Of Fire and Lions (Prophets and Kings, #2) by Mesu Andrews

Of Fire and Lions (Prophets and Kings, #2) Reviews

• 
  Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction)

  Mesu Andrews with rip out your heart, step on it a few times, then mend it back together.
  
  This story was a lot to ingest. I wanted to savor every single moment of it, so it took me longer to finish it. In all honesty I could've gone for another 400 pages. Every word had a purpose and they hit their mark with perfect aim.
  
  One of the main reasons I love biblical fiction is how much it tests my knowledge of the Bible. Though I know my fair share of the book of Daniel, I had to set the book down and really wrack my brain to line what I knew, up with the book. I learned new things I never knew before too. It made me hunger to dive into the Scriptures and LEARN ALL THE THINGS.
  
  I'm going to be super transparent with y'all right now!
  It is very rare that I "feel" anything when reading Christian Fiction. Don't get me wrong, I see the hope and love oozing off pages, but I'm rarely so moved by what I feel in a book that I get choked up.
  BUT THIS BOOK Y'ALL! I FELT God while reading this book. Though some aspects of this book are fictional, the God of Daniel is not. That miracle worker is not. Yaweh is not.
  
  I will NEVER know what those times were like. I will never understand the physical and spiritual battle Daniel had to face on a daily basis. But I know that the same God back then, is the same God right now.
  Getting a glimpse into what it could have been like was eyeopening. But even more so was the utter conviction I felt as I read this masterpiece. I never want to get to comfortable where I am that I take God's spirit for granted. Tomorrow is not promised, and I want to live every day having an ASSURANCE that when I take my last breath on earth I'll take my next in Heaven.
  
  This book is so full of wisdom. I got SO much out of this book and I know it's going to stay with me for the rest of my life. For I feel this is the book that altered my walk with God.
  
  If I could give this book more than 5 stars I absolutely would. Just know this piece of art has earned it's rightful spot as one of my favorite books ever!
  
  *I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
  
• 
  Loraine

  Mesu Andrews says her philosphy of writing Biblical fiction is: 1) Biblical accounts and Scripture to build the foundation, 2) Historical facts that support the truth of God's Word, and 3) creative fiction to hold the historical fact and Biblical truth together. This is so obvious in this wonderful tale of Daniel. The story is so well-fashioned that it seamlessly weaves all 3 components together to place me right in the middle of Daniel's life and the time period and evil that existed during the 70 year Jewish exile to Babylon.
  
  I felt the frustrations and weariness that Daniel faced in dealing with the kings and royal court while, at the same time, staying true to his Hebrew beliefs. The stress and pressure had to have been overwhelming, yet Daniel never lost faith. While the Bible doesn't tell us whether or not Daniel was married, Andrews' story created a plausible marriage and family that could have been true. I especially appreciated Andrews' concluding notes that gave explanation of the choices that she made in determining points within the story that were best supported by Scripture and history.
  
  An excellent Biblical read that made my 2019 favorites list and which I would highly recommend to readers of Biblical fiction.
  
  **I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
• 
  Tahera

  I had finished reading this book way back in January 2020. I delayed writing a review because I wanted to take my time to come up with a review that would do justice to the book. However, after nine months words still fail me. All I can say is that this is a rich and vivid piece of story telling, description of places, events and people. The life, times, events, culture, traditions, prophecies and miracles lived and witnessed by Prophet Daniel, (Prophet Daniyal A.S. as known to Muslims), his family and friends, during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, King Darius and Cyrus the Great is brought to life by the sheer brilliance of the author Mesu Andrew's craft.
  
  Simply magnificent and breathtaking!!! 🌟💖
  
  I received an e-Arc of the book from the publishers WaterBrook and Multnomah and the author via NetGalley. This book was published on March 5, 2019 and is the second book in the author's Prophets and Kings series.
  
