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Dangerous Beauty #3
Delilah: Treacherous Beauty
A Complex and Compelling Glimpse at One of the Bible's Baddest Girls
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself.
When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself.
When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.
348 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
326 books2,066 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 170 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
June 10, 2016
Please note that I gave this book 3.5 stars. I rounded it up to 4 stars on Goodreads.
All in all, an interesting spin at Samson and Delilah. I loved the cover and wish that I had loved the book too. The flow of the book was disjointed a bit anytime the POV switched from Delilah to Samson. And I can honestly say, I don't get why Delilah was attracted to Samson. Based on what I recall from the Bible and even in this book, Samson just wanted a woman, any woman, so I didn't get warm fuzzy feelings with him and Delilah. The whole book also read like this is what happens when you trust women, we just lie for own gain.
Since I have no idea what Delilah looked like in the Bible, and honestly I can't recall if it ever came up, I loved the idea of Ms. Hunt making her a mutli-ethnic character. When we first meet Delilah, she and her mother have moved to live with her mother's new husband. Not liking her new stepbrother, Delilah is concerned about how will the Philistines find her and her mother with their darker skin. After dealing with the unexpected death of her stepfather, Delilah and her mother are treated terribly all because of the color of their skin. Delilah is eventually given a chance to escape, and she does, and continues to cross paths with Samson.
I found the character of Samson to be kind of a cave-man. Our first introduction to him is him wanting to be married to a beautiful woman. After seeing one woman, he decides he will marry her and asks her father's hand in marriage. Even though his new wife is a Philistine and Samson's parents and his servant try to talk him out of it, he is hell-bent on making her his wife. I recall the Bible stories about Samson and he's never been my favorite Biblical figure. It was interesting to see these stories take place in this book though.
Other characters are not really given any depth I thought though. We have an old woman that Delilah comes to live with who ties to get her to see past her own need for vengeance. That whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Delilah is made to be in the wrong with wanting justice for her and her mother. And in the end Delilah kind of sort of agrees? I don't know. It was just weird.
The writing was good though I have to say that the flow was all over the place. The back and forth between Delilah and Samson's chapters did not really work. I wish that we had stayed focused on Delilah from beginning to end. It would have worked better I think. Anytime we transitioned to Samson's chapters I lost immediate interest.
I also didn't feel the love story aspect of Samson or Delilah in this one. I needed more development there. I also hated the fact that some of the characters in the book acted as if Delilah was in the wrong for what she felt she had to do, when she correctly mentions how Samson's own people were ready to turn him over to the Philistines.
I found the backstory to Delilah to be intriguing, but since I have never heard or read any books about this I just chalked it up to the author's imagination.
I think that most people who have read the Bible or heard of Samson and Delilah know how the story ends.
All in all, an interesting spin at Samson and Delilah. I loved the cover and wish that I had loved the book too. The flow of the book was disjointed a bit anytime the POV switched from Delilah to Samson. And I can honestly say, I don't get why Delilah was attracted to Samson. Based on what I recall from the Bible and even in this book, Samson just wanted a woman, any woman, so I didn't get warm fuzzy feelings with him and Delilah. The whole book also read like this is what happens when you trust women, we just lie for own gain.
Since I have no idea what Delilah looked like in the Bible, and honestly I can't recall if it ever came up, I loved the idea of Ms. Hunt making her a mutli-ethnic character. When we first meet Delilah, she and her mother have moved to live with her mother's new husband. Not liking her new stepbrother, Delilah is concerned about how will the Philistines find her and her mother with their darker skin. After dealing with the unexpected death of her stepfather, Delilah and her mother are treated terribly all because of the color of their skin. Delilah is eventually given a chance to escape, and she does, and continues to cross paths with Samson.
I found the character of Samson to be kind of a cave-man. Our first introduction to him is him wanting to be married to a beautiful woman. After seeing one woman, he decides he will marry her and asks her father's hand in marriage. Even though his new wife is a Philistine and Samson's parents and his servant try to talk him out of it, he is hell-bent on making her his wife. I recall the Bible stories about Samson and he's never been my favorite Biblical figure. It was interesting to see these stories take place in this book though.
Other characters are not really given any depth I thought though. We have an old woman that Delilah comes to live with who ties to get her to see past her own need for vengeance. That whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Delilah is made to be in the wrong with wanting justice for her and her mother. And in the end Delilah kind of sort of agrees? I don't know. It was just weird.
The writing was good though I have to say that the flow was all over the place. The back and forth between Delilah and Samson's chapters did not really work. I wish that we had stayed focused on Delilah from beginning to end. It would have worked better I think. Anytime we transitioned to Samson's chapters I lost immediate interest.
I also didn't feel the love story aspect of Samson or Delilah in this one. I needed more development there. I also hated the fact that some of the characters in the book acted as if Delilah was in the wrong for what she felt she had to do, when she correctly mentions how Samson's own people were ready to turn him over to the Philistines.
I found the backstory to Delilah to be intriguing, but since I have never heard or read any books about this I just chalked it up to the author's imagination.
I think that most people who have read the Bible or heard of Samson and Delilah know how the story ends.
June 10, 2016
Once again, Angela Hunt proves herself to be an absolutely gifted story teller as she brings to life the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah. Rich historical details lend an authentic air to Delilah's life and, though I have never before felt any empathy for her as a person, I certainly do after reading this fictional account! In the past it has been all too easy for me to simply view Delilah as basically an evil villain. But when I stop to think about what sort of past she may have had and why Samson was so in love with her that he made the choices he did, Hunt's take on her character as a deeply wounded soul who made the choices she did for valid (if misguided and wrong) reasons, makes much more sense. Although of course Hunt has taken some liberties in embellishing Samson and Delilah's stories to make for an entertaining plot, she has clearly striven to remain faithful to the Biblical account. After reading this book I went back to re-read the Biblical account itself and was pleased to find that she definitely honours scripture in her retelling of this intriguing story. I have often wondered why God would use such a misguided and faulty man as Samson, and yet while reading this book I simply appreciated that God has a grander purpose for using broken and sinful people. And I am so glad he does, because that means he can use me too!
Of the three Dangerous Beauty novels that Angela Hunt has written, I must say that "Delilah" has become my favourite. It is very well written and I have found that I simply can't stop thinking about it and about who God chooses to carry out his plans and why. Hunt has done a wonderful job at not only creating interesting characters, but at looking at their story in a totally different light than I've ever read about them before. I award this book a very solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Of the three Dangerous Beauty novels that Angela Hunt has written, I must say that "Delilah" has become my favourite. It is very well written and I have found that I simply can't stop thinking about it and about who God chooses to carry out his plans and why. Hunt has done a wonderful job at not only creating interesting characters, but at looking at their story in a totally different light than I've ever read about them before. I award this book a very solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
June 3, 2016
///////A Complex and Compelling Glimpse at One of the Bible's Baddest Girls
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself.
When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.//////
Such, such, SUCH a great book!!
This book, Delilah , was such a biblically accurate, unable to put down and a wonderful blend of action, spiritual food for thought, and emotional turmoil. It definitely did not let me down. The characters were so real, I really did feel for them, and the POV swapped continually between Samson and Delilah.
It was very interesting to read this story from thousands of years ago come to life for us modern day Christians, and I do consider it one of the best books I've ever read! I loved reading about (supposedly) Delilah's backstory and the WHY and HOW she came into Samson's life. It kinda makes you think that maybe she wasn't just a heartless prostitute who turned over a man of God to their enemy. She had reason. Also, in this book, she had so much emotional trauma dealt out to her....I just really loved her character. And I'm not saying she was the best person ever, I just loved learning more about this woman.
