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Light of the Candle
As a young nobleman at the court of Jerusalem, Daniel’s life is one of privilege. His childhood friend, Sarai, is betrothed to him. Sarai’s future also stretches securely before her. She will marry the boy she loves and they will live together in their beloved homeland.
But outside the city gates waits Judah’s conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, prince of Babylon, who demands a heavy price for peace. He takes treasures from the great temple of Jerusalem and hostages from among the promising young scholars, who will serve him in the court at Babylon.
Daniel’s dreams are filled with strange images of things he has never seen. When Daniel’s father ensures that he is one of the young men selected, the dreams become frighteningly real.
The prophet Jeremiah’s dire warnings have come to pass for Daniel, Sarai and for all of Judah--The voice of mirth and gladness are taken; the voice of the bride and bridegroom, and the sound of the millstones and the light of the candle.
Sarai in Jerusalem and Daniel in Babylon will face the same challenge: to keep hope bright as darkness closes in.
But outside the city gates waits Judah’s conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, prince of Babylon, who demands a heavy price for peace. He takes treasures from the great temple of Jerusalem and hostages from among the promising young scholars, who will serve him in the court at Babylon.
Daniel’s dreams are filled with strange images of things he has never seen. When Daniel’s father ensures that he is one of the young men selected, the dreams become frighteningly real.
The prophet Jeremiah’s dire warnings have come to pass for Daniel, Sarai and for all of Judah--The voice of mirth and gladness are taken; the voice of the bride and bridegroom, and the sound of the millstones and the light of the candle.
Sarai in Jerusalem and Daniel in Babylon will face the same challenge: to keep hope bright as darkness closes in.
235 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2014
About the author
Carol Pratt Bradley
6 books38 followersI am a historical novelist with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. I live in Utah with my wonderful husband of four decades. Our three daughters and one son have grown and left their parents to survive on their own. My history interests currently include the Ancient Near Eastern world, Reformation England, and 17th century America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 9, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! the story line held my attention and the author's descriptions drew me into the setting completely. I savored every word. The author found the perfect balance between the descriptions and keeping the action moving. The story was well-researched and the author's attention to detail shows this. Well done! I look forward to savoring her next book!
I highly recommend this book as a historical novel, a Christian novel, and as a romance for Young Adults and older.
I highly recommend this book as a historical novel, a Christian novel, and as a romance for Young Adults and older.
January 4, 2016
I loved this book. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. I want to go reread the stories of Daniel in the Bible now. The author does a great job at making the scriptures come alive and the people in it relatable. Can't wait for the sequel!
March 28, 2016
Inspirational take on the story of Daniel's "early days"--no lion's den in this story. I really enjoyed it, and the historical setting was well done, though there were a couple of parts that the historian in me questioned. My all-time favorite Bible story is covered in the book as well, and though I wish it had gotten a little more emphasis, the author came up with a probable solution to a question I've always wondered about (). Overall, an enjoyable, uplifting read with a romance that's sweet and not obnoxious.
May 1, 2015
I am usually not a fan of biblical fiction (Red Tent excluded) but I was really suprised at how compelling a read this title was. Her characters were well developed and believable. I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape as a "character" as well. I didn't want to put it down. Fact and fiction are so carefully interwoven it is hard to tell which is which. I will recommend this to all my book friends and library patrons.
January 28, 2015
Very Good Read
I enjoyed the story. It seemed like a clean and even realistic history. Historical fiction should be written giving the authors own biases so this seemed to reflect Me Bradley romantic side. It was a great story and really touched my own romantic side. Thanks for a good read and another way of looking at history.
I enjoyed the story. It seemed like a clean and even realistic history. Historical fiction should be written giving the authors own biases so this seemed to reflect Me Bradley romantic side. It was a great story and really touched my own romantic side. Thanks for a good read and another way of looking at history.
February 10, 2015
I loved this historical novel about Daniel and his journey to serve the King of Babylon. The characters were wonderful, and it was the perfect blend of historical background and a sweet romance. So, so good!
January 7, 2015
I loved this book! It is beautifully written. I didn't want to quit reading. Hope there is a sequel.
March 1, 2020
Where was God in this story?