• 
  Sarah Monzon

  Anyone else an Adventures in Odyssey fan? I always used to think taking a ride in the Imagination Station would be really cool. Well, you don’t need a trip to Whit’s end in order to find yourself caught up in the adventure and action found in bible stories. All you need is a Mesu Andrews book! The fiery furnace and the lion’s den are two stories we’ve all grown up hearing in church school and family worship. Mesu makes those stories come alive thousands of years later in this book.
• 
  Lou Allen

  Of Fire and Lions is a dramatic and emotional Biblical fiction novel.
  The story explores the questions — What would have happened if Daniel had a wife? What would she experience if she was taken as a child from Jerusalem to Babylon (a place that abuses young women who have no protector or means of support)?
  This is the story of Belili the fictional wife of Daniel, who watches firsthand the events in the biblical book of Daniel.
  You may be familiar with the story of Daniel in the lion’s den but this is not the kid’s version!
  This book is full of tension, both from the events happening in the political world outside and from within their family relationships.
  I enjoyed the dramatisation of the familiar stories as well as the imagined family drama that takes place alongside them.
  It was especially interesting to see how old the characters were at each stage of the narrative. I also liked seeing how their faith was tested, first by the fickle and dangerous politics of the kings and second by their own weaknesses and life choices.
  This is the first book I have read by Mesu Andrews. It was an exciting and sometimes emotionally tense read.
  I think it helped me to dig deeper into the culture and politics of the exile in Babylon, as well as being a very dramatic novel.
• 
  Janet Ferguson

  If you enjoy biblical fiction like Lynn Austin's god & kings series, you'll enjoy this fictional story of Daniel in the Old Testament. I like biblical fiction because it sends me to the Bible to see where the author got their research.
• 
  Sarita

  When I saw this stunning cover, I knew I wanted to read this book, not to even mention that is is written by Mesu Andrews. I mean, look at this cover and tell me you don't want this book.
  
  Daniel is probably one of the most confusing and most exciting Bible books. Most confusing because there is basically three different kings Daniel served, and to keep facts straight about what happened to whom etc is quite a task. Most exciting - the miracles speak for themselves: surviving being thrown into a fire, a king being transformed into an animal and being thrown into a lions' den and living to tell about it.
  
  Mesu Andrews used the Biblical facts, her historical research and creative writing to bring forth a retelling of Daniel which was passionate, mesmerizing and alive. There was a few scenes I loved but Daniel's wit and the lions' den was probably a favourite. I loved how she brought Daniel to life and even though he was probably the most faithful man in Babylon, he also struggled with especially hatred towards a king and made mistakes.
  
  I did get confused with the back and forth jumping in he time periods of King Nebuchadnezzar and would have preferred more POV from Daniel. However finishing 50% of this story in one day is evident of a great story and great writing.
  
  If you love Biblical fiction, you need to read this book.
• 
  Susan

  Mesu Andrew's Of Fire and Lions tells the story of Daniel. It is told from the POV of Daniel and Belili. While the Bible tells us that Daniel maintained a strong walk when faced with persecution, many Hebrews in captivity struggled to maintain a close relationship with God. Ms. Andrew's chooses to give Daniel a wife and family. In Belili, the author gives us a heroine that has learned to be strong and courageous in order to survive. The story spans the full seventy years of Hebrew captivity. Through Belili's journey of faith, the author describes the hardships many Hebrews endured in captivity and the difficult decisions they made in order to survive. The author deftly describes life in Babylon at the time, filled with political intrigue of the court and the various rulers Daniel served under. While the retellings of the escape of Shadrach,Meshach and Abednego from the furnace and Daniel from the lion's pit were fabulous, I was most touched by the retelling of Nebechadnezzar's transformation.
  
  Mesu Andrew's continues to write biblical fiction in a way that maintains the integrity of the biblical foundation, expertly utilizing historical research and weaving these all together in a hauntingly beautiful story of the Hebrews in captivity. Her writings challenge me as the reader to visit these stories in the Bible, reading them with a new perspective. Not a perspective that diminishes God's Word, but one that challenges the reader to wonder how they would respond if placed in a similar fate.
  
  A few of my favorite quotes:
  " In that moment, I knew my greatest failures as a mother hadn't been protecting my children too fiercely or even holding back secrets. My most dire mistake had been neglecting to trust Yahweh's power and sufficiency in both their lives and my own."
  
  "Because uttering meaningless words to a false god shriveled my soul."
  
  "No fear of physical or emotional pain could compare to an everlasting separation from the One who always showed me mercy."
  
