CFRB Tours Stephanie Reed

The Christian Fiction Review Blog is touring Stephanie Reed's books, ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER and THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER. Although I have both books I've only read the one, the 2nd as it turns out. When I finish the other book I'll put up a review of that book, but for now can only speak about THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER.

While sometimes she seems to fly through the year at the speed of a 747, she does get down to business when she lands on the important parts of the story. I'd rather have this than a story that drags along hoping that you are getting all the picturesque foundation that they want to lay. Reed seems quite capable of getting enough description to the reader while allowing the story to keep its pace. If something isn't important in her mind she simply doesn't include it, which is a real joy for the reader.

I found her characterization really marvelous. Her descriptions of Johnny, the son of Rev. Rankin, and Eliza, the slave around whom the story is built, are ingenious and even moving. I can identify with Johnny, trying to just get alone, then having his little secret place invaded. I can identify being unjustly accused of something I didn't do, just as Johnny was. Her introduction of Johnny here is nothing short of wonderful. There is a definite shift when she introduces us to Eliza. Although I cannot identify with Eliza I can picture her and think of people who may be like her. It was easy for Eliza to come alive for me in this book. Her husband George also adds a marvelous touch. I didn't quite get Beulah, Eliza's daughter at first, but if you stick with her you'll understand. It's her grandson Shad that sparkles, even as a secondary character.

Reed has found a way to bring history to life. I want you to know that I am not normally a fan of historical fiction. They usually come off dry and boring. Let me assure you, there is very, very little about her works that can be considered dry or boring. From gazing out at the sun setting to a dangerous crossing on the breaking ice of the Ohio River she finds ways to make it all interesting. These books are good for all ages but may well take the place in young adult readings of the Little House books by Laura Ingalls-Wilder. In fact, while the Little House TV show was excellent, I found the books a bit dry. You won't find that here. These books are moving, filled with wonder, surprises, and color at every point along the way.


Be sure to check out Stephanie's site here.









You can purchase LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER AT:

Christian Books

Amazon

Target

And Yahoo.


Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

CFRB Tours Stephanie Reed

The Christian Fiction Review Blog is touring Stephanie Reed's books, ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER and THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER. Although I have both books I've only read the one, the 2nd as it turns out. When I finish the other book I'll put up a review of that book, but for now can only speak about THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER.

I read these in reverse order because of a communication mix-up on my end. However, I did read both books. I was able to get ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER finished in time to put up a post before my post for THE LIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER (a title that would have been suitable for both books).

In any event ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER follows the eldest of the Rankin boys, Adam Lowery Rankin, better known as Lowery, through his social and spiritual growth. There are places that I think Reed rushed things a bit. She seemed desperate to get the story out and in doing so I feel forgot to tell us some of the story. Having said that, it is a moving story of one young boy who, during a crucial time in American history, has to come to grips with his own feelings about slavery and whether or not God has called him into the ministry. The wavering back and forth I felt was realistic because I do it myself. Some of the more potent parts of the story are going to spring up at the most unexpected times, so brace yourself for a good read.

The Ohio River cuts a wide swath between Ohio and Kentucky, but there's a much bigger gulf that separates the sinner from God. There is, in fact, only One way across this river. Those of us on the free side are to help those running from the bondages and those that would drag them back into bondage. Sometimes we need to come face to face with these "slave hunters" in order to appreciate the Love of Jesus and be useful to Him. So pray up, saddle up, light your candle, and wait to help the next refuge to safety. "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, that you love one another."


Be sure to check out Stephanie's site here.









You can purchase ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER at:

Christian Books

Amazon

Target

And Yahoo.


Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

ANGEL OF WRATH, by Bill Myers

People from a church begin to die. The police can't call in accidental death or death by natural causes, because either on the person or at crime scene, and sometimes both, there is a note accusing them of committing a specific sin. These people attend Rev. Thomas Harmon's megachurch. His son Will, has been hanging around the wrong people trying to fit in. He just can't stand the hypocracy in the home anymore.

Former FBI agent Lisa Harmon, the pastor's brother, is called in to look at the case unofficially. She recognizes the work of a top assassin and calls upon a friend (who wants to be more than a friend) to help her check it out. Charlie Madison had his share of killing when he was in Special Ops, and now would like nothing better than to enter the ministry and settle down. He cares for Jasmine or "Jaz", his hearing-impaired niece. Together with local law enforcement officials they begin working on a case that seems to grow and get more confusing by the moment.

On the other side of this coin are a group of teens that have, for one reason or another, gotten into the occult. They hold sacrifices and black masses in a nearby woodland area. Their leader is thrilled at the appearance of a black-winged creature...until it nearly snatches away one of the girls from this group, and manages to carry away Will. The Angel of Wrath has come only it isn't what they expected. Only how do you fight a foe like this? Is this creature responsible for the deaths of the others, or are they working together somehow?

In Bill Myers' new release, ANGEL OF WRATH, we are introduced to spiritual warfare as only he can describe it to his readers. This is a follow up of his best-selling novel THE VOICE, so if you don't like to come in the middle of something (even though this can be read by itself quite well) you may want to get THE VOICE first, the start in on THE ANGEL OF WRATH. Either way ANGEL OF WRATH is worth your time.

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.




On Saturday, June 13th check out Laura's site for an interview with Bill Myers.

And don't forget to visit Bill Myer's site here.

To purchase ANGEL OF WRATH you can do so at the following sites:

ChristianBook.com
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Books a Million

Amish Love - with Cindy Woodsmall

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now

The Night Watchman, by Mark Mynheir

I had the extreme privilege of reading yet another of Mark Myheir's fantastic novels. This one, THE NIGHT WATCHMAN, features ex-cop Ray Quinn, as he is drawn into investigating a suspicious death in the Condo where he is working as a night watchman (hence the title).

We meet Ray on his way to work, and in doing so find out why he is no longer a detective with the Orlando Police Department. Seems that a year ago he was ambushed when approaching the home of a suspect. He sustained two wounds that left him almost paralyzed. He gets around with a cane these days. His partner wasn't as lucky. Quinn works with an over-anxious guard named Crevis. Motor-mouth would be a better description of him. Tall, thin, and supremely naive, Crevis wants, more than anything, to be a cop. Quinn becomes his hero, much to Ray's annoyance. When he lets in a woman to check in on her brother his world begins to come crashing down on him...again.

Pam, the sister of the now dead minister David (and dead stripper also found in his room), hires Quinn to clear her brother's name and to clear the ministries name. That would be a simple thing if it weren't for a few things. Quinn no longer is on the force, the case has been closed by the lead investigator, his life remains in danger, and everything he does seems to not only bring him closer to the truth, but in a way, further from the answers he needs. To make matters worse, Ray doesn't believe in a God that would let things like this happen. Prayer isn't something he holds of any value. So he resorts to human logic (albeit twisted in some areas). Ray has also grown from a somewhat cynical cop to a downright rude ex-cop. He begins to push away every means of help. Oh, and there's someone on the force that's dirty, so it's not like he can walk in and come clean with anyone on the force.

Quinn has 2 constant friends, "The Duke", whose portrait has a place of honor in his home, and Jim Beam, his strength and pain killer respectively. In this sense it reminds me of an old seedy detective story. Lots of whiskey, pretty women, people who want him dead, and even a sidekick.

The story has plenty of style, reality, action and real life application. I better stop before I give too much away. Just remember, not everything is as it appears. I give Myheir credit for not getting this guy saved somewhere between the pages of this first Ray Quinn book. It would have been too pat, and so out of synch with who Quinn is. Instead Mynheir stays true to his characters. This is a must read for all mystery fans. If I forget to post this on Amazon, just realize that my personal rating would be just above a 4.5, and from me that's more than excellent.

You can purchase his book online at:

ChristianBook
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Random House

He also has a personal site that you might want to check out. When I reviewed THE VOID, by Mark Mynheir, I knew I'd stumbled upon a truly great writer. It was great revisitng him. You can visit him at his site by clicking on his picture below.

The Ark, the Reed, and the Firecloud, by Jenny Cote

Who among us wouldn't love to re-enter history to see exactly how God worked things out that we have read about in Scripture? I know I would. I doubt that I would have picked the Flood, simply because staying aboard a ship with all those animals for a year would drive me nuts. Yet I've thought about walking around with Jesus during His earthly ministry, or following David from shepherd to king of Israel. I think I'd have enjoyed being part of the "battle of Jericho", and these are only a few of the many riviting stories that come to mind. Wouldn't it truly be great to re-enter history during one of these stories? Jenny Cote has found a way to do so in an imaginative way (that's what reading fiction is, right?) and added a little plus to it. What if, instead of seeing things unfold from Noah's point of view, we were able to see it all unfold from the animals' points of view? What if we could experience the trials it took to get to the ark, not knowing where they were heading? What would it be like on the ark itself? How did they get along with one another. (Max has a definite thing against wolves). There's so much packed in here that It's really hard to find a starting point. Yet just the idea of seeing it all through the eyes of the animals gives the story a new life all its own. To do this Jenny had to create some rather amazing, and sometimes rather not so amazing and predictable, characters. There are several underlying teachings that aren't really spoken, but come through anyway. One of those is all these animals, or at least most of them, got along with each other, so why can't we as people. It's a rather embarrassing thing to admit that animals can be more tolerant than we can, without giving up their own standards. So there is a message of learning to live at peace that isn't really stated, but it's in there. I challenge you to get yourself a copy and mine the other "precious gems" out of this wonderful novel. Get it for your kids and read it to them if you're embarrassed to buy it for yourself. Wise people realize that the children have much to teach them, while children who are wise realize they need us grown ups to help them learn. If we work together at this we can figure our how we are to train up our children, because they are teaching us all the time. For a period they are open to what we say. If they like what they hear they remain open much longer. If we fail them as parents, then that opportunity slips by and neither the child nor the adult are blessed by the wisdom of the other. So get it for your kids, or nephews and neices, or cousins, and read THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD to them. As you do learn from them as they learn from you.

Another thing I should mention is that THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD is being made into an animated movie. In my opinion it's about time Christians have more respectable movies and animations. Personally Veggie Tales just doesn't do it for me, and don't get me started on Bibleman. If done properly this would have the look of a professional animated movie that would appeal to children of all ages.

The following CFRB members will be posting reviews and/or interviews this week. We're gonna be sneaky though and not tell you who is posting when. So you'll just have to click on each of the buttons throughout the week and find out for yourselves. It's what we call a Tag Team Tour. In this way you will be able to discover new and exciting blogs even if they haven't put up their post for THE ARK, THE REED, AND THE FIRECLOUD yet.




Visit Jenny's site to learn more at JennyCote.Com













You can purchase this book at:

Jenny's Store

Amazon

ChristianBook.Com

ENDURING JUSTICE, by Amy Wallace

WaterBrook Press/ Multnomah Books is proud to present Enduring Justice, by Amy Wallace.

In Enduring Justice, Hanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her thoughts.

Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. And when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. When the attack turns personal, is healing still possible?

This thought-provoking novel deals with healing from sexual abuse, the balance of justice
and mercy, and maintaining mixed-race friendships in the midst of racial tension. Readers
who enjoy investigative thrillers by Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, and Catherine Coulter,
and who watch crime dramas like Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace will
love this book—and the entire series.

Author Bio:
Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises, a homeschool mom, and
self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy
and a contributing author of several books including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken
Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three
children in Georgia.

