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Crucibles of God
Book one of the Rise of Daniel follows Daniel, Jeremiah, and Nebuchadnezzar at the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity. Daniel, merely a boy of fourteen, is thrust into a world of conspiracy and evil when Jeremiah the prophet predicts the coming of the powerful Babylonian prince, Nebuchadnezzar, to conquer Jerusalem. The kingdom of Judah has turned her back on the God of Israel, trusting in the Egyptians and the gods of the heathen nations around them. Jeremiah’s prophecies strike at the heart of these abominations, creating enemies all around. Even Daniel, a mere lad, must take sides. But there is hope. If Judah will turn back to the one, true God then perhaps, just perhaps, disaster might be adverted. Meanwhile, Nebuchadnezzar is on his way with one of the mightiest armies ever to be assembled. More is at stake than simply the survival of Jerusalem, and Jeremiah must somehow save the ark of the covenant, for if he cannot, then surely Nebuchadnezzar will plunder the most sacred and holy object in all Israel. Even if the prophet manages to do so, Nebuchadnezzar has other plunder in mind. If he successfully captures Jerusalem, he intends to take the best and brightest of the youth of Jerusalem and convert them into loyal servants who can serve the king of Babylon–even rule over their own people. A fast, action-packed read filled with danger, political intrigue, and betrayal. Containing an air of ancient ambience, well-researched both biblically and historically, this first book in The Rise of Daniel novels will delight and challenge. WARNING: Some sensitive topics are addressed in these novels, but they are done so obliquely, meaning before or after the event. No vivid or descriptive details are given. Such topics include being made a eunuch, torture, and gruesome violence.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2022
99 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 4, 2024
What an Incredible Biblical Fiction on Daniel
Daniel, the prophets of his era and the empires around Israel during this time are all under God's control. Some receive judgment, others administer it and others like the youthful lads of Judah are innocently caught up in it all for a purpose they do not know - yet. What a reminder that sins always hurt innocent people around the sinner. (We're all sinners, there's so much pain!)
Baker does a careful job paralleling the events that lead to the fall of Jerusalem-the apple of God's eye!- to a pagan, Gentile empire. Bad things often happen to God's children when the sins of others need curbing and correction. Daniel and his friends come to realize the world of Nebuchadnezzar is not aligned with God's guidelines. Then with horror, they realize they will never have the joy of family life, children, future purpose that Jewish guidelines have always encouraged.
I guess Book One is the why of the book of Daniel. It can be a stand alone but who would want to stop there? Book Two picks up with the Jewish captives arriving at Babylon. I know the story seems to start there with God's revealed purpose but this book is fascinating to read how and why God's children must desire to be God's vessel, His crucible. Because of the violence of battles is described ( not too detailed, but actions are mentioned) this might be more appropriate for older teens and adults.
Daniel, the prophets of his era and the empires around Israel during this time are all under God's control. Some receive judgment, others administer it and others like the youthful lads of Judah are innocently caught up in it all for a purpose they do not know - yet. What a reminder that sins always hurt innocent people around the sinner. (We're all sinners, there's so much pain!)
Baker does a careful job paralleling the events that lead to the fall of Jerusalem-the apple of God's eye!- to a pagan, Gentile empire. Bad things often happen to God's children when the sins of others need curbing and correction. Daniel and his friends come to realize the world of Nebuchadnezzar is not aligned with God's guidelines. Then with horror, they realize they will never have the joy of family life, children, future purpose that Jewish guidelines have always encouraged.
I guess Book One is the why of the book of Daniel. It can be a stand alone but who would want to stop there? Book Two picks up with the Jewish captives arriving at Babylon. I know the story seems to start there with God's revealed purpose but this book is fascinating to read how and why God's children must desire to be God's vessel, His crucible. Because of the violence of battles is described ( not too detailed, but actions are mentioned) this might be more appropriate for older teens and adults.
February 25, 2023
Brings the Bible to life
Greg Baker has a way of painting pictures and bringing life to the characters in the Bible. This book is the story of Daniel and his friends being taken captive and brought to Babylon. While it is fiction, it is accurate according to scripture. I read the book with my Bible open and it gave new light to what I read. I loved how real Jeremiah and Ezekiel seemed and seeing things through the eyes of those we have only read about. I am starting the next book today.
Greg Baker has a way of painting pictures and bringing life to the characters in the Bible. This book is the story of Daniel and his friends being taken captive and brought to Babylon. While it is fiction, it is accurate according to scripture. I read the book with my Bible open and it gave new light to what I read. I loved how real Jeremiah and Ezekiel seemed and seeing things through the eyes of those we have only read about. I am starting the next book today.
November 13, 2023
Awesome
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love books that run true to Scripture and tell a good story. This book does that.
Not sure i see Jeremiah as depicted, but is viable. He had a truly unenviable call on his life. Loved how the author kept referring you back to Scripture throughout the story. Recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love books that run true to Scripture and tell a good story. This book does that.
Not sure i see Jeremiah as depicted, but is viable. He had a truly unenviable call on his life. Loved how the author kept referring you back to Scripture throughout the story. Recommend it.
August 23, 2024
The History of God's Prophet Daniel
An amazing account of the historical period of the prophets Daniel and Jeremiah. While it is a fictionalized rendering of this historical period, it is not only informative but very entertaining. Good read for any Christian who is interested in Biblical prophecy.
An amazing account of the historical period of the prophets Daniel and Jeremiah. While it is a fictionalized rendering of this historical period, it is not only informative but very entertaining. Good read for any Christian who is interested in Biblical prophecy.
February 8, 2025
Daniel and Jeremiah
Daniel is a young lad in Jerusalem when the king and his subjects rebel against the God of Israel. Jeremiah was the prophet during that time, and both faced danger for serving the True God's. Jeremiah hides the Ark of the Covenant, and Daniel is brought to Babylon in captivity. Thus, it began a brand new life for the boy.
Daniel is a young lad in Jerusalem when the king and his subjects rebel against the God of Israel. Jeremiah was the prophet during that time, and both faced danger for serving the True God's. Jeremiah hides the Ark of the Covenant, and Daniel is brought to Babylon in captivity. Thus, it began a brand new life for the boy.
May 10, 2023
Wonderful historic read!
It was enlightening to read in story form as I was reading Jeremiah in my devotional time. I am anxious to continue reading the next book. I appreciate the Scripture references that I can read in my Bible.
It was enlightening to read in story form as I was reading Jeremiah in my devotional time. I am anxious to continue reading the next book. I appreciate the Scripture references that I can read in my Bible.
May 13, 2023
Great start to this series.
January 9, 2024
History and prophesy
Though the story line of Daniel's life follows that outlined in scriptures, the book jumps around. An interesting read however.
Though the story line of Daniel's life follows that outlined in scriptures, the book jumps around. An interesting read however.
January 22, 2026
enjoyed it :)
June 9, 2022
Although this is a novel, it IS based on scripture and Greg Baker has done exactly what needs to be done to "resurrect" Bible characters! The story is engaging, especially where Greg has fleshed out the story from the few details given in scripture. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews