Hound Dog Harmonies: "Anchor"

Song: "Anchor"

Artist: Skillet

Album: Victorious

Genre: Rock/Metal

Selected Lyrics:

Drifting beneath the horizon
Body is weak but I'm trying
To make it to shore, but I'm falling short
I need You more
Wave after wave, I've been sinking
So unto Your promise I'm clinging
You say that I'm strong, to You I belong
Keep holding on

You are my anchor
So steady me, steady me now
You are my anchor
You're keeping my feet on the ground
In angry oceans, You've never broken through
Every wave of the storm

Discussion:

My last Hound Dog Harmonies post featured the mellow sounds of The Gray Havens. This week, we swing the other way to Skillet's heavy metal jams. (Hey, I've never claimed to have consistent music tastes.) I honestly can't believe I haven't featured Skillet on the blog yet, though, in hindsight, their lyrics tend to be a little less deep than say, Theocracy. 

"Anchor" is probably my favorite song off of the new Victorious album that came out a couple months ago, mostly because it came at a perfect time in my life. The album released just a few weeks before my dog was diagnosed with lymphoma. The past month has been hard emotionally and mentally as I've had to make a lot of decisions regarding what exactly I want to do about his cancer and reconciling myself to the fact that he's not going to be around forever. This whole album, but especially "Anchor", has been the soundtrack to my life throughout that time.

I really enjoy the lyrics of this song because they focus me back on Christ and His consistency. I tend to rely on my dog for my main source of companionship and comfort, but even he's transient. Christ, however, won't abandon me, even when I'm drowning. Even when the world seems to be shifting around me and all my best laid plans have been stripped aside, He's there to steady me.

I would highly recommend the whole Victorious album if you enjoy a taste of heavy metal with some lyrics that you can feel comfortable listening to. My other favorites off the album are "Finish Line", "Never Going Back", and "This is the Kingdom". 

I also have to give a hat tip to Skillet lead singer John Cooper and his comments on how the church tends to elevate emotions and celebrities over the Word of God and how that can be a problem.The Christian Post did a nice article on his comments and their context a while back. He's a little forward, but I largely found it a refreshing take on Christian pop culture. 

Movie Review: "Tolkien" (2019)

Well, here's to wrapping up the 2019 Tolkien Blog Party hosted by The Edge of the Precipice. Many thanks to Hamlette for hosting such a wonderful party again this year!

4/5 Stars

I had originally intended to see this movie in theaters, but I couldn't find anyone with whom to go, so I decided to wait to watch it until it came out for rental. I can honestly say that I felt I didn't lose much by waiting; while the movie was enjoyable and even touching, it wasn't something that I felt I needed to see on the big screen. 

Tolkien focuses on the author's early life from the time his family moved from Africa back to England up through the start of WWI. While I was initially disappointed by the fact that we didn't get to meet the Inklings (including C.S. Lewis), the scope of the film was appropriate for the run time. 

Like all biopics, the film does take some liberties, at least according to critics that I could find. (I haven't done extensive reading on his life, so I had to take the word of some people on the internet). Mostly, it seems they added a few scenes for dramatic effect and shuffled a couple points around in the timeline. Overall, though, it seems the film did a good job sticking to the general facts of his life. 

The movie does lots of flashing back and forth between Tolkien's time as a soldier in the trenches and his earlier life and childhood. I'm not overly fond of this sort of format, but it worked well in this instance, serving to build tension throughout. 

The film mostly focuses on Tolkien's physical life, rather than his imaginative works. However, for those familiar with his writing, you can see how life events might have shaped the legends of Middle-Earth. (Ex. Edith dancing in the woods as inspiration for Luthien). Unfortunately, the film sidelines his Catholic faith and its role in shaping his stories, choosing to spend much more time on the friendship he forms with his classmates and his courtship of his future wife. I don't think it was necessarily a bad choice; nevertheless, it was mildly disappointing. 

