Books,  Reviews

Review: Loresmen by Matthew Christian Harding

Loresmen by Matthew Christian HardingLoresmen by Matthew Christian Harding
Reviewed by: Lori Twichell
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Publisher: Zoe and Sozo Publishing
Publication Date: July 21, 2011

Who is Thiery? Where will Suzie end up? Is Lord McDougal alive or dead? Will Lady Mercy be spared? These are some of the questions that Matthew Christian Harding left us to ponder in his previous book, Paladins.

In this final chapter of the Peleg Chronicles, Matthew Christian Harding has set up myriad questions that need to be answered. People must be saved. Battles must be fought. And more than that, we learn the back stories to some of our favorite characters. Stories that have been hinted at, danced around, and played with in the first two books are suddenly made clear and we learn how everyone came together in this epic battle of good vs. evil. Our friends find themselves guests at the King’s table, battling giants and other frightening creatures and learning more about themselves than they ever imagined possible. (It’s really hard to write this review without spoiling plotlines – so I’m going to have to stop my summary here!)

I loved these books. I was delighted in the universe that Harding set up without falling back into the world of magic or other mystical things that are often entertaining, but not always Biblical. He managed to maintain a solid Biblical concept all the way throughout these books without taking anything away from the story. In other works some of the speeches given by these characters would seem preachy and out of place, but in these stories, they fit. There were moments in the book that someone would quote the Bible without a heavy handed message. It was simply woven into the fabric of their every day lives. That’s as it should be with us. I don’t know about you, but I rarely speak the Bible constantly into every day conversation. It doesn’t fit. But with this universe and these personalities, it didn’t feel like a misstep.

The vivid setting partnered with three dimensional characters that you’re eager to continue following set up a brilliant series that ends fantastically in this book. After reading them myself, I’ve worked them into a homeschool curriculum for my kids. Even the youngest of my family (8 years old) will love and enjoy these stories. Easy to read but with plotlines that keep everyone engaged, I cannot highly enough recommend these books. Do not let these beautiful gems pass by you unread. You will be missing something extraordinary if you do.

Rated PG: I loved this book. There were a few things that might need some guidance for really young kids, but for the most part, it’s all kinds of awesome!

Review copy provided by the author. Thank you!