What do you think?
Rate this book
Elijah Chronicles #1
On the Mountain of the Lord
Submerged in doubt after a brutal car accident ripped his wife, child, and faith from him, Dr. Jack Garrison travels to Israel on a fact-finding mission. When he begins to experience inexplicable visions within hours of landing, he knows he’s in over his head.
Join Dr. Garrison as he teams up with longtime friend Lev and a dauntless female Israeli Border Police officer to battle a furtive yet deadly enemy. His journey will take him from the city streets of London to the furthest shores of the Mediterranean as he’s forced to confront his doubts and accept the astonishing possibility that he is witnessing an ancient prophecy unfold.
Watch history, prophecy, and current events leap to life as best-selling author Bodie Thoene and prophecy scholar Ray Bentley lead you on a journey that melds the past, present, and future into one unforgettable story.
Join Dr. Garrison as he teams up with longtime friend Lev and a dauntless female Israeli Border Police officer to battle a furtive yet deadly enemy. His journey will take him from the city streets of London to the furthest shores of the Mediterranean as he’s forced to confront his doubts and accept the astonishing possibility that he is witnessing an ancient prophecy unfold.
Watch history, prophecy, and current events leap to life as best-selling author Bodie Thoene and prophecy scholar Ray Bentley lead you on a journey that melds the past, present, and future into one unforgettable story.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published July 31, 2018
211 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 22, 2018
It was really hard for me to complete this book, but I did it.
The blurb on the back cover sounded so interesting and did not seem to imply that politics would be the filler of the book, it briefly mentions work in the Middle East. The terrorist action that did occur- the only physical activity that was intriguing, was fast and a few pages each time, while the political debates would go on for chapters it seemed like, or maybe I would just get so bored everytime it happened. My eyes glazed over so many times it was hard not to skip pages in case I missed an important name or something.
The ECMP (European Committee on Mid-East Policy) overshadowed so much of the story, with all its political jargon and religious politics...about 80% of the story. The other 20% I really liked! The religious and spiritual aspects I liked, and the character Bette Deekman, was awesome! The cover of the book is GORGEOUS!
I feel maybe I liked one of the author's styles of writing while maybe not the other since they co-wrote this I think? That's my reasoning for the rating. I wanted more story and fewer politics.
I want to thank the Goodreads Giveaway Program, Authors, and Publisher, for this free print copy I won in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry I didn't enjoy it but will be donating it to someone who hopefully will, thank you.
The blurb on the back cover sounded so interesting and did not seem to imply that politics would be the filler of the book, it briefly mentions work in the Middle East. The terrorist action that did occur- the only physical activity that was intriguing, was fast and a few pages each time, while the political debates would go on for chapters it seemed like, or maybe I would just get so bored everytime it happened. My eyes glazed over so many times it was hard not to skip pages in case I missed an important name or something.
The ECMP (European Committee on Mid-East Policy) overshadowed so much of the story, with all its political jargon and religious politics...about 80% of the story. The other 20% I really liked! The religious and spiritual aspects I liked, and the character Bette Deekman, was awesome! The cover of the book is GORGEOUS!
I feel maybe I liked one of the author's styles of writing while maybe not the other since they co-wrote this I think? That's my reasoning for the rating. I wanted more story and fewer politics.
I want to thank the Goodreads Giveaway Program, Authors, and Publisher, for this free print copy I won in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry I didn't enjoy it but will be donating it to someone who hopefully will, thank you.
January 24, 2020
This novel is the first book of the Elijah Chronicles Series, referring to the Prophet Elijah of the Bible. Dr. Jack Garrison, the main character, is grieving the loss of his wife and young son, has lost his faith in God, and is disillusioned with life in general. His “pro-Palestinian” employer sends him to Israel on assignment to gather information on West Bank settlements and their effect on Middle East peace negotiations. This book will remind the reader of Joel Rosenberg’s novels, but has the Bodie Thoene touch woven in. What could be better?
February 24, 2022
I bought this book because it had Bodie Thoene's name on it. This is nothing like her writing, which I LOVE. I forced myself through 60% of this one (and that took a whole month), but just could go no further. I just couldn't manage the writing style, the story line or the excessive descriptions of every single person or thing in every single situation. I also felt like the author had a need to prove he knew every detail about everything about the places and situations. It was just too much. The author was too present and it was tiresome. I also had trouble with the very Israeli slant (my Palestinian friends would be very offended by this book). And the "Christian born again views" were quite different from my own. This was just not one for me. Sorry.
