I typically steer clear of this type of book. I am not big one either history or books on Christianity. However I randomly picked it from my Kindle library and started reading. By the time I realized what the story was about, which was early into the book, I was hooked. The writing is fabulous and sets an excellent stage for a time period during the bible (old testament I think). The book was so encompassing that I not only finished but plan on continuing on in the story.