The Song Of Unmaking

As fast as he could, he sprinted up the riverbed, toward the horses, into the dark night. He ran, never looking back, with Cruedwyn close at his heels. He leapt onto his horse and rode hard towards Brimshane. Behind him, nightmares were coming to life.

Book: The Song Of Unmaking by D. Barkley Briggs, Living Ink Books, 2011

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Identity, Loss, Sacrifice, Courage

Summary: Things just keep getting worse for the Barlow brothers. Ewan is feeling more and more empty and useless all the time. An army of strange creatures called Goths – giant creatures that have only one purpose – to destroy, are unleashed and are attacking the castle harboring the brothers and many others. There seems to be no way to get word out that help is needed. And how is anyone supposed to stop these monsters anyway? If that’s not bad enough, it seems that Nemesia is not dead, but has returned and plans are being made for complete destruction of the land – a machine that will play a song of unmaking, a song to destroy the creation.

Notes: This is the 3^rd in the Legends of Karac Tor series about four brothers who travel to another world and have a role to play in saving the world. This author ties in connections to the King Arthur legends and the concept of naming – the power found in knowing your identity in Christ. In this book, the boys’ dad arrives as well and joins the adventures. The loss of his wife/their mother comes into play again in this book as one of the issues dealt with. The main issue continues to be seeking identity, especially for Ewan, but in at least a small way, for all of the brothers. As with the second book, there isn’t quite as powerful of imagery as the first, but it still focuses a bit on identity in Christ. This one also focuses a lot on loss and pain.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Lamentations 3:19-23 –I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.