Christian Fiction Reviews

Lassie: Hayloft Hideout

2012-01-21T22:29:00.002-06:00

Sarah said slowly, almost to herself, “You guys live here, don’t you?” Briny started to protest. Sarah just stared at her until Briny said in a small voice, “Don’t tell anyone, Sarah, please.”

Book: Lassie Hayloft Hideout by Marian Bray, Chariot Books, 1996

Genre: Adventure, Animal Stories

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 10-14

Subjects: Stealing, Lying, Trust in God, Showing love to others

Summary: Jimmy is interested in one thing and one thing only right now: winning the contest to be the one to meet football hero, Blair Coughlin. But Sarah has a different priority right now, and that priority is causing her to do things she never would have dreamed she would do things like lying to her parents and stealing. A family of six kids is living out in an abandoned barn because their parents are both dead and they will be split up and sent to various foster homes if they get caught. Sarah and Jimmy’s goals conflict when Jimmy brings home the money he raised for the contest and Sarah steals it to give to the kids. Something has to change – but what?

Notes: This is one of the books in the Lassie series, based off of the TV shows. In this book Jimmy and Sarah both have lessons to learn. Jimmy learns about showing love to others when a kid on his team is accused of being the one to steal the money just because he’s quiet and shy and others don’t know a lot about him. By the end of the book he has shifted his priorities to put showing love to others as a higher priority than meeting his hero. Sarah has to learn to trust God and the adults in her life. She quickly falls into believing that not telling the adults and letting the kids stay in an abandoned barn is what’s best for them and even agrees to steal and lie for them. She has to learn to trust and to be trustworthy. It’s sort of a look at doing the wrong thing for the right reason.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Samuel 15::22 –But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Lassie: Danger At Echo Cliffs

2012-01-21T21:54:00.002-06:00

“Why did Lassie fall?” asked Sarah. Jimmy gently stroked his dog’s head. “I’m not sure,” he said, not wanting to believe what flickered in his brain.

Book: Lassie Danger At Echo Cliffs by Marian Bray, Chariot Books, 1996

Genre: Adventure, Animal Stories

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Worldview, Trust in God

Summary: Jimmy isn’t convinced that he and Sarah are going to have that exciting of a spring break. They’re spending it with their uncle on an archeological exploration of ruins in New Mexico. Some of their uncle’s college students are on this trip as well. When Jimmy, Sarah and Karina, one of the students, get separated from the rest of the group during a hail storm, they stumble into danger. When the river bed floods they become trapped on the wrong side of the river. Lassie is with them and instinctively saves them from a cave-in but becomes blind in the process! Now they’re trapped with an injured dog and no way to get back home.
Notes: This is one of the books in the Lassie series, based off of the TV shows. In this book Jimmy receives an opportunity to witness to someone with a different worldview. At one point in the book he recognizes that Karina would have to give up the worldview of her people if she wanted to become a Christian but that it’s been easy for him, having been raised in a Bible believing home. He is portrayed as mature enough to recognize that he needs to know more about her beliefs, not in order to condemn her for being wrong, but to understand and get to know her better so he can share God’s love and power with her. It’s done simply so that 10 year olds could understand it, but done well.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 1:20 – For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Elyon

2011-12-31T23:50:00.000-06:00

I’m trapped. Trapped in hell and turning Scab while these insane Forest Dwellers try to convince me the inevitable won’t happen.

Book: Elyon by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness, Love, Betrayal, Sacrifice

Summary: The battle for control of Johnis’ mind continues with Silvie and Shadea both wanting it. Marak continues to battle between his conscience and his orders and his attraction to this feisty, troublesome female who has chosen to stand by him no matter what. Shadea continues to struggle to take out her enemy. And Darsal, foolish Darsal who has chosen to love the enemy, just wants them all to drown!

Notes: This is the sixth and last in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Johnis continues to face the issue of seduction as Shadea uses seduction to convince Johnis to do her will. Darsal continues to face the challenge of being asked to love the enemy. More than any of the others in the series, this one feels like a continuance of the last adventure rather than a new one. Therefore the issues they struggle with are the same.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Lunatic

2011-12-31T23:42:00.001-06:00

I’m trapped. Trapped in hell and turning Scab while these insane Forest Dwellers try to convince me the inevitable won’t happen.

