The Sword of David

by Charles Lichtman

An action-packed thriller, The Sword of David tells the story of an Israeli commando traveling across the globe, following clues in search of a major biblical treasure that could change the destiny of the world.

Chaim Klein—a fearless Israeli Special Forces officer—has his hands full. After Klein unexpectedly finds the long-lost Ark of the Covenant, he must then search the globe for the Ten Commandments tablets. Klein must also confront and stop a consortium of Islamic states and terrorist organizations who are planning a simultaneous attack that would obliterate dozens of Western cities and Israel. Along the way, he comes across the mystical and awe-inspiring Sword of David. In this nonstop action-packed thriller, which draws on supernatural elements, Klein and his crew visit Ethiopia, London, Paris, Lebanon, and Rome. We also see the terrorists plotting in the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Istanbul. The final climactic confrontation between Klein and the terrorists is unexpected and inspirational.

In The Sword of David , you will meet colorful characters—including Rafsani, the terrorist who trained under the infamous Carlos the Jackal; the Israeli spy Galit who works undercover in Paris under the alias Sister Chloe; Baroness Collins, who has an important position in the UK government as well as being the head of a secret organization long thought to be defunct; a renegade CIA operative; a Palestinian once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize; and the Palestinian’s terrorist grandson.

Based on the author’s painstaking research of biblical artifacts, religion, history, and terrorism, The Sword of David feels authentic and current.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller

336 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2021

About the author

Chuck Lichtman is an expert in Middle East affairs and issues regarding terrorism. His newest novel, an action-packed spy thriller, The Sword of David, will be available nationwide September 7, 2021. He has twice been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year,” founded a national voter protection program, and is an avid photographer and pianist. He lives in South Florida with his wife and two dogs.

Reviews

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sword of David tells the story of an Israeli commando traveling across the globe, following clues in search of a major biblical treasure that could change the destiny of the world.

The book is a mix of Indiana jones, Da Vinci Code and the Gabriel Allon or Marcus Ryker series and I had a great time reading it. It's not only action-packed, thrilling and entertaining, it's also interesting, educating and very relevant. It's well-written with well developed characters and I really hope there will be more books about Chaim Klein. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to the author, Bombardier Books and NetGalley for this copy.

[Charles Lichtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I love this book, I wrote it! But I actually did re-read it cover to cover. I do know, however, that in terms of Middle East terrorist thrillers, no one period including the magnificent Daniel Silva, has written anything remotely close to this storyline, and especially the stunning yet satisfying conclusion. So it's definitely a unique and particularly timely story given what's happened in Israel and Gaza recently.

[William Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recently provided with an ARC of Charles Lichtman's new book entitled "The Sword of David" (Bombardier Books) for review purposes. I am pleased to be able to report that the book is both intriguing and entertaining. The story revolves around an Israeli Special Forces operative with a background in archaeology. As a series of increasingly important discoveries are made, it transpires that this particular Israeli soldier has a special destiny involving a number of lost Biblical artifacts. His dramatic search for these artifacts, accompanied by a colorful group of characters drawn from diverse backgrounds, quickly develops into an international romp set against a looming Apocalypse for the Middle East and the world. The pace is fast and the action is unrelenting. If I might be allowed a cinematic comparison, this book is like a mashup of Indiana Jones films together with "The Hunt for Red October" and "The DaVinci Code." If you liked any of those, this book might be for you.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

352 pages

5 stars

What a wonderful story!

Chaim Klein, a a member of the Israeli Special Forces, is on special assignment. He and a small team are digging/investigating under the Dome of the Rock in Israel. He shockingly discovers the long lost the Ark of the Covenant. But something very important is missing from the collection.

He is then chosen to look for the Ten Commandments.

So begins a globe-hopping search for the lost tablets. The places he searches in his quest are absolutely great. I love it when a book takes me around the world. I felt like I was there with Chaim witnessing everything he heard and saw. All the countries were fabulous. The sights and smells immediately imprinted on my mind. Along the way, Chaim comes across the awesome Sword of David. This sword is said to have mystical qualities.

