Faith of My Fathers

The outstanding narration of Suzanne Toren and the skillful writing of Lynn Austin combine to bring to life the story of the Old Testament's King Manasseh. Terror reigns in Jerusalem as Manasseh seeks to destroy everyone he suspects of seeking to take his life or his throne. Turning his back on the God of his fathers, he takes up idol worship and human sacrifice. His boyhood friend, Joshua, flees for his life and questions his own faith as he observes the murders of the prophet Isaiah and his own father, Eliakim. Intrigue and romance captivate the listener. Toren so clearly defines each character that one would think many narrators were involved. This powerful and absorbing story in audiobook format is too good to miss! N.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

April 1, 2007
Faith of My Fathers continues Austin's solid "Chronicles of the Kings" series about the Old Testament. Having detailed the life of King Hezekiah in her previous books, Austin begins here with the next generation. After Hezekiah's death, his 12-year-old son Manasseh becomes king and begins questioning God, wanting to know why his father died when they faithfully served Him. Manasseh and Joshua, son of the palace administrator Eliakim, were boyhood best friends and lived a privileged life. Manasseh's anger at his father's death leads him to become irrational and behave oddly. Joshua is unable to understand why his friend has turned against him and his cherished people. At first Joshua is angry with God for destroying his family and life, but as time passes he turns to God for help. In so doing, he flees his life of privilege, his home, and all he loves but instead finds purpose and meaning in his life and the strength to face his hardships. Austin creates realistic characters with whom listeners from any background can identify. Read by Suzanne Toren, this intriguing and captivating tale featuring deceptive, dishonest, and corrupt characters will be welcomed by fans of Bible fiction and general readers alike.Carol Stern, Glen Cove P.L., NY

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.