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God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah
A never-before published tale by the author of the best -selling Hittite Warrior, carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C - rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt - a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help with whom he will fight - the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research of the historical King Taharka and period. Includes an introduction with home-education suggestions.
206 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
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988 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Williamson
9 books24 followersJoanne S. Williamson was born on May 13th, 1926, in Arlington, Massachusetts. Though she had interests in both writing and music, and attended Barnard College and Diller Quaile School of Music, it was writing that became the primary focus for her career after college. She was a feature writer for Connecticut newspapers until 1965, when she moved to Kennebunkport, Maine, and began to write historical fiction for young people.
In each of Miss Williamson's eight novels, she explores unusual historical slants of well-known events.
After a decline in American interest in historical fiction, she decided to return to her second calling and take up music again until her retirement in 1990. Now, interest has been rekindled in her books and in those of other writers of historical fiction.
In each of Miss Williamson's eight novels, she explores unusual historical slants of well-known events.
After a decline in American interest in historical fiction, she decided to return to her second calling and take up music again until her retirement in 1990. Now, interest has been rekindled in her books and in those of other writers of historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 7, 2015
A compelling adventure that illuminates Egyptian, Assyrian and Israelite ancient culture. A fun read for children that neither avoids nor indulges in the practice of war in that time.
Parents should be advised this is historical FICTION and teach it as such. Particularly in regard to the main character, an egyptian pharoah, very little is known of him. Reading the author's note at the end will help to clarify the line between fact and fiction, but also spoils some of the plot.
Bible believing parents should note the main character is not Hezekiah, but an Egyptian pharoah. As such, he prays to numerous god's for help at various points. While he is intrigued by the Israelite God, he clearly makes no allegiance to Him.
Parents should be advised this is historical FICTION and teach it as such. Particularly in regard to the main character, an egyptian pharoah, very little is known of him. Reading the author's note at the end will help to clarify the line between fact and fiction, but also spoils some of the plot.
Bible believing parents should note the main character is not Hezekiah, but an Egyptian pharoah. As such, he prays to numerous god's for help at various points. While he is intrigued by the Israelite God, he clearly makes no allegiance to Him.
November 10, 2010
Amazing book. What a great way to get a feel for what was going on in Egypt, Israel and the Middle East during the time of King Hezekiah. I loved how in the end you could look back and see how God used seemingly meaningless events to weave a web. He was in control all along even of the main character who worships the gods of Egypt. Shows a great picture of how God is in control always and puts those in leadership positions that he chooses. I would recommend this book to adults and children alike. Great way to share God with your children and show how He works for the good of those who love Him.
May 13, 2022
This is a really interesting fictional look at a time in Egyptian history that isn’t well-documented. The author gives good reasons for why she decided to write the plot as she did, and it makes a lot of sense. The characters are well drawn and the reader is drawn into the world from the first chapter. This book was not quite as interesting to my younger kids as “Hittite Warrior” by the same author, but they still listened well and we all learned a lot. A perfect supplement to our homeschool studies of ancient history!
June 30, 2010
Well written and engaging story of Egyptian royalty and dangers therein. Highlights the hand of God and how He uses even non-believers and their trials to bless His people. There are some edge-of-your-seat moments here. Fantastic read! There was hardly a night when we didn't read more than was assigned.
October 7, 2021
This is a great piece of historical fiction that would be especially perfect for late elementary school students who are studying ancient civilizations. It tells the story of a young pharaoh caught up in a war between several nations. Without being preachy in anyway, it highlights the cultures and religions of ancient Egypt and the surrounding areas in 700 BC.
January 28, 2016
I have been reading this for school and I have one chapter left and I'm about to finish its great an the lat chapter where shabataka had been stripped of the gold and crown and had mercy from taharka it's a great story!! I give it five stars!
July 8, 2014
It dragged on for a while, and told you useless information.
October 29, 2020
This book paired nicely with our history curriculum.
It is 701 BC. Egypt is ruled by the Kushite dynasty. There is a treacherous plot by the Pharoah's own brother to overthrow his throne and Pharoah Taharka is forced to flee for his life.