  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Andi Tubbs

  If you grew up in Sunday school like I did I’m sure you’ve heard the story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace and their best friend Daniel in the lion’s den during their exile in Babylon. But, have you truly experienced the story in a way that makes it unforgettable? That is what Of Fire and Lions does. I’ve read Daniel, studied it, even Bible quizzed on it as a kid, but Mesu Andrews with the use of an exiled Hebrew girl, Abigail/Belili makes the experience of Daniel all encompassing. In fact it is so incredibly rich and detailed with exquisite research it begs to be savored rather than devoured.
  
  The theme of faith, commitment, and trust run through this novel from beginning to end. Living in America we’re not going to see someone tossed in a fiery furnace or fed to the lions for a crime but as I read through this story I hoped I would’ve behaved like Meshach, Shadrach, Abednego and Daniel and willingly gone into the furnace and lion’s den trusting that God would take care of me instead of the fear that would surround me.
  This book is not to be missed!
  
  Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Mesu Andrews street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
• 
  Jill

  If you are a fan of biblical fiction, you won't want to miss this exciting retelling of the life of Daniel. Mesu Andrews is a wonderful story teller. She includes a lot of historical details that enrich the biblical account. The story is told through the eyes of a fictional character named Abigail. I enjoyed her character development and story line. She added an interesting female aspect to what would have been an all male story.
  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.
• 
  Anne Rightler

  Of Fire and Lions is historical fiction at its finest. Mesu Andrews does a marvelous job of telling the story of a young woman who first is depicted as a Hebrew captive, finds herself an idol worshiper, and ends up the beloved wife of the prophet Daniel. Taking Biblical history and fleshing out the story, the author brings readers a thoroughly captivating read. With descriptive prose that makes the reader feel like you are right there in the scenes and realistic dialogue, the author expertly portrays the struggles and the depth of emotions of the characters and brings clarification to some of the convoluted political alliances and tells of the Babylonian captivity of the Hebrews. The development of the characters throughout the story is strong, especially Abigail as she struggles to know who she is. Was she Belili, the woman who had won the love of the Medes' chief magus or was she still Abigail, a Hebrew captive who served Yahweh only? Could her family forgive her for her secrets and lies? Would Yahweh someday include her again in His watchful care? I enjoyed the portrayal of the prophet Daniel throughout the story, not just seeing him as a man who was continually faithful to Yahweh but as a husband and father as well. He knew God was good and nothing would make him deny the One True God. With the portrayal of warfare and subsequent captivity, and corrupt kings and their thoughtless rulings, this is not a light read but it is a story that portrays a sovereign God, the LORD God Most High, who alone holds all kingdoms in His hands. It is a story of sorting out fears and failures and extending and receiving forgiveness for the same. A story of the strengthening of one's faith as one learns the truth of Yahweh's love in the midst of hardship and despair, of seeing His working of miracles in impossible situations. Lovers of Biblical historical fiction will not want to miss Of Fire and Lions.
  I received a complimentary copy of the book from Waterbrook Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
• 
  Breny and Books

  I'll never stop marveling at Mesu's talent at storytelling. Like, she is the queen of using different POVs in her novels in such a fantastic way you never even notice. #goals. 🥳
  There is no denying that this book has been marvelously researched and I'm not going to lie, I liked it a lot. I loved reading about Daniels's younger years and how his faith never faltered amidst tribulation, it was really inspiring to read about. This book pretty much covers all of the Bible book of Daniel minus the prophecies. It was cool to get to see the lives of these brave people unfold.
  But then, I wasn't a fan of the MC, Abigail. I don't know but I couldn't connect with her and was left sometimes wondering whyyyyyyyy!!?! *dramatic sigh* 😂 I also wished we could have had more of Daniels perspective!
  I didn't realize this book is very long! 400 pages! The story was slow when it changed perspective to the ''present'' but all in all it was a very good read that I would recommend to other Biblical fiction lovers.
  Ps. I LOVE Mesu's book, Isaiah's Daugther 💕😭 Like, you need that book nowwwww
  
  Cleanness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5(kisses and behind doors sex. There is prostitution and pagan worship to false gods.)
  Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5
  Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
• 
  Sherri

  Oh where to start with Mesu Andrews installment of Israel's captivity in Babylon! My heart is still recovering for the story of Daniel and his fictional wife Abigail/Belili.
  
