Jack Stapes And The Ring Of Time

The fire was so hot Jack was sure his skin would soon burst into flames. However, t he voice was far more terrifying than mere fire ever could be. Once again it called to him. “YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME,” it rasped. “TOGETHER WE WILL DESTROY THE AWAKENED AND RULE THIS WORLD. THE PROPHECY DEMANDS IT. YOU ARE MINE!” As Jack lifted his arms to shield himself from the voice, he thought he saw a bright and horrible…something, standing in the midst of the inferno.

Book: Jack Staples and the Ring of Time by Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark, David C. Cook Publishers, 2014

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience:  Boys and Girls 12+

Subjects: Good Vs. Evil, Truth vs. Lies, Loss, Love

Summary: Just an ordinary adventure – fun, yes, but not strange. That’s how Jack views his trip to the circus, or at least that’s how he did view it, until that bird set off a chain of events that lead to Jack nearly dying in a fire! From that day on, strange things start to happen. Jack has dreams that seem so real but make no sense. Then a horrid beast chances him through the woods where he meets Alexia. She too thinks her world is normal until strange people and creatures start to enter it. After many questions and calamities they learn they are children of a prophecy the world both craves and fears. The time has come to step into their roles – but at what cost?

Notes: The first in the Jack Staples series, Ring of Time sets up both an alleogy of the Biblical account of Lucifer’s rebellion against God and a fantasy story of time travel and fanciful creatures. There an Author – representing God and an assassin – representing Satan. The assassin has targeted the children of the prophecy. He desires that Jack worship and service him and turn away from the Author. There is also a strong thread of sacrifical love – being willing to lay down your life for another. In the first book, the main characters are just learning of the Author and the battle. They haven’t embraced it for themselves yet so the spiritual aspect isn’t overtly strong. It’s mostly just a book of adventure – danger and trials, for Jack and Alexia.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 14:12-15 - How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.