I enjoyed this--it was a quick read that fleshes out a few chapters of 1 Samuel in a way that brings the characters, events, and place to life. I really appreciated the way Baker portrayed the confrontation between David and Goliath, and the way he creatively develops the story line using the biblical text as a foundation.A few minor quibbles:1) After David kills a lion while sheepherding, he and those with him roast the lion to eat. There's no concern from David, who is committed to God and the Mosaic Law, that this lion is unclean meat. Baker references scripture throughout the book, so I was surprised he'd miss this.2) Another miss: Caleb is referenced as one of David's ancestors in chapter 4 and references 1 Chronicles 2:50-51. Apparently Baker conflated David's ancestor, Salmon, with Caleb's son, Salma. It's not a huge issue, except that the accurate line is easily confirmed, and Baker is clearly trying to be biblically accurate. It throws other interpretations into question.3) The dialogue tends to be formalized and more old-fashioned, which jars alongside the narrative that is contemporary and casual.

Gift I bought this book for my husband for Christmas. He loved it.

A quite enjoyable read! This book was very well-written, and so easy to get lost in! What a clever and poignant retelling of the story of David and Goliath. I felt connected to David and related to the complexity and delicate balance used to describe what he may have felt, believed and understood. I especially liked the use of scripture footnotes. There was an emotional component that the author put forth that made reading the connected scriptures come alive, which I found made studying the related verses more profound. Mr. Baker made me WANT to go find those verses! I look forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to any who would enjoy spending some time imagining what might have taken place in the individuals’ lives from such a well-known story of God’s power used in the life of David. Mr. Baker made my study of the Word richer, and gave me several points to ponder, for which I give my thanks. May the Lord continue to enrich your interpretation and writing of His Word.

A quite enjoyable read! This book was very well-written, and so easy to get lost in! What a clever and poignant retelling of the story of David and Goliath. I felt connected to David and related to the complexity and delicate balance used to describe what he may have felt, believed and understood. I especially liked the use of scripture footnotes. There was an emotional component that the author put forth that made reading the connected scriptures come alive, which I found made studying the related verses more profound. Mr. Baker made me WANT to go find those verses! I look forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to any who would enjoy spending some time imagining what might have taken place in the individuals’ lives from such a well-known story of God’s power used in the life of David. Mr. Baker made my study of the Word richer, and gave me several points to ponder, for which I give my thanks. May the Lord continue to enrich your interpretation and writing of His Word.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL SERIES! Highly highly recommended!

exciting read! I can see this as being the next grand series on Netflix or Prime! Keeping it as is, biblical and gory. Those were savage times and this book captures some of the most impressive moments of warfare.

exciting read!I can see this as being the next grand series on Netflix or Prime! Keeping it as is, biblical and gory. Those were savage times and this book captures some of the most impressive moments of warfare.

Greg S Baker Awesome. Well written, accurate and a very great read.This is now in with one of my favorite authors.Thank you

Very well written The characters were well fleshed out, and the tapestry of scenes well woven. This brought such depth of emotion to the tale of David and Goliath with a beautiful respect for God in the midst. I am looking forward to the next one!

An excellent insight into history I loved this entire series! It was an excellent read and left me wanting to read more. How about a Solomon series? Looking forward to more!

great read I really enjoyed this book. Seeing Biblical stories brought to life enable more people to learn of the goodness of God.

great readI really enjoyed this book. Seeing Biblical stories brought to life enable more people to learn of the goodness of God.

I Couldn't Put This Down! This was a phenomenal book turning the story of David into a novel, filling in the gaps with amazing storytelling while holding true all the Bible tells us. I was honestly a bit hesitant to start reading the book because I hadn't heard of the author before, and I unfairly assumed it might not be well written. I could not have been more wrong. I've just added Book 2 to my library, and I can't wait to get started!

Great Book!! Exciting way to learn about one of the most influential people of the Bible!!Loved it!!