My Review:
Unlike Dee Henderson who tries to pair people up in a single book, usually a non-Christian becoming a Christian and marrying the Christian "love of their life" Amy Wallace takes a more direct and realistic approach. Both key characters, Hannah and Michael, are Christians, but they are flawed Christians (aren't we all?). She works Hannah's desire to re-enter a normal life despite her tortured background, while Michael is willing to wait for her to come around. That sounds dull, doesn't it? Well, it is far from dull. When Hannah is forced to face her past and protect those she loves she finds many obstacles in her path, specifically those thrown there by a white supremest group. Michael, on the other hand, finds obstacles being thrown in his direction as well, and by the same person. He becomes a driven person, driven to find justice...or revenge. They begin to learn the necessity of Christian fellowship, and prayer. I don't want to give too much away as this is a truly great novel (one that really belongs here on the Christian Mystery Writers blog for a change) Sometimes you will want to slap these heroes to get some sense into them. Other times you will cower with them under the dread that has come over them, or feel the rush of adrenaline to take justice into your own hands. You will totally be awestruck at how perverse this white supremest group can be. Like all truly great works this novel takes you on a journey. Being a Christian work it takes you on a journey through darkness and pain into light and peace, but the road is always what we make of it. It could be a straight road with few bumps, but our lack of faith always seems to get things all twisted up. We wrestle with things that we really don't need to...if we were truly walking by the Spirit. In the end, though, it offers us hope that even the most emotionally worn out and downtrodden can find victory. Be sure to pick this book up. If you can't buy it, check to see if your library has it. If it doesn't, request that they order the book (you really can do that. As a library clerk I outta know).

For those wishing to purchase the book online, here is the link you'll want:

Random House

SAVE MY CHILDREN, by Emily Wierenga

Christian Mystery Writers is pleased to include the following interview with Emily Wierenga, author of SAVE MY CHILDREN. This has been one really interesting read. I have to tell you, I would not have chosen to read this book on my own, however after having read it, I am so glad that I did. Please take the short time it takes to read this story. Let it get into your heart and mind and challenge you to greater heights in Christ Jesus. Now for the interview:

CMW - Could you tell us something about yourself, your family, what you are doing now?

EW - I am an author, a journalist, a painter, a songwriter, a follower of Jesus, a wife to a math teacher, a daughter to a pastor-father and a beautiful mother who has brain cancer, a older sister to three outstanding siblings, a mentor for teenagers, an art teacher, and a soon to be mother. Currently I am freelancing, and finishing a book commissioned by a family wanting to commemorate their daughter who died of Leukemia


CMW -Wow! That's quite a mouthful, and painfully descriptive answer. When did you first come in contact with Bethany House for Children?

EW - I first came in contact with Bethany Homes for Children while editing Living Light News (www.livinglightnews.org); they were advertising, and I became interested as my husband and I were working with youth and saw this as a great solution. I ended up on the board of directors, initially with the hopes of starting a teen home. Then, they asked me if I would consider writing a book about their organization, to commemorate their 60th anniversary. I agreed. My husband and I moved to Korea for a year, but following that I worked for 6 months writing the book. I wrote it in novel-format, as I wanted to protect the children of Bethany and to make it a story which would appeal to everyone.

CMW - What do remember most about Bethany House?

EW - I remember their heart: Bethany is an integrous organization which does what it professes. It loves children because of Jesus. No ulterior motive.

CMW - SAVE MY CHILDREN seems to be all non-fiction, but you state that it is a fictionalized account. Can you tell us what is fiction and what is not? or would that spoil things?

EW - Fiction is anything which isn't pure fact. Every story is based on fact, no matter how fictionalized it is, and similarly, this book is also based on fact. I have altered the details of the story, making up conversations which never happened, creating characters which never existed (based on the children who actually attended) and imagining up a story, based on the bare bones of what actually happened. The only names I didn't change were Harvey and Elsie's, but their characters and personalities, words and actions are all invented

CMW - I'd have to say you achieved your goal to the point where it's unknown which is which, and I suppose that's a very good thing. Which is your favorite chapter in SAVE MY CHILDREN?

EW - My favourite chapter is the one about Stormie. I really felt for her character. It was entirely fictionalized, as were all the characters, but I know the Jespersens helped girls like her, and that broke my heart

CMW - Which is your least favorite chapter.

EW -I don't like the one where Elsie dies. A part of me dies in it, as well.

CMW - You did that so well, I felt as if part of me died as well. If you had Harvey die as well I may have thrown the book away. It would have been just too painful. Do you wish you could have made this a longer, more in depth book?

EW - In many ways I wish I could have taken more creative license with this, and made it longer and more in-depth. But, because Bethany could only afford to pay me for six months, and all proceeds are going towards Bethany, in order to keep my career progressing I had to move on.

CMW - Did you really know the Jespersen's? What were they like? Did they inspire you in your walk with the Lord?

EW - I have met Harvey a few times; I never met Elsie (who has long passed away). Harvey is an unforgettable character; strong of stature and faith. His heart easily melts when he talks about children past; he recalls every name of every girl and boy that were ever in his care (over 800). I obviously based the fictional character on the real him, but I had to imagine how he'd respond to every situation, and carry himself in general. He has inspired me in my prayer life; despite being 91, and living in a retirement home, Harvey spends every day praying for missionaries around the world, for the children who've passed through Bethany, as well as the future of Bethany.

CMW - You were truly blessed to know the Jespersons. I can think of some people in my own life that have altered it to God's glory in much the same way. If you could ask one thing of God for Bethany House, what would it be?

EW - If I could ask one thing of God for Bethany Homes, it would be that He'd continue to give the directors faith. Harvey inspired thousands with his George-Mueller attitude: Don't ask; pray. He would pray, and receive. Such faith is hard to pass on. I pray God might give them the strength to believe.

CMW - That's an excellet motive. I think many people either have forgotten what faith is, or simply do not have living examples in their lives. It's good that you would have more Christians become those examples. Do you plan on staying with fiction or going into non-fiction?

EW - I have written both fiction and non; I've written a fiction based on a girl who had an eating disorder, and a non-fiction memoir on my mother entitled Mum's Dance. The book I'm currently writing is a novel inspired by the story of a girl's life, entitled The Girl Who Became A Butterfly. I am open to whatever the Lord has in store.

CMW - Thank you Emily. These are some really great answers. I pray that God continues to rain down His blessings on you and your household as you continue to serve Him. It has been a real pleasure touring SAVE MY CHILDREN, and getting to know you.


