Lamp of Darkness is a fictional novel that takes place during Old Testament Israel, when the Prophets reigned as much as Kings. Lev, a fatherless shepherd boy in an age where fathers handed down the inheritance to their sons. His father had simply died for a cause unknown; Lev recalls nothing. Then, on one unlikely day, as Lev performs his typical shepherding duties and leads his flock beside emerald pastures, he brings out his kinnor, stringed and wooden be the instrument the shepherd boy held. An old prophet had stood along the road, and while Lev rolled his nimble fingers through the strings, the grey-haired man swayed to the music and fell to a deep prophecy. To Lev, later on, did he hire for a month, that his music would continue to perform its work.
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Isolated about a mountainside, these powerful prophets, master in their art, trained disciples who would seek the prophecy. Lev was hired with other musicians to help those training prophets better achieve a state of concentration. Meanwhile, the King of Israel, King Ahav, sought a marriage with the Phoenician royal line. The two powers do agree upon the union, and Lev and his fellow musicians are taken from the prophets to play during the marriage. The betrothed princess of Phoenicia brought idols to Israel's steps however. That goes against Israeli principles in their own God.
After the marriage, the new Queen of Israel brings a great statue of Baal to focus. She beckons all to humble themselves before the figure. A good number of Israelites kneel to the statue, yet also a fair number do not. Lev including. But, this statue and the priests with shoulder an omen alongside the forceful modesty: early rains. There is none that is not unfazed by the claim. The farmers scramble back to their ranches and the like to hurry their crops inside, lest it would get wet and therefore become worthless.
Prophet Jeremiah strikes back. The Queen is aware of the many holy men within Israel and sends soldiers to slay them. She also has multitudes of Israelites bowing to the Baal statue, the threat of the sword situated closely behind. Now Jeremiah declares the heavens without rain, despite the Baal priests. All other prophets would go into hiding at the time of drought, to rebuild the desolate land once what has been done is done. Lev joins them, for, as surely as conflict arises and bodies stack, it is best to remain hidden until a more proper time.
Best part of story, including ending:
I enjoyed the considerable detail into the world, such that it seems I was among the people. Excellent lore and well-written.
Best scene in story:
Nearly all scenes. The dialogues are labored into extremely thoughtful wisdoms.
Opinion about the main character:
Lev rarely receives character development. When he does, it is somewhat subtle. At the beginning and the end, I feel that Lev is honestly the same person, yet with a few additions.
