Evil may live in cracks and holes, but when it is embodied in kings and queens, it makes for a dangerous world filled with late night murders, prophecies and narrow escapes. While followers of Jahweh had been promised that they would always have a King from the House of David, the marriage of King Ahab to Jezebel introduced many new idols beguiling to the early believers as well as an evil Queen bent on doing her will. Used to the bloody ways of her mother, Queen Jezebel, Athaliah, is even more determined to have her way and root out and destroy this "God" as ell as his prophets and priests.

Enjoying the trappings of her royal lineage, Athaliah's daughter, Jehoshebeth, is shocked to find out at a royal banquet that she is being married off to an old merchant and sent away. As she flees the palace, she is drawn to the Temple of Jahwah and soon finds out that circumstances are far different than she had ever imagined. How can it be that her beloved mother wants to see her dead? Can Jehoiada, the High Priest, be able to save her and those she loves?

Ginger Garrett already has a strong reputation for being able to pull people right into the times and spirit of the Biblical past and her rendering of the incredible novel deserves particular acclaim. I was so caught up in the story of Jehoshebeth, the realities of her situation and her courage that I couldn't bear to put this book down. While most of the dramatic and bloody action in "Dark Hour" focuses on the massacres of women and children, which may prove disconcerting for some readers, it is not gratuitous violence, but true to the Biblical version in Kings II and Chronicles II on which this story is based. After finishing this incredible account, I had to read the Biblical chapters and found the strength and fire in verses I never realized was there before. I can hardly wait until the next two books in this Serpent Moon trilogy are released for the story ended just when I wanted to read more. This is a highly recommended read for anyone, but especially for those who enjoy this genre.