You can find additional information, reviews and so forth by visiting the following sites:




Emily Wierenga, in additon to being a freelance writer, was once deeply involved in Bethany House for Children.

Learn more about Emily Wierenga by visiting her own website.

You can find informaton on purchasing her book at the following locations:

Amazon

Target

Castle Quay Books

Emily also has a links to Bethany House and Castle Quay Books on her homepage.

The Christian Fiction Review Blog book for April is SAVE MY CHILDREN, by Emily Wierenga. This is redoubtably the most unique work of Christian fiction I've read to date. The reason I say this is that it's based on real people, real events, and it's difficult to figure out where the "fiction" in the story really is. Putting that aside, and the fact that many stories seem to be incomplete, another minor annoyance, SAVE MY CHILDREN, by Emily Wierenga is also one of the most powerful statements of love and faith in our world today, fiction or otherwise.

The story follows the Jespersens, particularly Harvey Jespersen, who from a youth had a calling of God upon his life to minister to children. The beginnings of this ministry are further off than he and his wife Elsie expected. Yet through this they learn patience and build upon the faith and trust they already have for their Lord. The ministry itself seems to be the burden of the local pastor, and a land owner who gives much of his land for the ministry. As people begin to grow cold to the idea and drift away they look and see Harvey and Elsie Jespersen continue on as if nothing had interrupted them. Soon they become "Mom" and "Dad" to the troubled youth who are sent there.

Youth come from all backgrounds, but mostly from some kind of abuse. Many, however, came simply because their real moms and dads couldn't afford to properly raise their children. You'll see story after story of these lives as they come in contact with the love of Jesus Christ as displayed in the Jespersens. This love is like an immovable rock that refuses to stop loving even under the most extraordinary circumstances. Yet once understood and accepted becomes like a healing salve to many wounded hearts. In the end, the children find that "Mom" and "Dad" Jespersen have become their real mother and father, people they have grown to love themselves and who will always be their for them.

The book takes you all the way to a bittersweet ending, where the Jespersens can no longer live on the place that has become known as Bethany House for Children. Their love for the children never dies. The book is a challenge to us to reach those around us with very real needs and to love them as Christ loves us. Whether your life or my life will be enriched by this challenge depends upon whether or not we respond to God in full obedience as did Harvey Jespersen. As far as fiction goes, you may want to skip this one. As far as good Christian writing goes, you'd be foolish to not read it.

You can find additional information, reviews and so forth by visiting the following sites:




Emily Wierenga, in additon to being a freelance writer, was once deeply involved in Bethany House for Children.

Learn more about Emily Wierenga by visiting her own website.

You can find informaton on purchasing her book at the following locations:

Amazon

Target

Castle Quay Books

Emily also has a links to Bethany House and Castle Quay Books on her homepage.

ERETZEL, by William McGrath

The Christian Fiction Review Blog (CFRB) has been touring ERETZEL, by William McGrath this week. Earlier in the week I posted an interview with Mr. McGrath which I hope you enjoyed. At that time I mentioned that I would be posting a review of this book later in the week. Well, this is that post, that review.

ERETZEL, by William McGrath is quite an achievement. It is book 2 in The Sword of Fire Trilogy following ASULON. Everything about these books is interesting, from the names he chooses to the anachronisms. The whole story seems to be both in the future and it the past. I say that because of the technology involved. An end times novel where swords, spears and arrows are the major weapons? Impossible, and yet McGrath no only makes you believe this possible, but normal. The difference between ASULON and ERETZEL, in my opinion, is the majority of the book actually takes place in and centers around Eretzel, while in the first book the origins took place in Asulon, but the rest of the book happened elsewhere. Also the focus was somewhat narrow, getting to know Daniel, Simon the priest, Moor, Rachel and the Sons of Anak, the death of Argeus and Anak, Daniel’s father and grandfather respectively. The cast of characters was large, and indeed there was much travel and therefore description of different lands, but it was still quite narrow, or focused. I suppose that would be a better word. Yet that word also describes ERETZEL and it is much more vast in scope than the previous book. This is interesting, since, as I stated, most of the book takes place in or focuses on events surrounding Eretzel.

It seems that McGrath is following J.R.R. Tolkien’s formula for his trilogy, but I will have to read his final installment to truly see if this is so. Yet while Tolkien begins with The Fellowship of the Ring, in which there is great action, but most of it centered around Frodo and his friends, and is about setting the stage for that which is to follow. We are learning something of the characters as we go along, and although we can see a darkness coming towards us it only slightly touches us. Oddly this is the same feeling we get with ASULON. Tolkien then brings his heroes into The Two Towers, a much darker, portion of his tale, one that is filled with action, most of which seems to be tilting against our friends. Eretzel has some of this, however it is far less dark, but the darkness that is coming we now know we cannot escape. Will McGrath follow Tolkien’s map to greatness as through the midst of darkness heroes are born, light shines through and victory is secured? One can only hope. I am not saying McGrath’s works are as great as Tolkien’s, although if seen in another context one might argue McGrath to be the superior, but I am bias towards Tolkien. I only mean here to show similarities between the epics.

Yet the similarities between McGrath’s fantasy and Tolkien’s epic is not the issue at all. It is McGrath’s ability to join future Biblical events to his work that makes his work so impressive. Indeed, had McGrath chosen Middle Earth rather than his own worlds, and hobbits, elves, dwarves and orcs rather than angels, giants and demons (okay there are dwarves here too) one might think Tolkien wrote only of the spiritual battle fought to seat Christ on the throne, through death as it were, while McGrath picks up the story at that point and talks about the events prior to Christ’s return. These two authors have simply chosen different periods of time in our lives with respect to the actions of Jesus Christ. I suppose one might find The Sword of Fire trilogy as an extension of an epic begun in another place at another time by another author. We find this work, ERETZEL to be of great importance, because, anachronisms aside, the events remind us of our world today. And if any would read the words of caution here they would say, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” - David Brollier












You can purchase his book at:

Pekiti-Tirsia International

Amazon

Yahoo

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

You just got tagged. Follow the links below to find today's review, interview or whatever else the CFRB members have in store. It's up you you to find out who has posted for today. Even if you end up on someone's site who hasn't posted for today, I'm sure you'll enjoy the visit. And yes, there will be a new post somewhere every day among one of those listed, sometimes you may even find two posts.

