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Legends of the Guardian-King #4
Return of the Guardian-King
The powerful finale to the Christy Award-winning novels in the LEGENDS OF THE GUARDIAN-KING series Believed dead by all but the handful of supporters who rescued him from his Mataian enemies, Abramm Kalladorne has fled his homeland to the high mountains of northern Chesedh. Traveling under a new name with a group of bitter and increasingly desperate fellow exiles, Abramm hopes to reunite with his wife in Chesedh, where he will offer his services to her father in fighting the invading armies of the Black Moon. But with every step he is hindered, delayed, and diverted from the direction he desires to go, and it soon becomes clear Eidon has other plans for him. In the royal city of Fannath Rill, Maddie alone believes Abramm still lives. But since she has no proof, her friends, family, and public opinion press her to remarry. With its neighboring realms now under enemy control, Chesedh has become the last bastion of Eidon's Light. Desperately overmatched, it cannot survive on its own. Yet the rich, handsome eastern warlord who is openly courting Maddie has a vast fleet of galley ships that could turn the tide in Chesedh's favor....
461 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 7, 2016
This book and series is one of my all time favorite, and I highly recommend it! The author does an amazing job showing the difference between the faith in Christ and faith in religion. The more knowledgeable you are about God, His Word, and church history, the more things you'll recognize in this series. But even if you're not that knowledgeable of them, you'll wind up learning a lot by the end as things will become clear. The story is exciting, the characters so well developed you'll feel like you've always known them . This is a book and series you don't want to end!
August 17, 2022
4,25 stars- English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
February 21, 2015
This book is a bit of a mixed bag—but the good far outweighs the bad. It’s still a bit rambling, but the plotting is thankfully much tighter than the last installment. The beginning is painfully slow, but as with all of Hancock’s books, it picks up the pace for a truly epic finale. Indeed, that has more or less been my experience with this series: slow bit, brilliance!, slow bit, brilliance! So the not-so-good parts are always worth wading through.
Even more importantly, I have found myself profoundly touched and moved by every installment in this series, but perhaps no one more so than this last. This is a tremendous testament of faith that challenged me on nearly every page with its honesty and its guts. I can’t recommend it unequivocally, but I absolutely do recommend it.
Even more importantly, I have found myself profoundly touched and moved by every installment in this series, but perhaps no one more so than this last. This is a tremendous testament of faith that challenged me on nearly every page with its honesty and its guts. I can’t recommend it unequivocally, but I absolutely do recommend it.
October 13, 2014
I have a confession to make (fitting isn't it ?). I have read this book backward. Started with the first part (4 in total) and then went straight to the last and came back to the 1st part step by step.
Crazy, one might think. Perhaps.
Surely.
But it was so difficult for me to bear Abramm's, Maddy's, Trap's, Carissa's, Simon's, Ian's... ordeals. I needed first to see how things ended for them all (even for the villains). I needed to be reassured (whether I was or not eventually, I won't tell for the sake of not spoiling).
Anyway. This says a lot. I did care for the characters. Deeply. I do not much care about Gods and religion but I do respect those who have a strong faith. That is why, I think, I enjoyed this read so much. Plus, the good writing, the good storyline, the good plot...
I already miss the characters.
I wonder if the author will write a sequel. She certainly gave plenty of hints by the end of this book.
Crazy, one might think. Perhaps.
Surely.
But it was so difficult for me to bear Abramm's, Maddy's, Trap's, Carissa's, Simon's, Ian's... ordeals. I needed first to see how things ended for them all (even for the villains). I needed to be reassured (whether I was or not eventually, I won't tell for the sake of not spoiling).
Anyway. This says a lot. I did care for the characters. Deeply. I do not much care about Gods and religion but I do respect those who have a strong faith. That is why, I think, I enjoyed this read so much. Plus, the good writing, the good storyline, the good plot...
I already miss the characters.
I wonder if the author will write a sequel. She certainly gave plenty of hints by the end of this book.
September 1, 2010
This whole series is really cool. I think I liked it because of the characters and how they had to grow or sink. I really liked the plot line. I really loved these books and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in an extremely good read.
February 15, 2012
This series started out okay, but I got supremely tired with the over the top message of "Only this religion is the right one!"
It felt preachy and the characters were extremely flat and whiny.
It felt preachy and the characters were extremely flat and whiny.
