The Hostage

“When am I going to get where I can just ‘feel’ things?” he said. “You jus’ keep on talkin’ to Marse Jesus,” Daddy Elias said. “You gonna get there.” “Through a narrow gate,” Austin said. Daddy Elias nodded. But Austin wasn’t convinced. You obviously had to be something very special before that could happen. You had to be brace and independent like Kady or spectacular like Fitz or wise like Daddy Elias or just plain good like Mother and Charlotte. And I’m not any of those, Austin thought. I thought it was all right to be who I was – but now I’m not so sure about that. Now with all these narrow gates in front of me.

Book: The Hostage (Christian Heritage Series: The Charleston Years #5) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1998

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Slavery, Friendship, Trust in God, Underground Railroad

Summary: Safety routes out of the south are cut off, so even when Austin’s family tries to get to the north, they can’t. Of course, Austin isn’t at all upset about this. The more time he has with Henry-James and Charlotte the better. But it’s getting even more dangerous. His father is writing anti-slavery pamphlets and stirring up the anger against him. As his son, Austin is a prime target for the fire-breathers. And then there’s Kady. She’s found a boy she does like and recruits Austin and Polly and Charlotte’s help in sneaking off to marry him. But her secret work on the underground railroad could put Austin in even more danger.

Notes: This is the third set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a

particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who has been raised as an abolitionist but is living with his uncle’s family on a plantation in the south where they don’t believe slavery is wrong. In this book, Austin learns about “narrow gates” and listening for the voice of Jesus. Twice in this book, he faces dangerous situations and has to make the choice of whether or not to take the narrow road, despite its danger. He gets introduced to the underground railroad in this book and without even realizing it, starts to truly take after his father.

Recommendation Scale: 5//5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 7:13-14 – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The Trap

Austin rolled his eyes. “You’re not only a hypocrite, you’re a liar, too.” “What’s that word you keep sayin’ all the time?” Narvel asked. “What, hypocrite?” “Yeah.” “Funny, you don’t know what it means, seeing how you are one.” “I’ll decide that,” Narvel said. “What is it?” “It’s a person who says he believes one thing, but he acts some other way.” Narvel’s frown grew deep, as if he were actually thinking that over. His green eyes took on a light. “That pretty much describes you if you ask me,” he said.

Book: The Trap (Christian Heritage Series: The Charleston Years #4) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1998

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Slavery, Friendship, Trust in God, Underground Railroad

Summary: It all started with a wrestling match. Henry James could have won if Narvel hadn’t cheated. And that does not make Narvel like Henry-James, Austin or Charlotte at all. And it doesn’t make them like Narvel at all. Tension is everywhere anyway. Uncle Dayton and Aunt Oliva are trying to force Kady to marry a man she does not want to marry and so she runs away. The arguments between the north and the south continue to escalate as the election looms closer. Austin’s mom has decided to write a letter asking his dad to come and get them, even though Austin does not want to go. Austin is tired of feeling like no one around him is willing to do what’s right anymore!

Notes: This is the third set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who has been raised as an abolitionist but is living with his uncle’s family on a plantation in the south where they don’t believe slavery is wrong. In this book, Austin learns the word hypocrite, and feels it applies to nearly everyone around him. He views himself as better than everyone else, more righteous, and acts that way. It takes an life or death situation to make him realize he has been “throwing stones” as the wise old slave leader explained, and that he needs to drop them and look at the sin in his own life and make that right instead.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 7:4 – How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Memory's Gate

“I was in the bathtub and I couldn’t figure out how I got in there, because I knew I had already gone to bed. Mom, a hand grabbed my throat, just like before. I think I was in that other time again.” Her mother frowned. “Oh honey.” “I fought back and somehow got away over the edge of the tub. When I came out everything was dark. Then I heard it – the wheelchair. And I saw him. Mr. Betterman, the man from the center that I told you about at dinner. He sounded so, so sinister. It was awful.”

Book: Memory’s Gate by Paul McCusker, Zondervan Publishers, 2009

Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 12-18

Subjects: Time Travel

Summary: Elizabeth is already terrified and it’s only day one of her new job at the retirement center. A strange old man who makes her feel uncomfortable said “I know who you are” and on the second day called her Sarah, the name of her time twin. When people start disappearing from the retirement center, Elizabeth, her boyfriend Jeff, and his uncle Malcom are certain it is connected to time travel. The question is whether or not they can figure out what is happening and stop it before more people are gone. The sheriff, who’s own father is missing but doesn’t believe a word of the time travel theory, is certainly no help. The retirement center supervisor is no help. The young, handsome intern is no where to be found. The only people who know what’s going on aren’t going to say a word.

Notes: This book was originally published in 1996 by Chariot Victor Publishing under the same title. It is book 3 in the Time Thrillers (current series name) or Time Twists (original series name) series. The town Elizabeth, Jeff and Malcom are from is right on a fault line and people randomly disappear only to show up again claiming to be someone else.  They have a “time twin” and when they wind up in those fault lines, they switch places with their “time twin”. In this book, Elizabeth, who has experienced this, is terrified of going back to the wrong time again. A resident at the retirement center is still in his incorrect place in time – having switched thirty years ago and never gotten back. The lesson is that God has everything under control and nothing happens without a purpose. Because of that we don’t have to give in to fear. The focus isn’t on the lesson though. It reads like an adventure story with a fantasy/sci-fi element thrown in. The focus is on the continuous action.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Book Of The King

Father, strange things have been happening. I’ve heard things. Seen things. It’s as if my life has some kind of purpose beyond here, beyond anything I’ve ever imagined.

Book: The Book of the King: 1 (The Wormling) by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry, Tyndale House Publishers, 2007

Genre: Fantasy/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys 12-16

Subjects: Faith, God’s Word

Summary: Danger, mystery, strange beings never seen or even heard of before and a book that people kill for. Owen never thought his boring world as son of a bookkeeper would include any of this, but when he encounters a strange book, he quickly realizes that his whole identity is going to change.

Notes: This series is a developing allegory. Nothing is explained yet in this first book, but there are hints of allegory through the story – primarily through the “book” which has some kind of power. It is Scripture – slightly reworded, but clearly verses from the Bible. Then at the end it talks about a King and a King’s Son. The story ends with the beginning of a journey – leading on towards further development in the rest of the series.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Flip Flop

Chickie put her arms out and sashayed around the room, hips in full sway. We’re going to be stars… we’re going to be stars with gorgeous new rooms.” “Jesus help!” Briana took another drink of water. “What’s the chance that I can ever crawl back into my cave and keep a lid on my Pandora’s box now?”

Book Flip Flop by Wendy Lawton, Moody Publishers, 2004

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Alcoholism, Friendship

Summary: Briana has a very big secret. Chickie thinks she knows everything about Briana, but she has no idea what Briana’s home life is like. So when Chickie submits their names to be on the reality tv show, Flip Flop, all Briana can think is how dangerous this could be for her secrets. What will Chickie think if she finds out that Bree’s dad is an alcoholic? If her dad is home while they record, he’s sure to find a need for a drink and come home raving and yelling. Her miserable life will be displayed for all to see. All Briana can do is pray that God doesn’t let them get chosen!

Notes: This is a story about a seventeen year old girl who struggles with having an alcoholic father and a mother who does her best to deny how serious the problem really is. Her mom is a very private person and has taught Briana to not share their family business with anyone – ever. So Briana’s closest friend has no idea what is going on in her life, in fact no one does – until one of the designers on Flip Flop who has struggled with the same things in her life, recognizes the signs and convinces Briana to open up to her. An interesting theme running through the book is the serenity prayer – God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. She clings to this as a lifeline and prays it often. The designer who reached out to Bree challenges her to draw even closer to God, as does the older brother of her best friend.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 86:16 – Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.

The Dragons of Chriril

“Harrumph! I wouldn’t mind missing this question.” Fentworth scowled and the emerlindian artist caught the glare full on. “Uncomfortable, long, full of frustration.” He let out a dramatic sigh, and the stiffness of his shoulders fell away as he nodded toward his protégé. “But Verrin Schope here is in a fix, and we must put personal comfort aside.” Liberttowit held his hand before his mouth and spoke in solemn tones. “There is that detail about the world crumbling.”

Book: The Dragons of Chriril by Donita K. Paul, Waterbrook Press, 2011 (Originally published as Dragons Of The Valley in 2009)

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 12+

Subjects: God’s existence and written Word

Summary: When Tipper’s father goes missing for years and randomly turns up one day with a wizard and a librarian from another part of the world, they come with strange news: there’s a thing called a gateway that’s attached to her father’s statues and until all of the statues are found and put back together, her father will continue to mysteriously disappear and perhaps, eventually, the whole world with it! It’s up to Tipper, her father, the Grand Parrot who helps manage their estate, a wanta-be artist and these two mysterious characters from the other part of the world to save the day! They begin a quest that will completely change Tipper’s life.

Notes: This story presents a world in which God is not known and the people have attempted to explain what is obvious to them: Someone or Something must have created and be managing this world they live in. Tipper has grown up with the fairy tales of Boscamon but knows nothing of Wulder. When her father appears with Fentworth and Liberttowit, he claims to be a believer in Wulder and he and the other two begin to teach her a bit about him. Her father teaches her how Wulder’s words contain wisdom in the form of simple saying about every day life.

This is the first in the Chiril Chronicles, a series that takes place before the Dragonkeeper series in the same world with some of the same characters but in a different part of the world.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 1:20 – For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Stranded on Terror Island

“I recognized this place. It’s called Terror Island. A few winters ago, another place went down here, right on this island.” Dropping his voice to almost a whisper, he concluded, “Because of heavy weather, it took the searchers several days before they found the place.” Tyler asked, “Were the people okay?” “No. There was evidence that they all lived a few days, but none were alive when found.”

Book: Stranded on Terror Island by Lee Roddy, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1997

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 11-15

Subjects: Love for others (including those difficult to love), Friendship, Obedience

Summary: Tank can not stand it any longer! Alicia is dividing him and Josh and is driving him crazy! He’s had enough! Josh is going to have to choose: him or Alicia. When Josh fails to condemn Alicia and agree they need to stop trying to be friendly to her, Tank severs their friendship. Soon Josh is off on a dangerous adventure without Tank, both boys feeling miserable without the other one. When Josh’s plane goes down and the crew is stranded on Terror Island with little hope of survival and an angry bear roaming the island, Josh can’t help but recall Tank’s angry last words to him. Tank, hearing that his friend is missing, possibly already drowned, mourns his angry words and just hopes he has a chance to make it up to him!

Notes: This is the 13^th book in the Ladd Family Adventure series. In this book Josh and Tank learn the importance of not holding grudges when Tank’s decision to stay mad at Josh could mean that the last words they ever spoke to one another were in anger.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 4:26 - “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

The Mystery Of The Widow’s Watch

“You mean they both took the wrong amount of insulin?” Julie said. “What a strange coincidence!” “It may not be a coincidence,” Sergeant Haskins replied slowly. “You mean it may have been intentional?” Julie asked, “That would mean he was murdered!”

Book: The Mystery Of The Widow’s Watch by John Bibee, Intervarsity Press, 1998

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 10-14

Subjects: Crime, Love for others – specifically those we don’t like, forgiveness

Summary: It’s just an ordinary visit to the nursing home to help Julie’s mom with crafts. At least that’s how it seems at first. Then Julie gets a call from a resident wanting help locating her missing watch. Then Clarice, the girl who accused the girls of stealing her CD player and who is crabby about everything, shows up, then Mrs. Babbage reveals she was talking to Mr. Binton, right before he died. Soon more people are dropping unconscious and murder is suspected! Can the Homeschool Detectives solve the mystery before anyone else gets killed?

Notes: This is the 7^th in the Homeschool Detectives series, a series about six kids who are homeschooled and have a habit of stumbling across mysteries and then solving them. In this book, the boys are off on a vacation with their dads and so it’s up to the girls to solve the whole mystery. They learn an important lesson about loving their “enemy” when a girl who they don’t like goes with them that day and gets involved in the mystery as well. The girls, especially Julie, are outright rude to her and want no part of her. But when an elderly lady reaches out to her and prays with her, the girls realize that Clarice is really a hurting girl who doesn’t know anything about God and His incredible love for her. In the midst of this scene, the Gospel is presented as Clarice tells the other girls what she learned about God.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 3:15-16 – 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, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

The Ally

Of course she hates me, he thought miserably. I hate me, too! It’s my fault Henry-James is locked up who-knows-where. It’s my fault he’s going to be sold. He squirmed on the brocade chair and wiggled his knees back and forth. But I was right. I know I was!

Book: The Ally (Christian Heritage Series: Book #14) by Nancy Rue, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1997

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Slavery, Friendship, Truth and lies, Trust, Forgiveness

Summary: A well educated boy with a hunger for knowledge, Austin can’t imagine much worse than being denied the right to learn to read. Yet, that’s exactly what his uncle is doing to his friend, Henry James. When Austin determines to teach him though, it leads to a lot of danger, trouble, and bitter feelings between the various family members. Austin knows he has to fix all of this somehow, but he has no idea how he is going to go about doing that.

Notes: This is the third set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who has been raised as an abolitionist but is living with his uncle’s family on a plantation in the south where they don’t believe slavery is wrong. In this book, Austin learns about hatred and forgiveness when his uncle makes a choice that makes everyone mad and devastated. Daddy-Elias challenges Austin to talk to “his friend Jesus” who stands ready to forgive at the asking and to listen to what He says rather than trying to strike out on his own. He challenges Austin to let go of the hate in his heart and instead, to forgive as Jesus forgave him.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

There You’ll Find Me

“What is it you want Finley Sinclair?” “I’ll know when I find it” I looked past Beckett, into the night sky. “Or when it finds me.”

Book: There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14-20

Subjects: Loss, Dating Relationships, Relationship with parents, Eating disorders, Hope

Summary: Still reeling from the loss of her brother two years ago, Finley travels in Ireland in hopes of finding what her brother found: peace, joy, God. She enrolls in a foreign exchange program and sets out to see all her brother saw, experience what he experienced and capture it in a song she is writing. It’s not that easy though. When she arrives, it seems her host family is too busy to take her sight seeing to all the places in her brother’s journal. And one of the places is unidentified. She is horrified at first when popular movie star, Beckett Rush agrees to be the one to take her around in exchange for help practicing his lines for his latest movie. But something clicks between them and the sparks begin to fly. Whether or not Finley will find what her brother found is not the only question. Now the question is whether or not she will also find love.

Notes: This is a story of a young girl’s journey to God. Her anger hasn’t faded in the two years since her brother died. She, at first, turned to the party scene, but is now actively seeking out God and all that her brother found in Him through this journey. Beckett has his own issues and struggles, primarily with his dad. Finley begins to recognize that not everything is as it seems with Beckett. She also gets involved in helping a lonely elderly woman who’s past is not as it seems either. It is there that she learns about sacrifice and forgiveness. And all of it together teaches her about hope and that God isn’t going anywhere, His love is here to stay.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:37-40 – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Misfit

Uncle Drayton hadn’t meant he was never going to teach him to be a man, had he? Maybe he was waiting for Austin to show him he wasn’t – what had he said? – "a sniveling whiner" – Like his father. Austin felt a pinch in his chest. Was that what Father was, really? I"’ll show Uncle Drayton", he told himself firmly. "I’ll find a way to fit in here. He’ll see. He’ll just see."

Book: The Misfit (Christian Heritage Series: The Charleston Years #1) by Nancy Rue, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1997

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Slavery, Friendship, Truth and lies, Trust

Summary: “Boston Austin” never runs out of questions. That’s why he’s so smart! He knows a lot of things that most others do not. But not everyone appreciates him or his questions. While his dad is traveling, he, his mom and his little brother are staying on their Uncle Drayton’s plantation… in the south… where they believe in… and practice… slavery. He has been taught by his parents that slavery is wrong, so he fails to fit in from the start. His aunt and cousins don’t like him because they know he is an abolitionist. The slaves don’t like him because he’s related to his uncle. So when an opportunity to earn the trust of his cousin Charlotte and her friend, Henry-James comes up, he leaps at it. But how far will he go to keep this friendship? Will he do that which he knows to be wrong in order to have it?

Notes: This is the third set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who has been raised as an abolitionist but is living with his uncle’s family on a plantation in the south where they don’t believe slavery is wrong. In this book, Austin starts to get to know who Jesus is, learns how to be a friend and learns the importance of telling the truth and doing what is right, even when it may come at a heavy cost.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 4:25 – Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

John 15:15 – I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Crystal’s Perilous Ride

“Megan, if this is a trick, this is the grossest…” “No joke, Crystal, honest,” Megan assured her. Crystal gazed all over the parking lot. No signs of a recent battle could be seen anywhere. “Let’s go out,” Megan suggested. Crystal took a deep breath. They slowly eased the door back. What they saw next made them both gasp. An arrow wedged in the door vibrated like a dead twig on a tree.

Book: Crystal’s Perilous Ride by Stephen and Janet Bly, Chariot Books, 1986

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Girls 12-15

Subjects: Sharing your faith, boldness, courage, friendships, dating relationships

Summary: Surely it’s all just a play, just an act they’re putting on for pioneer days! They aren’t really out there firing arrows and killing people…that’s why they’ve disappeared right? But that arrow in the door is certainly real enough! And there are a lot of other strange things happening all over town, things that not even the sheriff seems to know anything about. Crystal and Megan find themselves in the midst of some kind of strange drama that may or may not be real. And soon they find themselves in serious danger!

Notes: This is the start of a semi-western adventure series for girls about a fifteen year old girl and her friend as they travel around with her dad and start to enter the horses, rodeo and western scene. In this book, Crystal really wrestles with her ability to share her faith openly. She has a tendency to freeze up when fear or nervousness hits. She envies those around her who can casually, easily bring up spiritual topics and discuss them openly. It’s implied that she is a Christian, just not yet a bold one, but one who desires to be bold about her faith, as well as other areas of her life.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 3:15 - sBut 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.

The Dragon's Egg

He gasped as a sudden realization hit him with the abruptness of an arrow from a longbow. The pitiful creature in his hands was the hatchling dragon. He was holding a baby Caraian Greatwing!

Book: The Dragon’s Egg by Ed Dunlop, Cross and Crown Publishing, 2006

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls, but primarily boys, 11-20

Subjects: Faith, Guarding your heart, temptation

Summary: It’s the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen. But dragon’s eggs are forbidden by King Emmanuel. Dragons are their enemy. Aren’t they? This little egg doesn’t seem so bad. After all, the man said it was over 200 years old. If it hasn’t hatched yet, it surely never will. Maybe taking a forbidden thing isn’t so bad after all. But soon Prince Josiah finds that holding on to something forbidden can cause all sorts of unanticipated problems. His heart, which he just fully yielded to his King, is now trying to keep something from Him.