ERETZEL, by Willam McGrath

CFRB tours ERETZEL, by William McGrath this month. I will have a review later in the week, but for now I'd like to share with you an interview I had with the author. I hope you enjoy it.

CMW - Thank you for being here today Bill. I'm sure people want to hear more about your book ERETZEL, perhaps some things that we can't get in a review. So let's begin. ERETZEL is the 2nd book of yours we have had the privilege to tour. Bill, tell us how this book differs from ASULON. Were there different points you wanted to make?

WM - In Asulon, I had to introduce my characters and set up the situation in their world. In Eretzel, the main characters must face greater dangers and learn from their mistakes. In Asulon, the hero had to deal with a very personal concern; the death of a loved one. In Eretzel, all the characters must face a danger to their countries as a whole. In my third novel, Apocalypse, the whole world is at stake. The hero’s concern goes from himself, to his country, to the world.

CMW - That is truly amazing. I hadn't thought about it that way.

I can't help but notice that you are writing an end times fantasy, but it seems to be out of step with our time line. Why did you do that? I mean was there a reason for using swords, and wooden ships instead of current technology?

WM - I began writing this story in 1981 in response to a friend telling me about a movie about the Antichrist that I thought was very unbiblical (The Omen III). Therefore, I decided to write my own End Times story. I had read The Lord of the Rings a two years prior to this and it made a very strong impression on me. I thought it would be interesting to combine the two concepts into one story. There is an advantage to writing the story this way. It makes it much easier to use all the amazing creatures from the Bible verbatim and not change them into modern weapons as is sometimes done in other end times fiction. There is another reason for writing it as a fantasy though and it goes towards who I want to reach with this story. My intention was never to ‘preach to the choir’ with this story, but to send it out ‘eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners’. I really didn’t write it for practicing Christians, but for those who would not normally read a biblically based novel. I saw these books as a way to get people who didn’t normally read the Bible to get interested in reading the Great Story behind my little story.

CMW - I think you have succeeded, and I do indeed see some similarities between The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien and ERETZEL.

In ASULON Daniel falls in love with Rachael, and then Moor teaches him to discipline himself, because Daniel has the blood of angels in his veins. Yet in ERETZEL we find him winning her love back only to run into problems concerning the religion of the Abramim. Is Daniel ever going to get together with her, or is that something we will have to wait and see?

WM - In Asulon, Daniel is traveling across the ocean to marry one of Anak’s daughters. This is necessary for Daniel to become king of Asulon and also the way that his people enjoy twice the lifespan of normal men. On the voyage Daniel falls in love with Rachel. Moor realizes that this jeopardizes both Daniel’s kingship and the lifespan of his future children and trains Daniel in methods he believes will help him forget about his love. It doesn’t work of course and in Eretzel Daniel must win back Rachel’s love. Other problems arise once they bring Rachel back to her country. Though Rachel believes in Yeshua (Jesus) she is an Abramim (Jewish) by birth. The patriarch of her family forbids her from marrying anyone outside her own people. Throughout the story arch the hero meets the girl, looses the girl, wins her back partially, looses her again and of coarse (since you must have a happy ending in a good fantasy story) wins her in the end.

CMW - Yes, I confess I do like happy endings.

The names of a lot of the nations have been changed, although in some cases you have just written out things phonetically. How did you decide upon these names?

WM - My target audience for these books are teen boys. I choose names that are hidden just enough that a teenager will be able to figure which country I’m writing about if they do a bit of digging. The names I used were mostly the Biblical, Latin, Old English, historical or mythological versions of the modern names. When I couldn’t find something I liked in these, I use a classic writers technique used through out the ages and just wrote the name backwards. The exceptions to this would be Asulon, (my name for the U.S.) which means sanctuary or asylum in ancient Greek and Eretzel, which is a contraction of Eretz Israel, the official name of the modern country of Israel.

CMW - I've used similar techniques, especially writing a word backwards. Interesting.

Are you proposing end time doctrine in this fantasy, or are you just proposing some possibilities?

WM - I am neither a Bible scholar nor a prophet. I’m just a writer who is a Christian. My first priority is to tell a good story (using good in both senses of the word). However, it might help if I let you in on how I chose the views I did use in the story. My story takes a decidedly post-trib rapture view of the end times. That is the view of the early church fathers and of Bible teachers whom I respect. I think the pre-trib view used in many end times novels is a potentially dangerous bit of wishful thinking that has gotten popular mainly because it tells people what they want to hear. (Google the phrase “1840’s Millerites” to see an earlier example of this thinking in action).

However, my own personal belief is that the second coming of Christ will be just as hard to predict as his first coming. If you could go back in time and ask the top Bible scholars of 6 B.C. what their views were on the coming of the Jewish messiah, I don’t think any of them would have gotten the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus exactly right. Do I think the timeline I show in my books is the way things will happen? I don’t know. I just picked the theories that seemed the most logical to me. Whether they are the most logical to God is an entirely different matter.

Rather than the common seven year end times scenario you see in novels like mine, I think it is just as likely that all the prophecies in the Bible could have been fulfilled in sections dispersed throughout history and Jesus could return the moment after you finish reading this sentence.

CMW - I agree with you. Even with all the Scripture that talks about the coming events we have no conclusive details one way or the other. I believe that the pre-trib, post trib and even mid-trib viewpoints can be "proven" by Scripture. It seems that God has left this vague on purpose. (For non-Christians the terms used here pre-trib, post trib and mid trib refer to pre-tribulation, post-tribulation and mid tribulation as they refer to the return of Jesus)

I also notice the amount of detail you use whenever there is a sword fight, not to mention this is "The Sword of Fire" series. You also go into detail about how different swords are made and their uses. Is this because of your field of expertise?