I would recommend this movie as an enjoyable way to pass the time to anyone who has a mild to moderate interest in Tolkien's life or works, though someone who has an extremely deep interest may want to seek out a more traditional biography.

2019 Tolkien Tag

It's that time of year again! I'm pleased to present my answers to Hamlette's Tolkien Blog Tag as part of her Tolkien party over at  The Edge of the Precipice. Hope you enjoy!

Would You Rather...

...join Thorin's Company or the Fellowship?

I would have to say I'd rather join Thorin's company. While defeating a dragon is no small task, carrying a character-warping object into certain defeat seems like a horrible way to start off my questing career. 

...ride Shadowfax or an eagle?

I've always wanted to fly, so Eagles for the win! 

...travel through Moria or Mirkwood?

I detest spiders. Let's go with Moria. 

...learn to make elvish rope or mithril chainmail?

I mean, either would be cool, but elvish rope seems like something I would be more capable of learning how to manufacture. 

...try to outwit Smaug or Saruman?

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure that I could outwit either of them. Smaug's reasoning seems to be a little more susceptible to flattery, but being roasted alive seems rather unpleasant. On the other hand, Saruman has a rather wicked twist of thought, and if I lost, maybe it would just be better to be burned to a crisp instantaneously.

...spend an hour with Grima Wormtongue or Denethor?

Denethor might be the more dangerous of the two when it comes to manipulation, but he feels less, well, slimy, than Grima. Maybe I could get Denethor on a diatribe about Boromir and avoid too many overly probing questions.

...attend Faramir's wedding or Samwise's wedding?

Seeing as Faramir and Eowyn are my favorite LotR couple, I would have to pick theirs, even though the hobbits might have better food. 

...have to care for the One Ring or the Arkenstone for a day?

Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I feel that the Arkenstone is less dangerous than the One Ring. Thorin is also far less terrifying than the Nazgul. 

...have tea with Bilbo or Frodo?

I think I would have to choose Bilbo. He's a very homey, cheerful person in my mind, whereas Frodo seems to be more the tragic hero type. 

 ...fight alongside Boromir or Eomer?

I've only ever ridden a horse once, so I think I would be less of a hindrance to Boromir on foot,  though I prefer Eomer over Boromir as a character. 

Are there any answers you feel strongly about? Which Tolkien character would you like to spend a day with?

Blog and Reading Happenings

Unlike the last half dozen blog updates, I won't be promising to write more frequently, as that seems to induce an unexpected hiatus. But here's an update on a couple of things you can expect to see in the coming months, as well as some books I'm excited about that don't fit in with the overall blog. 

7th Annual Tolkien Blog Party

This will be my fourth year participating in Hamlette's fantastic blog tag and overall Tolkien celebration. It's one of the highlights of my blogging year. Be on the lookout for one or two additional Tolkien posts that week as well. 

Exciting Releases

I've been a fan of Pastor Wolfmueller for some time now. I give him and Pastor Jonathan Fisk credit for me having an appreciation for theology and the liturgy and being key influences in the development of my faith. I've been looking forward to this book since he first mentioned it on his Youtube channel. The book is set to release on August 27th.

You may recognize the name of Kathy Tyers from the Firebird Trilogy that I can't seem to be quiet about. (I really ought to adjust my rating from 4.5 stars to a favorite; I keep coming back to it).  I have not yet read this separate sci-fi installation, but I do look forward to it. If it's half as good as Firebird, I'm sure I'll enjoy it thoroughly. 

Recent Readings

Dracula, by Bram Stoker

This was the latest in my quest to read some more "classics"/ "books everyone ought to read". Surprisingly, I enjoyed it quite thoroughly (I really have no desire to read about vampires, romance, or suspense, so the fact I enjoyed says something significant about the quality of the novel). The novel is framed as a series of journal entries, newspaper clippings, and telegrams written by the characters, which lends it an interesting perspective. Don't read it at 2 o'clock in the morning when you're on overnight shift unless you thoroughly want to be creeped out, but it's worth the read for the sake of the prose and suspense. It's also an interesting study in how the role of men and women has changed in lit and how religion can be a central point in a story without it being overwhelming. 

The Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini

I read this series pretty much every summer. This year, I've taken to listening to it on Audible. (Amazon made me buy it, I swear!). Gerard Doyle does a marvelous job narrating the story, especially when it comes to different character voices. If you're really into audio books, I would highly recommend Audible, even if you end up unsubscribing after a few months; I've been able to purchase the books at under half price.  

The Butchering Art, by Lindsey Fitzharris

This was entirely an impulse buy when I was on a history of anesthesia kick. As usual, the surgeons get all the glory, but this was an interesting historical read nevertheless. If you ever have issues with how healthcare is run, you can find more than one reason to be grateful for how far medicine has progressed in the past two hundred years within this work. It's incredible to see how our understanding of germs, antisepsis, and surgery itself has evolved in so short a time. Fair warning: only read this if you have a strong stomach; it can be pretty medically graphic at times. 

The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis

Speaking of Pastor Jonathan Fisk, he recommended this in a video a while back, so I picked it up to fulfill a Lewis deficiency in my life. I enjoyed it, but if you asked me to explain the main concepts, I would tell you that I need to read it again before I really understand it. (That's partially fueled by the fact that I read it on an overnight shift waiting for the phone to ring; my reading comprehension is not so good at those times). I look forward to revisiting it in the future, hopefully when I'm a little less sleep deprived and can more fully appreciate it and process it. 

What have you been reading lately? Are there any new releases you're waiting on?

Hound Dog Harmonies: "Sirens"

Song: "Sirens"

Artist: The Gray Havens

Genre: Folk/Pop

Selected Lyrics:

One taste of the sound
From the sirens in the water
And I'm thinking I should get out
The sharpest sword and suit of armor
So I can be ready to strike
But I pause, one more time
One last taste of the sound
Then I'll cut these sirens down
But as they sang, I forgot
They were death, so I brought them my heart
To be filled, and I followed them...

Hold on, my heart
You once were full and sang of grace...
You've tasted joy that's more than this

Discussion:

I've been on a Gray Havens kick lately. Their more laid back sound and thoughtful lyrics have been just what my heart has needed after a couple of crazy weeks.

This song in particular has become one of my favorites over the past few years as I've been listening to the group. The daily struggle against sin is something that ways heavily on my mind and heart from time to time and this song gives me words to voice how it feels when I'm struggling against something in particular. (And when I feel terrible about falling again and again, I follow this one up with "Storehouse"). The imagery of the sirens coming up and arming yourself to defeat them, only to stop mid-stroke to listen one last time always gives me pause.

I just discovered the music video for the song, but you can also find it on Spotify or your other favorite music outlets.

What's your favorite song when you're struggling with temptation?

Friday Fiction Fix: The 49th Mystic

4.5/5 Stars

I was recently thinking that it would be nice to get back to reading some Ted Dekker when I stumbled across this at the book store. I had completely forgotten that he had released anything after completing the Circle.

Rachelle Matthews might be blind, but she's the only person who can keep two worlds from being permanently blinded--or so she's been told. Can her dreams of an alternate reality help save the modern world from an impending crisis? Or will she not be able to see beyond herself to what God is doing? The resulting story is one of both modern and fantastical action and self-discovery.

As a proudly stodgy Lutheran, there were a few points of theology that made me raise my eyebrows a bit. This wouldn't have been a huge issue, but the theology at play is a central point of the plot and the novel, so the heavy discussions may be a bit of a turn-off for some readers.

Recommended for fans of fantasy, world-traveling, and modern/thriller action who don't mind some theological discussions mid-plot.

Friday Fiction Fix: "Dragonspell"

5/5 Stars (Target Middle Grade to Teen Audience)

Wow, it's been a long time since I've read this book! I credit this series as opening my eyes to the wonderful world of dragons and truly cementing my love for Christian fantasy. It was great to read it again, even if some of the prose seemed overly simplistic as an adult. There's just a sense of wonder and lightness to this novel that still appeals to me. 