A good read. It can help young people, especially teenagers to get into the story. I just finished all five books.I like reading on the story of David and the History of Israel.I find the series to be improving as you approach book #5.Generally speaking it was engaging and the angle of glorifying God in it is very good (unlike other cases where people try to eclipse the supernatural side of God's interventions in the timeline).The development of the characters though is a bit simplistic (for my perception & taste anyways), so I think that the series would be good for teenagers maybe, or young adults.Thank you Greg for all the effort you put into this and the heart behind it.God bless you richly.

great biblical fiction! This is an educational and entertaining story based on Biblical facts. It brings the story of King David to life.

An exceptional read! Really enjoyed the accuracy of this historical fiction of David and Goliath. Going beyond the children’s story of David and Goliath. This captures the life that David could have lived as an adolescent.Enjoyed the depth of the story of Saul, Jonathan, Jesse, David, and his brothers, and many others. I like how Goliath was portrayed in the vision of a giant and how the Philistines treated him as a god.

Amazing book! The book was amazing, keeping with the biblical story of David, the descriptions of Goliath... and the battles as well as the feelings people were experiencing, There were times I got goosebumps as I felt what the characters were feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading the rest!

Excellent!

An Exceptional Biblical Fiction of young David! I ❤d how carefully Greg Baker is to stay true to the Holy Bible's accounts of David, from his Anointing to just after Killing Goliath, in "Anointed". Even though I grew up listening to & 📖ing Stories about David, I was Riveted to this Awesome, Engrossing, Inspiring 📗. I 📖 it straight through. I deeply appreciate the Maps, & the Author explaining his approach to writing this Novel (and the whole "Davidic Chronicles" Series). I Highly Recommend You 📖 this 📗! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A great introduction to Greg Baker I have read other books about David. Greg does a phenomenal job filling in on possibilities of what could have happened to explain the scriptures he uses as his road map. All while never taking away from the scriptures. If recommend this book to everyone that wants a bit more depth into the life of King David.

A great introduction to Greg BakerI have read other books about David. Greg does a phenomenal job filling in on possibilities of what could have happened to explain the scriptures he uses as his road map. All while never taking away from the scriptures. If recommend this book to everyone that wants a bit more depth into the life of King David.

loved every bit of it The life of David has always been my favorite Old Testament story. This book has delivered a story of how it could of happened thoroughly well without straying far from scriptures and remains to highlight the main points. Definitely recommend reading.

Nice read overall. It invites you to continue reading the series. The English grammar is interesting at times. Still, I think that all accurate Historical Fiction on the Bible are very good material. We could use more of this stuff. Thank you Greg Baker

A great telling of David from the bible and his adventures as a shepherd to warrior who slays the Giant Goliath with the power of Jehovah Elohim. The author gives great detail of what David's life could have been like based on 1 Samuel in the bible.

awesome description of a loved story Great imaginative story that stays true to the Scriptural text. A wonderful example of Biblical Fiction.Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Excellent read The story of David and Goliath brought to life. This author captured the times in King Sauls court and how the Kings love for the shepherd slowly turn to murderous rage. The confrontation between David and Goliath made me feel like I was there. Good good read.

Well done. Helped bring the story of David to a clearer and fuller understanding. Can't wait to continue the series.

Well done! Excellent telling of the start of the saga of King David. Characters are well fleshed out, with realistic behaviors. Storyline lines up with scripture. It is well writtenj

Excellent book. I will be reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend.

This is my first Greg Baker book, and I have to say I will be reading the series and looking for more Biblical historical fiction from him (and others). The story of David is wonderful, and to recreate details from Anointed seemed like second nature to Greg Baker. I have been reading more generally, and these are the books I cannot put down.

What an awesome story, made you feel like you were right there beside David and King Saul. Highly recommend!

Great Read I love reading a good book and this is certainly one of them. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

An amazing read First, just let me say that I received this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Now that that is done, just let me say,I loved this book. I could not put it down, much to the annoyance of my family. It brought the story of David and Goliath to life like I have never heard it before, with all the details I love so much. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that makes you forget where you are and transports you to a time long ago.

An amazing readFirst, just let me say that I received this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Now that that is done, just let me say,I loved this book. I could not put it down, much to the annoyance of my family. It brought the story of David and Goliath to life like I have never heard it before, with all the details I love so much. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that makes you forget where you are and transports you to a time long ago.

Biblical historical fiction I love Biblical stories from the author's point of view. I often stop and think of the times, the events and how the people react to God's providence and wonder what I would do if I were there. I truly enjoyed this rendition. Nice work! God is still on the throne! Yesterday Today and Forever!!

Biblical historical fictionI love Biblical stories from the author's point of view. I often stop and think of the times, the events and how the people react to God's providence and wonder what I would do if I were there. I truly enjoyed this rendition. Nice work! God is still on the throne! Yesterday Today and Forever!!

Great read. Love the way the footnotes are inserted so that when I open the Bible to look at it I don't lose my place when I reopen Anointed.

What a great read.

An Exceptional Biblical Fiction of young David!I ❤d how carefully Greg S Baker is to stay true, to the Holy Bible's accounts of David, from his Anointing to just after Killing Goliath, in "Anointed". Even though I grew up listening to and 📖ing Stories about David; I was Riveted to this Awesome, Engrossing, Inspiring 📗. I 📖 it straight through. I deeply appreciate the Maps, and the Author explaining his approach to writing this Novel (and the whole "Davidic Chronicles" Series). I Highly Recommend You 📖 this 📗! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Superb storytelling I found this book quite intriguing and not able to put down for the night! My only complaint would be I didn't want the book to end!I look forward to the remaining books in this series as well as studying the associated scripture with new eyes!

Superb storytelling I found this book quite intriguing and not able to put down for the night! My only complaint would be I didn't want the book to end!I look forward to the remaining books in this series as well as studying the associated scripture with new eyes!

Anointed: A David and Goliath Novel This rendition was more favorable than the other one I read. Because, it stayed close to scripture and made sense. I can not help but compare the two having read the other recently. Both authors are commended for transporting my imagination. David was man after God 's own heart,and this story tells why ,David honored and believed in His omnipotence.

Anointed: A David and Goliath NovelThis rendition was more favorable than the other one I read. Because, it stayed close to scripture and made sense. I can not help but compare the two having read the other recently. Both authors are commended for transporting my imagination. David was man after God 's own heart,and this story tells why ,David honored and believed in His omnipotence.

Excellent, and well thought out characters. I really liked this book and look forward to starting book two.

Very enjoyable I enjoyed this book very much. It was interesting to read aspects of daily life in biblical times. The author added just enough imagination to the actual biblical account to make it to bring the story to life.

Very good book. As I read I was transported back in time to when King David was still just a shepherd. The characters were so well done that it seemed like I was really living there in that time period. I really hope I'll be able to read the rest of the series one day. I'm sure others will enjoy this book too.

PhenomenalI expected to read a book that merely retold a story we all know. I was wrong!! This book brings the Bible to life! You get an understanding of what the people felt and why. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and will be looking to get the others in the series. Thank You Mr Baker!!

Making something good.......better Reading a Bible is good but can be difficult at times what with the strange names and places and structure of the language as a whole. Unless your a devoted student of the Bible ,at times it just doesn't make sense. Enter our author, Mr Greg Baker. This gentleman takes a well known biblical story, adds a few embellishements, and presents a story that flows like a clear mountain stream . It puts new life into the David and Goliath story by making use of accurate information on persons, places and circumstances along with a dash of his own imagination to present the old story in a new and brilliant reading. I have personally read many different interpretations of the Bible and did not have the experience of enjoyment as I had while reading this new style of Mr Bakers. Some of it is fiction but does not deter from the truth of the original.I recommend this to everyone !

Great novel An understanding of the biblical story first would be helpful in sorting out the fiction. Sunday School is on the decline so the Bible stories are not known!

Great novelAn understanding of the biblical story first would be helpful in sorting out the fiction. Sunday School is on the decline so the Bible stories are not known!

Adding flesh to the Bible story What a great version of this story. The author stays historically accurate while filling in details to make the story come alive.

Great Biblical FictionI enjoyed the scriptural accuracy and was entertained by the events and insights of the author which didn’t take away from the Bible accounts.

Great Faced Paced Read! This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. This story of David as a youth was engaging and enlightening. The story is told with great biblical accuracy, but also adds enough of the between the lines information and details to read like the real adventure that was lived and experienced by David and those around him. I loved this book and will now be reading it to my 10 year old since I this it will assist her in better understanding David's early story. I am also looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Captivating! Awesome series! Awesome story and absolutely captivating. Couldn't put the books down half the time! I loved all 5 books. It was sometimes difficult to read the war stories but it sure put everything into perspective and what it might really have been like. I think the author has done an amazing job with finding out facts of life during that time and then coming up with the story line between point A and point B. It is fascinating and brings the bible to life. It is also very well written and I enjoyed the books immensely. I highly recommend them all.

Excellent reading This book is fascinating, enjoyable and interesting . As the author states at the end it is not all factual but it is based on scripture and adds events and interaction between biblical characters that could possibly have happened. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Wonderful Enjoyed every page of the book and wonderful telling the author does in him book. Makes me stop and think about the world and think of the way life is going downhill now and the world is in such a mess. Thanks for a wonderful book

Makes the characters of the Bible come alive!I love me a good fantasy novel. I also love me some BIBLE. I have read the story of David quite a few times and love it. He brought such a beloved story of the Old Testament to life with this book. If you read your Bible you know his story is accurate but embellishments on characters and events are there. It makes for a great story as the Bible just gives you the facts this gives you an imagination to see what it was really like. I can't say enough good things about this book. I look forward to reading more from Greg Baker.

JUST AMAZING This is such a good book. I could not put it down once I started it. After I did finish I bought the other books in the series but have not started then. I am waiting for some uninterrupted time because this story really is told so wonderfully

Gripping and Biblically accurate, for all ages This is a book that you will not want to put down. It far exceeded my expectations as it is a novel of realistic portrayal of the life of David up to and including his interaction with the giant Goliath. Even if you are not familiar with the Bible and the life of David you will find this book to be well written, engaging, and descriptive. It is obvious the author, Greg Baker, did extensive research in order to maintain authenticity of both the lifestyle and culture of the times and of the Biblical record. Glad to know there is a sequel!

A pleasure to read I found this book a pure pleasure to read. It flowed well and maintained accuracy to Scripture.

Wonderful presentation of the life of David This was an excellent presentation of the early life of David. Mr. Baker remained faithful to the account told in the Bible while making the people involved relatable by showing their humanity. Often, we lose sight of the fact that the people mentioned in God's Word were just that - real, living people. Mr. Baker's book reminds us of that beautifully. I strongly recommend it.

Wonderful presentation of the life of DavidThis was an excellent presentation of the early life of David. Mr. Baker remained faithful to the account told in the Bible while making the people involved relatable by showing their humanity. Often, we lose sight of the fact that the people mentioned in God's Word were just that - real, living people. Mr. Baker's book reminds us of that beautifully. I strongly recommend it.

The story of David and Goliath This is a fascinating story taken from the Bible telling about David's anointing as the next king of Israel, his service to King Saul, and his confidence in God to help him bring down Goliath. I recommend it to everyone.

