so real to me and Moore made the few clues from the Bible make sense of possible reasons why Moses would have had to flee Egypt after killing a slave taskmaster and what his life might have been like in the royal court before he learned of his Hebrew heritage. I couldn’t put this down…it was extremely good!

[Lisa Paskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich tale of ancient Egypt that weaves the tale of Moses and his sister Miriam, who hovered over the basket found in the river Nile by Princess Bithia. The time and culture come to life as you read of the struggles between the Hebrews and their Egyptian masters. Miriam is brought to life with a spirit all her own as she struggles to reach adulthood and accept the responsibility of marriage. You will meet key characters such as Prince Ramses, Aaron (the brother of Miriam), etc. and come to love them as family members. Even knowing the scriptural events, this book fleshes out the rest of the story so that time period can come alive. The story is plausible and feels authentic to the subject. This is an enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next one.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! If the Bible was written like this book I would remember more of the people and their part of the Bible. I thought the story was well written. The characters were well developed and pulled me into the overall story. I did not expect to feel as involved in the story. But I found myself intrigued with the palace life, Moses fitting into that life and how the Hebrews were viewed. The slave village life was portrayed with much more thought than I had ever given it. I was not ready for the book to end. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOOOOOO. It ended. (duh-they always end!) I was so invested in the story that I wasn't ready for it to end when it did. Granted, Moore did a good job and wrapped up most of the big questions before she closed the story. With the story being about Moses, anyone who has read the bible knows where the story is going, but I REALLY wanted to just keep reading. I am looking forward to the next books coming out in the series. There are so many possibilities in different relationships that I will definitely pick them up as they come out!
language: none, heat level: mild

[Cami Checketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Heather Moore, but her biblical fiction is my absolute favorite. I loved this book and looked for every opportunity to read, ignoring my children and my own writing deadlines. Moses and Miriam's stories came alive for me and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

[Darci · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Can't wait for the next one

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written story about Moses' sister, Miriam. Loved it so much now I can't wait for the next!!!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Moses Chronicles is a retelling of the Moses story from the Old Testiment.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is about Miriam as much as Moses.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little wary - not a huge fan of scriptural fiction. But, I enjoyed this easy read and will look forward to its sequel.