Cider - Shop now
$19.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 9 to Nashville 37217 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 8
In Stock
$$19.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$19.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Uvi Poznansky
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Rise to Power (The David Chronicles) Hardcover – February 9, 2021

by Uvi Poznansky (Author, Illustrator)
3.6 out of 5 stars 268 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$19.99","priceAmount":19.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"V0se9q%2FFWByeKbSBd2Y9ws7CpQdTJVAxrdwU9TcNdx46Vppsm8RdKXzx2myFL4Bzpv75ApfirR9YrWkuM%2BAq5WguBhSQFqsaFOpjsXBG27FYMnXBLZC6yYE2uojzJylX6D9W2GWNVkCCE5Radrdwpg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

From USA Today Bestselling Author, Uvi Poznansky, comes a captivating historical fiction novel with a modern twist:

Here is the story of David as you have never heard it before: from the king himself, telling the unofficial version, the one he never allowed his court scribes to recount. Rooted in ancient lore, his is a surprisingly modern memoir.

Notorious for his contradictions, David is seen by others as a gifted court entertainer, a successful captain in Saul’s army, a cunning fugitive, a traitor leading a gang of felons, and a ruthless raider of neighboring towns who leaves no witnesses behind. But how does he see himself, during this first phase of his life?

Can he find an inner balance between conflicting drives: his ambition for the crown, his determination to survive the conflict with Saul, and his longing for purity, for a touch of the divine, as expressed so lyrically in his psalms?

If you like ancient historical fiction about court intrigue, this king David novel has a modern twist like no book you have read before.

★★★★★ "The miracle of Uvi Poznansky's writing is her uncanny ability to return to old stories and make them brilliantly fresh."

Scroll up and get Rise to Power now!

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 9
    The David Chronicles
  2. Print length
    263 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 9, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.79 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-13
    979-8707134173
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

The David Chronicles
Get it all: The David Chronicles
Rise to Power
A Peek at Bathsheba
The Edge of Revolt
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Customer Reviews
3.6 out of 5 stars 268
3.9 out of 5 stars 160
4.1 out of 5 stars 110
Price $0.99 $4.99 $4.99
Story Here is the story of David as you have never heard it before: from the king himself, telling the unofficial version, the one he never allowed his court scribes to recount. Rooted in ancient lore, his is a surprisingly modern memoir. The most torrid tale of passion ever told: David's forbidden love for Bathsheba, and his attempt to cover up the scandal. Will he muster the strength needed to protect her and save their son from danger? The last thing David expects is that his beloved son will topple him from the throne. The betrayal threatens not only his life but also his legacy. Coming back to power will put Absalom in danger. Is David ready to counter his next move?

Editorial Reviews

Review

  • "The miracle of Uvi Poznansky's writing is her uncanny ability to return to old stories and make them brilliantly fresh. At times startling, as times awe-inspiring, and at al times fine reading, this is a welcome addition to the growing library of one our more important writers." - Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Reviewer
  • "A tale of madmen and kings, youth and old age, prison cells and freedom's ring. It's drawn from Biblical history, enjoyed through the eyes of modernity, and it vividly recreates character and place." - Sheila Deeth, Top 1000 Reviewer
  • "Her ability to capture character and emotion is nothing short of literary excellence, and the modern flair really only adds to that, allowing for a more engaging voice and style." - Book Crazy, Top 1000 Reviewer
  • "In THE RISE TO POWER Uvi Poznansky delivers a powerful look at young David, the future king of Israel, as he begins his court life as a musician to King Saul. Ms. Poznansky then dives deep into the mind of this amazing historical figure and shows us the deep emotion that fills him before his his coming struggle against the giant Goliath and how his success causes King Saul to turn away from him. This is an absorbing read and I highly recommend it. I look forward to the next episode in the story." - John Putnam, Autor
  • "I can see this book (and others written by Ms. Poznansky) offered in the future as classic literature in future writing or reading classes. Truly, I think this book will become a global classic." - Aaron Paul Lazar, Author
  • "Ms. Poznansky views the world of David with the eyes of an artist, and describes what she sees with the words of a poet." - Mary Firmin, Author
  • "For me, the crux of this complex story illustrates our underlying human nature and how we perceive not only ourselves, but how we see ourselves in the world. The conflict that we have between our ego self and our spirit self. This is what David struggles with and the author tells it with vivid imagery that gives texture and brings it to life." - Michelle Bellon, Author
  • "If you are in the market for great writing and a great story, pick up Uvi's book and check it out. The cover is amazing, but her cover always are and her writing... is incredible." - Candy O'Donnell, Author
  • "This a rich, vibrant story but unlike most novels based on Biblical figures, David is accessible and human. The reader is drawn into his head, into his heart, and into his world." - Barbara Silkstone, Author
  • "I think this book would be an ideal choice for a book club because it offers so much for discussion." - Yael Politis, Author
  • "Gifted Author Uvi Poznansky is up to her usual finesse of taking a well-known Bible story and giving it a modern day perspective. Trust me...she does a darn good job of it!" - Dolores Ayotte, Author
  • "King David as we've never seen him before! This is a wonderfully down to earth look at a man of myth and legend. The reality of the man told from his point of view, revealing his inner thoughts and conflicts. I highly recommend this book!" -Dellani Oakes, Author
  • "A story that once you start reading, you'll be unable to put down." - Charles Ray, Author
  • "Somehow, even though we know the outlines of the story, we become completely engrossed, wanting to know how the story we are familiar with will be filled out. On my first reading, I became so engrossed as I read it on a bus that I missed my stop."- Laurel Gord, Author