Well written historical Christian fiction suitable also for JudaismThe story is very true to the Old Testament accounts, and as David is the ancestor of Messiah, whether you believe, as Christians do, that Messiah has come once (as the suffering servant in Isaiah) and will return as the conquering Head of the Lord's army, or you believe, as non-Messianic Jewish people believe, that Messiah has not yet come to earth, the story still has merit and is part of the heritage of both the Jewish people and of Christians. The book begins with Jesse and his sons standing with Samuel, judge and prophet (or seer, as he is called in the book), as the last bits of a peace offering that Samuel has called for are burning into ash. The meat has been taken ahead to the feast. Once all but Jesse and his sons - save one who is tending sheep - are alone with Samuel, Samuel tells them why he has come. He says each of Jesse's sons is to pass before him to see which one will be anointed. The problem is, although Samual sees a lot of potential, especially with the 3 oldest - all of whom are already in the army and are experienced warriors, and know their way around the royal court, God rejects them all. Still others have skills in negotiations, in business, in dealing with people of other cultures and countries. Still, God rejects them. All of them are frustrated, especially, I'd imagine, Samuel, who had told Jesse to bring all of his sons, only to find the youngest one is up in the hills, tending sheep. Once David returns, God selects him, and before he knows what is happening, David finds himself with anointing oil all over his head and face, and a warning is issued that God is displeased with Saul's disobedience, more so since Saul refuses to repent in his heart. David is told he will succeed Saul on his death - which is not in the OT anywhere I can see, but David waited until Saul's death, didn't facilitate or cause it directly or indirectly, and he only asceanded the throne after Saul died, as Saul's God-chosen, God-anointed successor. Perhaps Samuel did tell him...perhaps the Spirit of the Lord did...perhaps both. Samuel swears them to secrecy, but they don't need convincing. When kings are threatened, and especially when they were anointed, disobedient, refuse to repent, have God's Spirit taken from them, and feel threatened, the normal practice in other countries was for the sitting king to wipe out the "usurper" and their entire family. The risk this will happen now is high, because when David was anointed, the Spirit of God left Saul and came upon David, something Saul would know, Saul is now vulnerable to demonic oppression and even possession. When he was young, David had learned the basics of playing their harp, plus, like all boys, had been drilled in the arts of war. When he was alone, once he had the sheep safely in a pasture with still water from which to drink (sheep can drown in running water), the job could get pretty boring. Helpers doubtless practiced their battle skills and their weapons moves, as well as hand-to-hand combat moves, even when alone. Since a sling was an often used weapon, and David was good with it, he likely found things to use for tatgets. And when he was in a state where his practice was complete for the time being, he composed songs as well as singing ones that were familiar. He sought the Lord in his singing and playing. He God started training the young heir. The book details hit specifically battling a lion and a bear, and the Spirit delivering him by giving him the strength and cunning to fight them and win. These were predators likely known to all shepherds at the time. The Bible, however, only mentions David telling Saul, when he volunteered to fight Goliath, that as a shepherd, he had killed a lion and a bear, no details given. One part of the Bible says Jesse had 7 sons, another says he had 8. To explain this, the author creates a brother who defies God, and his country, and tells the secret of David's anointing, then defects to the Philistines, because this would have gotten his name blotted out from the genealogy of the family and accounted for the different numbers. There are also tales of him trying to bust a Philistine spy ring that I don't see in the Bible. This happens after someone tells King Saul about a young shepherd with a beautiful voice, whose music may be able to keep the fits, black moods, etc., at bay. When David is in court, the Spirit in him, and thus on his music, does indeed do just that. Then, when the King's life's os threatened, David saves him. Meanwhile, the friendship between David and the king's eldest son deepens until they are like brothers. David is made armor bearer to the King, butbthen is left back in Bethlehem when the armies go to fight. He is with the sheep to free up those brothers not in the army to provision the armies. One day, Jesse sends David to deliver items to his brothers, at which time he fights Goliath and wins. The rest of the story is in a 2nd book.

Scripture come to life This is an excellent telling of Biblical story. I loved that the author stayed true to scripture while bringing the characters to life. All the footnotes being scripture references added to my admiration for the writer.

Scripture come to lifeThis is an excellent telling of Biblical story. I loved that the author stayed true to scripture while bringing the characters to life. All the footnotes being scripture references added to my admiration for the writer.

True to Biblical history Rather than a dry retelling of this well known story, the author gave flesh to young David and to others in the narrative. The result brings a panoramic portrayal to the mind's eye so that the reader lives inside the story in an unforgettable way.

Fun filled adventure Enjoyed this fantasy of combining a story with what I thought I knew with more adventure

Greatly enjoyed The story of David was captivating to read. I appreciated how it followed the Biblical events accurately, yet communicated possible emotions and word pictures. I look forward to book two in this series.

Noble tribute to David Bringing Biblical history to life - the rest of the story- throughly enjoyed this novel brings to life these accounts of Hebrew history

David Enjoyed this book as it brought to life biblical events in a natural way. Will definitely read the rest of the series.

Excellent books! I appreciate the accuracy of the books compared with the Bible and it seems to be close to history. I would recommend these books to everyone!!

Outstanding writing, Very readable story of King David as a youth. Recommended. Outstanding writing by author Greg S. Baker. This book follows the Biblical story of David from prior to his anointing by the Prophet Samuel to after the battle with Goliath. It was very well researched with references included and the fictional elements were blended in perfectly to enhance readability. It is targeted at pre-teen to adult reading level but will be enjoyed by all ages. This was my first book by Mr. Baker but will not be the last. Highly recommended.

Anointed I really loved this story. Very interesting. Made me think. Now I want to know what happens next. It's hard for me to imagine Goliath being a giant though. Had to look up that info and it's said 4500 ft. Seems impossible for a man.

Outstanding writing by author Greg S. Baker. This book follows the Biblical story of David from prior to his anointing by the Prophet Samuel to after the battle with Goliath. It was very well researched with references included and the fictional elements were blended in perfectly to enhance readability. It is targeted at pre-teen to adult reading level but will be enjoyed by all ages. This was my first book by Mr. Baker but will not be the last. Highly recommended.

AnointedI really loved this story. Very interesting. Made me think. Now I want to know what happens next. It's hard for me to imagine Goliath being a giant though. Had to look up that info and it's said 4500 ft. Seems impossible for a man.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. I knew the story of David and Goliath and of the anointing, but this book put flesh on the bones of the characters. Where before I could “place” the story now I have a feeling for the people of the time.

Well known story with new life. I did enjoy this book. It just added more life to the well known story of David and Goliath. I hope to read more of Mr Bakers books very soon.

David loved God! Reading an action story helps remembrance of facts and allows the emotional impact of the story to speak to us. “Anointed” is such a historic biblical novel, moving you to experience and understand the life of young David, anointed as a youth, but stepping with faith and courage into the role of king. We study David in the Bible, but how much more we remember and internalize via a great book...

The author sets up the story of David, the 8th son of Jesse, as he is anointed by Samuel to become King after Saul. While the story lines follow the history given in Samuel, the author chooses to put the incidents into a more easily understood chronology. This makes it a more interesting story, especially for the teen market where action is more valued than introspection. David is called to serve Saul as a harpist, but becomes entangled in a plot by David's heretic brother and some Philistines to overthrow the king. Following this, the events with Goliath follow, as the book sets up the story for the subsequent volumes in the saga.

Trust I have this book a good rating because it explain more in detail in Davids life as a young man.I would recommend this book for young readers who are learning about the books of the Bible.

TrustI have this book a good rating because it explain more in detail in Davids life as a young man.I would recommend this book for young readers who are learning about the books of the Bible.

Don’t Start If You Can’t Finish! I literally was hooked on this story. The Bibical characters “ came to life” on these pages. Thank you Greg S. Baker for a well researched and descriptive story!

I am not conversant with the Biblical stories. But I enjoyed reading the book. The best part I liked was that the author has clarified as to which sources are used, what part is fiction but added to maintain continuity. Interesting read.

Thoroughly enjoyed! Five starsI read most of this book lying awake during my covid hospitalization. It was a comfort and reminder to me, in the midst of deep trouble, that our God can defeat every giant in our lives.

Great novel! This novel gave a personal perspective of young David, even with his flaws. It was insightful to consider his doubts and temptations that he dealt with as God began to mold him. It was even more interesting to consider how Saul began to deal with his loss of standing as God's chosen one, and his fits when he was obsessed and attacked demonic forces. But most of all, I appreciated the assurance of God's faithfulness. When I completed it, I thought of that song, 'Great is thou faithfulness.'

Makes Bible story come to life Even though a novel, makes the Bible stories more realistic. Enjoyed reading what could've happened. Look forward to the next book.

Makes Bible story come to lifeEven though a novel, makes the Bible stories more realistic. Enjoyed reading what could've happened. Look forward to the next book.

Outstanding Yes I was engrossed in this book! I must say I kept checking to see if you stayed closely to scriptures! This was absolutely wonderful to read! Thank you! I would put your writing in the Francine Rivers and Lynn Austin group! They do not disappoint!