For
me to give a Christian fantasy novel high marks, it must have several
characteristics. This novel does.
Errol
Stone is a young man “in the ale barrel.” He lives to earn enough
to buy his next tankard. He is an orphan and the source of jokes for
the medieval village.
But
when Errol is asked to deliver a message to hermit priest, the
adventure of his life begins. He finds he is hunted by deadly
assassins. He manages to deliver the message then flees with the
priest and his fellows of support.
Errol
has a gift that is essential to the preservation of the kingdom. When
he is separated from his traveling companions, he knows he must find
his way to the capitol. But there are supernatural powers that do all
they can to stop him.
Many
times in Christian fiction, the allusion to Christianity is so
convoluted it is hardly recognized. That is not the case here. The
allusions to Christianity are clear and well presented.
Another
aspect of fantasy I require is simplicity, that is, not so many odd
names, characters, and abilities that I get lost. Carr has done his
job of creating a kingdom and people very well. The story was
enjoyable because I could stay with Errol in his travels and not get
sidetracked by so many odd creations.
And
the end of this first novel in the series made me want more. I look
forward to reading Carr's next novel to find out Errol's role in
saving the kingdom.
Find
out more about the novel and watch a book trailer at http://patrickwcarr.com/.
Patrick
W. Carr worked at a nuclear plant, did design work for the air force,
worked for a printing company, and as an engineering consultant. For
the last five years he has been teaching high school math in
Nashville, Tennessee. He is a member of ACFW and MTCW. He and his
wife live in Nashville with their four sons. This is his first novel.
Find out more about him at http://patrickwcarr.com/.
Bethany
House Publishers, 432 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of the book from Bethany House
Publishers for the purpose of this review.
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