Samson didn't seem as "strong" in this book as he's portrayed in the Bible, but I don't have solid evidence that Angela Hunt, the author, was faulty in writing this aspect of his story.
Now for the negative content:
-Lots of mentions of "using women", prostitutes, harlots, etc. BUT, although there's references, the author used them tastefully and she sticks to the atmosphere of Philistine culture.
-If it bothers you, you should be wary of the gore content of this book. There's not much of it, but if you don't like fighting or wars, maybe use discretion.
WRAP-UP:
This book was similar to a time travel machine for me-it took me away from my little home in America, and swept me away to a setting, thousands of years ago to learn about a very influential couple in Christian history.
I recommend this to anyone who loves biblical fiction or historical fiction.
I think this book would be a great companion novel if you need a supplement for a Bible Study.
Please, please read it! It was such a cool ride!
*I was sent this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself.
When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.//////
Such, such, SUCH a great book!!
This book, Delilah , was such a biblically accurate, unable to put down and a wonderful blend of action, spiritual food for thought, and emotional turmoil. It definitely did not let me down. The characters were so real, I really did feel for them, and the POV swapped continually between Samson and Delilah.
It was very interesting to read this story from thousands of years ago come to life for us modern day Christians, and I do consider it one of the best books I've ever read! I loved reading about (supposedly) Delilah's backstory and the WHY and HOW she came into Samson's life. It kinda makes you think that maybe she wasn't just a heartless prostitute who turned over a man of God to their enemy. She had reason. Also, in this book, she had so much emotional trauma dealt out to her....I just really loved her character. And I'm not saying she was the best person ever, I just loved learning more about this woman.
Samson didn't seem as "strong" in this book as he's portrayed in the Bible, but I don't have solid evidence that Angela Hunt, the author, was faulty in writing this aspect of his story.
Now for the negative content:
-Lots of mentions of "using women", prostitutes, harlots, etc. BUT, although there's references, the author used them tastefully and she sticks to the atmosphere of Philistine culture.
-If it bothers you, you should be wary of the gore content of this book. There's not much of it, but if you don't like fighting or wars, maybe use discretion.
WRAP-UP:
This book was similar to a time travel machine for me-it took me away from my little home in America, and swept me away to a setting, thousands of years ago to learn about a very influential couple in Christian history.
I recommend this to anyone who loves biblical fiction or historical fiction.
I think this book would be a great companion novel if you need a supplement for a Bible Study.
Please, please read it! It was such a cool ride!
*I was sent this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
August 8, 2021
1200 BC
There is little detail about Delilah in the Bible and this novel while based on what is known about her combined with details about Samson is largely a fictional account. What I liked the most is the author's motivation to show that both Samson and Delilah were at their core fallible humans like all of us. Interesting storyline and I especially enjoyed the Epilogue.
There is little detail about Delilah in the Bible and this novel while based on what is known about her combined with details about Samson is largely a fictional account. What I liked the most is the author's motivation to show that both Samson and Delilah were at their core fallible humans like all of us. Interesting storyline and I especially enjoyed the Epilogue.
July 7, 2023
4⭐️
"But surely Adonai, creator of everything good, would create nothing unless it had a reason for being"
When Delilah's stepfather suddenly dies, she finds herself in a horrible predicament. Due to their Egyptian roots, her stepbrother claims there was no marriage, and they were bought slaves. Quickly, he sells off her mother, and in act of violence makes her his concubine.
The other half of the story is Samson (obviously). As a grown man, he finds out that he has a God-given destiny. Proclaimed by an angel before he was even conceived. Samson uses God's calling as an excuse to behave badly. He answers to no authority because he is "ordained " by God.
I love how the author perfectly blends biblical facts with her own fiction to make the story's seamlessly flow without rewriting religious history.
I never liked Samson, but that's a bible study for another day. But i always admired Delilah for her self-preservation.
I always thought she was a woman of "ill repute" and sacrificed samson for her own sake. This story made me reread the bible passage showing me it never actually says that about her. i had just infered that. I gave her a strength of character that the bible did not.
**This book shows her act out of revenge against all the men that hurt her and ultimately save a nation.
Samson and Delilah were not heroes or villains. They ere people.....because people, with all their flaws, are what God uses to work His divine will.
- Angela Hunt
"But surely Adonai, creator of everything good, would create nothing unless it had a reason for being"
When Delilah's stepfather suddenly dies, she finds herself in a horrible predicament. Due to their Egyptian roots, her stepbrother claims there was no marriage, and they were bought slaves. Quickly, he sells off her mother, and in act of violence makes her his concubine.
The other half of the story is Samson (obviously). As a grown man, he finds out that he has a God-given destiny. Proclaimed by an angel before he was even conceived. Samson uses God's calling as an excuse to behave badly. He answers to no authority because he is "ordained " by God.
I love how the author perfectly blends biblical facts with her own fiction to make the story's seamlessly flow without rewriting religious history.
I never liked Samson, but that's a bible study for another day. But i always admired Delilah for her self-preservation.
I always thought she was a woman of "ill repute" and sacrificed samson for her own sake. This story made me reread the bible passage showing me it never actually says that about her. i had just infered that. I gave her a strength of character that the bible did not.
**This book shows her act out of revenge against all the men that hurt her and ultimately save a nation.
Samson and Delilah were not heroes or villains. They ere people.....because people, with all their flaws, are what God uses to work His divine will.
- Angela Hunt
January 29, 2017
I have always read books based on major biblical characters with some skepticism. I have seen far too many stray WAYYY beyond the pages of the Bible in their story and it left me with a sour taste. BUT, when the character is in the Bible without a lot of pre-history or "what happened next", I am always willing to give it a try. Delilah is one of those characters. The only information we have about Delilah is found in Judges 16:4--"Afterward it happened that he (Samson) loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah." We know the story of how she was going to earn MUCH silver if she would help betray Samson to the Philistines, and eventually she did--leading to Samson's capture, blinding, slavery, and ultimately his grand death.
I admit, I have always asked--why? What made her do it? Where did she come from? What did she look like? I therefore, enjoyed seeing how Angela Hunt wove the past of Delilah into the story of Samson. I KNEW it was speculation, but it was actually pretty believable. We know from the Bible Samson was a lover of beautiful women--so we know she had to be stunning. Commentaries can't decide what her true "career" was, yet we know she knew how to weave (Judges 16:13-14)--so having the author give that as a career to Delilah was appropriate.
Delilah is a story of the woman who betrayed Samson, but this novel, also explores what was going on in Samson's head throughout all of this. The narration switches back and forth between Delilah and Samson. So we see his thoughts (some taken straight from the Bible and some fiction) as he journeys from the wedding to the philistine wife that blew up in his face, to the various defeats of the Philistines by his hand. He has a servant named Rei--which we eventually come to realize is a bit more than the manservant Samson thinks he is. We also see tie ins with other parts of the Bible that are going on at the same time, which shows the author's great research to keep those parts of the story accurate.
The story ends exploring the question of whether or not Delilah was in the Temple of Dagon on the fateful last day of Samson's life. I don't mind the redemptive end they gave Delilah. Because it is one of those unknowns--so maybe it DID happen like the way the author imagined. Maybe it didn't.
