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The Kings of Israel #1
The Shepherd and the King
David, new shepherd and youngest of eight, doesn’t want to fight. He wants to disappear, to be alone with his sheep. His brothers mock him, his father ignores him, and even the sheep he protects flee him. Yet, he was born for more. Yahweh has called him beyond the fields of little Bethlehem.
He has called him to greatness.
Saul is king of Israel. Its first. Chosen by Yahweh and anointed by Samuel the prophet, he leads the fledgling nation as he defends its borders with shaky hands. Chosen and anointed he may be, but he is also a failure. Hounded by fear and anger and doubt, he is quickly losing his tenuous grip on the nation. Yahweh has new plans for Saul.
And it does not involve a crown.
When God speaks, shepherds and kings will hear. But will they obey?
He has called him to greatness.
Saul is king of Israel. Its first. Chosen by Yahweh and anointed by Samuel the prophet, he leads the fledgling nation as he defends its borders with shaky hands. Chosen and anointed he may be, but he is also a failure. Hounded by fear and anger and doubt, he is quickly losing his tenuous grip on the nation. Yahweh has new plans for Saul.
And it does not involve a crown.
When God speaks, shepherds and kings will hear. But will they obey?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
492 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 4, 2021
Beautifully written
I’m not great with reviews but I recommend this book. It’s a book that’s well researched & the characters are so authentic. This book will bring you closer to the Lord if you allow it.
I’m not great with reviews but I recommend this book. It’s a book that’s well researched & the characters are so authentic. This book will bring you closer to the Lord if you allow it.
November 28, 2021
Excellent Reading
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself reading it with my Bible near. I kept referring to scripture. I was amazed at how closely the book followed the Bible. I can not wait for Book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself reading it with my Bible near. I kept referring to scripture. I was amazed at how closely the book followed the Bible. I can not wait for Book 2.
January 23, 2025
This book was so entertaining. I love reading stories from the Bible where the characters I’ve learned about since childhood come to life. I understand that creative licence must be taken, and that not all of it is necessarily true. I was disappointed with this book though, that some key things were left out or changed, like the method David’s wife uses to help him escape from her father Saul, and the role of one of David’s ‘mighty men,’ Ira of Tekoa. But I have to give huge props to the author because, even though I know full well the real David died an old man, this book has enough suspense that when young David’s life was in danger I had to keep reading to find out what happens!
August 21, 2021
Interesting story. Full review here: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com...
June 1, 2022
The Shepherd and the King is a well-written Biblical fiction novel that tells a tale in two perspectives, each chapter taking turns showing the perspective of one of the two protagonists. The first perspective is that of David, following him from his youth as an inexperienced shepherd boy to his early adulthood as a warrior beloved by the Israelite people. The second follows the first king of Israel, Saul, as he struggles between following either his own will or that of God.
Bryan Saye does a good job of following the original account as it appears in Scripture, with events and conversations both feeling like they belong in this time and setting. Anything new to the story is portrayed in such a way as it is a believable part of the story without seeming too far fetched. A bit of a minor turn off, as other reviewers have also touched upon, is the very graphic scenes of violence and gore that happen in battles. This is understandable of course since such was the nature of such warfare and so I'll list it as only a minor issue, but be forewarned if you have trouble reading scenes of graphic violence.
The Shepherd and the King is much recommended from me; true to the original Scripture, a real page turner, with believable character interaction that at many times makes you wonder what move they will be making next.
Bryan Saye does a good job of following the original account as it appears in Scripture, with events and conversations both feeling like they belong in this time and setting. Anything new to the story is portrayed in such a way as it is a believable part of the story without seeming too far fetched. A bit of a minor turn off, as other reviewers have also touched upon, is the very graphic scenes of violence and gore that happen in battles. This is understandable of course since such was the nature of such warfare and so I'll list it as only a minor issue, but be forewarned if you have trouble reading scenes of graphic violence.
The Shepherd and the King is much recommended from me; true to the original Scripture, a real page turner, with believable character interaction that at many times makes you wonder what move they will be making next.
June 15, 2022
a great read
After having studied 1 Samuel extensively over the last year and a half, I can say that this book is just what the author said it was in the preface. Although it follows scripture somewhat, he has taken creative license to fill in gaps and to make the story of the tug and pull of David and Saul more fluid. There are times I found myself waiting until scripture came back into the story line, but also wondering about the feelings of these men. It’s the first time I considered how David may have seen his call, especially when he didn’t have a military background. This book has me thinking about aspects of scripture I had not before. Now to begin the second book!
After having studied 1 Samuel extensively over the last year and a half, I can say that this book is just what the author said it was in the preface. Although it follows scripture somewhat, he has taken creative license to fill in gaps and to make the story of the tug and pull of David and Saul more fluid. There are times I found myself waiting until scripture came back into the story line, but also wondering about the feelings of these men. It’s the first time I considered how David may have seen his call, especially when he didn’t have a military background. This book has me thinking about aspects of scripture I had not before. Now to begin the second book!
November 2, 2023
This was an interesting book. I love studying Scripture and it's often interesting to see a fictionalized rendition of the stories, especially if the author keeps it scriptural and in God's character. I'm not sure how true to form all the thoughts of Saul and David are (only God knows), but it did give something to ponder, and it didn't seem far-fetched at all. There were a lot of battle scenes with a lot of description of fighting -- more than I personally prefer, but then it WAS a time of many battles and David was up to his neck in fighting Israel's enemies. Overall, I think it's a good book and helps make scripture come alive.
January 19, 2023
David!
A man of God. A man who knew to love his God would not always be a simp!e task. This book takes you to a time when God spoke and some heard and some refused. Saul was a tormented soul who had the Love of God in front of him on more than one occasion but could not overcome a life of selfishness and anger towards that same God. David, though faltered in his trust in the true God, never gave up in the belief that this was the One True God. This book is even better the second time.
A man of God. A man who knew to love his God would not always be a simp!e task. This book takes you to a time when God spoke and some heard and some refused. Saul was a tormented soul who had the Love of God in front of him on more than one occasion but could not overcome a life of selfishness and anger towards that same God. David, though faltered in his trust in the true God, never gave up in the belief that this was the One True God. This book is even better the second time.
December 31, 2023
Saye writes of one of the Bible’s greatest known figures, David, as the reader follows the early portion of David’s life as he steps into faith following Yahweh. Saye makes following the shepherd boy easy in his story and presents a unique read that constantly shifts from David’s viewpoint to his persecutor’s, Saul, the first King of Israel. A great read, especially for those looking to connect deeper with truths from the Old Testament.
April 15, 2022
I was researching Christian biblical fiction for our church library, and found this to read and check out. This is well written and doesn't take wild liberties from the Bible version. The fight scenes are about the most liberty the author makes up and it is well done. I will read all this series and any other books I can find by this author.
August 10, 2022
Interesting novel that follows His Word
I believe this is the writers first Christian book. It was well written and he followed the writings of the Bible but added enough additional character depth to bring to life the story of David and Saul. I loved it and will continue reading the next book. This book did not disappoint.
I believe this is the writers first Christian book. It was well written and he followed the writings of the Bible but added enough additional character depth to bring to life the story of David and Saul. I loved it and will continue reading the next book. This book did not disappoint.
September 18, 2022
It is hard to give five stars suggesting it is perfect, but it is close.
David and Saul clearly is a known story. Mr Saye has brought it to life and made it applicable to modern folks. If we couldn’t understand what to learn from the scriptures this fleshes it out. However, caution is needed because this is of course a work of fiction.
David and Saul clearly is a known story. Mr Saye has brought it to life and made it applicable to modern folks. If we couldn’t understand what to learn from the scriptures this fleshes it out. However, caution is needed because this is of course a work of fiction.
January 10, 2023
Book 1
Was a really good read. Makes the story of David and Saul come to life. You could experience the drama first hand. The battles were quite exciting. I would have given 5 stars except for a few typos. Would be nice if readers could mark the typos on their kindle in a way to notify the author so corrections could be made.
Was a really good read. Makes the story of David and Saul come to life. You could experience the drama first hand. The battles were quite exciting. I would have given 5 stars except for a few typos. Would be nice if readers could mark the typos on their kindle in a way to notify the author so corrections could be made.
May 9, 2023
An absolutely wonderful read! Many times we read the stories in the Bible and forget the human aspect. Mr Says does a phenomenal job fleshing out that human aspect to one of the greatest and well known Old Testament stories. Loved every part of this story and look forward to the other books in the series!
May 14, 2023
Not the best version
This book is a mixture of Bible story and fiction. I don't object to that but it is difficult to grasp the metaphysics. I'm not sure on what basis Mr. Saye concludes to supernatural powers for David's strength. Perhaps he is basing this viewpoint on Psalm 144:1-2.
This book is a mixture of Bible story and fiction. I don't object to that but it is difficult to grasp the metaphysics. I'm not sure on what basis Mr. Saye concludes to supernatural powers for David's strength. Perhaps he is basing this viewpoint on Psalm 144:1-2.
February 3, 2024
I love this take on Saul and David!!! The bones of the story seemed very Biblically accurate, along with lots of well thought out artistic license to create a broader full story. I love the way the author brought the story to life and portrayed the characters in such a seemingly realistic light. They are so real and believable, relatable, and fascinating to read about. Loved it.
