"The Shock of Night" Book Review

I first became acquainted with Patrick W. Carr's writing when I read "The Staff and the Stone" trilogy. Actually, I was given the third book in the series to review and it was so good, I ordered book one and two. Then, after reading one and two I did something I hardly ever do; I reread book three. With all honesty, I would call Mr. Carr this generation's C.S.Lewis. His writing is superb and the plots are incredible. What a mind!

With that bit of history, you can imagine why I was super excited to be offered the chance to review his latest book, "The Shock of Night" which is book one of the Darkwater Saga.

"The Shock of Night" was quite reminiscent of "The Staff and the Stone" trilogy. Medieval fantasy meets adventure meets underlying Christian themes. Great stuff. Love this genre. Again, the plot was like nothing I'd ever read before. There were even times when the book became so real that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep.

On the flip side, where this book falls a little short of being perfect is in the author's overly melodious style of writing. It was just a bit too much. And I understand the use of a few old English words to lend a story a medieval flare but, again, it was a bit much. If I have to start to guess at what you're getting at, perhaps its time to tone it down a smidge.

Speaking of too much, even in the last few chapters, it felt like the author assumed I knew things I did not. It was almost as thought this was book two instead of book one in the series. Who is this character and why is everyone speaking of him as though I know the back story? Since reading it, I have learned there is a free digital prequel novella that can be accessed from many websites online. I'm assuming that it's recommended you read that first. I believe it's called "By Divine Right".

While this book isn't quite as excellent as "The Staff and the Stone" trilogy, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr. Carr has been blessed with an incredible imagination that he skillfully transfers onto paper. The moods and timing of the book is impeccable and, like I said before, the plot is fantastic.

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange  for an honest opinion.

"Galaxy Buck: Mission To Sector 9" Review & Giveaway

I have a great giveaway for you! On October 28th, 2015, I'll be drawing for a free copy of "Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9".

I've watched a few "What's in the Bible" videos before so I guessed that "Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9" was going to have a great message. It did not disappoint. The message of this wonderful kids video is that God isn't after you doing stuff but rather He's after you. He just wants you. Such an important message. I was extremely impressed by how profoundly and yet clearly that message was given. To be honest, it was so clear that at one point, I was thinking, "What's wrong with me that I would think anything else? I keep believing a lie"

The creator, Phil Vischer, is the same man responsible for the creation of VeggieTales and he uses that same creative gift to make this video high quality and entertaining. I would recommend it for the age 4 - 10 range. One small warning: Galaxy Buck is very loosely based on the Star Trek franchise and therefore, the characters from Galaxy Buck run into aliens who are mildly scary to look at. At the same time the aliens make their appearance, music in minor tones plays which gives it a scary feel. It is mild but sensitive children might be upset by it.

This 40 minute long video gets two enthusiastic thumbs up.

If you'd like your name entered into the draw for a free copy, please leave a comment below.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"The Boy Born Dead" Book Review

What a fascinating book! For some reason, when I picked this one up, I wasn't expecting to like it. I'm not sure I prejudged it that way but was my pre-conceived notions ever wrong.

"The Boy Born Dead" is a true story of a boy who was dead for almost 20 minutes at birth but came back to life. It follows the trials he, David Ring, faced as a result of the cerebral palsy which came about due to the lack of oxygen in those 20 minutes.

It's written from the viewpoint of his to-be best friend, David Wideman. This viewpoint was thoroughly enjoyable and the honesty was intense. If I was having my best friend pen my life story, I would be more than tempted to ask them to tone down the parts where I acted like an idiot or a jerk. Not so in "The Boy Born Dead". All the failings of everyone involved are put out there for all the world to see. In it's own way, this was an important aspect of the book because if you don't know how bad you were, you can't appreciate God's grace and power to change you.

One caution I will give about this book is this: Although it's done as tastefully as possible, the main character was sexually abused and it is in the story. Although it was by no means graphic, it was still very disturbing simply due to the nature of the crime. However, to have left it out of the story would also have greatly taken away from Mr. Ring's triumph over everything that kept him down.

I really enjoyed this book. It flowed well and the dialogue was well written. Two thumbs up!

BTW, I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Forgiven" Book Review

FANTASTIC BOOK!!!!!!

"Forgiven" is the true story of a man who was raised in a good Christian home, seemed to have a great life going for him, and then without any warning, walked into an Amish schoolhouse, ordered all the boys and teacher out, and shot the girls - killing 5 of them.What makes this book so powerful, is that it's written by the murderer's mother! 

I can not even begin to imagine what that would be like. To know that after trying your best to raise a son to be a good husband, good employee, good man, you find yourself having to live through the unimaginable. How she found the strength to keep breathing is beyond me.

What the author and mother, Terri Roberts, was most amazed by during the months and years after the horrific event, was the outpouring of love and forgiveness by the Amish people who were directly and indirectly associated with the school. The very parents of the murdered girls showered her with love and compassion. Certainly this was a choice they made. I have no doubt it was hard for them. Anger and rage were, no doubt, their first human responses.  What a beautiful example of what centring your life around Christ does to the heart. 

This was a very easy book to read. In fact, I found myself ignoring my family a bit while it was in my hands. I not only enjoyed it, I was challenged by it as well. Where is my heart? Do I trust in the goodness of God even in the face of unspeakable evil? Would I be obedient to His command to 'do good to those who hurt you'?

"Forgiven" has definitely been a conversion piece for me the last few days and I have no doubt many of my friends will end up reading my copy.  You should get a copy too!

BTW, I got a free copy from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Murder at the Courthouse" Book Review

When my 12 year old daughter saw that this was the book I was going to be reviewing, she was so excited because she loves mysteries. Now that I'm finished, I can happily place it in her hands. "Mystery at the Courthouse" was an entertaining murder mystery without the gore and extreme violence often found within that genre.

Of course the most important aspect of a mystery novel is to keep you guessing until the end. "Mystery at the Courthouse" definitely did that. Right before the end, I figured out who the culprit was. However, my guess throughout the book changed several times.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't too flowery, didn't waste paragraph after paragraph describing the landscape. The characters were enjoyable and the dialogue to the point. I don't remember skimming even once (which, for me, really says something).

This is a Christian novel so there is some talk of God. Mostly, it surrounds the fact that He is in control - even when life is spinning out of control. It also touches on the concept of God's purpose for your life. I love Jesus; He consumes my thoughts. But all the same, when I've decided to read a novel, I don't want to read a sermon. Fortunately, this wasn't the feel at all in this book.

I can happily say, I give "Murder at the Courthouse by A.H. Gabhart two thumbs up.


BTW, I got a free copy in exchange for my honest review.