Book Review- Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow

     Hunter Brown is your average High School prankster; the only thing he seems to be good at is getting into trouble. But his whole life changes when he is given a mysterious book and key. Strange dreams and visions lead him to the land of Solandria where he must find a man named Aviad.

     

     Hunter soon learns that something dark is hunting him. The Shadow wants to turn Hunter away from his mission to find Aviad, and they will stop at nothing to capture him. With the help of the Codebearers (warriors who are part of a Resistance against The Shadow), Hunter trains in the ways of the Author. But Hunter is not completely sure he trusts the Author with his life, as the Codebearers do. Will he join the Shadow? Or will he learn to have faith in the Author and Aviad?

     I loved the way this book parallels the journey to Salvation. It really made me think about what it is that Christ does for us when we accept Him as Savior. The book is packed with plenty of surprises. I would recommend it to anyone.

If you would like more information about Hunter Brown or its creators, The Miller Brothers, here is the link to the official site: http://www.codebearers.com/
  
Post Tenebras Lux!
-ST  

Book Review - Rise of the Dibor

     In the land of Dionia, something evil is stirring. An ancient menace threatens the peaceful kingdom; even the earth cries out for mercy. Twelve young men, the sons of kings, are chosen to be trained as warriors to combat the enemy. These are the Dibor.

     This story follows Luik, one of the Dibor, as he grows from a boy to a man amid the chaos of war. Horrors unspeakable, blood-filled battles, the depravity of man, and one Truth that stands forever. Will the rise of the Dibor be enough to counter the rise of evil? The answer is not what you expect.

     Christopher Hopper writes the story as if it were a song, filling it with detailed descriptions. Though some readers may be bored by the descriptions, I appreciated Hopper's original way of writing.
     The plot was also very different, as it explores the question, "What would life have been like if Adam never sinned?"
     One thing I did not love about the book was the romance between Luik and a princess. There was nothing overtly wrong about it, but I am of the opinion that stories for kids and teens are better off without romance (without getting too far into it, as this is another discussion altogether).
     Overall, I think Rise of the Dibor is a good book for teens.

     If you would like to know more about Christopher Hopper or read Rise of the Dibor, click the links below.

http://www.christopherhopper.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Dibor-White-Lion-Chronicles

Post Tenebras Lux!
 -ST

Book Review- Curse of the Spider King

     What would you do if you discovered you were an Elven lord from another world? What if you were being hunted by beings who could take on the form of anyone, even your most trusted friends and family? What if you suddenly gained incredible power that could enable you to see the future, walk on air, or read thoughts? These are the exciting questions Curse of the Spider King asks.
     Hundreds of years ago, the mighty kingdom of the Elves was overtaken by the Spider King. Though the Elven Sentinels of Allyra fought valiantly, they were no match for the Spider King's forces, and the enemy succeeded in capturing the seven prophesied lords of Allyra, all of whom were still only babies. 
     The surviving remnant of Elves were forced to flee underground to escape total annihilation by the Spider King. There they hid for centuries, until rumors spread that the Elven lords were still alive... but not in the world of Berinfell....

     Curse of the Spider King follows seven young teenagers- teenagers who think they are human. But there are others who know better. Some want to bring them home, back to their rightful place in Berinfell. Some want them dead. Who can be trusted? There is nowhere to hide. Will anyone escape the wrath of the Spider King?

 I found Curse of the Spider King to be very intriguing. All around, it was a very good book that I would recommend to any teenager. My favorite thing about it is how the evil Wisps can only be slain using words that parallel the Scripture!

If this book sounds like something you would enjoy, click on the link on the side bar.

If you want more information on the authors of this book, here are the links to their blogs:
www.christopherhopper.com
www.enterthedoorwithin,blogspot.com