Book: Lunatic by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness, Love, Betrayal, Sacrifice

Summary: They’ve returned home but home is not the same. It’s been five years and in those five years the Horde successfully gained control. The followers of Elyon are in hiding and Darsal, Johnis and Silvie have no idea how to find them. Darsal finds herself a prisoner with some other followers of Elyon who tell her of the changes since she left. Johnis and Silvie are found by someone as well, but not a follower of Elyon. Rather they are found by Shaeda – some kind of being that has seized control of Johnis’ mind and will. Darsal, knowing the truth, opens herself up to Elyon and receives what must surely be a mistake in instructions: love the Horde. Johnis and Silvie are in desperate need of salvation but have no where to turn for it.

Notes: This is the fifth in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Johnis faces the issue of seduction as Shadea uses seduction to convince Johnis to do her will. Darsal faces the challenge of being asked to love the enemy.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you: Love your enemiesand pray for those who persecute you,

First Date

2011-12-31T23:34:00.002-06:00

“Hello, Jonathan. My name is Addy Davidson. I have no desire to be part of this ‘competition’, and I suggest my name be the very first you take off the list.”

Book: First Date by Krista McGee, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2012

Genre: Adventure/Romance/Allegory

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Sharing your faith, missions, loss, dating relationships, friendship

Summary: Addy is the last person she thinks should be chosen for a reality tv show where girls are competing to be the president’s son’s date to prom. But she’s the one who was chosen and like it or not, she’s on the show. And despite her prayers for God to get her out of it, He has put her here for some reason. But as the show goes on, she realizes that she actually kind of likes Jonathan. She hates all the attention and wants to go home, but she wouldn’t mind getting to know him a bit better. The trouble is that most of the other girls hate her for her successes with a few of the contests and the director really hates her! There isn’t much he won’t stoop top in order to get rid of Addy or at the very least, make her life quite miserable.

Notes: It’s the story of Esther! This book is a modern adventure story that’s telling the story of Esther. It’s got the parents dying when she’s young, being raised by an uncle, the uncle working for the government, a bad guy who’s a right hand man, an innocent and oblivious royal guy and a girl who’s afraid to share her faith and make it known that she belongs to Jesus. Addy struggles to do what she knows God wants of her, to have a good attitude and to be kind towards those who are being mean to her. She wants to share her faith but is afraid to do so. She’s always turning to God though, always asking for His help and is reading her Bible to find answers as well. Another issue covered is that her parents died when she was six while they worked as missionaries and she still feels some of the hurt and pain from that. Overall, this book covers the spiritual issues quite thoroughly. It’s a focus of the books.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Esther 4:14 – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Disclaimer: This book was provided for free by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Chaos

2011-12-31T23:15:00.002-06:00

“We made the right choice, Silvie.” But his voice was filled with doubt. “We’re here to find the seven books before the Dark One does. We’ll do that or die trying.”

Book: Chaos by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness, Love, Betrayal, Sacrifice

Summary: There’s in the histories now. It’s not just a simulation. They’ve truly gone back a thousands of years ago. And they’re all separated. Johnis and Silvie are together, but they have no idea where Kara or Darsal is. Kara and Darsal have been in this world for years already and it, as well as the loss of Billos has changed them. Johnis and Silvie have to find a way to regain control of their renegade emotions and figure out how to survive in this strange new world, but not only survive. They’ve got to find the other two and the books of history and get back home before evil takes over their entire land.

Notes: This is the fourth in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Johnis and Sylvie face the challenge of making good choices when their emotions are out of control. Darsal has to wrestle with a God who doesn’t give her everything she wants. Elyon allowed Billos to make his choice and allowed Darsal to make hers. Then He allowed them to face the natural consequences of those choices. But she is angry and is turning away from Elyon because she doesn’t like the consequence of their choices. It’s a story of how to respond to God when hard times come.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 1:21 – For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

Renegade

2011-12-31T11:30:00.001-06:00

Billos and the books were simply gone. Johnis, Silvie, and Darsal sat on their horses and stared, completely dumbstruck. Silvie was the first to find her voice. “He’s gone.” “They’re gone”, Johnis said.

Book: Renegade by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness, Love, Betrayal, Sacrifice

Summary: He’s gone into the other world. Billos has touched his finger to the books and is now somewhere in the other world, doing, who knows what! And he, of course, has the books with him. So now, it’s up to the other three to find a way to get another book and get to Billos before the evil ones do. But Billos isn’t alone. Marsuvees Black has already gotten to him and introduced Billos to power, super power.

Notes: This is the second in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Johnis has to figure out how to lead a broken hearted Darsal after her lover as well as Silvie who will now follow Johnis anywhere. They’ve been forbidden to tell anyone, even Thomas Hunter about these books, but when so much is at stake, it’s becoming increasingly hard to keep that vow. This book does a beautiful job portraying God’s unending and forgiving love for us as Billos gets more than he deserves. Then it also shows sacrificial love as Darsal is wiling to risk her life for Billos and in the end, Billos for her.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Infidel

2011-12-31T11:02:00.001-06:00

You’ve lost your mind, Johnis. He swallowed hard. He was mad. And your heart has been blackened by the Dark One. This time you’re playing with the lives of five hundred fathers and mothers.

