Cliff Graham's books about bible history are always good, so now I wait, wait, wait for the next in this series. This one is David's battle for Jerusalem. It was shorter them the others in this series but intense. The characters are very well defined from previous books in the series and this books stays true to their individuality, but there is more fiction here because the bible gives little description of the actual battle but I think it will lead well into the next book which should be more fact based. I like this history of King David. It is a more in depth study of the man giving him character beyond Goliath or Bathsheba. He both loves and hates with equal intensity.
Torrential rain, injuries, illness, and cold are just some of the obstacles that David and his Mighty Men have to face in Song of War, the third book in the Lion of War series. However, what first looks like hurdles to cross, end up being blessings greater than could ever be imagined. David is favored by God and he is called to fight. What is placed before them is what is needed.
Song of War takes place just weeks after then ending of Covenant of War. The questions that were were left with in the end are all answered...What happens to Eleazar after his injuries in battle? What of Ittai who Eleazar helped escape in his final moments of consciousness? What of Joab after his punishment for his rash actions?
Song of War draws you back into the world of King David and his Giborrim, his thirty mighty me, and The Three. Even when forced to set this book down, I was pulled right back in when I picked it back up. This is not a stand lone book, you need to read Day of War and Covenant of War to keep you in the story. Song of War has many perspectives in the story, like the previous books, but this one is focused on Shammah's point of view, as Day of War was from Benaiah and Covenant of War was from Eleazar.
David has been given word from God that this is the time to wipe out the Philistines and to finally claim the fortress Jebus, or to some Hebrews, Jerusalem. David has been led to this city, as it is the center point of his new kingdom, to bring the tribes of Israel together in unity, not favoring one place over the other. Jebus has been known to be impregnable, but David knows with the Covering over him and God's Warriors ahead, God's will, will be done.
The battle, the humor, and the praise brought this book to life. Cliff Graham's research of the land and surroundings show through, which add depth. In addition to his own personal knowledge of war fare, the book has a real and gritty feel at times, which is great. War is never pretty and it isn't played down in this series. It is a serious and sometimes needed event in a lifetime and Cliff Graham portrays it well.
It's a fantastic read and I'm looking forward to continue on with the series! Praise to our God and arrows to the Enemy.
I only have a pre-release electronic copy of this book, sadly. I’m not sure if a final version was ever published as you can’t buy it online now. So... this pre-release is a little less polished than the previous two books but that’s to be expected. It’s still a great story with powerful sequences. The exciting story of the conquering of Jerusalem based on archaeological finds and Biblical text and Graham’s own experiences with weather in the middle east - is definitely worth reading and elevates even the pre-release version to five stars.
Always an exciting read. For me, not a big reader, these books just transport me back to those days and you can just feel everything. The comradrery that is found in this book, amonsgt the mighty men, is incredibly realistic to those that have served in any way.
This book was ok, though I am highly disappointed the author didn't find the need to finish the series and moved onto another series from Exodus. It appears from his website that you need to become a monthly patron in order to receive the final two books once, if ever, written.
This is an excellent series, and this book is no exception. A note for the faint-of-heart: there is a lot of imagination because the subject is barely covered in scripture, but Graham readily acknowledges the fact and does a great job filling in gaps with exciting and realistic story. Shorter than some but a must read.
I need MORE books Mr.Graham please. Your work is just amazing! I have enjoyed the first 3 books immensely!! Anyone who buys just one of the Lion of war series will be ready to search for and buy them all!
Cliff Graham continues to excel at entertaining his readers with this intense gem of a book. Though I await the last two books of the series, I take Song of War to be the glue cementing the first and last two books. The military strategies set forth by the author in these books are incomparable. To see the planning executed during the battles, while continually appreciating each character's role, is truly an amazing gift. I daresay this story is the "Two Towers" or "Empire Strikes Back" of the Lion of War series. Waiting with baited breath for the next novel.
Continues in the same vein as the other books in the series. I was a little disappointed that this book is so much shorter than the others, but the author mentions in the notes that this was deliberate and that the later books would be longer. As always, I enjoy the life that he breathes into the Mighty Men of the Bible, they really come to life in all their glory and failures. A good read if you liked the first two in the series.
Song of War is a very important segment in the Lion of War series. David is throttling his enemies as the power and strength of Yahweh help him defeat them. Imagery is phenomenal and gave me a terrific picture of the events taking place. The whole book is battles as David chases down the Philistine army. Dramatic examples of courage and plenty of covering.
Conclusion (Book 3) of the Lion of War series. Although I liked this book, I actually found it less compelling than the first two. These books are best read in sequence. These novels are based on Biblical characters and events and some literary license is taken but they are quite true to the time period.
This updated and expanded version of Song of War was excellent. The new structure and additional content make the story flow much better and I am excited for Fire of War to release in the Spring of 2026.