On Desolate Heights

by Naomi Craig

A Pagan Seer.
A Slave Boy.
A Talking Donkey.
Unlikely messengers delivering Yahweh's blessings to the nations.

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Historical Fiction

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking donkey

I enjoyed this book very much. The author sure brought this bible story to life with adding fictional characters and details and without detouring from known truths about this event.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully plotted out story, adding imaginary detail to the story of Balaam and Balak and Balaam's donkey, the only animal who spoke "human".

Balaam a pagan seer is called on by King Balak to curse Israel, but Yahweh will not allow him to curse a people God has blessed.

Follow Balaam's story as seen through the eyes of Ittai, his servant. It becomes Ittai's story too and one of a God who doesn't turn away anyone who seeks Him humbly, earnestly and wholeheartedly.

Naomi Craig's expertise as a story teller is evident, as she keeps the novella fast paced, interesting and a page turner. You always want to know, what happens next!!

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balaam and Ittai

I loved this retelling of the Bible story of Balaam. It made his dilemma and his final disobedience real. The inclusion of the young slave Ittai allowed the poetic license which is necessary in a novel of this kind.

[Christine Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is a puzzling story in the Bible. In what sense could Balaam be both fortune-teller and somehow listening to God? The author handles the dilemma in a way that makes it believable.

[Maxine Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Naomi Craig's other books - and enjoyed this one too. An interesting and believable story written on the basis of known scriptures.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this novella about the well-known Old Testament story of Baalim that I've often wondered about. It's the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balaam, oh Balaam. Earthquakes, whirlwinds, a talking donkey, a bright light and hearing Yahweh's voice were not enough to keep your faith in Him. Although, you did allow Yahweh's voice to be heard by the Moabites instead of placing a curse on Israel.

A copy was provided for my review. All opinions are my own.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic short Biblical fiction story based on specific events in the Bible. Of course, most of the characters are derived from actual Bible characters. I believe the author held tight to Scripture, as evidenced by multiple quoted verses. It was really interesting, and I felt like the donkey, Ittai, and Balaam, were "alive"! Recommended!

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the writer wrote both what was spoken and what was thought. Very inspiring way to find God

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book instantly pulls you in with incredible details and action that brings this little known passage in Scripture to life.