Book: Infidel by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness, Love

Summary: His mother is alive! The horde know exactly what they’re doing. They set his mother’s ring out on a rock for the roush to find and deliver to Johnis hoping for exactly what he’s doing now: rushing off without telling anyone what’s going on and making foolish decisions that could destroy others in his attempt to rescue his mother. When the horde capture Silvie too and many die at the hands of the horde it’s time for better planning. Johnis is not only going to have to free his mother, but the other chosen ones as well.

Notes: This is the second in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Johnis has to make some very difficult choices and learn what it really does mean to follow his heart. He thinks that rushing off and leading others to their death in an attempt to rescue his mother is following his heart, but realizes that’s not what Elyon wants of him. He has to learn to trust his mother’s care to Elyon and proceed with wisdom and caution.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 4:23 –Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Making Waves

2011-12-31T10:47:00.002-06:00

“I feel so much pressure. My mom is pressuring me not to let anything slip. Coach is pressuring me to be the best. I’m pressuring myself to earn a scholarship.” She took a tissue from Pam and blew her nose. “All of those are good things, but sometimes it’s just too much when you put them all together – especially when I’m so tired.”

Book: Making Waves by Nicole O'Dell, Barbour Publishing, 2010

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-18

Subjects: Stress, Friendship, Evangelism, Relationship with parents, drugs, dating relationships

Summary: The pressure is everywhere! If she really wants to succeed at swimming and earn a scholarship then Kate needs to be at practice twice a day and on Saturday. And she needs to be at her best during each of these practices, but especially during competitions. But she can’t let anything else slip – her friendships, her relationship with her mom, her commitment to the Church musical, her grades, her new dating relationship – anything. Finally the pressure gets too much and some of the other team members notice and give her a suggestion: get addicted to caffeine. So she starts using coffee, energy drinks and caffeine pills to get through the day. It works great until her mom finds out and demands she stop completely. Then comes the big state competition and with no supplements Kate feels worn down and desperately in need of something. When she asks the other team members for help, their offer comes in the form of a new substance she hasn’t done yet: drugs.

Notes: This is one of the Scenarios books – a series where the books start out as a standard realistic fiction book with girls in their mid-teens dealing with normal teen issues. Then at the climax of the book it becomes a choose your own adventure style with two endings the reader can pick from. Both endings are fairly realistic, not a happily-ever-after fairy tale with one choice and misery with the other, but rather both open and real about possible consequences of choices. In this book, the character gets overwhelmed with all the pressure of a normal high school girl and turns to supplements to get by until she if offered illegal drugs and has to choose whether or not to accept it. One ending shows the possible consequences of accepting, the other shows the possible consequences of not accepting and going so far as to turn in to the teacher those who offered it. Another issue brought up is that of dating relationships as she considers whether or not to pursue turning a friendship into a dating relationship. With both endings she considers the possibility of waiting before stepping into that kind of relationship. As for spiritual elements, the character is a Christian but has hidden that fact from the others on her swim team. They know she goes to Church, but she says her mom makes her. In the endings we see how her decision to not act like a Christian or be bold about her faith causes her team members to doubt her when she claims she is. She also learns to turn to Christ as a source of strength and begins praying and putting her trust in Him rather than supplements to find the strength to do her best.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 40:29 – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Alienation

2011-12-31T09:45:00.003-06:00

She slipped a USB drive into Colt’s hand. “There’s a file called Operation Nemsis – as in the Greek god of revenge.” “Okay,” Colt said, confused. “One of the documents is a list of people who have been targeted for termination,” she said. “Senator Bishop’s name is on there… and so is yours.”

Book: Alienation by Jon S. Lewis, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011

Genre: Science Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 13-20

Subjects: Aliens, Loss of parents, friendship, dating relationships, courage, greed, power

Summary: Now it’s not only the aliens who are out to get Colt, it’s the good guys too! The director of C.H.A.O.S. wants him dead. It seems that when Colt was young, people were injected with alien DNA in hopes that one of them would become the legendary Thule Betrayer who would turn against the aliens and save the humans from them. And Colt is the only one who’s body did not reject the DNA. So he’s supposed to be the savior of the world. That would mean taking over the job of director of C.H.A.O.S. and that’s exactly what the current director can’t allow. So Colt gets added to his list of people to get rid of and the alien who works for him begins the attempts to kill Colt.

Notes: This is the second in the C.H.A.O.S. novels, a series that explores the question of “What if aliens were real and were determined to take over our world?”. In this book Colt is about to start his training at the C.H.A.O.S. academy with his friends Oz and Danielle. But before he can get there, he learns about his being injected with the alien DNA as a child and the legend. And he learns about the director’s plans to kill him. There is not as much focus on the loss of his parents, but still some as he continues to mourn them. He notes that he is into the anger stage of the processes of grieving. Then action takes back over and we don’t hear much more about it. He continues to do the right thing no matter what trials come his way. As for outright spiritual elements – this book, unlike the first one, actually includes a spiritually focused scene. Colt’s grandfather gives him a medallion with a Bible verse on it about God being our refuge and strength and says that while he was fighting, this verse would encourage him to not give up. And towards the end, there is a scene where Colt finds his grandfather reading a Bible.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 2:11 – Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.

The Island Mystery

2011-12-31T00:29:00.002-06:00

“How about it, kids? Which one of you will go?”

Book: The Island Mystery by Janet Bly, Chariot Books, 1985

Genre: Adventure (Choose Your Own Adventure Book)

Target Audience: Boys 11-13

Subjects: Trust in God

Summary: It’s an exciting opportunity –a trip to Hawaii to present a computer game so good it got the attention of an international cooperation. But before they arrive, the characters face some pretty extreme choices. Bad guys chasing after them lead to decisions such as running for your life and fighting off strange creatures in a cave.

Notes: This is a “Choose your own adventure book” with a new option nearly every page. There is very little spiritual elements in the book although in one of the endings the main character does share his faith with someone.

Recommendation Scale2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 16:16 –How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

The Temptations of Pleasure Island

2011-12-31T00:16:00.002-06:00

“This is a great place,, but these people think about nothing but having fun. Everybody goes somewhere every night. A party, or a race, or a concert, or a ball. There’s got to be more to life than just having fun!”

Book: The Temptations of Pleasure Island by Gilbert Morris, Moody Publishers, 2000

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Adventure/Futuristic

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-17

Subject: Pleasure and entertainment, gambling, good vs. evil, relationships with family, temptation

Summary: A vacation at last! The sleepers are sent to Pleasure Island for some relaxation and there’s no place better for it. These people are absolute experts at having fun. The sleepers are honored guests of the royal family and given all the privileges of such. Reb gets to join the horse racing, Abby gets to go shopping and the others are offered plenty of fun activities as well. But all is not as it seems on the surface. The king has been getting more and more depressed and the Dark Lord is planning on taking full advantage of the focus on fun to achieve his own goals. And if the sleepers get in the way, they’ll just be destroyed.

Notes: This story looks at how temptation can come disguised as something fun and pleasurable. The people of this kingdom are offered any form of pleasure they desire but the most they focus on the it, the less fulfilled they become. The Seven Sleepers series is Science Fiction in that it is futuristic. It is not meant to be fantasy. It is meant to be realistic fiction set in the future, but it seems like fantasy most of the time! The story takes place after the earth has been almost destroyed by nuclear warfare. What's left has been genetically changed and messed up. All sorts of strange creatures and people exist now that didn't before. Whether it be giants, dinosaurs or something else, most of "Nuworld" is strange and seems like something that could only exist in fantasy. The sleepers are 7 children who were placed in sleep capsules right before the war began, then the capsules opened 50 years later to this genetically altered world.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Replication

2011-12-30T23:54:00.001-06:00

Martyr swallowed and closed his eyes. “My purpose is to expire. To be a sacrifice for those who live outside. I expire in twenty-five days, when I turn eighteen. Then my purpose will be fulfilled.”

Book: Replication by Jill Willamson, Zondervan Publishers, 2011

Genre: Science Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16-20

Subjects: Cloning, Genetics, Chronic disease, Dating relationships, friendship, evangelism, love

Summary: J:3:3 has one purpose in existence – to expire. He’s a real human, but he’s been cloned in secret cloning farm and taught all his life that he will only live for a certain time and only to make it so that others can live full lives in the outside world. Abby doesn’t know what her purpose in existence is. Her parents fought a lot while her mom was alive, then her mom died of cancer. Now her dad is hauling her off to Alaska where he’s found a new job and Abby is even more unsure what her purpose is. When their two worlds collide everything they thought they knew about themselves could change.

Notes: This book explores a concept that some believe will be reality one day: cloning human beings. Abby knows what her mom believed about it and knows what her dad believes about it and has to decide for herself what she believes. She is a Christian and bases her decisions on her Christian worldview. Martyr quickly becomes a Christian, eagerly studying the Bible and learning more about God. When romance comes into the picture, it comes from studying the Bible. Martyr, the new Christian, then at the end, shows Abby, the one who has been a Christian for years, what it means to follow Christ. And once again, the Bible is quoted. The Bible and what it means to truly follow Christ is a big focus of this book. It is implied as the ultimate source of authority.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 16:11 – You have madeknown to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Lassie: Under The Big Top

2011-12-30T22:58:00.002-06:00

Jimmy was mad at his parents. At God, too. Why wouldn’t his parents help look more for Lassie? And why wouldn’t God answer his prayer and send Lassie home?

Book: Lassie: Under The Big Top by Marian Bray, Chariot Books, 1995

Genre: Adventure/Animal Story

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Trust in God, Loss, Anger, Prayer

Summary: As Jimmy plays with his friend for a little bit, Lassie plays with her friend. But then Lassie gets caught in something and winds up in a truck, not getting free until she’s hours from home. Jimmy has no idea where she is and is devastated at the loss! A few clues come up and they follow them, but Lassie is no where to be found. As time goes by, everyone except Jimmy stops searching and moves on with life. But Jimmy has no idea how to recover from this loss! Will he ever see Lassie again?
Notes: This is one of the books in the Lassie series, based off of the TV shows. In this book Jimmy struggles with his attitude toward God and toward his parents after Lassie disappears. He does not trust God anymore. He even stops hanging out with any of his friends because of his anger. Then he runs into some kids he does not know all that well that tell him that never stopped praying for him and for Lassie’s return. He realizes that God had never left him, nor Lassie for that matter and recognizes that the kids who never stopped praying were the faithful ones, not himself who just got angry and stopped trusting.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 12:12 – Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Dragons Of The Watch

2011-12-30T22:37:00.002-06:00

Rumbard City is under some kind of wizardry. Those rapscallions have been six for several centuries. But they don’t remember that they were six last year and will be six again on the next birthday. Therefore they never mature, never learn from their experiences, never grow up physically. They are little hooligans suspended in a perpetual state of selfish rebellion.

Book: Dragons Of The Watch by Donita K. Paul, Waterbrook Press, 2011

Genre: Fantasy/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls, 13-113

Subjects: Faith in God, Good vs. Evil struggles, Friendships, Maturity, Love

Summary: All she did was chase after her runaway goat. And the next thing she knew she was in a bottle. Ellie stumbled into a city that has been put under a spell – it’s been contained in a bottle for centuries as punishment for not following Wulder. All that’s left of the city’s residents are a bunch of unruly, out of control, six year olds and the “Old One”, the man who is presumably the guardian of these children. Thankfully though, there’s one more person in Rumbard City. Another Tumanhofer stumbled into the bottle too. Bealomondore, friend of Princess Tipper is unsure about his future. He once thought he was going to be an artist. Now however, he could be a politician, he could take over his family’s business, he could be a warrior. There’s plenty of time to figure it out now. Getting out of the bottle is not as easy as getting in. So Ellie and Bealomondore spend weeks pouring over the books in the library of the Old One, seeking answers on how to escape the bottle. And Ellie begins attempts to tame the children. Will this be their future or is there truly a way out of Rumbard City?

Notes: Fun. That’s what this book is – as are all of this author’s books. It’s not super deep, with some heavy issue for characters to struggle over, it’s just a simple matter of faith in Wulder or lack of faith. This focuses on what Wulder (God) ‘s will for a person’s life is. Bealomondore has fully placed his trust in Wulder and is seeking direction for his career. Ellie thinks her life is set for her. She assumes she will remain in her small community and always be lower class than Bealomondore. Ellie has to come to place her faith in Wulder as Bealomondore teaches her of him. And Bealomondore, as far as he has come in his understanding of Wulder, still is thinking only of himself as he considers his life, not others. Ellie’s simple compassion for the children challenges him. Each carefully evaluates their hearts, opening themselves up to what needs changing. I highly recommend this book, and the series – Dragons of Chiril to anyone wanting a fun, light, but encouraging reading.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Springtime Of Khan

2011-12-30T22:16:00.002-06:00

The horses were passing through the house when a voice, all too familiar, sliced through the evening stillness: “That’s my horse! She stole my horse!”