In my opinion, somewhere in the background, a figure of heritage, a god among gods as opposed to God whom Daniel obeyed, worshipped, and served in a pagan land, even at expense to his life. I did not like this watered-down representation of faith. Aside from the vast creative licence employed, such as, for example, Daniel being married when there is no biblical reference to support this, I was annoyed by the mention of God's call to His people, as made by Jeremiah, and of the visions Daniel had, without emphasis on God Himself, the trust in Him that enabled Jeremiah, Daniel, and others to hold fast. What is the hope Huldah spoke of? The author does not say. How did Daniel come to see the king's dream, and to whom does Daniel give credit for this miracle? Daniel entreated God together with his three friends, and when God revealed the dream, he blessed the Lord in prayerful gratitude. He further tells Nebuchadnezzar of God who reveals secrets and made known to him the king's dream and its meaning.Yet the author says none of this. Why did Daniel refuse the meat from the king's table? Not because he wasn't used to it, as the author suggests. Leviticus 11 provides a more likely answer, again underscoring Daniel's adherence to God and His commandments. Bottom line: Daniel was a youth of tremendous faith and courage. He did his best to serve the Lord in all he did - the Bible is clear about this. But the author strangely glosses over this point, placing greater emphasis on an imagined love crises between him and his supposed wife from whom he was torn away. The story is interesting, yes, but it completely overlooks the truth - what made Daniel great and, in particular, the Lord who aided him in that harrowing journey to greatness.
In my opinion, somewhere in the background, a figure of heritage, a god among gods as opposed to God whom Daniel obeyed, worshipped, and served in a pagan land, even at expense to his life. I did not like this watered-down representation of faith. Aside from the vast creative licence employed, such as, for example, Daniel being married when there is no biblical reference to support this, I was annoyed by the mention of God's call to His people, as made by Jeremiah, and of the visions Daniel had, without emphasis on God Himself, the trust in Him that enabled Jeremiah, Daniel, and others to hold fast. What is the hope Huldah spoke of? The author does not say. How did Daniel come to see the king's dream, and to whom does Daniel give credit for this miracle? Daniel entreated God together with his three friends, and when God revealed the dream, he blessed the Lord in prayerful gratitude. He further tells Nebuchadnezzar of God who reveals secrets and made known to him the king's dream and its meaning.Yet the author says none of this. Why did Daniel refuse the meat from the king's table? Not because he wasn't used to it, as the author suggests. Leviticus 11 provides a more likely answer, again underscoring Daniel's adherence to God and His commandments. Bottom line: Daniel was a youth of tremendous faith and courage. He did his best to serve the Lord in all he did - the Bible is clear about this. But the author strangely glosses over this point, placing greater emphasis on an imagined love crises between him and his supposed wife from whom he was torn away. The story is interesting, yes, but it completely overlooks the truth - what made Daniel great and, in particular, the Lord who aided him in that harrowing journey to greatness.
January 3, 2018
Biblical fiction can be a little bit tricky: how do you make the characters relatable and likable while also staying true to the text? I think the author succeeds here in this retelling of Daniel, the young nobleman captured and taken to Babylon (this is long before the lion's den!).
I enjoyed reading about Daniel and the fictional Sarai; they felt real and likable (and the romance was understated and lovely). I was rooting for them throughout the novel while also gaining a deeper appreciation for biblical events that I'd skimmed over before. It's easy, as someone looking back on past events, to forget the trepidation that Daniel must have felt as he appeared before Nebuchadnezzar to interpret a dream, or the terror that the Judeans probably experienced when they were being taken captive by the Babylonians.
A surprisingly good story (sometimes you wonder about those books that are free/cheap on Kindle ... but I'll vouch for this one!).
I enjoyed reading about Daniel and the fictional Sarai; they felt real and likable (and the romance was understated and lovely). I was rooting for them throughout the novel while also gaining a deeper appreciation for biblical events that I'd skimmed over before. It's easy, as someone looking back on past events, to forget the trepidation that Daniel must have felt as he appeared before Nebuchadnezzar to interpret a dream, or the terror that the Judeans probably experienced when they were being taken captive by the Babylonians.
A surprisingly good story (sometimes you wonder about those books that are free/cheap on Kindle ... but I'll vouch for this one!).
January 13, 2020
I liked this author's take on Daniel's life before he was taken to serve in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. What if he was betrothed? What if we knew about her and her family and all of their village? I feel like these stories, while fiction, DO make the stories in the scriptures come to life and make the people in the scriptures more real to me. I like the historical parts of how people of this time period lived and what would have happened in these situations.
July 17, 2020
Kept my interest
When I first began reading I was not sure I wanted to continue. I read about the 70 years before judah regained Israel. I thought that 70 years had to pass before the 2 lovers got together. Didnt want to read about historic battles in gory detail. But it wasn't about that. It was the separate development of them both, development they wouldn't have had had they married early and started a family. Kept my interest. I was sorry to see it end.
When I first began reading I was not sure I wanted to continue. I read about the 70 years before judah regained Israel. I thought that 70 years had to pass before the 2 lovers got together. Didnt want to read about historic battles in gory detail. But it wasn't about that. It was the separate development of them both, development they wouldn't have had had they married early and started a family. Kept my interest. I was sorry to see it end.
June 22, 2017
Don't miss this book!!