More Reviews for Rise to Power:★ Her ability to capture character and emotion is nothing short of literary excellence, and the modern flair really only adds to that, allowing for a more engaging voice and style. -Book Crazy, Top 1000 Reviewer

From the Author

The series The David Chronicles includes the following novels:
  • I: Rise to Power
  • II: A Peek at Bathsheba
  • III: The Edge of Revolt
  • I+II+III: The David Chronicles: Trilogy

In addition, it includes the collections of art that inspired writing the novels:
  • IV: Inspired by Art: Fighting Goliath 
  • V: Inspired by Art: Fall of a Giant 
  • VI: Inspired by Art: Rise to Power 
  • VII: Inspired by Art: A Peek at Bathsheba 
  • VIII: Inspired by Art: The Edge of Revolt 
  • IX: Inspired by Art: The Last Concubine 
  • IV+V+VI+VII+VIII+IX: The David Chronicles: Art

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08W7R1LQ8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (February 9, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 263 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8707134173
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.02 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.79 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.6 out of 5 stars 268 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Uvi Poznansky

Uvi Poznansky

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Uvi Poznansky is a USA TODAY bestselling, award-winning author, poet and artist. “I paint with my pen,” she says, “and write with my paintbrush.” Her romantic suspense box set, Love Under Fire, made the USA TODAY bestselling list, as did her medical thriller box set, Do No Harm; and her romance box set, A Touch of Passion, was the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.

Education and work:

Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier.

Having moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children, Uvi received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she guided teams in a variety of design projects and earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.

She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. In addition, she taught art appreciation classes. Her versatile body of work includes bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media.

Books and Genres:

Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance is a suspense series. It includes Coma Confidential, Virtually Lace, and Overdose.

Still Life with Memories is a family saga series with touches of romance. The series includes My Own Voice, The White Piano, The Music of Us, Dancing with Air, and Marriage before Death.

Still Life with Memories Bundle series includes volume I, Apart from Love (My Own Voice+The White Piano); and volume II: Apart from War (The Music of Us+Dancing with Air+Marriage before Death.)

The David Chronicles is a historical fiction series with a modern twist. It includes three novels--Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt--and six art through the ages collections, describing each moment of the story.

Her poetry book, Home, is in tribute to her father. Her collection of dark tales, Twisted, and her Historical Fiction book, A Favorite Son, are both new age, biblically inspired books. In addition, Uvi wrote and illustrated two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. For each one of these books, she created an animation video (find them on YouTube and on her Goodreads page.)

Customer reviews

3.6 out of 5 stars
268 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book a delightful elaboration of the biblical story of David, with vivid character portrayals that make the narrative perfectly relatable. The writing style receives mixed feedback, with several customers noting that the text doesn't always make sense. The book's style is elegant, and one customer particularly appreciates the beautiful psalms and songs of David. While customers find it an excellent read that keeps them spellbound, some mention there are boring parts in the book.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

45 customers mention "Biblical story"42 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the biblical story in this book, finding it compelling and a delightful elaboration of the David narrative, with one customer noting how it is told in modern language while maintaining historical fidelity.

"...It is a vividly written novel, that will stay with me for a long time, and I will look back to see my how my younger self, created the woman I am..." Read more

"The story opens with an old king, one who has had his claws and fangs pulled. Indeed, he is not a particularly impressive specimen...." Read more

"...use of modern phrases such as "Plan B." I like the fact that it's written in a way that makes the dialog easy to understand, but the use of phrases..." Read more

"...The author seems prolific. I like the fact that she tackled such a big character in Biblical history...." Read more

35 customers mention "Character development"31 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding the portrayal of David and other characters perfectly relatable, with one customer noting how the author enters imaginatively into David's thoughts and feelings.

"...I loved this novel, and how the characters drew me into their lives, and took on very real human characteristics...." Read more

"...David is a complex character that evolves through out the book and while I may not end up liking him and wanting to have him over for tea, I want to..." Read more

"...I like the fact that she tackled such a big character in Biblical history...." Read more

"...The result is a refreshing, complementary look into the lives of those living in early times who were, basically, much like each of us who know God..." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"27 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and spellbinding, with one customer describing it as a three-book literary masterpiece.

"...I loved this novel, and how the characters drew me into their lives, and took on very real human characteristics...." Read more

"...My few criticisms are small, as I quite enjoyed my time with this book...." Read more

"...The result is a refreshing, complementary look into the lives of those living in early times who were, basically, much like each of us who know God..." Read more

"...It's an enjoyable read and I look forward to "A Peek at Bathsheba."" Read more

16 customers mention "Style"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style, describing it as elegant, with one customer highlighting its beautiful psalms and songs of David.

"...It is a story of battle, madness, glory, and mastery over self...." Read more

"...When it comes to plotting, character development and creative style, unfortunately I cannot give this book any points. The author seems prolific...." Read more

"...person, from David’s point of view, it gives us a full and vivid picture of the times and the difficulties of simply surviving...." Read more

"As I studied the compelling artwork on the cover of Ms. Pozansky's Volume 1 of the David Chronicles'- Rise to Power, I am intrigued by the..." Read more

6 customers mention "Intelligence"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, with reviews noting its well-researched content and brilliant strategic insights.

"...Ruthless soldier and commander, brilliant strategist, gifted musician and inspiring orator, David is also a stud...." Read more

"...While well- researched and relying on the well-known details of the Biblical story this book enters imaginatively into the thoughts and feelings of..." Read more

"...Alternately intelligent and naïve, noble and venal, courageous and cowardly, the David portrayed here comes off as humanly flawed, as well as being..." Read more

"...So it is with Mz. Pozansky's lovely, astute, and highly analytical writing...." Read more

4 customers mention "Biography"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the biography of David, describing him as an amazing historical figure and one of the most famous people in history.

"Here is a tale of the life of one of the most famous people in history, King David of Judah and Israel, but told from a unique and insightful..." Read more

"...Ms. Poznansky then dives deep into the mind of this amazing historical figure and shows us the deep emotion that fills him before his his coming..." Read more

"Fantasy about King David, imagined biography of his early rise to power. A lot of it seemed too contrived to me, but it was a semi-interesting read...." Read more

"...The internal dialog of this retelling is a fascinating insight into this famous figure." Read more

30 customers mention "Writing style"14 positive16 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with several noting that the writing at times doesn't make sense.

"...The Narration: David George made a good David, scoffing and pouting and womanizing in all the right places...." Read more

"...Plus a few grammatical errors that I wouldn't have expected from a "best-selling author."" Read more

"...About the narrator: Mr. George was outstanding and on target. His voice changed and matured as the character aged...." Read more

"...Resorting to cliches is the product of hurried, poor writing. The other thing that bothered me was the author's use of modern language...." Read more

11 customers mention "Storyline"0 positive11 negative

Customers find the storyline of the book boring.

"...Indeed, he is not a particularly impressive specimen. Through the course of one night, his memory flashes back to younger days...." Read more

"...Phrases that don't fit the time period are jarring and break the flow of the story...." Read more

"...There were boring parts in the book where David was hiding from Saul...." Read more

"...However, that subtracted from the story line, I felt, with the author using cliques at times that would have been inappropriate for the time the..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • M. M. Bishop
    5.0 out of 5 stars A VIVIDLY WRITTEN STORY!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ms. Poznansky’s novel Rise to Power, swept me into David’s battle from a shepherd boy more interested in adventure, music, & performing, into a battle hardened man. When he played at the palace of King Saul, he was both loved and hated by the King, for in him, Saul saw himself as a young man, & knew his own frailty. David could sense both the love and the hate in Saul, and yet, found he yearned for glory.

    It is a story of battle, madness, glory, and mastery over self.

    It is David’s story, yet, more, it is the story of each of those who ache for dreams to come true, and sense the changes to come as they age. Ms. Poznansky has taken an old story, lifted it into a new realm with honesty and understanding of human fragility. I loved the flow of her words, and the way they drew me into the story deeper and deeper. Sometimes I was living in David’s thoughts, and sometimes watching him as he went from a boy full of gaiety to a hardened man, but one that still had some compassion in him.

    As a lover of history, the use of more modern language to tell the story, was fitting, for each generation does tell a story in the language of the times. I loved this novel, and how the characters drew me into their lives, and took on very real human characteristics. As the story unfolded one could see and feel it as if you were living in the days when the twelve tribes were scattered, and fought each other for supremacy, and the Philistines waited in the wings to ravage them.

    It is a vividly written novel, that will stay with me for a long time, and I will look back to see my how my younger self, created the woman I am today, as David and Saul did. Did they like what they saw or was the glory not enough?

    A brilliantly told story.
    Helpful
     Report
  • S
    4.0 out of 5 stars While I may not have him over for tea, I want to know more about him.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The story opens with an old king, one who has had his claws and fangs pulled. Indeed, he is not a particularly impressive specimen. Through the course of one night, his memory flashes back to younger days. David started off as a court entertainer – a poet, a dancer, a harp player. But then one decision after another leads David down a road of tough choices, choices that often lead to blood. Set in the land of Israel in the 1st or 2nd century BC, we watch as David rises in power, watch as that power is snatched away, and then watch as David claws that power back.

    This story was new to me as I am not religious, though I am pretty certain that the life of David is chronicled in the Christian and Hebrew bibles. So some of you may already be familiar with many of the details of this story. Even I, who lives under a rock, had heard the tale of David versus Goliath. I have to admit that my overall ignorance of David and his deeds added to my pleasure in discovering this tale through this book. except for the David versus Goliath fight, I had no idea what would happen to David. So, yes I fretted over him.

    He started off so simple and care-free. He was a court entertainer and a bit of a ladies’ man. A young lad soon to be a man who had little a need to be noticed. Of course, the King (King Saul) offers him a daughter’s hand in marriage for defeating Goliath. This turns out to be a bit of a ruse and David ends up with another daughter. But don’t worry, later in the story he collects a few more wives. He has plenty of companionship in the bedroom. Just as he has plenty of conflict in the king’s court and later in the battlefield.

    David is a complicated guy. He starts off on a bit of a lark, off for adventure. Then marriage and court intrigue send him into a series of conflicts that bloody his hands. By the end of the book, we have a very different picture of David. I am not sure I like the man he turned into, even as I am sure that I am quite intrigued by him. The ending left me ready for the sequel in the series, wanting to know if David can redeem himself of his misdeeds, or if I am going to want to behead him.

    My few criticisms are small, as I quite enjoyed my time with this book. The first partly stems from my own cultural and (perhaps) historical ignorance. There is a scene where David must collect the foreskins of 100 Philistines. Now I assume that the only way to do that is to convert the uncut men to Judaism, and part of that conversion means the willing circumcision. The other option is to kill the Philistine men and then collect their foreskins. I can only imagine that would be a grisly task left to servants and they would probably do it quickly, so there might be a few extra tips thrown in with the foreskins. Ugh! Oh, and these were a wedding present. As you can see, I had to make some assumptions there as to why David would be tasked with foreskin collection duty.

