A boy, slight and swift, runs the spine of a steep hill.
A single false step, one stumble,
he’ll plummet headlong to a sure death.
But his footing is flawless,
more wing than flesh.
Daybreak splinters the stony ground
with light and shadow.
A cautious soul would slow.
He runs faster.

So continues Mark Buchanan’s trilogy of novels vividly recreating the life and times of David. In Book II, David steps into his role as king, first of Judah, then of all Israel. But trouble abounds, as factions and rivals and enemies, without and within, threaten his fragile kingdom, and as his growing power comes with dire consequences.