Upon reading multiple reviews of Babylon’s Falling, I determined to read the book through at least two times – once to evaluate the book from a literary point-of-view and a second time to evaluate the Biblical accuracy. I have read it far more than two times in my journey to discover the truth behind its words.
From a literary standpoint, I give Babylon’s Falling 4 stars. Mr. Collins has obviously mastered the interweaving of historical setting, cultures, and facts into his writing in a delightfully informative, yet entertaining attempt to draw the reader into Daniel’s world. He begins on the road to Babylon. As we suffer with the exiles, we discover the character traits of Daniel. While much of this part of the tale is conjecture on the part of Mr. Collins, his building of the setting and the character traits of Daniel are integral to the remainder of the story. He keeps the traits of Daniel believable to those who know the Biblical account. I found myself thinking, “Daniel must have possessed these traits and skills to be the man of God recorded Biblically.” Therefore, conjecture on part of the author has been done in a thoughtful way, only to enhance the Biblical meaning.From a Biblical perspective, I also give Babylon’s Falling 4 stars. The chapters that directly deal with the Biblical account of Daniel are amazingly accurate. As I read and compared the words to scripture multiple times over, I discovered accuracy even in small details. The accuracy of Nebuchadnezzer’s dreams and details such as King Nebuchadnezzer falling on his face before Daniel and ordering incense to be burnt in Daniel’s presence in Daniel 2:46 and the queen telling Belshazzar about Daniel in Daniel 5:10, continues the meshing of historical setting and Biblical facts to enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters and events.
In conclusion, the preface of Babylon’s Falling said it best, “This book is a work of fiction. I hope the reader will allow the author some latitude in the use of certain historical people and events. In the end, I pray this work will inspire the same hope that Daniel had in his God. Perhaps what he teaches us is to have the courage and faith to dare!”Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
