A Game of Gods. A Clash of Titans. Ancient Israel thought she was bringing unity, progress and change. She brought Baal, the storm god of Canaan.
870 B.C. Israel. Beautiful Jezebel of Tyre marries King Ahab of Israel to bring peace in a time of war.
But when Jezebel builds a temple of Baal in the heart of Israel, the “mad prophet” Elijah challenges her to a duel of deities.
In the supernatural realm, spiritual warfare breaks out as the demonic Canaanite Watchers led by Baal battle to take the land back from the Archangels who protect the Remnant of Israel.
And so begins the war of gods and men.
Join the battle in this heart-racing epic story of supernatural conflict, action and love based on the Bible and ancient historical research by a respected Christian author.
Spin-off Series to Chronicles of the NephilimWhat if the pagan gods of the nations were fallen angelic Watchers from God’s throne? Harlot Queen of Israel is part of the series Chronicles of the Watchers that charts the influence of spiritual warfare on human history, just like Chronicles of the Nephilim and Chronicles of the Apocalypse.
Brian Godawa has been a professional filmmaker, writer, and designer for over 20 years. His creative versatility was born of a passion for both intellect and imagination, both left-brain and right-brain. The result: Brian is an artisan of word, image, and story that engages heart, mind, and soul. Just think, "Renaissance Man."
All of the biblical figures come alive in this amazing novel. The culture and historical detail are vivid and well researched. My favorite part of the showdown at MT. Carmel was why I gave this book four stars. It was a bit anticlimactic for me in its retelling. The excitement that I always feel whenever I read Elijah is challenge against the prophets of Baal was missing. It fell flat for me. No doubt due to the Watchers who often intrude. A little of them goes a long way scene to scene. In contrast I love the angels. I highly recommend this book if you admire Elijah the Tishbite and his protege Exists. If you want to understand the dynamics of King Ahab and Isabel/Jezebel, or learn more about Jehu , this book offers some awesome characterization. Try this one out, you won't be disappointed.
This is the first of Brian Godawa's books that I've had an opportunity to read. I appreciate his descriptive writing style and how he writes so that I feel like I'm back in the Biblical Time period of the divided kingdom living life with the characters of the story. I also appreciate how he incorporates today's cultural issues into his story (progressivism, feminism, tolerance, even the abortion issue in relation to child sacrifices, etc) to make the story not just one about the past but one that is still relevant for today. He does a great job of showing how the sins of the past repeat themselves. He also does a good job of describing how he thinks the spiritual warfare might look in the spiritual realm.
I really liked the book itself so normally I'd have given it 4 stars. But theologically, I have a couple of problems with the book, so I have to give it 3 stars. I personally, don't have a problem with Biblical creative license where there are actual historical gaps not mentioned in the Bible. But when things are stated clearly in the Bible, and an author rewrites their own version of the account for the purposes of their story it makes me question the authenticity of the rest of their story. I think he did this in a couple of different places but the one that stuck out the most was the part where Jezebel dies. A person can read 2 Kings 9:30-37 if they'd like to read God's version of the account.
Also, the author makes Jehu one of the heroes of the story and kind of leaves you with the impression that he's totally committed to God and will go on to be a great leader for God's kingdom. While God does have one of his prophets (NOT Elisha as Godawa writes it in this book) anoint Jehu to take care of business, I believe 2 Kings 10:29-31 better shows what God's view of Jehu was and it just seem as he's not all that much of a hero in God's eyes. Not to me anyway. Maybe I would have felt better about Godawa making Jehu a Biblical Hero of sorts if he would have given more of a hint to his compromising nature and somehow noted that Jehu never took heed to walk with God with all his heart. (2 Kings 10:31).
To be fair, I addressed some of my concerns to the author and he graciously responded back to me. He feels that as long as he is not changing anything theologically he has some creative license to change up the Biblical account for his story telling purposes. He also made an interesting case for imperfect Bible heroes who still sin while yet accomplishing great things for God. I can see what he's saying, I just don’t agree with some of his viewpoint. That being said, I would still consider reading some of his other books--at least once. He is a good storyteller. I just have to remember his books are fiction and as long as I don't see some major biblical heresy that he spouts as Biblical Truth--then maybe I can show a little grace with his creative license.
**I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Chronicles Of The Watchers series by Brian Godawa continues on with this newest entry. Journeying from a land of heavenly dragons to the heart of Israel & Tyre, Jezebel: Harlot Queen Of Israel take a well-known biblical story & breathes new life into it. What is in this book? Short version: a pagan princess turned vicious bloodthirsty queen, a warrior king faces his worst enemy, an old prophet challenges a ruthless priesthood, a tribe of blacksmiths & warriors determine the fate of a General, and mighty archangels trade blows with the gods of Israel, Judah, Canaan, & Tyre. All of that & more is waiting for you to experience. Another great book for all those familiar with Brian Godawa's work. If you are new, this is a great starting point.
Honestly at times I wanted to put it down and stop reading. I struggled with the idea of the Watchers being real and having power . Than I thought back to those times and yes in that culture they were rea!. And what we give power in our minds has power. I loved the writing and the storyline. It stuck closely to scripture. I loved how he described all of the complicated Canaanite religions. I learned a lot. I plan to read a lot more of this author 's work.
Jezebel was pure evil, sickening, and set out to destroy everything related to Yahweh. She literally used her husband and son for her own selfish means. She killed to gain power, she worshipped gods of stupidity. I have to say I really enjoyed the tale of Elijah and Elisha. This story gave so much detail for the prophets and how they fought for survival. Yahweh wins in the end. Great story!
I really honor the creativity of Brian Godowa in "Jezebel: Harlot Queen of Israel." The beginning starts off strong; clearly Godowa has done his research digging deep into the time period, the history and the characters. The map, the background historical context is very strong and helpful. I loved the way he personified and anthropomorphized the Canannite Gods of the Baal tradition. Previously, I had some background of the story, but I certainly learned more about the pagan traditions. What didn't work for me was some of the 20th century sounding dialogue from the characters. I mean having the prophet Elijah say about his goatskin mantle that it smells, "pretty obnoxious" took me out of the story. At first the dialogue reminded me of Neil Gaiman's "American Gods," a book I admire and love, but it takes a real master like Gaiman to pull it off. Some of the characters just didn't come to life for me on the page. There are several subplots and threads the reader needs to keep track of, but Godowa has a fairly flowing narrative. Since I read both the novel and companion book,(that is excellent, by the way) I learned a great deal about the Baal tradition; this really filled in a lot of gaps for me. Actually, years ago I met a Baal worshipper. Overall, I enjoyed and learned a lot from this book. The Canaanite pantheon has always fascinated me, especially the fact that the Hebrews for hundreds of years incorporated Baal worship into their practic. Baal against Yahweh? Either way, well done!
I can see this being listed in the Sci-Fi category but not Biblical Fiction. There were quite a few liberties taken with the actual Biblical retelling of Jezebel. However, it didn’t bother me as much as the interruption of the story to tell the story of the unseen gods. There was a lot of talk of Baal and raping other goddesses, I wish they’d put a warning on this because I wouldn’t have read it for that reason. There was a lot of over explaining also, the story would stop and an explanation appear, sometimes they were repetitive and repeated an explanation, sometimes the explanations were long, sometimes quick and short. But it was a lot of explaining, the book could’ve been quite a bit shorter if most of it was taken out, or interweave the explanation with the story line instead of telling the story and stopping to explain what was just said. I almost stopped reading this book at 8% because I was disgusted with the way the other gods raped the goddesses or “put them into submission.” Please put a warning on this book about rape being spoken about because there’s so many women who have been raped or sexually assaulted and it is hard enough to live through without reading a book that speaks of raping a woman to get her to submit. I get the idea behind all of it, but it’s still VERY disturbing!
As a novel has everything, sex, love, battles, spiritual warfare, message
This was an easy read and kept your attention of what was going to happen next, even though you may know the story and how it ends. It is close to the biblical account of the characters, with some ad lib to keep the flow. It is meant as fiction, but sometimes you wonder . I have read this story in my bible and am very familiar with the characters and time. I have read some in enoch , so the spiritual realm in the book I could grasp some. Some seems very fiction. But enoch seemed very fiction. though he author provides this as fiction to help the reader grasp an insight of how the spiritual realm might operate. The story can relate to current times and events and what happens when a nation drifts from God, to the fake gods this world tends to worship. I enjoyed this book and found hard to put down. I do recommend whether you are Christian or not.
As a huge Brian Godawa fan, this book did not disappoint. His writing brings such depth, context, and imagination to the stories of the Old Testament. You really feel the essence of the Israelite journey, the supernatural realm, and the unseen battles played out above and around the physical dimension. His characters come to life within his words. The historic accuracy in his narratives forms the foundation of the reader's experience. It has made my Bible study journey more robust, and more grounded in the Hebraic realities of the ancient times, and the competing influences for the hearts and minds of the Hebrews. After finishing 'Jezebel', I immediately picked up Judah Maccabee and am already engrossed in it. (One of the most overlooked time periods and aspects of the Hebrew story, and one of my personal favorites.) Thank you, Brian Godawa, for your work. It is moving. It is inspirational. It is truly God's work.
I just finished this book yesterday and was impressed by the book. Godawa captured this period in history in great detail and added context to the Biblical story of Jezebel and Ahab. The one part of this novel that I found frightening is how many of the themes of this book eerily parallel events in the United States (When Jezebel said Israel is not a Jewish nation anymore is similar to what former President Barrack Obama said about the United States not being a Christian nation anymore). It makes me wonder if despite having a free nation for the next four years if we are headed down the dark road of ancient Israel. Anyone who has ever read Johnathan Caan's "Harbinger" can already see that these parallels have already begun to take shape and while eventually GOD will remove His church from the Earth and the real dark days begin, it will be interesting the path the US takes.
I learned a lot in this book. Not that I believe things went as told by this author. I will definitely be studying the Biblical account and may see some people and events differently. I always had trouble remembering the differences between Elijah & Elisha, think I got that clearer in my head now. I really did not like how far some of the sexual content went, really unnecessary. I know it was depicting the "gods" sinful behavior but some of it was over the top. But what made me pretty disgusted was some of the Holy Angels supposed thoughts and actions. Especially when the author has the angel Gabriel swearing. Really ? Did he really think that was appropriate ? Would not read this author again.
How refreshing to read a book of historical fiction that is so well based off of biblical and historical facts. Loved it.
This is the first book I have read by Brian Godawa and I cannot wait to read more.
This book walks you through the evil events of Jezebel and shows how beautifully Yahweh prevails! Evil in inevitable, but God is good and His wrath is eminent.
This literature begs the question, are the gods of the Old Testament gone, or have they been replaced just with the self-serving new age idea that humans are each our own god within themselves?
Evil will always rear its ugly head. But our God’s wrath is eminent and will prevail. What a wonderful story of hope!
I have little to say about this one except it was freaking awesome!! That final battle and the epilogue had me silently cheering! I've always loved the story of Elijah, but I'd forgotten about Jehu. He turned out to be one of my favorite characters besides Jonathan. This book is set in the world and time established in the Chronicles of the Nephilim series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I relished the appearance of certain characters and and outcomes of events from having read the previous series. Mr. Godawa does a superb job drawing in depth pictures of what could've happened in those good old Bible stories....
Although I was put off by the mythology of the gods and the way they treated each other at times. How ever I found that some of the terminology use you see and hear in today's world, I never pictured the people during that time thinking like some people today. I am sure there has always been people who hunger for power and thought the same way as today but the terminology was most likely different. I was not planning reading the rest of the series, how ever intriguing.
I loved how the story depicted Jezebel. The storyline stuck close to scripture but the only reason I wasn’t too thrilled with the book is because the author put a lot of effort into developing demonic Gods and I just feel like demons and worshipping other Gods should not have a major space in any story.
Demons are real and I refuse to give them any space in my mind or thoughts.
It is amazing how Godawa has been able to incorporate his own fantastical narrative into the canonical story recorded in the book of 1 Kings, all the while being faithful to the Biblical text and bringing forth many interesting customs and beliefs found in extra biblical material in an accessible way.
Can't say enough about all of Godawa's books. He truly brings life to the times and characters portrayed. The addition of actual biblical verses really drive home for me God's perfect plan of salvation in the old testament. I greatly enjoyed every page.
Loved this book!! I thought I kinda knew the story but Godawa pealed back the story behind the story! I literally cheered when Baal’s prophets lost!!! And I knew it was coming!!! Highest recommendation
Bringing the Word to life in this novel and other series by Brian Godawa helps to create a renewed hunger for the Truth. Who would've thought that spiritual warfare could be so entertaining and yet, be missed by most who read the Bible.
This is an excellent book, it gave me insight and a much clearer understanding of spiritual warfare. Knowledge they say is power and my prayer life is now changing. Thanks.
What a great book about characters in the Bible. Really brought it to life for me. Had to go back and reread the Jezebel/Ahab account already started Qin.
I did not/could not finish this book. I was just bothered by the idolatry. I understand that idolatry is what the book is about, it just FELT yucky to me. I can tell the author researched well and a lot. I appreciate that.
Jezebel: Harlot Queen of Israel(Chronicles of the Watchers Book 1)
I like when God took revenge against her for killing His prophets. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to know about her wickedness and want to avoid her at all times. Thank you Brian Godawa.
These books are amazing! They are adding to my understanding of scripture in an amazing way. Of course I know there is a level of creative license in these books but it is clear that Holy Spirit was influential in the process.
I wasn't certain what to expect except for great story telling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the spiritual underpinnings of the bible story. It really opens your eyes to the possibilities of what could have happened during this period.
Brian Godawa brings ties Biblical truth with mythical fantasy. The Nephalim and Watcher series are fantastic. Start reading today and you won’t be disappointed.
The penmanship put to these books LACK NOTHING!! Yet leaves you BEGGING FOR MORE!! I don’t know how I’ll cope when I finish this epic story of BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS (definitely pun intended)! Lol!
Exceptional series that has helped me better understand the Bible. Godawa’s use of fiction to flesh out details established in historical timelines of the Bible give me a better grasp of events. I highly recommend all of his books!!!
An excellent read, interweaving the biblical story of the fall of King Ahab and his dynasty, with the supernatural conflict between the archangels and the fallen watchers.