The Sword, The Garden and the King

"What DO I have to do?” asked Matthew.

“Just save the Forest from the evil people who are trying to destroy it,” replied Ginger. “I am still not sure why the King wants a boy. Why doesn’t he just save us Himself? But that is what the old legend says – The wolf shall dwell with the lamb. And a little child shall lead them. – So the King must know best.”

“I’m hardly a little child.”

“Neither are you anywhere close to a man.”

“But I can’t save the Forest,” objected Matthew. “Even if I’m not a little kid, I’m still only here on a holiday I’ll just be here three weeks.”

“We shall see about that. The King always knows what he is doing. I am certain that will be time enough. For now, make yourself comfortable on those branches. And listen carefully.”

Book: The Sword, The Garden and the King by Michael Phillips, Sunrise Books, 2013

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Boys 12+

Subjects: Faith in God, Selfishness/Rebellion/Dissatisfaction, Family Relationships

Summary: He thought he was just going for a visit to his grandparents’ house, a nice, relaxing, fun vacation. Sure he imagined adventure – adventures playing in the yard and maybe exploring, but nothing like this! When he is visited by two prairie dogs who inform him he is to go on a mission for the King he has his doubts. But the next day he is visited again, this time by a crow. In his ignorance, he fails to realize the crow is working for the King’s enemy. Soon he is taken in by the lies that he is better than everyone else, that his parents don’t love him at all or they wouldn’t deny him the things he wants. Soon the lies of rebellion are so deep within him, the only hope left is for Matthew to use the Sword of Ainran to slay the evil inside of him. Only then can he fulfill his purpose for the King.

Notes: For years, Michael Phillips has been writing books about surrendering our self, our independence, our determination to have things our way instead of God’s. Now he is sending his message to a new market, teens and those who enjoy fantasy, fairy tale and allegory. This story is very well written, filled with all the talking animals and good vs. evil battles that make fantasy so delightful. And it is filled with Scriptural truth, making the story not just entertaining, but powerful as well! I highly recommend this one!

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:5 – Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.