The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead

This is a book review of The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead.

Do you remember that old song that says, "Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you"? In an interesting twist on the fairy tale, Ross Lawhead's book suggests the same thing.

The main characters, Daniel Tulley and Freya Reynolds, discover that the real world and the world of legends, myths, and fairy tales actually overlap.

As children, Daniel and Freya, stumbled into another realm while on a field trip. In this new realm, they awaken two knights who have been sleeping for 1000 years. In order to get back to modern day England, Daniel and Freya, have to help the good knights free their land of an evil force.

As adults, eight years later, Daniel and Freya are struggling to make sense of what happened. Daniel continues to battle dark forces that have crossed into our realm, while Freya is battling OCD. Freya is nearly paralyzed by the fear of returning to the other realm. Daniel yearns to be a hero. The two of them are still at the center of an epic (and almost eternal) battle.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Realms Thereunder. I admit I have often asked myself, "What if those legends aren't really legends after all." Or "What if those creatures truly existed. I have loved knights and swords since I was little. The elements of this story tapped into a part of my imagination that is rooted deep into my heart. Swords, knights, enchantments, and the destruction of evil. What's not to love. Then, Ross Lawhead, takes all of that (myth and legend) and slams it straight down in this world. Awesome!

If you spent your free time in high school reading King Arthur stories, you will love this book. If you didn't, you might find that you can still enjoy it. I will give this caveat, the author makes liberal use of flashbacks and flash-forwards. It doesn't really slow the story down, but if you aren't able to read it straight through (and most people can't), it can make it a bit harder remembering what has already happened in the story.

One other warning. This is the first book in a series. If you hate the idea of waiting a year (or two) to read the next one (or two), then you might want to hold off on checking it out. Or you could read it now, and then read it again later when the other books come out. It's up to you.

If you love fiction, and fantasy in particular, I encourage you to check this one out. If you hate fantasy or fiction or both, try broadening your horizons.

I was given this e-book by Thomas Nelson through Booksneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are mine.

Book Review: The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

After nearly a year of waiting, I finally got my hands on book 2 of the Bright Empires series. The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead did not disappoint. I have eagerly anticipated its arrival since I finished The Skin Map in the early morning hours one day last fall.

The Bone House continues to unfold the fantastic story of Kit Livingstone. Kit is a young man from London, who discovers with the help of his great-grandfather Cosimo Livingstone, how to travel through the multiple dimensions of the universe. They travel through these dimensions by using ley lines. The dimensions are connected to the modern world, but they have differing time lines and geography. Kit and his friends are trying to find the Skin Map, so they can unravel the secrets of the universe.

The Bone House combines several elements of the science fiction and fantasy genres in a unique way to create a fast paced thrill ride. Although there is a fair bit of bouncing around in time and culture, the reader shouldn't get lost. Overall, I have really enjoyed these two books. They are extremely well-written and imaginative.

Let me share a couple of things I appreciated about this book. Although it is part of a series, there isn't extensive backstory. The author provides a quick catch-up in the beginning of the book for those who haven't read The Skin Map and those who read it when it came out. The reader doesn't have to be continually reminded of what happened in the first book which makes for a quicker (and more enjoyable) reading. The second thing I appreciate is Lawhead's vivid descriptions (especially about food).

There is one I didn't like about the book. I hate coming to the end of the book and knowing that I have to wait a year to find out what happens to the characters. I didn't like waiting to the next week for my favorite t.v. shows when I was a kid, and I haven't changed much. Making the audience wait a year is a bit extreme.

The Bone House is an imaginative piece of fiction. I encourage you to read it, but before you do check out The Skin Map. I found it easier to read the second book (probably because I read the first), while at the same time understanding the first one better through reading the second. They are both worth checking out.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com for review purposes. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

How does a father get to know his daughters? How does he become one of the leading influences in her life? These are the questions Greg Wright tackles in his book Daddy Dates. In this book, he lays out "the roadmap for any dad to raise a strong and confident daughter." The book serves to guide fathers in the practice of "dating" their daughters (in a nonromantic, non-creepy way). Dad's are encouraged to take their daughters out on "dates" which revolve around the daughter's interest and provide an opportunity from him to get to know her.   

The book has a good deal of advice. Wright offers tips on how a father can connect with his daughter. He reminds us that men, as fathers and husbands, need to learn how to listen. He rightly suggests to us that there is no substitute for spending time with our daughters. If fathers want to influence their daughters in a positive way, then they have to be connected to their daughters in a vital way. This connection take time and care to develop.

I'm struggling with the terminology of "dating" one's daughter. Wright clearly didn't intend for the concept to be misunderstood, but it still creeps me out a little.

Another thing that bothers me about the book is that it doesn't deal with spiritual issues. Wright speaks about raising "strong and confident daughters," but that isn't the same as godly daughters. I'm not suggesting that he doesn't desire his daughters to be godly, it just not explicitly stated in the book. It is wonderful that non-believer could pick up the book and use it to develop a better relationship with his daughter, but a believer should strive for more than just improved relationships. I was left wondering how the process of dating helped him with the spiritual formation of his daughters.

One final, minor complaint. The books seemed to jump around to me. Some of the chapters, although they were helpful, seemed to be out of place. It could have been better organized. Specifically, the chapters concerning divorced dads and mommy dates interrupted the flow of the book, and would have been better at the end.

Overall, I thought it was an okay book. There were several good stories (no real tear-jerkers, but after all it was written by a man for other men), but there was nothing profound. Men are pursuers. Listen. Don't screw up. I think men with daughters could benefit from this book, but only if they are going to put it into practice.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Free Book by Brian Tome

Brian Tome's Free Book is about the freedom that comes from knowing Jesus. It's about stepping out in faith--overcoming fear, guilt, moralistic legalism, strongholds, and spiritual forces. It's about walking in the grace of God. It's also about dreaming big dreams for the glory of God, and pursuing them with passion.

From the moment I agreed to review this book, I wanted to like it. The title, Free Book, caught my attention, as did the orange cover (the book however is not "free," you have to purchase it. However, I got my copy free through BookSneeze). I liked the challenge reviewing a book would give me. The back cover's synopsis of the book was intriguing. I looked forward to it's arrival with great anticipation.

However, my enthusiasm waned after I began reading the book. Tome writes in a conversational style that engages his reader, but often speaks with vagueness. I found myself repeatedly asking, "What exactly does that mean?" He is also fond of making over the top statements like, "We don't need another book about the cross. . . . But a book on freedom? Yes." Tome is confident that there are ample resources that explore and explain the cross, but not many books exists to explore and explain freedom in Christ. However, it is the cross that makes freedom possible in the first place. They aren't mutually exclusive topics, and based on what he says elsewhere in the book, I believe he would agree. I found myself agreeing with much of what he said, but annoyed at how he said it.

The book felt like a discipleship manual for new believers and seekers who had negative religious experiences. It's a primer for postmodern believers who fear becoming shackled by religion. Although I have concerns, I find there some commendable things:

• Chapter 5, "The Forgiveness Freeway," is an excellent treatment of overcoming guilt and bitterness.
• Chapter 6, "Strongholds," offers helpful insights into seeing the "why" behind some of the things we struggle with.
• Chapter 10, "Blahs, Break, Blues, and Blessings," does a wonder job of explaining the process of change.

I agree with the general message of the book, we are free in Christ. However, I had to make myself finish reading the book, and I have struggled to write this review.  Overall, Free Book was a mixed bag. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it much either.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”