Among the Giants: Achsah's Story | Biblical Fiction Review

Author Jenelle Hovde

I really enjoyed this one. It's the story of Achsah, Caleb's daughter, the woman whose hand in marriage was promised to the man who could defeat a city of giants. I'd honestly never given her much thought before, so I loved seeing the author bring her to life.

My favorite part was the romance. Othniel is quiet, awkward, and loyal to his bones. He falls first, which is always a win for me. Achsah, on the other hand, is outspoken, opinionated, and has such a big mouth that she's earned herself a reputation and is heading toward spinsterhood. Their opposites-attract dynamic was so much fun to watch.

What I appreciated most, though, was how well the author handled Achsah's personality. She could have been an unlikeable character, but she never was. Her love for her father, her passion for serving Yahweh, and her tender conscience balanced her sharp edges so well. I especially loved the relationship between Achsah and Caleb. Their father-daughter bond was one of the sweetest parts of the book. And I loved that Achsah was ready to go to battle herself if it meant conquering the land Yahweh promised them and helping her aging father when no one else would.

The story was a little slow for me until the last quarter, when everything really came together, but it was worth the wait.

The best biblical fiction always sends me back to Scripture, and this book did exactly that. As soon as I finished, I went back and reread the account of Achsah because it's such an easy story to skim past. I came away appreciating it a whole lot more.

Reviewer: April W Gardner

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