In the desert, Taharka meets two kings: King Sennacherib of Assyria and King Hezekiah of Judah. There are battles and acts of Yahweh (as mentioned in the Bible's books of Kings).
Definitelty a good book to read aloud to boys.
It is 701 BC. Egypt is ruled by the Kushite dynasty. There is a treacherous plot by the Pharoah's own brother to overthrow his throne and Pharoah Taharka is forced to flee for his life.
In the desert, Taharka meets two kings: King Sennacherib of Assyria and King Hezekiah of Judah. There are battles and acts of Yahweh (as mentioned in the Bible's books of Kings).
Definitelty a good book to read aloud to boys.
August 18, 2025
Fun historical fiction about an era that is not often the subject of juvenile fiction. Enjoyed the characters and plot, and appreciated the author's note which helped keep the line between history and imagination clear.
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October 26, 2021vary good historik ficshon
November 25, 2024
This was a school book... so ya know, I'm gonna be a bit biased XP it wasn't terrible, the writing had some gold spots and I got some good commonplaces out of it. I enjoyed the story. Quite interesting. the plot felt a bit... strange, at points. but it's an older book, and things have changed since it was written haha. Also hid-fic can just be like that sometimes!
October 6, 2017
Good book!
April 18, 2022
I was surprised at how engaging this book was for my children as I read it to them. They definitely kept asking me to read more. Story made the time period come alive for them in a new way.
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October 26, 2021God King is about king that rule ancient Egypt. In the book, there is a lot of lying and cheating and arguing. There is disgusting violence, gore and such. The thing that really caught my eye was when the people thought that if they look at the ruler in the eye, they would strike dumb, or go blind, even melt. read the book so you can learn all of the details about the gods and the kings and the things that they did.
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October 26, 2021it was mind shaking and confusing it was amazing my grandpa would love it .
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October 26, 2021I think it's a great book I like the action in this book because it has a lot of cool history if u like action read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 6, 2021
I thought it was a great book! It was also very interesting to read that the Assyrians lost due to sickness and death.
July 2, 2014
God King is written by Joanne Williamson and is the second book I have read from Bethlehem Books. The first one I read was Hittite Warrior by the same author. Like Hittite Warrior, God King is part of their Living History Library series. This book, however takes place in the year 701 B.C. during the twenty-fifth dynasty in Egypt, also known as the Kushite dynasty. For perspective on this time in history, Sennacherib was king of Assyria and Hezekiah was king of Judah during this time.
The story begins with peril and excitement. A young boy, Taharka, is on a crocodile hunt with his uncle Embutah and some slaves. Suddenly, a crocodile attacks and severely injures one of the slaves. Using his quick thinking and medical skills he has studied, Taharka is able to save the man. Normally, this kind of heroism would be applauded. However, Taharka is no ordinary boy. He is the son of the pharaoh, who is considered a god in Egypt. Touching a slave was a tabu and made young Taharka unclean. Even though he was one of many children of the pharaoh, and not even a particularly important child, he still knew he would be punished...little did he know what his punishment would be.
Taharka's "punishment" came swiftly. The pharaoh was dying, but before he died an ancient ritual must be performed to choose his successor. Everyone, Taharka included, thought it would be the older boy, Shabataka. Shabataka was groomed nearly his whole life to become the next pharaoh. In a cruel twist of fate, Taharka was "chosen," and his "punishment" was that he must become the new pharaoh. To him this felt like being forced to live in a cage, a prison sentence if you will. With his uncle Embutah and brother Shabataka as his guides, years pass and Taharka begins to get used to being pharaoh. He still doesn't like all the duties that come with it, nor does he feel completely safe with the ever-looming threat of Assyria to worry about.
I won't give too many more details away, but the action picks up midway through the book, when Assyria threatens to attack Judah and Taharka must decide whether or not Egypt is to assist them or not. This was a well-researched and well-written book. If you look on Wikipedia, you will see that the names are accurate to this time, and the same holds true for the Bible, as you can find reference to Taharka and Assyria in both 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. In the past few months, I have grown to love the writing of Joanne Williamson. I wish I had discovered her as a child, but will make sure my children discover her. I also hope Bethlehem Books will continue to print some of her other works as well.
