In ancient Israel, at the crossroads of the great trading routes, a man named Benaiah is searching for a fresh start in life. He has joined a band of soldiers led by a warlord named David, seeking to bury the past that refuses to leave him. Their ragged army is disgruntled and full of reckless men. Some are loyal to David, but others are only with him for the promise of captured wealth. While the ruthless and increasingly mad King Saul marches hopelessly against the powerful Philistines, loyal son Jonathan in tow, the land of the Hebrew tribes has never been more despondent—and more in need of rescue. Over the course of ten days, from snowy mountain passes to sword-wracked battlefields, Benaiah and his fellow mercenaries must call upon every skill they have to survive and establish the throne for David—if they don’t kill each other first. Day of War brings to life the exploits of the Mighty Men of Israel, a rag-tag band of disgruntled warriors on the run with David, the soon-to-be King. Their legendary deeds are recorded in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11

I enjoyed Day of War. It felt like Cliff Graham brought us to the front lines of an ancient battlefield, while taking us into the mindset of a man who just wants to start over and to live for something more than himself. Men who have struggled to find themselves or try to redefine their lives purpose will be able to relate Benaiah.

If you like the grittiness and darkness of The Lord of the Rings, I think you’ll enjoy Day of War (Book 1 of 3) By Cliff Graham.

• Author: Cliff Graham
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• Series ‏ : ‎ Lion of War
• CIA Review Rating ‏ : ‎ Buy the Paperback