The Sword of Light: Book Review

The Sword of Light by Kimberli Campbell
4 stars

When I opened this book, I was introduced immediately to the main character. I found what his strengths and weaknesses were. Shayia is a young man who is eager to learn all he can about being a warrior. He’s swift with the sword and strong in his agility. Although these are useful, it is not the most important weapon in his arsenal.

Shayia’s grandfather and mentor, Ennus, shows him that his true strength comes from God. He cannot lean on his own abilities as a good swordsman to save him in battle. As part of his lessons, Shayia must read from the Sacred Book. But he only wishes to practice fighting and finds it difficult to study. Knowing he will need it most of all, Ennus has Shayia continue on with them.

For darkness will soon descend on the valley...

I love fantasy! In fact, it’s probably my favorite genre. I received the opportunity to read this book from the author, Kimberli Campbell. I realize that I’m an adult, but I could not help liking this.

I would describe The Sword of Light as fantasy/allegorical/adventure. The allegorical message is that we must rely on God for our strength. Life can be a big and scary place out there and we have to be prepared for whatever comes our way. I believe that there are spiritual battles going on in all of our lives and we must wield the Word of God like a sword. Not in a violent way, of course! *Lol*

I really can’t say anything bad about this book. The characters are amusing, the story literally clings to you, and after you’ve read it, you’re dying to pick up the next one in the series.

I highly recommend The Sword of Light to tweens who adore fantasy. Just to point out some things to parents - there is sorcery, fight scenes, and scary creatures. I would say that if your tween likes The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings, then they should have no problems with this.

Visit Kimberli Campbell’s website

God bless!
~Grace

Interview and Giveaway with Author Kimberli Campbell

Kimberli Renee Campbell is the author of a Christian fantasy series by the name of Shayia's Adventures (recommended for tweens). The Sword Of Light is her first book in this series, and expect the second to release sometime in 2012. Kimberli lives in Nebraska with her husband and two children.

She stopped by our blog to do an interview with us! At the end of the interview, be sure to read our giveaway rules and enter to win her book. Ends April 3rd!


Welcome, Kimberli!

When did you first show an interest in becoming a writer?

I tried to calculate it in my head, but started to get a headache. :) So, I'll say around eleven years ago. I was working as a file clerk and writing my ideas on scratch paper and napkins.

How did you become an author? What were the steps you took to achieve it?

My husband and his family are blessed with many talents. The Lord called my husband's older brother, Dale, to start a production company. Dale and his partner's goal was (is) to create videos, music, and books that would bring glory to God. Dale knew I was working on a children's book series and asked for the manuscript of the first book. After reading it, they wanted to publish it. It has truly been a blessing.

What motivated you to write The Sword of Light? Did the inspiration for it come to you right away or take its time?

Like many authors, it came to me in a dream. It played in my head like a movie from start to finish. It was great. I continued to have the same dream night after night until I had the outline down on paper.

I really liked reading your book. It’s fantasy with a taste of allegory. The characters in it were just… fun. I’m dying to know which of them is your favorite and why?

I'm not sure I can pick a favorite. I love each of them for their strengths and weaknesses. However, the main character, Shayia, is much like my oldest son, so he tugs at my heart a little more than the others.

What feeling do you hope your young readers will have after reading The Sword of Light?

I want them to be feel as if there is nothing too big for them to handle with God, family, and friends by their side. I also want them to feel as if they were just on an amazing adventure.

In Shayia’s Adventures, will there be a book two? Kimberli, would you mind sharing a little of what you’re working on with us?

Yes, there will be a book two. We are praying for an early summer release. It is called Redemption. Young readers can expect a lot more fun and adventure.

As for what I'm working on...book three. The Lord has not given me a title yet.

There are many great Bible verses and quotes out there, but which of these apply to your journey in life?

Hm...probably the main verse for the book. Philippians 4:13. My family has faced many trials in the past few years. But, through it all, we are able to move forward because we were not alone. Our strength came from the Lord and we give Him all the glory.


Randomly Fun Questions:

What is one unique fact about you that most people don’t know?

I have a nickname for all children, including my own - George. When my father could not remember someone's name, he called them Pete. So, I believe I got that habit from him. :)

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

My husband and I have two wonderful boys (ages 17 and 5). Our little one is constantly on the move as he should be for his age. So when I am alone, I like to sit quietly or sleep.

Do you have any favorite quirky words?

Sorry, I don't have a favorite quirky word. However I did make up a word when I was younger. Redisecity - it has many meanings. I used it when I wanted to seem like I was saying something grown-up.


How can our bookworms best get in contact with you?

They can find me on Facebook or Twitter. I also have a blog - http://www.hiswriter.blogspot.com/. Please drop by and say hello.


Kimberli, thank you for doing this interview and giveaway with us! It was so much fun!

