Wings of the Wind (Out From Egypt)

There was so much Biblical history packed within the pages of this story. Wings of the Wind is the third novel in the Out From Egypt series. It is set during the time when the Israelites are just about to enter The Promised Land. I know a little about this time period, but because of the events that took place in the book as part of their experience in the wilderness, and because of the fictional experiences of Alanah, I have a lot more to think about now.I don't want to share all of the things I loved about the book, because I don't want to give too much away. But two of my favorite parts are Alanah's journey coming to know God, and the descriptions of the major events that took place during that time period. I always look for Jesus in the Old Testament stories, because there are many pictures of Him, and He is there.One of my favorite quotes from the book is when Alanah is talking with one of the women who was in Egypt when the Israelites left. They are talking about the manna that falls from the sky for them every morning."B-but..." I stuttered. "You don't look that old!""Well, thank you for that." She patted her silvery curls, "I think that has more to do with the manna than anything. It seems to give all of us an abnormal vitality. But I was twenty-one when we left Egypt, and my Zakariyah twenty-eight."I love this because in the New Testament Jesus tells us in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."And then again in John 6:51 He says,I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.I cried twice while reading Wings of the Wind and held my breath through quite a few chapters! There was so much action within the book. I had a difficult time putting it down. If you enjoy Biblical or historical fiction, then you will like this book!Many blessings to you as you read!!~Beth

In the first novel of this series the reader is introduced to Kiya, a young Egyptian woman who chooses Yahweh over Egypt and flees with the Israelites into the wilderness during the Great Exodus. The second book, Shira’s story, tells of an Israelite trying to find the place God has created for her out in the vast wilderness. Specifically, it takes place the first year the Israelites are out in the wilderness where they foolishly worship the golden calf, learn the Torah, and construct the Mishkan. The final novel, Alanah’s story, illustrates a young, exceptionally angry Canaanite woman who wants revenge against the people who killed her father and brothers. So, the final setting is the end of the Exodus story when the new generation of Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership and God’s power and grace, fight the Canaanites to win the Promised Land.Alanah is fascinating. She is beautiful, strong, hardworking, and exceptionally talented with a bow and arrow. But, she is also hard and hopeless. She is a young woman who has grown up around the debauchery and vileness of Canaan, has loathed it her whole life, and feels utter hopelessness by her circumstances (she is a young, unmarried, pretty girl with no money or family, but adamantly refuses to become a cult prostitute; she would rather kill herself). She knows the actions of her people are wrong, but she doesn’t have anywhere to turn. The violence, the prostitution, the blood sacrifices to Baal…all of this literally turns her stomach. This book does not shy away or cover up the truth about what Canaanites practiced on a daily basis. I had to take breaks from this novel to pray and get in the right mindset (that’s why it took me five days to read this book). Canaan was an evil place, and Ms. Cossette aptly illustrates this in a well-written, highly researched manner. In “A Note From The Author” at the end of the book, Cossette states, “Although it may have been difficult to read about the atrocities of Canaan, as much as it was to write some of them, I felt it was necessary to depict the brutal nature of the tribes that made up Canaan…Civilizations that destroyed human life in sacrifice to their gods disappeared, in one way or the other.”Tobiah, the Israelite whom Alanah falls in love with, is a great character. He is strong, quiet, gentle, and vulnerable. Tobiah, from the house of Judah, is a soldier in the Israelite army. He 100% trusts that God is going to give Canaan into the Israelites’ hands. He is even prepared to fight against the Canaanites at any cost. BUT, he is not expecting to meet Alanah, a Canaanite, and fall in love. The best part of this relationship is the patience. Alanah is clearly a hurting woman. Tobiah has some pain to work through as well. Both are a bit distrustful with one another, as you would expect of enemies, but they are patient with one another. When their relationship progresses to love, it feels incredibly genuine and natural.One issue that this novel brought up was the Israelites’ complaining against and boredom with manna. At first, I didn’t think anything of the complaints. I actually glossed over that detail. It wasn’t until an outsider — Alanah — was brought into the camp and given some manna that I realized many of the Israelites were being whiny complainers again. When Alanah tastes the manna for the first time, it is such a good experience. This woman came from a drab, dark place. When she eats the manna, begins to learn about Yahweh and His Torah, and experiences respect, she is a bit overwhelmed by it all. At one point, when she can’t take the complaints anymore, she scolds a group explaining that life in Canaan without God is hard. For her it was bone-breaking, long, arduous days. It was working from sun up past sun down with little to show for it. She scolds them for taking for granted God’s protection and daily provision. She is shocked that they could behave so ungratefully.At this point, my English teacher hat came on and I realized just how awesome this novel, and Ms. Cossette’s writing, truly is. The complaining Israelites, Alanah, and the manna are metaphors. Alanah is the new convert to the manna (JESUS is the Bread of Life!) and she cannot comprehend how the Israelites could possibly complain about daily provision. Alana, who did experience real hunger and want at times, could not understand a people who were ungrateful for a constant, nutritious food they did not have to work for, or for a protective, loving God! The Israelites represent old converts who have made manna a religious ritual — something done by rote and without relationship to the God who provides. This is a GREAT reminder for me: is Manna important in my life? Do I have a relationship with Jesus? Or, has Manna become a religious thing I sort of do?There is much more I could say about this novel, but I think that would lead me to spoiling everything. Suffice it to say, this novel is beautiful. It is well-written, well-researched, and realistic. It is fast-paced and full of action. You cannot get bored reading this book. Like the other novels in this series, this book has given me a new appreciation for the Exodus story in the Bible, and for the God I love so much. After reading this book in particular, I do have a greater appreciation for the Manna in my life. I highly, highly recommend this series. I am sad that there are no more books in this series, but I do look forward to many future novels by Ms. Cossette.