  This goes back and forth in time from young Daniel and his friends Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego who meet young Abigail in captivity in Babylon through the 70 year promise that prophet Jeremiah said a remnant of Israel will return to Jerusalem, including the 7 years Nebacunezzer was transformed to beast.
  
  We see the rise of Daniel in Babylonian court, the relationship between he and Abigail, living through his friend's deaths, and surviving the famous lion pit (oooh I cried at that part).
  
  Such credible fiction that Andrews weaves through the research from various sources. Includes notes from the author and a reading plan for group discussions.
  
  Yes! Read this if your a fan of Biblical fiction, drama, and just a darn good story.
• 
  Audrey

  At first I found the story confusing since it alternated between different time periods in Daniel's life but soon it came together. I was sceptical about Daniel having a wife but the author explained that possibly a eunoch was a palace official. Ok, I grant her the right for artistic license. The story was written from Abigail/ Belili's perspective. She was a childhood friend of Daniel in the early years of their captivity. Years later she became his wife. In the intervening years Abigail became Belili when she strayed away from Yahweh for sometime. When she returned to God she kept many secrets from Daniel and her daughters about her past life. It was hard to know how to rate this book. Even though I had doubts about his wife, the story of Daniel was quite interesting.
• 
  Anne Marie

  This is another success for Mesu Andrews! I don’t read her books but I become part of her books. When I read the description I knew I must have it in my hands. I love to read anything about Daniel. He is one of my favorites besides Jesus. I love the way Mesu gave this fictional bible story to life. The characters, the time and feeling part of this book was such a wonderful experience. I love how she made this book come alive.
  
  I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
• 
  Yvonne

  Dat was zeker het lezen waard!
  Vergelijkbaar met de romans van Lynn Austin gebaseerd op Bijbelse verhalen! Indrukwekkend!
• 
  Kristianne

  A riveting story following Daniel and his family.
• 
  christianchicklit

  Another Amazing Book By Mesu Andrews!
  
  I have never read a book By Mesu Andrews that I did not completely love… and this one is no exception!
  
  Although I have done a comprehensive 12-week bible study from Beth Moore on Daniel, read Daniel for Dummies (yes it was a real book but can’t find it anymore), and studied the topic of Daniel’s life in detail, there were so many new things that I discovered about Daniel’s life through reading this book.
  
  While most kids in Sunday school have heard the stories of the three men in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion’s den, Mesu Andrews has a real gift for being able to put the reader in the middle of the Bible Story to experience it. You will feel all the emotion of the events as they are happening. You will see nuances you have never seen before.
  
  The story of Daniel starts when he was just a teen (about 15 years old) and he is taken from the royal family in Jerusalem and brought into captivity for an intensive three-year training period to eventually be put in service to the King. He faithfully serves four different Kings and it is not until the age of about 80 years old when he is thrown into the lion’s den for his “supposed disloyalty” to King Darius. Finally, Daniel has even won over King Cyrus who finally allows the Jewish people to return to their homeland (and pays the bill).
  
  Although I had read about Daniel’s integrity from an early age (when he chose not to eat of the King’s food that might have been offered to idols), this was just the smallest glimpse into the integrity with which Daniel lived his life. He faithfully served King Nebuchadnezzar although he had watched the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the plunder of all of the holy items that were taken. The King had killed many in Daniel’s royal family (or had certainly not been gracious to them). Yet, Daniel continued to honor the role he had been given and continued to serve this King faithfully despite the horrific things he had experienced as a result of this King’s decisions.
  
  Despite the honor that Daniel should have received for his actions and wisdom in ruling the kingdom, he continued to humble himself in all occasions and point to the glory of his God. What a lesson for today about how to live humbly in a broken world, how to live justly among the unjust and how to hold fast to your faith and the principles of your God.
  
