Rain

By: Dana McNeely

Narrated by: Joseph Robert Courtemanche

He is destined to be high priest—but at what cost to those he loves?

In ancient Samaria, Aban anticipates his rites of passage with excitement and dread. He yearns to join the priesthood of Ba’al Melqart, unlock the power of the rain god, and hear the deity’s voice. He’s been warned the licentious ceremony can take a dangerous turn, but as eldest son of the high priestess, he holds a privileged position. If he can make it through the ceremony, one day he’ll rise to high priest.

On the eve of the rituals, Aban’s mother confesses a dark secret about the bloody sacrifice demanded by Melqart. Aban may have escaped the flames, but if he is to save his brother, Aban must take his destined position of power as soon as possible.

When the mysterious prophet Elijah interrupts the rites, overturns the idol, and curses the land with drought, Aban’s world is shaken. The current high priest and the king appear powerless, but even more confusing is the fact that the rain god does nothing.

Against his better judgment, Aban conceals the strange prophet’s whereabouts, forfeiting the high priesthood. Now an enemy of the relentless Queen Jezebel, Aban has little time to question his fading commitment to Ba’al Melqart as he and his loved ones flee. But the conflict in Samaria is much larger than just a high priestess and her sons. Soon, Aban will have to choose a side in Yahweh’s war against the Ba’als—and it may cost him his life.

©2021 Dana McNeely (P)2023 Mountain Brook Ink

Wonderful book

I really enjoyed this audio book so much. The story was so very thrilling and I loved the story of Elijah. I enjoyed all of the characters in the book as well. The narrator was really good too and he made the story so exciting and real. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Beautiful story

Rain is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Dana McNeely. I really enjoyed the story. She brings the story of Elijah vibrantly to life as seen through the eyes of a Samaritan boy named Aban.

The story opens with Aban preparing to take the rights to become a priest and one-day high priest in ancient Samaria. After he learns a painful secret about how his life was spared, he worries for his young brother and seeks to save him. Everything changes when he encounters an Israelite named Elijah, who prophesies drought and famine for the land.

He strives to save his family, and eventually, they are able to escape certain death. Aban begins to realize this struggle is much bigger than just that of his family. It’s one of a nation. He comes to a decision point in his life where he must choose between the god of his childhood and Yahweh, the God of Elijah.

I gained so much more insight into that period in history as I read this story. McNeely does a beautiful job of bringing the setting to life, both with the secondary characters and descriptions of life during that time. McNeely is great at keeping the facts authentic while bringing them to life at the same time.

The narrator does a pretty good job. His voice is easy to listen to. I had trouble with his female voices, though.

If you enjoy biblical fiction, this is a must-read story that will keep you fascinated.

***I was gifted a copy of this book from the author, with no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are completely mine.

Exciting Biblical History Story

The book is a wonderful, exciting fictional telling of the prophet Elijah and the time and people surrounding him. The story held true to Biblical events while an exciting fictional story was woven around them.
Dana McNeely did an excellent job of providing faith in Yahweh throughout while giving us a page turning novel.
The narration was superb and had me so caught up that I sometimes forgot what I was doing.
The only downside for me was the female voice impersonation. Joseph Courtemanche did his best and eventually I got used to it but it took a few chapters. Mr Courtemanche has an excellent voice for narration and did a good job of distinguishing chatacters.
I look forward to listening to more from this author and Mr. Courtemanche.
this was my first ever audio book.

Great Biblical fiction

This was my first audible book. I enjoyed the storyline and the narration was great. Now as I read this story in my Bible, it is much more vivid.

Outstanding

Although this is a work of fiction, it is carefully true to scripture. The author has written a heartwarming story about the servant of Elijah, which begins in the court of Queen Jezebel and King Ahab. I love the sensitivity with which she writes, and her characters become alive. If you enjoy stories that are based on Biblical events, I recommend reading this book.
I personally bought the kindle edition but the Audible version was given to me by the author with no strings attached.

Exciting Read! Story really transported me!

This audiobook was such a treat! Time flew as I was transported back to the exciting times of Elijah. I could hardly stop listening. This audiobook went with me everywhere! Great characters and tangible story details made me feel like I was part of the story. Narrator did a great job and never interrupted the flow of the story. If you want an audiobook experience that takes you to another place and time, you will love this one! I can hardly wait for the next in the series to come out!

Biblical fiction come to life

I always enjoy biblical fiction because it puts flesh and bones, emotions and humanness to familiar characters in the Bible. This was a fascinating novel that brought several biblical persons to life and showed how they all could have connected in the era of King Ahab. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. I received this audiobook as a gift from the author. Thank you!

An Enjoyable Read

I appreciated how the author kept to the facts found in the Bible while weaving fiction into the story.

The beginning of the story captured my attention and the ending was sweet and satisfying. The middle of the story seemed to drag a bit, but overall I enjoyed the novel.

The voice actor has a soothing and interesting narration voice.

Bringing the Bible to Life

I loved this story when I first read it, and was delighted to listen to it on audible.
Dana McNeely’s vivid descriptions and story telling comes to life with Joseph Courtemanche’s rich voice.
You’ll be transported to ancient Samaria and Immersed in the story of Elijah and the drought and the show down with the priests of Baal vs the one true God.

A must read/listen for lovers of Biblical Fiction!

I was gifted a copy of this audio book, but in no way did this affect my thoughts. The 5 star rating is my own opinion.

Fantastic!

I got lost in this book, and I love the way the author brought the Bible to life. Story was excellent, narration was excellent.

Well done!