Kale is a village slave, without much hope of a future--that is, until she discovers a dragon egg. Her accidental discovery sends her on a quest to the greatest city in all of Amara. However, when an unlikely band of companions sidetracks her to defeat the evil Wizard Risto, she finds herself wondering what her true purpose is and if she's cut out for the questing life at all. 

DragonSpell is definitely targeted toward a middle grade to young teen audience, so if you're looking for a heavy read, you might want to pass this one up. Nevertheless, the adventuresome nature of the book makes for a fun fantasy journey with some thought-provoking themes centered around identity in Christ. 

Recommended to those who enjoy Christian allegorical fantasy geared toward younger audiences. 

Sequel Review: "Flight of the Raven"

This review does contain spoilers for Mark of the Raven, book one in the Ravenwood Saga. 

5/5 Stars

Favorites Shelf

After re-reading Mark of the Raven, I decided that this series just has to go on my favorites shelf. Selene is one of my favorite characters in Christian fiction. She has multiple needs, wants, and desires that all come into conflict with one another. She also has emotions without letting them rule over her like some schoolgirl or entirely quashing them like some woman trying to be a he-man. High marks all around on character development. 

In Flight of the Raven, Selene finds herself thrust into the center of life at House Maris. Between trying to navigate her new marriage, fearing her dreamwalking abilities, and investigating the Light, she seems to have her hands full. But House Ravenwood will stop at nothing to get its lost daughter back--or to stop her permanently. 

Meanwhile, Damien tries desperately to trust his new wife, in spite of growing evidence that she's not all that she seems. It's a distraction he cannot afford as the Dominia Empire encroaches on the doorstep. Will he and Selene be able to trust one another in time to save the kingdom? Or will the Dark Lady and patrons find a way to stop them?

The resulting action and intrigue makes for a captivating, quick read. There is a fair bit of romance involved, but it's framed around a married couple trying to work things out, which is a welcome change of pace from most novels. 

Recommended to teens and up who enjoy allegory, fantasy, swordplay, and a touch of politics. 

Friday Fiction Fix: "Curio"

4/5 Stars

This is one of a handful of steampunk books I've read. The genre focuses on futuristic technology set in past eras, if that makes sense. Thus, technological advances that we don't have (personal flying machines, hovercraft, etc.) are run off of old technology, such as steam engines. It's a unique genre that tends to focus on heavy worldbuilding. 

Curio centers on Grey Haward, a young woman who seeks to live a normal life in a very strange world, where people are at the mercy of a ruling class who controls the potions they need to survive. When an act of sacrifice puts her in danger, she is whisked away into a miniature world that holds even more secrets than her own western town. Can she get back home? And more importantly, can she save her friends and family?

As I expected going into this novel, the world building was unique and multilayered. However, even though it was my second time through the book, I still didn't feel I understood enough of the backstory to fully appreciate the book. It would be like jumping into The Lord of the Rings without any of Gandalf's or Elrond's explanations of things. Unfortunately, the lack of explanation was superbly frustrating and detracted from the novel quite a bit for me. 

The rest of the story (characters and plot) suffers somewhat from the lack of backstory guiding their motivations. However, I really liked Grey as a character. She's kind and capable, but also not superhuman or above emotions. It's a refreshing take on a female protagonist. 

There is a significant amount of romance in this book, including some kissing that is still within the realm of clean. Though some Christian themes are hinted at, none are explored as of yet. Some of the romantic themes and non-graphic violence would make this book better suited for a mature teen or young adult audience rather than middle-grade/early teen readers.

Recommended for: Readers teen and up who enjoy an imaginative dive into speculative fiction and aren't daunted by a significant amount of world building and back story. 

The #CoverLove Tag

I stole this from Hamlette over at The Edge of the Precipice. Make sure to check out her blog and give it some love, if you haven't already! 

A Book Cover Featuring a Gorgeous Dress

Curio, by Evangeline Denmark

This was a surprisingly hard category for me to fill. Most of my reads seem to feature weaponry or people in fighting outfits. However, I do love the deep red on this dress, even if it's something I wouldn't pick it out for myself. It has also come to my attention that I have not reviewed this book on the blog, which is something I will have to remedy. 

A Book Cover with No People, Just Pretty Scenery

Dreamtreaders, by Wayne Thomas Batson

I'm not entirely sure if  this is what they meant by "pretty scenery", but I absolutely love the mystery and magic of this cover. It's a perfect fit for the book. Check out my review here. 

A Well-Loved Cover

A Time to Rise, by Nadine Brandes

I think they were getting at a "well worn" book cover, but I didn't have my camera handy. (Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan would have won that contest). This book cover holds a special place in my part after being part of the cover reveal. 

A Book Cover That Just Makes You Smile

Hello, My Name is Single, by Adriane Dorr

We're taking a brief break from fiction for this one. Hold on here, I know it sounds depressing, but this book's mood matched its somewhat quirky, fun cover. It might not be the cover that makes me smile, per se, but the book has made me laugh (and cry) every time I've read it. Recommended to anyone who has met an older woman who, upon learning of your single status, has tried to be an instant matchmaker for you off the simple criteria that you have a pulse and so-and-so has a pulse, triggering the urge to pound your head repeatedly into the wall. If that fits you, you'll likely love this.

A Book Cover That's Your Favorite Color

Storm, by Evan Angler (Swipe Series, Book 3)

I absolutely love purple, so much so that it was a nickname on a volunteer trip because everyone could pick me out from a distance. If you like post-apocalyptic fiction, I would recommend checking out my review of the first book in the series. (And Evan, if you're out there, you need to continue the series. I'm dying over here. It's been six years)

A Cover with Fond Memories Attached to It

Inheritance, by Christopher Paolini

This book has two sets of fond memories attached to it. The first was bartering with my informal book club of friends over who would get to be the second to read the lone copy we had between the five of us.(I won because I said I could read it in under two days. I did, but I hardly slept. I have no regrets). The second was finding it at my favorite used bookstore back home for very, very cheap and in good condition.

A Book You Wanted Solely for the Cover

Firebird, by Kathy Tyers

I think I've waxed eloquent on this cover before. This was one case of the cover selling the book for me. I just couldn't resist it. I'm beyond happy I picked it up, too. After recently re-reading the book, I think I might be re-evaluating my review from 4.5 to 5 stars and re-shelving on the favorites shelf. It just keeps growing on me.

Do you have any covers you'd like to share? What's your favorite book cover?

Friday Fiction Fix: "Curse of the Spider King"

I'm trying out a new/abbreviated review format so I can bring you more book reviews! (Err...so I have fewer excuses for neglecting to post them.) Let me know what you think in the comments!

5/5 Stars

If you've been following the blog for very long (granted, I haven't been posting much recently, so maybe it would be more apropos to say, "if you've perused through my archives"), you've likely noticed that I'm quite the fan of Wayne Thomas Batson. He seems to find the right blend of dread, mythicalness, and high adventure to incorporate into his fantasy works. Curse of the Spider King, authored by him and Christopher Hopper, is no exception. 

This middle-grade to YA novel centers on several young people in the present day. Unbeknownst to them, however, they have unbreakable ties to the fantasy world of Berinfell-where elves face off with swords against the dreadful Spider King. Soon, they're caught up in a quest to save a world that none of them even knew existed. 

The resulting tale is one of intrigue, urban fantasy, and self-discovery. While there are many, many characters to follow, the authors do a good job of differentiating the characters and their abilities. The prose occasionally reminds you that this is intended to be a book for younger audiences, but overall doesn't get in the way of the rich worldbuilding and otherworldly adventure. I truly look forward to reading the next installment in the series. 

Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy novels set for a younger audience that focus on world-traveling and self-discovery/coming of age. Some Christian elements are alluded to. 

Avenger's Blog Tag

As we all await the Avengers: Endgame movie, I thought it would be fun to fill out this tag I stole from The Mad Dragon Hatter. Hope you enjoy! Feel free to steal.


Iron Man
A book that made you laugh

The Pig Scrolls by Paul Shipton
Fourth grade humor (think underwear jokes) mixed with Greek Mythology and dry wit makes this one a fun read that you have to be in just the right mood to enjoy. Maybe my sense of humor is weird, but I about laugh my socks off every time I read it.

Thor
A character with strength you admire

Aragorn, from The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
I had a serious debate between Samwise and Aragorn on this one, but I think more ink has been spilled lauding Sam on this case. Aragorn might not be the character you pick for moral fortitude, but he shows remarkable moral strength. He refuses the Ring as a mortal man and refuses to give into temptation. Seeing as hobbits seem to be somewhat naturally immune, I think this is more noteworthy than most people would give him credit. He also is never depicted as whining about his lot in life, even though he faces a hard uphill battle to reclaim what's rightfully his, and his prospective father in law is rather demanding.

Captain America
A book set in another era.

The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak
This didn't fall under my fantasy/sci-fi theme on this blog, or else I would have reviewed it here (and perhaps I still will). I truly enjoyed it. Nazi Germany has been the setting of many, many novels, but I felt this one gave me a fresh take on it. This was the first historical fiction novel I had enjoyed for some time, so it was a nice change of pace.

Hulk
A book that made you angry

The Gladiator and the Guard, by Annie Douglass Lima
First, let me say I love this book. It wasn't the book that made me angry, but rather one of the characters who I had come to love in the previous novel. He just...regressed...so much. And it nearly cost the protagonist his life. I wanted to reach into my ereader and physically shake some sense into him. So, well written. Go read the series, or my review of book 1 if you want more info.

Hawkeye
An underrated book

C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy
I don't know if this is just an unknown series or if it's truly underrated. I was very surprised to find that I had scrolled through the entirety of my Goodreads list and not found a book that jumped out at me for this one. Anyway, if you like 20th century sci-fi or just C.S. Lewis' thought processes, go check this lesser-known trilogy. (And don't dislike Hawkeye. He's a cool dude because archery.) An alternate answer would be The Silmarillion, but I already picked one Tolkien item for the list.

Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch
Sibling Love

Meg and Charles Wallace Murray from A Wrinkle in Time. 
I don't have any siblings, so I've lived vicariously through books. I have to say that I found Meg and Charles to be quite charming. They disagree and fight from time to time, but they genuinely love each other without being creepily/unnaturally well adapted.

Antman
A book you want to read but can't

The War of Swords by D. Barkley Briggs
I have searched everywhere for this. Legends of Karac Tor is one of my favorite series, but it's gotten kicked around from publisher to publisher and very few copies of the final book were printed. Even Amazon doesn't have it. I finally managed to scrounge up a digital copy for NOOK, but I can't get the ereader app to work. *Headdesk*

Loki
An antagonist you like

Murtagh, from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle
Honestly, I don't know how I haven't thought this before, but Murtagh's one of my favorite antagonists. He's one of those "between a rock and a hard place" antagonists who was forced to be a bad guy. However, he also displays how adopting the attitude that you were forced to be the bad guy can turn you into one at heart, though he redeems himself in the end--or perhaps all along. One wonders what his life would have been like if he hadn't been betrayed.

Who's your favorite Avenger? Do you have a burning answer to any of the tag questions?

