A Rescue Mission on a Cosmic Scale

I have loved Stephen Lawhead’s books since I first read Byzantium one finals week in college. One of the best things about his writings is that he includes enough well-researched history or, in the case of the Bright Empires series, science, that the events seem plausible. I have always found it exceedingly easy to suspend disbelief while reading his stories.

The Shadow Lamp continues the story of a group of people who use ley lines to travel across time and space, searching for the Skin Map, which they believe holds the directions to a treasure contained in the world of the Spirit Well.

Readers have known for some time that Arthur Flinders-Petrie used this Well to bring his wife back to life. When Kit mentions this to members of the Zetetic Society, we learn that this event probably had far-reaching, negative consequences. It is implied that the event is somehow linked to the slowing of the expansion of the universe, which could erase all of time and existence.

The book reiterates the idea that “there are no coincidences” and ends with several seemingly random events clicking into place for the searchers, although we are left wondering just exactly what they have all just realized.

One thing I love about Lawhead’s books is that he uses the story he is telling to illustrate a particular worldview. In this book, the worldview is expressed beautifully by the priest, Gianni, when he is explaining the danger to the universe. He starts by saying that “the universe was created for a purpose. And…the purpose for which it was created was guided by a loving Creator who desired that its purpose should be fulfilled” (323).

He goes on to talk about the fact that Creation was not a one time event, but is continually linked to “the eternal reality of the Creator.” He also explains that people are crucial to the ultimate Divine purpose, and that our decisions and actions help to bring about God’s final aim, which is to be united with His Creation.

Later, he explains to Kit that even tragedies are woven into time and are used by God to bring about His purpose. Lawhead writes, “For the Creator, the past is never lost, never beyond recovery – because it can always be reclaimed by weaving it into a wider pattern of ultimate goodness so that even the most horrendous disasters of life may come to play a significant part in achieving the intended purpose of Creation. In this way, the past can be redeemed.”

It is such a hope-filled, Christian view of the world. Lawhead is not always overtly Christian in his writings, but in this book, there can be no denying his faith as, once again through the priest Gianni, he says, “The resurrection of Jesus sent shock waves backwards and forwards throughout the cosmos and affected all time - past, present, and future - forever. Because of the resurrection, everything changed. Everything! Nothing could ever be the same again. It was a rescue mission on a cosmic scale” (359).

On that note, I really want to see where the story of Archelaeus Burleigh goes. I have to admit, I admired his actions in the battle with the pirates, and I hope his story is one of redemption.

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  

 See other reviews:

Julie Bihn
Red Bissell
Thomas Clayton Booher
Thomas Fletcher Booher
  Beckie Burnham
  Jeff Chapman
Theresa Dunlap
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Becky Jesse
Becca Johnson
  Jason Joyner
  Carol Keen
  Rebekah Loper
  Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
  Rebecca LuElla Miller
  Mirriam Neal
Writer Rani
  Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
  Steve Trower
  Phyllis Wheeler
  Deborah Wilson

Allegiant: A Good Way to Die

Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers!

















Spoilers! Spoilers!  Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers! Spoilers!

When I was about half-way through the book, my husband asked if I was enjoying it. I replied with a non-committal “meh.” I felt like it was a bit preachy. I don’t mind if a book is trying to make a point, but I want it done subtly. Also, it felt like the whole focus of the book shifted so that the main point of everything was so that the main characters could learn lessons about what makes them human.

Regardless, I feel like I could have handled all of the didactic-ness if she hadn’t KILLED OFF THE MAIN CHARACTER. Really? You preach at me for a whole book, AND kill off the main character?

When I was done reading and ranting about it to my husband, he asked, “Did she die a good death?” And I had to admit that she did; in every way that a death can be a good one, she died it.

1. She died doing something she believed in: she believed that resetting the people of the Bureau was absolutely necessary. She was willing to sacrifice her life for it, and she did.
2. She died in a heroic way: she didn’t catch a common cold and cough to death. She died getting shot, several times, clawing her way to the button that would save her world.
3. She died after surviving the truth serum: she proved to herself that she made the right decision. She had a feeling that she could survive when Caleb couldn’t, and she did. She made the right choice.
4. She died to save her brother: she realized that he was not motivated by love. He just wanted to gain her forgiveness, and in that moment she does forgive him, and makes the sacrifice because she loves him. That final scene between them was great.

I think I’m just upset because I just do not like when people die in books (unless that has been the point all along – even then I don’t love it.) To tell the truth, the fact that Tris had died did not fully set in until a few hours after I had finished reading, because I didn’t really believe it when she died in the book. I rushed through the end because I kept waiting for it to not be true.

This is my initial reaction. I’m sure I’ll have some more to say when I’ve thought about it some more.

 

"Martyr's Fire"

Martyr’s Fire by Sigmund Brouwer is a great novel for young readers who are interested in stories set in Medieval Britain.

The story continues from previous books with Thomas still in charge of Magnus. Trouble develops when Priests of the Holy Grail show up, performing miracles that quickly win over the populace. The book explains, through the musings of Thomas, that the church of the time was just as, if not more, powerful than members of the ruling class.

Through a trick that is explained to Thomas much later, the priests are able to take over Magnus, almost with no resistance.

Thomas, who is desperate for answers, ends up heading for the Holy Land, with a puppy in his arms, and Katherine trailing him. When Thomas tries to lay a trap for Katherine, she turns the tables on him, and he has to travel as her servant for the rest of the journey.

A couple of my favorite parts:

When Gervaise helps Thomas to escape. Thomas learns that the monk was tortured for information about him, but refused to give him up. In a very emotional scene, Thomas is forced to leave his friend behind as he escapes Magnus.

When Katherine manages to outwit Thomas in Lisbon. She is in complete control and so calm and poised about it all. I feel bad, though, for poor Thomas.

When Thomas points his sword at the three sailors only to have them slap themselves and fall down, unconscious. Then Thomas goes back to his room and keeps pointing his sword at things trying to make things happen.

Finally, when Katherine explains to Thomas how Merlin would teach people and called it school. I’m not sure where the idea for schools really started, but if it really was Merlin, I’ll take it.

Things that could have been better:

There was no real climax in this story. The chapters are very serial, almost like mini-stories, and it is obvious that this was a book in the middle of a series.

The continued agonizing on the parts of Katherine and Thomas over whether the other is an Immortal or a Druid is a bit frustrating after a while. I understand that it is supposed to add to the conflict, but I feel that it would have been more effective if even the reader didn’t know who was good or bad, or at least if we were unsure about Katherine.

Other than that, this was a fun story. Even though it isn’t strictly fantasy, as all of the fantastical elements are explained by science, it has the feel of fantasy about it. I would recommend this book to students of mine who need an easy read, but could benefit from reading more formal language. 

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

See other reviews:

Red Bissell Beckie Burnham Theresa Dunlap Emma or Audrey Engel April Erwin Victor Gentile Nikole Hahn Becky Jesse Jason Joyner Carol Keen Krystine Kercher Rebekah Loper Jennette Mbewe Amber McCallister Shannon McDermott Meagan @ Blooming with Books Rebecca LuElla Miller Writer Rani Nathan Reimer Jojo Sutis Steve Trower Phyllis Wheeler Deborah Wilson

A Cast of Stones: the story of a supporting character

I really loved A Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr. I hadn’t even started it until Saturday afternoon, but I finished it that night. It was just so good, that it wasn’t even a problem just to read straight through.

The book reminds me of Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicles, but where I felt like Rothfuss was never getting to the gist of his story, Carr moves the action along at an excellent pace.

The point of view of this novel allows us to follow Errol’s journey from the town drunkard to a highly respected young man of many talents. He has had such a rough beginning, and has such a low opinion of himself, it is fantastic to see him excelling at the staff to the point where he is invited immediately into the Watch. With his ability to read lots and his ability to feel the spirit the herbwomen talk to, it seems that he has great things in store.

The characters in the story are truly excellent. Errol’s transformation would have been impossible without the host of characters who helped him along: Pater Martin and Luis who helped him through his first night of withdrawals in a truly touching scene of the administration of the Lord’s Supper; the farmer Rale who teaches him the staff; Ru, who imprisons him and forces him to fight his way through the guards; even Liam, who provides a great foil character.

The change in Errol culminates in him being presented to the king. Liam, Cruk, Luis, and Martin tell of his journey, and Errol is overcome by emotion.

The conflict in the story comes from a somewhat vague source. There are evil spirits involved who are taking over people, and a reader who has created a circle so that he can just about read Errol’s mind. A whole host of people are out to kill Errol, and we still don’t really know why.

Errol was supposed to be a supporting character in Liam’s story, but events seem to be revolving around him more than anyone else. Add to all of this the fact that the lots are now tied between Errol and Liam being king, and I can’t wait to read the second book.

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

See other reviews here: 

Julie Bihn
Jennifer Bogart
Keanan Brand
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Laure Covert
Pauline Creeden
Emma or Audrey Engel
April Erwin
Nikole Hahn
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler

Captives

“The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” – C.S. Lewis

While it is great Christian literature, I would not say that Captives, by Jill Williamson can compete with great contemporary YA dystopian novels, like Divergent by Veronica Roth, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, or Partials by Dan Wells.

A very short one-sentence summary (which I sometimes make my students do): The people of the technologically-advanced Safe Lands cannot reproduce healthy children, so they kidnap the villagers of Glenrock in order to force them to have babies for them, forcing the villagers to make some difficult decisions and confront some character flaws in themselves.

I’ll begin with the parts I did like:

-The book did a good job of illustrating what a society obsessed with hedonism would look like. The constant partying, the obsession with style, and the chasing of everything pleasurable was well-told. The PVs with the Stims were a nice touch.

-I thought some of the technologies in the Safe Lands were very creative. The programmable tattoos sound awesome (as in, if that technology existed, I think I’d try it out.)

-The author did a good job of writing a variety of characters. I appreciated that there were sympathetic characters amongst both the people of Glenrock and the Safe Lands. There were also characters with serious personal flaws on both sides. Omar, from Glenrock, betrays his village and gets entrapped by the Safe Lands lifestyle, while Ciddah from the Safe Lands seems like a smart, conscientious, and genuine person. Jordan, from Glenrock, is just annoying with his complete inability to control his temper.

-Towards the end of the book, when Levi begins to try to break everyone out, I finally got pulled into the book. It was an interesting and intricate escape plan, and I appreciated the action.

Problems I had with the book:

-It’s not just in this book, but it’s kind of a pet peeve of mine – in so many post-apocalyptic worlds, all the women revert to wearing skirts. Why??? Why would women just suddenly start wearing skirts again? Maybe it helps create an image of a simpler time. I don’t know.

-The Safe Lands has all kinds of technology, but can’t get “donations” from the healthy men without their consent…? We have the technology to do this now. If the people of the Safe Lands were really that desperate for babies, were okay with kidnapping people, and were willing to inseminate teenage girls, why would they not be willing to take what they needed from the men?

-The book seemed to simplify some of the reactions of the characters. I feel like all of the characters from Glenrock, even Omar, got over the slaughter of their whole village a little quickly. All of the girls, except Naomi, seemed to integrate into their new roles almost immediately. While they did stage one escape attempt, they could have been much more resistant, or even just upset, by what was going on. I wanted the story from Naomi’s point of view, because she was feisty and awesome.

-This was the biggest one: everyone in this story was obsessed with marriage and family. I teach teenagers, so I know that they can be focused on “finding the one.” But they DO have other interests in life. I feel like Mason was the only character in this book who showed the least bit of interest in anything other than getting married. Even the adults in this book (Mason, Levi, and Omar’s father, for example) were focused on making matches for the young people. After their village is slaughtered, and they are kidnapped, everyone is still focused on getting married, or who likes whom. It was a bit overwhelming.

Maybe I am being overly critical. It seems like a lot of people really liked the book. I just did not enjoy it as much as other books of the same genre that I have been reading recently.

*** In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

For other reviews, check out these bloggers:

Julie Bihn
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Keanan Brand
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Jeff Chapman
Pauline Creeden
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
 Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Asha Marie Pena
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Jessica Thomas
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler

What's Going On?

Today’s post is typed up while driving from Dallas to La Monte, MO.

The big question in Storm, by Evan Angler, is “What is really going on?” Mr. Arbitor volunteers to help DOME search for Erin, but it’s really to rescue his daughter. Lily continues to “revise” Eddie, but really she needs/wants him fighting the system. Arianna “captures” Logan, Peck, Hailey, and Erin, but really she’s protecting them from DOME and the IMPS. Connor’s parents sabotage the plant that makes it rain, but really they are protecting people from Trumpet. Logan follows Lily’s orders, saves the weather mill, but unleashes a plague. And all of it went according to Cylis’s plan.

Overall Impression: I thought the second book in the series was a vast improvement over the first, so I was looking for the third to be even better. I’m not sure it quite hit the mark. Where the first book felt like a lot of exposition, the second was really good with rising action and a climax. I felt like the third slipped back into a bit too much exposition, although it did pick up toward the end.

Also, with the second book, the jumps between characters were done at high-drama moments, so they helped build anticipation. Just when a character was figuring something out or about to reveal something big, it would jump to a different point of view, building suspense. Those transitions did not work quite as well with this book.

There were some surprise twists – I am still not sure how I feel about the author writing himself into the book. I thought the “Notes from the Author” at the beginnings and ends of the books were a neat touch, but it was strange to be reading about the characters reading about themselves in Swipe. Also, the Ultranet at the very end of the book is somewhat intriguing.

Overall, the book kept me interested and reading, but was obviously one of a series rather than a good stand alone novel.

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

See other reviews here:

Julie Bihn Beckie Burnham Keanan Brand Pauline Creeden Emma or Audrey Engel Sarah Faulkner Victor Gentile Ryan Heart Jason Joyner Carol Keen Shannon McDermott Meagan @ Blooming with Books Rebecca LuElla Miller Joan Nienhuis Writer Rani Chawna Schroeder Jacque Stengl Jojo Sutis Jessica Thomas Steve Trower Phyllis Wheeler

'Swipe' by Evan Angler

Swipe, by Evan Angler, was a little difficult to get into. I never felt like I really connected with the main characters, Logan and Erin. A lot of the interactions between characters seemed awkward. Maybe this was done on purpose since they are all 12 or 13 years old, but it made it difficult to relate to the characters.

I think my favorite character was Peck, who you really only meet in the last few chapters. I knew as soon as he was talked about that he wasn’t the terrible menace that the government, or Logan and Erin for that matter, thought that he was. Again, not sure if this was intentional or not by the author, but it was another reason it was difficult to get into the novel. I knew that Logan would discover that Peck wasn’t actually bad, but it took the whole novel to get there, when I just wanted to get on with the story.

One thing that was done well was the setting / world-building. While it wasn’t extensive, I felt like it fit the story, and was unique for an “end of times” Christian novel. Having “the Mark” be something that is already established and a right of passage into adulthood gives the story a good Dystopian /post-apocalyptic feel. It is similar to the trials in Marie Lu’s Legend, the aptitude tests in Veronica Roth’s Divergent, or even the lottery in Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. It was an interesting approach, and it worked well.

I also felt like Angler did a good job of describing the different cities without getting bogged down into long sections of description, although I felt like the writing was better when he was simply writing the internal dialogue of the characters rather than having the characters interact with one another.

The novel picked up the pace in the last few chapters when Logan goes to get his Mark, determined to find out what really happened to his sister. Erin’s betrayal was not unexpected, but was still disappointing. Logan finally turns into a character that I can like, and I am interested to see how the story continues in Sneak.

Divergent; Insurgent

 Spoilers below.....

I really enjoyed both of these books. At least until the final pages of Insurgent. I just didn't quite like the idea of the whole society being an experiment. It reminded me too much of M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village."

Other than that, I love the story. The plot moves at a good pace. The reader is very quickly introduced to the world that Tris lives in. I especially like the bowls full of the different materials that symbolize the different factions.

Tris's internal conflict is well-written and believable. Everyone can understand being taught something their whole lives and having to decide whether or not they believe it themselves. Her struggle to decide who she really is - Abnegation or Dauntless - is a coming-of-age story that most people can relate to. Also, who doesn't want a test that just tells you exactly what you are good at and where you would fit in?

As far as the other conflict - the war between the factions, I'm not quite sure I understand it now that the underlying reasons were revealed. To me, a leader of Erudite who only wanted more knowledge wouldn't be afraid of an outside world. She would want to know more. (I did read that part pretty late at night, so I may have missed something with her motivations.)

Jeanine does make a pretty good villain, with her willingness to torture teenagers to get what she wants. Also, her ability to turn Caleb against his own sister makes her especially formidable. However, I would still say that Eric is the bigger bad guy of the story. Jeanine is ruthless because she wants something that Tris has. Eric is evil because that is how he likes to be.

I would say that the characters are the best part of the stories. All of the main characters, and even some of the minor ones, are complex and very rounded. Take, for instance, Peter, who is viciously ambitious. You would never expect anything good out of him, but he saves Tris's life. Of course, the motivation for this was that he wanted to pay back what he felt he owed, but even that is an interesting aspect to his character.

And, of course, I really like Four / Tobias. Roth does a good job of writing the romance between him and Tris. My favorite thing about it is that they both see each other as strong, and they treat each other that way. No pity from either towards the other, no coddling.

One of the best scenes is when Four takes Tris with him through his fear landscape. He makes himself completely vulnerable to her, and she accepts him and helps him without it changing her high opinion of him.

I also like that Tris follows her own instincts and does what she thinks is right, even when Tobias disagrees with her. She is completely her own person.

Overall, a great story and a fun read.