Monday, February 18, 2013

The Orphan King


The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer is a character-driven tale of mystery and adventure.

Young Thomas, an orphan teenager, learned nothing about his origins and chosen destiny in the monastery in which he was raised. It was the dying words of Sarah, the only mother figure he remembers, that pointed him to his purpose: “My greatest fear was that they would find us and make us a sacrifice beneath a full moon. Now you, Thomas, must help us destroy the circle of evil.”

And evil indeed lurked throughout every nook and cranny of Medieval England at this time. Especially in some dreadful parts of the country.

Thomas’s quest sets him on a journey to Magnus—a formidable place—where he hopes to cut evil to the core. But he does not voyage alone. His expedition is shared by some unusual characters which include a knight whose intents evoke suspicion, a beautiful young girl with her own air of mystery and a capricious young thief. Together they must brave the fronts of Magnus knowing it could well cost them their lives.

The Orphan King is not fast-paced—a plus for those who like to relish the journey slowly—but a tad tedious for those who like more action. Still, Brouwer is a quality writer with tight description and believable character portrayal. His words paint on the canvas of the imagination with ease.

The Orphan King is a story of camaraderie and is the first book in The Merlin’s Immortals Series for young adults.  Find The Orphan King on Amazon.

I reviewed this book as a fellow blogger in the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy blogtour. Check out reviews on Becky's blog also.

A similar version of this also appears in The San Diego Christian Perspectives Examiner and in Assist News Service.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © February 2013

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Abel's Field


Abel’s Field recounts the compelling and captivating story of Seth (Samuel Davis), a high-school teen who finds himself in severe hardship, carrying burdens no 17-year-old should ever have to bear.



To add to Seth’s difficulties, the school coach seems to have it in for him. Seth not only has to work two jobs to pay the family bills, but he also has to work a third, unpaid job to meet the coach’s exigencies. All this on his plate while also caring for younger siblings.

But God has not forgotten Seth. He is waiting to be merciful and gracious to him. Seth, on the other hand, seems to have forgotten God—or at least forgotten how simple it is to lay his burdens at the feet of Jesus. Seth has forgotten that God is only a prayer away. 

View my full review of Abel's Field in The San Diego Christian Perspectives Examiner.  (Also in Assist News Service.) 

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © February 2013