What I've Been Reading

I promise I haven't entirely neglected the blog..there's about a half dozen articles and reviews typed out on my computer that I keep stalling on because I can't find the way to say what I actually want to say, if that makes sense. In the meantime, I'm going to follow some advice I heard a while back: if something's worth doing 100%, sometimes it's better to do it 80% than 0% if you can't quite muster full strength. So, here's my 80% post with some thoughts on my recent reads:

Children of the Blood Moon Trilogy

I just finished off this trilogy that I started reading over a year ago. It's an interesting Christian fantasy trilogy that, even if a little heavy handed on prophecies and special powers at times, is worth the read. S.D. Grimm manages to weave a tale that's well balanced with regard to action, character development, and a bit of romance. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future as her writing style continues to develop. Overall, I'd give the trilogy 4/5 stars. (Review of Book 1).

1984

This dystopian classic has been on my radar for a while now; it wasn't exactly on my personal reading list because I wanted to read it (I knew it was depressing), but because I feel it's one of those books that you should read if you claim to be a reader. While I don't think it's something I'll be inclined to re-read anytime soon, I'm glad I did finally pick it up. The story was less horrifying for its ending than its startling parallels to the 21st century--the best way to keep people missing holes in their logic is to keep them shouting about something. Stir up enough emotion and you can have them change which enemy they're facing and completely ignore objective truth. Not a light read, nor for those looking for a clean book, but nevertheless worthwhile to chew on for a bit. 

Rome: A History in Seven Sackings

This was a pure impulse buy; whenever I travel somewhere and find a local bookstore, I feel it's my bookish duty to support them. It's another volume that I won't be rereading for a while, but intriguing in its own right. If you have a general interest in history or in Rome in particular, the author's description of Rome's architecture and culture through the centuries through the lens of seven invasions was captivating enough to get me through the whole volume. 

Kiss of Deception 

My family generally tries to pick me up a new series every Christmas; this was one such book and may eventually make a full appearance on the blog. Although a little heavy-handed on the romance, it was an enjoyable read and I plan on continuing in the series. 

Upcoming

I'm looking forward to reading the very-long awaited Forsaken Continent by Wayne Thomas Batson. This third installment of the Myridian Constellation (formerly the Dark Sea Annals) is slated to arrive at my door in paperback on my birthday this week, which is pretty much the best bookish present I could ask for. 

As far as other long-expected books go, I'm working up the courage to open my copy of The Fall of Gondolin. It's the last Tolkien book to be released--probably ever--so it'll take the perfect day to read it. However, I'll probably tackle it just in time for the Tolkien biography movie set to be released in May. 

Friday Fiction Fix: "Mark of the Raven"

The Short

Mark of the Raven
The Ravenwood Saga, Book 1

By: Morgan L. Busse

5/5 Stars

What: In a world where the ruling houses have supernatural gifts, the heiress of one house must decide how to best utilize her family's long-kept secret.

Recommended to those who like: Fantasy, Christian, Assassins

The Long

Morgan L. Busse doesn't readily come to my mind when I think of my favorite authors, but she really should, especially after this opening to her latest Christian fantasy series. It was absurdly close to making it onto my favorites shelf, and it may eventually work its way there when I re-read it.

Lady Selene of House Ravenwood has a secret that no one can know. Ravenwood, long thought to be the only ruling house without a supernatural gift, holds one of the most powerful gifts of all--dreamwalking. They've been using it to gather information from people's dreams for the past few centuries and Lady Selene is now thrust into the position of using her gift for her house's benefit.

But when the time comes to choose between her house's benefit and the good of the entire kingdom, what will she choose?

This book was darkly captivating and heart-wrenching at some points. I really like Selene and how three-dimensional she is when she has to face the various moral quandries presented to her in this book. She feels real, with conflicted emotions, but she has enough drive that she doesn't come across as wishy-washy.

The world-building in this book is also fantastic. Unlike many Christian books, multiple religions are presented and they aren't so clear-cut as to be unrealistic. The different houses and their heads are fleshed out enough to make it feel like a real world without being overwhelming to the reader.

The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend this book to fans of Christian fantasy who are looking for a darker, richer tale of how to deal with moral dilemmas. Due to some mentions of adult themes, I would recommend it to teens and up.

Looking for more by Morgan L. Busse? Check out my reviews of her other fantasy series  and her steampunk novels.