Mesu Andrews’s In the Shadow of Jezebel ~ Reviewed

In the Shadow of Jezebel 
By: Mesu Andrews
Published by Revell
ISBN 978-0800721701

BACK COVER: In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love. Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments.

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family—and the nation—she loves?

REVIEW: How could so much change in a single day? Hazi and Zibiah dead. Jehoash hidden at the Temple. Ima Thaliah queen. And Baal the legally mandated god of Judah. (emphasis mine). – In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews, Revell, 2014.

The power of that last sentence struck me as I read the book, and again as I write this review. It seems in recent weeks that reports and posts bemoaning the decline of Christianity in America have increased tenfold. People who once wore their faith proudly have become too intimidated by the threat of political incorrectness to even speak the name of Yahweh, much less take a stand for His convictions. Persecution against the disciples of Christ is rampant across the world. Those who dare defend what is right are cast down and ridiculed. Lawlessness has become accepted in our homes, and in our schools, the name of Christ is condemned. And Baal has become the legally mandated god of America.

At least…that was what I had begun to think.

With her powerfully moving look at the Old Testament, Andrews reminds me that God is still in control and unmoved by the claims of His accusers. Through her skillful weaving of fact and fiction, she creates for me a story that was lost to my understanding, despite my many travels through the Scriptures. This is a fascinating novel, and well worth the time I spent lingering in its pages. I highly recommend it!