*I received an eCopy from the publisher. Thank you! This does not affect my review. My review is voluntary.*

I gave this one a 4 out of 5, but honestly, I think this one might have overall been more of a 3.5 for me, only because of how much I loved [b:Like Flames in the Night|46125029|Like Flames in the Night|Connilyn Cossette|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559689132l/46125029._SY75_.jpg|85435662], and as my first book by her, I've yet to find another that really compares. That's not to say this one isn't good! It's just hard for me to fairly rate a story after finding one that so beautifully spoke to my soul the way Tirzah's story does. Alas, I'll try to review this one fairly though.

I loved meeting Keziah, and really did enjoy her story. She has a gentle courage and spark that I adored and I enjoyed seeing her learn and grown in her travels. I also really liked seeing the boys grown up, and can't wait for the other stories, but as the first book in the series Avidan's story is a brilliant start to what looks to be a wonderful new series!

I also loved Sarru! I mean, let's be real here, he's the real star of this book!

But really, this story has a lot going for it. I enjoyed the glimpses of history and Jewish/Isreal's culture during this time period, from the rise of their first king, to a war breaking out soon after. That paired with the faith elements and a bit about the 'divide', or those tribes that were separate by time and distance across the Jordan and a little about how they lost their way and the Redemptive power of YHWH to bring HIS people back to HIM. I loved seeing Keziah's faith journey as well as her personal journey and character growth. This young lady has some crazy impossible odds to overcome and some horrible situations to endure, yet she's a champ all the way! I know I wasn't the only one cheering her on as the story plays out!

I also appreciate the quiet wisdom and maturity we see later on as Avi realizes his mistake and becomes a better leader, son, and man than when he first left home by the time the story ends. I knew we'd get character growth, as that's one of the things I love more about Connilyn Cossette's writing, but wow, I was actually a little surprised (in a good way!) but the amount of growth we see, and the depth of wisdom in his arc! ( )

Voice of the Ancient is a truly engaging story about two young people (mainly) who are living at the beginning of King Saul's reign in Israel - and they each have their own set of difficulties. Avidan is a Levite living amongst the Benjamites, but he would like to be a soldier instead of handling worship music, like his father. A born storyteller, he is close to his cousins, and when King Saul calls for all able bodied men to join his army to repel the Ammonites, he and his older cousins go to join the rest of the men - and they soon discover that their 15-year-old cousin, Shalem, has followed them. In the aftermath of the battle, Shalem is missing. Guilt ridden, Avidan is determined to find him before he goes home.

Meanwhile, Keziah, a young girl of the tribe of Manasseh, is being sold in marriage to a wicked, older man, Vadim, by her father in exchange for protection for their village against invasion. At first, she is resigned to her fate, but when she learns some things about Vadim and about her own heritage, she escapes on her prized stallion while dressed as a boy. When Avidan and Keziah meet, they join forces for practical reasons (no spoilers). Along the way, Keziah learns through Avidan and his stories that Elohim, the God of Jacob, is not what she had always believed, having grown up with stories of the kind goddesses and the angry, tyrannical god. Will she come to faith in the true God? Will Avidan learn to trust and rely on God instead of trying to control things himself? Will Avidan and Keziah reach their goals? Is something growing between Avidan and Keziah beyond helping one another during their journeys? Read it and find out!! I truly enjoyed it! ( )

I loved this wonderful story of biblical fiction. I loved Avi and Keziah. I love that he learns his true calling while helping Keziah. I loved the stories that Avi tells. I laughed and cried. I enjoyed all of the action and the romance. ( )

This was a sweet coming of age story that really spoke to YHWH's grace at leaving a remnant in every generation. Avidan encountered lots of people who had lost the truth of what it meant to be a child of the One True God, and he was able to use the gift he was given to rekindle a revival of truth in these communities. I'm reminded of the ministry of Tirzah of Connilyn's Cities of Refuge series. I love that. Avidan's encounters with the elders in Yazer reminded me of the ministry of Yeshua in similar situations.

I also love that neither protagonist has emotional issues. It's refreshing that someone isn't carrying a bitter grudge or a messy past. The two main characters are very young and their story is a gentle one.

I did find it hard to keep all the boys straight. Not only did they have similar names, but they weren't different enough to help me really separate them out. Once they started to go their separate ways, it helped tremendously.

All in all a very encouraging story set in the time of King Saul. I'm looking forward to more!
( )

When King Saul asks for fighters, Avidan sneaks away with his cousins to join the fight. In order to protect the youngest, they hide him in a case for the battle. Afterwards, there are few signs of what happened to him and where he went. Determined to find him, Avidan leaves the rest and searches alone. Keziah, the daughter of a clan chief, is set to marry a brutal and violent man. On the day of her wedding, her maid hatches a plan to free her. Keziah cuts her hair, disguises herself as a boy, and leaves with her horse. On her first day alone, she is robbed. Avidan saves her from the robbers and the two decide to travel together.

This was a fairly interesting read. At times the book felt too preachy and repetitive. Keziah seemed a bit stereotypical at first, but quickly grew and developed throughout the series. Avidan was easy to like from the beginning. I'm not sure I would pick up another book in the series, overall 4 out of 5 stars. ( )