The Orphan King

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
With all the attention focused on the three figures slowly climbing the gallows, no one in the crowd noticed a figure approaching from the town behind. It wasn’t until the figure strode amid the usual cursing and jeering that anyone noticed him. Then, the awed silence was immediate. As it should have been. No man in the crowd stood higher than five feet and nine inches. This man was a giant, four hands taller than the tallest. His attire cast a frightened chill among them. The black cloak that swirled around him gleamed with richness and flowed like a heavy river. A hood covered his face; his hands were lost deep in the folds of the robe. He projected nothing less than the shadow of death.

Book: The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer, Waterbrook Press, 2012

Genre: Historical Fiction/Adventure
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-18
Subjects: Faith in God, trust in others, determining who to trust, truth
Summary: “Delivered on the wings of an angel, he shall set us free from oppression” is a chant the people of Magnus repeat each night before bed. Miles and miles away their deliverer is being raised by corrupt monks behind the walls of a monastery. But Thomas hasn’t always been an orphan. His nurse and teacher cared for him for many years. Not only cared for him, but trained him. In a secret cave were hidden books of knowledge. In a time when only the wealthy or the priests can read, Thomas has been taught to read and write in multiple languages. And he has been taught the secrets of Magnus and the key to conquering it. With the help of Sir William, Tiny John and Isabelle, the knight, pickpocket, and mute girl he rescued from the gallows he sets off towards to conquer and unconquerable kingdom.
Notes: Set in England in the dark ages, this series tells of the power those with knowledge have over those with none. It tells of the Druids and Merlins, one with a quest to keep people in darkness, one with a quest to bring the light of knowledge into the world, especially knowledge of God. This series tells of a young boy who was raised by a Merlin who died before revealing all to him. Now he’s alone in the world with no idea who to trust. Both sides want him to join them and neither side knows if they can trust him or not. Both sides are determined to end his life if he chooses to follow the enemy. This is a re-making of the original Winds of Light series. The first 6 books were also compiled into a volume called Magnus, then again into a volume called Wings of Dawn. Unlike the older re-makings, this one changes a lot. The basic story line is the same but the characterization is different. Thomas is made to seem a lot more foolish and immature in this version than in the past. The author adds in extra scenes and explains things more so that the reader is not left in mystery as in the original. My personal opinion is that the original is more well-written and more entertaining. It’s hard to have the main character seem more foolish after reading the originals where he was so well trained that he amazed Sir William. But that’s only my personal opinion. I do overall highly recommend this series. The spiritual focus doesn’t play out as much in the first book, it just starts it. Thomas is not a Christian but he begins his journey, seeking God and seeking truth in this book. His story plays out across all 6 books. (The last 2 books in the series take place a generation or two later and are about different characters.)
Spiritual Recommendation Scale: 3/5
Entertainment Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 2:12-15 – Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight path to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,  whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Thank you!

Quest For Celestia

Monday, July 30, 2012

And so, on the day after my seventeenth birthday, carrying a forbidden book and leading my friend to a land no one believed in to be healed of a disease no one thought we had, I took one last look at Abaddon, and we started on our journey toward the mountains.

Book: Quest For Celestia by Steven James, Living Ink Books, 2012
Genre: Allegory
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12+
Subjects: Salvation, Faith, Truth, Love, The Christian Walk
Summary: “So it is a wizard”. And thus begins the journey of Kadin. A man he believes to be a wizard appears and gives him a forbidden Book of Blood. He tries to get rid of it, tries to ignore it, but finally reads it and learns the truth about himself and the people around him. The truth forces him to go on a journey, seeking Celestia, the home of King Kiral. A young woman joins him on his journey. They face many dangers and time and time again have to decide whether or not to stick to the truth found in the Book of Blood of try another way to Celestia.
Notes: As you’ve probably guessed from the summary, this is a re-telling of Pilgrim’s Progress, a classic allegory of the Christian life. This one is geared towards teenagers with fantasy elements that will appeal to the generation of it’s publication time. It details how Kadin first learns that he has a problem (Sin), how everyone around him is blind to the problem, how suspicious his friends and family are of his seeking Celestia (Heaven) and reading the Book of Blood (The Bible), how the King (God) removes his problem (Sin), how he starts on his journey to Celestia (The Christian Walk), how others lead him astray, how the Baron (Satan) will stop at nothing to destroy him and get his companion back and many more allegories. I highly recommend this!
Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Perfectly Ridiculous


But I’m done with guys. Even if Libby would never believe that. Hey, Claire probably wouldn’t believe it either, but it’s time I stopped wasting energy on romance and focused on my education. Clearly God doesn’t think I’m cut out for both.
Book: Perfectly Ridiculous by Kristin Billerbeck, Revell Publishers, 2012
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Perfectly Ridiculous: A Universally Misunderstood Novel (Perfectly Dateless)Target Audience: Girls 16-20
Subjects: Missions, Dating Relationships, Friendship
Summary: Daisy is so fed up with guys! She’s right here, in Argentina, the home of Max and yet he’s all but ignoring her. She really thought he was interested in her, even loved her. And yet when he should be pursuing her the most, he’s backing off. Whatever. She’s got a job to do. She is here to do a last minute service project in order to earn the scholarship she needs to get into college and she doesn’t need a guy messing that up. Enter J.C., a good looking guy who’s really into her and has a huge heart for hurting children. When he discovers an abused child, he risks his own life to save her from the abusive parent. But he’s also risking Daisy’s scholarship. The director of the mission hated Daisy from the moment she walked in and will take any available excuse to get rid of her. As luck would have it, that’s sort of the fault of a guy too. Poor Daisy! Does she stand at a chance at having a guy just love her and not lead her straight into trouble?
Notes: In this book, the 3rd in the Universally Misunderstood series, the character continues to explore what God’s will is and what her identity should be. It continues Daisy's story as a girl from a very strict family (homemade clothes, no cell phones, no dates, no accepting rides from guys, etc) who desperately longs for normal to the point where she rebels to get it in the first book. At this point, she’s come a long ways in her relationship with God and her relationship with her parents. But she still is unsure of who she is and who she should be. And she’s very unsure of her relationship with Max. The spiritual themes are focused around being content where God has placed you. Daisy has to learn to fall in love with Jesus before she can enter into a relationship with a guy.
Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Joshua 22:5 –  But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.

Thank you to Revell for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion! 

Hostage Lands

Monday, July 16, 2012
To the end of my days – which I was beginning to think might come very soon – I shall never forget what I read therein. In ran to the effect, “By the authority of holy Mercury, chosen from the seven planets, and the emperors Caracalla and Gete, I, Tribune Publius Pius Festus, do command Centurion Marcus Aurelius Rusticus to lay aside his accoutrements of rank and assume the garb of a native tribesman, to journey north and move among the Caledonian and all other tribes that oppose Rome. Whereupon, he shall gather information that will reveal the status of the tribes, as to strength, numbers, strategic plans, including places and times of further revolt against the armies of the eternal city of Rome…” I felt I was reading my declaration of execution.

Book: Hostage Lands by Douglas Bond, P and R Publishing, 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction
Target Audience: Boys 14-18
Subjects: Truth, Loyalty, Friendship, Power
Summary: A massacre. All of his men, dead. And for what? The power hungry tribune’s foolish command! Now that same insane tribune is sending him to what will certainly be his death: a spy mission amongst the enemy. He has no hope, not a chance of convincing the enemy he is one of them. But the tribune insists. Thankfully, the man who saved his life is joining him. And his heritage truly is the same as that of the enemy. If he can survive and bring back enough information before the tribune’s deadline, his life will be spared. If not, his life, the life of his friend and the life of an innocent girl, will be taken. Is Mercury strong enough to help them through this mission?
Notes: This is a look at the culture of a Roman soldier and a Roman Christian as they travel through their adventures together. The Christian shares very little, but just enough to wet the appetite of the soldier. The issue is truth – what is really real. It’s not prominent, but it’s there. The book has a violent beginning when the war scene first appears but not one else dies after that and the main character only knows his men have died through being told. There aren’t any graphic violent scenes though.
Recommendation Scale: 3/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

Hide And Secret

Anna Mae couldn’t believe it. If this was her grandmother’s diary, it also might be her grandmother’s money and her grandmother’s tree house. But how? What did it all mean? There was one way to find out. She could read the diary. The idea gnawed at her, a thousand squirmy things in her stomach trying to get out. Grossmammi always said that “curiosity killed the cat.” And for the first time in her life, Ann Mae understood how curiosity could drive a person to do something she knew was better left lone.

Book: Hide And Secret by Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011

Genre: Amish
Target Audience: Girls 11-4
Subjects: Amish lifestyle, Secrets from the past, God’s will, friendship, relationship with siblings
Summary: It all began with an innocent game of hide-and-seek and the discovery of an old tree house in the woods. But when Anna Mae finds a diary that belonged to her grandmother and begins to realize it, she questions even more than before why she must conform to the person her grandmother wishes to make her into. She longs to be free to remain a tomboy. At the same time, Jeremiah is wrestling with his dad’s attempts to make him into something he’s not. He longs to follow the leading God has placed on his life without being viewed as abandoning his faith. As both wrestle with their family members plans for their lives, stolen money and discovery of a friendship broken for decades causes their friendship with one another to suffer as well. Can healing ever come? Will relationships be restored and things made right again?
Notes: This is the third in a series about young Amish girls solving mysteries. Each book is about different characters, the connection being the setting, not the characters. In this book one character wrestles with leaving the Amish lifestyle and the damage that could do to his relationships with his family. There is much discussion about knowing God’s will and whether one can still follow God if they leave the Amish lifestyle. The other issue is about relationships and how much forgiveness and grace should be offered to a friend (or sibling) who has hurt you.
Recommendation Scale: 3.5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 143:10 – Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Fix By Force

That’s all life was to me – some kind of massive screenplay with a role for everybody. But I hated my part. I even hated my name. I was well aware of how I’d been cast, but that doesn’t mean I accepted it. I tried whatever I could think of to rewind, erase, and force a rewrite. No matter what I tried, I was center stage, portraying the character I was meant to.

Book: Fix By Force by Jason Warne, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2012

Genre: Realistic Fictioin
Target Audience: Boys 14-19
Subjects: Drugs, Bullying, Friendship
Summary: Spencer was born with everything against him. He was the result of an affair between his dad and the woman he truly loved. His dad’s wife raised him as her own but never loved him as her own. His dad died with the reputation of the most hated man in town – a mean, out of control, drunk. All his life he tried to fit in, tried to be normal. But fitting in is not allowed when the car accident your dad died in also claimed the life of the mother of the most popular kid in school. His senior year of High school Spencer decides to try being invisible and just getting through, but his plan fails and he’s sent to the New-Start Program – the school for expelled kids. It isn’t long before he realizes that survival depends on being big and tough. So he begins experimenting with steroids. He does become bigger and stronger, but his problems don’t go away. So he keeps doing more. How far will he go to find answers to his problems?
Notes: This is a pretty detailed book. It includes swear words, descriptions of the character injecting the steroids, etc. It also does not contain anything blatantly Christian. There is no praying or Bible reading or discussion about what God wants of anyone. It’s just the story of a young boy’s attempt to survive extreme bullying by turning to drugs. When he finally makes the right choice, it’s primarily because he got caught and the ease of doing it is gone. He also makes a choice at one point to do something specifically to avoid hurting his girlfriend. So it seems that the lesson is to be a morally good person because life just goes better that way and you might avoid causing pain to someone you love. It does present a picture of the disadvantages and dangers of steroids though.
Recommendation Scale: 2/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 6:10 – Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Code Of Silence

“This is about our survival. I say we make a three-way promise not to tell a soul about this?” “Like a pact?” “Right. A code we all agree to live by. A Code of Silence.”

Book: Code Of Silence by Tim Shoemaker, Zondervan Publishers, 2012

Genre: Mystery/Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Boys 14-18
Subjects: Fear, Trust, Truth
Summary: Fear now rules Cooper’s life. Fear that he’ll be found out. Fear that he and all those he loves will soon be dead. Thirteen year old Cooper and his two friends witnessed a brutal murder. In an attempt to escape, the murders discovered who he was. He escaped, but the murders were in disguises – including part of a police uniform – and now Cooper has no idea who to trust. He makes Gordy and Hiro swear to keep silent about what they saw in hopes that the bad guys will never find them. But the lies he has to tell to keep from revealing the truth just grow larger and larger as time goes on. Soon he has pushed away everyone who cares about him and is simply running in terror of being discovered. Is there any way to get back to normal without risking his life?
Notes: This story explores the effects a lie has on a person’s life. Three young teenagers attempt to lie in order to save their lives, but the cost of the lie continues to increase. The characters are portrayed as Christians but Cooper doesn’t trust God to help him enough to tell the truth. He begs God to take away the problem altogether, but until he reaches the end of his strength, he doesn’t surrender to God and agree to pursue truth, no matter what the cost.
Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 34:12-13 – Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies

Key Of Living Fire

Some doors have been closed that were intended to remain so. They conceal secrets either too evil or too great to be revealed. One such door has been opened – the door that holds the secret of Living Fire, which power runs through the sword you bear.

Book: Key Of Living Fire by Scott Appleton, Living Ink Books, 2012
 
Genre: Fantasy
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+
Subjects: Love, Sacrifice, Good vs. Evil, God’s Will
Summary: Ilfedo has been given a task by the Dragon, a task, a warning and a prophecy. The evil wizard who betrayed his people is seeking the key of living fire. If he should gain it, the power given to Ilfedo to protect the people will now be in the hands of evil. The Albino Dragon sends Ilfedo off on a task to find and secure that key. He has also been given the prophecy that his people will need to find a new home. However, those under his leadership are resentful of his decision to seek this out. Meanwhile Oganna continues to strengthen her powers and abilities as she is given the task of journeying to search for this new home.  
Notes: This is the third in a fantasy series about the offspring of a great dragon-prophet and how they attempt to bring help and hope to a world suffering from the betrayal of its greatest warriors. The spiritual elements are tricky. Sometimes it seems like the Albino dragon is the ultimate being. He’s “always there, never leaving his daughters alone”. He “created” the ones who are bringing the hope of mankind. He’s from a different realm, somehow separate from everything else. He’s so powerful that the enemy can’t seem to do any harm to him. And yet he refers to a Creator. But the help for characters seems to come from him or other characters, not a Creator. There is reference to a coming savior, but since I’m only as far as book 3, it’s unclear who that will be – human or ultimate being. There are certainly the themes of good vs. evil and sacrifice for love running through all the books which are spiritual themes. However, for the overall big picture, it seems the series needs to be complete or at least farther than book 3, to understand it. This specific story starts introducing the concept of searching of God’s will. It’s not put in those terms, but that’s what it boils down to. As Ilfedo’s leadership is questioned, he must question what it is the Creator wants of him.
Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 143:10 – Teach me to do your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Offspring

“The time has come for me to take my place among the dragon’s daughters. Father is sending the Warrioresses into the southern desert to find a creature that raided our border towns. It is the mission that I was born to begin, Specter. I know it in the deepest reaches of my soul.”

Book: Offspring by Scott Appleton, Living Ink Books, 2011

Genre: Fantasy
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+
Subjects: Love, Good vs. Evil, Sacrifice
Summary: The daughter Dantress scarified her life to give is now grown and has discovered much of her abilities and powers. When the land is threatened by dangerous creatures, Ildefo does battle in one area and sends his sister-in-laws to another, not knowing that his beloved daughter is joining them. Oganna’s time to prove herself has come, but will she withstand the dangers that await her?
Notes: This is the second in a fantasy series about the offspring of a great dragon-prophet and how they attempt to bring help and hope to a world suffering from the betrayal of its greatest warriors. The spiritual elements are tricky. Sometimes it seems like the Albino dragon is the ultimate being. He’s “always there, never leaving his daughters alone”. He “created” the ones who are bringing the hope of mankind. He’s from a different realm, somehow separate from everything else. He’s so powerful that the enemy can’t seem to do any harm to him. And yet he refers to a Creator. But the help for characters seems to come from him or other characters, not a Creator. There is reference to a coming savior, but since I’m only as far as book 3, it’s unclear who that will be – human or ultimate being. There are certainly the themes of good vs. evil and sacrifice for love running through all the books which are spiritual themes. However, for the overall big picture, it seems the series needs to be complete or at least farther than book 3, to understand it.
Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Esther 4:14 – And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Swords Of The Six

Stretching his neck, the dragon nuzzled the smallest egg. I have poured all of my energy into this undertaking,” he said softly, turning his pink eyes toward the other five. “Each of these eggs holds one of my offspring. And one of my offspring has the power within her to bring about the wizard’s end, though not through war, nor by her own hand. Her role is vital. She will be special.

Book: Swords Of The Six by Scott Appleton, Living Ink Books, 2011

Genre: Fantasy
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+
Subjects: Betrayal, Love, Sacrifice, Good vs. Evil
Summary: The prince and his followers have been destroyed – by their own top warriors. The Albino Dragon prophet sets a plan in motion to bring hope again. Hatching six eggs, he raises his six daughters, blood of dragon, and form of human, to be rescuers of mankind. Living among men has its rewards, but also its challenges. A great sacrifice will be required of any of them who wish to love, but from this love and sacrifice can come even greater hope. Each daughter of the dragon has a choice to make: stay safe and alive, but alone, or risk love and face the sacrifice that must come from it.
Notes: This is the first in a fantasy series about the offspring of a great dragon-prophet and how they attempt to bring help and hope to a world suffering from the betrayal of its greatest warriors. The spiritual elements are tricky. Sometimes it seems like the Albino dragon is the ultimate being. He’s “always there, never leaving his daughters alone”. He “created” the ones who are bringing the hope of mankind. He’s from a different realm, somehow separate from everything else. He’s so powerful that the enemy can’t seem to do any harm to him. And yet he refers to a Creator. But the help for characters seems to come from him or other characters, not a Creator. There is reference to a coming savior, but since I’m only as far as book 3, it’s unclear who that will be – human or ultimate being. There are certainly the themes of good vs. evil and sacrifice for love running through all the books which are spiritual themes. However, for the overall big picture, it seems the series needs to be complete or at least farther than book 3, to understand it.
Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Veiled Rose

“Princess!” The growl of his voice rumbled through Rose Red’s body. She thought her bones must break. The face above her was different from that of her dreams, yet she recognized it. And the sight did not so much frighten her as enrage her. How dare he? He dare he be real!

Book: Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Bethany House Publishers, 2011

Genre: Fantasy/Allegory
Target Audience: Girls 13-103
Subjects: Love, fear, truth, courage
Summary: Rose Red leads a solitary life up in the woods, alone with her father and nanny. Alone, that is, until the day Leo comes monster hunting up on the mountain. Prince “Leo” Lionheart of Southlands is a young boy seeking adventure and friendship – both of which Rose Red can offer him in amounts beyond what he could have dreamed! When the dragon comes, both must grow up and fight in their own ways. When all is said and done, will anything good remain?
Notes: This is part of an allegorical trilogy, each designed to show one aspect of God’s character. This one focuses on His Father character – the love He has for all His children. When you realize it’s connection to the first book, it’s extremely confusing – telling back story – this book chronologically takes place before, during and after the first book. Allegorically, it’s hard to understand, but the author does an excellent job explaining it on her website, and when you do grasp the allegory behind it, it becomes a beautiful story. Without the understanding of the allegory, it’s almost disappointing.
Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

 1 John 3:1 - How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

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