Book Review: Galthain's Bones is a fun journey of growth

Hi everyone. I finally got done with a book I said I'd read. Now it's time to give a review. This takes us beyond the land of Astarkand in the story Galthain's Bones.

Rating: Five out of Five stars
Story:
Long before he came to Astarkand Bjorn was living with his family in Hevla. However one day the Seeress comes and tells him that he must retrieve the bones of his ancestor Eiathan from the city of Deathwater, located in the desert, and bring them to Hevla so they can be properly buried. With a company of six men Bjorn will travel through a scorching and unforgiving desert, where danger follows them and water is hard to come by. What's more, how will they get the remains of Eiathan out of the desert, and is someone in the company hiding a secret? 
There is a bonus story included as well. This story accounts the life of Bjorn Horsa at home in Hevla. We get to see another side to Bjorn as he lives with his family, close and extended. The bonus story serves for good humor and helps to show the culture of the Horsa people. While living in Hevla Bjorn gets into all kind of mischief while he seeks to have fun with his brothers and cousins. But will there be a price to pay for his humor?
I'm glad that we got to see a little more of the world apart from Astarkand. This book helps to build the world Krystine Kercher has created in Legends of Astarkand, and takes us beyond the borders of the kingdom we have become acquainted with. Like how the Horsa are Christian, the people of the desert appear to be Muslim as they worship Allah. However the danger comes from the bandits and the mysterious Emir. The journey sometimes feels long, but it is a world. Of course traveling across it would be a long process. Magic doesn't really appear until halfway through the story, but it serves as a tool that helps the characters. Overall this is a fun fantasy story that should be read. 
Caution:
A character mentions the word rape, but it isn't seen. Bandits chase men across the desert. Some fighting, but not gory. 
Lessons:
We should remember our ancestors and do what we can to honor them. The Lord will provide a way for us to obey his will. It is good to befriend those who are not of our faith. Good people are found everywhere.

Book Review: Eiathan's Heir raises the stakes

Hi everyone. It's late getting this up, but better late than never. This book review deals with the third book in the Legends of Astarkand series, Eiathan's Heir:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Bjorn Horsa has come to Hearthing Hall, and is trying to bring order to the land while waiting for the right moment to be crowned king. Not only does he have to deal with misguided heralds and political matters of the court, but there's a barber causing insurrection in the land that if not stopped will result in innocent people being sacrificed to Vodan. Unknown to Bjorn the sorceress and Vodan's own daughter Gunhild is spying on him, seeking to ruin his rule. Will Bjorn be able to save the folk of Firewind? Or will Astarkand forever fall under the shadow of Vodan?
I enjoyed this story as I've enjoyed the other books of Astarkand. Krystine manages to create an authentic medieval feel while still maintaining the elements of a high fantasy. Like in medieval times different religious views clash and find themselves at odds. Her heroes prove you don't need magic or super powers to save the day. All you need is faith and the courage to go forward.
Caution:
The word breast is used a few times. A woman is hinted to be pregnant. A man is hanged. A dragon attacks a town.
Lessons:
With God all things are possible. The Devil may try to slip us up and bring misfortune, but all will work out in the end. Sometimes doing what's right means going against what is popular.

Review: King's Ride is an entertaining uplifting adventure

Hi everyone. I know I haven't been blogging a lot. I hadn't had a lot to blog about. I did have a birthday this week. Maybe I'll tell you about it later, but for now I've got some reviews to do. First up is Legends of Astarkand: King's Ride.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Picking up where A Shadow on the Land left off, Bjorn Horsa finds himself needing to become the king that Astarkand needs. However not everyone is pleased with the changes. The evil elf Vodan, or Woden as the people of Astarkand call him, knows that if Bjorn is crowned king he will lose all power over the land, and he's determined to not let that happen. There are people in the court who also don't want to see Bjorn become their king, and seek to try to get Olaf's heir Weinolf to take the throne. Will Bjorn be able to unite the people during his ride to Hearthing or will Vodan succeed to keep Astarkand in fear of himself?
This book covers important problems that most people ignore when writing of kings ascending the throne. Not everyone will be thrilled of some stranger from another land becoming their new ruler. Krystine Kercher not only captures the reality of opposition in this novel, but she also shows the power of goodness against the forces of darkness. Also if you enjoy reading about mythical creatures you're in for a treat because here we get to see creatures like elves and mermaids.
Caution:
An elf casts spells which may frighten some people. People gather peasants into an army which frighten people.
Lessons:
Prayer can be a powerful weapon to ward off the influences of evil. We can find peaceful solutions to problems. We should love our family.

Book Review: Shadow on the Land excellent book

Hi everyone. I meant to finish reading this book earlier this week, but I had family visiting so I spent time with them. Now it's time to do a review for A Shadow on the Land.

Rating
5 out of 5 stars
Story
A Shadow on the Land is well written and creatively done. The pacing may seem a bit slow in some areas, but Krystine Kercher does a very good job at exploring the different perspectives of the characters. I also enjoy the world building she has placed in this book. The towns and settlements feel very European and there are even clashing religions. In case you are wondering there are fantasy creatures in the story, including the traditional dragon.
The overall story is about Bjorn Horsa, the heir to the throne of Astarkand. However the current king of Astarkand, Olaf, refuses to give up the throne and tries to have Bjorn killed. Bjorn must flee and travel the land evading the king and trying to find some way to convince Olaf to do his duty.
Caution
Some scenes of violence do get a little descriptive, but not extreme.
Lessons
All things will come to pass in the Lord's time and in His way. People who are Christians would probably do well to use this story to help readers look into the life of David, particularly 1 Samuel 18-2 Samuel 1. When wicked men enter positions of power, they will exercise unrighteous dominion. We must be wise in who we choose as our leaders.