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The Chosen #1

The Youth

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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

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244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2014

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Shlomo Kalo

37 books6 followers

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5 stars
64 (38%)
4 stars
53 (31%)
3 stars
36 (21%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
1 star
6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Jammin Jenny.
1,543 reviews218 followers
May 10, 2018
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.
291 reviews
July 15, 2015
Breathtaking!

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.
24 reviews
August 4, 2015
What a great book! A must read.

Every one should read this book. It was a great experience in reading it and experiencing it. I loved it. Read on everyone.
4 reviews
January 9, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Bob Rivera.
249 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2020
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.
49 reviews
October 2, 2018
It Could Have Happened This Way

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!"
Profile Image for Marcia Richardson.
251 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2021
Good book

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.
480 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2018
Great

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.
Profile Image for Kirt.
336 reviews
March 23, 2018
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.
890 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2019
Conflicted

A fairy tale loosely based on a biblical story. Reasonably well crafted but mired in turgid, labored pseudo biblical prose
Profile Image for Mike MacDonald.
129 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2020
Okay, I didn't get this

At all. I have no idea how this story came about. Perhaps I am living in a different universe, but it never made sense to me.
381 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2021
Great historical story

This is a wonderful depiction of biblical times. The amazing faith of the characters keeps you emersed in the story.
Profile Image for Valicity Elaine.
Author 36 books661 followers
December 1, 2015
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*
4 reviews
April 21, 2014
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.
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,471 reviews45 followers
June 27, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Daniela.
9 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Vicki Smith.
32 reviews
July 16, 2015
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.
14 reviews10 followers
July 8, 2015
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.
1 review
August 14, 2015
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!
Profile Image for Jessica Johnson.
112 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2015
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.
4 reviews
August 5, 2015
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!
Profile Image for Nancy.
40 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2015
Good story, writing issues

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.

Profile Image for Cindy .
706 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Anna Pyles.
7 reviews
December 29, 2015
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 !!!
Profile Image for Joann Rodriguez.
122 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Steve Hanson.
Author 30 books11 followers
September 2, 2016
This book is Light

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!
Profile Image for Nelda Williams.
66 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2016
The choden

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 !!
6 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2016
Didn 't like the pronoun use for Daniel's name -- very confusing. Also the sentences were wordy and tiring to read. Sometimes, hard to follow
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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