  I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
• 
  Kathy DiDomizio

  Mesu Andrews writes Biblical fiction in a way that completely draws me into her stories like few other authors. I have thoroughly enjoyed all her books, but Of Fire and Lions is my new favorite!
  This beautifully told story follows a Hebrew girl, Abigail, who is captured in the fall of Jerusalem in 605 BC and made a servant to four young princes who were also taken in the siege. It becomes her charge to ensure the princes, who include Daniel, arrive in Babylon healthy and unharmed. During their journey, Abigail becomes close to the young princes, and all five vow to return to Jerusalem at the end of Jeremiah’s prophesied 70 years. Once they arrive in Babylon, however, Abigail becomes separated from the princes, and her life takes a drastic turn. Renamed Belili, she does things of which she would never have thought herself capable in order to survive and feels unworthy of Yahweh’s love.
  Meanwhile, Daniel’s life takes a very different path. Gifted from God with the ability to interpret dreams and understand prophecy, he is appointed to use his talents to serve Babylon’s royalty. Even so, Daniel remains wholeheartedly devoted to Yahweh.
  The lives of Abigail and Daniel rejoin in an elegantly woven tale of abiding faith, steadfast devotion, reconciliation, and forgiveness that underscores the glory of our amazing God. I won’t spoil it by sharing more, but I highly recommend this inspirational book and feel certain that if you like Biblical fiction, this will become a new favorite.
  I received an advance copy free from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
  
• 
  Dianna

  Abigail is a Hebrew servant when, at age nine, she is taken as a captive into Babylon. She is assigned to serve Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I thoroughly enjoyed this imagined retelling of the life of Daniel (and his fictional family) from the Old Testament.
  
  So many Bible-based books that I pick up lately seem have the goal of exposing all the weirdness that is in the Bible (and yes! there's a lot! I get it!). I found it refreshing that Mesu Andrews was more interested in telling the story from a faith-promoting perspective (while still not trying to plaster modern ideals on top of the story).
  
  Daniel was such a human character, although he was a prophet, and I love that the author wasn't afraid to give him weaknesses and imperfections. But he also had a prophet's perspective on God's plan for his people, and I appreciate that the author was able to give him two sides.
  
  I would highly recommend this book to friends who are interested in historical fiction, Christian fiction, or just a good book. It was hard to put down!
  
  Content: rape, sex, beatings, war, happen "off-screen." There are no details and nothing graphic, and I would let my kids age 13+ read this.
• 
  Barb

  I am a big fan of Mesu Andrew's Biblical fiction and very much enjoyed her newest, Of Fire and Lions. Mesu has a gift to make Bible characters come to life and leap off the page, and she certainly hit it out of the park with Daniel! I loved learning more about Daniel and the time period in which he lived. The background and history of what was going on in the Middle East politically, socially, economically, historically, was fascinating and really contributed to the story.
  
  The reader needs to understand that this is fiction. Yes, it is based on what the Bible tells us about Daniel, but Mesu has also taken liberties to tell a full, rich story of his life. As anyone who has ever read the Bible knows, we often only get a few details about a characters life (and often yearn for more). Ms. Andrews gives us just what we are looking for.
  
  If you are interested in Old Testament history, Daniel in the lion's den, or just enjoy good historical fiction, you'll surely like this book!
  
  I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Barbara M. Britton

  Andrews brings the book of Daniel, and the exile of the Israelites in Baylon and beyond, to life like no other. I have read these Scriptures about Daniel and his friends-Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego--many times and not really considered what the young boys went through. Andrews ages Daniel and gives him a wife. Abigail/Belili shows us what life in exile would be like for a beautiful woman. We see Daniel's faith in the lion's den and in his every day life. Andrews makes us consider how King Neb survived 7 years on the throne when God cast his as an animal. Was Daniel involved in securing his reign? This books brings to thought the issue of sovereignty and who really is the Sovereign over life. An excellent read.
• 
  Laura

  OF FIRE AND LIONS is Ms. Andrews' newest biblical fiction and fans of this genre will devour it.
  
  
  
  Biblical fiction is not my favorite genre, I find it changes the way I look at the Bible and I am not sure if how much of the story is fiction. However, Ms. Andrews is a very talented author, the story is engaging and hard to put down--even for me, a non-fan! Her characters come to life on the page and as the reader, I care.
  
  
  
  If you love biblical fiction, you will love OF FIRE AND LIONS.
  
  
  
  I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
  
  
• 
  Becky Marie

  Mesu Andrews has done it again! She weaves together a beautiful story of love and redemption through the eyes of Daniel's wife. She makes the story of Daniel come out to new light and new meaning while still staying true to the Biblical account. You will not be disappointed when you step into Daniel's and Belili's world to see how God can use your trials.
• 
  Ruth

  In her latest novel, Of Fire and Lions, Mesu Andrews explores the nation of Israel's Babylonian captivity through the eyes of Abigail, a young Hebrew maid whose life is inextricably entwined with four young Hebrew princes caught up in the first exile -- Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego. This is perhaps Andrews' most ambitious novel to date, spanning some seventy years of heartbreak, hope, and redemption on both a national and an intimate, personal level. Told primarily from Abigail's point-of-view, and interspersed with brief scenes from Daniel's perspective, this novel is an unvarnished look at the hardship and horror faced by a captive and conquered people struggling to maintain some semblance of their national and religious identity while under foreign rule.
  
  Abigail (or Belili, as she comes to be known) is our fictional entree into Daniel's orbit and thus palace life and the political machinations that provide context to Daniel's prophetic work. While it is not known whether or not Daniel actually married and had a family, as per her norm any liberties Andrews may take in fleshing out the strict framework of the biblical text is grounded in research. While I enjoyed this novel, personally I think I would have preferred it even more had this story been told chronologically and solely from Abigail's point-of-view. This is a meaty novel, rich in detail, and covering seventy years' worth of life and political intrigue with any depth and resonance would be a monumental task for any author, and none better equipped than Andrews to tackle the challenge. However, I believe a more linear method of storytelling would have allowed for an even deeper dive into the experiences and emotional scars that made Abigail such a compelling, multi-faceted character. The back-and-forth between past and present, while imbuing the novel with some measure of suspense, would I believe have seen the narrative better served if it had unfolded chronologically, ameliorating plot points such as why Abigail's eldest daughter seems to hate her for no discernible reason for over half of the novel.
  
  One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the friendship that develops between Abigail/Belili and Amyitis, Nebuchadnezzar’s wife. Amyitis’s devotion to Neuchadnezzar humanizes him without excusing his behavior, taking him from the realm of prophetic legend and reminding readers that this legendary king and conqueror was also incredibly human. This is particularly effective when it comes to the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream (found in Daniel 4). I have to confess that it has been several years since I’ve read Daniel, and I cannot ever recall Daniel 4:16 registering with me AT ALL: “Let his mind be changed from a man’s, and let a beast’s mind be given to him; and let seven periods of time pass over him.” This prophecy comes to fruition later in the chapter, where Nebuchadnezzar boasts of his own power and accomplishments, and is turned into a beast (Daniel 4:28-33).
  
  Revisiting this passage raises SO MANY QUESTIONS, not the least of which is HOW ON EARTH DID I FORGET THIS WAS A THING?! And boanthropy IS a thing? Mind. Blown. However, setting that aside for the moment, in my view few authors are as well equipped as Andrews to bring a passage of scripture such as this to life in novel form. The events of this seven year period unfold with Andrews’ trademark attention to historical and political plausibility. This interpretation of the events of Daniel 4 places Daniel squarely in the center of Babylonian politics in a organic manner, drives Daniel and Abigail’s relationship arc, and is the catalyst that nearly destroys Abigail’s relationship with her children.
  
  This period of self-imposed exile is the pivot on which much of Abigail’s inner conflict turns in the novel. Because this story is not told chronologically, the root of her childrens’ emotional distance is hinted rather unsatisfactorily several times. The narrative bounces back and forth between “present” day Babylon (the “handwriting on the wall” in Daniel 5 that precedes the fall of Babylon to Medes), Abigail and Daniel’s childhood during the first exile, and Abigail’s transformation into Belili and eventual reunion with Daniel. I understand why Andrews chose to incorporate glimpses of Daniel's point-of-view, as by virtue of his position in court only he would have been privy to king's councils, etc. But Abigail is such a strong character, I was left wanting more, a tale tracing her exile and life in Bablyon from youth to old age (ESPECIALLY her time living with the Medes, which led to her own "spiritual exile," as well as more of her relationship with her estranged eldest son, Allamu -- in fact, I think seeing Daniel's experiences from Allamu's perspective would have been particularly effective -- perhaps there's a short story here that could be told? :)).
  
