Title: A Light Undimmed: A Novel of Biblical Jerusalem and Babylon’s Siege
Author: April W Gardner
Series: Yoke of Babylon, book 1
Major Themes: Jerusalem, Babylonians, Ancient Times, Israel
Synopsis: Liora didn’t know what she was getting into when her king ordered her to take a message to Nebuzaradan, the leader of the Babylonian armies besieging her city of Jerusalem.
A year ago, April Gardner asked for people to read her first Biblical fiction novel and give her feedback on this new-to-her genre. I read her book about Obadiah, A Hope Fulfilled, and somewhat enjoyed it, but I found it too heavy on the romance for me. This year, she asked for readers for her second Biblical fiction book, A Light Undimmed. I told her I was willing to read it but that I wouldn’t guarantee a positive review. She was willing to send me a copy anyway, so I read it.
Publisher’s description:
In besieged Jerusalem, a Judean noblewoman is thrust into the perilous role of courier. Sent to Babylon’s commanding general, she soon discovers she is more than a messenger—she’s a pawn to a wicked king and a servant to a mighty God. Most surprising yet is the curious mind of Babylon’s bloodiest general—could Judah’s Yahweh truly be the God Most High?
Faced with the impossible, Liora must be bold, speak Truth, and do so without knowing whether the Butcher of Babylon will release her in the end…or keep her as his own.
In this tale of war, deception, and betrayal, one woman emerges as a beacon, a light undimmed in the shadows of Jerusalem’s ruins.
My thoughts:
I was quite surprised by how A Light Undimmed drew me in! I ended up reading it about twice as fast as I do most books of this length, and I kept finding myself reading several more pages every time I picked it up—when I should have been laying it down and getting on with my work! In other words, this story destroyed my self-control when it came to reading. Then, I turned a page and saw the words “Thank you for reading.” What?! The story was not ended. Now, the author has made it so I have to read another book, and it isn’t even available yet!
I can’t remember reading more than one or two other books about the conquest of Jerusalem by Babylon, and never one from this perspective. The main character in this story is actually not Liora, through whose point of view the story is told—it’s actually Nebuzaradan, the leader of the Babylonian armies! I found this a fascinating study of him and how he may have decided to free Jeremiah when he took the city. I was also fascinated by the tie-in to Isaiah 4, since our home church is studying that book right now. I appreciated having a new understanding of the fall of Jerusalem.
After reading A Hope Fulfilled, I was a bit worried that A Light Undimmed would be more romantic than I like. There is a strong romantic element, but it never went farther than I like, and felt realistic. I can hardly wait to read book 2—and apparently there is a book 3 planned for this series! I will definitely offer to help April Gardner launch those books, as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 1: Many heads on stakes, the stench of death. Chapter 2: Men groping a woman. Chapter 3: Potential punishment described. Chapter 8: Memory of a man attempting rape, man beaten and stabbed. Chapter 9: Men will slay the virgins after they have their sport. Chapter 15: Attempted rape, stabbing.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Emma, I am absolutely tickled that you enjoyed this book so much! This feels like a huge success for me. 😍
I know, I am a terrible human being for dragging their story into three books. But I found no way to tell it in one book. I’m hoping it will be worth the wait!
I have destroyed your self-control. Hopefully not your patience! 🤣
Thank you for posting this review and spreading the word! You are welcome back on my team anytime.