Green
by Ted Dekker

Green is a great book that completes all the History Chronicles: the Lost Books, the Paradise Books, and, more specifically, the Circle Series. As in Black, Red, and White, the main character, Thomas Hunter is still fighting battles between good and evil…The Circle and the Horde. Except this time not with swords, but with compassion, despite the rejection of his son, Samuel, and others that are in doubt of Elyon’s plans.

The book began with the reenactment of the great wedding followed by an all night celebration worshiping Elyon, but then Samuel ruined the night of celebration by killing one of the Horde, who had been stalking the circle for years, killing at will. Thomas scolded him for doing that because they had put there killing days behind them, But Samuel insisted that they should strike back at the horde and get revenge, Samuel convinced some of his followers to assist him in his quest for revenge.

I was hooked from the first pages of the book to the last; I literally stayed up till about three o-clock in the morning reading the book. It would have to come in about second place of all my favorite books by Ted Dekker, the first of which being Saint. the only problem with the book was the ending which was not as good as I was hoping it would be; but it still it served its purpose in connecting the circle series. Overall it was a great book and I would definitely read it again. 392 pages. $25.99 hardcover

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Blaggard’s Moon
(Prequel to the Trophy Chase Trilogy)
by George Bryan Polivka

Smith Delaney is a man who is awaiting his demise. This is a novel, of Delaney remembering a story in vivid detail of how things went from one place to another in the world of vast pirating and pillaging where the townsfolk saw no end of terror. Polivka weaves an intriguing tale as a master storyteller that brings images easily to the mind’s eye of a reader and keeps one ceaselessly thirsting for more.

Many a book can grab me and pull with the never-ending page turning drama to a finish. This book is different. I was drawn and curious and could not unravel the tale fast enough, but the way the story was told in vivid detail and description causes one to take the tale at a leisurely pace. As a scene unfolds, it is almost necessary to full let it soak in from the words on the page to the reader’s eye and then the synapses of the brain. Each section brings a mini story and intrigues a bit further.

An adventure of pirates, murder, fights, romance, true love, revenge, and justice prevail. All through out, the story is enticing and pulls a reader to one way of thinking and then changes your mind to another. Mixed in the story in a very non-nagging manner is a fabulous undertone of what is coming… Where are your actions taking you and how will they affect the outcome of your life?

It is a thrilling ride filled with the sounds of splashing waves and crying gulls with the scent of salt water to one’s nose and I recommend it to many for a leisurely yet full of adventure ride. I am grateful that I was able to start my reading adventures of the Nearing Vast world through this prequel to the Trophy Chase trilogy. Now I am even more grateful that I have the first and third of the trilogy on my shelves waiting for me, and now must find a way to acquire the second novel. Then my adventure will be complete!

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Cyndere’s Midnight
by Jeff Overstreet

Jeff Overstreet burst onto the Christian fantasy scene with his stellar debut novel, "Auralia’s Colors". I anticipated the release of this book and was not disappointed in the least.

Imagine my expectations when I heard of his second in the series, "Cyndere’s Midnight". Much darker in tone than the first, this novel has a beauty and the beast essence that, in my opinion, is a gorgeous picture of redemption for the believer in Christ.

Jordam is a member of the cursed Beastmen we met in Jeff’s first novel. Set free from his curse, in a way, by Auralia and her colors, Jordam stands out among his four brothers.

Cyndere belongs to one of the ruling houses, and she shares a dream with her fiance, Deuneroi…a dream of breaking the curse on the Beastmen once and for all. But when tragedy befalls her beloved, will the dream die?

Remember our little friend, the ale boy? He reappears early on in this second installment…what role will he play in Cyndere’s dream? And can he find the Keeper without Auralia’s help…or will he wander into trouble he cannot escape?

Rich with imagination and creative description, Jeff’s novels are not easy reads. You must plunge deeply into this fictional fantasy world with him as your literary guide, trusting him to take you places only he knows the way to and from.

But once you fall under the spell of his lyrical writing, it’s almost a disappointment to close the book and return to the ‘real world’. I loved Jordam’s relationship to Cyndere, and kept on the edge of my seat trying to ‘read ahead’.

You can’t do that with Jeff. He stays one step ahead of you, the reader, and you have to let him take the lead. His map is laid out carefully, and his words are so selected to take you one place and to arrive there a tad bit scathed (is that even a word? I think I just made it up!)

