An Epic Novel Based on the Biblical story of DanielSeparated from his family, his homeland and his childhood sweetheart, Daniel, a Judean youth of noble lineage, is exiled to Babylon, where his captors hope to use his talents at the Royal court.
What will eventually become of the youth - as he is subjected to grueling trials and tests - neither he nor his captors can even imagine...
Shlomo Kalo’s masterpiece of Biblical literature, THE CHOSEN, is being republished in three volumes. Kalo, one of the most prolific writers in Israel and a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, brings to new life the themes and spirit of the Biblical story of Daniel in this lively, dramatic epic novel. His masterwork of storytelling weaves together the themes of faith, friendship, betrayal, love stronger than death, and redemption.
The first installment, Book 1 THE YOUTH, gives an account of Daniel's early years – from his childhood in Jerusalem, the cradle of his spirituality and character, to his young adulthood in Babylon, when he is sent to his first duty at Nebuchadnezzar's Royal court.
"It is indeed an epic-like novel filled with drama and passion. Mr. Kalo weaves together the political, personal and spiritual with great skill." G. Glijansky, HarperCollins, US
So I didn't know I was going to be reading the story of Daniel from the Bible when I picked this up, but I really enjoyed it. i love it when I can get a more familiar feeling story with biblical stories, and this one did not disappoint. The rest of the trilogy is on KU so I may try and finish this one out to the end.
The descriptions of the time and place is so vivid that I felt like I was there. Reference s to Bible passages added to the accuracy of the characters. I look forward to the next book.
The story is beautifully written and I was able to cross-reference some of the text from the Bible. Quite impressive. I think the author over-elaborated the saintly image and character of Daniel. The fact that he excelled in everything he did including horse racing and the succinct manner in which he answered the questions from Nebuchadnessar is indicative of the overarching nature of the character.
The first book of a fictional depiction of the prophet Daniel, and his associates Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Young, hebrew nobility carried away to Babylon to serve Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon. It's well written, and plausible, that while taking some fictional license, not departing from the scriptural narative in the book of Daniel in the bible. I enjoyed the read, and I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series.
Yes, it is a fictional story about Daniel, one of the great Older Testament prophets but it is an interesting story of how it might have happened. I enjoyed reading this book and I think you will too. Pick it up and "have a go at it!"
This book was n interesting telling of the story of Daniel and his three friends who are captured and sent to Babylon to become slaves to the King. Daniel impresses the King at the ceremony where the boys are each asked questions about how they would do the government.
This is a very written story of Daniel and friends going into exile in Babylon. The biblical story has been expanded to make it interesting story for all ages.
A very eloquent volume with profound observations. I liked this very much and would like to read the next book in the trilogy. Shlomo Kalo is a wonderful writer.
I will be the first to say that I am a loud and proud Christian so when author Shlomo Kalo approached me with his Biblical fiction novel, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. Some might actually classify this piece as a work of Jewish fiction as the novel is a retelling of the story of Daniel from the Old Testament. The language drifts more toward the Hebrew culture as Daniel himself was a Jew. There are references to the Torah rather than the Bible which is not something to stir conflict between the two religions but actually unites the cultures from which they emerged.
The author is obviously very well informed of the stories of the Bible and does great justice to the representation of events and characters. In the beginning of the story there is something like a disclaimer that says the scriptural references are meant to enhance the story and the events playing out in the context of the verse not to necessarily be interpreted as a true representation of the Word of God. As a Christian I think it was very smart of the author to make it clear to readers what they’re getting themselves into. Not all Believers enjoy Biblical fiction for the reason that they feel it’s taking the Bible out of context. I, on the other hand, absolutely enjoy it and I’m glad to say that this book did not disappoint.
The story was written spectacularly well. Even though it was less than 70K words, it read like an epic novel of many more words. The language and the dialogue was very mature—not crude—but full of experience and talent.
Even though the story was written very well and was grammatically correct I did find the narration to be a little odd. Sometimes the main character was referred to as ‘He’ instead of by name. In the beginning of the story it added to the mystery of Daniel’s identity but a hundred pages in, it just seemed weird.
All in all, I think this is a wonderful book that deserves every star I gave it and more. I think readers of all ages and belief systems will greatly enjoy this novel though it will probably be most enjoyed by Christians and fans of Biblical/historical fiction.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Surely one of the best books I have ever read. A very moving book that follows the life of Daniel the Biblical prophet, starting from his youth and until the days of his old age. Daniel is actually the only prophet who held a high office (in the administration of King Nebuchadnezzar) He withstood many ordeals during his life. There are unbelievingly beautiful and strong characters, It is a dramatic period with wars and conflicts, I am not too good at communicating my impression of this title but I was amazed from the writing, from the reality he depicts, the plot and from the true love which is vividly depicted. I really admired the writer after having finished reading it. I read it more than once. I recommend it to everyone.