October 27, 2022
“This is the land where prophecy is fulfilled,” Lev said. “Where the temporary and the eternal meet. Can’t understand the things of today without studying the words of yesterday.”—Ray Bentley and Bodie Thoene, On the Mountain of the Lord.
Submerged in doubt after a brutal car accident ripped his wife, child, and faith from him, Dr. Jack Garrison travels to Israel on a fact-finding mission. When he experiences inexplicable visions within hours of landing, he knows he’s in over his head.
Join Dr. Garrison as he teams up with longtime friend Lev and a dauntless female Israeli Border Police officer to battle a furtive yet deadly enemy. His journey will take him from the city streets of London to the furthest shores of the Mediterranean as he's forced to confront his doubts and accept the astonishing possibility that he is witnessing an ancient prophecy unfold.
The storyline of On the Mountain of the Lord was fascinating, and I read through the book with delight as Jack Garrison found his faith and discovered his prophetic gifts. In my view, we are living in the very end of days—a perfect time to read this novel. It’s an imaginative modern-day prodigal thriller with well-developed characters and a sweet love story. Brock and Bodie Thoene have written many Christian historical novels and are adept at writing theirs in biblical settings. She wrote On the Mountain of the Lord (book 1 in the Elijah Chronicles series) with prophecy scholar Ray Bentley, and while it was good, it just didn’t have the same punch as some of her other work. 3.5 stars.
Published Date: July 2018
Genre: Christian thriller
Read-alikes: The Timeless Whole Armor of God by J. Yerachmiel, The Faithful One by Michele Chynoweth, Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith
Submerged in doubt after a brutal car accident ripped his wife, child, and faith from him, Dr. Jack Garrison travels to Israel on a fact-finding mission. When he experiences inexplicable visions within hours of landing, he knows he’s in over his head.
Join Dr. Garrison as he teams up with longtime friend Lev and a dauntless female Israeli Border Police officer to battle a furtive yet deadly enemy. His journey will take him from the city streets of London to the furthest shores of the Mediterranean as he's forced to confront his doubts and accept the astonishing possibility that he is witnessing an ancient prophecy unfold.
The storyline of On the Mountain of the Lord was fascinating, and I read through the book with delight as Jack Garrison found his faith and discovered his prophetic gifts. In my view, we are living in the very end of days—a perfect time to read this novel. It’s an imaginative modern-day prodigal thriller with well-developed characters and a sweet love story. Brock and Bodie Thoene have written many Christian historical novels and are adept at writing theirs in biblical settings. She wrote On the Mountain of the Lord (book 1 in the Elijah Chronicles series) with prophecy scholar Ray Bentley, and while it was good, it just didn’t have the same punch as some of her other work. 3.5 stars.
Published Date: July 2018
Genre: Christian thriller
Read-alikes: The Timeless Whole Armor of God by J. Yerachmiel, The Faithful One by Michele Chynoweth, Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith
October 19, 2018
This was a really, really interesting read! The jumps to ancient days lent so much significance to the narrative of present day events that read like the daily news. The concept was so unusual. Left the reader with a sense of urgency...as I'm sure it intended to.
October 4, 2018
I loved this book! Bodie Thoene is one of my favorite authors and she, again, brings history to life in an exciting adventure. Ray Bentley gives wonderful biblical insight into the current and past happenings in the beloved land God gave His people. Even though this is a page-turning, exciting fictional story, it is filled with truth and historical facts upon which the land of Israel was born.
July 20, 2018
"On the Mountain of the Lord: Book One", by Ray Bentley and Bodie Thoene, is a thrilling novel depicting end time prophecies in current day Israel. Integrating events of today of terrorist attacks, hatred in the Middle East, along side Biblical realities coming to life in the way of visions and dreams, makes for exciting glimpses into the end times.
A fascinating book that I could hardly put down. I am looking forward to Book Two in the series.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
A fascinating book that I could hardly put down. I am looking forward to Book Two in the series.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
November 14, 2019
Warning..it's a "to be continued" series book that ends on a cliffhanger! I hate to be continued books because the authors never write fast enough. I'm afraid this is going to be one of those. On the plus side though, it is an exciting book, a fast read, totally plausible and had me looking at the news for parallels. This is one of those books that you have to share so you can discuss it at length later. It's already in an envelope to go to my cousin with underlining so we can talk..lol. This series could get addictive so please, Ray Bentley and Bodie Thoene, write faster!
September 22, 2018
A very bold mix of current events and history. The picture on the book cover looks smudged, a better quality one would be better.
October 29, 2025
A bit slow paced but fairly interesting! Warning tho that there is a bit of a cliffhanger.
September 4, 2021
Ripped from the pages of current events in Israel, “On the Mountain of the Lord” the first in the Elijah Chronicles trilogy opens as Dr. Jack Garrison sitting on multinational committee that he believes is looking for a path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians, travels to Israel on a fact-finding mission. Having abandoned his faith after the tragic death of his wife and child, Jack knows he may be in over his head when he gets a vision within hours of landing.
Joining forces with his friend, Messianic Jewish Pastor Lev Seixas and protected by Israeli Border Officer Bette Deekmann Jack begins a journey that will have him facing terrorist attacks, the hatred of Palestinians for the Jewish people, and a resurrection of his own faith.
Filled with visions triggered by a prophetic guide, and dreams of past/future, the plot begins building in Eretz Israel as Jack travels through sacred and mysterious sites in the Holy Land while struggling to gain an objective perspective that will aid him in writing a report for the ECMP (European Committee on Mid-East Policy). Intensity and suspense rise as danger lurks when Jack begins to be followed by a man in a tweed coat, with a terrorist attack, and with his car being fired on. Intriguing, the story moves seamlessly to a compelling ending with surprising revelations that begs for a second book.
Breathing life into the plot are compelling characters like thirty-two year old academic Jack Garrison who’s haunted by loss and has rejected his faith. A sensible, level-headed man, he begins a journey that takes him to Israel and any prospects for peace as well as the rebuilding of Jewish Temple. The astute and reasonable Pastor Levi Seixas is his friend on the journey while Police Officer Bette Deekmann his tough, pragmatic guard. But it’s pro-Palestinians Lord Halvorsham and Brahim Rahman as well as assassin Faisal Husseini that add a dangerous chill to this story.
I enjoyed “On the Mountain of the Lord” and look forward to the next book in this trilogy.
Joining forces with his friend, Messianic Jewish Pastor Lev Seixas and protected by Israeli Border Officer Bette Deekmann Jack begins a journey that will have him facing terrorist attacks, the hatred of Palestinians for the Jewish people, and a resurrection of his own faith.
Filled with visions triggered by a prophetic guide, and dreams of past/future, the plot begins building in Eretz Israel as Jack travels through sacred and mysterious sites in the Holy Land while struggling to gain an objective perspective that will aid him in writing a report for the ECMP (European Committee on Mid-East Policy). Intensity and suspense rise as danger lurks when Jack begins to be followed by a man in a tweed coat, with a terrorist attack, and with his car being fired on. Intriguing, the story moves seamlessly to a compelling ending with surprising revelations that begs for a second book.
Breathing life into the plot are compelling characters like thirty-two year old academic Jack Garrison who’s haunted by loss and has rejected his faith. A sensible, level-headed man, he begins a journey that takes him to Israel and any prospects for peace as well as the rebuilding of Jewish Temple. The astute and reasonable Pastor Levi Seixas is his friend on the journey while Police Officer Bette Deekmann his tough, pragmatic guard. But it’s pro-Palestinians Lord Halvorsham and Brahim Rahman as well as assassin Faisal Husseini that add a dangerous chill to this story.
I enjoyed “On the Mountain of the Lord” and look forward to the next book in this trilogy.
December 14, 2023
Ah this took so long to get through... Not because it was a bad book, but because I've just been busy...
Overall, it was a pretty good book. I could sense the touch of Thoene and yet also it was not a Thoene book.
In terms of plot, I found it to be a little too fast-paced. I don't feel that we were shown enough of how Jack was processing through things. Also, some things were a little too perfect / predictable to me. Like In general, things moved too fast for my preference (maybe not for other people).
But there is the classic weaving in of Scripture and how it all ties together. I always appreciate how it is shown how 'everything means something' and the Jewishness of the Bible is brought out. Plus, there's some funny lines and the dialogue is really good sometimes. The writing wasn't bad at all, and it was woven together well even though it was fast paced in the way it moved. I guess my main complaint was how fast paced it was.
