Shadow of the Mountain by Cliff Graham - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Caleb and Joshua Roar to Life in this High-Impact Old Testament Saga

Two men were brave enough to tell the truth about what awaited the Hebrews in Canaan. This is their story. From the slave pits of Egypt to the efforts of an eighty-five-year-old Caleb as he drives out the last of the giants, Shadow of the Mountain is a vivid portrait of two of God's chosen champions, and a meditation on masculine mentorship and the challenges and blessings of growing older.

For the sake of his new God and his loyalty to his friend Joshua, Caleb will not spend his twilight years resting, but taking the battle to the enemies of God's people until his dying breath. From his early days as a mercenary for Pharaoh in Egypt watching the Hebrews suffer under the yoke of slavery, all the way through a desperate fight with giants in the dark forests of the hill country, this is a story filled with epic battles, gritty intensity, and supernatural events that made Graham's Lion of War series a hit. Shadow of the Mountain is sure to ignite a love for the Old Testament in popular culture.

My Thoughts:

“The Lord our God controls even Pharaoh’s heart.  Not just his light or his cattle.”  (p. 238)

To hear Caleb share the story of the Israelite’s deliverance from Egypt is a thrilling and unsettling experience.  Cliff Graham delivers that exact experience to the readers through Caleb’s eyes – one who was a decorated soldier in Pharaoh’s army before he turned his heart in worship to the One True God.   First, I challenge you to read what the Bible has to say of Caleb.  That, in itself will astound  you!   Then read Graham’s story and your heart will be touched anew about God’s wondrous ways – how He chooses His people and draws them unto Himself time and time again.

To be a warrior in this time in history was brutal.  To be someone whose village/city/kingdom was attacked by these warriors is brutal.  In short, the word warrior is something that has become unfamiliar to us in the 21^st century – at least by Biblical standards.  Caleb’s account of God’s hand brining His people out of Egypt is chilling.  I’m still amazed more than ever at the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart toward God!  That, is even more chilling!

I also loved the way the younger men came to Caleb thirsty to hear the words of his story from his lips, and then to learn how that gave them renewed purpose to follow Caleb into battle.  To grow old in Caleb’s time was not an easy task!  He remained a warrior to the end of his days.  I think this is another thing Graham wants his readers to hear – a call to be a follower of God no matter what your age!  This is a thrilling and humbling reminder of God’s holiness and power.  It is also a challenge to rise up and serve God in the strength courage only He can provide!

About the Author:

Cliff Graham is a former soldier and officer in the United States Army who now spends his time writing, speaking, and operating a growing series of media franchises. A graduate from Black Hills State University with degrees in political science and military science, he wrote his Lion of War series while working as a youth pastor. He currently lives in the mountains of Utah with his wife, Cassandra, and their children, and speaks to churches, men's groups, and conferences all over the United States. He can be found online at www.cliffgraham.com