    The other criticism is that the ladies are mostly wives and sex objects. We’re told one lady (Abigail, I think) is particularly clever, but in the few lines she had, I did not see it. The ladies don’t seem to have anything other than David to talk about, so I didn’t get a sense of their personalities.

    Still, with those in mind, I did enjoy this book, and I enjoyed learning a bit of history from it. David is a complex character that evolves through out the book and while I may not end up liking him and wanting to have him over for tea, I want to know more about him.

    The Narration: David George made a good David, scoffing and pouting and womanizing in all the right places. He also did a good job expressing incredulity (like the numerous times King Solomon has to throw his spear at someone in court). I especially liked his voice of the taunting David when certain items were liberated (quietly and sneakily) from an enemy’s camp. His female voices were rather similar, but as the women didn’t have major roles and didn’t chat with one another, it was easy to keep their characters apart.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Rise to Power
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Every author has the right to portray historical characters as they see them, so the personality of the David of this book doesn't bother me. My problem is that I didn't feel David's passion that was reflected so profoundly in the psalms he wrote. His words and actions seemed to be in conflict of each other, and all the "rationalizing" in the book didn't convince me. Perhaps because he was such a larger-than-life personality I expected more from the book. I think it might appeal to those who are unfamiliar with David's story.

    A second point that bothered me and drew me out of the story was the use of modern phrases such as "Plan B." I like the fact that it's written in a way that makes the dialog easy to understand, but the use of phrases that would have no context for that time period was jarring. Plus a few grammatical errors that I wouldn't have expected from a "best-selling author."
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Warrior Princess
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Adaptation of an Old Testament Story
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I've been a fan of Uvi Poznansky for quite a while. Her books are beautifully written, emotionally engaging, educational - in a good way! - and always thought-provoking and very very interesting.

    This adaptation of a familiar story from the Old Testament is unique and feels very modern. From the very first line of the prologue, the story drew me in, partly because of the masterful use of the first person by the author, and partly because of her engaging writing style. The scene of King David as a prisoner trying to escape and tell his story to liberate his soul is compelling and highly readable.

    And then the story gets even better. Like all Uvi Poznansky's books, this one has crisp and engaging dialogue, well-drawn characters and a unique plot. It was interesting for me to see the events from King David's perspective and trace his journey from childhood to maturity and right into today's time, making the story relevant and engaging for today's readers. In this story, King David is not a mythical hero - he comes across as a real person, imperfect, flawed, and experiencing conflicting emotions - and that makes him so much more relatable, and his story - so much more compelling. A great read! Five stars.
    Report
  • Espionage Lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Jewish Story
    Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Uvi Poznansky's "Rise to Power" waxes Shakespearean: "What a rogue and peasant slave..." is Saul and yet bursts out with an intriguing "I Claudius" tone at times as well.. The best of both worlds. Kingly pomp, drenched in battle blood, and stark raving, inbred madness all painted together in a picture of David as a modern man. Why did I choose At Odds with Destiny? Well, I love to get my history indirectly in fictional form and the 12 tribes of Israel have intrigued me since spending almost a year in Israel in my late 20's. I know. I know, that was 35 years ago. Life, work, raising two wonderful children didn't leave time to peruse history for interesting topics. Now I am retired and can take my curiosity wherever it wanders.
    Now back to "Rise to Power". The story opens up with a Hamlet-like Saul suffering and lamenting, among other things, that he doomed his rise to power by showing mercy to a captured king. Almost like another of Shakespeare's characters, Lady Macbeth, he can't wash out the stain of this ill-fated decision. Enter the 'fool', a wise peasant in the person of David the musician trying his luck as a court musician. Saul tries to dissuade the young man and sends him packing but he's persistent. So the story of the foundations of the House of David begins. No more spoilers here. Highly recommended. Five stars.
    Report
  • Karl Wiggins
    5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely cracking read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 9, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I started reading this book a week or so before I went away on holiday, and after just a few pages I decided to put it aside and wait to read it while away. It is that good.

    We all know the story of David, the musician who became a hero by killing Goliath, but to view that event unroll through his own eyes is nothing short of magical. This was a book that I never wanted to end.