WM - I’ve been studying a weapon’s based martial art since 1975 called Pekiti-Tirsia. I’ve also taken a number of knife and sword making classes and have lectured on the defensive use of knives at the New England Bladesmiths Guild seminar for the last twelve years. I wanted to work my experience in these subjects into my story. I like reading about sword fighting and such when I was a teen and I figured my target audience would too.

CMW - Would you tell our readers what Pekiti-Tirsia martial arts is all about.

WM - Pekiti-Tirsia is a Filipino martial art that emphasizes the use of weapons such as swords and knives. Rattan sticks are used as a training device for safety. You can see this art in use on my YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/TuhonBillMcg
You’ll find even more information on my website: www.pekiti.com

CMW - When can we expect your 3rd installment of "The Sword of Fire"?

WM - I’m working on it now. Asulon and Eretzel focus on the first half of the Tribulation. Apocalypse, the third book, will tell of the second half and that’s where the really big, bad stuff happens. It’s a big story, so it might take a while.

CMW - Don't take too long. We've come this far with you. It would be a shame to get lost because we forgot the story. I think you're already building a fan base. ;-)

If you had to pick out one thing you want your readers to take away with them from reading ERETZEL what would it be?

WM - Expect the unexpected, but trust God while doing so.

CMW - Excellent advice. As my pastor puts it, "Life happens, but we can always be lifted above our circumstances and situations if we realize that God is in control and if we place our hope, our trust in Him. Thank you so much for this great interview, for your time and for a great book.












You can purchase his book at:

Pekiti-Tirsia International

Amazon

Yahoo

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

You just got tagged. Follow the links below to find today's review, interview or whatever else the CFRB members have in store. It's up you you to find out who has posted for today. Even if you end up on someone's site who hasn't posted for today, I'm sure you'll enjoy the visit. And yes, there will be a new post somewhere every day among one of those listed, sometimes you may even find two posts.

SIR BENTLY, by Chuch Black

This second installment in Chuck Black’s Knights of Arrethtrae series tells the tale of Sir Bentley, an honorable knight who abandons all to seek the truth of the Prince. Eirwyn, a mysterious young woman who brings food to the poor, teaches Bentley the power of compassion to overcome evil. Together, they save the people of Holbrook from poverty and despair.

Sir Bentley’s quest for the truth of the Prince finds him battling Shadow Warriors, a powerful lord, and a terrifying creature. Will greed destroy Holbrook? Or can Bentley and the mysterious Eirwyn restore prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion of the Prince? Intended for family read-alouds and Christian teens, this fantastic story will entertain and edify parents and kids alike.

Author Bio:

Chuck Black, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical communications engineer, is the author of eight novels, including the popular Kingdom series. He has received praise from parents across the country for his unique approach to telling biblical truths. His passion in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to love his wife, Andrea, and their six children. He lives with his family in North Dakota.

My Review:

I found SIR BENTLEY, by Chuck Black, to be an incredibly interesting story. SIR BENTLEY follows the life of a young nobleman as he is knighted to an adventurous tale to fight for the oppressed in the village of Holbrook. On the way Sir Bentley realizes that he must make a choice between the oath he gave as a knight and the oath he has given to the King. As I understand the other tales of this series normally follow the poor who follow the King and act as his knights, but here we find a nobleman, a rich man's son following the King. I'm not going to spoil everything for you and give up the plot or anything, but you will find that this book is well-written, properly geared towards young adult males, and filled with Biblical applications.

The parallels made in this work are Scripturally sound, but perhaps more importantly is the ease in which it engages the reader. My ownly "negative" concerning this book was the inclusion of a work book at the end, sort of a chapter by chapter lessons from Scripture found in the book. In my opinion this reduces the novel to that of a text book. I hope people don't turn away from it because of this. Simply don't read this end section, unless you like text books, or if you wish to use SIR BENTLEY as a study guide for a young adult group in your church. This seems to be more of a "teacher's copy" in that sense. Nevertheless the story carries itself well, without the prodding of questions at the end (some of which may even be obscure). For those wishing to utilize this book as a study guide a practical questioning of "Does this remind you of anything in the Bible?" would suffice.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It recognizes the need for young men to look up to heroes who are worthy of that, and to become heroes themselves, as they follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. I encourage all young people to read this book. I can promise you that it is a book you will truly enjoy.

You can purchase this book online at:
Random House

Christian Books

Barnes & Noble

and Amazon

Also, you can read more about the Knights of Arrethtrae at HERE

And get to know more about Chuck Black HERE














For more great reviews be sure to stop by CFRB the first full week of each month for some of the best fiction you'll ever read. The Christian Fiction Review Blog is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through promoting quality fiction from a Christian worldview. We've been at it for over 2 years and some of the books toured there truly belong on the NY Times Bestsellers' List. Soon, I hope they make it. The stories are sharp. The characters are realistic. The message is usually tucked away in the weave of the plot, unless you're reading my books where I tend to be a little more forthright. Plus, there's something for everyone, from romance to horror, historical fiction to suspense and mystery, from fantasy to science fiction, and more, it's all there. And you never know when one of the members or the author is going to do a book giveaway, so be sure to visit us at http://cfrblog.blogspot.com Hope to see you around. David Brollier, author of THE 3RD COVENANT and co-founder of the Christian Fiction Review Blog.

VENGEANCE, by Donna Dawson

It's time for VENGEANCE, no not the action, the book by Donna Dawson. All this week CFRB will be touring this book. Today I'd like to set the stage for you. Imagine a boy who watches his father die slowly of a terrible sickness. Imagine thirty years later an FBI agent on his first vacation in a long time. Imagine this vacation is in part a cruise to and from his destination of Hawaii. Now imagine that the little boy who has grown up decides to avenge himself of his father's death. Let's take this a step further, the people he wants to have revenge on just happen to be aboard the same ship as our FBI agent. Who writes like this? Donna Dawson does. She tantalizes you with a couple small chapters to set the stage, then goes to the agent's vacation cruise and launches you into a world of suspense, intregue and so many other things I'm surprised she managed it at all. Tom Clancy was once asked what is the difference between fiction and real life. He said, "Fiction has to make sense." Now as much as I admire Clancy I'd have to say Dawson comes as close to not making a lot of sense because there are so many things all going on all at once, just like real life. Yet this is fiction...or is it? Perhaps there's a story out there that she got her teeth into and decided to fictionalize it, but however she did it, she did it with gusto.