Book: Springtime Of Khan by Marian Flandrick Bray, Chariot Books, 1988

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Horse Story

Target Audience: Girls 12-16

Subjects: Friendship, Integrity, Relationship with family, Animal abuse, Showing love to enemies

Summary: When Emily finds a horse that has been abused the last thing she wants to do is give it back to it’s owner. When she finds out that the owner is the girl who has made herself Emily’s enemy, she’s even more reluctant. Since she can’t just steal another person’s property, she tries to convince her dad to help her buy the horse. But owning Khan won’t stop her troubles with Sarah. Sarah is still willing to go to great lengths to torment Emily. And that means that the danger is not yet over for Khan.

Notes: This is one of the two books by this author about these characters - a young girl, her brothers, father and friends. I have not been able to tell which one came first as they were both released at the same time and I currently only have access to this one. There are spiritual elements all through this book. Emily is a fairly new Christian but it seeking to do what God wants of her. She is reminded that she is to love her enemies but has a very difficult time doing this. When she needs wisdom or is in trouble she turns to God in prayer. There’s even a discussion about whether or not someone is saved and going to Heaven after death.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

The Song Of Unmaking

2011-12-30T21:47:00.002-06:00

As fast as he could, he sprinted up the riverbed, toward the horses, into the dark night. He ran, never looking back, with Cruedwyn close at his heels. He leapt onto his horse and rode hard towards Brimshane. Behind him, nightmares were coming to life.

Book: The Song Of Unmaking by D. Barkley Briggs, Living Ink Books, 2011

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Identity, Loss, Sacrifice, Courage

Summary: Things just keep getting worse for the Barlow brothers. Ewan is feeling more and more empty and useless all the time. An army of strange creatures called Goths – giant creatures that have only one purpose – to destroy, are unleashed and are attacking the castle harboring the brothers and many others. There seems to be no way to get word out that help is needed. And how is anyone supposed to stop these monsters anyway? If that’s not bad enough, it seems that Nemesia is not dead, but has returned and plans are being made for complete destruction of the land – a machine that will play a song of unmaking, a song to destroy the creation.

Notes: This is the 3^rd in the Legends of Karac Tor series about four brothers who travel to another world and have a role to play in saving the world. This author ties in connections to the King Arthur legends and the concept of naming – the power found in knowing your identity in Christ. In this book, the boys’ dad arrives as well and joins the adventures. The loss of his wife/their mother comes into play again in this book as one of the issues dealt with. The main issue continues to be seeking identity, especially for Ewan, but in at least a small way, for all of the brothers. As with the second book, there isn’t quite as powerful of imagery as the first, but it still focuses a bit on identity in Christ. This one also focuses a lot on loss and pain.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Lamentations 3:19-23 –I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Corus The Champion

2011-12-30T21:10:00.001-06:00

“Fine, mortal,” Marielle said slyly, smiling. “I will make you a bargain. A good bargain if you are not a fool. I will tell you where Corus is if you give me your music. The magic of the song will have passed from you to me.”

Book: Corus The Champion by D. Barkley Briggs, Living Ink Books, 2011

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Identity, Loss, Sacrifice, Courage

Summary: All four brothers are now in Karac Tor and each has his own role to play in stopping the evil that is spreading over the land. Nemisa was stopped but not before she had spread the discontent to all of the unnamed and not before she encouraged evil to come. The land needs a king and it needs a king’s champion. Both need to be set free though and their freedom will come at perhaps too high of a price to the Barlow brothers.

Notes: This is the 2^nd in the Legends of Karac Tor series about four brothers who travel to another world and have a role to play in saving the world. This author ties in connections to the King Arthur legends and the concept of naming – the power found in knowing your identity in Christ. In this book, each boy faces some challenge and adventure, but Ewan faces an especially difficult challenge as the price the fairy queen demands for freedom is Ewan’s gift of music. His music, playing the Creator’s song holds power and this is where he finds his identity. The spiritual elements are allegorical. This one isn’t as powerful of imagery as the first one but it still focuses a little bit on identity.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 5:19 – Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord

Torrent

2011-12-30T20:16:00.004-06:00

I’d been given my dearest desire – my family, here with me, making it possible. How could I be giving in? Now? After all we’d been through? The way had been made! I only has to escape this trap…

Book: Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bregren, David C. Cook Publishers, 2011

Genre: Fantasy/Historical/Modern Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14-19

Subjects: War, Love, Family relationships, destiny/purpose

Summary: They’re back again. This time they’ve got their dad with them as well. So the whole family is complete now. But even with the last enemy killed, there’s still more out there who want to see Marcello and his family destroyed. They’ve captured his brother and are using it as a trap to get to Marcello. Then they get Gabi again – this time with plans to force her into marriage to Marcello’s friend Rodolfo – a friend who is on the other side but truly admires Gabi. Surrender would be so easy. All they ask is a marriage to a kind man who would love her, but who is not Marcello. Is there any way out of this latest trap or is it time to stop fighting?

Notes: This is the third in the Rivers of Time series about two sisters who manage to accidentally travel through time to the 14^th century and play a large role in the events taking place in that time and place. As with the first two books, there is not a large amount of Christian references in it. There is no focus on the Bible. This book however has Gabi turning a little bit more to God. She feels God has given her a purpose in being in this time period – to belong to Marcello and be his wife. So when the enemy forces her to marry another at knifepoint she has to keep seeking wisdom and answers from Him.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Genesis 2:24 – For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Cascade

2011-12-30T20:16:00.002-06:00

I don’t know what freaked me out more. The idea of being at the mercy of Lord Paratore – or that they planned to attack Siena tomorrow. “You’ll go with him now, She-Wolf,” he said, his breath washing down the side of my cheek. “But after we deal this deathblow to Siena and those who serve her, I shall come and claim you as my rightful bounty. I shall teach you what it means to be woman in my keep.”

Book: Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren, David C. Cook Publishers, 2011

Genre: Fantasy/Historical/Modern Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14-19

Subjects: War, Love, Family relationships

Summary: They’re back. Gabi’s heart has led her back to 14^th century Italy with not only her sister, but her mom as well. Time to rejoice and celebrate the love between her and Marcello is short though. The enemy is pressing in with plans to utterly destroy Marcello, his home and all who live there. And they find their biggest advantage to winning in Gabi herself. Capturing her – the great She-Wolf of Siena, and the one who holds Marcello’s heart gives them the power they need to defeat Marcello. Gabi has to find a way to escape and help Marcello defeat the invaders before it’s too late. And in the midst of war, there still looms the question of “what if”. The girls wonder, if it’s possible to travel through time the way they have, could they go back to the time before their dad died and bring him here, to the 14^th century. Do they risk leaving the men who love them for a chance of saving their father?

Notes: This is the second in the Rivers of Time series about two sisters who manage to accidentally travel through time to the 14^th century and play a large role in the events taking place in that time and place. As with the first book, there is not a large amount of Christian references in it. There is no focus on the Bible. As for prayer, at one point Gabi says she is not much of a praying person, but she is now desperate and her understanding is that desperate people pray. She herself is not actually portrayed as a Christian. The characters put more trust in themselves and each other than in God.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Chosen

2011-12-29T16:07:00.001-06:00

“You are chosen to save the humans, lad.” Michal continued. “A chosen child marked by Elyon will prove his worth and destroy the Dark One.’ This was the second prophecy given to Thomas Hunter.

Book: Chosen by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness

Summary: Chosen? Little Jonas, a leader? A leader chosen to save his people? He doubts, but the very fact that he can see this furry little white creatures seems to confirm it. And when he does rescue the other three it seems as though it is true. But the danger is great. He has been asked to find all seven of the lost books of history, books that hold great power and terror, books that are either lost or in the hands of the evil one, books that could give the evil one the greatest power he desires, books he will stop at nothing to get a hold of. Compared to this, the danger in fighting the horde is nothing!

Notes: This is the first in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Jonas begins to learn that he has been called by Elyon and has to begin to make the choice of whether or not to follow him. He could stay relatively safe and live a simpler life, but Elyon asks him to not only follow Him, but to lead other in following Him, to lead those who don’t want to be led, especially by one younger than them.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Revewier: J:-)mi

Ephesians 1:11 – In him we were also chosen,having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

The Choice

2011-12-29T15:04:00.002-06:00

Her eyes were so full of worry, he couldn’t tell if she was mad at him or not. How could she not be? He thought miserably as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his dungarees and walked away from them kicking at the dirt. I messed this all up. She wouldn’t believe me now if I told her I was just trying to protect Bud. Nobody would. And maybe he couldn’t blame them. What if Abe does die? Will thought. It’s my fault. How did I make the wrong choice? I tried so hard to guess what Jesus would want me to do –

Book: The Choice by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2002

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: The war is at it’s end. Hitler is dead and some soldiers are on their way home – including Fawn’s dad. But not Will’s yet. And there’s still some battles to be fought. When Will, Miguel and the others discover a military site in the hills above their town and when Will pieces together parts of overheard conversations, he realizes that once again, someone he cares about could be in serious trouble. He also soon realizes that he has no desire to involve some of the others in trying to help. He doesn’t want them in trouble. But when they get involved anyway, Abe winds up in the hospital with severe injuries. Now Will really has no idea what to do. How can he help? How can he do what Jesus wants when he has no idea anymore what that is? He has many mentors in his life, but the things that are going on seem too big to share with anyone.