The story begins with peril and excitement. A young boy, Taharka, is on a crocodile hunt with his uncle Embutah and some slaves. Suddenly, a crocodile attacks and severely injures one of the slaves. Using his quick thinking and medical skills he has studied, Taharka is able to save the man. Normally, this kind of heroism would be applauded. However, Taharka is no ordinary boy. He is the son of the pharaoh, who is considered a god in Egypt. Touching a slave was a tabu and made young Taharka unclean. Even though he was one of many children of the pharaoh, and not even a particularly important child, he still knew he would be punished...little did he know what his punishment would be.
Taharka's "punishment" came swiftly. The pharaoh was dying, but before he died an ancient ritual must be performed to choose his successor. Everyone, Taharka included, thought it would be the older boy, Shabataka. Shabataka was groomed nearly his whole life to become the next pharaoh. In a cruel twist of fate, Taharka was "chosen," and his "punishment" was that he must become the new pharaoh. To him this felt like being forced to live in a cage, a prison sentence if you will. With his uncle Embutah and brother Shabataka as his guides, years pass and Taharka begins to get used to being pharaoh. He still doesn't like all the duties that come with it, nor does he feel completely safe with the ever-looming threat of Assyria to worry about.
I won't give too many more details away, but the action picks up midway through the book, when Assyria threatens to attack Judah and Taharka must decide whether or not Egypt is to assist them or not. This was a well-researched and well-written book. If you look on Wikipedia, you will see that the names are accurate to this time, and the same holds true for the Bible, as you can find reference to Taharka and Assyria in both 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. In the past few months, I have grown to love the writing of Joanne Williamson. I wish I had discovered her as a child, but will make sure my children discover her. I also hope Bethlehem Books will continue to print some of her other works as well.
May 30, 2016
Based on true events, which are then beautifully and thoughtfully embellished, this book is a delight for young adult readers and their parents. Joanne Williamson is an expert at writing historical fiction that really appeals to youth. Her books bring the characters to life, and raise wonderful questions about right and wrong, justice and truth, without being either heavy handed or too simplistic.
Young Taharka is one of dozens of children of the Kushite Pharaoh, but when he is chosen to succeed his father, he finds the job more like a prison. And his older half brother Shabataka is certainly not happy to be set aside as The God King when he fully expected to be chosen as the next Pharaoh. But there are many problems facing the young God King: and the worst of them is the invading army of Assyrians. When he must escape in the middle of the night from those who would kill him, Taharka's life changes forever. Now on the run, he begins to see the rest of the world. And he must decide, what kind of leader should a man be?
Many things appeal to me in this novel. The author has taken small historical clues and from them tweaked out well-rounded characters and exciting events that are reasonable, if not provable. A strong female character, Shepnuset, with enough fire and spunk to defy the rules laid down for her, is another reason to love this novel. Taharka is both likeable and yet not perfect. This makes him an accessible hero, and one that boys and girls can all connect with. The various religions of the different peoples are all treated with respect. This is not a heavy handed treatise on Christianity at ALL.
But for me, the thing I like best is the way it plants the idea that evil is evil, no matter who is committing it: a stranger, an enemy, or even your own brother. Evil is evil, and if you choose to serve evil, you become evil.
Recommended for strong readers in grade five (about age 9 or 10) all the way up to adults. One scene of city destruction is pretty graphically described. There is no cussing or sex.
Young Taharka is one of dozens of children of the Kushite Pharaoh, but when he is chosen to succeed his father, he finds the job more like a prison. And his older half brother Shabataka is certainly not happy to be set aside as The God King when he fully expected to be chosen as the next Pharaoh. But there are many problems facing the young God King: and the worst of them is the invading army of Assyrians. When he must escape in the middle of the night from those who would kill him, Taharka's life changes forever. Now on the run, he begins to see the rest of the world. And he must decide, what kind of leader should a man be?
Many things appeal to me in this novel. The author has taken small historical clues and from them tweaked out well-rounded characters and exciting events that are reasonable, if not provable. A strong female character, Shepnuset, with enough fire and spunk to defy the rules laid down for her, is another reason to love this novel. Taharka is both likeable and yet not perfect. This makes him an accessible hero, and one that boys and girls can all connect with. The various religions of the different peoples are all treated with respect. This is not a heavy handed treatise on Christianity at ALL.