All in all, I give Delilah: Treacherous Beauty 4 1/2 stars. I think it did a great job exploring both the life of Samson and Delilah. Because there isn't a lot to go off of relating to Delilah, I didn't mind the author's speculation, and don't think she took it places it definitely couldn't have gone. I think all her speculation was valid and COULD have been a way it played out. I definitely think the portrayal of Samson was done well and she kept to the Bible for most of her work there. I give it an extra 1/2 star because it made me explore the time period more to see if Samuel was indeed a contemporary of Samson, and as it shows he WAS, gave me a deeper connection with the story. Books about Bible characters that make me GO to the Bible to learn more or re-read are definitely worth my time. I DO recommend this book highly--especially to those who like fictional stories based on Biblical events. I am looking forward to reading books #1 Esther: Royal Beauty and #2 Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty in this Dangerous Beauty Series now that I have enjoyed book #3. I just need to make sure my library has them.
I admit, I have always asked--why? What made her do it? Where did she come from? What did she look like? I therefore, enjoyed seeing how Angela Hunt wove the past of Delilah into the story of Samson. I KNEW it was speculation, but it was actually pretty believable. We know from the Bible Samson was a lover of beautiful women--so we know she had to be stunning. Commentaries can't decide what her true "career" was, yet we know she knew how to weave (Judges 16:13-14)--so having the author give that as a career to Delilah was appropriate.
Delilah is a story of the woman who betrayed Samson, but this novel, also explores what was going on in Samson's head throughout all of this. The narration switches back and forth between Delilah and Samson. So we see his thoughts (some taken straight from the Bible and some fiction) as he journeys from the wedding to the philistine wife that blew up in his face, to the various defeats of the Philistines by his hand. He has a servant named Rei--which we eventually come to realize is a bit more than the manservant Samson thinks he is. We also see tie ins with other parts of the Bible that are going on at the same time, which shows the author's great research to keep those parts of the story accurate.
The story ends exploring the question of whether or not Delilah was in the Temple of Dagon on the fateful last day of Samson's life. I don't mind the redemptive end they gave Delilah. Because it is one of those unknowns--so maybe it DID happen like the way the author imagined. Maybe it didn't.
All in all, I give Delilah: Treacherous Beauty 4 1/2 stars. I think it did a great job exploring both the life of Samson and Delilah. Because there isn't a lot to go off of relating to Delilah, I didn't mind the author's speculation, and don't think she took it places it definitely couldn't have gone. I think all her speculation was valid and COULD have been a way it played out. I definitely think the portrayal of Samson was done well and she kept to the Bible for most of her work there. I give it an extra 1/2 star because it made me explore the time period more to see if Samuel was indeed a contemporary of Samson, and as it shows he WAS, gave me a deeper connection with the story. Books about Bible characters that make me GO to the Bible to learn more or re-read are definitely worth my time. I DO recommend this book highly--especially to those who like fictional stories based on Biblical events. I am looking forward to reading books #1 Esther: Royal Beauty and #2 Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty in this Dangerous Beauty Series now that I have enjoyed book #3. I just need to make sure my library has them.
May 26, 2016
If you think you know the story of Samson and Delilah, read this book and think again. Despite being well acquainted with the Biblical account, I put this book down at the end (after dabbing at my eyes!) and thought, “Wow. I did not see that story coming.” (And I actually think the publisher's description gives a misleading impression of Delilah's character as it is presented in this book). Angela Hunt has looked beyond the scheming temptress and the strongman weakened by a woman’s wiles, to create eminently human – and relatable – characters who, despite their flaws, were used by God to work His will.
The story opens several years prior to Samson and Delilah’s relationship. Having grown up in Egypt as the daughter of a free woman of Cush and a Cretan sailor, seventeen-year-old Delilah is adjusting to life in Philistia following her mother’s recent marriage to a Philistine businessman. Meanwhile, Samson is arranging his marriage to a young woman of Timnah, against the advice of his parents, and his companion, Rei.
Right here, in these opening scenes, we get a glimpse of the vulnerability that drives these characters, and will eventually draw them together: a deep-seated sense of not truly belonging; of being alien. For Delilah, this comes from being a ‘mixed creature’ (to use her own words) of dark colouring. She has no living kin but her mother, and identifies with no single nation, tribe, or religion. For Samson, it is the mixed blessing of being chosen by God and set apart from birth. He is a judge of Israel, and a ‘freak’ (again, his words). And he is lonely.
When Delilah’s step-father dies unexpectedly, she and her mother find themselves at the mercy of their step-brother and step-son, Achish – a man for whom ‘mercy’ is a foreign concept. Delilah’s mother is sold into slavery, while Delilah remains in Achish’s household, subject to an even worse fate. After enduring for two months, she escapes, determined to make a life for herself as a free woman so that she can buy her mother out of slavery.
Delilah's journey takes her through Timnah, coinciding with Samson’s wedding, and on to the Valley of Sorek, to a widow who makes her living weaving fine textiles. The widow agrees to take her in, teaching her the weaving trade from the ground up. Literally. But all the while, Delilah yearns to revenge herself upon Achish, who is rapidly rising in prominence in Philistia. And who better to help exact this revenge but Samson, strongman and judge of Israel?
I won’t say any more and spoil the story, because even if you know the basics, this is a surprising and engrossing retelling. I loved that Samson and Delilah were portrayed so differently to the common perception; and convincingly so, thanks to the attention Hunt gave to the characters' motivations, circumstances, and emotional vulnerabilities. Most surprising of all, for me, was how uplifting the ending was, in spite of the circumstances. It showed Samson as a genuine, if imperfect, man of faith, and provided a beautiful picture of God’s mercy and grace to sinners.
This is a definite keeper for my Biblical fiction shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The story opens several years prior to Samson and Delilah’s relationship. Having grown up in Egypt as the daughter of a free woman of Cush and a Cretan sailor, seventeen-year-old Delilah is adjusting to life in Philistia following her mother’s recent marriage to a Philistine businessman. Meanwhile, Samson is arranging his marriage to a young woman of Timnah, against the advice of his parents, and his companion, Rei.
Right here, in these opening scenes, we get a glimpse of the vulnerability that drives these characters, and will eventually draw them together: a deep-seated sense of not truly belonging; of being alien. For Delilah, this comes from being a ‘mixed creature’ (to use her own words) of dark colouring. She has no living kin but her mother, and identifies with no single nation, tribe, or religion. For Samson, it is the mixed blessing of being chosen by God and set apart from birth. He is a judge of Israel, and a ‘freak’ (again, his words). And he is lonely.
When Delilah’s step-father dies unexpectedly, she and her mother find themselves at the mercy of their step-brother and step-son, Achish – a man for whom ‘mercy’ is a foreign concept. Delilah’s mother is sold into slavery, while Delilah remains in Achish’s household, subject to an even worse fate. After enduring for two months, she escapes, determined to make a life for herself as a free woman so that she can buy her mother out of slavery.
Delilah's journey takes her through Timnah, coinciding with Samson’s wedding, and on to the Valley of Sorek, to a widow who makes her living weaving fine textiles. The widow agrees to take her in, teaching her the weaving trade from the ground up. Literally. But all the while, Delilah yearns to revenge herself upon Achish, who is rapidly rising in prominence in Philistia. And who better to help exact this revenge but Samson, strongman and judge of Israel?
I won’t say any more and spoil the story, because even if you know the basics, this is a surprising and engrossing retelling. I loved that Samson and Delilah were portrayed so differently to the common perception; and convincingly so, thanks to the attention Hunt gave to the characters' motivations, circumstances, and emotional vulnerabilities. Most surprising of all, for me, was how uplifting the ending was, in spite of the circumstances. It showed Samson as a genuine, if imperfect, man of faith, and provided a beautiful picture of God’s mercy and grace to sinners.
This is a definite keeper for my Biblical fiction shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2016
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself. When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.
Once again Hunt does a superb job of blending facts from the Bible with historical research from the time period to create a work of fiction that kept me riveted from start to finish. Little is known about either Delilah or Sampson from the Bible. In my mind, Delilah has always been the very bad girl from the Bible ands Sampson the strong, Godly judge dedicated from birth. Hunt creates characters that are believable yet filled with the weaknesses of every human here on earth. She brings to life the human desires, wants, and needs of two characters of whom everyone has a stereotypical picture. She allows us to see Delilah and Sampson in a new light: the light of humanity and the time period in to which they were born. This is the last book in the Dangerous Beauty series. I have immensely enjoyed all 3.
Once again Hunt does a superb job of blending facts from the Bible with historical research from the time period to create a work of fiction that kept me riveted from start to finish. Little is known about either Delilah or Sampson from the Bible. In my mind, Delilah has always been the very bad girl from the Bible ands Sampson the strong, Godly judge dedicated from birth. Hunt creates characters that are believable yet filled with the weaknesses of every human here on earth. She brings to life the human desires, wants, and needs of two characters of whom everyone has a stereotypical picture. She allows us to see Delilah and Sampson in a new light: the light of humanity and the time period in to which they were born. This is the last book in the Dangerous Beauty series. I have immensely enjoyed all 3.
August 22, 2015
This is the story everyone knows. I remember hearing this story in Sunday school when I was very young. I had record/storybook of the Bible and the story of Samson and Delilah was featured in it. All of the basic parts of the story are in this book, but Angela Hunt brings the characters to life and gives them feelings. She gives reasons for their actions, and helps us understand what their motivations may have been.
I have loved this whole series and did reviews of Esther and Bathsheba. I don't always like to read Biblical fiction. I have my own ideas about how the characters in the Bible were. Ms. Hunt's characters were very different from how I had imagined them, but they were very real and believable. She also wove faith elements seamlessly throughout. I highly recommend this whole series.
I received this book for free from the publisher for the purpose of review.
December 22, 2015
The story of Samson and Delilah, the woman responsible for his downfall, is one of scripture’s most recognizable tales. Arguably Israel’s most colorful judge, the unbeatable strongman Samson is most often cast as a man of charm, cleverness, and large appetites. Delilah, the instrument of his ruin, is by contrast an amoral seductress, driven by love of coin and power, a woman who wields her sexuality as a weapon with as much skill as Samson’s legendary strength. While I stand firm on the infallibility of Scripture, over time I’ve come to realize that an examination of Judges 13-16 reveals troubling nuances all too often glossed over in cursory readings or adaptations of the text. If God’s anointed deliverer can murder thirty men in a fit of pique in order to win a bet (Judges 14:19), it’s clear that Samson’s legendary heroism as a darker, all-too-human side. For although God’s gifts and calling on an individual’s life are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), Samson’s life is a study in the redemption that occurs when God’s promises collide with an individual’s free will. And if Samson, God’s anointed, very flawed choice to realize Israel’s redemption from the Philistines (Judges 13:5) is something less than the flawless, airbrushed hero of popular culture, then is it not also possible that the seductress Delilah has deeper, more nuanced tale to tell?
Women mentioned and given voice in scripture fascinate me, as socially they had little agency of their own within the patriarchal cultures in which they lived. However, each woman is hand-picked to represent a different facet of God’s grace and redemptive power, whether they are cast as heroines or villainesses. The more I study scripture, the more I recognize the dual importance of it as God’s timeless word as well as a documented snapshot of the time period in which it was written, setting down forevermore God at work within a specific cultural, socio-economic point in history, illustrating truths that resonate to this day. In Delilah: Treacherous Beauty, Angela Hunt takes the biblical account of Samson and restores nuance, depth, and most of all, hope, to the story of a woman whose very name across the centuries has become synonymous with sin.
The Delilah within these pages is a woman for whom life has been a struggle to survive the choices of one particular man in her life determined to possess her body and break her spirit. Scarred by sexual and emotional abuse, those experiences inform her reaction to and interaction with everyone she encounters. Scripture itself is not for the faint of heart and neither is Delilah’s story, and although Hunt does not provide a play-by-play description of Delilah’s abuse, it is what’s implied that chilled this reader to the core. For a woman to be as coolly calculating regarding the fate of her supposed lover as Delilah is when negotiating with the Philistine lords (Judges 16), she has to have a visceral motivation behind her drive to dehumanize her relationship with Samson, thus allowing such a personal betrayal. This is the fully-realized woman Hunt creates from the bones of scripture, one who justifies betrayal in the name of survival, for having once survived her perpetrator’s attempt to reduce her to a faceless commodity, she is determined to never again experience such powerlessness.
Hunt alternates between Delilah’s primary viewpoint and Samson’s, where one commonality becomes clear: both Samson and Delilah were flawed individuals who all too often fell into the trap of rationalizing their behavior and choices. Samson is a successful judge who struggles being “set apart” as a Nazirite, keeping the letter of his commitment to God (never cutting his hair) while indulging in vices (women and drink) that cloud his moral compass and commitment to his mission. But despite his failings, God still used Samson to fulfill His will to act against the Philistines on Israel’s behalf. Similarly, as a dark-skinned Egyptian living in Philistia, Delilah struggles with feeling that both her heritage and her trauma have branded her as set apart. By making Delilah as a dimensional, nuanced character, Hunt sketches a portrait of a woman whose trajectory collided with God’s purpose for her life in spite of her unbelief…for above all her story is a tale of God’s redemptive power, both on behalf of His chosen people and those who would come to believe in Him as a result of witnessing God’s handiwork on behalf of those who believe.
I love Biblical fiction for its potential – a well-crafted tale, authentic to scripture and the history of the time period can illuminate the biblical record with fresh clarity, bringing new life the participants immortalized in the record of the faith. Hunt’s Legacies of the Ancient River series, retelling the story of Joseph, was among the first of such novels to open my eyes to the genre’s potential, and some two decades later, her facility for the genre remains undimmed. This is a stunning reimagining of Delilah’s character and motivations, a tragic tale of abuse, lust, and revenge, redeemed by grace.
This book left me gutted. Hunt’s vivid retelling of Delilah and Samson’s relationship is storytelling at its finest, grounded in truth, taking the bones of scripture and breathing life into flesh-and-blood characters that are all too easy to look at as stories sketched large, in danger of losing humanity that makes their stories timeless and relevant. This novel positions afresh Samson’s role as a perfectly imperfect and flawed precursor to Christ, the promised redeemer not just for the Israelites, but all of mankind. And at last more than an seductress, Delilah is given an unforgettable voice, flawed, hurting woman struggling to regain her agency in a society that would see her stripped of power. A potent reminder of God’s unfailing mercies and ability to work His will in the midst of our worst failings, Delilah illustrates His promise of love, redemption, and wholly unmerited grace and favor.
Women mentioned and given voice in scripture fascinate me, as socially they had little agency of their own within the patriarchal cultures in which they lived. However, each woman is hand-picked to represent a different facet of God’s grace and redemptive power, whether they are cast as heroines or villainesses. The more I study scripture, the more I recognize the dual importance of it as God’s timeless word as well as a documented snapshot of the time period in which it was written, setting down forevermore God at work within a specific cultural, socio-economic point in history, illustrating truths that resonate to this day. In Delilah: Treacherous Beauty, Angela Hunt takes the biblical account of Samson and restores nuance, depth, and most of all, hope, to the story of a woman whose very name across the centuries has become synonymous with sin.
The Delilah within these pages is a woman for whom life has been a struggle to survive the choices of one particular man in her life determined to possess her body and break her spirit. Scarred by sexual and emotional abuse, those experiences inform her reaction to and interaction with everyone she encounters. Scripture itself is not for the faint of heart and neither is Delilah’s story, and although Hunt does not provide a play-by-play description of Delilah’s abuse, it is what’s implied that chilled this reader to the core. For a woman to be as coolly calculating regarding the fate of her supposed lover as Delilah is when negotiating with the Philistine lords (Judges 16), she has to have a visceral motivation behind her drive to dehumanize her relationship with Samson, thus allowing such a personal betrayal. This is the fully-realized woman Hunt creates from the bones of scripture, one who justifies betrayal in the name of survival, for having once survived her perpetrator’s attempt to reduce her to a faceless commodity, she is determined to never again experience such powerlessness.
Hunt alternates between Delilah’s primary viewpoint and Samson’s, where one commonality becomes clear: both Samson and Delilah were flawed individuals who all too often fell into the trap of rationalizing their behavior and choices. Samson is a successful judge who struggles being “set apart” as a Nazirite, keeping the letter of his commitment to God (never cutting his hair) while indulging in vices (women and drink) that cloud his moral compass and commitment to his mission. But despite his failings, God still used Samson to fulfill His will to act against the Philistines on Israel’s behalf. Similarly, as a dark-skinned Egyptian living in Philistia, Delilah struggles with feeling that both her heritage and her trauma have branded her as set apart. By making Delilah as a dimensional, nuanced character, Hunt sketches a portrait of a woman whose trajectory collided with God’s purpose for her life in spite of her unbelief…for above all her story is a tale of God’s redemptive power, both on behalf of His chosen people and those who would come to believe in Him as a result of witnessing God’s handiwork on behalf of those who believe.
I love Biblical fiction for its potential – a well-crafted tale, authentic to scripture and the history of the time period can illuminate the biblical record with fresh clarity, bringing new life the participants immortalized in the record of the faith. Hunt’s Legacies of the Ancient River series, retelling the story of Joseph, was among the first of such novels to open my eyes to the genre’s potential, and some two decades later, her facility for the genre remains undimmed. This is a stunning reimagining of Delilah’s character and motivations, a tragic tale of abuse, lust, and revenge, redeemed by grace.
This book left me gutted. Hunt’s vivid retelling of Delilah and Samson’s relationship is storytelling at its finest, grounded in truth, taking the bones of scripture and breathing life into flesh-and-blood characters that are all too easy to look at as stories sketched large, in danger of losing humanity that makes their stories timeless and relevant. This novel positions afresh Samson’s role as a perfectly imperfect and flawed precursor to Christ, the promised redeemer not just for the Israelites, but all of mankind. And at last more than an seductress, Delilah is given an unforgettable voice, flawed, hurting woman struggling to regain her agency in a society that would see her stripped of power. A potent reminder of God’s unfailing mercies and ability to work His will in the midst of our worst failings, Delilah illustrates His promise of love, redemption, and wholly unmerited grace and favor.
April 30, 2022
There is no doubt that Delilah betrayed Samson, but there is little explanation in the Bible for why she betrayed him. Was it greed? Was she simply evil? What were her motives? Hunt has given one possibility in this novel, a story filled with heartache.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
November 16, 2018
Thoughts
I loved the book of Esther and Bathsheba. But, Delilah, oh Delilah. This was a boring one. I don't know why but this one dragged on and on for me. Obviously, this is not like the actual book in the bible but the other ones were at least enjoyable. I felt for Delilah and what she went through but after a while, I was just tired of all the negativity for all 40+ years of her life. I also didn't really care for Samson either. A lot of what happened to him was brought on by dumb decisions he made. I truly didn't care about either of their points-of-view. I was just waiting for the book to be over. The second half of the synopsis doesn't even happen 'till like 70 or 80% ways in the book. I was waiting and waiting for them to meet and her to betray him or whatever and it took 'till basically the end of the book. It dragged on and on. No one was really likable and after a while, I stopped caring about whatever it was I was supposed to be caring about. The writing was good just like in the other two books but for some reason, this one felt so wordy and tedious. I didn't feel like I was taken back to the bible days like in the other books. I felt like I was in my room reading a history book that lacked all interesting content. It was sorely disappointing and I was hoping the final book would excite me but it felt more like a chore to get through. Since these books can be read as a stand-alone it is not necessary to read this one. If you enjoyed books one and two I would just stop there and not bother continuing to read this story. I do love the cover though and since I have one and two I will buy a hard copy of this since I listened to it on Audible.
I loved the book of Esther and Bathsheba. But, Delilah, oh Delilah. This was a boring one. I don't know why but this one dragged on and on for me. Obviously, this is not like the actual book in the bible but the other ones were at least enjoyable. I felt for Delilah and what she went through but after a while, I was just tired of all the negativity for all 40+ years of her life. I also didn't really care for Samson either. A lot of what happened to him was brought on by dumb decisions he made. I truly didn't care about either of their points-of-view. I was just waiting for the book to be over. The second half of the synopsis doesn't even happen 'till like 70 or 80% ways in the book. I was waiting and waiting for them to meet and her to betray him or whatever and it took 'till basically the end of the book. It dragged on and on. No one was really likable and after a while, I stopped caring about whatever it was I was supposed to be caring about. The writing was good just like in the other two books but for some reason, this one felt so wordy and tedious. I didn't feel like I was taken back to the bible days like in the other books. I felt like I was in my room reading a history book that lacked all interesting content. It was sorely disappointing and I was hoping the final book would excite me but it felt more like a chore to get through. Since these books can be read as a stand-alone it is not necessary to read this one. If you enjoyed books one and two I would just stop there and not bother continuing to read this story. I do love the cover though and since I have one and two I will buy a hard copy of this since I listened to it on Audible.
June 20, 2016
Sampson and Delilah. Even now her name is a bad girl name. What could possibly motivate a woman to seduce a man and then eventually cause his death? The scripture verses only go so far. Angela Hunt gives us a possible perspective on this infamous woman from the Bible.
In this book, we meet Delilah, a woman who's step father has passed. She and her mother are now under the dictatorship of her step-brother. This is life changing for her. Meanwhile, Sampson, when he wasn't doing acts of great renowned, was an "ordinary" guy with a calling on his life. He longed for what most men do, a wife and kids. Delilah is not from his linage. He is a Nazarite, sworn to serve God and follow some set rules. She is an exotic, beautiful pagan Egyptian. These opposites are not just attracted, but deadly.
Told from both "sides" of the story, this book was well interwoven with scripture and rich in the settings of the time. I enjoyed it.
My copy came from Net Galley and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
In this book, we meet Delilah, a woman who's step father has passed. She and her mother are now under the dictatorship of her step-brother. This is life changing for her. Meanwhile, Sampson, when he wasn't doing acts of great renowned, was an "ordinary" guy with a calling on his life. He longed for what most men do, a wife and kids. Delilah is not from his linage. He is a Nazarite, sworn to serve God and follow some set rules. She is an exotic, beautiful pagan Egyptian. These opposites are not just attracted, but deadly.
Told from both "sides" of the story, this book was well interwoven with scripture and rich in the settings of the time. I enjoyed it.
My copy came from Net Galley and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
July 20, 2015
Midway through this book, I stopped and read the Biblical account. I just couldnt continue without refamiliarizing myself with the actual account. And I love when Biblical fiction can motivate me to do so.
I've enjoyed this story and the entire series.
I've enjoyed this story and the entire series.
November 14, 2016
2.5 Stars
I've enjoyed this series up until now. This story just did not resonate with me. There was a severe lack of joy as Delilah's every thought was one of bitterness and revenge.
I've enjoyed this series up until now. This story just did not resonate with me. There was a severe lack of joy as Delilah's every thought was one of bitterness and revenge.
May 12, 2024
4.5⭐️ This was a possible angle on Delilah I had never before considered.
The Bible doesn’t give any reason for why she betrayed Samson. It says Samson fell in love with her. We don’t know how they met or what their relationship was like.
What if her reasons were not purely wicked like we’ve (or at least I’ve) been led to believe?
The “tob woman” aspect is not as prominent in this one compared to Esther and Bathsheba. It’s noted a few times, but not as strongly. Didn’t detract from the story, though.
I thought her reasons for the choice she made should have been emphasized more. I wanted to see the cost of her hesitancy to betray Samson, not just the threat of what would happen to her if she didn’t betray him. I needed to feel the pressure more. I thought that there was more intensity at the beginning than at the end, and the end was what mattered most: her act of treachery.
But her treachery isn’t where it ends ❤️🩹
All that being said, this was still beautifully done. The author wove in Christ-like forgiveness and redemptive love and that always wins me over in a story ❤️
Notable Quotes:
“But surely Adonai, creator of everything good, would create nothing unless it had a reason for being.”
“Adonai never wounds His people without also making preparation for their healing.”
Samson: “I know [Delilah] loved me, but she loved vengeance more.”
Delilah: “I did not deserve to escape the death they suffered, but I did…because Samson loved me.”
I also recommend reading the Author’s Notes at the end in which she explains her reasons for why she wrote this the way she did. If it happened in the Bible a certain way, she’s sticks to that, and then fills in the gaps.
I always say: I’m very picky when it comes to Christian fiction. The Dangerous Beauty trilogy is well worth a read 🌟
“Adonai may be invisible, but as Samson said, so is love, and nothing is more powerful.”
For God is love 💖✝️
The Bible doesn’t give any reason for why she betrayed Samson. It says Samson fell in love with her. We don’t know how they met or what their relationship was like.
What if her reasons were not purely wicked like we’ve (or at least I’ve) been led to believe?
The “tob woman” aspect is not as prominent in this one compared to Esther and Bathsheba. It’s noted a few times, but not as strongly. Didn’t detract from the story, though.
I thought her reasons for the choice she made should have been emphasized more. I wanted to see the cost of her hesitancy to betray Samson, not just the threat of what would happen to her if she didn’t betray him. I needed to feel the pressure more. I thought that there was more intensity at the beginning than at the end, and the end was what mattered most: her act of treachery.
But her treachery isn’t where it ends ❤️🩹
All that being said, this was still beautifully done. The author wove in Christ-like forgiveness and redemptive love and that always wins me over in a story ❤️
Notable Quotes:
“But surely Adonai, creator of everything good, would create nothing unless it had a reason for being.”
“Adonai never wounds His people without also making preparation for their healing.”
Samson: “I know [Delilah] loved me, but she loved vengeance more.”
Delilah: “I did not deserve to escape the death they suffered, but I did…because Samson loved me.”
I also recommend reading the Author’s Notes at the end in which she explains her reasons for why she wrote this the way she did. If it happened in the Bible a certain way, she’s sticks to that, and then fills in the gaps.
I always say: I’m very picky when it comes to Christian fiction. The Dangerous Beauty trilogy is well worth a read 🌟
“Adonai may be invisible, but as Samson said, so is love, and nothing is more powerful.”
For God is love 💖✝️
March 16, 2019
A brilliant retelling of the story of Samson and Delilah. Told from two different viewpoints (both Samson and Delilah), this story explores why Delilah might have perpetrated such a betrayal. Hunt makes both characters flawed yet vulnerable. A most interesting read, and one I would not hesitate to recommend.
"Samson and Delilah were not heroes or villains. They were people... because people,with all their flaws, are what God uses to work His divine will." (Angela Hunt, author's note at the conclusion of Delilah: Treacherous Beauty)
"Samson and Delilah were not heroes or villains. They were people... because people,with all their flaws, are what God uses to work His divine will." (Angela Hunt, author's note at the conclusion of Delilah: Treacherous Beauty)
June 24, 2021
I really am not sure how I feel about this book. It was a fantastic story, but I'm not 100% sure how I feel about making Delilah into a victim of circumstances. She was in love with Samson but still betrayed him? She could have just left... Taken Samson and left the area. Said "oh, btw, there are people who want you dead that are threatening me, so we should git." But nope. Her love for Samson really made her motivations... lacking.
I did enjoy the biblical references to the book of Judges, but Delilah should have been someone who was using Samson and not just a girl who fell in love with him.
I did enjoy the biblical references to the book of Judges, but Delilah should have been someone who was using Samson and not just a girl who fell in love with him.
March 17, 2022
I'm reading the best books over my spring break, that's for sure. This one I couldn't put down and I stayed up till 3am finishing. Bible stories are always interesting and I liked how the author gave Delilah sensible motivations for what she did.
March 20, 2025
My only complaint is that the betrayal scenes of Samson seemed a little rushed. Other than that, this has been my favorite of the Dangerous Beauty books by far.
July 10, 2019
Wow.
This book stays true to the biblical story while filling in the gaps through imaginative details. I loved this bc it never strays from historical fact. Great job!
This book stays true to the biblical story while filling in the gaps through imaginative details. I loved this bc it never strays from historical fact. Great job!
August 23, 2019
Regarding Biblical fiction, the author claims to aim for faithfulness to the Bible, historical context, and human nature. I believe that she accomplished her goals with this book. It's Biblically accurate yet imaginative (e.g., Samson's "servant-companion" who serves as his God-inspired conscience that he constantly overrides with his fleshly desires/choices, this Delilah was the mother of a son produced through rape...and she loved Samson...but not as much as she loved her own life and thirst for "justice")!
The book is anointed by the Holy Spirit because I received revelation of Jesus Christ while reading it. Samson was a type of savior. In her description of his relationship with Delilah, the author shows us the daily practical ways that Samson demonstrated God's love for Delilah, a woman who didn't even believe in Him! That's extraordinary grace. Like Judas, Delilah betrayed the man who loved her for silver. Her betrayal feels even worse here because we see how much Samson loves (not lusted!) her - even more so after her betrayal! In this version of the story, God redeems Delilah through Samson's forgiveness and sacrificial love for her and her son.
More evidence: it's extremely rare for white people to accurately describe Samson's physical appearance; she's literally the only one who has gotten it 100% correct, so I know that the author wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
In all of my readings of the Biblical account of Samson and Delilah, I couldn't understand why Samson couldn't see her treachery before the final betrayal. But I received the revelation about his "blindness" right before the author revealed it. Like Samson, I enjoy playing games. Like Samson, I became prideful because of my many victories. Like Samson, I have been saved by God from many dangerous situations despite my stupid gambles. Like Samson, I knew that my opponents wanted to destroy me...yet I still engaged them in battles of wits. Like Samson, I heard God say, "This person was sent to you by Satan/the enemy." yet didn't disassociate from them until I had lost/destroyed/gave away a valuable gift from God. Like Samson, I received a "hair cut" in the discipline phase of the process and my hair grew back after I repented. Like Samson, I am now used as a mighty weapon in God's hands that is more lethal post-defeat than I was before that...because I refuse to lose a battle twice (especially not to the same opponent)! 😉
Judges 16:21-22, 27-31 NLT
So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. But before long, his hair began to grow back...
Now the temple was completely filled with people. All the Philistine rulers were there, and there were about 3,000 men and women on the roof who were watching as Samson amused them.
Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.”
Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.”
And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.
Later his brothers and other relatives went down to get his body. They took him back home and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol, where his father, Manoah, was buried. Samson had judged Israel for twenty years.
John 2:11-22 NLT
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.
It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money.
Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables.
Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”
But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”
“All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?”
But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.
Matthew 26:59-68 NLT
Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?”
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!” Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”
Mark 14:65 NLT
Then some of them began to spit at him [Jesus], and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.
Luke 22:64 NLT
They blindfolded him [Jesus] and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?”
1 Corinthians 3:10-23 NLT
Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”
And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”
So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you— whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
The book is anointed by the Holy Spirit because I received revelation of Jesus Christ while reading it. Samson was a type of savior. In her description of his relationship with Delilah, the author shows us the daily practical ways that Samson demonstrated God's love for Delilah, a woman who didn't even believe in Him! That's extraordinary grace. Like Judas, Delilah betrayed the man who loved her for silver. Her betrayal feels even worse here because we see how much Samson loves (not lusted!) her - even more so after her betrayal! In this version of the story, God redeems Delilah through Samson's forgiveness and sacrificial love for her and her son.
More evidence: it's extremely rare for white people to accurately describe Samson's physical appearance; she's literally the only one who has gotten it 100% correct, so I know that the author wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
In all of my readings of the Biblical account of Samson and Delilah, I couldn't understand why Samson couldn't see her treachery before the final betrayal. But I received the revelation about his "blindness" right before the author revealed it. Like Samson, I enjoy playing games. Like Samson, I became prideful because of my many victories. Like Samson, I have been saved by God from many dangerous situations despite my stupid gambles. Like Samson, I knew that my opponents wanted to destroy me...yet I still engaged them in battles of wits. Like Samson, I heard God say, "This person was sent to you by Satan/the enemy." yet didn't disassociate from them until I had lost/destroyed/gave away a valuable gift from God. Like Samson, I received a "hair cut" in the discipline phase of the process and my hair grew back after I repented. Like Samson, I am now used as a mighty weapon in God's hands that is more lethal post-defeat than I was before that...because I refuse to lose a battle twice (especially not to the same opponent)! 😉
Judges 16:21-22, 27-31 NLT
So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. But before long, his hair began to grow back...
Now the temple was completely filled with people. All the Philistine rulers were there, and there were about 3,000 men and women on the roof who were watching as Samson amused them.
Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.”
Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.”
And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.
Later his brothers and other relatives went down to get his body. They took him back home and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol, where his father, Manoah, was buried. Samson had judged Israel for twenty years.
John 2:11-22 NLT
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.
It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money.
Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables.
Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”
But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”
“All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?”
But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.
Matthew 26:59-68 NLT
Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?”
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!” Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”
Mark 14:65 NLT
Then some of them began to spit at him [Jesus], and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.
Luke 22:64 NLT
They blindfolded him [Jesus] and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?”
1 Corinthians 3:10-23 NLT
Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”
And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”
So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you— whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
October 12, 2016
The following review is based off my own opinions, thoughts and reactions. So in other words brace yourself. *There may be inappropriate words such as curse words.* You have been advised in advance.*
HOLY SHIT, WHAT IS THIS AND HOW HAVE I NEVER DISCOVERED THIS AUTHOR?!
Before I start this review and explain why I'm so shocked and mind blown, I need to give a HUGE thank you to the author for holding the giveaway that allowed me to acquire this book. Among the many authors I have come across in the reading adventures, Angela Elwell Hunt is probably one of my most newest and most recent favorite author. She really knows how to capture the mind and souls of her readers. Thank you so much for allowing me the chance to read this book and be able to do this book review right now!
What can I say about this book? That it's amazing? That it nearly had me on the floor dying from shock?
Seriously though, this book was incredible. At first the book started off boring for me, but after the first couple of chapters things just started really heating up. Before I knew it, it was a snowball effect and I was running down the hill to the finish line. Starting this book when I did and finishing it when I did really just goes to show how good this book really is.
The character development of the main character was so amazing and had my heart breaking and soaring on so many levels just left me feeling completely decimated at the very end of this book. Literally, the whole story plot blew me way up until the end of the book. I literally crumpled to the floor from exhaustion because I was just so shell shocked from how good the book was and how the end just had me on an emotional roller coaster.
Even though this book had me in a complete shipwreck of emotions and feelings, the author did a really amazing job at writing this book. With this being my first book of Angela Elwell Hunt's published work, I have to rate this 5 stars. How could I not after feeling like a volcano erupted in my entire soul. My soul is still of fire from this book! So here's to the author and this book for awakening my soul with an insane fire!
HOLY SHIT, WHAT IS THIS AND HOW HAVE I NEVER DISCOVERED THIS AUTHOR?!
Before I start this review and explain why I'm so shocked and mind blown, I need to give a HUGE thank you to the author for holding the giveaway that allowed me to acquire this book. Among the many authors I have come across in the reading adventures, Angela Elwell Hunt is probably one of my most newest and most recent favorite author. She really knows how to capture the mind and souls of her readers. Thank you so much for allowing me the chance to read this book and be able to do this book review right now!
What can I say about this book? That it's amazing? That it nearly had me on the floor dying from shock?
Seriously though, this book was incredible. At first the book started off boring for me, but after the first couple of chapters things just started really heating up. Before I knew it, it was a snowball effect and I was running down the hill to the finish line. Starting this book when I did and finishing it when I did really just goes to show how good this book really is.
The character development of the main character was so amazing and had my heart breaking and soaring on so many levels just left me feeling completely decimated at the very end of this book. Literally, the whole story plot blew me way up until the end of the book. I literally crumpled to the floor from exhaustion because I was just so shell shocked from how good the book was and how the end just had me on an emotional roller coaster.
Even though this book had me in a complete shipwreck of emotions and feelings, the author did a really amazing job at writing this book. With this being my first book of Angela Elwell Hunt's published work, I have to rate this 5 stars. How could I not after feeling like a volcano erupted in my entire soul. My soul is still of fire from this book! So here's to the author and this book for awakening my soul with an insane fire!
April 9, 2016
Beauty is a curse
This is the second book I have read by Angela Hunt, and I am now a fan. This book was esquisite, moving and compassionate. She put Delilah on a new light, a more humane light, that of a woman caught up in a situation she had to find a way out of. She showed a daughter, mother and woman in love. It shows how the thirst for revenge can have a great impact on your life and others around you. Delilah's father had died when his ship sank.
Delilah's mother had just been married three months to a Philistine businessman who had shone her nothing but compassion and thoughtfulness, unlike his son, who never spoke a kind word. Delilah's stepfather, Adinai, died and her stepbrother, Achish, took over the estate. Delilah's mother couldn't prove Adinai had married her. Achish starting treating Delilah and her mother like slaves. Her mother was of Egyptian descent and her skin was black, Delilah was Egyptian and Crete descent and had skin the color of mud. He sold Delilah's mother as a slave and took her as his concubine. He begins to abuse her. How to escape from this prison. Who would help her? Travel along with Delilah and see where her life goes. While Delilah is going through changes in her life, Samson is also having problems, his marriage is ill-fated and his bride and father-in-law are killed. How do Delilah and Samson's life cross? What surprises are along the way? Pick up a copy today and be enthralled. You will not be able to put it down. The book cover is awesome, the raised lettering is so smooth. Keep up the good work, Angela. Looking forward to your next book.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing for this review.
This is the second book I have read by Angela Hunt, and I am now a fan. This book was esquisite, moving and compassionate. She put Delilah on a new light, a more humane light, that of a woman caught up in a situation she had to find a way out of. She showed a daughter, mother and woman in love. It shows how the thirst for revenge can have a great impact on your life and others around you. Delilah's father had died when his ship sank.
Delilah's mother had just been married three months to a Philistine businessman who had shone her nothing but compassion and thoughtfulness, unlike his son, who never spoke a kind word. Delilah's stepfather, Adinai, died and her stepbrother, Achish, took over the estate. Delilah's mother couldn't prove Adinai had married her. Achish starting treating Delilah and her mother like slaves. Her mother was of Egyptian descent and her skin was black, Delilah was Egyptian and Crete descent and had skin the color of mud. He sold Delilah's mother as a slave and took her as his concubine. He begins to abuse her. How to escape from this prison. Who would help her? Travel along with Delilah and see where her life goes. While Delilah is going through changes in her life, Samson is also having problems, his marriage is ill-fated and his bride and father-in-law are killed. How do Delilah and Samson's life cross? What surprises are along the way? Pick up a copy today and be enthralled. You will not be able to put it down. The book cover is awesome, the raised lettering is so smooth. Keep up the good work, Angela. Looking forward to your next book.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing for this review.
February 16, 2016
Oh. My. Goodness! Yeah, I loved Delilah. Maybe not as much as Bathsheba, but pure, crazy book love fore sure!
It's important to remember that this is a fiction story. Very little is known about Samson and Delilah, but what we do know, Angela Hunt made sure was Biblically accurate. I'd recommend reading the author note at the end of the book before you dive into Samson and Delilah's story.
Angela created a devastating backstory for Delilah. It was so vivid, and I understood Delilah. I understood her desperation, her desires, her pain. It helped me understand why she would rationalize betraying Samson.
Samson warred with his desire for love and to be his own man which clashed against God's will for his life. I thought Angela Hunt's portrayal of Samson was very insightful. Instead of reading a judgmental or placating story, we saw a man. A man who screwed up, but loved God.
Delilah is the third and final book in the Dangerous Beauty Series. The description of the setting, the political struggle, the devastation of God's people was depicted beautifully. This was a breathtaking, heart crushing, insightful story. This story has everything - romance, betrayal, battles, hope, and forgiveness. Everyone should read this incredible series, but that's just the opinion of one bookworm.
I received a copy of Delilah by Angela Hunt from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have given.
It's important to remember that this is a fiction story. Very little is known about Samson and Delilah, but what we do know, Angela Hunt made sure was Biblically accurate. I'd recommend reading the author note at the end of the book before you dive into Samson and Delilah's story.
Angela created a devastating backstory for Delilah. It was so vivid, and I understood Delilah. I understood her desperation, her desires, her pain. It helped me understand why she would rationalize betraying Samson.
Samson warred with his desire for love and to be his own man which clashed against God's will for his life. I thought Angela Hunt's portrayal of Samson was very insightful. Instead of reading a judgmental or placating story, we saw a man. A man who screwed up, but loved God.
Delilah is the third and final book in the Dangerous Beauty Series. The description of the setting, the political struggle, the devastation of God's people was depicted beautifully. This was a breathtaking, heart crushing, insightful story. This story has everything - romance, betrayal, battles, hope, and forgiveness. Everyone should read this incredible series, but that's just the opinion of one bookworm.
I received a copy of Delilah by Angela Hunt from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have given.
October 27, 2024
My first experience with Angela Hunt - and may I just say - she truly has a great way with words. There were many sentences that simply caused me to go back and reread them to bask in their eloquence one more time. This book also made me go back and reread the story of Samson from the book of Judges. A worth-while read, but please know there were some disturbing sequences. All in all it still ended so beautifully tragic and was well written… and yes I knew how it would end, and Hunt stuck so closely to the Bible.
My biggest fear would be that Delilah would be made out to be justified in what she did… but that was not the case. It was not a feminist parade, instead it showed Delilah as so many people neglect to see her - a human.
My biggest complaint was just how slow the middle portion of the book was. It took all the way to 60% through for Delilah to finally meet Samson. For this reason only I have to give it a 3/5 and not a higher rating.
Nonetheless, there is one sentence that will forever stick with me. “A man stripped of his faith (is) a man easily defeated.”
A worthwhile read with a great way to humanize one of the Bible’s most notorious women and questionable leaders.
My biggest fear would be that Delilah would be made out to be justified in what she did… but that was not the case. It was not a feminist parade, instead it showed Delilah as so many people neglect to see her - a human.
My biggest complaint was just how slow the middle portion of the book was. It took all the way to 60% through for Delilah to finally meet Samson. For this reason only I have to give it a 3/5 and not a higher rating.
Nonetheless, there is one sentence that will forever stick with me. “A man stripped of his faith (is) a man easily defeated.”
A worthwhile read with a great way to humanize one of the Bible’s most notorious women and questionable leaders.
June 29, 2016
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
Very impressed
Probably this sounds a bit repetitive because I always refer to the excellent work of this author, but that’s because it really impresses me the hard work she does for each of her novels.
Although her stories are based on the Bible, they have much historical context that helps to understand better the characters. It is true that this is a work of fiction, but I loved the new twist in which it was developed.
My suggestion is to read the Bible story first, then this novel.
-I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, which I did-
November 19, 2016
What's a girl to do?!
Everyone thinks Delilah is a traitor. She turns Samson in, and apparently didn't bat an eyelash... or did she?
This story plays a nice picture for what may or may not have happened between Samson and Delilah. We see a friendship and love story unfold, and then they are separated. The journey before, during and after are so enthralling, that I took my time reading it all and getting a vivid idea of what it must have been like.
I'm intrigued by the looming too. In the story, Delilah uses a loom, and some of the clothes she makes I would love to see. They sound very ornate for the time period.
Still, this was a fantastic book and an author I will definitely read again.
4.5/5
Everyone thinks Delilah is a traitor. She turns Samson in, and apparently didn't bat an eyelash... or did she?
This story plays a nice picture for what may or may not have happened between Samson and Delilah. We see a friendship and love story unfold, and then they are separated. The journey before, during and after are so enthralling, that I took my time reading it all and getting a vivid idea of what it must have been like.
I'm intrigued by the looming too. In the story, Delilah uses a loom, and some of the clothes she makes I would love to see. They sound very ornate for the time period.
Still, this was a fantastic book and an author I will definitely read again.
4.5/5
August 9, 2019
This book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't fantastic. Typically if I really don't like a book, I opt not to finish it or review, so at least this one I did finish. However, I have read books by other authors who've written books based on Biblical stories that I've enjoyed much more than this. The main reason I wasn't a huge fan was because I found myself doubting a lot of the artistic liberties that were taken with the story and characters. Granted, I know we don't get all the details in the Bible so somethings do need to be made up, to a point, but I just felt myself being very disconnected from this story and what I know of it. Again, it's not terrible, but personally it wasn't really my type of book.
July 5, 2016
An interesting look at the familiar Bible story - from Delilah's point of view. A thought-provoking read. Broken, sexually abused, desperate, Delilah succeeded in making a new life for herself, but then...
Contains some violence, but it was necessary to the story. If you are squeamish, there is one part you might find a bit icky, but you can always skip it. If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll guess where it is.
Contains some violence, but it was necessary to the story. If you are squeamish, there is one part you might find a bit icky, but you can always skip it. If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll guess where it is.
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