The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres: The Battle

The Battle, book three in Laura Lond's series, The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres, is a rousing, interesting adventure. Set in a fantasy land reminiscent of medieval England, our story follows young Jecosan, and his unlikely traveling companions.

Jecosan has been commissioned to stop a war between his native Meoria and neighboring Tirgan, thus protecting the Book of Light . However, his mission seems to have failed. Although he survived mines and imprisonment, book three opens with Jecosan being framed by traitors. Freed by a mysterious masked man (perhaps a guardian angel?), a disgraced lord, and his friend Dalian, the men take Jecosan to the woods to escape.

As Jeco and his companions make their way towards Tirgan, in order to warn them of the impending war, Alvard, king of Meoria, is deposed, leaving nine-year-old Princess Arvelina alone to deal with court intrigue and treachery. Our story focuses on Jecosan's adventures, but also alternates between the castle in Meoria, and the Tirganian court.

In a satisfying, surprise ending, we see faith restored, justice served and the Book of Light protected.

What I Like: I especially like Telm, the mysterious, masked "Elgur," who protects Jeco and his companions. He is a wonderful example of being gentle and kind, when dealing with people who are not yet believers. He is truthful, helpful, and reliable, (as well as a powerful ally) but never preachy or self-righteous.

I also like the court intrigue and complex plot. It was fun to read about both Tirgan and Meoria, as well as follow Jeco's adventures.

What I Dislike: The cover image was not my favorite. The book had so many interesting concepts, but the cover has a man looking like he wrapped his face in a dark scarf or towel. Also, the road behind him has tire tracks in the snow, which made me think the story would be more modern than it was.

Also, in a third book, it would be nice to have maps, definitions, or at least a brief explanation of character and place names. Too many authors forget the idea each book in a series should be able to stand alone. You never know when someone may pick up the second or third book in a series at the library or at school, and read it without having read the first book.

Overall Rating: Probably very good, as the third in a series, but only good, as a stand-alone

Age Appeal: 8-16

Publisher Info: Xulon Press, 2006; ISBN: 159781-842-9 ; Paperback, 372 pages, $20.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $13.80.