Deborah Calling: A Novel Inspired by the Bible

Avraham Azrieli

Jul 2017 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

The author of the bestselling Deborah Rising continues the fascinating story of the Biblical prophetess Deborah in this entrancing work of visionary fiction—a tale of danger, mysticism, intrigue, and daring for fans of The Red Tent, The Mists of Avalon, and The Alchemist.

Deborah’s father dreamed that, one day, she would become a prophet—a seemingly impossible dream for a woman in a patriarchal society. To see her father’s dream come true, Deborah made the cunning decision to become a man and sought out a mysterious elixirist who can turn women into men.

Under the elixirist Kassite’s tutelage and training, Deborah learns the essential traits of masculinity and steadily grows stronger, building muscle and willpower. But Kassite requests something in return: he needs Deborah's help to escape the tannery and return to his homeland. It is the beginning of another thrilling adventure through the desert—a cat and mouse chase between Deborah and her violent fiancé who still hunts her, a chance meeting with an ancient healer with a prophetic message, and a revelatory spiritual experience in an abandoned cave.

As she continues on the path God has laid before her, Deborah witnesses the darkness that can take hold in the hearts and souls of men—evil that causes her to reflect on the wisdom, insight, and inspiration she has gained from the women in her life. Will becoming a man truly help her become a prophetess, or might there be another path? Visionary dreams, a mysterious eagle, and an extraordinary band of ex-slaves will help Deborah find the answer . . . and ultimately her calling.

A riveting adventure tale derived from traditional biblical fiction, Deborah Calling imagines the life of one of the most famous figures from the Old Testament as she continues on her path to becoming a prophet.

Ratings and reviews

A wonderful and thought provoking story. After reading the beautifully written Deborah Rising, I couldn’t wait to read this continuation of the author’s fictional story of the life of Deborah, one of the most well-known prophet in the Old Testament. The story continues as Deborah is desperately trying to become a man, certain that this is the only way that her father’s prophecy that she will become a great prophet can come true. She believes this is the only way she can succeed, as in her time women are at the mercy of their husbands, and it is not possible for them to own anything, so she is taking an elixir to become a male so she can succeed in bringing the word of her god, Yehweh, to the Hebrew people. Her life has already been terribly traumatic, and fraught with danger, as she has been forced to flee her home Emanuel, and the anger of Seesya, her husband, the son of Judge Zifron their leader, and a cruel murderer. The story commences at the tannery where Deborah has taken the male name of Borah. It is as Borah that her quest continues, and she helps Kassite the slave manager of the Tannery, and all the slaves escape, fulfilling promises she has made to those she has loved, and who have helped her on the way. As she is forced to return to her past, she discovers that even in the guise of a male her journey is perilous, and she must confront her fears, and in order to survive carry out acts which are abhorrent to her, and against her faith. However, she is determined to follow the path she believes is her fate and is guided by her dreams, and the visions she sees in them, as she rides over the land on the back of an eagle. As I read this powerful book I found myself constantly being amazed by Deborah’s strength and resilience, her absolute faith was very inspiring, and this just grew and grew as her story unfolded. The people she meets on her travels, their stories, the actions of those around her, and the way they influenced her life, tested her, and then enabled her to go forward to pursue her true calling are wonderfully told by the author. Throughout the reader can only be humbled by her bravery and faith. I found this story absolutely enthralling and couldn’t put the book down, and I would recommend it as fascinating read.

Mr. Azrieli seamlessly continues the story of Deborah's path to prophet from his first book: Deborah Rising. As you read each of his books, but especially this series, you are transported back in time and can imagine yourself riding along with Deborah on her journey. Do not read these books out of order or you will be lost. This is Book 2 of hopefully 3, and in it Deborah faces a dilemma not too much different than most of us today: "Can I get what I want and still be true to myself. " Deborah continues to wrestle with her identity as she tries to figure out how best to fulfill her destiny. I highly recommend starting with Deborah Rising and moving to Deborah Calling for your end of summer riveting read.

I love this book! I recommend it.The author will take you with every page of the story and you will feel part of it. Interesting and so easy to read. I couldn't stop reading it until the end, and after that I didn't want to end. Thanks for another great book!

About the author

Avraham Azrieli is the author of nine fiction and nonfiction works. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thrillers Writers Association, the Historical Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, the Authors Guild, and other professional societies, and his work has been reviewed by numerous outlets, including Examiner, US Review of Books, New York Daily News, The Jewish Journal, San Francisco Book Review, and more. He lives in Maryland. Visit him online at azrielibooks.com.