July 17, 2016
The following contains spoilers for the entire series:
The final installment of a tetralogy, Return of the Guardian King certainly serves as a good conclusion to a good series. But good is likely as far as it goes in that respect. It certainly has moments where it shines above said descriptor, and perhaps some moments where it drops beneath it. That being said, good becomes the best term, as it is the average of the book.
The series is an allegorical Christian fantasy dealing with a character, Abramm, who goes from being a believer in a false religion, to having no religion, to becoming a true believer. His station in life changes with each successive period; from being an acolyte of the false religion, to an unbelieving slave/gladiator, to a king following the true religion.
In the first book, Abramm’s scheming younger brother, Gillard, sells him into slavery at the behest of their older brother, the king of Kiriath. But said brother soon is driven mad and dies, leaving Gillard in place as regent, as Abramm is presumed dead, or at the very least, lost. Through a series of remarkable events, Abramm becomes a famous gladiator known as the White Pretender. After converting to the true religion, one which believes that Eidon’s (the God figure of the story) son Tersius died to take the punishment for the sins of the people and was resurrected, Abramm kills the infamous ruler of Eshur, temporarily stopping his plans of bringing the Armies of the Black Moon sweeping through Kiriath.
The second book, The Shadow Within, picks up the narrative at the point of Abramm’s return to Kiriath, where he soon is crowned the rightful king; however, his rule is in doubt, as Gillard is averse to giving up his power and the people do not trust a Terstan king (Terstans being those who follow the true religion). Eventually, Gillard and his rebels oust Abramm, only to be defeated later in a brief civil war. Once again, Abramm takes the reins of power.
The third installment in the series begins with Abramm’s official coronation as king, and mostly deals with his plans of alliance with neighboring Chesedh, a treaty that depends upon him marrying Briellen, First Daughter of Chesedh. What seems like a simple task (Briellen was not only bred for the role of queen, she is also startlingly beautiful and charming) becomes complicated by the fact that Abramm has fallen in love with her sister, Madeleine (whom we meet in the second book). The third book deals largely with their relationship, culminating with their marriage after Briellen is caught in adultery. Abramm also defeats the Armies of the Black Moon in this book (or rather, an expeditionary force), apparently sealing peace for a time. But then the book jumps ahead five years into the future and we find that all is not at peace; for though Abramm’s rein has so far gone unchallenged, it is revealed that those perpetrators of the false religion have been plotting a rebellion for some time. The book ends with Abramm being ousted once more and forced into exile, with his queen on the run and Gillard once more taking the throne.
The final installment picks up the story with Abramm making his way from Kiriath into Chesedh, where he sent Madeline in the previous book. But try as he might, he is continually thwarted in his attempts to be reunited with her. And while Maddie may yet believe that Abramm is alive and will soon come to her, most of the citizens of Chesedh and the Kiriathan exiles living there do not; they wish for Maddie to remarry, and she is already being courted by a warlord who could provide her with an army. For once again the Army of the Black Moon is on the warpath, now engaged with Chesedh. Through a series of unfortunate events, Maddie, as the only living member of the Chesedhen royal line, becomes the queen of Chesedh. She initially agrees to marry the warlord, but then has second thoughts as she realizes he is really Moroq, the equivalent of the devil, in disguise. Whilst these events are taking place, Abramm is going through his own trials. As much as he desires to be reunited with his wife, Eidon has other plans for him. Moroq desires to test Abramm, to take everything from him so that he will turn on Eidon; hence his plot to woo Maddie. But Eidon believes Abramm will remain loyal, which he does. Eventually, Abramm is able to raise an army to combat the encroaching Esurhites. He returns in triumph, laying waste to the enemy using the power of Eidon, and driving Moroq far and away from his kingdom. He is reunited with his wife, and the Chesedhans make him their king. The book ends with Abramm returning to Kiriath, where Gillard has been deposed once more, and retakes the throne of his homeland.
