Song of Redemption

Song of Redemption, the second book in Lynn Austin’s Gods and Kings series, is nothing short of powerful. Picking up where Gods and Kings left off, this story continues the journey of King Hezekiah as he tries to lead Judah back to the one true God amidst overwhelming political pressure, personal pain, and spiritual warfare. Lynn Austin masterfully brings biblical events to life with a rich blend of historical detail, emotional depth, and spiritual insight. The challenges Hezekiah faces—from threats of war to betrayal from within—mirror the inner battles of faith many of us face today. The characters are beautifully developed, and their growth throughout the story is both inspiring and convicting. What I especially loved about Song of Redemption is how it explores the theme of restoration—how God can take a broken past and turn it into a testimony of grace. It reminded me that redemption is always possible, no matter how dark the situation may seem. If you loved Gods and Kings, this historical fiction sequel will absolutely draw you deeper into the story and into reflection on your own walk with God. Highly recommended for fans of biblical fiction and anyone looking for a story full of hope, courage, and unwavering faith.

Bought this for my mom for her collection. She was very glad to receive it.

I liked this second book in Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series very much. Lynn Austin writes a strong narrative on Old Testament figures in the tradition of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent. Other reviewers have noted Austin's use of 21st century language to convey the fictionalized account of Judah's King Hezekiah, who ruled from 716 to 687 BC. On one or two occasions, the contemporary language was a bit much for me; the rest of the time it rang true. Song of Redemption includes the Hebrew Scriptures of 2 Kings 17 and 18, 2 Chronicles 29 and 32, Deuteronomy 17, 2 Samuel 5, and the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah. The book conveys belief, unbelief, misbelief, and confused belief in God with great skill. It also conveys those degrees of belief in many gods. And idolatry is not confined to multiple gods but is found in those who believe in the One God. In this, the book is a prequel, if you will, of today. How does God (if there is a God, some say) act (if God does act, some say) in the world? Song of Redemption explores this in King Hezekiah's efforts to defend his kingdom and his people against the Assyrians. Disciplined and well organized killers, they were, as the book portrays them. I looked up Assyria on wikipedia for a look at what basic historians say about them. [...] In our day, our knowledge of growing discoveries of science causes us to review our beliefs from new vantage points. Scripture is not science or history but an account of deep beliefs and values, the word of God in human words, I believe. A sacred account of God's action in our world. Lynn Austin is masterful in the metaphor she's found in this book to describe this journey that many of us take to seek and hopefully find God in our lives and in our world. I won't spoil, but just hint: engineering is a lot more than bridges and highways. Read these books in order.

Oh my goodness. This series it so good. Lynn Austin is seriously one of the best christian authors out there. I can be very picky with books... but this one... it definitely hits the spot. There is just enough adventure, mystery, faith and romance to satisfy all readers. Most importantly, however, the author takes a great biblical story and sticks to the word which creating a whole world full of unique characters and experiences that are appropriate and believable for the time. The author also really builds on the characters and story... You can tell she did her research. Also... It definitely never has a dull moment. I'd pay for this series all over again. I have loaned the book out to any friend that would just take the minute to read the first chapter.... You won't put it down after that.

Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors. I am enjoying this series and, at 3.99 for the Kindle version, I can't complain about the price. First, the negative: I found the tunnel-construction logistics a little difficult to understand. I was not quite sure why Shebna and Eliakim were arguing because I had trouble grasping what exactly they were suggesting. My main complaint is about Jerusha's storyline. If you haven't read the book yet be warned there are spoilers coming. Okay, so I found her reaction to being kidnapped and the subsequent abuse very believable and well-written if hard to read. It was awful what she went through. As soon as she got to Hilkiah's house, I started to feel like Austin rushed her recovery a bit. I'm no psychologist, but I doubt that much trauma is going to be overcome with no counseling (or even discussing it with someone) in a matter of maybe a few months, at most. Also she was eager to marry Eliakim once she realized he didn't blame her for the abuse. I felt their relationship should have taken more time to grow. It just felt forced. This is not a reason to skip the book; I really enjoyed it as a whole, but have read other books that portrayed character's dealing with past trauma more realistically. Now for the good: It's not necessary to fully understand the tunnel-construction-disaster thing for it to be effective. Hilkiah is so awesome. Hezekiah is very, very well-written. It's like Austin got right with him what she missed with Jerusha. Hezekiah is still haunted by the sacrifice he saw as a child. When Zechariah died, I was heart-broken for him. He is a great character. I loved seeing him wrestle with truly trusting God in the face of an impossible situation. Also I loved when he told Hephzibah to stop calling him "my lord". Their marriage is in for some rough times ahead. Hephzibah was another score for Austin. I really felt for her even as she turned her back on God. I never realized how restrictive some of the Jewish laws were. Overall: 4/5 If you're a fan of Austin, you'll probably like Song of Redemption. The same goes if you're just looking for a book you can lose yourself in for a while. It's not Austin's best, but it's still Austin which means it's good.

I love historical fiction and I really like the imagery this brought to another great Bible story. This was well done. The characters were developed well and each chapter left me wanted more and anxious to read the next thing that was going to happen in their lives. Kings, prophets, priests, war and slaves but trust and love… doubts and redemption make this Novel a great read!

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It was hard to put down to go to sleep...an absolute page turner. Can't wait to read Book #3 .

The second entry in Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series, this page-turner is every bit as gripping as the first. King Hezekiah has replaced his father Ahaz on the throne of David, tearing down all the shrines and altars his father erected to idols in Judah. Hezekiah leads his people in returning to worship the God of Israel, and in so doing, Judah prospers. But he must also face the threat of the mighty Assyrian army that continues a reign of terror and slaughter, annihilating all who oppose them. Ahaz turned Judah into a vassal nation under his rule, paying yearly tribute to Assyria, but Hezekiah resists, believing God will protect him and his people. In addition to Hezekiah's test of faith, and the looming threat of destruction at the hands of the Assyrians, there is a secondary plot involving a young girl named Jerusha, who is abducted by the Assyrians early in the novel. For much of the book we see their cruelty through her eyes. Eventually, her life will intertwine with those in Hezekiah's inner circle, bringing the plot threads and this story to a very satisfying ending. What I like best about these books is the vivid way in which Ms. Austin brings the Old Testament to life. From the people, to the customs and setting, it's like stepping back in time. The message at the heart of each novel speaks to the soul--through trial and tribulation, God is true.

What a brilliant follow up book. I had to buy the kindle set as not all of the series are on audible. The events are very believable and it must have been a very dangerous time to be in Judah with the Assyrians so close by and threatening to descend. The characters were so well developed, I did however find Hephzibah incredibly annoying, but I expect that is just my impression of her - weak, whiny, stupid and pathetic. It was all so addictive I read it in 2 to 3 days even though they were work days. The next one is on audible, so back there for the next installment.

Der 2. Teil der Chronik war genau so spannend wie der 1. Teil. Die Geschichten gehen nahtlos ineinander über und man kann sofort ein Buch nach dem anderen weiterlesen. Ich wollte anfangs an das Thema "altes Testament" gar nicht heran, habe es aber in keinster Weise bereut. Sehr zu empfehlen !!!

Some of the scenes were too graphic for me to read to my kids, so I had to censor them. We did enjoy the story apart from that. Will definitely read the next book in the series.

Anyone who loves the Bible will enjoy reading this book. The message of faith is like a testimony for me!!

I have not finished this book yet but am enjoying it very much. Lynn Austin does a very good job of writing historical fiction, both biblical and American. This book helps the events and times of the kings come to life. I am hoping that if I read the whole series it will help me get a clearer picture of the various kings and the timeline.