Thank you, Grace, for allowing me to visit with you and your readers. I enjoyed myself. I pray the Lord blesses your designing and photography.


Book Giveaway!

Synopsis:

The Sword of Light is not about an ordinary sword. The sword Shayia wields was crafted by his father's hands following the instructions of the Creator. Shayia's unique sword draws its power from the Sacred Book. When situations arise, the Word materializes across the blade aiding Shayia in his true quest.

When the dark force that killed his father once again returns to threaten the peaceful village of Sedona, Shayia must face his sworn enemy - the sorcerer Izahrik and the evil Draga he commands. Armed with his father's magnificent sword, he sets out on a journey that will change him forever. Will revenge and hatred consume him, or will Shayia learn the secret to true victory?

Book Info:

Title: The Sword Of Light
Author: Kimberli Campbell
Format: Paperback
Pages: 151
ISBN: 978-0982149300
Publisher: Positive Productions Plus

Giveaway Rules:

Kimberli is giving away The Sword of Light to one bookworm! In order to enter, you must leave a comment with your e-mail address (so that we can contact you). US and Canada only, please. This giveaway starts today and ends on April 3rd. A winner will be picked randomly (using random.org) and announced on April 4th. We will contact the winner and notify them by their e-mail address. If the winner doesn't respond within a few days, we will have to pick another. Good luck! =)

God bless!
~Grace

January Book Giveaway: The Princess and The Goblin

Synopsis:

The ageless story of mystery and magic, good and evil.

Princess Irene's discovery of a secret stair to the top turret of the castle leads to a wonderful revelation. At the same time, the miner's son Curdie overhears a fiendish plot by the goblins who lived below the mountain. But it will take all their wit and courage, and the help of Irene's magic ring, to make sense of their separate knowledge and foil the goblin's schemes.

Recommended for ages 10 to 12.




Book Info:

Title: The Princess and The Goblin
Author: George MacDonald
Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9780140367461
Publisher: Puffin

Giveaway Rules:

We're giving The Princess and The Goblin away to one bookworm! In order to enter, you must leave a comment with your e-mail address (so that we can contact you if you're the winner). US and Canada only, please. This giveaway starts today and ends on the 18th of this month. A winner will be picked randomly and announced on the 19th. We will contact the winner and notify them by their e-mail address. If the winner doesn't respond within a few days, we will have to pick another. Good luck! =)

God bless!
~Grace

Completes The Circle: Book Review

Green by Ted Dekker

3 stars

Note of advice: I usually write more on a book in my reviews. This time, however, was different. It was nearly impossible for me to keep from revealing at least something about what happens in Green. Because of this, there are a few “spoilers”, I guess. Read on, but with caution.

In Green, Thomas faces his biggest challenge yet. His son, Samuel, grows restless. He behaves rebelliously and speaks of war against the Horde – which is the opposite of what Elyon wants them to do. Thomas knows that it’s hard for his people. The days have become darker and hope has waned. They’re all looking for a word or sign from Elyon. They’ve grown weary of running and hiding. And Samuel feels that fighting is the only answer to their situation.

While Thomas discovers what to do in his world, Kara and Monique talk with a man named Billy. He’s strangely odd, and both of the women are wary of him. He somehow knows of Thomas’ blood and asks for it. Kara and Monique have no intention of giving it to him. So he receives the help he requires from Monique’s twisted daughter, Janae. There’s a huge attraction between Billy and Janae. And they both feel drawn to… something outside of their world.

Will Samuel start a war against the Horde and bring death on his people? Or was it meant to be this way in some strange twist of fate?

My Thoughts on Green:

Green is the beginning and the end - or rather the end and the beginning. No matter how you look at it, this book completes the circle. It takes all the missing pieces from Black (the first book) and puts them in their place. Ted Dekker explains all, tells all in Green.

While the book is the beginning and the end of the circle series - it doesn’t really have an ending. Yes, it literally is a circle. I wanted more of a resolution to the series, and I felt that I didn’t get it from this.

I would recommend reading Black, Red, and White before reading Green. I remember reading somewhere that it could be read before Black. I disagree. A reader might become confused when they find that they’re reading the end and a short intro into the first book. I believe it’s all the better and more mysterious if you leave Green at the end to read.

Green is my least favorite of the three. I would like to note that there’s more violence and blood. Make that lots and lots of blood! No, I’m not squeamish. There’s blood-sucking vampire/shataiki people (won’t say exactly who they are) who enjoy licking up any blood that they can find. It all just seemed a little ridiculous to me.

I am glad that I read this book. It was a relief to finish the series, and I only really recommend it for that reason.

Visit Ted Dekker’s website: teddekker.com

God bless!
~Grace

White Purifies: Book Review on White

White Purifies

5 Stars

Time is running out, and Thomas Hunter is frantically searching for the right path to take. Things have changed; the forest people have been given a decree not to fight but to love the Horde. Thomas the Hunter is no longer a fighter but a lover. He has given his life to drown in the red pools of water for Elyon, and he’s been made new because of this. Justin (Elyon’s son) gave Thomas and his people the new decree to love passionately for the Horde - to be seen as being different from them because of their great love for others.