Don’t worry, though. It’s obvious Jeff has traveled this strand many, many times himself, enjoying his own creative journey. With vawns and feelers and sisterlies, you can feel imagination soaring as it did in the days of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

I can’t predict the future, but I can easily see his books alongside "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Lord of the Rings" one day…and rightly so. It takes a special author to pen such imaginative worlds, and a special reader to fully appreciate the magic of the literature.

My prayer is that you’ll join in the fun, wonder, and adventure of "Cyndere’s Midnight". And yes, you need to begin with "Auralia’s Colors"! I’m giving this volume of the series five out of five bookmarks, with a rain canopy as a charm. If those ever become available, I’ll be first in line to purchase one!

Just as I’ll be first in line for the third volume in "The Auralia Thread" fantasy series!

Reviewed by Deena Peterson
A Peek At My Bookshelf Book Reviews

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THE VOICE
by Bill Myers

What if the voice of God has been captured on tape? What if it refutes the foundations of Judeo-Christian belief? What if its power could dissolve the very reality it created?

Thirteen-year-old Jazmin’s parents have just been captured by radicals, and her uncle, burned-out Special Forces Agent, Charles Madison, is the only one who can save them. Apparently, while creating a computer program, Jazmin’s parents discovered and recorded the voice of God. Now the implications have shaken the world to its core…and some have taken action.

Charlie is forced out of retirement, and with the help of Jazmin, and the attractive and mysterious Lisa Harmon, the trio circle the globe, hunting for religious radicals. But complications occur. And far more is at stake than Charlie and Jazmin originally thought.

THE VOICE is the latest release by prolific author Bill Myer. I can’t say that this genre is my favorite kind to read, and I really never got into this story. Since I didn’t understand a lot of the implications and occurrences, so I’m really not the best person to review this book.

The story does have nonstop action and suspense, and it carries through to the end of the book. Definitely a cutting-edge story, THE VOICE is not a book that fans of Sci Fi or Fantasy will want to miss. The writing is impeccable. $13.99. 294 pages.

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

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Fearless
by Robin Parrish

Recently on a mailing list, someone asked what were the favorite books from 2007. I chose Fearless by Robin Parrish. This book is the second book in the Dominion Trilogy Series. Last year, I read the first book, Relentless. The storyline matched the title perfectly because the novel was action packed from beginning to the end. I was so excited about this book I suggested it to a coworker. I didn’t think it would be the type of book she would normally enjoy, but being an avid reader, I knew she would be pulled into the action like myself. Well, after waiting a whole year for this second book to be released, I must say Fearless was well worth the wait.

The saga of Grant Burrows, now known as “The Guardian” continues. After a major catastrophe, Grant and his team of extraordinarily powered humans are trying to pick up the pieces. With natural disasters and rioting, the world as they know it is crumbling around them fast. Grant and his team try to save as many people as they can. But in the midst of the disasters “The Guardian” is still searching for the people behind his extreme powers. What frightens Grant the most is whether or not he’s responsible for what’s taking place in the world now. His team will travel all around the world to find out how they can save the world from totally self-destructing.

When I was younger, I loved reading my cousin’s comic books. Even if you’re not a fan of comic books or fantasy, readers will be drawn into these characters from the very first chapter. Now unlike some book series, you really do have to read book one of the Dominion Trilogy. There are explanations about events that occurred in the first book, but there are also quite a few new characters introduced in the second book. Some key, beloved characters from the beginning will lose their life, so background knowledge is very helpful. Essentially, this book is the middle of the story.

One of the reasons why I chose Fearless as my favorite book for 2007 was because the ending shocked me. It was one big cliffhanger and I have to admit I sat with my mouth hanging open for a good minute. Then I just got mad. So next summer, I’m will be looking forward to Merciless. I imagine Robin Parrish’s Dominion Trilogy will go down as a classic in years to come. It’s a phenomenal story.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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The Scarlet Trefoil
by L.A. Kelly

The Scarlet Trefoil is the third novel about Tahn Dorn. The exact year of the setting of the book isn’t disclosed, but the main mode of transportation is the horse, the main weapon a sword, and lords and ladies abound. I didn’t read the first novel, but the way the author writes, I never felt that I was missing any key information as I read the second novel. I felt this way about this book, too.

This is not an easy book to read. As stated above, I didn’t read the first novel, but in the second one the author put poor Tahn through so much pain and through so many difficult situations I questioned whether or not a mere mortal could have actually survived such treatment. I know that feeling would have been compounded if I’d actually read the first novel. As I got into this book there was a point where I literally said “Oh come on!” feeling that the author had gone way overboard this time. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The book opens with an invitation to the wedding of Tahn Dorn and Lady Netta Trilett. They’d both survived the horrors that were recounted in earlier novels and were now ready to embark on a new life together. It’s the day before the wedding and Netta is headed to her bridal party at another estate. Tahn isn’t thrilled with this idea at all. With all he’s been through over the years he fears for her safety. Adequate precautions are made. Men are hand picked by Tahn to escort Netta and Tahn is expected to attend a party given in his honor. He has problems enjoying himself as he continues to fear for Netta’s safety.

At last he can’t stand it any longer and heads out to meet her on her way home. What he finds is total chaos with injured and dead strewn all over. To his ultimate horror, Netta is missing. The rest of the book contains Tahn’s desperate search for the love of his life and reveals the lengths he’ll go to to save her life. The author also shows the deep love Netta has for Tahn and the great lengths she’ll go to for him as well.

Which brings me back to my main concern about this book. Even though this is fiction, the author really pushes the limits of believability. I don’t see how it’s humanly possible for anyone to survive everything that Tahn was put through. But having said that, I still enjoyed the book. It shows beyond a shadow of a doubt the fulfillment of “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!” It is only through divine intervention that both Tahn and Netta get through this harrowing time.

I would recommend this book for middle to late teens on up.

Reviewed by Lynn Worley

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Author: L.A. Kelly
Before I start the review, my advice would be to read the first book first. The name of this book is “Tahn.” I wish I could go back and read that book first. But now it’s too late. It’s like seeing the sequel before the original movie. You basically know how it’s going to end already, so it ruins it.

The author never says what year the story is set in, but the mode of transportation is wagons and horses and the main weapon is a sword. The story opens in a town called Onath, with the main character Tahn waking up from a nightmare. It’s the same one that’s haunted his dreams for as long as he can remember. Although his memory doesn’t go back all that far. He’s haunted by whatever happened back in his hometown called
Alastair when he was a child. He has been told that he helped his father murder his mother, and then one of the villagers poured scalding water on him. His next memory is of an evil man Samis kidnapping him and forcing him to not only join his gang but forces him to murder. He breaks away from Samis when he’s ordered to kill the Trillett family, and others, including children. He saves Benn, the noble and his daughter, Netta who end up bringing eight orphans to live with them.

The book opens a year afterwards. By that time Netta is in love with Tahn, but Tahn feels totally unworthy of that love because of his background. He’s totally changed but he can’t get passed all the evil that he’d done. The only way he thinks that he can become worthy of Netta’s love is to go back to Alastair and find out what happened, did he really have a part in his mother’s death? In the dream that haunts him, there’s a baby crying. Who is the baby and what does it mean? While Tahn is in Alastair, many horrible things happen to him.

As I was reading the book and seeing how Tahn reacted to everything that was happening, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul. No matter what happened to Paul, his faith held sure! Tahn went through many horrible things during his trip, but nothing could effect his faith, nothing could stop his desire to make peace with all who were against him. It’s hard to put into words the effect Tahn’s faith had on me.

I would highly recommend this book, but as I said at the beginning, read “Tahn” first to get the full effect.

Reviewed by Lynn Worley

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Return to Alastair
by L.A. Kelly

Once a feared mercenary, Tahn Dorn has abandoned his old ways and is building a new life. But his heart is still heavy. Return to Alastair is the continuing tale of an unlikely hero who must learn the power of forgiving others–and forgiving himself– in order to accept the love of a good lady.

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Shadow of Kiriath
by Karen Hancock

After months of conflict and opposition, Abramm Kalladorne has finally stepped into his destiny as king of Kiriath—only to find himself facing more problems than ever. Treachery and faithfulness, guilt and forgiveness, the joy of desires fulfilled and the pain of tragic loss all weave the tapestry of one man’s destiny realized—where mind- boggling blessings come wrapped in a mantle of suffering that will test Abramm’s faith and challenge everything he thinks he knows about himself and the one who owns his soul.

• The Shadow Within #2
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