I enjoyed reading the novel, but it lacked the spirit and didn't immerse me as much as A Light on the Hill and Counted with the Stars. These two brought me to tears and felt powerful in a lot of parts, whereas I feel like this book and Shadow of the Storm were less powerful and didn't affect me as much. The main thing that bothered me about this story was that the entire latter plot stems from an unbelievable incident where the main character confesses her deepest secret to a bird and her husband's sister (who hates her) overhears. This is what causes the entire latter plot to occur. And seriously, who admits their deepest secret they want to hide aloud to a bird? This is just so unbelievable and really bugged me. I already knew some of what was going to happen in the end because I'd read the first book of the next series, but that didn't bother me. That one, the first book I'd read by this author, A Light on the Hill, was so good. It and Counted with the Stars are two of the best books I've read this year. And probably some of my favorites ever. But this one, Wings of the Wind, and the previous Shadow of the Storm, were disappointing and less vivid feeling and had unbelievable core plot points (Shira's supposedly being known to be barren after having an unidentified STD that gave her sores and the fact that they knew that back then without her marrying and trying to produce a child. And with this one, Alanah revealing her deepest secret to a bird). These were both so unbelievable. I also just didn't feel these books were as good, so I gave them both 3 stars, regrettably, because I enjoy this author and loved her other books. These last two of the Out of Egypt series have potential, but sadly just didn't live up to it, in my opinion.

These books are AMAZING! I have one criticism and that is they come to an end!! I have been absolutely glued to each one ( set of 3), just can’t put them down! Now on the lookout for more of her books! She keeps to the Biblical story while enhancing it with her wonderful and unique style of writing! Definitely recommend!!

An emotional portrayal of the beauty and awe of Yahweh's constant provision and care for his children. Stunningly woven from the bare details we are given to bring the journey through the wilderness to gloriously vivid life.Brilliant storytelling skill wrapped in fervent love for our wonderful heavenly father, giving credit and glory always and only to him. Thank you. It has been a great adventure and I will miss these characters you portrayed with such love and grace.

This writer is very creative and loved how she brings you on scene as the audience watching as the story unfolds around you. Great book. I would encourage to read these in sequence as the story follows on from the previous. This was one of my favourites.

Third book of the series and they've all been great. Have read a lot of other Rahab stories and I found this extremely plausible. Great descriptions and love the way a lot of today's problems are brought into the story. So heartily recommended . Looking forward to the next books

I could not put this book down, a perfect blend of accurate biblical facts with enthralling fiction woven in to create a masterpiece! Thank you and may the Lord bless you indeed.