This is a fabulous book that searches the world for the lost tablets. Along the way, the reader meets several interesting people; all of whom believe they are right and good in their intentions. Some are terrorists, some are not, some are good and some are not.

This book is extremely well written and plotted. It reads seamlessly. The characters are interesting and likable (mostly).

I want to thank NetGalley and Permuted Press/Bombardier Books for forwarding to me a copy of this fantastic book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Serena Montooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sword of David is a very topical addition to the genre of archaeology thrillers. Instead of putting a nameless group of good guys against an imaginary cabal of bad guys, the tension here is the fight between Muslim extremists and Israel and those Western nations that support it. The fight to end the violence perpetrated by the extremists will be aided by the ability of the Israel State to track down biblical artifacts. The search for these artifacts leads us, a la Dan Brown, through Westminster Abbey, the famed Ethiopian Monastery, and the Vatican. This book rings all the biblical archeology bells, and it was fun reading. However, I felt that the chapters told from the perspective of the Jihadists was perhaps too realistic for what I search for in my pleasure reading. It also seemed to glorify Israel and denigrate Islam. I understand from the author’s note that he has a long history of penning books and articles on terrorists and terrorism and that he believes there can be change, but the story didn’t match that aspiration. Because of this,I can give it only 4 stars.

[BookTrib.com]

If a series of hair-raising international missions or the looming threat of destruction isn’t enough to keep your eyes glued to the page, then perhaps you’ll find yourself enthralled by the ever-present allure of conspiracy and the promise of a wholly satisfying conclusion.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/09/07/ancie...

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When the few surviving Jews saw their Temple ablaze, it sapped their will to fight.
Many ran into the burning structure to die in the flames; others stood erect and closed their eyes, allowing themselves to be struck down. The destruction of all they held dear was overwhelming. Their apocalypse had come. The Temple was gone. Almost 180,000 Jews died that day at the hands of the Romans. The few that were spared were sent as slaves to Egyptian mines or to Rome to build the Colosseum. Every building in Jerusalem was looted and destroyed. After the Romans had laid waste to the city, there was no sighting of the Ark of the Covenant or the Ten Commandments. Only one item survived the siege on the Temple Mount. Buried under the rubble of the Temple was the Foundation Stone: a large rock that had been placed there, as Jews believe, by God at the time of Creation.” So begins author Charles Lichtman’s new book, The Sword of David, equal parts a hybrid of historical fiction, the action thriller, and in the best of ways - a social justice book. The ultimate core of the story and narrative is that of peace - specifically, peace between the Israeli population and the Palestinian one. The nobility of such a goal, even in hypothetical literary form, elevates Sword of David’s already considerable storytelling prowess to new heights. It adds a poignancy to the whole affair that makes the more escapist elements of the read more compelling. Plus, considering what Lichtman writes about in the book comes from actual historical and theological fact is a boost. Lichtman isn’t just a writer waxing poetic about the possibilities, though. Outside of his work as a storyteller, Lichtman sits on the national Board of Directors of Secure Community Network, a branch of the officiated North American Jewish Federations. He’s also an expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics, and an award-winning activist. In many ways, there couldn’t be a better candidate to tackle this kind of potentially controversial material. But Lichtman doesn’t rely solely on the backbone of his credentials. He’s really good at showing the reader the revelations the main character, Israeli Special Forces officer Chaim Klein, comes across rather than telling them. In a narrative where the risk of unintentional preachiness and excess ideological glad-handling could run rampant, he knows when to pull back and let the events of the story speak for themselves. It’s probably one of the most important things a capable writer can do, let alone one trying to win hearts and minds with a work that is as much a good piece of fiction as it is a rallying cry for a future where hearts and minds can change. In the press release for the book, the summarist writes, “In this action-packed thriller, which draws on supernatural elements such as the mystical and awe-inspiring Sword of David, Klein and his crew must navigate their way through Ethiopia, London, Paris, Lebanon, and Rome. We also get glimpses of the terrorists plotting in the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Istanbul. The final climatic confrontation between Klein and the terrorists is unexpected and will make you believe in the possibility of peace in the Middle East.”

That’s not a glorified PR line. Simply put, I hope Lichtman’s Sword of David continues to get attention, however exponentially. We need more kinds of books like this one out there…

[Jason Frasca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I highly recommend this read. Though fictional, the author has clearly researched this topic and is well versed with the challenges between Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The book quickly takes off into action, has all the ups, downs and twists of a great thriller. The author sprinkles in great pearls through out of history with the fiction.

Overall I greatly enjoyed and appreciated the author's main goal of recognizing the the roots of Christianity, Islam, Judaism are shared and demonstrating how they could come together with a common goal.

I also greatly enjoyed how the author shares his interest, history and training in this topic during the epilogue. To any considering I highly recommend without reservation.

NetGalley gave me this copy for free for an honest review. The comments above are mine without influence.

[Yudi Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best reads in a long time. The author constructed a story that gripped your interest from page one and held it to the very end. The suspense was layered atop amazing and vivid accounts from history fueling the imagination and inspiring the reader to want to revisit the legends of the Bible and beyond.

The best way I can explain this thriller is that it is a combination of The Da Vinci Code meets Homeland meets Indiana Jones and the Lost Ark!

It wasn’t all suspense, however. There is a very powerful message of unity, peace and vision for a region of the world that has been saturated in strife. A potent message at a critical time.

Take a few moments and pre-order. You won’t regret it!

[Lyan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fact or fiction? The Sword of David is the kind of book that is so well researched by the author that you often wonder as you’re reading it where the facts end and the fiction begins. This makes for a plot that might otherwise seem implausible—very plausible. The action is fast-paced, the characters are genuine, and the historical and political contexts resonate. I thoroughly enjoyed the ingenuity of the story as it unfolded. And the ending brought a welcomed twist to this well-crafted thriller. The possibility of a lasting Middle East peace no longer seemed unattainable as I read the closing chapter. Fact or fiction? You decide. Enjoy a goodread!

[Lori Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sword of David is an intriguing page turner from beginning to end. The plot and subplot had so many exciting twists and turns that I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. The story is fast moving and I didn't want to put the book down...which meant I stayed up till all hours of the night reading it!

The historical research was exemplary. The details and descriptions of the relgious landmarks were beyond measure.

All in all, a fascinating read and I highly recommend The Sword of David by Charles Lichtman.

[Eric Cousineau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely did not disappoint! His well-developed characters and easy writing style make it an easy and pleasurable read. This is a well-written, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you breathless at times in anticipation of the next twist in the plot. Don’t start reading this book if you are not prepared to stay up all night. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Permuted Press who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ralph Phares · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moving Story That Should Be True

This is a novel based on fact and history. It has ideas and concepts that many people and religions do not like nor believe. But if history has taught us anything it has taught us to accept realities that may not be ours. This book is masterfully written so as to capture the imagination of the reader and posit an idea that otherwise may not be ours. The characters are multidimensional and relatable and I very much enjoyed this book.

[Howard Talenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome, well-researched thriller that weaves biblical history and current events. The descriptiveness of the characters and the action puts you directly in the center of this adventure. This is a riveting masterpiece that I could not put down.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It‘s got spy-thriller suspense, history, action on a deadline, and travel around the world. Surprising, thrilling, but also interesting expose on the different mindsets of the major cultures in conflict.

[Foxglove · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book would be so much more powerful if it paused for emotional moments. So many deaths happen but are never processed.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sword of david a search for lost relics

[Dalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a stupid and blindly racist book!

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's vision of how the Middle East crisis might be settled.