In this Old Testament historical fiction novel, Ganci combines Old Testament revelations with modern day revelations, action and adventure to provide audiences with a unique, emotionally charged experience.
Joseph Ganci is a serious researcher, a master storyteller and is the award winning author of the Amazon best selling novel, 'Gideon, The Sound And The Glory'. The book has received rave reviews from both professional reviewers and the public. He recently took an Honorable Mention Award in the Christian Historical Fiction category in Readers Favorite 2020 International Book Awards.
While Christian historical fiction might not be for everybody, what is for everybody is the manner in which Ganci brings characters from the Old Testament to life. The characters are colorful, vivid and vibrant, while the tales he weaves bring to mind scenes from 'Lord of the Rings' or 'Noah's Ark'. If that were not enough, the book also covers topics that are eerily similar to modern day events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The Old Testament is replete with plagues," Ganci stated. "Most often attributed to the wrath of God for disobedience to His commandments. There is nothing new under the sun. You might ask, is the COVID pandemic some such device? Is the world not burning? Are hatred, violence, and mistrust the order of the day. Has love been dismissed as not being politically viable? When a mask becomes a task and friction and discord rule the day, are we not already plagued?"
"Soon after its capture, the Ark of the covenant, or the God box, as the Philistines referred to it, created a pressing need to be released back to Israel.
"A plague of mice had burst open in the multitude of locusts and flooded the borders of Philistia. The grain stores and threshing floors were either consumed or spoiled in a sea of mouse droppings. There was no grain for bread or porridge; the needed bulk for proper digestion was now lacking. Philistia stood obstructed with a widespread cramp from constipation. Try as they might with all possible stress and strain, nothing happened but a rising tide of painfully swollen and ruthlessly itchy emrods.
"With no relief in sight, the Philistine princes counseled—standing up—and to a man agreed to send the God box back to the Hebrews—and immediately. It was hurriedly sent back to Israel with a gift of five golden emrods (hemorrhoids) and five golden mice. A peace offering to appease the wrath of the mighty Hebrew God—in the images of the two plagues that had ravaged all the Philistine people—men, women, and children. They hoped that these treasures would satisfy the God of the Hebrews for their forceful capture of His Ark.
"The Ark of the Testimony was first carted back by kine or cows who had never known a yoke or plow. The lowing kine, flushed heavy with milk, was set at the crossroads of decision. Turning to the left, it would lead them straight into the heart of Philistia; turning to the right and back to Israel would leave no doubt as to the Hebrew God’s omnipotence. The cows stood dumb and unmoved until a sudden clap of thunder in a troubled sky put them into motion, and they flinched as if struck with a whip.
"The unpiloted cart, guided by the hand of God, rested at the unfortunate town of Beth-shemesh. The curiosity of the populace reached beyond rational argument, saying, ‘Let us see the face of God, now that He is here among us.' They broke the seal of the lid for a quick peek inside. The townsmen kindled the wrath of God and suffered many to die. The wandering Ark then found safe keeping of twenty-years in Kirath-ye’arim.
"The Ark was not coming back to Shiloh or the Tabernacle of Habitation. The Tent of God was finally dismantled and stored away, fittings and all, in a vacant hold built especially for its safekeeping.
"God did not give the Philistines hemorrhoids; He gave them a plague of mice. The mice did the heavy lifting. Why, mice, you may ask? Because God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise and the weak things of this world to confound the mighty. And so, what is weaker than a mouse?
"Where ignorance is bliss, wisdom is folly."
Gideon coverGanci takes a ground-breaking and revelatory path in his quest to bring the awe-inspiring story of Gideon to life and ultimately to film. He believes that connecting facts are far more enchanting than loosely fitting fantasies. He works within a framework of an engaging and dramatized fiction that, while exceedingly rich in detail, remains faithful to uphold spiritual principles. He bases his work on three primary pillars:
* The rock-solid cornerstone is historical biblical geography.
* The creative arch is revelatory in its timing and issues.
* The research is concrete, firmly rooted in customs, languages, and traditions.
Ganci fills in the blanks with rock-solid research and prophetic revelations. It is a style that has allowed him to create breakthrough approaches that are exciting and breathtaking while remaining within the limits of believable biblical teachings.
Mysteries long hidden in ancient shadows now leap to life, blazing unto the pages of revelation. Details that link passages, peoples, and places are the most exciting part of the storytelling process. Details give possibilities a firm foundation as bones give form and strength to living flesh. Details long since lost or misunderstood, now ring true, giving texture, and breath, to long-forgotten gems of perception resurrected from ruins, dust, and ashes.
Ganci believes that Old Testament revelations are the Word of God. At the same time, that many needful details remained buried until the information age of discovery made them obvious and visible to the naked eye. These insights create a middle ground of understanding. As a dedicated and highly motivated researcher, he proposes there are many undiscovered nuggets of spiritual gold in the original manuscripts. He shines a new light on ancient texts and removes the black or white argument of the all-or-nothing question of modern-day revelations. He is adept at untangling the philosophical and theological human-made knots. And he gives us an opportunity to take a fresh look at what some consider to be foregone conclusions.
Readers of 'Gideon The Sound and the Glory' will learn about the Jewish Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the mysterious Golden Ephod, how, and why, David found himself at his battle with Goliath, and much, much more. This work illuminates the dark corners of scripture while engaging readers in a gripping narrative.
Ganci is in the midst of completing his sequel novel 'David'. and his many adventures and conquests. David’s making of his vast Israeli empire. The shepherd boy king and the capture of his six wives. His torrid love affair with the insatiable Bathsheba, all but provoking a cover-up in a conspiracy to murder. The anointed king who risked it all for the love of a woman. It is done with a deft touch of Biblical erotica in keeping with Bathsheba’s sensual bath and the hot sleepless desert nights with a monarch that challenged her fiery passions.
Joseph Ganci was chosen as one of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' in the 2017 Book Awards. 'Gideon: The Sound and the Glory' has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike. A recent reviewer stated, "Joseph Ganci’s prose is arresting, peppered with fantastic imagery and succinct descriptions of plot, characters, and setting. The themes are masterfully created, and they are woven into the story in a way that allows the reader to enjoy both the inspiration the story offers and the accompanying action. The book explores powerful spiritual and political themes, capturing the conflicts and the dynamics of life within the community of God's chosen people. Gideon: The Sound and the Glory will appeal to fans of political thrillers, adventure, and conflict-driven stories laced with intense action." Other reviewers have used phrases such as "riveting," "amazing" "deftly crafted" and "highly recommended."
Ganci has also announced he will make his book available as a fundraising tool for like-minded associations and charities. Donors can receive an eBook version of 'Gideon' in exchange for a donation to a worthy cause. For more details, contact Joseph via email.
Joseph Ganci is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at joseph@gideonsglory.com. 'Gideon: The Sound and the Glory' is available in both print, eBook, and a superb, ethnically correct audio narration, all from online retailers.
More information regarding speaking engagements, including sample video interviews, is available at Ganci's website at http://www.gideonsglory.com.
About Joseph Ganci:
Joseph Ganci is a Levite and a high priest and remains a passionate Italian. He is a Vietnam combat veteran and is the father of five daughters and five grandchildren. He resides in Texas.
Contact:
Joseph Ganci
joseph@gideonsglory.com