Book Blurb:
Naaman, a successful soldier, is confronted with the greatest survival challenge of his life. Little does he realize that a power greater than the armies of Aram and Assyria will make him see the dark world he lives in a bit differently. He and his family, friends, and his military "iron ring" of trusted servants will all be helpless.
Military missions are familiar, and he can trust his iron ring and his disciplined battle skills. Journey with Naaman, his wife, a Hebrew slave girl, three boys who want to be soldiers of Aram, and his iron ring on a mission to confront his killer and learn about true power. Rimmon, the god of lightning, storm, and thunder, is challenged by Yahweh. Assyrian history from 850-800 BC is revealed as one walks in Naaman's journey. Despite powerful kings, religious superstition, ancient cultural norms, and a king's view of "big" and "little" people, we find out what God does. Experience how Naaman finds an answer to his killer and light for his darkened heart.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/ZZXLT
Author Bio:
Dwight retired from Active Duty in the Army on 30 November 2014 received a Doctor of Ministry through George Fox University by May 2015, and enjoys the blessing of grandchildren in North Carolina.
He has taught Juvenile Boys for seven years in a non-profit residential home that services the Department of Corrections and Safety in North Carolina. God has laid on his heart the plight of the fatherless and is now working on a series of books for boys in the area of Historical Fiction. He works now as a volunteer chaplain, teacher, and speaker as needed and requested.
God has been faithful to place the family in places of crises and opportunities to influence the next generations.
"God's Gracious Killer" is a 2023 Cadmus Book Award Winner! An International Award recognizing the category of Christian Fiction/Non-Fiction.
Editorial Review:
“God’s Gracious Killer” offers a captivating journey into the history of Aram, centered
around the prominent figure of Naaman, a distinguished warrior of the Assyrian nation.
Author Dwight David Croy skillfully blends biblical passages and historical narratives to
illustrate the powerful impact of faith and divine actions on human destiny.
In the introduction, Croy transports us into the Assyrian world during a period marked by
conflict and military expansion. The detailed description of the iron weapon manufacturing
process, particularly Naaman's sword, highlights the significance of symbols of power and
domination in Aram's culture.
“A shiny, salty bead of sweat formed on the big man’s brow as he hammered the iron ore. As he pounded, the bead of sweat started its journey down the big, glowing face to his double chin. e dripping sweat glistened down his arms. As his arm went up, the bead of sweat hesitated. e arm went down, the sweat continued its gravitational pull. e arm went down, clang! e bead of sweat continued. When the arm went up, the sweat very nearly went backward. [...] Pound the iron swords, pound the iron spear blades, pound the iron scales, and pound the iron inserted into boots. Iron was the lifeblood of an Assyrian. Only a man who could emulate iron could lead them in victory. None represented the strength of Aram better than Naaman the renowned soldier of them all. With his lead, nothing would stand in the way of domination over the world.”
The author explores Naaman's faith in the context of the empire's expansion, highlighting his
struggle to understand divinity. The book not only provides a captivating historical
perspective but also challenges reflection on the role of faith in the face of life's challenges.
Through vivid descriptions of the Assyrian military scene and daily life in Aram, the author
constructs a complex narrative with characters like Albazi and his friends, adding authenticity
and humanity. Amid the political and religious intrigues of the time, each character's struggle
for identity and status in Aram's society unfolds, and their close relationship adds an
emotional element to the entire story. Thus, the author masterfully blends epic and everyday
elements, offering a complex and captivating portrayal of the world of Aram.
The book delves into the complexity of Naaman's character and his close relationships. The
author provides a detailed perspective on Naaman's life and the impact of his faith in a
bustling city during a period filled with uncertainties.
As a military commander, Naaman stands out for his physical strength and leadership skills.
His interaction with the temple of Rimmon highlights not only devotion but also the fear and
power associated with this spiritual connection. Naaman's team, consisting of Palkha,
Radwan, Samir, and Niv, forms a solid core based on loyalty and mutual trust. Each member
contributes uniquely to the group's dynamics, and the author's ability to blend seriousness
with humor adds depth and variety to the story, keeping the reader engaged. Despite facing
challenges such as leprosy and aging, Naaman maintains his leadership status and dedicates
his life to faith in the god Rimmon.
“Leprosy was taking away his sense of feeling. e lack of controlling his limbs that served him so well in battle, terried him. A self-designed military practice course was used to hone a variety of skills, abilities that Naaman assessed needed attention. He used his home for training, and this display intimidated slaves who may think they could escape. When honest with himself, it was also a demonstration of his own show of pride. Naaman raised his arms as he approached his compound and said loudly, “For Rimmon, the god of thunder, lighting, and storm!”
Continuing Naaman's journey towards healing, the author heightens the drama and suspense.
Each character adds complexity to the story, and the revelations increase the reader's
engagement. Naaman, affected by leprosy, openly confronts challenges and reveals his inner
struggle. Characters like Inanna and Eliora add humanity and compassion, highlighting the
close bonds within Naaman's household. Revelations about the secret mission and
interactions with King Benhadad bring intrigue and uncertainty. The relationship between
Naaman and Inanna adds a romantic subtext, balancing the narrative. Details about the main
characters' preparations before departure contribute to realism and emotion.
The book explores Naaman's evolution, entering Elisha's world and highlighting differences
between Aramean and Israelite beliefs, adding intrigue and reflection. Radwan's archery
training provides both battle lessons and humorous moments. Details about Samir and
information about the prophet Elisha add an intriguing element.
"God's Gracious Killer" unfolds through a captivating narrative, exploring the consequences
of Naaman's miraculous healing and its transformative impact on him and those around him.
The journey back to Damascus becomes a symbolic journey of self-discovery and spiritual
awakening. Naaman's reflection, grappling with newfound trust in Yahweh and its
implications for his life in Aram, adds depth to his character. The internal conflict he
experiences – balancing his military identity with commitment to Yahweh – brings nuances to
his journey. The narrative adeptly captures the complexity of faith and personal
transformation.
“Naaman could not sleep trying to remember the last time he did not have to be concerned about the life-threatening disease of leprosy. Now he was deep in thinking. It was not just a fantastic miracle; it represented a change in trust and who to trust. Yahweh had shown himself to be an absolute God with no equal. Naaman owed Yahweh his life. A belief in Yahweh had farreaching consequences for a “big” person in his country of Aram. […] Yahweh had replaced the curse of leprosy with a new and unfamiliar road.”
Naaman's transformation and the evolution of relationships bring authenticity to the story.
The symbolic journey of self-discovery introduces humor and camaraderie, lightening the
tone. Details about the journey and character revelations maintain interest, and anticipation
builds with each disclosure. Naaman's revelation unveils significant vulnerability and
foreshadows a crucial disclosure. The writer skillfully explores the complexities of faith,
identity, and character development, creating an authentic and captivating narrative.
The moment when Naaman returns home, not only as a healed man but also as a dedicated
servant of Yahweh, marks a radical shift in the dynamics of power and influence in his world.
His reunion with family and loved ones illustrates the extended impact of his story within the
community.
The epilogue, filled with wisdom, emphasizes that every individual, regardless of their status,
can become an instrument through which God brings change and light to a dark world.
"God’s Gracious Killer" is not just a chronicle of a miracle but also an advocacy for the
power of faith and divine love in transforming lives.
“In the chaotic joy of the moment, Naaman told everyone to go to their households and
return to the firepit at his house. “A great fire for everyone to hear of what Yahweh has done for me.” [...] A conquering proclamation to light up their dark hearts before their history came to an end. Before that end, God will speak again personally in a unique way to the soldiers of Aram, not once, but twice. Created man makes repits. God makes invisible bonres in the hearts of men.”
"God's Gracious Killer" is a captivating story, rich in historical details and vibrant characters.
The author carefully manages the tension and story development, maintaining the reader's
interest. Expectations for the book's evolution and the characters' destinies increase, offering
a fascinating reading experience.
This work stands out for the author's ability to bring to life a fascinating historical period, and
Naaman's story becomes a captivating window through which readers can explore the
complexity of faith and human destiny in the face of a ruthless empire. Author Dwight David
Croy weaves a strong conclusion, illustrating Naaman's profound transformation and his
extended influence on those around him. The story captures not only the miraculous healing
of leprosy but also the spiritual evolution and paradigm shift of the main character.
The book's conclusion emphasizes that, like Naaman, your unique story matters to God:
“Naaman is not unlike you. [...] You, like Naaman have some skills that God gave you.” The
shifting values of the world are futile; Naaman's quest for power transformed into faith in an
unlimited God. Just as Naaman chose Yahweh, the author encourages choosing Jesus Christ
today. Mindful of limitations, the writer places trust in the Lord and urges a personal
relationship with God. The book concludes with practical steps: reading the Bible, daily
prayer, sharing Christ, participating in worship, and representing Yahweh as a citizen of
Heaven in this world. The reader is challenged to consider their choice and take significant
steps toward a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
*****
“God's Gracious Killer” by Dwight David Croy receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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