But for me, the thing I like best is the way it plants the idea that evil is evil, no matter who is committing it: a stranger, an enemy, or even your own brother. Evil is evil, and if you choose to serve evil, you become evil.
Recommended for strong readers in grade five (about age 9 or 10) all the way up to adults. One scene of city destruction is pretty graphically described. There is no cussing or sex.
March 17, 2016
Back Cover:
Reluctant Rule:
"The great god," he said "has become one with his father. See the wand of succession It has declared his choice." The priests, the warriors, the many wives and children, fell upon their knees. Taharka heard again the voice of the sun priest. "Taharka, child of the god, rise." Something cold and smooth was being pressed into his hands. It was the wand of the god. "Take possession of the land, Taharka, Soul of the Hawk, Beautiful Child of Ra, Son of the Sun, Bringer of the Nile, Lord of Kush, Great God of Napata and Meroe, and Pharaoh of Egypt." Taharka had become a god. He has also received his punishment.
It is around 701 B.C. and Egypt is being ruled by the Kushite dynasty. Young Prince Taharka, interested in healing, is content to e the ver minor royal son he is and leave the ruling to others. However, it is he and not he expected Prince Shabataka who succeeds to the throne of Kush and Egypt -- a "divine" rulership -- and he is no longer free to live his own life. Then a treacherous plot, long brewing, forces him to fly for his life. Far from home, in the land of Judea, Taharka encounters two kings in conflict. One is the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance; the other is Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. Taharka, his own fate and that of his land in the balance, must choose with whom to live or die.
Ages 9-12
Reluctant Rule:
"The great god," he said "has become one with his father. See the wand of succession It has declared his choice." The priests, the warriors, the many wives and children, fell upon their knees. Taharka heard again the voice of the sun priest. "Taharka, child of the god, rise." Something cold and smooth was being pressed into his hands. It was the wand of the god. "Take possession of the land, Taharka, Soul of the Hawk, Beautiful Child of Ra, Son of the Sun, Bringer of the Nile, Lord of Kush, Great God of Napata and Meroe, and Pharaoh of Egypt." Taharka had become a god. He has also received his punishment.
It is around 701 B.C. and Egypt is being ruled by the Kushite dynasty. Young Prince Taharka, interested in healing, is content to e the ver minor royal son he is and leave the ruling to others. However, it is he and not he expected Prince Shabataka who succeeds to the throne of Kush and Egypt -- a "divine" rulership -- and he is no longer free to live his own life. Then a treacherous plot, long brewing, forces him to fly for his life. Far from home, in the land of Judea, Taharka encounters two kings in conflict. One is the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance; the other is Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. Taharka, his own fate and that of his land in the balance, must choose with whom to live or die.
Ages 9-12
January 22, 2014
A never-before published tale by the author of the best-selling Hittite Warrior, carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C-rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt-a divine rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help against the Assyrians. Posing as a medical assistant, Taharka journeys with Amos to Judea where he encounters two kings in conflict. His true identity suddenly uncovered, he must choose with whom he will fight-the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research on the historical King Taharka and his period.Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1/1/2002 Pages: 206 Reading Level: Age 10 and Up (less)
I liked this a whole lot more then Hittite Warrior!
I liked this a whole lot more then Hittite Warrior!
May 3, 2023
If you don't like books about religion, you probably shouldn't read this. If you don't mind but you think they're boring, you could try this. It's actually really interesting to read about Bible stories from a different perspective - especially since the person is a king running for his life who is barely mentioned in the Bible.
The religion stuff, whatever. But the adventure is really cool. And the ending is bittersweet which is always nice. And he isn't converted, or anything, it's just that the guy who helps him get away is a Christian - which isn't very obvious in the story, it's kind of slipped in there, but that's about as religious-y as it gets.
Anyyywayyy, it's a good book, I really enjoyed it. Four stars.
The religion stuff, whatever. But the adventure is really cool. And the ending is bittersweet which is always nice. And he isn't converted, or anything, it's just that the guy who helps him get away is a Christian - which isn't very obvious in the story, it's kind of slipped in there, but that's about as religious-y as it gets.