I hope she won't get mad at me for a couple mild spoilers in that paragraph, but you just have to understand the complexity of this story, and I haven't even mentioned Dr. Holding or Cassandra yet. This is a totally different story running along side the main story. In fact, when you begin to break things down you find that there is the boy's story, the agent's story (in about 2 or 3 different trails), Cassandra's story, Dr. Julia Holding's story, Special Agent in Charge St. Kitt's story, and more. More meaning, Tip and Nam and a few others you'll meet along the way. These are people who have their own reason for being between the covers of this book and they don't always coincide with the others. Some have nothing to do with any of the others, and yet Donna Dawson makes it all seem so natural, so real, so incredibly normal...even if it is abnormally complex. When you read VENGEANCE you are going to be submerged into a world that will stimulate all your senses.

After reading a lot of fantasy and science fiction of late it felt good to get back to the mystery/suspense genre, especially when it was done so well. Check out the following CFRB places. Chances are you'll find out more than I'm giving you here.



Now that you have all those links, some of which may not have current information, but you'll enjoy them just the same, it's time to get out some important information.

First I bet you'd like to visit Donna's site. You can find that HERE

To purchase her book you can go to:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

or Target

SEABIRD, by Sherry Thompson

There once was a young girl who chased a rabbit down a rabbit hole and found herself in a.... Wait, that’s the wrong girl. Oh yeah! This young girl went to hide in a wardrobe while playing hide and seek.... No, that’s not the right girl either. Well, it is about a young girl. I’m sure of that. Her name is Cara Marshall, and, oh yeah, she finds this beautiful necklace with a seagull-like bird pendant. When she puts it on, like Alice and Lucy, she finds herself in an entirely different world. This week CFRB is proud to tour SEABIRD, by Sherry Thompson. It’s a smash hit.

On the cover it says, “Fans of C.S. Lewis will love this book.” Well I am a C.S. Lewis fan and I did love the book, but I found that there were more parallels to J.R.R. Tolkien than C.S. Lewis. Of course that’s just my opinion, but what is a review if not one’s personal opinion about a particular work? Unlike the Chronicles of Narnia, SEABIRD has the grit and realistic dangers more associated with The Lord of the Rings.

We actually don’t meet Cara until the second chapter. In the first chapter we get some history, 100 year old history upon which the entire novel rests. Cara enters the story more like Alice who wants nothing more than to go home rather than Lucy who is thrilled to be in Narnia. I haven’t memorized all the places, but Cara ends up in a wooded area among a people called the Young Ones. She is understandably disturbed, having been “world-napped” from Earth into this new world, regardless of how beautiful things first look. She doesn’t want to cooperate with them and only wishes to go home.

We all make choices, and some of them actually seem right, when they are so very, very wrong. Sherry Thompson does an excellent job of portraying such a situation through Cara. I think she must have thought, “How would I feel if I were suddenly yanked into some parallel universe and asked to be their hero?” Answering that question she fashions Cara into a most believable character. She’s upset, displaced, lonely and just wants to go home and have all these other people leave her alone. Isn’t this how most of us would react?

Okay, for those who think I’m going to go through the entire book and give you a breakdown of it all, you’re sadly mistaken. All I’m doing here is giving you a taste of the key character in the beginning of this work. The rest you’re going to have to read for yourself. After all, why should I spoil it for you?

Throughout the Bible there have been those God has called upon to lead His people, and a lot of the times they did not view this as a special honor. Moses argued with God about leading the children of Israel. Gideon was hiding out in a cave when an angel of the Lord hailed him as a mighty warrior of the Lord. He kept asking God for signs to prove that this was what God wanted. Amos, one of the minor prophets, states in the book of prophecy named after him that he was a shepherd and not a prophet. Being called out by God means being called into a place of service, never into a place of comfort. I think this is captured in the character of Cara. Just as each of these people wrestled with their calling and finally accepted it, we also find Cara maturing in ways that amaze even her.

This is not a straight forward parable, not something where you can say, this thing stands for this, and that stands for that, but rather is an epic tale of good verses evil. We are introduced to a trinity of evil doers and Alphesis, apparently the Narentan God who, fights for the good. He is depicted, when seen, as a Seabird, but this is only a form He seems to take on. Yet the symbol of the Seabird has become the symbol of good, of righteousness and of Alphesis himself. Within this epic keep your eyes open for the occasional hidden Biblical parallel. I’m not altogether sure she knows herself of all the Bible she tucked away within its pages. It is for that reason, if for none other, that you should pick this book up and do some Biblical treasure hunting as you enjoy the story.

I didn’t find a single typo in the entire work, although Sherry insists there are eight. Gee I wish my book had as few mistakes as eight. For die hard fantasy fans, this is a must read book.

Those posting reviews are listed below, although in no special order. Plus, there are other team members who will be posting just the basics, which I'm sure you'll find intriguing as well. So hunt around and enjoy the journey. Like Cara you may not think you are special or anything, but you really are. You may find yourself on one of these sites.






Now a little about Sherry Thompson:

I was born in Baltimore MD in 1946. Between then and my fifth year, my family moved to New-Port-News VA, Homeville PA and finally to Marshallton, Wilmington DE. I've lived somewhere in New Castle County DE ever since.

I attended the University of Delaware and received a BAAS cum laude from their School of Education in 1969. My major was Interdepartmental History but I earned sufficient credits to secure unofficial minors in both English and Educational Psychology.

During the last three years of my time as an undergraduate, I also worked about 20 hours a week at the University of Delaware Library. I was accepted into the university's psychology graduate program, but chose to accept a fulltime position at the UD library instead.

I worked at the library from the spring of 1965 to the spring of 2000, when I retired from my position as Supervisor of the Interlibrary Loan unit within Access Services. Now, I write. And, revise, and volunteer, and … oh, yes, I write.


