The Songs of a Warrior by Katy Morgan

This is a fictionalized retelling of Saul’s reign and the beginning of David’s reign. There are notes in the back of the book that explain where you can find sections in Scripture as well as why certain liberties were taken.

Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Read Aloud Age: 8+

I don’t often enjoy straight biblical fiction. Adding elements to the stories of Scripture often rubs me the wrong way, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this title. The author does a wonderful job of sticking close to Scripture without embellishing simply for the sake of embellishing. The choices made were done very tastefully and in line with the heart of the text. I was slightly concerned and slightly interested to see how the author would handle David’s many marriages, and the story of Bathsheba, but these are actually not topics the author chose to tackle (and I don’t blame her). The book ends shortly after Michal is returned to David, and Michal is the only wife who is a character in this book.

Just as in Scripture, there are many accounts of violence.

“The Philistine let go in surprise and Jonathan scrambled back, managing to get the sword-hilt properly in his hand. He hefted the blade and dived forwards. He felt it plunge deep into the man’s flesh. The body went limp. With a grunt Jonathan pushed him off and staggered away.”

Overall, I think this is a well-written retelling that could spark good conversation with your child.

Language:
It is said about Michal, “She cursed.”

Other Things to Note:
The author gives her interpretation of Urim and Thummim.

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