Notes: This is an excellent allegory. It is a series that shows pictures of the Christian walk, the beginning book talking about salvation, the ending book talking about Christ’s return. Each book in the middle uses simple allegorical concepts to show glimpses of what it means to be a child of God and follow Him. This, the 5th book in the series shows how powerful temptation can be and the dangers in surrendering to it. Josiah thought he was doing something that wouldn’t really harm anyone, but the longer he harbored disobedience in his heart, the more torn his relationship with the King became. Soon he was useless in any battle against the enemy. And it became harder and harder to get rid of the temptation he had surrendered to.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

The Search For Everyman

“This mission from your King is of the utmost importance. Somewhere in the land of Terrestria is a man by the name of Everyman – Adam Everyman. He’s being held in a dungeon by Argamor and he has been condemned to be executed in just three weeks. King Emmanuel has issued Everyman a pardon. That’s where you three come in – you are to find Everyman and deliver the King’s pardon before the poor man is executed.

Book: The Search For Everyman by Ed Dunlop, Cross and Crown Publishing, 2006

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls, but primarily boys, 11-20

Subjects: Faith, Christ’s Return, Bitterness, Loss, Anger

Summary: How can the King send a few young kids on such an important mission? A man is to executed in only three weeks and Josiah and his friends carry the pardon that will set him free! The young ones are willing, but many dangers, temptations and obstacles stand in their way. They soon realize that on their own, they will have no way of succeeding in their task and without that trust in their King, Everyman will die.

Notes: This is an excellent allegory. It is a series that shows pictures of the Christian walk, the beginning book talking about salvation, the ending book talking about Christ’s return. Each book in the middle uses simple allegorical concepts to show glimpses of what it means to be a child of God and follow Him. This, the 3^rd book int eh series shows how God’s salvation is offered to all and He asks His followers to deliver that message to those who are perishing. There are various allegorical elements such as the Giant of Fear, the written pardon, and Everyman.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The Great War

Prince Josiah hesitated. “Sire, it seems that Argamor is winning the battle!” Sir Wisdom stirred the embers of the fire. “Go on.” “Certain magistrates are telling us that we must not display King Emmanuel’s coat os farms within the villages, les some of the peasants be offended. Evil is flourishing throughout the kingdom. And right now a huge force of dark knights is assembling in a valley not more than five miles from my castle. If they attack the Castle of Faith – as it looks like they are planning to do – the castle and everyone in it will be destroyed! Sire, is Emmanuel not powerful enough to defeat Argamor’s forces?

Book: The Great War by Ed Dunlop, Cross and Crown Publishing, 2006

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls, but primarily boys, 11-20

Subjects: Faith, Christ’s Return, Bitterness, Loss, Anger

Summary: The end is near. There are signs of this everywhere. The enemies are gathering outside the gates with attack on their minds. The people are becoming offended at the sign of King Emmanuel and the leadership are banning it from being displayed. Prince Josiah and Gilda, now happily married with a three year old son are devastated when a loss comes. In her bitterness, Gilda turns completely away from King Emmanuel and becomes a prisoner in the Castle of Bitterness, held there by the Dutchess of Discontent. Josiah begins to wonder if King Emmanuel really has the power to defeat Argamor after all.

Notes: This is an excellent allegory. It is a series that shows pictures of the Christian walk, the beginning book talking about salvation, the ending book talking about Christ’s return. Each book in the middle uses simple allegorical concepts to show glimpses of what it means to be a child of God and follow Him. This book strikes at the heart of a person. It’s easy to understand Gilda’s bitterness when her prayers didn’t work and loss came instead. Sir Faithful did a really good job putting the right question to Josiah though: you will be serving someone. You can’t not. So you have to decide, are you going to serve Argarmor, even knowing his plans for destruction or are you going to serve the One you know loves you, even though He did not prevent a tragedy. It’s a heart issue in this book, definitely not a light easy read. But it contains a powerful message and deals with an issue that many people face: where is God when bad things happen.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”