  Andrews is a master of her craft, and although this is perhaps not my all-time favorite of her works, it is nevertheless a stunning achievement that showcases her growth as a novelist and her unparalleled ability to bring biblical history to vibrant life. Her writing is a prime example of why I adore biblical fiction -- because it drives me back to the source material. I cannot wait to see where she takes readers next!
• 
  Lynna

  I fell in love with the wring of Mesu Andrews. Her telling the fictional account of Daniel was inspiring. I jave already gotten another one of her books. Isaiah's Daughter! She brought this part of the Bible to life for me and several times moved me to tears. A must must read!!
• 
  Katie

  I read this book in one sitting. A facinating look at Daniel and the Babylonian captivity.
• 
  Lisa Johnson

  Title: Of Fire & Lions
  Author: Mesu Andrews
  Pages: 400
  Year: 2019
  Publisher: WaterBrook
  My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
  This novel includes characters who really lived, and readers can read the true events in the Bible. The author does an amazing job of utilizing her research in this fictional tale. At the end of the book, the author shares what she learned and her thoughts about the story. Daniel was a Jewish man who was royalty and was taken to Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar, along with three of his friends.
  The author uses flashbacks to fill in the memories of the life Daniel’s fictional wife lived and her many interesting and hard experiences. To me, she puts life into Daniel throughout the novel. She doesn’t paint Daniel or his friends as super spiritual but men who had to face difficulties in slavery where their life was precarious every day. The work of fiction is meant to stir the imagination and help us go back in time to see the nuances of the Babylonian kingdom, Medes, Persians and G-d who was showing Himself to pagan kings.
  The book of Daniel tells us many things, but the author in this novel doesn’t try to include his visions of prophecies as she leaves that part to scholars. However, she tells us about the large image of King Nebuchadnezzar made all in gold and the requirement of all to bow down to it when music played. Mesu also tells of the three men who were bound and thrown into the furnace and the wonderful inexplainable thing G-d does for them. The story tells of the time Daniel is thrown into a den of lions and why this was done. Both events were real experiences of Daniel and his friends, as well as G-d revealing His judgment about one of the Babylonian kings by writing on a wall! There are fictional family members and relationships that bring to readers minds what that time might have been like for the Jewish men in captivity. How does one stay faithful to Yewah with a pagan king and polytheistic practices surrounding them?
  Here is a novel that takes readers back to a time long ago, to be engaged in the story with heart and soul. Enjoy the tale and read the nonfictional story in the book of Daniel in the Bible. You will be glad you did!
  Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
  
• 
  Faye

  Taken captive by the Babylonians, Abigail, fights to survive using her wit and charm to survive in Nebuchadnezzar's court, denying her Hebrew heritage and taking the name Belili.
  
  
  
  Now many years later she is married to Daniel, and mother to four daughters who resent her, everything changes when Daniel is called to interpret mysterious writing on the wall. What will the reign of Median King Darius mean for Belili and Daniel?
  
  
  
  Told for the most part through Belili's eyes the story weaves itself forward and back through the years, winding its way and picking up threads and binding them together in various decades as the story unfolds. Well researched and lush in detail, Mesu Andrews brings this story to life with her realistic imagining of life in the courts of Babylon, the pressure to conform and fit in.
  
  
  
  
  
  Behili tells her tale in a decade jumping narrative that works well with this story, keeping many secrets until they are revealed in their due time. Belili is strong and clever, she makes the most of her situations and I was touched by her journey. She is a wonderful heroine, vulnerable and flawed, yet in that way so much more relatable.
  
  
  
  I loved Mert, their Egyptian servant and friend, who tells it like it is, and helps Belili mend what is broken.
  
  
  
  I loved how this story came together, and it is probably my favorite from Mesu Andrews. The suspense, and truly miraculous way that God used Daniel, preserving him to reveal His glory, is excellently done. Before reading this book I never thought how amazing it was that God prospered Daniel in the courts of many different kings, from the Babylonian to the Median empires. The author handles tough topics well, and takes Scripture very seriously, fictionally filling in where we can only guess what might have happened and how it came to be. A powerful and inspiring read about courage in the face of persecution and daring to be a Daniel.
  
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