Anyyywayyy, it's a good book, I really enjoyed it. Four stars.
February 12, 2011
Another great tale from the author of "Hittite Warrior"! The whole family enjoyed this one! Set around 701 BC, it tells the story of the Assyrians failed attempt to conquer Jerusalem through the eyes of Taharkah, the young pharaoh of Egypt. Taharkah's brother betrays him and usurps the throne, so he flees to Judah with Amos, who is in Egypt as an ambassador of King Hezekiah of Judah. Well written and engaging. We were inspired to do more research on Hezekiah's Tunnel after reading the exciting account of Taharkah and Amos's trip through it as they snuck into the besieged city.The kids were engrossed in the story and it really brought these historical events to life!
April 2, 2011
I loved this book. I read it with my kiddos in homeschool. It is the story of Taharka, a boy Pharoh by accident and his brother's attempt to dethrone him as the deadly Assiryans are threatening all parts of the region. Amos, a messanger from Judah, comes to solicit the boy Pharoh's assistance just as the trouble begins brewing.
We read a chapter a day. Towards the end, it was very difficult for me to "wait" to find out what happened. It's a great book to blend the biblical and historical events in that area at the time. My 7 y.o. really enjoyed it, too.
We read a chapter a day. Towards the end, it was very difficult for me to "wait" to find out what happened. It's a great book to blend the biblical and historical events in that area at the time. My 7 y.o. really enjoyed it, too.
January 28, 2013
Taharka is one of the many sons of Pharoah. As his father is dying, the pharoah chooses him to be the next God King. Shocked by his father's decision, Taharka is quickly sent into training to become a great pharoah. But, his older brother, Shabatak, didn't like that he wasn't chosen. So, he started a plot to over-rule his brother. Taharka flees from the palace and has to live life like a peasant until he can regain his rightful heir. As Taharka dodges assassins and King Sennacherib's Assyrian armies, and alies with Hezekiah, King of the Isrealites, he fights to save his loved ones.
January 31, 2014
God King by Joanne Williamson is about a boy named Taharka who is chosen to be the Pharaoh of Egypt, which he thought felt like being a prisioner. Yet many people believed that his brother Shabataka should have become king, and Taharka has to flee for his life. But he isn't safe, for he then gets caught up with the fight between the Jews and Assyrians.
Overall this book wasn't bad. The characters were more or less likable (Shepnuset and Sabi were my favorites). The book was well written. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that takes place in ancient times.
Overall this book wasn't bad. The characters were more or less likable (Shepnuset and Sabi were my favorites). The book was well written. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that takes place in ancient times.
November 8, 2012
Great beginning, the kids are asking for additional chapters already.
This one really left us wanting more every day. It was simply written, which helped keep the attention of my little ones, but had enough action and adventure for my older two. The Biblical history was weaved into the story flawlessly with plausible creative license. In fact, we wished this book was longer! We all wanted to hear more about Taharka after he returns to Egypt and regains his throne.
This one really left us wanting more every day. It was simply written, which helped keep the attention of my little ones, but had enough action and adventure for my older two. The Biblical history was weaved into the story flawlessly with plausible creative license. In fact, we wished this book was longer! We all wanted to hear more about Taharka after he returns to Egypt and regains his throne.
October 24, 2011
we read this aloud for home school. It was a lot of fun. The last couple days we had to read 3 chapters an evening. Even the husband loved it. A good story about a boy,that happens to be Pharaoh, coming of age. he has to take the double crown back from his brother and figures out how to be a good king in the process.
January 10, 2014
This was a good book to read along with our Old Testament studies. The boys enjoyed the action and the storyline, and it was helpful in giving them a picture of what some of life might have been like in that time period. I appreciated the author's note at the end explaining some of her choices in light of historical evidence for how she took the characters in certain directions.
June 17, 2015
Good historical novel for children set in Old Testament times around 701 BC. Taharka, an Egyptian king from the Kushite dynasty, is overthrown by his brother Shabataka and must flee to Judea where he ends up right in the middle of King Sennacherib of Assyria's siege of Jerusalem. In so doing, he meets King Hezekiah of Judah, and they witness together the destruction of Sennacherib and his army.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews