Category Archives: book review

The Reviews are in and the Scores are High

13 Friday Mar 2020

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Here is the latest Amazon review of “The Soldier Who Killed a King”:

A very good read! I enjoyed this book and recommend it, bought one for my daughter as well…timely for Easter too. In two words, David Kitz “nailed it!”
                                                      — Ruby

As an author, as in much in life, it’s not easy to please everyone. But we can learn from our critics. With that said I am pleased to report that my passion of Christ novel scores very well with readers.

With 62 reviews on Amazon.com “The Soldier Who Killed a King” scores 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Amazon rating system. In Canada with 50 reviews posted the score is even higher at 4.9 out of 5 stars. Numbers like that are rare in the literary world.

Maybe there’s some star inflation going on? Maybe readers are being too generous? But maybe Ruby is right. Maybe the readers have nailed it? You won’t know the answer to that question unless you read the book for yourself.

And… with Easter fast approaching, now is the ideal time to do just that.
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To read more reviews and purchase in the USA click here.

To read more reviews and purchase in the Canada click here.

 

 

This Week’s Discovery

03 Tuesday Mar 2020

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The following Amazon book review took me by surprise:

Best ‘Historical Fiction’ Book Ever!
‘The Soldier Who Killed A King‘ is one of the very best books we’ve ever had the privilege to read! Insightful, captivating, inspiring, historically accurate, so very satisfying and engaging… A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to David Kitz for having written this most incredible account of the crucifixion of Christ… A great read for this time of the year as we approach Easter!  — Don & Jan

High praise indeed.

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Craft, Cost & Call: How to Build a Life as a Christian Writer

24 Monday Feb 2020

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For anyone who is serious about developing a career as a Christian writer, this book is a48117319 (2) true gem. From start to finish, authors Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller provide a host of tips, and sound advice that can benefit any writer. This holds true for the novice writer as well as the grizzled veteran.

The book is broadly divided into three sections: craft, cost and call, that match the title. The authors don’t hold back in exposing both their successes and failures as writers. It’s great to see your own struggles mirrored by these two professionals. There is an integrity and a candor to their writing that I truly admire.

I was left wanting more from these two authors, especially in section on our God-given call to write. But I see wanting more as a good thing.

For anyone on the writing journey I highly recommend this book. I was introduced to this book through the Ottawa Christian Writers’ Fellowship, which is a local chapter of The Word Guild.

A Book Study that Walks You to the Cross and the Empty Tomb

03 Monday Feb 2020

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A seven-week book study is now available for the Passion of Christ novel The Soldier Who Killed a King. The book and the group discussion guide are great resources to prepare your heart for Easter and the message of the cross.

The discussion guide includes a complete list of more than 120 Bible quotations that areSoldier book sprinkled throughout the text of this Bible-based novel.

In an Amazon book review, an adult Sunday School leader had this to say about the book and the study guide:

David Kitz’s “The Soldier Who Killed A King” is a book that transports you to the passion week of Jesus with his triumphal arrival into Jerusalem, his trial and his crucifixion. In a real and tangible way this book made me believe I was there witnessing it all through the eyes of the centurion in charge of Jesus death on the cross.

While the book is historical fiction, it is loaded with biblical references that link the story directly to the Biblical account. You can review each reference in the index if you are interested in over a hundred connections that Kitz has woven into his story.

I used this book in an adult Sunday School class prior to last Easter and it was well-received with many comments about the realism of the time period as described by Kitz. I think “The Soldier Who Killed A King” is one of the best Easter novels I have ever read. I give it 5 stars!

To examine the free discussion guide click here.

For book purchases in the United States click here.

For book purchases in the Canada click here.

 

Three Things You Need to Know about Amazon Book Reviews

30 Thursday Jan 2020

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Before my historical novel The Soldier Who Killed a King was released, I had a conversation with the marketing manager of Kregel Publications. One thing she stressed was the importance of book reviews, particularly Amazon book reviews.

Since that conversation I have been diligently urging readers to post book reviews. Here then are three things I learned in the process.

  1. There’s something magical about 50.
    Fifty is the first major breakthrough point which takes you to a new level with the Amazon algorithms.  The day after I hit 50 reviews on Amazon.com the number of reviews suddenly jumped because the site drew in additional reviews from Canada and the U.K. Similarly, my review numbers on Amazon.ca jumped from 36 to 46, because ten American reviews were added to the Canadian site.
    Take away: International websites cross populate when you hit 50 reviews.
  2. Not all Amazon reviews carry an equal weight.
    Simply put some reviews are deemed more credibly, or are more highly valued. For example, a verified Amazon purchase carries more weight than a non-verified review. Also a review from a top tier reviewer is pure gold. Top tier reviewers review a lot of books, so they are highly trusted and their opinion is valued and weighted accordingly.
    Take away: When possible encourage reviews by verified purchasers and top tier reviewers.
  3. Reviews don’t need to be long to be effective.
    My one 5 star review from the United Kingdom reads as follows:
    Title: Nailed It
    Excellent crucifixion description.
    That’s all it says. But in a total of five words, this review captures a key element of the story. Of course longer reviews are also much appreciated.
    Take away: If you read a good book, show your appreciation by writing a review. The author will appreciate it, and so will prospective readers.

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Civil War by Peter Ackroyd

27 Monday Jan 2020

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I very much enjoyed this book. With that said, I enjoy most history books. I wasn’t sure if I would find this to my liking because of a certain distaste I have for English monarchs. What I found fascinating is the enormous struggle that went on between the forces of parliamentary democracy and the absolute authority of the Stuart Kings. In “Civil War” Peter Ackroyd lays out this bloody struggle in lucid detail. Of course this includes the English civil war and the emergence and fall of the republic under Oliver Cromwell.

In many respects this is a book about personal and religious freedom, and those whoCivil War try to enforce their will and conformity through a top down dictatorial approach to governing. There is a deeper message here that is particularly relevant at the current time on both sides of the Atlantic.

There are some striking similarities between seventeenth century Britain and present day America. Particularly this includes the kind of polarization that can lead to armed clashes and civil war. Fortunately, this book ends with the victory of the people as they assert their collective will. Parliament ultimately triumphs over the reign of absolute monarchs and a military dictatorship. That’s an outcome worth celebrating, and for those who love history this is a book worth reading.

Warning: Contains some foul language and numerous instances of beheading and other forms of violence.

Barnes & Noble Book Review

23 Thursday Jan 2020

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Today I came upon this 5 star book review on the Barnes & Noble website. What follows is a duplicate of that post:

I received a copy of THE SOLDIER WHO KILLED A KING: A TRUE RETELLING OF THE PASSION by David Kitz from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. This is a standalone book.

This book…wow. Subject matter aside, it blew me away. The writing is superb. It feels as ifSoldier book you are watching a movie, but a 4D movie. (This would make a great Broadway play.) It puts you in the scene. You taste and feel and smell. You are transported back in time. You get to really know the characters as if they were people living on your block. You travel back in time to the first-century world and experience it all.

Now for the subject matter. According to the blurb: A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion. The centurion is Marcus Longinus.

This story shows the events leading up to the Passion Week. This is a new take on a story that has been told many times. I admit to thinking it might “just be another one.” If you hesitate because of that, you’re missing out. This is historical Christian fiction at its finest. I highly recommend it for your collection.

To purchase though Christianbook.com click here.

Some thoughts on “Psalms Alive!”

03 Friday Jan 2020

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This morning I came upon this book review by Pam:

David Kitz’s devotional, “psalms alive” is a book I bought for my friends and family this past Christmas and I plan to read it a second time. It is one of the best devotionals I have ever read for the following reasons:

* The Scripture is printed at the beginning of each devotional. This makes it so convenient and for me it meant reading and then re-reading that Psalm many times as I studied Kitz’s devotional which followed. Many devotionals only quote the reference which you are to study. Tell me – how many of you actually look up this passage? Lol. It’s too easy not to get your bible and look it up. It’s such a simple thing to print the Psalm right in the devotional but it made the study so much more helpful.

* Secondly, this was an excellent resource because of the cultural and historical insights Kitz provided. These brought the Psalms to life and helped me remember and apply them.

* Theologically, I believe Kitz is sound and credible; he often cross-referenced his thoughts with other biblical passages.

* The whole picture – Kitz provided each Psalm in light of the sweep of biblical history and revelation, often showing how the Psalm prophesied Christ. I appreciated this and it helped me see the relevance and power of the Psalms in my daily life.

Reading “psalms alive” was a highlight of October/November 2017. I looked forward to it every day; it was a feast every morning that I will indulge in again. My copy is highlighted, underlined, tear-stained, and I have several pictures I drew in response to the insights I learned. It is a treasure that I recommend with the highest confidence.

Pam

Psalms Alive! is available for purchase from Christianbook.com or directly from the author.

A New Review of “Psalms Alive!”

17 Sunday Nov 2019

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‘Psalms Alive!’ is an insightful and thought provoking look into the human condition and man’s relationship to God. Through 13 Psalms, David Kitz encourages us to examine not only these wonderful writings, but how they relate to our own personal experience and God relationship.

The only thing missing is a sequel. Thanks to the author for this gifted approach to Psalms study.  — Sharon Heagy

237 pages, trade paperback

For purchases in Canada from the author click here.

For purchases in USA from Amazon click here.