Each book in this series had a narrative style all its own. In the first two books, the primary perspectives we see are those of Abramm and his sister, Carissa, though the second book also brings their uncle Simon’s thoughts to light. The third book adds an interesting dimension in that there are interruptions from the main narrative where we are shown the schemes of the demonic entities and how they are influencing the story. The supernatural perspective certainly was interesting, though it would have helped had we been allowed to see into the minds of those demons from book one through book four; as it is, Shadow Over Kiriath is the only one which we see it. In this book we also get to see events from Madeline’s perspective, which certainly freshens up the storyline; the mind of Abramm’s friend Trap Meridon is also featured. This is fitting, as Meridon has been a constant character since book one. In Return of the Guardian King, we keep all these perspectives, which helps with continuity within the series. That being said, at times it seems as though the final installment waxes into a higher prose, referring to characters as “the king” or “the queen” or “the finance secretary”, which is not a bad thing per se, though it does impersonalize characters whom the reader has grown quite attached to by this point. That brings up another critique, something some may consider small, though the author of this review took some issue with it. At times, characters may speak using contractions such as “don’t” and “can’t” and “I’m” and the like. While this is not really an issue, the nature of the story, its general inclination toward high fantasy, should lend itself more using the full terms: “do not” and “cannot” and “I am”. Another criticism along these lines comes in the use of words such as “loser”. As in, a character calls someone else a loser, which did not seem to fit within the genre the author was attempting to write in.
Those above criticisms notwithstanding, the series itself is quite well thought out. The world feels as though it actually has a history, because it does. The history and culture are also well-defined (Kiriath seems to be something along the lines of Europe during the late-Renaissance, or even the early sixteen-hundreds) and woven seemlesly into the story, with background information given in a way that makes sense to the general flow of the narrative. All of this lends to the believability of the story-world, which gives credibility to the overarching narrative.
The overarching theme of the story is an allegorical one, which is fine in and of itself. One issue that could be taken with the final book is how the allegory shifts from being one about the general Christian life and becoming much more so that of the life of Job. This becomes especially apparent in a scene in which Abramm has entered the heavenly throne room through a portal and witnesses Tersius in a discussion with Moroq, speaking about Abramm. The scene plays out with Moroq asking to be allowed to take everything from Abramm, to which Tersius agrees, saying that Abramm will only receive more blessings because of it. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with retelling biblical tales with fantasy; it only seems odd to be switching the allegory in the middle of the story (or rather, at the end, seeing as Return of the Guardian King, in which the above scene occurs, is the final installment of the series). It could be argued that the allegory is not changed, and that rather the similarities to Job are also similarities to the struggles Christians face in the real world. But seeing as the scene in the heavenly realm takes place, it seems to be a fairly explicit allegory of the prologue to the book of Job, where the devil comes to God’s throne room and asks to test Job.
The final book also seems to deviate somewhat from the general narrative style the other books possess, becoming much more explicitly allegorical than the previous installments. Whereas the first three books seem a general retelling of the Christian life, the final book, as was mentioned above, becomes explicitly allegorical, not only in theme, but also in the story it seems to parallel. That being said, while the other three books are relatively satisfying with their endings, Return of the Guardian King perhaps seems somewhat rushed. That is to say, throughout the book, the reader is longing to see Abramm reunited with Madeline, his wife and queen. They do eventually come together again, and it would be a very satisfying reunion, if only the reader was allowed more time with them. Not even a whole chapter is devoted to their reunification, which may be good for those who do not care so much for the romantic angle of stories. But when the main plot of the third book is about Abramm and Maddie’s developing relationship, and when one of the main plotlines in the final book is their separation and desire to be reunited, it seems only fair that the author allow us to see them interacting with one another and speaking with one another more. As it was, there is hardly any description of their dialoging and reactions to each other’s stories; not to mention that almost as soon as Abramm returns, he is off again to Kiriath, leaving his family in Chesedh. The author did touch on this somewhat in Abramm’s relationship with his youngest son, who does not speak to him for two months after his return and only does so as Abramm is leaving at the end. Even so, some may take issue with the lack of quality time we are privy to between the two main characters.
One other thing to note would be the strong female characters that the author has created for this series. She was able to craft intriguing, strong females without falling prey to the woman-as-warrior stereotype. That is to say, Madeline and Carissa are both good characters, in that they are strong, wise, and intelligent, and author Karen Hancock accomplishes this without ever once sending either of these two key women players onto the battlefield. Madeline rules Chesedh well in the absence of her father, brother, and husband. And Carissa sails all over the known world in search of Abramm when he sold into slavery, enduring hardship and disappointment with unflinching resolve (for the most part).
With all of this taken into account, the series Legends of the Guardian King still stands on its own in the realm of Christian fantasy, and the final installment, Return of the Guardian King, continues the legacy of exceptionalism.
The final installment of a tetralogy, Return of the Guardian King certainly serves as a good conclusion to a good series. But good is likely as far as it goes in that respect. It certainly has moments where it shines above said descriptor, and perhaps some moments where it drops beneath it. That being said, good becomes the best term, as it is the average of the book.
The series is an allegorical Christian fantasy dealing with a character, Abramm, who goes from being a believer in a false religion, to having no religion, to becoming a true believer. His station in life changes with each successive period; from being an acolyte of the false religion, to an unbelieving slave/gladiator, to a king following the true religion.
In the first book, Abramm’s scheming younger brother, Gillard, sells him into slavery at the behest of their older brother, the king of Kiriath. But said brother soon is driven mad and dies, leaving Gillard in place as regent, as Abramm is presumed dead, or at the very least, lost. Through a series of remarkable events, Abramm becomes a famous gladiator known as the White Pretender. After converting to the true religion, one which believes that Eidon’s (the God figure of the story) son Tersius died to take the punishment for the sins of the people and was resurrected, Abramm kills the infamous ruler of Eshur, temporarily stopping his plans of bringing the Armies of the Black Moon sweeping through Kiriath.
The second book, The Shadow Within, picks up the narrative at the point of Abramm’s return to Kiriath, where he soon is crowned the rightful king; however, his rule is in doubt, as Gillard is averse to giving up his power and the people do not trust a Terstan king (Terstans being those who follow the true religion). Eventually, Gillard and his rebels oust Abramm, only to be defeated later in a brief civil war. Once again, Abramm takes the reins of power.
The third installment in the series begins with Abramm’s official coronation as king, and mostly deals with his plans of alliance with neighboring Chesedh, a treaty that depends upon him marrying Briellen, First Daughter of Chesedh. What seems like a simple task (Briellen was not only bred for the role of queen, she is also startlingly beautiful and charming) becomes complicated by the fact that Abramm has fallen in love with her sister, Madeleine (whom we meet in the second book). The third book deals largely with their relationship, culminating with their marriage after Briellen is caught in adultery. Abramm also defeats the Armies of the Black Moon in this book (or rather, an expeditionary force), apparently sealing peace for a time. But then the book jumps ahead five years into the future and we find that all is not at peace; for though Abramm’s rein has so far gone unchallenged, it is revealed that those perpetrators of the false religion have been plotting a rebellion for some time. The book ends with Abramm being ousted once more and forced into exile, with his queen on the run and Gillard once more taking the throne.
The final installment picks up the story with Abramm making his way from Kiriath into Chesedh, where he sent Madeline in the previous book. But try as he might, he is continually thwarted in his attempts to be reunited with her. And while Maddie may yet believe that Abramm is alive and will soon come to her, most of the citizens of Chesedh and the Kiriathan exiles living there do not; they wish for Maddie to remarry, and she is already being courted by a warlord who could provide her with an army. For once again the Army of the Black Moon is on the warpath, now engaged with Chesedh. Through a series of unfortunate events, Maddie, as the only living member of the Chesedhen royal line, becomes the queen of Chesedh. She initially agrees to marry the warlord, but then has second thoughts as she realizes he is really Moroq, the equivalent of the devil, in disguise. Whilst these events are taking place, Abramm is going through his own trials. As much as he desires to be reunited with his wife, Eidon has other plans for him. Moroq desires to test Abramm, to take everything from him so that he will turn on Eidon; hence his plot to woo Maddie. But Eidon believes Abramm will remain loyal, which he does. Eventually, Abramm is able to raise an army to combat the encroaching Esurhites. He returns in triumph, laying waste to the enemy using the power of Eidon, and driving Moroq far and away from his kingdom. He is reunited with his wife, and the Chesedhans make him their king. The book ends with Abramm returning to Kiriath, where Gillard has been deposed once more, and retakes the throne of his homeland.
Each book in this series had a narrative style all its own. In the first two books, the primary perspectives we see are those of Abramm and his sister, Carissa, though the second book also brings their uncle Simon’s thoughts to light. The third book adds an interesting dimension in that there are interruptions from the main narrative where we are shown the schemes of the demonic entities and how they are influencing the story. The supernatural perspective certainly was interesting, though it would have helped had we been allowed to see into the minds of those demons from book one through book four; as it is, Shadow Over Kiriath is the only one which we see it. In this book we also get to see events from Madeline’s perspective, which certainly freshens up the storyline; the mind of Abramm’s friend Trap Meridon is also featured. This is fitting, as Meridon has been a constant character since book one. In Return of the Guardian King, we keep all these perspectives, which helps with continuity within the series. That being said, at times it seems as though the final installment waxes into a higher prose, referring to characters as “the king” or “the queen” or “the finance secretary”, which is not a bad thing per se, though it does impersonalize characters whom the reader has grown quite attached to by this point. That brings up another critique, something some may consider small, though the author of this review took some issue with it. At times, characters may speak using contractions such as “don’t” and “can’t” and “I’m” and the like. While this is not really an issue, the nature of the story, its general inclination toward high fantasy, should lend itself more using the full terms: “do not” and “cannot” and “I am”. Another criticism along these lines comes in the use of words such as “loser”. As in, a character calls someone else a loser, which did not seem to fit within the genre the author was attempting to write in.
