The Anointed One - (Trilogy of Kings Saga) by Susan Van Volkenburgh (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Saul ben Kish is an ordinary man; that is, until he crosses paths with the prophet Samuel. Anointed by God to lead His people, this lowly Benjaminite shall soon be tested.

What begins as a search for his father's wayward donkeys becomes a call to courage, and obedience. Can one man rally a nation to rise above oppression and fight for freedom? Or will he fall under the weight of power?

An epic tale of kingship; a journey into the heart of the Judean Mountains and across the sun-baked desert where the meek rise and the proud fall, and a stone is mightier than the sword.

Throughout the pages of The Trilogy of Kings, the personal and spiritual struggle of Israel's people unfolds through love, war, and intrigue, making the story relevant for today as an exciting example of the human condition. Together with these beloved characters, the human saga is captured, sharing their joys and sorrows, triumphs and losses.

An historically accurate account of King Saul, David and Jonathan on their epic journey. With vivid imagery, a deep passion and authentic love of Scripture, each chapter comes alive. You will engage amidst the action of the characters not wanting the book to end; longing for more.

Review Quotes

Judith Ingram review: Clever and Credible

This second volume in the Trilogy of Kings Saga follows the rise of Israel's first king and the emergence of Israel as a monarchy. Through a fictional account that closely follows the biblical record, the story details the life of Saul, a humble farmer from the tribe of Benjamin, who reluctantly accepts the crown when the people demand a king. As the anointed one of Yahweh, Saul at first feels the empowerment and wisdom of God's Spirit as he takes up the mantle of leadership and saves his people through heroic deeds. Pride, however, gradually usurps his pledge to serve Yahweh, and when God takes away his Spirit from Saul, the king begins a descent into malicious jealousy and paranoia. The volume ends with a crazed King Saul pursuing David, the shepherd-turned-warrior who slew Goliath and now bears the favor of Yahweh, setting up conflict that will take readers into the third and final volume of the series.

Readers who are familiar with King Saul's story will enjoy The Anointed One for its biblical accuracy, unique character viewpoints, and painstaking details that give color and substance to familiar passages. The author weaves together historical facts with fictional embellishments in an intriguing tapestry that deepens understanding not only of the biblical plot but also of its spiritual significance. Add to the mix the author's masterful handling of archaic language patterns and passages that blend seamlessly with quoted biblical material, and The Anointed One delivers a credible, entertaining read that could arguably take its place beside any scholarly history of ancient Israel.

Rev. Judi Wiegman review:

...an historically accurate account of King Saul, David and Jonathan on their epic journey...With vivid imagery, a deep passion and authentic love of Scripture, each chapter comes alive. You will engage amidst the action of the characters not wanting the book to end; longing for more.