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The Book of the King
by Jerry B. Jenkins, Chris Fabry ISBN-13: 9781414301556 Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Released: September 24, 2007 |
Source: Free eBook offer.
Book Description from Goodreads:
When a stranger visits his fathers bookstore, Owen Reeders ordinary life spirals out of control and right into a world he didnt even know existed. Owen believes the only gift he possesses is his ability to devour books, but he is about to be forced into a battle that will affect two worlds: his and the unknown world of the Lowlands.
My Review:
The Book of the King is a middle grade Christian fantasy novel, though it sometimes read like it was for upper-elementary-aged children. The authors would occasionally say things like, "...sulfurous breath--which means..." for words I think most middle schoolers would know, yet they also sometimes used words that some adults might not know with the meaning only implied by context.
The story was also told in an odd way. It's like you and the story teller are hovering above the scene and he points things out in present tense using "you" and "we" as if talking directly to the reader, then it'd slid back into past tense but it's like you're watching a movie. You never get inside the characters' heads, though you're sometimes told what they are thinking or feeling.
This gave the book a somewhat distant feel, but it still came across as an engaging story told by a (hovering) storyteller. There's plenty of fast-paced action and high suspense due to physical danger (though the distant feel made it so the really scary things weren't too scary). I'm not sure this story would really appeal to adults, but I do think kids of the right age would enjoy it. I liked its mood and subtle lessons better than I like a lot of Christian fantasy.
This book was the first in a series and it did end somewhat abruptly, but it's not left at a cliff-hanger. There was no bad language and no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel to children.
If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.
Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.
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1 comment:
I see you reviewed (a while ago) the book, Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions. I’m writing to ask if you’re interested in reviewing on your blog and on Amazon the just-released book, The Mormonizing of America: How the Mormon Religion Became a Dominant Force in Politics, Entertainment, and Pop Culture by New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield (Worthy Publishing, 2012). If so, please contact me: jpetersen AT somersaultgroup DOT com. Thanks! Jonathan Petersen
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