Trust and Trickery - Hivites (#03 in Light of Nations Series)

I delayed starting to read this book because I knew once I started, I wouldn't want to put it down - based on Dillon's previous books in this series, it's engaging and interesting and you definitely want to know what happens next! This is book 3 of the Light of Nations series and just as enjoyable as the first 2. Dillon has the knack of captivating the reader with the details, as well as the perspective. As a Christian, I have read the accounts of this story of the Israelites and the Hivites in the Bible - but Dillon's story, written from Danel, one particular Hivite's perspective, is what gives brings another facet of appreciation to the biblical account. The gory-ness factor has been reduced to account for younger readers but certainly the horror that Danel feels is palpable at cruelty done in the name of the gods. If you are looking for a book that bring the Old Testament stories to life, highlighting how the Israelite God protected and saved his people, this is the book for you.

I am enjoying this series so much! I love reading the stories first in the Old Testament and then seeing them come to life through dramatic storytelling and unique minor characters, allowing me to imagine what it really might have been like to see the power of Adonai holding back the waters of the Jordan or cracking the walls of Jericho. The historical detail and accuracy is well-preserved in the telling. And though following a people through times of evil and war, these books are “clean” enough to read aloud with your upper elementary children yet captivating enough to please the adult reader as well.

Another journey into the world of the Old Testament. Christine Dillon has such a gift for bringing these stories to life and really helping readers of all beliefs to understand the lives and characteristics of the various tribes, battles and ‘plots’. I really enjoyed living through the times of the Hivites, the Gibeonites deception and seeing events happen like the tumbling walls of Jericho and the Israelites coming into the Promised Land. Her characterisations are well drawn and so believable.

What really struck me is the role that story telling takes in conversion…. and how well-worded questions lead the ‘quester’ to new beliefs. This of course is Christine’s skill in real life and as a story-teller. (If you haven’t read her book ‘Storytelling the gospels’ you must). And that’s how Danel turns his life towards God in the latter chapters of this book ably led by Kheti.

I highly recommend this third book in her series, Light of the Nations. I applaud her research and writing capabilities and look forward to diving into her next book. I was given a pre-release copy of this book. The opinions here are entirely mine.

Well, I’m writing this at 5 to midnight, after finishing this book - a hour or so of less sleep was worth it. I enjoyed the book more each chapter, revelling in the roundedness and reality of the characters. Paperback version now ordered, so it can be lent to others. :-)

What didn’t I like? Hmmm … for some reason, it always takes a few chapters to get into Christine Dillon’s books. I can’t work out why. But my advice to readers is - just keep going and you’ll find yourself immersed in the story.