Will I read the next book? I'm not sure. While it was good, I don't know if I care *enough* to continue, but we'll see.
Overall, it was a pretty good book. I could sense the touch of Thoene and yet also it was not a Thoene book.
In terms of plot, I found it to be a little too fast-paced. I don't feel that we were shown enough of how Jack was processing through things. Also, some things were a little too perfect / predictable to me. Like In general, things moved too fast for my preference (maybe not for other people).
But there is the classic weaving in of Scripture and how it all ties together. I always appreciate how it is shown how 'everything means something' and the Jewishness of the Bible is brought out. Plus, there's some funny lines and the dialogue is really good sometimes. The writing wasn't bad at all, and it was woven together well even though it was fast paced in the way it moved. I guess my main complaint was how fast paced it was.
Will I read the next book? I'm not sure. While it was good, I don't know if I care *enough* to continue, but we'll see.
November 5, 2018
It's not that I didn't like On the Mountain of the Lord, I just didn't like it all that much. I loved the idea of Jack's fact finding mission turning into a quest for answers as he gets caught in the tensions of the Middle East. He has visions and dreams of the past and future as he lives the realities of present day Israel and Palestine. The telling of the story is where I was disappointed. It is disjointed, never staying very long in any one place. It felt like it jumped all around like a tour of Israel where you had to see everything there was to see before the tour was over. I don't know if this choppy prose was the result of two different writers telling the story or not but it never felt like it flowed. The story ended with too many questions left unanswered and if there is a sequel I would have liked to know that before I started this book.
November 28, 2018
I feel bad rating this book so poorly, but it was appallingly boring. I mean, the book is 230 pages and maybe 50 of them involved something actually happening. I wanted to quit reading more than once, and found myself struggling not to just skim to get through faster. I am glad I finished it, though, because there were a few real gems contained within. It's clearly a series, since there is absolutely NOTHING resolved at the end. While I'm not sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one, I will probably read it if it ends up coming across my desk. If nothing else, I'd like to read more about Bette. She was the shining jewel character of the novel.
December 6, 2022
Excellent but very different from most books by the Thoenes.
Very well written and blended with Biblical facts. Salvation, prophecy, and facts of History of Israel and Palestine, all interwoven with romance, intrigue, and Holocaust facts. We have been to most of these places. There truly is no place on earth to compare with Israel. ( and we have had the great blessing of visiting 21 countries!)
This book makes us want to return to Israel more than ever!!! Enjoy the journey. Looking forward to book two.
Reviewed by Sue C. Weaver
Very well written and blended with Biblical facts. Salvation, prophecy, and facts of History of Israel and Palestine, all interwoven with romance, intrigue, and Holocaust facts. We have been to most of these places. There truly is no place on earth to compare with Israel. ( and we have had the great blessing of visiting 21 countries!)
This book makes us want to return to Israel more than ever!!! Enjoy the journey. Looking forward to book two.
Reviewed by Sue C. Weaver
April 28, 2019
Our protagonist, Dr. Jack Garrison, an American headquartered in London, is a member of a multinational committee seeking to find a path to peace for Israel and Palestinians. He embarks on a fact finding trip to Israel and in addition to his professional mission begins to wonder about his abandoning his personal faith as the result of losing both his wife and young daughter. This is a different kind of story line for me and I enjoyed it very much.
December 26, 2019
I enjoyed this relevant look at the political unrest in the Middle East. Clean romance, terrorism, and family ties make it an intriguing book. I have always enjoyed the Thoene’s writing, and I’m glad they teamed up with Mr. Bentley on this one. I felt like I learned a great deal from this fictional story. I already picked up the sequel from the library. There is no closure at the end of this one. I want to know more.
September 30, 2023
Watching recent news unfold in its Biblical context.
This was a compelling story, fiction grounded in real world news and Biblical background. Looking at yesterday's and today's news, and gettingglimpses of what lies ahead. The main characters were believable ad easyto identify with. The story was hard to put down- compelling, full of suspense, and at times quite moving. Can't wait to start reading the next one in the series.
This was a compelling story, fiction grounded in real world news and Biblical background. Looking at yesterday's and today's news, and gettingglimpses of what lies ahead. The main characters were believable ad easyto identify with. The story was hard to put down- compelling, full of suspense, and at times quite moving. Can't wait to start reading the next one in the series.