July 16, 2024
Brilliant! Just brilliant!
This was a brilliant telling of David's story. I found it both touching and challenging. I could empathize with both main characters and I feel the novel has deepened my understanding of David's story and his place as a man of God. I loved it and look forward to the second novel.
This was a brilliant telling of David's story. I found it both touching and challenging. I could empathize with both main characters and I feel the novel has deepened my understanding of David's story and his place as a man of God. I loved it and look forward to the second novel.
February 17, 2025
This is very easy to read and short chapters. Although it does warn that this book is fiction based on the life of David it felt a little weird especially when David tells God to leave him alone. Otherwise not a bad book and a lot of the stuff is probable. If you are a fan of The Chosen series you will probably enjoy this.
May 10, 2022
Love the way Bryan Saye writes, keeps the reader interest in the story. Many books written on David and I enjoy biblical fiction, but this book has very interesting details about weapons and war in that era.
August 7, 2022
loved it!
I am in love with David and this book was magical for me, making him very real and more heroic than the man in the stories of the Bible. I realize many parts in this book are fictional but it embellished my image of David. I really enjoyed it.
I am in love with David and this book was magical for me, making him very real and more heroic than the man in the stories of the Bible. I realize many parts in this book are fictional but it embellished my image of David. I really enjoyed it.
August 15, 2022
A Great Book
I enjoyed this book very much! You always wonder about the details left out of the Bible about different men and women. It was nice to imagine some of this detail in the story of David and Saul! I also really like how you weave Abigail into the story!
I enjoyed this book very much! You always wonder about the details left out of the Bible about different men and women. It was nice to imagine some of this detail in the story of David and Saul! I also really like how you weave Abigail into the story!
March 11, 2023
The Shepherd and the King: Book 1 (The Kings of Israel)
A wonderful read of the story of David and all that happened to his as he sought to honor God and be King. A man after God’s own heart!!
A wonderful read of the story of David and all that happened to his as he sought to honor God and be King. A man after God’s own heart!!
June 10, 2023
Amazing read
I l9ved reading the story of David and Saul! It was well written and while, some things were the author's imagination, they were based of facts and added extra to the story!
I l9ved reading the story of David and Saul! It was well written and while, some things were the author's imagination, they were based of facts and added extra to the story!
October 25, 2023
fills in the gaps
An excellent retelling of the story of Saul, Israel’s first king, and David, who succeeded him. The Biblical account is gripping in itself, but this fills in the gaps and adds even more emotion to the story. Very well done!
An excellent retelling of the story of Saul, Israel’s first king, and David, who succeeded him. The Biblical account is gripping in itself, but this fills in the gaps and adds even more emotion to the story. Very well done!
October 29, 2023
Nice!
Only half way through but enjoying it. Seems to be based on solid traditional Catholic interpretation. Better editing would improve the read but not too distracting. Great fun read.
Only half way through but enjoying it. Seems to be based on solid traditional Catholic interpretation. Better editing would improve the read but not too distracting. Great fun read.
April 8, 2024
I enjoyed the book as a work of fiction by making sure I didn’t read it as biblical. I read the Bible daily and have an active prayer life so I had no issues with miss conception or taking it as scriptural. I also liked that it wasn’t filled with vulgar language or nudity.
May 28, 2024
good read
I really enjoyed the book. The author does a pretty good job of following scripture and using it to tell the story. The only negative to me was he made some of the fights too detailed, they seemed to go on and on. Nevertheless I enjoyed it and may read the new book.
I really enjoyed the book. The author does a pretty good job of following scripture and using it to tell the story. The only negative to me was he made some of the fights too detailed, they seemed to go on and on. Nevertheless I enjoyed it and may read the new book.
September 29, 2024
Loved this book!
This is such a great story slightly based on Samuel. I love that it’s possible to see the story from Saul and David’s point of view. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This is such a great story slightly based on Samuel. I love that it’s possible to see the story from Saul and David’s point of view. I can’t wait to read the next one!
January 5, 2025
Loved it!
A well written story of the could have been in the journey of king David. Fiction reading helps me fill in the blanks to connect the true stories a little better. This story did not fail!
A well written story of the could have been in the journey of king David. Fiction reading helps me fill in the blanks to connect the true stories a little better. This story did not fail!
January 18, 2025
Don't miss this gem!!
Absolutely the best book I've read in a year... hands down!
The characters were rich. The history and scenery felt as if I was there with King David.
Definitely my new favorite author.
I am running to get Book 2.
Absolutely the best book I've read in a year... hands down!
The characters were rich. The history and scenery felt as if I was there with King David.
Definitely my new favorite author.
I am running to get Book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews