St. George and the Dragon

"He stood there, waiting, feeling his heart beat. Then a low voice came from the cave. 'Hello, Marcellus,' it said."

This quote gives a faint hint of the unsettling and foul nature of the monster Marcellus must face in the book St. George and the Dragon, by Michael Lotti. As the author notes prior to chapter one, this book is a story of the legendary event, but not the story. Many different versions exist.

The book starts at the point that Marcellus,  a well respected and highly promoted soldier, requests a leave of absence from the army so that he can marry. On his way home to his estate, the author plants seeds of unrest. Various characters whisper rumors about a dragon, along with much speculation about not only its existence but its purpose. Marcellus' curiosity about the dragon deepens when he is attacked by mysterious bandits who apparently worship the dragon.

We are also shown the general dislike of Christians by community leaders, as well as Marcellus' inner conflicting thoughts about the religion. He recognizes Christians' strong work attitude, and is amazed at the love and kindness they show, so he has a tendency to appreciate and support them, despite his lack of faith and the nay-saying of his leaders.

As the story progresses, the rift continues to grow. Marcellus' fiance is devoted to the dragon, and very insistent that he meet it. She makes it clear that if he does not submit to the dragon, the marriage is off. Meanwhile, Marcellus is greatly disturbed by how harshly his fiance's father beats his slaves, especially the Christian ones, which stands in sharp contrast to how his own father accepts Christian workers and treats them well. Yet, even though his has some misgivings, Marcellus ignores his inner warning signs and does as his fiance wishes: he visits the dragon. Though initially repelled by the dragon, after having a conversation with it, he finds a strange compelling draw to the beast and agrees to bring it a sacrifice.

The remainder of the story demonstrates the simple power of faith and good verses evil as Marcellus' Christian slaves slowly win over his heart... not by preaching, but by their faithful actions and attitudes.  Eventually, Marcellus becomes a believer, is baptized, and renamed George.  However, though he tries to ignore the dragon, the dragon will not ignore him. Instead, the dragon lashes out, wreaking destruction on George's life. It's then that George recognizes that just rejecting the dragon isn't enough. He must slay it.

Several simple black and white drawings accompany the story, created by artist Jennifer Soriano.

What I Like: In general, the book has strong writing and moves at a fairly fast pace. It's not preachy, but its message of faith is clear. There is an undertone of allegory to the wily aspect of the dragon, which makes it seem a bit more sinister. Overall, it's a nice blending of faith and fantasy. I also appreciated the one page epilogue, which quickly relayed the fate of the brave men who defeated the dragon.

What I Dislike: When it came to revealing character traits, I would have appreciated it if the author would have done a bit more showing instead of telling.

Overall Rating: Very Good (with a nod toward Excellent)

Age Appeal: None listed, but I suggest ages 8-12. However, children both younger and older than that age group who have a deep interest in dragons would enjoy it.

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014; ISBN: 978-1496153548 ; Both Paperback and electronic books available, 162 pgs., $ 9.95 (PB) or $4.95 (Kindle)

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $8.96 or the Kindle version for $4.95

Eternal Warriors: The War in Heaven: Book One

Eternal Warriors: The War in Heaven, book one in the Eternal Warriors series by Theodore Beale, is an older book (published in 2002), but still has plenty of appeal, particularly for the video-game playing, teen set. Christopher Lewis is misunderstood, picked on, and lonely. Although he gets along with his sister, Holli, he constantly fights with his other sister, Jami. Little does he know, a battle is being waged in Heaven and he has been chosen to play an important part.

When Christopher's guardian angel, Mariel, is lured away from Christopher's home, a mysterious stranger visits Christopher in his bedroom. Kaym is disturbing, but appealing at the same time. Kaym's promises of power and importance prove enough to overcome any misgivings Christopher feels, and Christopher soon finds himself in a downtown club, meeting the fallen angel assigned to him. Melusine is a seductive temptress, and not even her horns and tail can discourage Christopher from relishing her attention.

Kaym and Melusine bring Christopher to the Prince of Light (Satan), who charges Christopher with opening the Gates of Heaven at the appointed time. Slowly, Christopher realizes he has been brought back in time to the war in Heaven where the angel, Lucifer, challenged God's authority. Only a human may open Heaven's gates, so Kaym gives Christopher a key and special powers to assist in his mission. Christopher's transformation into the angel-like Phaeoton is intoxicating, and soon he is emulating the Prince of Light and successfully leading a host of fallen angels against the angels of heaven.

Meanwhile, Holli and Jami are being pursued by demonic forces. Their guardian angels rescue them, and bring them back in time, as well. Although Holli loves the Lord, Jami isn't sure what she believes. The sisters spend some time with the Lady of the Tower, preparing to play an important role in the battle between heaven and hell. They learn more about good and evil and are presented with many choices.

Plot Spoilers Ahead: As Holli's faith becomes stronger, Jami realizes she wants to trust God. The girls learn to trust their guardian angels and believe in the power of prayer. They also meet Jesus (Kherev) and Jami is given the choice to follow him. After the girls affirm their faith, they encounter Christopher. He has been so seduced by the fallen angels, he fails to recognize his sisters and attacks them. Only after he meets Kherev (Jesus) and returns home does Christopher realize what he has done. Happily, it is never too late for forgiveness, and Christopher repents and is reunited with his sisters. Although Melusine continues to tempt him, Christopher chooses to join Holli and Jami in church.

What I Like:  I like Beale's portrayal of the spiritual battle for the souls of humans. Readers are reminded of the importance of prayer, worship and small, everyday choices. I especially like the inclusion of song lyrics from some of my favorite 1990s worship songs.

The action is fast-paced and reads much like a video game. (In fact, the book is based on a video game of the same name, created by Beale and friends.) 

I appreciated the fact Beale made the fallen angels and Satan appealing. Although disturbing, it is  good to remember Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. The guardian angels were also appealing but trustworthy as well, so clearly a better choice. 

What I Dislike:  I had a hard time keeping all the names straight. Often the fallen angels are referred to simply as "angels," which is accurate, since technically they hadn't fallen yet, but it made some of the battles and interactions confusing. Also, the angels were characterized in very human terms. Even good angels were sometimes petty, jealous, and unreliable. However, I suppose, in order for one-third of the angels to have joined with Lucifer/Satan, they must have had shortcomings.

In this book, the line between fantasy and allegory is often blurry. Some events are clearly allegorical (for example, the beautiful, appealing Prince of Light obviously signifies Satan) but other events and characters are less clear (I am still not sure whether the Lady in the Tower represents anyone, or is just a random character).

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Age Appeal:  Young Adult (14 and up) due to language and seductive angel descriptions

Publisher Info: Pocket, 2002; ISBN:978-07-43453448 ; Kindle, 307 pages, $2.99

Buy it on Kindle at Amazon.com for $2.99.

Special Notes:  Christopher often uses the term "pissed off." Also, some chapters begin with song lyric quotations from bands such as Metallica and KMFDM.

Although not widely available in paperback, the Kindle edition is only $2.99!

A Hobbit Devotional: Bilbo Baggins and the Bible

Bless us and splash us, my precioussssss! For those of us who love J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale The Hobbit, there’s something new on the market: Author Ed Strauss’ almost irresistible book, A Hobbit Devotional.

From the eye-catching cover image of Bilbo traveling through Mirkwood to the smoldering back cover snapshot of the dragon Smaug, Hobbit lovers will be delighted. After a brief introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, Strauss examines a number of lessons-to-be-learned from the tale. Each 4-5 page chapter starts with a quote from the book, gives a brief summary of Bilbo’s adventure at that particular point, makes a connection to a story or concept from the Bible, and then provides practical modern-day insights. Each chapter is well written, with tight wording and clear Scripture references. Best of all, Strauss leads the reader from one “precioussssss” morsel to another through the entire story of The Hobbit.

In addition to sixty devotions, the book contains a glossary of terms, a timeline of The Hobbit, and notes.

What I Like: I have been a Hobbit fan since I was in fifth grade, so I was thrilled to pick up this book. Strauss fully embraces the Hobbit lore, providing wonderful descriptions of Bilbo’s plight in each chapter. His Biblical connections are well chosen, and spiritual connections will likely cause readers to think. Plus the topic is classic and timely; classic because it will appeal to a wide age range of Hobbit lovers like me, and timely because of the new release of The Hobbit movie.

Because of the nature of this devotional, I think it would be a PERFECT companion book for someone reading through The Hobbit. Since Strauss follows Bilbo’s travels in chronological order, one could easily jump back and forth between the two books. Perhaps this would deepen a reader’s appreciation for the story. If I were a parent, I would encourage my child to have both books on hand and to read them in tandem.

If your child (or YOU for that matter!) simply can't get enough of Bilbo, Gandalf, Gollum, elves, and dwarves, you'll want to check out this book.

What I Dislike: This is not a dislike, but something to be aware of. Some of the spiritual connections Strauss made were a little mature for a younger audience. In fact, I suspect that the book itself might appeal even stronger to an adult audience—especially those like me who grew up with The Hobbit—or perhaps an older teen audience. If your child is a big enough fan, it won’t matter. But if s/he has only a passing interest in Hobbits, s/he may not enjoy this devotional book as much.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: None is given, but I think it best suited for the teen to adult age range.

Publisher Info: Barbour, 2012; ISBN: 978-1616267438; Paperback, 320 pgs., $9.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $8.19

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $.8.82
Or Buy the Kindle version for $2.99.
Buy The Hobbit for $8.74 or the kindle version of The Hobbit for $7.29.

Amarias Adventures Book Two: Escape from Riddler's Pass

Amarias Adventures Book Two:  Escape from Riddler's Pass opens with Jesse, Rae and Silas trying to find and rescue their friend, Parvel, while being pursued by conflicted Captain Demetri. Author Amy Green quickly draws us into the conflict. Soon, we are cheering for these former members of the Youth Guard. As we continue reading, we realize the Youth Guard was actually being selected in order to be killed covertly.  The king intends to weed out the strongest children in the kingdom, and decrease chances of a rebellion.

Rae and Silas, as members of the Youth Guard, have skill and training equipping them to complete a successful rescue mission. However, Jesse's crippled legs and Silas' anger prove to be significant obstacles to the mission. Being trapped in caves and captured by the cave-dwellers (Roarics) doesn't help, either. The children must escape from the Roarics and navigate the caves with the help of clues hidden in riddles (Riddler's Pass).  

Plot Spoilers Ahead: They succeed in rescuing Parvel, who challenges the idea violence will solve their problems.  Parvel's strong faith in God impresses Jesse, who soon finds himself trusting the still, small voice in his mind and looking for ways to solve their problems without violence. A massive cave-in at the mountain makes Captain Demetri think the children are dead. They are granted a temporary reprieve, and the book ends with the children walking along as they listen to Parvel tell the story of Creation.


What I Like:  The story is full of action, and the characters are well-rounded. All three children have reasons to hate the king or the Rebellion. Green clearly portrays their dilemmas between choosing violence or trusting in more peaceful ways.  Despite their dilemmas, the violence in the book is muted and not disturbing.

The riddles were clever, and Jesse is a likable character we want to succeed.

The cover is appealing, picturing a maze and leaf emblem, with rich golds, browns and blues.

What I Dislike:  I often feel confused when jumping into the second book of a series.  I wish I knew more about Captain Demetri, as well as the reason Jesse has joined forces with Rae and Silas.  I would guess these questions are answered in Book One.

Also, some of the elements of the book were reminiscent of popular mainstream series, such as having the land divided into Districts with certain natural assets and the government setting out to kill youth without being detected.

Overall Rating:  Good

Age Appeal:  9 and up

Publisher Info: Warner Press, 2011; ISBN: 978-1-59317-433-0; Paperback, 172 pages, $7.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $6.29
 
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $7.99.

Special Note:  Read Lori's review of Book One here!

The Swipe Series: Swipe and Sneak

 Evan Angler's new series, beginning with Swipe, and continuing with Sneak is set in America in the not-so-distant future.  At a time when the East and West Coast have been diminished, and middle America is concentrated into rural areas, several large cities, and wasteland in between, children wait anxiously for their thirteenth birthday.  At thirteen, children are interviewed and are allowed to receive the Mark.  The Mark allows them to become citizens who can buy and sell, hold a job, and use transportation systems.

Marking is usually cause for a celebration, but no one talks about the children who go to receive their Mark and never return. However, ever since Logan's sister disappeared on the day she was to receive her Mark, Logan has been worried--paranoid even. He is sure someone is watching him, and he wants to find out who it is.

When a new girl (Erin) arrives at school, and Logan learns her dad is investigating a rash of suspicious disappearances for the Department of Marked Emergencies, he becomes even more convinced something strange is going on. As Logan and Erin try to solve the mystery, they end up further and further over their heads. But, it becomes harder and harder to tell who is on the right side. What is the truth about the Markless, who live on Slog Row? What has really happened to the kidnapped children? Why is DOME investigating?

PLOT SPOILER AHEAD: The series continues with Sneak, and follows Erin and Logan to Beacon, the nation's capitol, to discover the truth about those who fail to receive the Mark, and those who choose to remain unmarked.

What I Like:  This series is perfect for teens who have enjoyed the recent spate of dystopian fiction, such as The Hunger Games and Divergent.  The Christian themes in Swipe  are quite subtle, but will lead to interesting conversations, as families discuss biblical passages concerning the Mark found in the book of Revelations.  As the series continues with Sneak, Logan is given a Bible and begins to learn why some choose to be Markless.

These are fast-paced, gripping books, but without the rampant violence found in some of the mainstream series.  I was so curious about Logan's future, I downloaded the second book on my Kindle immediately after finishing Swipe.  

I especially liked the many twists and turns the plot took, as we followed Logan and his friends at Spokie Middle School. 

 What I Dislike:  Nothing

Overall Rating:  Excellent

Age Appeal:  13 and up

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2010; ISBN: 978-1-4003-1836-0; Paperback, 273 pages, $9.99

Buy Swipe Now at Christianbook.com for $8.19
Buy Sneak Now at Christianbook.com for $8.19
 
OR Buy Swipe at Amazon.com for $9.99.
Buy Sneak at Amazon for $9.99

Attack of the Spider Bots: The Star Fighters of Murphy Street

If you are still wondering what to buy for the hard-to-interest eight-to-twelve-year-old boy on your list, Robert West's series The Star-Fighters of Murphy Street might be worth checking out. Attack of the Spider-Bots, the second book in the series, is a fun, fast-paced blend of science fiction, tree house adventure, and modern-day mystery.

When neighborhood friends, Priscilla, Benson and Garfunkel (better known as Scilla, Beamer, and Ghoulie, respectively), climb into their tree house, sometimes they just repair, fix, and paint. Other times, however, they jump through space and time to entirely different planets and solar systems. On these inter-galactic adventures, they are grown up and each hold special positions on their tree house (which has morphed into a spaceship). 

In Attack of the Spider-Bots, Beamer, Scilla and Ghoulie happen upon an old, abandoned mansion.  The mansion houses a myriad of robotic inventions, including a half-size train set and is guarded by giant robotic spiders and a formidable housekeeper, the children somehow weasel their in to speak to the owner. When they meet Solomon Parker (Sol), they uncover pieces of a puzzle. In order to solve the mystery, they will need the help of a homeless boy, the trust of Solomon Parker, and the support of understanding parents.

The mystery wraps up at Christmas, with plenty of happy endings to go around. 

What I Like: I like the characters.  They are quirky, authentic middle-schoolers, with a diverse range of backgrounds and interests.

I also like the clear messages about trusting God woven into the end of the book. The children learn from Mr. Parker's mistakes, and Beamer learns to appreciate the way his family prays together.

West's creative inventions and penchant for writing Star Trek-like space scenes will appeal scientifically-minded boys (and girls) and the mystery surrounding the mansion will keep readers interested until the end of the book.

What I Dislike:  The space scenes were confusing to me, but I think if I had read the first book, they would have made more sense.  In the space scenes, West refers to the characters by their last names.  I wish I had discovered the character guide hidden in the back of the book when I first started reading. . . it would have cleared up a lot of confusion.

Some aspects of the plot seemed to be left as loose ends. The fate of the homeless boy and some of the space adventures weren't explained as well as I would have liked. 

Overall Rating:  Good

Age Appeal:  8-12

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-310-71426-2; Paperback, 121 pages, $6.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $5.99
 
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $6.99.

The Orphan King

Sigmund Brouwer’s story, The Orphan King, follows a classic storyline: a young, unassuming (and mistreated) orphan who possesses latent heroic qualities reluctantly starts a quest; he is, unbeknownst to all but a few, the king’s lost heir; a cast of likable and loyal characters join him on his adventure, which is plagued by malevolent forces bent on keeping his destiny secret; and a final, seemingly hopeless, confrontation between good and evil takes place.

In the case of this story, the hero is named Thomas. As the story begins, Thomas mourns the death of his nurse mate, who has educated him in languages, writing, strategy, and other advanced knowledge. Although her premature death has left him somewhat unprepared to face the world, Thomas scours up his courage and escapes the corrupt monks who work him like a slave. All he leaves behind is a hidden cave filled with secret books.

Though he sets out on his own to complete the task his nurse mate has given him (to retake the unconquerable castle of Magnus), a knight, a young thief, and a beautiful girl soon join him. On the way, Thomas must use his skills and cunning to survive. Plus, he must determine whom he can trust… and who, in the end, will betray him.

With strongly written descriptions and well-developed characters, Brouwer weaves an interesting tale that will appeal to lovers of the fantasy genre. Readers will find druids, castles, knights, and more! In addition, Brouwer highlights Thomas’ inner struggle with a question no doubt many readers have pondered: Why do bad things happen to good people?

The Orphan King is book one in the Merlin’s Immortals series.

What I Like: I liked the way Thomas tackled his problems. He didn’t whine or ask “why me” or wallow in pity. Instead he knuckled down, did his best, and made no excuses for the outcome. Though the plot was somewhat predictable, Brouwer used his skills to give it his own unique angle. I also enjoyed the cover art.

What I Dislike: At times I felt like the book assumed a more intimate familiarity with the story (setting, political climate, driving forces) than I possessed. It seemed almost as if it were the second or third book in a series. One explanation for this I have heard is that The Orphan King carries echoes of another well-loved, 8-book series written by Brouwer called Wings of Light. (Wings of Dawn might be the first book in that series.) Some sources assert that this is a YA remake of that story. I am curious to read this other series to see if that’s true or not. I also failed to see any connection to immortals in the book. Perhaps this is another part of the assumed knowledge of the series that I lack since I am not familiar with Brouwer’s other work.

Overall Rating: Excellent to very good, depending on how much background knowledge you possess about this particular medieval world.

Age Appeal: Ages 12 and up

Publisher Info: WaterBrook PRess, 2012; ISBN: 978-1400071548; Paperback, 224 pgs., $7.99.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $6.29
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $7.99.

Special Info: Brouwer has written a large number of books for both children and adults. He has a series called Robot Wars, which is geared for kids ages 10 and up. The first book is called Death Trap and the second is called Double Cross. There are five total books in this series. For ages 8 and up, Brouwer offers The Accidental Detectives series with at least 10 books that I could find. The Volcano of Doom is the first book there. Electronic lovers ages 10 and up might enjoy Brouwer's book CyberQuest: The Complete Virtual Adventure.

RISK: The Second Adventure in the Quest for Truth

Do you and your kids love technology, fast-paced adventure and page-turning excitement? Brock Eastman's book, Risk:The Quest for Truth Book 2, is sure to please younger and older readers, alike.  
We jump into the story when Oliver, Tiffany, Mason and Austin are piloting their parent's spaceship, the Phoenix, on their way to Evad, a distant planet housing an ancient civilization. They have reason to believe their parents have been captured by enemy forces (the Ubel), and are also on their way to Evad. The children's parents are renowned archaeologists, and the Ubel troops believe they hold the key to unlocking secret truths.

Oliver and Tiffany, the oldest children, along with their twin younger brothers, Mason and Austin, are convinced they can unlock the secrets first, as well as rescue their parents. Although Mason's arrogant independence often puts the children in danger, the siblings work together to cross gorges, scale ziggurats, revive ancient technology, and solve the riddles of an underwater maze. The fact the maze is made out of rubies and shaped like a cross becomes even more significant when a mysterious red-cloaked stranger gives Mason sustenance, clues and a history lesson.

With devices like an mTalk, Zingers, Zappers, and Oxyverters, Eastman shows a love of modern technology, as well as an affinity for inventing. Readers will enjoy seeing what his creative mind comes up with. There is an expansive, illustrated "Visual Glossary" in the back of the book, useful for looking up devices, planets, people and political groups.

What I Like: Eastman's plot is clever, the characters are believable, and the action is well-paced.  Although readers do have down time to process new information and think about how the characters feel, the action never slows enough for them to lose interest. Also, the book is suspenseful and exciting without ever being gory or horrifying.

This book does a fantastic job of appealing to boys and girls at the lower and upper end of the targeted age range. Oliver is seventeen and has just completed his first year of training at a specialized academy.  As the oldest, he feels responsible for leading a successful mission to rescue his parents, find the lost key, and keep his family safe.  Tiffany is the reader and code-breaker and her compassionate side leads her to adopt a black panther-like animal. Austin and Mason are typical eleven-year-olds, who are alternately brave, reckless, and scared.  Mason's occasional disobedience and desire for independence will resonate with younger siblings, but Austin's more compliant nature provides a good counter-example.

What I Dislike:  There were a couple jumps in the action.  For example, at one point, one of the Mason is being strangled by treacherous vines, but in the next moment he is free and saving Oliver.  Eastman neglects to tell us how Mason avoided being strangled.

Also, although the book works fairly well as a stand-alone, I would have enjoyed it more had I read the first book (Taken) previously.

Overall Rating:  Very Good

Age Appeal:  8-16

Publisher Info: P and R Publishing Company, 2012; ISBN: 978-1-59638-246-6; Paperback, 399 pages, $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $8.99
 
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $11.04. 

Special Note:  Brock Eastman is co-author of Focus on the Family's Imagination Station series. Check out CCBR reviews of the Imagination Station books here.

Spirit Fighter

The Old Testament tells about Nephilim, fallen angels who intermingled with humans. Through that interaction, children were born who became the mighty warriors of long ago. In Jerel Law’s book Spirit Fighter, Law seizes that idea to create a story about angels, spiritual warfare, and the battle between good and evil.

The story begins with thirteen-year-old Jonah’s basketball tryout. Jonah wants to make the team but unfortunately lacks prowess on the court. When he’s cut from the team, he takes out his anger and frustration on a soccer ball… and that’s when he discovers he has an incredible, seemingly unexplainable power. He learns that his super strength stems from that fact that he (and his sister Eliza) is actually one-quarter angel. His grandfather is a Nephilim, making his mother half-angel.

Shortly after this startling discovery, fallen angels kidnap Jonah’s mother. The creatures plan to bring all the half angels together and coerce them to do their bidding. It’s up to Jonah and Eliza to travel to the spiritual realm, utilize the whole armor of God, and rescue their mother.

As they travel, the children battle a monster, flee from a demon disguised as an old woman, penetrate the defenses of a mighty fortress, and outsmart their own grandfather. To do this, they must rely on each other, the help of their guardian angel, their faith, prayer, and their newly acquired super powers.

Several scripture references are cited and then woven into the plot of the story.

What I Like: When I first started reading this, I was immediately reminded of Frank Peretti’s novels for adults This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. Like Peretti, Law tackles the subject of spiritual warfare and gives the reader a glimpse into a spiritual world we humans can’t see.

Also, I think there is a need for Christian fantasy. I believe a good fiction story can touch the heart in a unique way and serve as a great venue to challenge, guide, and inspire readers. So while this wasn’t my favorite story, I think it will still hold some appeal to lovers of this genre. I think Law had an interesting idea and showed a creativity that I hope he will develop as the series develops.

The good news is, right now this is a BARGAIN BOOK on Amazon. It may be worth a peek for a selling price of only $4.00.

What I Dislike: Some of the descriptions of the fallen angels were gruesome, dark, and/or scary, especially considering the age of the lower end of the target audience. Therefore, parents may want to preview this book before their children read it.

I was disappointed that the main character—a pastor’s child—seemed to know so little about prayer and the Bible. Also (and this could just be me) I didn’t have a strong connection to any of the characters. They seemed very “vanilla” (for lack of better term). With “I love it” type stories, I fret and worry about what will happen to the hero; I just didn’t feel the tension with this one.

Finally, I felt a little uncomfortable with the ambition of the children’s guardian angel. He wants to join the ranks of the warrior angels… as if the role of guiding and protecting children is an inferior position to hold instead of (as I view it) one of the most important roles an angel can fill.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: Ages 9 and up

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2012; ISBN:1400318432; Paperback, 256 pgs., $9.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $8.19
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.00 OR Buy the Kindle version for $7.99 OR Buy the audio version for $14.30.

Special Info: This book is the first in the Son of Angels series. Others next one, Fire Prophet, releases December 2012.

Quest for the Scorpion's Jewel

Amy Green’s Quest for the Scorpion’s Jewel is the first book in a fast-paced, action-packed YA fantasy series. The story features several key characters: Jesse, a crippled boy who helps run his Uncle’s inn, and who is treated like a slave; Captain Demetri, a legendary tracker and one of the main villains (but not by choice); Kayne, a smart-mouthed elderly healer; a Silas, Rae, and Parvel, members of the king’s Youth Guard sent on a dangerous quest; and Samar, a lonely yet crafty desert man who befriends the quest takers.

After a short chapter introducing Demetri, which makes the reader rather suspicious of the King’s integrity, the story follows Jesse as he risks punishment to help three strangers who show up at the inn after curfew. With Parvel seriously injured, Silas and Rae reluctantly recruit Jesse to help them complete their quest. Though hampered by his crippled leg, Jesse’s quick thinking and loyalty prove his worth to the team. Even more, Jesse uncovers a terrible truth: each year the king assigns the smartest, fittest, and most capable youths to the Youth Guard, sends them on impossible missions, and then secretly hunts them down and kills them. While the deaths are deceitfully blamed on the “rebellion”, it’s actually the king’s method to snuff out citizens that hold the potential to someday challenge his reign.

In this repressed land, God seems non-existent. However, characters like Parvel and Samar cause Jesse to really question his thoughts and feelings about God, the One who Samar says numbers the stars. Could God be real after all?

Note to parents: At one point, Jesse pretends to be a sorcerer in order to find out the location of the jewel.

What I Like: The story was fast-paced—not given to excessive prose yet still with enough detail to flesh out the make-believe world—and the characters likable. I also enjoyed how Jesse used logic and courage to overcome his handicap. The story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger (somewhat predictable), but I still feel intrigued enough to pick up the next book in the series to find out what happens.

What I Dislike: It was a good read. However, I think the first chapter should have been a prologue instead since it was the only chapter told from Captain Demetri’s point of view.

Overall Rating: Very Good (Excellent for those at the younger end of the target audience.)

Age Appeal: Ages 8 and up (In my opinion, it would probably best appeal to ages 8-14.)

Publisher Info: Warner Press, 2011; ISBN :978-1593174323; Paperback, 172 pgs., $7.99
Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $6.29
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $7.99
OR Buy the Kindle version for $7.59.

Special Info: Check out the second book in the series, Escape From Riddler's Pass (Amarias Adventures).

A Grimm Sampler

If your family is like mine and stayed up way too late watching the Olympics, you undoubtedly noticed the commercials for the upcoming season of Grimm. There has been a huge surge of interest in the Grimm brothers' fairy tales over the last couple of years, and much of it has been targeted towards tween and young adult audiences.

In this post, I want to comment on a couple "Grimm" offerings my family has come across recently.  As always, our posts about mainstream books do not include a rating or recommendation, but are written simply to help families be more informed, since it's not always possible to read every book your child brings home.

My eleven-year-old daughter was asked to read A Tale Dark and Grimm for a public library Tween book club.  The front cover and book jacket looked a bit alarming, so she asked if I would read it first.  The story, by Adam Gidwitz, centers on Hansel and Gretel. The book is based on actual fairy tales by the brothers Grimm, and is loosely organized into a chronology of their adventures. In most of the tales, the adults can't be trusted, so Hansel and Gretel must rely on their own strength, cunning and sense of right and wrong to overcome evil and eventually return home.

The tales are quite bloody. Gidwitz doesn't shy away from describing gory deaths or dismemberment, although he is an overt narrator, and often pauses in the middle of the action to suggest readers send little children out of the room, or get a babysitter, before things get worse. At one point, Gretel has to cut off one of her own fingers to use as a key, and in another story, Hansel becomes an animal because he has killed so many other animals. In yet another story, Hansel must journey to Hell to rescue someone, and ends up tricking Satan into ferrying the dead across the river for several centuries. 

Several of the stories are reminiscent of old-fashioned "cautionary" tales. "Lips Red as Blood" serves as a helpful allegory to introduce the ideas of sexual predators and sexual assault to readers.  Plot Spoilers Ahead:  In this chapter, Gretel is unequivocally the heroine, when she tells the townspeople the young man they thought was so charming is really stealing the souls (represented as doves) of young girls and putting them in cages.  By telling, she releases the doves back to the young girls, and saves them. However, in yet another grim development, the young man is promptly killed.

At the end of the book, we learn Hansel and Gretel's father, the king, has been turning into a dragon and terrorizing his own people. Although the children figure it out, the king doesn't realize what he is doing and has no recollection of events occurring when he is in dragon form. This story could be helpful to read with children who have a parent or loved one who deals with serious mental illness. Even though the king and queen were not perfect parents, the book ends with a powerful message about forgiveness and redemption, and shows children can forgive and live well, even if they are young.

The Grimm Legacy, by Polly Shulman, was the first "Grimm" book my daughter and I read, and my favorite. In it, several teens work for a lending library full of artifacts from the Grimm tales. The teens realize the artifacts still work, and quickly become involved in a race between the librarians who want to keep the artifacts safe, and evil forces who want to use the artifacts for power. The book will make you excited about libraries, and the story is suspenseful, dramatic, and clever without being gory or disturbing. Unfortunately, there is some unnecessary "making out" between characters who don't know each other very well, which makes it not the best choice for the younger tween set.

I also read the first two books in Michael Buckley's The Sisters Grimm series. The Fairy Tale Detectives and The Unusual Suspects are funny, and more appropriate for younger readers. The author's characterization of the two sisters is so realistic--they love each other and would do anything for family, but they squabble and deal with typical sibling rivalry. The biggest concern with these books is that the line between good and evil is confusing and indistinct. Is Prince Charming really charming, or is he a manipulative business man? Why is the Big Bad Wolf the girls' protector? The three little pigs are police deputies, but are they on the right or wrong side? And is the Pied Piper of Hamlin a benevolent school principal, or is he involved in a sinister plot to exploit children for profit? You would have to read more than the first two books to get definitive answers to many of these questions. 

Age Appeal:  A Tale Dark and Grimm  12 and up due to blood and gore; The Grimm Legacy 14 and up due to romantic elements, otherwise fine for younger readers; The Sisters Grimm 8 and up


Publisher Info: A Tale Dark and Grimm:  Puffin, 2011; ISBN: 978-0142419670 ; Paperback, 256 pages, $6.99

Buy A Tale Dark Grimm at Amazon.com for $6.99

Buy The Grimm Legacy at Amazon for $7.99 

Buy The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives at Amazon for $6.95
 

The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie

If you are like me, you may have overlooked George MacDonald's classics, The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie. These classic fairy tales have an enduring appeal, a Christian worldview and a timeless message.  

We begin the story with Princess Irene as a little girl, living with her king-papa, in a gorgeous castle.  She is a typical princess--sweet, kind, caring and content. She loves the flowers, birds, servants and especially her nurse, Lootie.

One day, Princess Irene is exploring the castle and ends up following a mysterious set of stairs to the rooftop, where she meets her beautiful great great grandma. Her great great grandmama is mysterious as well, and appears at various times as an old woman at a spinning wheel, or as a younger maiden.  Grandma Irene dotes on the little princess, and gives her a magic ring which will lead her by a thread if she is ever in trouble. The little princess is enthralled, but very disappointed when she returns home and Lootie doesn't believe her adventure. Instead, Lootie scolds Princess Irene for hiding and making up stories.

One night the princess becomes frightened, and her ring leads her to Curdie, a brave miner boy who has been spying on the goblins in the mountain, hoping to prevent their evil schemes. PLOT SPOILER AHEAD:  The princess and Curdie have many adventures, and ultimately thwart the goblin's despicable plans. Through it all, Princess Irene must keep her faith in her great great grandmama, even when others doubt her very existence.

In The Princess and Curdie,  Princess Irene has grown into a young lady, and Curdie is called on by the queen (Grandma Irene) to assist the princess and her ailing king-papa. Curdie wisely uses the gifts he is given by the queen, and proves his faithfulness and bravery with the help of an assortment of unexpected creatures.

What I Like:  MacDonald writes fascinating fairy tale adventures, sure to appeal to boys and girls alike. While girls will be taken with the little princess, boys will enjoy watching Curdie defeat the goblins with bravery and a sense of humor. There is enough action to keep readers turning pages long after bedtime.

I also like the numerous allegorical parallels in the books. Princess Irene's faith in her great great grandma, despite others skepticism, can help us talk about what it means to believe in Jesus, even when others doubt his existence. Also, the great great grandma appears in many forms, including a Queen, an old lady, a servant, and the Lady of the Silver Moon. These various aspects of the great great grandma mirror different aspects of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There are many more parallels to be found, if readers look for them.  

I enjoyed reading the books because George MacDonald was one of C. S. Lewis' primary influences.  Lovers of Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia will quickly recognize the writing style and themes present in MacDonald's books.

What I Dislike:  Very little, but I should mention some of the scenes and creatures are a bit scary for younger readers late at night. PLOT SPOILER AHEAD: Readers may be disappointed that the last couple paragraphs in The Princess and Curdie take us from a happy ending to a sad ending again.

 Overall Rating:  Excellent

Age Appeal:  8 and up, though younger readers may enjoy the books as read-alouds.

Publisher Info: Puffin Classics, 2011; ISBN:97801413332482; Paperback, 272 pages, $4.99

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In the Crook of the Oak

D.S. Foster's mystical allegory, In the Crook of the Oak, revolves around Lee and his struggles with temptation.  When a mesmerizing beetle lures Lee into the forbidden forest and a beautiful black fox promises enticing rewards, Lee chooses to follow the fox, even though he should return home to his aunt and uncle.

The fox tells Lee a sad story or friendship and betrayal. Lee is moved and decides he should help the fox by taking a charmed leaf  and keeping it away from a deceptive girl who appears in the form of a ghost.  Lee climbs the old oak tree and steals the silver leaf before the little ghost-girl can persuade him to give the leaf to her. Every now and then, Lee feels a flash of remorse, but then he remembers all the wonderful treasures the fox has promised.  In order to get his reward, Lee must burn the leaf  when he returns home.  However, before he can burn it, a cardinal wakes him up and convinces Lee to follow her.  The longer Lee follows the cardinal, the better able he is to hear her voice.  She brings Lee to the Water Spirit, who directs him to the Oak Tree.

The Water Spirit and Oak Tree explain the true natures of the little girl and the fox to Lee, who realizes he was wrong to believe the fox's smooth lies.  Lee races to give the leaf to Miria, the ghost-girl, before it is too late.  When it looks as if all is lost, the noble stag, Milthorn, intervenes, and assists Lee.   Plot Spoilers Ahead:   Milthorn loses his life in the process, but Lee still has time to give Miria the leaf.  The "leaf" turns out to be Miria's missing feathers, and she is restored from a ghost to an angel.

Full-page pencil sketches are scattered throughout.

What I Like:  Lee's struggle with temptation is very believable.  The fox is beautiful, friendly and speaks warmly.  He compliments Lee and appears to help him at the beginning of the journey.  Lee's uncle is strict and punishes him for staying out all night.  These situations would be excellent points for parents to discuss with their children.  It is important to realize people may sound nice but not have good intentions, and people who discipline us actually do so for our own good.