Book 1 The Youth follows the life of the prophet Daniel from a young boy to when he becomes a young man in the royal court of Babylon. I don’t normally read biblical stories, in fact I don’t follow any religion or believe for that matter. That aside this was truly and exceptional book. It is very well written and the descriptions transport you vividly in you mind.
Whilst it is not my cup of tea being a biblical book, I wanted to read this to be more open minded toward biblical stories, and I am glad I was given an opportunity to read and review it, I can not find fault in the book at all and Mr Kalo is an exceptional author, I am actually looking forward to continuing reading Daniels journey.
This book was a great read but not something I am used to normally reading. It follows Daniel, a Judean boy of noble lineage, who is exiled to Babylon, where his captors hope to use his talents at the Royal court of Nebuchadnezzar. The book follows Daniel's trials and tribulations during hisyouth years. It's about love, faith and self worth. Although it took me a while to finish it, I thoroughly enjoyed it and savoured the wonderful images the author creates with words. It has the power of great literature: to transport the reader into a completely different world and still manage to keep relevance for contemporaneity. I'm sure I will return to this book again and again. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
First book in the series and it is based on the story of Daniel from the Bible.Such an inspirational book that follows Daniel and his trials and tribulations while he lives his life and follows his dreams. I enjoyed this book and it was a great read. I love it so much I am purchasing the other 2 Volumes to read the full story. This is a story of love, religion and self worth.I am glad I was given an opportunity to read and review it, I can not find fault in the book at all and Mr Kalo is an exceptional author, I am actually looking forward to continuing reading Daniels journey.
DISCLOSURE: I received this product for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is a great Biblical book of David. I think it's best for young adults, but any one interested in Biblical stories would enjoy this. I think it's great that Shlomo Kalo's writing makes you feel like you are there in the story, but with that being said sometimes you are so in it that you can lose who he's referring to because a lot of times people are referred to as "he" and "youth". Other than that though the writing is really good, and I think it's a great book. *I received a PDF version of this book in exchange of my honest opinion/review.
I think this is one of the best books I have read in my whole life. I read it first in the original Hebrew edition. This was Shlomo Kalo's bestselling title in Israel, The Kindle edition was published recently. The English translation is excellent and it is a very good and unique read. When you start reading the book you do not want it to end. It is vivid, and the author has a rare ability to beutifulle breath life into Biblical every day scesne or dramas. You learn a lot about human nature. about faith and mainly about love - humane and devine!
This is such a great book about the trials and tribulations of Daniel. I am not usually one for biblical stories, but this one had me in its grips from the moment I read the description. I remember learning a lot about Daniel in Sunday school, but never took it to heart or was too young to notice what I should have. This author puts things in a way, that brings up many emotions. It is very beautiful!
I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion/review/feedback.
This is the Kindle first part of the large Biblical-based historical novel THE CHOSEN by Shlomo Kalo. It is a very impressive book. You know after you have finished reading the entire novel, that you have read a masterpiece. this is not something you'd forget after weeks, months or even years. both very captivating and deep. and yes, it has a bonus value to a reader who has faith (not religion, faith). This is the book I would recommend the most!
The story was engaging, and a novel look at the beginnings of Daniel (and the fiery furnace, I suspect), but I had trouble following when the author would refer to Daniel out of nowhere with a "he." Referential pronouns need to be set up, or they can be confusing. It got tedious to read after awhile.
I probably won't read the remainder of the books in the series.
Very interesting book. The writing style took some getting used to, but turned out to be perfect for the subject and time of the book. I really enjoyed it and look forward to book 2. If you like the story of Daniel and his 3 friends, then you'll enjoy this series. Since that's always been one of my favorite stories, you know I loved it.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were described in detail which helps to get an overall feel for the theme of the story. Daniel was sometimes hard to follow due to being described as 'he'. However, I really liked the 'faith' of the characters and how meaningful it was to their daily life. A good read !!!
This is one of the best books I have read. It is based on Daniel from the Bible yet it is a fictional story of his life since we know very little of this part of his life. The storyline is fascinating and I look forward to reading books II and III.
This book is Light. Pregnant with truth and beauty it births within the reader an extraordinary awareness of his/her own Divine origin and potential. I am better having read it!
I enjoyed this book as I lovethestory in the bible and I find this goes right along with those I have read . I hope to read more of this life of Daniel !!