What an incredible story filled with amazing history. It brought to life so much of the early story of Jerusalem and it's people. It's a wonderful tale that should not be missed. Read it-you'll love it.
What an incredible story filled with amazing history. It brought to life so much of the early story of Jerusalem and it's people. It's a wonderful tale that should not be missed. Read it-you'll love it.
November 30, 2018
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel based on the story of Daniel from the Bible. Unlike some religious historical fiction, it is not dry or preachy. One major fictional element of the story is a sweet love story for Daniel. This book has overriding themes of hope and faith.
February 12, 2019
Bringing the Biblical character of Daniel to life, this historical novel fills in his story with ideas of what might have been. It opened my mind to thinking of what went on between the lines of the scriptures.
March 25, 2020
Enjoyed this historical fiction novel based on the life of Daniel from the Old Testament. This book covered the period when Daniel was taken captive into Babylon, but does not include his experience in the lion's den.
April 13, 2021
This is a story based on the bible when Jeremiah was the prophet and King Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon. King Neb... carried Daniel and several of his cousins off form Judea to Babylon to serve the King. Later he carries all of Jerusalem captive off to Babylon.
August 30, 2024
My book group chose this book, which I truly enjoyed: a reimagining of Daniel’s story from the Old Testament. The author asked, “What if Daniel were betrothed before he was taken as a political hostage to Babylon?” And the story emerges from this question. Well researched and told.
June 8, 2017
A tale of Daniel, built upon the biblical story. Bradley does a good job of embellishment and the book holds fairly well.
November 21, 2018
Uplifting amd powerful.
I could not put this book down. I felt uplifted and encouraged with the powerful message of hope. This was a love story I didn't know I needed.
I could not put this book down. I felt uplifted and encouraged with the powerful message of hope. This was a love story I didn't know I needed.
August 23, 2019
Not a bad retelling of the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den but the dialog tends to be rather simplistic and there is so much history that is left out. Not a bad read - just not terribly memorable.
February 1, 2021
Very well researched and well written historical fiction. I enjoyed this glimpse into Daniel's life.
May 30, 2021
Enjoyable novelization of Daniel plus romance
Written nicely, but obviously not with a real understanding of Jewish life. (I would be happy to fill in details)7
Written nicely, but obviously not with a real understanding of Jewish life. (I would be happy to fill in details)7
August 8, 2022
Very well written.
December 10, 2022
More like a 2.5, but I did make some connections with scripture timelines which was cool.
April 27, 2018
I am now a fan of biblical fiction. I knew the story of Daniel so it was great to read his story outside of a short few verses. Though it being fiction. It made him more human with weaknesses and strengths. I enjoyed this story thouroughly. It was a great blend of background, characters and history.
February 22, 2017
This is the story of Daniel from Daniel and the Lion's Den bible story. It takes place just before Babylon invades Jerusalem and takes him and 3 other boys captive to serve the King.
Daniel interprets the King's dream and the 3 other boys don't burn in the fire. It also swings back and forth between that story and the one of Sarai, Daniel's "wife". She is left behind and allows the author to include a little romance and also to see what was happening back in Jerusalem. Yes on violence but not excessive, no on language and I can't be positive, it has been a while since I read, but I don't believe there is any sex.
Daniel interprets the King's dream and the 3 other boys don't burn in the fire. It also swings back and forth between that story and the one of Sarai, Daniel's "wife". She is left behind and allows the author to include a little romance and also to see what was happening back in Jerusalem. Yes on violence but not excessive, no on language and I can't be positive, it has been a while since I read, but I don't believe there is any sex.
February 19, 2015
I loved this book! The description and detail made the biblical story of Daniel come to life. I also liked the sweet romance addition about Daniel and Sarai. The characters, the story and everything were wonderful. A well written historical novel that will leave you wanting to know more about the story!
July 17, 2015
It is hard to believe that this is the author's first published novel. Her descriptions immediately immerse the reader in Daniel's world in Judah. Her characters are realistic and believable. In fact, it was at times difficult to sort the fact from the fiction. The book is a quick and enjoyable read. Hard to put down. I loved it Carol! Can't wait to read your next one.
May 29, 2016
A surprisingly well-written book of historical fiction about the prophet Daniel as a young man being sent to King Nebuchadnezzar's court in Babylon. It is a nicely symmetrical and rounded tale, with romance and good characters and a nice message of hope and faith. I was expecting it to be sappy, but was pleasantly surprised at how light and easy to read it was.
August 4, 2016
I enjoy books that take biblical characters and bring them to life. It's a good reminder that their stories are real and these people had lives more interesting and complicated that the little bits we get from scripture.
It wasn't super compelling for me, but I did like this book.
It wasn't super compelling for me, but I did like this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews