Janey&#39;s Muse - News, Views &amp; Reviews

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

For The Glory, the movie

For The Glory is based on the true story of Kurt Kuykendall, a young man whose determination and tenacity in face of many personal trials helped him fulfill his long-term goal—to become an Olympic athlete.

Kurt (Jason Burkey) faces a good dose of hardships. Not only does he lose his only brother but also, in a sense, he “loses” the affections of his mother who succumbs to alcohol to drown her sorrows. Then there’s the dad (Michael Landers)—a demanding perfectionist who belittles his son when he fails to live up to his father’s high standards.

Read my full review of this movie, now out in DVD, here in The Examiner.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

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.

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.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Lost Medallion offers hope to children

Today folk all over America are praying for the unborn -- praying against the endless slaying of unborn children. Others are thinking of all the children born and then rejected or placed in undeserving situations. Foster children are by no means the last on the list. Au contraire! Foster children are like orphans in the heart of God. In essence, they are orphans. And they need love and encouragement. Every day.

The Lost Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone is a story within a story -- a story recounted to foster children -- a story which offers them hope and teaches them what really matters in life...truth, friendship, love, self-sacrifice, hope... It is the tale of a crazy adventure that brings two children into a realm where they are forced to develop their integrity -- and their purpose.

The Lost Medallion will appear in theaters nationwide on March 1st (my birthday -- just sayin'). You don't wanna miss it.

Watch the trailer of The Lost Medallion and read my full review in The San Diego Examiner here. Or here in Assist News Service.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Friday, January 11, 2013

The Reason

A violent storm splits apart the cross outside St. Thomas’ Church in a small Michigan town, causing a stir within the community. Although the damage seems too severe to repair, several people want to try to repair the cross. They are compelled to give it their best shot—as if trying to fix the brokenness caused by the storms in their own lives.

But no one’s life is more shattered than Brooke’s, a single mom who discovers that her young son, Alex, is on death’s door. No one has it that bad. Not Zach, even though he hides a heavy past that weighs him down daily. Not Carla, the perpetual “loser” (or so she thinks). Not even Pastor Jim who is blind. No one can remove Brooke’s heavy cross, much as they try to do what they can.

But there is one who can do more than most—Kenneth the carpenter. He seemed to have access to miracles. He repaired the cross alone, in seconds. Just like that!

Kenneth knows God’s Word deeply and possesses deep insight into people. He just might know The Reason behind all the commotion…and be able to usher in some much-needed healing. But will he? Or is he waiting for everyone to “only believe”?

Read more of this review in The San Diego Christian Perspectives Examiner.

Janey DeMeo M.A.