I could not put this book down.
This is a grand adventure set in Ancient Times where the Hittites were a powerful force to be reckoned with, Judges ruled in fledgling Israel, and the early Greeks, or Mycenaeans, were growing in power.
Now, I know it’s a book for kids, but it had me hooked from chapter one. Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson is a grand visit to the days of the Hittites, the Mycenaeans, the Philistines, and the Phoenicians.
And did I mention Israel during the times of the Judges (Deborah, Barak)?
The story begins in a Hittite village where Uriah Tarhund, the son of a horse breeder, lives. As the adventure beings, Egypt has a huge empire in the south and the Hittites rule the north.
The Canaanites carry on as merchants even when they are under and occupying enemy. But a new enemy is coming. The Mycenaeans (Ancient Greeks) from the West (Crete, Aegean Penisula, islands in the Mediterranean Sea) are expanding their power.
When Uriah’s family is murdered by invading forces, Uriah travels to Tyre with a caravan of traders. He ends of enjoying the hospitality of a rich merchant. You will have to read the book to find out how and why. While living in Tyre, he meets a Jewish boy named Jotham. When Jotham rescues a young child from being sacrificed to the dreadful Canaanite idol/god Moloch, Uriah is forced to flee with Jotham and the little boy.
With one adventure after another, Uriah meets Judge Deborah, Commander Barak, King Sisera, as well as people from Egypt, Cush, Philistia, and Egypt. The story captivated my heart, but when I was finished with the book, I realized that I had learned so much about that time in history.
If you are studying Ancient History, this would be a great addition to your course. More importantly, this would be a great addition to your home library for reading any time by any age. For those whose reading skill level keeps them from reading this book on their own, may I suggest this story as a great family read-aloud.
Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson, published by Bethlehem Books, will make a great addition to your book collection.
More Ancient History Resources
What fun to study Ancient Times!
Be blessed….every day…in every way.
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