October 1, 2018
A Lot to Like About this Book, but a Strange Ending
There is a lot to like about this book. I really liked the main character; he is extremely sympathetic, and realistic. There is a decent amount of action, and I liked how the book is relevant to current events. I thought the ending was a little strange and confusing, but otherwise, I liked this book.
There is a lot to like about this book. I really liked the main character; he is extremely sympathetic, and realistic. There is a decent amount of action, and I liked how the book is relevant to current events. I thought the ending was a little strange and confusing, but otherwise, I liked this book.
January 10, 2019
Jack, an American expat living in London, assigned to explore the obstacles to a lasting peace in the Middle East, is the perfect skeptic through which to discover the links between ancient and modern Israel. And I loved the ending. It made me cry. I rarely cry. Now I want to read what happens next!
June 15, 2019
This is a story of today's Israel and the miracle of their continued existence. It was a true eye opener of the dangers that surround that nation every single day. Although it's a fictional historically based novel, it's also a story of longing for the heavenly Jerusalem for all who are His. A worthwhile read!
December 31, 2020
What an amazing read!!! This book takes you right to the heart of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. It is as though you are walking the very paths of Jesus.
And talk about amazing glimpses of prophecy being played out today!!
I could not put it down and their were definitely pages that gave me chills!!
Amazing book!!
And talk about amazing glimpses of prophecy being played out today!!
I could not put it down and their were definitely pages that gave me chills!!
Amazing book!!
March 7, 2021
Modern Day Drama in Israel!
I loved reading this suspenseful novel with the setting in modern-day Israel. It was fascinating for Jack to have the Biblical visions that took him back to long ago, which helped God to reach into Jack’s heart. Jack found out he was Jewish, but he also found Jesus! Great book of the history of God’s people along with the challenges for Israel today.
I loved reading this suspenseful novel with the setting in modern-day Israel. It was fascinating for Jack to have the Biblical visions that took him back to long ago, which helped God to reach into Jack’s heart. Jack found out he was Jewish, but he also found Jesus! Great book of the history of God’s people along with the challenges for Israel today.
July 7, 2022
It takes awhile to catch on to what’s happening. Jack does a gradual turn around. Bette, Jack’s guardian while in Israel, has a military background that shows. Various other characters add to the story line. It is hard at first to figure out the Jack is having visions from the past that play a role in guiding him. Very interesting reading.
January 10, 2023
Jack, an American in Paris, visits Israel for a European Committee that pretends to be partisan but is anti-Israel. Jack doesn't know that. He is still grieving his wife from one year ago, but meets and falls in love with an Israeli undercover officer. His heart begins to see the truth he had fought as he tours Israel and sees bombings and terrorist activity in real life.
April 8, 2023
Great!
This was such a great book. I’ve read a lot of Christian historical fiction but this book gave more history on Israel than I’ve ever read. The author took us back to biblical scenes in his visions that were powerful as well. Well done. I look forward to reading more in this series!
This was such a great book. I’ve read a lot of Christian historical fiction but this book gave more history on Israel than I’ve ever read. The author took us back to biblical scenes in his visions that were powerful as well. Well done. I look forward to reading more in this series!
October 25, 2023
Enter Faith, Enter Israel
Historians will love the way this story weaves the gospel message into modern day life in Israel. Seekers will find factual evidence of the stories in the Bible to support their budding faith and grow their understanding. Masterful story. I can’t wait for the next one.
Historians will love the way this story weaves the gospel message into modern day life in Israel. Seekers will find factual evidence of the stories in the Bible to support their budding faith and grow their understanding. Masterful story. I can’t wait for the next one.
December 29, 2024
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it much. The characters were not well developed and they weren't very believable. The history it gave was ok and I liked that it was pro Israel, but it left me more irritated than excited. I won't be reading the next two books... even with one character's life hanging in the balance
August 14, 2018
This book was good. It took me a chapter or 2 to get hooked...but I did get hooked and enjoyed the journey along with the main character (& others). I am really looking forward to the next one in the series. If you like good movies...you'll like this book.
September 3, 2018
Ray and Bodie's book enters into Israel's modern story with details of Biblical/worldwide events and gives informative connections to the past. I recommend reading this short book and passing it on to as many friends/family you can.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews