BOOK SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW: Jonathan’s Shield By Channing Turner

Jonathan’s Shield
By Channing Turner
Genre: Biblical Historical

Beral's only goal is to serve loyally as Jonathan's shield bearer and protect his prince through whatever battles may come.  But Jonathan needs a friend as well, a man he can trust while navigating the precarious footing of his father's court. Being that friend puts Beral's life in danger and stretches his loyalty to the breaking point.  For what Jonathan wants is to do Yahweh's will, whether that be through defying his increasingly paranoid father, King Saul, or supporting the aspirations of young David, whom Jonathan believes is the rightful heir to the throne.
As he competes with David for the hand of the king's daughter, Beral struggles to hold true to his loyalties, even while he watches King Saul descend into madness.

If Yahweh withdraws his protective hand, Beral and his men will be all that stand before their gathering enemies.  Only one thing is certain: Beral's fate, as well as the future of Israel, is tied to the virtue of their king, and Saul's honor has long since fled.






My Review: 

Normally, just the thought of reading a book based on any biblical pretense is a huge red flag for me. But this book was recommended to me by someone who's opinion I highly value so I gave it a shot. I am not disappointed! Channing Turner has created a work of historical fiction with enough meat to it to transcend the dogma, and his character development and story-telling ability made Jonathan's Shield an exciting, fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyable read. I especially liked Beral, and felt that the other characters had a depth and realism that made me forget I was in a book. Always a plus for me. Intelligently crafted, well executed, and thought provoking. I would imagine beyond the scope of a great number of 'christian' fictions. Give this book a try, christian or not! You'll be glad you did. Five stars.

                                                             

Author Bio

A son of the South, Channing Turner grew up in Arkansas and Louisiana before graduating from Louisiana State University in Psychology. He did graduate work in marine biology and became an estuarine biologist along the Texas coast. After retiring from the petrochemical industry where he worked in Louisiana and Montana as a laboratory analyst, he managed the 2010 US Census in Montana and northern Wyoming. He now lives in eastern Washington with his wife, Barb.

Channing served in the army and was discharged as an Armor captain. Reading and writing are his sedentary pursuits, but he also enjoys riding his Tennessee Walker in the Blue Mountains of Washington and Oregon.







Links:

Website: www.channingtbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/channingturnerbooks
On Red Adept: http://bit.ly/RAPJShield 
On Amazon: http://amzn.to/1WlCAo9