Isaiah's Legacy
A Novel of Prophets and Kings
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5.0 • 11 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
The drama of the Old Testament comes to life as Judah's most notorious king ascends to the throne in this gripping novel from the award-winning author of Isaiah's Daughter.
At eight years old, Shulle has known only life in a small village with her loving but peculiar father. When Uncle Shebna offers shelter in Jerusalem in exchange for Shulle's help tutoring King Manasseh, Judah's five-year-old co-regent who displays the same peculiarities as her father, she's eager to experience the royal court. But Shulle soon realizes the limits of her father's strict adherence to Yahweh's Law when Uncle Shebna teaches her of the starry hosts and their power.
Convinced Judah must be freed from Yahweh's chains, she begins the subtle swaying of young Manasseh, using her charm and skills on the boy no one else understands. When King Hezekiah dies, twelve-year-old Manasseh is thrust onto Judah's throne, bitter at Yahweh and eager to marry the girl he adores. Assyria's crown prince favors Manasseh and twists his brilliant mind toward cruelty, beginning Shulle's long and harrowing journey to discover the Yahweh she'd never known, guided with loving wisdom by Manasseh's mother: Isaiah's daughter, the heartbroken Hephzibah. Amid Judah's dark days, a desperate remnant emerges, claiming the Lord's promise, "Though we're helpless now, we're never hopeless--because we serve El Shaddai." Shulle is among them, a girl who becomes a queen through Isaiah's legacy.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Christy Award winner Andrews takes on the story of Judah's King Manasseh in the enthralling second entry in her Novel of Prophets and Kings series (following Isaiah's Daughter). Manasseh, known as the wickedest king in Judah's history, is son of Hezekiah, Judah's most righteous king. Told in part through the eyes of Hephzibah, Manasseh's mother, and Meshullemeth, his wife, the life of Manasseh is one of pagan idol worship, deceit, and betrayal. At the age of five, Manasseh exhibits behaviors related to autism obsession with a spinning toy, deep reticence studded with outbursts and is named co-regent with his father. As he ages, Meshullemeth, who he becomes betrothed to, is used as a pawn by her evil Assyrian-influenced uncle to get close to Manasseh and draw him away from Yahweh. The plan works, with Manasseh allowing idol worship and child sacrifice after he becomes king. However, the redemption prophesied by Isaiah, Hephzibah's father, eventually occurs when Manasseh returns to Yahweh. Andrews handles the evils of these Old Testament tales with care, never avoiding the original stories, but also making clear the motives of Manasseh. Christian readers interested in the stories of the Old Testament will want to check out this exciting tale.
Customer Reviews
We can trust His goodness for a future we can’t yet see
‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.’ - Isaiah 9:2
This story picks up after Isaiah’s Daughter, introducing us to many new characters. Manasseh, 12 year old son of King Hezekiah and Queen Zibah, is crowned king after his father dies. Hezekiah was one of the most righteous kings in Judah’s history. Having struggled to reach Manasseh and teach him all he needed to know to lead the people, the parents had resorted to tutors and advisors they thought would carry out their wishes. However this was not the result. Manasseh was very smart with an incredible knowledge of the Torah. He was insecure, always looking for acceptance, misunderstanding social cues, and manipulated by those who appeared to care about him. Thus he was easily enticed away from believing in the one true God and led into the world of the dark arts.
The author has developed wonderful characters, some of which I certainly would love to get to know myself. The forces of good and evil, dark and light are very evident in this Bible story - I love how much clearer these historical happenings become when written into a story. The theme of light in the darkness threads its way throughout the whole book. Zibah and Adnah are just two of those who bring light to Shulle as she learns that there is someone who would give themselves up for her. She learns that earthly suffering and death don’t disprove God’s love. You’ll have to read the book to see if Manasseh finally believes that there is only one true God.
I received an ARC through WaterBrook, Penguin Random House and NetGalley. The impressions, comments and rating were in no way solicited.