Two Great Epics, One Master Storyteller!(Now joined by the author’s audiobook narration)Hailed as “an exemplar of epic poetry” (San Francisco Review of Books), Abdiel LeRoy crafts visionary tales inspired by Bible themes, Shakespeare, and mythology. Combining prophetic miracles, dueling angels, and shapeshifting creatures, his verses recall the great epics of Homer, Dante, and Ovid.1. Obama’s … of Homer, Dante, and Ovid.
1. Obama’s Dream
It’s April 2015. President Barack Obama is sleeping in the White House, though not peacefully, when two great angels sweep into the Master Bedroom.
One of them draws Obama’s soul from his body and takes him on a night-time journey, teaching him new lessons about statecraft.
But Obama’s greatest lesson that fateful night, and his chance at redemption, comes when he is presented before the very throne of God.
Did Obama heed Heaven’s message? You decide!
2. Elijah
Israel. 9th-century BC. Jezebel has killed the true prophets of the Lord, and Elijah must flee her wrath.
But he is not alone. Embraced by a shapeshifting goddess, counseled by a great angel, he is empowered to call down fire from Heaven!
This 12-book epic relives the stunning miracles of the great prophet as described in the Old Testament—fed by ravens, raising the dead, commanding the rain, calling down fire from Heaven, outrunning horses, ascending to Heaven.
But along with all this, the author weaves a rich thread of mythological influences: shapeshifting goddesses, shamanic journeys, dueling dragons, Queen Jezebel’s seductions, and dissension in the ranks of King Ahab’s bodyguard.
Raunchy yet reverent, this timeless tale takes wing in the poet’s pen, the poet’s voice!
What reviewers are saying:
“An epic tale, Biblically based, but with considerable writer’s freedom that makes the book wholly entertaining.”
San Francisco Review of Books”
“Absolutely wonderful and hypnotic narration, his voice flowing over gently with the narrative song of his words.”
Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews, Top 10 Books of 2018
What Amazon readers are saying
“Captivated me from start to end.”
“Deeply stirring, intelligent and amusing in turn.”
“Takes the reader on a fantastic journey across time and space.”
“Cleverly done!”
more
This read grabbed me from the first page to the last. Its a real page turner, the Author both being the Author and the Narrator. Really brings out the passion of the Characters. There are epic scenes that while listening. I could picture the scenes in my minds eye. This is definitely a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Clever, entertaining, and absolutely unique!
This is a two book collection of stories written in the style of Homer or Dante but with the touch and feel of Shakespeare as well. The audiobook version is well narrated by the author himself.
“Obama’s Dream”
The angel, Abdiel, and Satan fight for the ear of the most politically powerful man in the US, President Obama. Written as an epic poem, Abdiel takes President Obama on a tour a la A Christmas Carol where the president sees and confronts failures and shortcomings, and the means to be a better leader.
“Elijah”
Also presented as an epic poem, the prophet Elijah describes to the angel Abdiel how he came to be under a tree in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. His journey to defeat the influence of Jezebel over her husband, King Ahab, is full of twists and turns of fantasy and faith.
This audio collection is of medium length (under six hours) and as mentioned above the author is reading his own work. I had heard an audio sample and it was his narration that attracted me. He is very good. The two stories are fun, interesting, and entertaining with elements of a heroic quest, pure fantasy, sexy romance, and nice family-time with the Obama family in “Obama’s Dream.”
The Epics
A different type of book for me but I enjoyed it from the start right up until the end
Obama’s Dream
So spring the fruits of Heaven’s vine, its seed Sown in one heart by angels in a dream, A politician with a poet’s creed, A partnership that may the world redeem.”
This was a fantastic “journey” that is set in the White House while Mr. Obama is dealing with how things are/aren’t going. A President’s own ethical stances/agenda can often be usurped by politics and politicians. This is what we see as Abdiel takes him on a journey that reminds him of the hope one man can represent.
I am a retired minister who is ordained by the same denomination Barack Obama claimed in Chicago. I know some of the people who were influential in his faith upbringing. Being retired means I’m not as “fluent” in Bible as I used to be. “Obama’s Dream”had me reading with a Bible app open to check and cross reference LeRoy’s citations along with a modern version of “Paradise Lost”. I adore challenges, and this was one. Warning: it is poetry, but accessible poetry. I highly recommend this book. 5/5
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Elijah
“For what can armour, helmet, sword, or shield/In that arena do where prophets wield/Their power, and works of angels are unsealed?/This is a battle of another field!”
“Elijah”has been captivating people for as long as the story endures. I’ve taught Elijah in Sunday School, sang Mendelssohn’s Oratorio “Elijah”, delved into it more times than I’ve cared to count in Church history and sermon preparation. However, Abdiel LeRoy looks at the whole story in an unorthodox way: he wrote an epic poem full of innovative ideas…the “what if’s”..
Taking great care with the story of Elijah, this author takes on the text, weaving romance, time shifting and dragons into a story known to most traditions who hold the Bible as sacred text. His original spin is approachable by those not familiar with the “record” or epic poetry as a whole. I highly suggest having a bible text nearby for cross-reference and just sit back and enjoy! Highly recommended 5/5