christian fiction

Book Review: The Man Born to be King

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The Man Born to Be King by Dorothy L. Sayers

The Man Born to Be King: A Play-Cycle on the Life of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
by Dorothy L. Sayers

5 out of 5 stars

This collection of radio plays follows the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It tells the history of Christ from the perspective of the ordinary people around Him. The Three Wise Kings visit Bethlehem, John the Baptist preaches in the wilderness, and the twelve disciples are called to follow Jesus. Christ begins his ministry, performing miracles and healing people. Gradually Judas Iscariot is tempted into betraying Jesus. Caiaphas and Pilate and King Herod all try to manipulate the political situation at Jesus’ trial, ending with His crucifixion. The women find His tomb empty on the third day and Jesus visits his disciples after His resurrection.

These plays really capture the completely extraordinary experience of meeting God Himself in human form and shows how ordinary people were drawn to Christ. It’s really interesting to imagine more details around the actual history in the Bible. Some of the dialogue is straight from Scripture, and some of it is imagined or paraphrased.

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Book Review: The Girl from Montana

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The Girl from Montana by Grace Livingston Hill

The Girl from Montana
by Grace Livingston Hill

3.5 stars
After her parents and her brother die, Elizabeth is all alone in their remote cabin. A group of rowdy men threaten her, and Elizabeth flees in the night. She rides her horse across country, worried that the men might pursue her. She encounters a fellow traveler, a man who is lost, and they ride together for a few days. They form a tentative friendship, but are separated once they reach civilization again. Elizabeth travels on her own, searching for her relatives back East, and hoping to find her friend once again.

This is such a sweet and wholesome story! I actually cried a couple of times because Elizabeth is so incredibly brave and good. She suffers terribly, but manages to keep her heart pure. It was really inspirational to read about how she doesn’t let the everyday ugliness of life tear her down or make her bitter.

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Book Review: FootNail: Genesis Awakens

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Footnail by Howard Haugom

Footnail: Genesis Awakens
by  Howard Haugom, Akorede Adekoya, Ken Steacy (Illustrator)

2 out of 5 stars

Genesis returns home from college when her grandfather dies, and discovers that he left behind an ancient relic of great mystical power: one of the nails from the cross of Christ. Genesis must protect the relic from the powers of darkness and discover the strength of her own faith.

I really liked that this book uses a lot of quotes from the Bible, and has a clear message of faith in Christ. I always think it’s a very interesting premise that the nails from the cross could be imbued with power. It’s a cool mixture of fantasy and history!

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Book Review: Promises and Prophecies

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War of the Realms by Lee Watts, Th. D.

War of the Realms: Promises & Prophecies
by Lee Watts, Th. D.
3.5 stars
SYNOPSIS: Alexander is fighting a massive war against the Ramillie. With enemies on every side, he is desperate to make some allies. He gambles everything on one last surprise attack that could mean the end of the war.
Sosimo Larouche, the pirate captain, is closer than ever to finding the lost treasure of the famed Vault Keeper. With his first mate, Mei, he makes a daring plan to steal the final clue, a massive gem.
The angelic guardian, Merrick, tries to undo his mistakes from centuries before. He races against time to stop demonic forces from entering the world.

All the characters and their story lines from the first two books come together in this final epic book in the trilogy. The entire fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, and each soul must decide whether they will accept the forgiveness and grace of God, or side with the evil forces.

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Book Review: War of the Realms: Legions and Legacies

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War of the Realms by Lee Watts, Th. D.

War of the Realms: Legions & Legacies
by Lee Watts, Th. D.

5 out of 5 stars

SYNOPSIS:
Alexander is the heir to the throne of Theera-Enty. As foreign powers take control of the united worlds of Theera-Enty, Alexander struggles to keep his nation together. But it isn’t only human-kind who are working against him. The legendary Guardians must protect Alexander by battling against demonic beings who whisper evil into the minds of men.

The pirate captain, Sosimo, is desperate to find a lost treasure. Alexander’s half-brother, Salazar, will do anything to gain power, and the governments of different planets vie for control in a war that spans thousands of star systems.

This book has an epic scope as the people of Theera-Enty begin a fight against oppression, and Alexander struggles to understand a prophecy regarding the throne. A mysterious key might lead to a treasure beyond imagining but no one can unravel its secrets.

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Sci-Fi Review: War of the Realms: Conquests and Consequences

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War of the Realms by Lee Watts, Th. D.

War of the Realms: Conquests & Consequences
by Lee Watts, Th. D.
3.5 out of 5 stars
SYNOPSIS:
Alexander is the heir to the throne of Theera-Enty. After a failed assassination attempt, he is stranded on a remote jungle planet while the kingdom is thrown into chaos. But it isn’t only human-kind who are working against him. The legendary Guardians must protect Alexander by battling against demonic beings who whisper evil into the minds of men. A pirate captain is caught in the middle of the war, a group of castaways look for rescue, an old priest preaches for repentance, and the governments of different planets vie for power.

This book has an epic scope as the people of Theera-Enty begin a fight against oppression, and Alexander struggles to understand a prophecy regarding the throne. A mysterious key might lead to a treasure beyond imagining but no one can unravel its secrets.

PLOT/ACTION:
This plot is full of so much action and twists and betrayals and big reveals! It really kept my interest through every chapter. There is a big space battle at the end of the book that amazed me from start to finish. Usually I am bored by fight scenes, but this was presented like a puzzle to be solved. How are they going to survive? What tricks and tactics can they use to overpower the enemy? It was fascinating, and full of emotional moments as characters had to face their worst fears and find the courage to keep going.

THEMES:
There are deep themes about faith, spiritual warfare, friendship, courage, the nature of truth, and the proper roles of government and education. These powerful messages are so smoothly woven into the story that it never feels too preachy. It makes the story really meaningful. I especially appreciated the spiritual themes and the clear messages about God’s love and forgiveness through Christ.

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Book Review: War for the Waking World

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The War for the Waking World by Wayne Thomas Batson
The War for the Waking World (Dreamtreaders, #3) 
by Wayne Thomas Batson (Goodreads Author)

3 out of 5 stars

Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders are fighting the final battle. With the Rift tearing their world apart, they will need some strange allies to pull things back together. Kara has taken the Nightmare Lord’s throne, and is throwing the world into chaos in her desperate grab for power. Archer will have to think outside the box to find a way to defeat Kara and her armies before the Rift destroys everything they know.

I continue to love Archer’s character! He grows and changes and becomes more mature in this book. He’s no longer reckless and foolish. He takes responsibility for his bad choices, and puts his own needs aside to focus on helping others. Continue reading →

Book Review: Search for the Shadow Key

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Search for the Shadow Key by Wayne Thomas Batson
Search for the Shadow Key (Dreamtreaders, #2) 
by Wayne Thomas Batson(Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars
“The Nightmare Lord has been thrown down, but his throne is no longer empty. Rigby Thames has taken up the evil mantle with Kara Windchil as his queen. Now the only living dreamtreader, Archer Keaton finds himself on the outside of two worlds looking in. Dream Walking Inc. is taking the world by storm, allowing Rigby to build an unstoppable empire. Worse still, Rigby has unleashed the Tendrils, shadow people who can cross over into the waking world. As Archer s family and friends begin to disappear, unexpected help comes in the form of the Wind Maiden, a mysterious angelic being who seems to know how Archer can rescue his loved ones and defeat the new Nightmare King. But the cost may prove too dear for Archer to pay.”
– GoodReads Description

I’m so in love with this series! The dreamscape is incredibly imaginative. There’s always something new to discover beyond what we’ve already seen in the first book. The plot keeps me guessing the entire time, and the action just never stops. I love every single character, both the old characters from the first book and the new characters that are introduced. This second book is just as good as the first book in the series, which doesn’t happen often with series.
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Book Review: DreamTreaders

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Dreamtreaders by Wayne Thomas Batson
Dreamtreaders (Dreamtreaders, #1) 
by Wayne Thomas Batson (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars

“Fourteen-year-old Archer Keaton discovers he has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a Dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord, who wreaks chaos in the Dream World. But as Archer’s dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life.

Rigby Thames, the new kid from England, builds a suspicious rock star-like following at Dresden High School a little too quickly. Even Archer’s best friend and confidant, Kara Windchil, seems taken in by the cool guy with the wild blond hair, which definitely rubs Archer the wrong way. Archer must face two foes in two worlds, but he cannot succeed alone. Archer sets off to find other Dreamtreaders in a desperate attempt to defeat the enemy terrorizing his friends and family.”

-GoodReads Description
Love this book so much! From the first word, we are plunged straight into the action. This author really knows how to write fight scenes! The plot kept me guessing, and I loved discovering the Dream kingdoms. The world-building is just amazing! So imaginative and different from anything I’ve ever read.
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Book Review: Under the Red Spotlight

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Under the Red Spotlight by Shawn King
Under the Red Spotlight 
by Shawn King

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Tamryn is a slave in a circus, along with her aerialist partners, Torin and Patrick. They are beaten and starved, forced to perform for the cheering crowds, until one day Tamryn’s situation becomes desperate and Torin risks everything to help her escape. Separated from the only family she knows, Tamryn struggles to find a balance between survival and following her true heart. Torin vows to find a way to escape and be reunited with Tamryn, but the circus owner is ruthless and cruel. Escape seems impossible. In the middle of it all, Patrick seeks for comfort in the arms of Jessica, Tamryn’s replacement in their aerial act. Four young people searching for freedom, and they will only find it through knowing Christ.

I loved this book!!! I don’t know if it was the writing, the characters, or the dramatic plot… but this story pulled me in. There is so much action and running around and drama! Usually I don’t even like circus stories, but this one definitely captured my attention.
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