Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette

Like Flames in the Night (Cities of Refuge, #4)

by Connilyn Cossette

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

Reviewed by phyllish on

5 of 5 stars

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A stunning conclusion to the series!

Intrigue. Spies. Mercenaries. Vengeance.

Like Flames in the Night is an amazing story that kept me thrilled from the opening sentence to the final period. As Tirzah followed her calling from God and infiltrated the house of the Aramean commander in Shechem to spy out his secrets, I was fascinated. Imagining what it would have been like for this godly woman to be exposed to the debauchery of the people subjugating her land and yet serving them humbly in order to not call attention to herself. Then, to add to her dilemma, saw the wives as just that. Women. Not enemies. And knew that the intelligence she was gathering could result in the death of their husbands. I loved Tirzah's strong faith, courage, and determination! She had such a strong sense of competition as well.

Liyam was quite strong and brave as well, yet he was so broken by grief and a desire for revenge. He knew he had the right to seek the blood of the man who killed his daughter and had every intention of shedding it. Until he learned that mercy is greater than justice.

One of my favorite images from this story was when Tirzah was speaking to the Levites and showing them how a single flame, when joined by hundreds of others, could create a fire that is unstoppable. Not only was this a wonderful picture for those men of what things could look like if they banded together and allowed the flame of their faith to be kindled and grow, it was an amazing picture of our faith as well. We should not hide our light or allow it to burn alone. . .

I am sad to see the end of this series. At least what I assume is the end.

If you have not read any of the stories in the Cities of Refuge series, I encourage you to read them first. While not entirely necessary, it will give more context and depth to Like Flames in the Night. Besides, they are so good you won't want to miss them anyway!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 5 March, 2020: Finished reading
  • 5 March, 2020: Reviewed