Jacobean England is brought vividly to life in The King James Men. For fans of Hilary Mantel, C.J. Sansom and Philippa Gregory.England 1604. King James VI of Scotland has ascended the English throne and the future of the realm is uncertain. Religious differences divide the country, and in a bid to pacify them the king commands a new translation of the bible.Merchant Ben Kemp has already suffered … bible.
Merchant Ben Kemp has already suffered for his faith: three years in prison, and seven more in exile. Now, recently returned to England, he joins a small community of Separatists who have so far escaped persecution. But in an age where non-conformity is a crime, the hunt for dissenters is unrelenting, and the net draws ever closer.
Then his old friend, biblical scholar Richard Clarke, is offered a place on the new translation. For Richard it seems like a gift from God, a way back in from the cold where his friendship with Ben has kept him for many years.
But Richard soon discovers there is a price to pay for his new-found favour, and that price is betrayal. As the conflict escalates, his loyalties are tested. Caught between love for his friend and faith in his church, Richard is faced with a choice that could cost him his soul.
In a rich portrayal of the rivalry and ambitions of Jacobean England, The King James Men is a moving evocation of love, friendship and betrayal.
Praise for The King James Men
“An addictive read.” – Donna’s Book Blog
“Intelligent historical fiction … with an excellent story.” – Jennifer C. Wilson
“The novel brings out some really relevant and important questions about faith, personal integrity and responsibility.” – The Book Geek
“Fast-paced, an intriguing blend of heart-in-your-throat, bitten nails, warm-fuzzies and air high-fives.” – Pursuing Stacie
“Intermingled between the beautiful descriptions is an in-depth understanding of history.” – Readers’ Favorite
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The King James Men although the story of the translation of the bible which became The King James Version is more a story of friendship and a lesson in real faith. At the heart of the book is the friendship of Richard Clarke a biblical scholar, one of the interpreters of the KJV bible and a curate of The Church of England and Ben Kemp a Separatist. The two met in college and became best friends in spite of their difference in beliefs.
This book touched me in ways I can’t explain. I was raised in the Congregational Church which is one of the original puritan Separatist churches in the United States. Although I knew the basic history of the church I was unaware of the overwhelming sacrifice made by the founding members in England. If you are a Protestant this book is the story of the faithful who began and sacrificed everything for your religion. In order to appreciate your religion I believe you must read this book. For me it provided the words I could never find to express what made my church and my beliefs different than other Christian sects.
The character development of this book is wonderful. Ben is always sure of his beliefs and is a fully formed character from the beginning. Richard believes he knows who he is and what faith is but watching him question and grow through the book was an experience I’ve never experienced with any character in any book before.
I highly recommend this book. It did start slow but eventually I was caught up in the story and just had to keep reading. I’m having a hard time expressing exactly how eye opening and moving I found this book because of my Protestant upbringing. All I can say is if you belong to a Protestant church you have to read this book. It will change you and the way you view your beliefs for the better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read the King James Version of the Bible before. Mostly all of the words were different than today. For that, I sometimes did not understand several words. No reason why, but that was how it was written in the sixteenth century. Today, King James Version (or KJV) is one of the most popular versions in the Bible.
The King James Men was about a scholar who used to have a friend, but they went to different ways in their lives. The characters were well-developed and interesting. The plot was excellent with a mix of drama and secrets. The book was amazing and well done. I thought that it was educational because it was based on true story, and contained the story of how the KJV began. The rating I gave for The King James Men was four out of five stars. Fans of the Bible history would love this book.
There is a new king on the throne and things are not as sable as they were before he got the throne. One has returned from exile and all they wants is a quiet life but it will not be so. The king wants everyone to conform and goes after those who are not. What is going to happen? See what will happen