Now for further information and where to buy this wonderful book you can go to the source itself,

KhivasMommy - The Scroll Chamber

You can visit Books a Million

or Barnes & Noble

and of course Amazon

LEAGUE OF SUPERHEROES, by Stephen Leon Rice

Warning! My review of LEAGUE OF SUPERHEROES, by Stephen Leon Rice may be somewhat biased. It’s not that I’m biased towards the author, although I suppose a case could be made for that. Instead, however, it has to do with me personally. Let me explain.

Growing up I loved comic books, specifically superhero comic books. When I was barely into school I had a dream that I was superman. At one point I wanted to be Thor, but that didn’t sit right with my Christian faith. Then I wanted to be Captain America, until I found out he had some kind of fictitious super-serum injected into him to make him that way. I wanted to be Spiderman too, but doubted that being bitten by any spider would alter me in any way. (Back then we didn’t talk about DNA because we didn’t know that much about genetics). I liked Dare Devil, but aside from the fact that I’m not blind I doubted I’d ever come into the kind of money that allowed him to build an extravagant gym in his NYC brownstone home. So I settled for Black Hawk, an archer and member of the Avengers. I even made at least part of a costume that I planed to wear when I fought crime. I had my own bow and quiver of arrows, and I was a pretty decent archer. A friend of mine made a Flash costume and I once took a picture of him running in our backyard. I moved the camera to make it look like he was running fast. So you see folks, these superheroes were a prominent part of my childhood. Even after growing up I started creating some of my own superheroes, after a fashion. Maybe “super” is a bit much, but I was bound and determined to at least create heroes. (I’m still a comic fan to this day).

In any event Stephen L. Rice has done a superb job of giving us a great storyline, a believable premise about "real" superheroes, and a lot of his own style of humor. Just thinking about 4 teenagers suddenly equipped to battle crime in supersuits brings a smile to my face, especially the geekish kind of kids here. While I wasn't a geek, I was ostracized from many social circles in high school, and the ones I did make it into I felt more klutzy than anything else. Needless to say, high school was not one of my better periods of life.

So what do we have? We have a story narrated by Tom Riley, whose special interests is in linguistics, which he feels isn't really a science, so his natural techno hero is Darklight, who has the power to fly and be invisible. We have three of his friends, Rod Davies, the math and physics geek, who is described as being a "bean pole" (so it's no surprise that his favorite superhero is Titan, kind of a flying humanoid tank), Allen Peters, the computer hacker whose attention to the speed of things draws him to the techno hero Tachyon, and Charlie Taylor, who fancied himself as being called into the mission field as a medical doctor. Charlie's hero was Micromegas, a techno hero with the ability to change size, however, since Charlie saw himself as a future doctor enlarging himself didn't appeal to him as much as shrinking himself down. Well, we all have our dreams, fantacies, heroes, etc. The difference is this band of "Mad Scientists" have their dreams come true when Allen's little sister, Clarice, introduces them to Genie, a 7 year old girl she met in Kidchat. The problem with this 7 year old girl is that she is smarter than Einstein and Newton put together and then there's this problem that she doesn't remember any family members ever, only a friendly man she calls "Uncle". As the story unfolds so do the problems, the humor, the despiration and the action. This is one fantastic ride, especially for someone like me who likes superheroes.

Meanwhile back in the real world, we really can become heroes, after a fashion. No we don't have techo-powered supersuits (at least not yet), but those of us who know Jesus have the power of God available to us. It seems to me that we should focus on that. How can a Christian be a superhero? Well, we have the power of love, which breaks down practically every wall we come up to, and faith. The two have to be worked together. Jesus said that if we had faith in Him we could tell a mountain to through itself in the sea and it would happen. Now that's super, right? More to the point, we run into the arch-enemy, Satan, or at least one of his cronies, on a daily basis. They whisper in our ears trying to get us to look at something, consider something, hold doubt in our heart. If we listen to these voices they are like Kryptonite was to Superman. It's no wonder there are so many people hurting in the world. We, however, have the power of God living in us. If the power to die and come back to life isn't a superpower I don't know what is. God also creates, and has given us the ability to create on our own limited scale. Artists of every type, graphic, music and even us writers, exhibit this God given power. A lot of times, however, I think we're just as poorly equipped emotionally, to handle these powers as the League of Superheroes. We're tiny babies in this period of eternity. Yet even then we can get direction and wisdom from our Heavenly Father and shut down the enemy. That's our job. We have way too many people out there who are falling down on a battlefield they aren't even aware they are on. We know and have the power to go out and rescue them, to get them out of harms way. We can bring them to our Commander, Jesus, who will make all things new. Look to Eph. 6:10-18 and read about the whole armor of God. Then saddle up. It's time to stand up against the enemy and get the wounded off the field. It's time for us to be superheroes. - David Brollier


Okay, folks over at the Christian Fiction Review Blog are having this Tag Team Tour, and since you are here, "Tag. You're it." You found out where today's post is, that is if you came here today, on Wednesday. For Thursday, Friday and Saturday you'll need to hunt the links below to try and find out who is posting. Also, if you are here today you might want to find out who posted on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Same thing goes, "Tag. You're it." Have fun. Enjoy the other posts and the other sites. Don't be surprised to make some new friends along the way. That's why their doing it this way.






Now just because you read the review and have all those links up there doesn't mean that you have all the scoop. If you want to find out more about Stephen Leon Rice you can click his button "Back to the Mountains" below .



And of course you probably want to know where you can read more about this great book and purchase it, so here are some links:

The Writer's Cafe Press
Amazon Books

As far as info is concerned you can't beat Steve's site above, but if you don't have the time to go through all the in depth look at the techno-superheroes try the following site which is loaded with info in a short format:

http://ansric.pbwiki.com/LoSseries

And don't forget the giveaway. That's right Cathi Hassan is giving away a copy of LEAGUE OF SUPERHEROES, by Stephen Rice. To view the details visit her site Cathi's Chatter. You don't want to pass this up.