    David had been promised King Saul’s daughter, Merav, if he killed Goliath. Merav is 'lovely and bubbly with a bust that points to the stars,’ but instead of Merav, Saul takes the opportunity to offload his other daughter, Michal, whose chest is as flat as a board. “Who on earth would want a flat-chested, grumpy Jewish princess like her?” asks David, but it’s Michal he ends up with.

    Unsurprisingly, David’s imagination still conjures up visions of Merav, but her cleavage is even more revealing and her bust even riper, and so to compensate for having the flat-chested daughter dumped on him David starts sleeping around. And who can blame him?

    The story finishes off with the tale of Bathsheba, who by all accounts was well fit. For those who aren’t familiar with her tale, David spotted her bathing on the roof of her apartment, flashing a bit of this and that, and …. well, I’m sure you get my drift. David’s over there in a New York heartbeat, and before you know it Bathsheba’s pregnant.

    Well now, David’s in a bit of a tiz-woz because she’s actually married to one of his soldiers, Uriah the Hittite, so he’s obviously got to get rid of him. He sends him off to war with instructions to his generals that when the action hots up they’re all to leg it on out of there and leave old Uriah stranded, which they do. Uriah was a bit of a numbskull and when he was told to hold the fort on his own while they all pegged it to safety, he’s up for it.

    Not for long, of course, because before you know it they’re all on him, “Uriah, ye dobber, tak' 'at ye twat, an' 'at, ye Sasanach heathen. Kick his heed in! Chop ay his heed!” and it doesn’t take long before it’s the end of old Uriah.

    David gets beautiful Bathsheba, who gives birth to Solomon, of all prophets.

    I’ve always loved the tale of Bathsheba but trust me when I tell you that Uvi Poznansky is a master storyteller and writes her narrative much more eloquently than I ever could.

    All in all, this book (the first of three I believe) offers a unique insight into the early years of King David, and I absolutely loved it!
    Report
  • Warrior Princess
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Adaptation of an Old Testament Story
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I've been a fan of Uvi Poznansky for quite a while. Her books are beautifully written, emotionally engaging, educational - in a good way! - and always thought-provoking and very very interesting.

    This adaptation of a familiar story from the Old Testament is unique and feels very modern. From the very first line of the prologue, the story drew me in, partly because of the masterful use of the first person by the author, and partly because of her engaging writing style. The scene of King David as a prisoner trying to escape and tell his story to liberate his soul is compelling and highly readable.

    And then the story gets even better. Like all Uvi Poznansky's books, this one has crisp and engaging dialogue, well-drawn characters and a unique plot. It was interesting for me to see the events from King David's perspective and trace his journey from childhood to maturity and right into today's time, making the story relevant and engaging for today's readers. In this story, King David is not a mythical hero - he comes across as a real person, imperfect, flawed, and experiencing conflicting emotions - and that makes him so much more relatable, and his story - so much more compelling. A great read! Five stars.
    Report
  • Paul Douglas Lovell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious
    Reviewed in Germany on June 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    When I began reading Rise to Power I was already reading two other books, both considered classics in the literary world. These gathered dust once I’d digested but a few lines of Uvi Poznansky’s alluring verse. I am so enamored with the sensual style and delicious delivery of this Old Testament story, that this review is a purely emotional response as I have just put it down. I feel like a devotee.

    I’ll steer my review away from the story itself, David, Goliath and a rise to power because it is Uvi Poznansky you are really buying into.

    An artist that sculpts, writes, paints such a realistic atmosphere, you can feel the desert sand sift through your fingers with each turn of the page. A couple of stone columns and a net curtain blowing in the wind would be more than enough garnish should these words ever make the stage.

    ----Favourite quote… “I understand what motivates them. Greed is such a universal thing, especially when combined with laziness.”----

    I like religions, notice the plural, I like to pick ‘n’ mix the choice bits. I am not so big on displays of piety but do love an epic bible story. Uvi Poznansky replaces piety with poetry, and with panache, adds a splash of seduction.

    There is no gratuitous violence or scenes to upset the religiously sensitive. I suppose it is only as graphic as your own mind. I was never bored reading this and now it’s finished there is defiantly a void.

    Luckily for me there is more of Uvi Poznansky’s writing available, plus stuff on the way.
    Report