I also like the way the cardinal functions as Lee's conscience.  As Lee follows her more and more, he can hear her better, but when he ignores her and goes his own way, her voice becomes fuzzy and gradually fades out.  

What I Dislike:  I was confused about Miria.  She was portrayed as a child, a ghost, and an angel who was missing part of her wings.  I don't understand how she was captured or what the significance of freeing her was. At first, she was a bit creepy, so it was hard to shift my attitude and like her in the end.

I also was disappointed we were given so little characterization of Milthorn.  He was the true hero, and the Christ-figure in this allegory, but we didn't get to know him well at all.  I felt like I knew and understood the black fox much better.  I would rather spend more time thinking about Jesus (portrayed as Milthorn) than Satan (the black fox).

There were some distracting grammatical errors.  Also, the reproductions of the pictures blurred some of the shading and lines, and made many of the pictures indistinct.

Overall Rating:  Ho-Hum. This is a great start, but could use some polishing.

Age Appeal:  8-12

Publisher Info: ShadeTree Publishing, LLC, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-98226232-4-2; Paperback, 114 pages, $12.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $11.04.

The Tails of Castle Hill Acres

The Tails of Castle Hill Acres is an adorable collection of short stories by Valerie Grimes. Each story is about an animal living on the grounds of Castle Hill Acres, a farm nestled between rolling green pastures, a dark forest, and a bright blue stream.

With names like King Flash, Naughty Cat (to be renamed Good Cat) and Princess Flower, the animals are sure to delight children. Readers will easily recognize (and may even relate to) the animals' positive and negative personality traits and behaviors. Although characters overlap from story to story, there is no need to read the chapters in order.

Grimes weaves a Christian message throughout each story. For example, compassionate hunting dog, Master Bernie, steps in to raise a family of ducklings after their father is killed; Naughty Cat learns to be a friend instead of acting out of jealousy and spite, and Princess Inday, the horse, learns the disastrous consequences of disobeying the rules. King Flash is the gentle, but regal older horse whom all the other animals rely on for wise advice and biblical instruction.

Heavy ink line drawings with lots of white space, reminiscent of coloring books, accompany each story. There is also a free audio book download coupon included at the back of the book.

What I Like: These stories are fun to read, fast-paced, and engaging. The book is perfect for reading aloud to younger children, but older children would enjoy finding biblical stories or verses to tie into each story's lesson.

I especially liked the drawings. . . they are perfect for coloring. My four-year-old was very careful to imitate the colors on the cover of the book!

The gentle lessons promote positive character traits such as honesty, hard work, and knowing who we are in Christ.

What I Dislike: The book is a small size. Merely five inches by seven inches, it seems a bit expensive at full price.

Also, some animals do get injured or killed, so be sure to screen stories before reading them to younger children.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing and Enterprises, 2011; ISBN:978-11-6777-758-5 ; Paperback, 92 pages, $9.99

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Born to Be a Dragon and Blink of a Dragon

Thank you so much to the CCBR reader who suggested we review the beginning of Eisley Jacobs' new Dragons Forever series! Born to be a Dragon and Blink of a Dragon are unique and engaging reads for upper elementary readers (although I couldn't put them down, either).

Fourth-grader Meia has been shuffled from foster family to foster family her whole life. It doesn't take long for her eccentric obsession with dragons to become obvious, but when other children start having nightmares about dragons, she is always asked to leave. Her newest family, Mr. and Mrs. Bensen, seem different. When Meia tells them about her unusual dreams, Mr. Bensen listens and Mrs. Bensen passes the chocolate chip cookies.

When the Bensens get special permission to take Meia to the Cook Islands for summer vacation, Meia realizes what the Bensens only suspect. . . her dreams are based in reality!

Meia's story is intertwined with the story of Deglan, an enormous blue dragon, whose unusual birthmark makes him an outcast from his clan. Meia is thrilled to learn Deglan is real and wants to communicate with her. More importantly, Meia holds the link to uniting the three clans and restoring Deglan to his clan and harmony to all civilizations.

Plot Spoiler Ahead: Book Two, Blink of a Dragon, continues the story of Meia and Deglan. Now that Meia knows the Bensens are shape-shifting dragons who want to adopt her, she is free to be herself more often. However, fifth grade holds unexpected challenges when Deglan shows up as a boy in her class, and Patricia, her long-standing rival, turns out to be a dragon as well!

Soon, the three mismatched fifth-graders find themselves traveling to Black Hills National Forest, in an attempt to unite with another dragon clan. Unfortunately, they are betrayed and attacked by "Dark Dragons." The lives of the dragon children and those who love them depends on a daring rescue attempt by Meia and Deglan.

As Meia and Deglan search for a legendary phoenix who holds the firestone of life, they meet an unexpected foe. In the uplifting ending, Deglan and Meia learn the power of forgiveness to redeem and restore relationships and the land.

What I Like: Meia and Deglan are both endearing characters, and I like reading alternating chapters told from each of their point of view. Jacobs genuinely captures the dilemmas of not fitting in with your peers, whether in grade-school or dragon society. I also like having a male and female protagonist. Readers will relate to both Meia and Deglan, and the books would be perfect for grade school read-alouds.

I especially like the themes of forgiveness and redemption. The first book is more subtle than the second, but a Christian perspective on forgiveness and new life is evident without being heavy-handed. Plot Spoiler: Meia learns her rival is really just like her--an insecure girl with a sad past. Deglan learns he can forgive even the worst enemy.

I also liked reading about the Cook Islands and the Black Hills. Jacobs uses lots of detail, and the books would link well to social studies or geography lessons.

What I Dislike: Nothing major. There are a couple of phrases which sound specifically Christian. Jacobs mentions a "conversion experience" and being "redeemed," but readers have to figure out what this means from context clues. I realize many churchgoers will be familiar with this terminology, but it would be nice to have it explained more obviously for mainstream audiences.

Also, Jacobs switches between using italics or quotation marks for internal thoughts, which gets confusing.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8 and up

Publisher Info: CreateSpace, 2011; ISBN: 1456360965; Paperback, 140 pages, $6.99

Buy Born to be a Dragon at Amazon.com for $6.99.

Buy Blink of a Dragon at Amazon.com for $6.99.

Special Info: There is minimal use of mechanical magic, primarily in the form of firestones, which allow dragons to transfer locations in the blink of an eye, and some dragons can shift between human form and dragon form.

The Awen: Book One of the Sacred Oak Series

For Ian’s whole life, his family has been employed as servants at Winter Haven. Though Ian is strong and capable, he does not enjoy the attention given to Reese, heir to the estate and son of Ian’s master. However, because of their close proximity in age, the two boys become playmates. They share lessons and a tenuous (albeit competitive) friendship.

Then, as The Awen: Book One of the Sacred Oak Series by A.R. Dunning continues, Ian begins having dreams…and, shockingly, his dreams come true. Little does he know, but his teacher, Mr. McBeetle, has been feeding him a treat from another world that gives Ian this prophetic gift. Mr. McBeetle has also been feeding Reese a treat that gives Reese an incredible ability in archery.

One day Reese takes the treat meant for Ian, and dreams of entering another world through an enchanted cairn located in a ring of stones. Mr. McBeetle’s plan was for Reese, Ian, and Reese’s cousin Elizabeth to enter the world together lead by Ian and his dream. Their entrance would mark the fulfillment of a prophecy, and the beginning of a journey to save not only Mr. McBeetle’s world, but Ian’s world as well. But Reese, under the influence of the treat, enters the cairn on his own.

Under the guidance of Mr. McBeetle, Ian and Elizabeth scramble after Reese, only to find him safe and sound in a beautiful city. In order to stay in the world and save its queen from death and darkness, the three must undergo a painful cleansing. After that, each is presented with a gift and given their mission: to find Ian’s long-lost relative and undo the damage done by Reese’s side of the family.

The story continues with battles, personal challenges, and betrayals. To find out whether or not the trio is successful, you will have to read the book.

What I Like: Dunning’s world is highly imaginative. Her main characters are likable and believable. I see great promise in Dunning’s series.

What I Dislike: The ideas were creative, interesting, and fresh, but I felt like they were not fully developed—like precious seeds that had sprouted but hadn’t reached maturity. The problems were solved too quickly, which undermined the build up of tension in the storyline. After a strong beginning, the later chapters did more telling than showing. To me, that made the book read more like an outline or synopsis. As a reader, I longed for Dunning to elaborate more. I know this is part of a series, but with more details, character development, and action, this book could have easily become a trilogy on its own with a potential richness to rival great fantasy favorites.

Overall Rating: Excellent in concept, good in execution gives it an overall VERY GOOD rating. Plus it's awfully hard to pass up with a mere $2.99 Kindle price!

Age Appeal: None is given, but I think it would appeal to the 10-14 age group.

Publisher Info: Awen Publishing House at Smashwords, 2011; ASIN: B006388XE8; available only in digital format, file size 338 KB (131 pgs.), $2.99.

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy the Kindle version at Amazon.com for $2.99.

Special Info: Though there is no reference to God or the church, this book refers to the Swift Sure Hand, a creator who sang the world into existence. In addition, there is an obvious battle between good and evil, and Christian readers will identify with the cleansing the main characters must undergo—a sort of “born again” experience. However, like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, there doesn’t seem to be an explicit tie into faith or specific allegorical content. The reader should also be aware that the book contains fantastical creatures, such as fairies, fauns, and dryads, and makes use of objects with magical properties. It draws on Celtic folklore. You can visit this author's website.

TJ and the Time Stumblers: AAAARGH!

AAAARGH! is the unusual title of book two in Bill Myers series, TJ and the Time Stumblers. Myers, author of the popular Eighties series, McGee and Me, still uses humor and creativity to teach character-building lessons.

TJ Finkelstein is having a hard time adjusting to life as a junior high student in Malibu, California. After her mother died, TJ, and her family move from small-town Missouri to Malibu. Life in Malibu is not at all the same, and to make matters worse, she is being shadowed by Herby and Tuna, two annoying, miniature boys from the future.

Herby and Tuna have come back in time to study TJ, since she is an important, historical figure in the 23rd century. However, they use faulty equipment, don't understand life in the 21st century, and generally make TJ's life more difficult. When pirates blast holes through TJ's bedroom walls, or get stuck in her locker at school, it is up to Herby and Tuna to reset time and fix the present. In the midst of many unusual events, TJ has an opportunity to cheat in her English class. She has no idea making one little wrong choice will lead to such dire consequences.

Unbeknownst to TJ, her cute neighbor, Chad, is faced with a similar dilemma. Even though he is a professional surfer, he may not win the next competition without the help of a mechanically enhanced surf board his friend made for him.

Herby and Tuna show TJ and Chad just how serious cheating can be. Plot Spoiler Ahead: Herby and Tuna provide powerful glimpses of a terrible future, and eventually, both TJ and Chad make the right choice.

What I Like: Although the topic is serious, Tuna and Herby's mischief leads to some hilarious mishaps for TJ. We used this as our family "read-aloud", and both my ten-year-old and seven-year-old laughed hysterically, more than once. My son (age seven) said he liked the glimpses of the future the best, and my daughter liked the "crazy zworkedness and torkedness." (Did I mention, Myers makes up words, writes words backwards, writes words up and down, and uses tons of sound effects?)

As a mom, I appreciate how clearly Myers shows long-term consequences of the choices we make. We see how choosing to do something you know is wrong can lead to poor character and a lifetime of regret.

What I Dislike: Even though my kids got a kick out of the sound effects and goofy use of text, I found it annoying to read, especially aloud.

Also, none of us liked the cliff-hanger ending. Although we know TJ is going to confess to cheating, we never see how her teacher handles her confession. We also don't know whether TJ and Chad actually become friends, and we don't see how TJ's rival, Elizabeth, handles knowing TJ won't write papers for her. I guess we will have to read book three!

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 8 and up

Publisher Info: Tyndale; 2011; ISBN:978-1-4143-3454-7 ; Paperback, 188 pages, $6.99

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