Having been branded in Jericho years before, Moriyah has given up on finding a husband, until her father arranges a match for her. When her attempt to please her future husband goes horribly wrong, she is forced to flee for her life, hoping to find safety in one of the Levitical cities of refuge. But that's if she can survive the journey first . . .I really liked how the author brings out one of the more obscure parts of the old testament: the cities of refuge, a refuge for manslayers who have killed accidentally. Since there aren't any specific accounts of the cities in the bible--just the rules regarding them--it gives the author free reign to focus on the story without worrying about getting the biblical account wrong (something I'm generally keen to notice). And even so, the author surprised me with how adventurous this story managed to be; it wasn't what I expected, yet I liked it more, and it was fun to catch the connection to her previous series. And I can see how it is setting up the next book in the series.
I liked how the author was able to work new testament symbolism into an old testament-time story. Even though Jesus won't be born for another couple thousand years or so, the author brings out how the death of the high priest will atone for the guilt of the manslayers--implying that just as Jesus, also described as a high priest, atoned for the guilt of all in his death.
This is the kind of biblical fiction I like--fiction taking place in biblical times without trying to retell the bible. Adventurous, romantic, and full of hope.
Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
Cities of Refuge
1. A Light on the Hill
2. Shelter of the Most High
3. Until the Mountains Fall (July 2019)
Related series:
Out from Egypt
1. Counted with the Stars
2. Shadow of the Storm
3. Wings of the Wind
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