Book Review: Giants in the Land

Author: Clark Rich Burbidge
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Fantasy/Allegory
Publisher: WinePress Publishing
Pages: 125

Although I had no idea what to expect from this book when it arrived in the mail, I have to admit that I was a little disappointed. The premise of the story and the plot itself were both good, but the way in which they were executed was less than satisfactory. A huge percentage of the book was taken up with description and explanation, and many times while reading it I found myself thinking "Just get to the point already!".
There was plenty of action in the story - dangerous quests, encounters with with vicious wolves, multiple near-drownings, scaling mountains, and of course encounters with giants - but somehow it failed to capture my interest and arouse any excitement. Each plot point was delivered more like a straightforward statement of fact rather than a dramatic, in-the-moment experience.
There were also a few instances where the author gave details that I happen to know are not accurate. For instance, he mentions that the fireplace in the main character's house is made of 'river stones'. But if there is one thing anybody who's used to building fires knows, it's that you never ever build a fireplace or fire pit or fire ring out of river stones, unless you want to risk blowing yourself to pieces. Most readers probably wouldn't know that, but I can't help finding it annoying when a book contains inaccurate details like that.
I know the book is intended for younger readers, but I feel safe saying that that isn't the reason I found it bland. Some of my favorite books of all time are juvenile fiction, and I've read plenty of books in the genre that have kept me riveted to my seat. This just wasn't one of those books.
I was also a little unsure about the overall message of the story: namely, the importance of learning not to depend too much on others for help and confidence, and of not becoming cowed or bitter when the giants in our lives are taken away (giants in this case being a good thing). The importance of unlocking your own potential and growing to 'become something more' was heavily emphasized. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with utilizing your full potential, but I felt like this story almost turned it more towards self-reliance and didn't emphasize growth in Christ explicitly enough.
Overall, I felt like this book could have been trimmed into a more concise short story, or expanded into a novel, which would have made it possible to deliver the same message naturally, without having to explain and describe so much. Instead, it just fell somewhere in the awkward middle.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for my review.

Book Review: The Company

Author: Chuck Graham
Genre: Allegory
Publisher: WinePress Publishing
Pages: 224

While most people I know aren't particularly fond of the allegory genre, I absolutely love it. As in, I've read The Pilgrim's Progress five times, love it. So I was intrigued and delighted when I had a chance to review The Company.
The book begins with an account of a giant meteor striking the earth, destroying life as we know it. The ensuing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis wipe out nearly everything, and thick clouds of volcanic ash and smoke plunge what little remains into profound darkness.
One tiny mountain village, Brigos Glen, is relatively unharmed by the initial disaster, but smothered in darkness like everyone else. Their attempts to locate other survivors outside their sheltered valley fail. Seemingly alone in the world, they manage to eke out a miserable existence... until a stranger appears in their midst with one simple question: "Would you like some help?"
Thus, they are introduced to what comes to be commonly called 'the Company' - a giant power source somewhere far beyond the edges of Brigos Glen, that channels power over the mountains to provide light and a return to semi-normal life for the people there.

Though it was intended to be a discussion of the nature of the Trinity, The Company nonetheless delves deep into several other issues such as division in the Church, adherence to the authority of scripture, and others as well. And I loved it. In many ways, allegory is like bagpipes: there's nothing more amazing than a set of bagpipes well played, and nothing more atrocious than a set poorly played. This particular bit of allegory, my friends, was skillfully written and crafted, and a delight to read.
It was rather slow going for fiction, since the depth of the content required very careful thought and attention, but that's to be expected with allegory and didn't bother me at all. Parts of it had me near tears, parts of it had me cheering in my heart, and a few places even made me stop and think 'Oh wow! I'd never thought about it like that before!' - which is the sign of very good allegory.
I know allegory as a genre isn't for everyone. In fact, most of my own family dislike it. But whether you adore allegory like I do, or simply tolerate it once in a while, I highly recommend The Company. I'm already eager for the sequel to be released!

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for my review. A favorable review was not required.

What do you think of the allegory genre?

Book Review: Sir Quinlan & the Swords of Valor

When it comes to Christian fiction, few things delight me more than well-crafted allegory. Which makes it seem somewhat odd that Sir Quinlan was my first experience with Chuck Black’s work. But regardless, this book had me hooked from page one, and I couldn’t put it down.

The story begins with Tav and Twitch—two young knights in training for the service of the Prince of Arrethtrae. Their training is basically just a hobby for them, an enjoyable pastime. But then Tav’s uncle Baylor, who his family considers just a little bit shy of sane, shows up and tells Tav that he wants him to come and join the Swords of Valor. Baylor claims that a deadly war is engulfing the kingdom of Arrethtrae, and that they need men willing to leave everything and join in the battle.

But no one—neither Tav nor Twitch—has seen any sign of a war being fought, so why leave a comfortable and peaceful life at home to chase imaginary enemies and fight unnecessary battles? Tav refuses his uncle’s offer. Baylor offers him two days to think about it and make his final decision.

It is Twitch, however, who finds himself seriously thinking about what it really means to be a knight of the Prince and what a life of service really looks like. It is Twitch who meets Baylor two days later and offers his life in service as one of the Swords of Valor.

At first it seems like the life he’s always dreamed of… until disaster strikes. It is a disaster so terrible that the Swords of Valor disband completely. And it is Twitch’s fault. Ashamed and convinced that he’s incapable of serving the Prince, Twitch returns home.

But his destiny won’t leave him alone, and before long he finds himself back on the road of service to the Prince. Back on the road to rejoining the Swords of Valor. Back on the road to becoming Sir Quinlan.

As I said before, this book had me hooked from page one and held me until the end. It has a classic plot filled with page-turning drama and delicious, breath-taking action. Best of all, there is a deeply moving and convicting message woven through the story. Unlike a lot of attempts at allegory, the author doesn’t pause the story to ‘preach’. The reader knows the message is there and understands what it is saying, but Chuck Black has done a stellar job of weaving it seamlessly into the natural structure of the story.

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor is a book I will definitely be coming back to for a re-read, and there will be many more of Chuck Black’s books joining Sir Quinlan on my bookshelf!

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I received this book free of charge from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review. A favorable review is not required; Waterbrook is committed to gathering honest opinions about the books they publish.