Unfortunately, the Horde has a disease because they have not yet drowned in the red pools. Is it time for a change? Thomas and a few of his best warriors get captured by the Horde’s mighty general, Woref. The triumphant general drags Thomas and his warriors to the leader of the Horde, Qurong. After showing off his prize, Woref throws Thomas and the others into a dungeon. Thomas doesn’t lose hope; instead he comes up with a plan. In trying to win their freedom, Thomas works at gaining the trust of Chelise (Qurong’s daughter).

While helping Chelise, Thomas soon finds himself in an awkward situation. He’s falling in love with the Horde princess! He tries to deny his feelings but discovers he cannot hide them. He’s drawn to her even though she seems to have no feelings for him. He can’t help it; he must save her from Woref. But, Thomas knows that turmoil and anguish lie on the other side of his dreams. Should he pursue Chelise or will it end up being a mistake that will cost his life?

My Thoughts on White:

Ted Dekker does it again! His storytelling is wonderfully crafted and is a cinch to read. He’s so descriptive with everything; the smallest things don’t get left out. Because he’s so descriptive, you might not like his writing style. But for me, the Circle Series wasn’t that graphic. The only thing that I picked up on is the use of the word “whore” which the men call some of the women. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this series to children but I would to older teens and up.

I’ve read Black, Red, and now White. I couldn’t distinguish much of a difference from Red and White in the sense of which one I liked better. I do know that I enjoyed Red much more than Black.

In White, there’s a couple of surprises - none of which I will divulge. Although I will say one thing: the ending of this book holds a big surprise. The only book left in the Circle Series to read is Green: The Beginning and The End. For that, I am excited to read and discover new adventures within the Circle.

Visit Ted Dekker’s website here: teddekker.com

*Note* This review was written for this blog and for New Release Tuesday

God bless!
~Grace

The Waters Turn Red: Book Review on Red

The Waters Turn Red

5 Stars

In Red, we now find Thomas Hunter a commander of the Forest Guard. Known as Thomas the Hunter, he’s lived fifteen years in the world of his dreams. He’s a man with two lives – one in a surreal world and one on earth. As a commander, Thomas leads his troops in a war against the Horde – a terrifying tribe that lives in the desert. Thomas fights them off to protect the forest where he and his family reside.

In one of these battles, the Horde invades the Forest people with a massive army. They intend to destroy the forest and all who live in it. This time, Thomas is outnumbered and outmaneuvered. He has to find a way to stop the Horde before they reach the forest. Thomas is struck with an idea; maybe he’ll be able to find information from the other world and use it here.

Thomas dreams and wakes up on earth. He has to find something that will save him and the Forest people. He discovers that explosives can be made and used against the Horde in the other world. Thomas gets the info that he needs to make black powder and falls asleep again. When he wakes up in the other reality, he grabs his best warriors and gets straight to work. They search frantically for the ingredients and eventually find all of them.

Thomas gathers the ingredients and pounds them together. While this is happening, the Horde camps out near the border, preparing to strike the next day. Thomas knows this, and he intends to set off his explosives before they do. He readies the explosives near huge cliffs that are situated close to the Horde camp. Thomas is ready. He and his men set fire to the first row of explosives.

My Thoughts on Red:

With Red, the story continues on from Black. Compared with the first book, I think Red is better. The pages are filled with action, and the story is well conceived. In Black, the storyline had more explaining/describing in it. Because of this, I flew through Red faster than Black. There were a few parts in Red that completely surprised me (An “I was not expecting that!” moment). If I could say just one thing about this book, it would be that it flows nicely. Why? The reading is easy. If you like Black, then you’ll really like Red.

Ted Dekker is superb, and I’m impressed with his writing. His characters in both Black and Red are well developed and realistic. Reading Black and Red has left an impression on me, and I know that I will be reading more of his books.

If you like fantasy mixed with allegory, then you’ll enjoy the Circle series. Fans of Frank Peretti will also like these books. Be sure to read Black, Red, White, and Green in the Circle series!

Visit Ted Dekker’s website here: teddekker.com

*Note* This review was written for this blog and for New Release Tuesday

God bless!
~Grace Thorson

Book Giveaway: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis

Book info: 

Paperback

Pages: 274

ISBN: 0060764945

Condition: New

Giveaway ends: April 15th

US and CANADA ONLY

Rules:

You must leave a comment with your e-mail address so that I contact you if you're the winner.

This giveaway ends April 15th, and a winner will be chosen on April 16th. I will randomly pick the winner and notify them by e-mail. If the winner doesn't respond within a week, then I will have to pick another. Good luck! =)

God bless!
~Grace