Notes: This is the fifth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will is still trying to take matters into his own hands when troubles come. He has learned to listen to and try to follow Jesus, but he still feels he has to DO something about all the troubles. He isn’t perfect at the end of this book, but he takes another major step in trusting God to take control of the troubles and concerns that come his way.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Joshua 24:15 – But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

The Struggle

2011-12-29T15:03:00.002-06:00

It seemed hopeless, and yet as he and Miguel rode their bikes back to town and parted ways at Canyon Road, a plan was already forming in his mind. God, I sure hope this is You, he prayed. I have to help Olive out of this miss she doesn’t even know she’s in. I gotta fight for her.

Book: The Struggle by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2002

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: A chance to hang out at a ranch and ride horses and just be kids again sounds perfect to Will, Fawn and their friends. But when Will tries again to take matters into his own hands and attempts to stop cattle rustlers, they find themselves under some very strict rules. Still, there’s chances for some fun and adventure. But when a secret friend of Will’s finds herself in trouble, Will knows he has to help her, even if it means putting himself in danger again and going against the rules.

Notes: This is the fifth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will hears a sermon about turning the other cheek and is quite furious at it. He is determined to NOT turn the other cheek, but make sure himself that things happen the way he thinks they should. He has been learning more and more to put his trust in God, but is still struggling because of the war and his dad being a prisoner of war. He learns the power of surrendering the outcome of battles to God rather than himself in this book.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:39 – But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Deuteronomy 3:22 – Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”

Addison Blakely: Confessions Of A PK

2011-12-28T09:05:00.002-06:00

It’s not like I have a problem with God or anything. He’s been there through a lot – like the death of my mother when I was five. It’s just that lately my prayers don’t seem to be getting father than my bedroom ceiling. And I can’t help but wonder what living outside of the fishbowl labeled “PK” would look like.

Book: Addison Blakely: Confessions Of A PK by Betsy St. Amant, Barbour Books, 2012

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-20

Subjects: Dating relationships, friendship, loss, relationship with parents, salvation, hypocrisy

Summary: Addison has been a PK all her life. That’s her identity. She’s been in the pew every time the doors were opened, volunteered for all sorts of things, attended Bible studies and even fed the homeless. And yet, she really has no idea what a relationship with God is all about. She knows all the “answers” but when temptation comes calling in the form of an attractive boy, when her dad starts dating her teacher, when her best friend turns against her, when her drama teacher gives her more responsibility than she can handle and when all the other kids start to spread nasty rumors about her, she has no idea where God is or how to respond. Drowning her sorrows in mocha isn’t helping. There must be some answers out there, but if being at Church every time the doors opened hasn’t provided them, then what will?

Notes: This is a very spiritually focused book. The main character has been a preacher’s kid all of her life and based her identity around it. But when a friend and the boy she likes starts challenging her, she realizes that she was basing her view of God on her view of her earthly father – with whom she has a very strained relationship. Her friend points out that her faith needs to become her own, not just her dad’s. The boy she likes has rejected Church because of hypocrisy, primarily the things his Church going parents did. The primary lesson comes at the end when, with the help of her friend, Addison begins to realize that her faith must be her own and starts to listen for God’s voice and follow His leading. It’s a picture of growing up, of struggling, of doubting, and then of coming out on top, stronger for the struggle.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 1:5-7 – I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

The Mission

2011-12-25T20:18:00.003-06:00

“I didn’t know then what I know now – not really,” Will said. Mom’s lips twitched. “And what, pray tell, is that?” “That Dad really has been rescued and he’s coming home.” “Well, we certainly like to think – “ No, Mom, I know. You’re the one who’s always telling me you pray for the things you want and if you have enough faith, they’ll come true.”

Book: The Mission by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2001

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: His dad IS coming home. Will’s sure of it. Some American prisoners of war were rescued and surely Will’s father will be among them. In the meantime, Will and Fawn want to do all they can to help the war effort. So when they get asked during a concert how much they will raise in war bonds, Fawn boldly proclaims $500! At first Will has no idea how they’re going to raise that much, but then he comes up with a great plan and enlists a new friend’s help in it. But their plans get messed up when, on his way to meet his friend, Will gets caught by the bullies from school who hate him so much.

Notes: This is the fifth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will has to learn a bit of the same lesson as in book two. Bad news from war makes Will believe he has to take action himself because God isn’t going to. He shifts his faith from God to himself – and promptly starts to make quite a mess of things! He has to learn how to trust in God and keep praying even when God doesn’t immediately give him the answers he wants.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.