Book Review: Loresmen

Name of book:  Loresmen (Peleg Chronicles: Book Three)

Series: The Peleg Chronicles

Author:  Matthew Christian Harding

Format:  Soft Cover

Ages: 10+

Overall Rating: 5 stars

   The Peleg Chronicles takes place in the historical time setting of “the days of Peleg” a few generations after Noah and the Flood.  During this time of dragons, dwarves, heathen priests, giants and the like, adventure is bound to be discovered!

  

 Here the trilogy comes gracefully to a close...  After the nearly mind wracking cliff-hanger that left us at the last book, we find our heroes a midst a battle with three giants.  Can five mere men really defeat a force such as they?

Meanwhile, Thiery finds himself caught in the middle of a council- the trial of a friend that is being persecuted for his belief in Noah's God.  When Thiery stands up for him, testifying to the truths of his story, Thiery gets whirled into battle between the gods- a contest, if you will, to see who's God is true- the multiples of the heathens, or the God of Noah.  Will Thiery survive the cruel challenge?

-Worldview: Thoroughly Christian.  Even though this book is set in a time before Christ and before most scripture (save the book of Job) has been written, many Biblical passages are quoted by the characters as their own thoughts of God.

-Character Qualities: Loyalty, Perseverance, Trust,  Faith, Redemption, God's Love

-Romance:  None- until the epilogue in which two characters get married.

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  2200-2000 BC

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes.  As well as it could be without mentioning Jesus- He hadn’t been born at that time.

Final thoughts or comments:

  While it is sad that the chronicles have come to a close- what a beautiful ending it had!  As in the previous book, the theme of redemption- the idea of grace for the worst of sinners, is glorified and exampled in this book.  

  I shouldn't say any more- I don't want to spoil it for anyone!

If you are unfamiliar with The Peleg Chronicles, click here to see the review of Book One: The Foundlings.

Book Review: Paladins

Name of book:  Paladins (Peleg Chronicles: Book Two)

Series: The Peleg Chronicles

Author:  Matthew Christian Harding

Format:  Soft Cover

Ages: 10+

Overall Rating: 5 stars

   The Peleg Chronicles takes place in the historical time setting of “the days of Peleg” a few generations after Noah and the Flood.  During this time of dragons, dwarves, heathen priests, giants, and the like, adventure is bound to be discovered!

  

  Springing right back into the action after the cliff-hanger ending of the previous book The Foundlings, Lord McDougal, Fergus Leatherhead, Igi Forkbeard, and Lady Mercy find themselves caught up in the seemingly suicidal "Death Hunt" fighting for their lives.

  But soon after their escape, Fergus has a run-in with Rush, an angry young man, seeking revenge for the humiliation that Fergus caused him one day in the past.  Rush lays a trap for Fergus, causing him to be pulled into a duel of honor the next day.

  Meanwhile, Gimcrack, Thiery, and Suzie settle into their new "home" and meet some new friends. When Thiery goes looking for a job he meets the "sneak" Pip, and his little brother, Percival, two orphaned boys.   Thiery invites them to come over for a "dinner party" and they become fast friends.  

  But when Thiery is met with persecution in his interview at Master Squilby's (his potential employer) will he be able to pass the test and get the job?

-Worldview: Thoroughly Christian.  Even though this book is set in a time before Christ and before most scripture (save the book of Job) has been written, many Biblical passages are quoted by the characters as their own thoughts of God.

-Character Qualities:  Loyalty, Perseverance, Trust, Faith, Redemption, God's Love

-Romance:  None.

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  2200-2000 BC

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes.  As well as it could be without mentioning Jesus- He hadn’t been born at that time.

Final thoughts or comments:

  This book was just as wonderful, if not more, than the first in this series. The fast-paced paced scenes, and ever developing characters, continued to keep me turning pages.  I really enjoyed getting to know the character of Fergus more in this book- he seems to take more of a lead role. 

  The theme of redemption, God's love, resounds through this book- especially at the climax toward the ending which I would like to share but I must refrain so as to not spoil the book for you!

 Again, what a blessing it is to have such God-glorifying literature that I can hand to my younger brothers and sisters- or even my friends with no worries!

If you are unfamiliar with The Peleg Chronicles, click here to see the review of Book One: The Foundlings.

Book Review: Falsely Accused in the High Sierras

Name of book:  Falsely Accused on the High Sierras

Author:  Frederick Vining Fisher

Format:  Hardcover

Ages: 10-12+

Overall Rating: 5 stars

  It was an ordinary day out in the Old West when the stage arrived- late as usual- into the once thriving city of Gold Town, now a sleepy small town. But instead of carrying the ever-expected and never-appearing "big wigs" that the townspeople always hoped for, this time it carried within it a young pale-faced, blue-eyed boy.  The poor motherless thing was trying to find his father, who had left the boy and his mother in the far East to go West in search of fortune.  But alas!  the man never returned for the poor wife and son, but died in a drunken fight right there in Gold Town.  Now the boy, whose mother's health had not survived the  journey to California, was all alone in the world.

  Here begins the tale of Jeb Teale Malden.  After being taken in by local Andrew Malden, Jeb begins a different life than the one he had led for his previous twelve years- one his mother would have been devastated to hear that her boy took part in. Soon, at sixteen, Jeb finds himself in need of the Savior's love and falls into the welcoming arms of grace.

  For the next few years, as Jeb works hard to please his Savior, temptations and tribulations arise.  As Jeb overcomes them by the power of the Holy Spirit, he is a witness and a testimony to more people than he knows.  But when tragedy strikes and he is accused of a heinous crime of which he had no part in- can he still maintain his faith in God Almighty?  Will he trust in Him even if to the end?

   

-Worldview:  Christian

-Character Qualities:  Integrity, Honesty, Forgiveness, Trust

-Romance:  Minor.  Characters are clearly in love with one another but no physical affection of any kind takes place, nor any "love" dialogue.

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  Late 1800s

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes

  This was a fabulous book.  I was glued to it and finished it in a matter of two days- it could have been less but I had to finish it well- not rush the ending.  :-)  

  I really liked how the book did not dwell on the life of Jeb before he became a Christian- his drinking, hatred, and other sin- but instead dwelt more on the facts of, after he repented of his immorality, how he rose above the temptations of this world.  How he conquered sin with mighty valor, yet showed tender meekness towards his enemies.  I was inspired as I read about the lives that he touched through his simple faith and trust in Jesus- how just by being His witness, much can be accomplished for the Kingdom.

  Reading about his terrible trial and his beautiful faith- his glorious trust in his Savior- how he traversed his own Calvary leaning on the arm of Jesus, brought tears to my eyes (that's saying something- I rarely ever cry at books!).  I encourage you to read this book- it is indeed a jewel in my library waiting to be placed in the hands of my children one day!

I read the version published by Lamplighter Publishing.  This company kindly edits and/or removes blasphemy, profanity, and other offensive or theologically incorrect statements from the original books, therefore I cannot vouch for any other version or publication of this book in this review.

Book Review: The Foundlings

Name of book:  The Foundlings

Series: The Peleg Chronicles

Author:  Matthew Christian Harding

Format:  Soft Cover

Ages: 10+

Overall Rating: 5 stars

Brief Synopsis:

   The Peleg Chronicles takes place in the historical time setting of “the days of Peleg” a few generations after Noah and the Flood.  During this time of dragons, dwarves, heathen priests, giants, and the like, adventure is bound to be discovered!

  The story begins with an awkward Lord McDougal, and his faithful shield-bearer, Fergus Leatherhead, as they struggle to save a dwarf from what they find out to be a heathen sacrifice.  Gimcrack, the dwarf, recounts his story- that of the God-fearing orphan boy, Thiery, and how he tried to rescue Gimcrack from the human sacrifice.

  This just begins the tale.  As the story progresses you get to know 13-year-old Thiery and his trusty wolf, Horatio, and witness the faith and adoration that Thiery has in his Lord God.  Through startling discoveries, seemingly hopeless situations, and heart palpitating battles, Thiery demonstrates his trust in the God of Noah and helps to build not only the faith of his friends, but also the reader as well.
  Though there is no singular plot, the book is made up of a series of vignettes and adventures experienced by both our Lord McDougal and Thiery- demonstrating the relationships between the worshipers of the one true God and those whose hearts are turned away from Him. 

-Worldview: Thoroughly Christian.  Even though this book is set in a time before Christ and before most scripture (save the book of Job) has been written, many Biblical passages are quoted by the characters as their own thoughts of God.

-Character Qualities:  Loyalty, Perseverance, Trust, Faith

-Romance:  None.

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  2200-2000 BC

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes.  As well as it could be without mentioning Jesus- He hadn’t been born at that time.

Final thoughts or comments:

  I LOVED this book!  I HIGHLY recommend this book to pretty much everyone.  I was so blessed by how much my faith was encouraged and built by this book.   As I read about the characters calling upon God in every distress, seeking His will, His direction in every area of their conduct, I was so encouraged. 

  The story kept me turning pages.  The chapters were fast-paced and the scenes well written.  The characters were noble and easy to love.  I especially loved Fergus- don’t ask me exactly why…

  I must congratulate the author in having a no-compromise worldview, writing a Christian fantasy book that those lovers of fantasy can enjoy without being worried about their Christianity being compromised or their time being wasted trying to pluck out the “values”.  Thank you, Mr. Harding!

                                                                    

Book Review: Hostage Lands

Name of book:  Hostage Lands

Author:  Douglas Bond

Format:  Soft Cover

Ages: 10+

Overall Rating: 4 stars

Brief Synopsis:

  
When Neil Perkins, a reluctant student studying Latin, stumbles onto some ancient Roman tablets (written in Latin!) his fire for learning is kindled by the mystery behind them.  As he works tediously for days and late into some nights he uncovers the story of a Roman centurion under the command of tyranny- right in the middle of a hostile war between Romans and Celts.  When the centurion, Rusticus, finds out about a tyrannical and selfish move on account of his superiors that could cost him his life, his life is never the same again.    

-Worldview:  Since most of the tale is told from Rusticus’ point of view, being a heathen Roman, several mentions of pagan gods are mentioned.  Another character in the story is a Christian and the gospel is presented.

-Character Qualities:  Loyalty, Perseverance, Trust

-Romance:  Barely any (two characters that are hardly ever seen together get married in the end.)

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  100-300 AD

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes

Final thoughts or comments:

  This book was very interesting to say the least.  It did take me a little while to “get into it” but that might be because of the fact that I am a girl and prefer drama to sword-fighting ;-)

  I did not like very much that although the Gospel was given, the main character did not seem to be converted- you assume that he was, but there was no turning point.

  The author has an excellent writing style, (although he did seem to really enjoy using the word “din” more than was necessary ;-) ) He is descriptive and skillful- his writing reminded me of that which I read in old books- not “easy” reads, but very “meaty”.  

More information here.