The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock

Back Cover: Abramm has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice. But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably separate him from the life he was born to–as Abramm Kalladorne, fifth son of the king of Kiriath–he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers.

Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete as a gladiator. When the oppressed masses rally around his success, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible–to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient mist-bound cities, The Light of Eidon is the first volume of an epic series, Legends of the Guardian-King.

Editor’s Review: The Light of Eidon begins one of the best fantasy series I have ever read.  Karen Hancock creates a rich, believable world and vibrant characters.  In this first book of the series, it took me a while to understand the allegorical elements, but once I did, I found the spiritual meaning deep and insightful.

The only aspect of this book that could be considered negative is a scene of sensuality about two-thirds of the way through.  Although I do believe it is handled Biblically  (the character realizes his mistake and later regrets and repents of his actions), I would caution parents to give it a read before giving this book to your children.

The Sword and the Flame by Stephen R. Lawhead

Back Cover: The Dragon King who rules the land of Mensandor is none other than Quentin, whose courage and heroism have slowly transformed him from an orphaned servant into a war hero, respected leader, and a fierce man of faith.

But even the powerful can fall prey to weakness. The world is turned upside-down when the dark sorcerer Nimrood–long thought dead after a battle with the previous Dragon King–returns with a fearsome plan. Shattered by the death of a dear and trusted friend, the abduction of his beloved son, and the loss of his enchanted sword, Quentin finds his faith tested like never before.

In The Sword and the Flame, the final volume of Stephen R. Lawhead’s captivating Dragon King Trilogy, the fate of the entire world depends on the outcome of this climactic battle between good and evil.

The Warlords of Nin by Stephen R. Lawhead

Back Cover:  It has been ten years since Quentin helped Eskevar, the Dragon King, battle the monstrous sorcerer Nimrood. Since that time, there has been peace in the land of Mensandor. But everything is about to change.

An urgent message summons Quentin to Castle Askelon. The king, who is dying, wishes to name the brave young man his successor. But first, he sends him on an unfathomable mission.

What Quentin and his friend Toli, the Jher horseman, discover is not for the cowardly. The brightening Wolf Star is an omen of impending evil that might herald the beginning of the end of mankind on earth. It signifies Nin, a fearsome giant of a man who hopes to add Mensandor to his growing empire. Along with his merciless warlords, they are the fulfillment of a nightmarish prophecy.

In The Warlords of Nin, the second book in The Dragon King Trilogy, Stephen R. Lawhead continues the mythical saga that began with In the Hall of the Dragon King.

In the Hall of the Dragon King by Stephen R. Lawhead

Back Cover: Carrying a sealed message from the war-hero Dragon King to the queen, Quentin and his outlaw companion, Theido, plunge headlong into a fantastic odyssey and mystic quest. Danger lurks everywhere in the brutal terrain, and particularly in the threats from merciless creatures, both human and not-so-human.

While at the castle, the wicked Prince Jaspin schemes to secure the crown for himself, and an evil sorcerer concocts his own monstrous plan. A plan that Quentin and Theido could never imagine.

In the youth’s valiant efforts to save the kingdom and fulfill his unique destiny, he will cross strange and wondrous lands; encounter brave knights, beautiful maidens, and a mysterious hermit; and battle a giant, deadly serpent.

In this first book of the Dragon King Trilogy, Stephen R. Lawhead has deftly woven a timeless epic of war, adventure, fantasy, and political intrigue.

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Back Cover: NARNIA … where dwarfs are loyal and tough and strong—or are they … where you must say goodbye … and where the adventure begins again.

The Unicorn says that humans are brought to Narnia when Narnia is stirred and upset. And Narnia is in trouble now: A false Aslan roams the land. Narnia’s only hope is that Eustace and Jill, old friends to Narnia, will be able to find the true Aslan and restore peace to the land. Their task is a difficult one because, as the Centaur says, “The stars never lie, but Men and Beasts do.” Who is the real Aslan and who is the imposter?

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Back Cover: NARNIA … where the woods are thick and cool, where the Talking Beasts are called to life … a new world where the adventure begins.

Digory and Polly meet and become friends one cold, wet summer in London. Their lives burst into adventure when Digory’s Uncle Andrew, who thinks he is a magician, sends them hurtling to…somewhere else. They find their way to Narnia, newborn from the Lion’s song, and encounter the evil sorceress Jadis, before they finally return home.

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

Back Cover: NARNIA … where owls are wise, where some of the giants like to snack on humans (and, if carefully cooked, on Marsh-wiggles, too), where a prince is put under an evil spell … and where the adventure begins.

Eustace and Jill escape from the bullies at school through a strange door in the wall, which , for once, is unlocked. It leads to the open moor … or does it? Once again Aslan has a task for the children, and Narnia needs them. Through dangers untold and caverns deep and dark, they pursue the quest that brings them face to face with the evil Witch. She must be defeated if Prince Rilian is to be saved.

Enter this enchanted world countless times in The Chronicles of Narnia.  There are seven books in all.

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

Back Cover: NARNIA … where horses talk … where treachery is brewing … where destiny awaits.

On a desperate journey, two runaways meet and join forces. Though they are only looking to escape their harsh and narrow lives, they soon find themselves at the center of a terrible battle. It is a battle that will decide their fate and the fate of Narnia itself.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis