Description
In this stunning historical narrative, experience the final days of the prophet Jeremiah through his own fevered words and the clear-eyed observations of his faithful scribe, Baruch. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of ancient Egypt as Babylon’s armies approach, this unforgettable tale brings biblical history to vivid, haunting life.
Jeremiah—broken, aging, and increasingly unstable—finds himself dragged to Egypt by his own people against divine command. There, as refugee Judeans struggle to preserve their identity while Egyptian forces prepare for invasion, the prophet receives unsettling visitations from two supernatural beings: the mysterious Voice that offers comfort, and the seductive Queen of Heaven who taunts and tempts him with cosmic insights.
With extraordinary psychological depth and spiritual complexity, the novel explores the prophet’s deteriorating mental state as he grapples with divine purpose, human frailty, and the slow dissolution of his people’s heritage. Meanwhile, Baruch chronicles everything—his master’s prophetic utterances, his troubling delusions, and the political machinations that will determine the fate of empires.
“The Prophet and the Queen” masterfully blends historical detail with mystical elements, creating an immersive journey into one of history’s pivotal moments and the tortured mind of a man caught between worlds. As Babylon marches closer and Egyptian defenses intensify, readers will be riveted by this intimate portrait of a prophet’s final mission and the eternal struggle between faith and doubt.
Tod Newman –
Praise be to The God who has not abandoned the world! There was so many tidbits like this in the book!
I read books for enjoyment, not necessarily to learn anything. As I read this book, I wondered why it was written the way it was written. The book is enjoyable, Finished it, but it hasn’t left my mind. I keep on pondering this is wonderful, is making me think.
Tod Newman –
Contains significant amounts of Old Testament theology packaged in an engaging story, much in the same way I blend broccoli and kale into my kids’ strawberry smoothies! Very enjoyable read and a great perspective on a little-known prophet from the Bible.
Tod Newman –
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite
The Prophet and the Queen by W. Tod Newman follows the final days of the prophet Jeremiah as recorded by his scribe Baruch, set during the Babylonian siege of ancient Egypt. Jeremiah, aged and unstable, is taken to Egypt by his followers despite divine prohibition. In exile, Judean refugees attempt to maintain their identity while Egypt faces an impending invasion. Jeremiah encounters two supernatural figures: a comforting Voice and the Queen of Heaven, who offers unsettling visions. The novel presents Jeremiah’s declining mental state alongside his reflections on divine purpose and the fate of his people. Baruch documents the prophet’s declarations, moments of confusion, and the political events that influence the future of the region. This fictionalized account testifies to faith, leadership, and political uncertainty during a critical period.
W. Tod Newman’s The Prophet and the Queen offers a superbly textured first-person perspective through Jeremiah, granting direct access to his thoughts and experiences as a prophet facing exile and political upheaval. The writing skillfully unfolds the story with carefully crafted dialogue that reflects the period’s speech patterns, cementing its authenticity. Newman’s interpretation of biblical events, particularly the enactments between Jeremiah’s loyalty to God and the allure of the Queen of Heaven, brings fresh life to episodes often left vague or disputed. The portrayal of Jeremiah’s stress and pressures, from prophetic isolation to interactions with major influential leaders, is well grounded to the point of feeling credible—a testament to his skill as a writer. The story stands out as one of the best reimaginings I’ve recently read, providing a distinctive voice that deepens our understanding of a pivotal historical and spiritual moment.