Those above criticisms notwithstanding, the series itself is quite well thought out. The world feels as though it actually has a history, because it does. The history and culture are also well-defined (Kiriath seems to be something along the lines of Europe during the late-Renaissance, or even the early sixteen-hundreds) and woven seemlesly into the story, with background information given in a way that makes sense to the general flow of the narrative. All of this lends to the believability of the story-world, which gives credibility to the overarching narrative.
The overarching theme of the story is an allegorical one, which is fine in and of itself. One issue that could be taken with the final book is how the allegory shifts from being one about the general Christian life and becoming much more so that of the life of Job. This becomes especially apparent in a scene in which Abramm has entered the heavenly throne room through a portal and witnesses Tersius in a discussion with Moroq, speaking about Abramm. The scene plays out with Moroq asking to be allowed to take everything from Abramm, to which Tersius agrees, saying that Abramm will only receive more blessings because of it. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with retelling biblical tales with fantasy; it only seems odd to be switching the allegory in the middle of the story (or rather, at the end, seeing as Return of the Guardian King, in which the above scene occurs, is the final installment of the series). It could be argued that the allegory is not changed, and that rather the similarities to Job are also similarities to the struggles Christians face in the real world. But seeing as the scene in the heavenly realm takes place, it seems to be a fairly explicit allegory of the prologue to the book of Job, where the devil comes to God’s throne room and asks to test Job.
The final book also seems to deviate somewhat from the general narrative style the other books possess, becoming much more explicitly allegorical than the previous installments. Whereas the first three books seem a general retelling of the Christian life, the final book, as was mentioned above, becomes explicitly allegorical, not only in theme, but also in the story it seems to parallel. That being said, while the other three books are relatively satisfying with their endings, Return of the Guardian King perhaps seems somewhat rushed. That is to say, throughout the book, the reader is longing to see Abramm reunited with Madeline, his wife and queen. They do eventually come together again, and it would be a very satisfying reunion, if only the reader was allowed more time with them. Not even a whole chapter is devoted to their reunification, which may be good for those who do not care so much for the romantic angle of stories. But when the main plot of the third book is about Abramm and Maddie’s developing relationship, and when one of the main plotlines in the final book is their separation and desire to be reunited, it seems only fair that the author allow us to see them interacting with one another and speaking with one another more. As it was, there is hardly any description of their dialoging and reactions to each other’s stories; not to mention that almost as soon as Abramm returns, he is off again to Kiriath, leaving his family in Chesedh. The author did touch on this somewhat in Abramm’s relationship with his youngest son, who does not speak to him for two months after his return and only does so as Abramm is leaving at the end. Even so, some may take issue with the lack of quality time we are privy to between the two main characters.
One other thing to note would be the strong female characters that the author has created for this series. She was able to craft intriguing, strong females without falling prey to the woman-as-warrior stereotype. That is to say, Madeline and Carissa are both good characters, in that they are strong, wise, and intelligent, and author Karen Hancock accomplishes this without ever once sending either of these two key women players onto the battlefield. Madeline rules Chesedh well in the absence of her father, brother, and husband. And Carissa sails all over the known world in search of Abramm when he sold into slavery, enduring hardship and disappointment with unflinching resolve (for the most part).
With all of this taken into account, the series Legends of the Guardian King still stands on its own in the realm of Christian fantasy, and the final installment, Return of the Guardian King, continues the legacy of exceptionalism.
November 13, 2021
Several interesting situations came up in the book, though even more than its predecessor, there was a lot of Deus ex machina to resolve those situations (this was a plot point, so it did not read as lazy writing, though supernatural deliverance as a theme in fiction is something I have mixed feelings about). The character development brought out many good principles, and ultimately the plot relied on these character changes rather than on physical cause and effect as such.
Hancock expanded the worldbuilding here, and the political relationships among the various kingdoms made sense. One could say that the idea of supernatural forces backing these kingdoms undermines the political relationships somewhat - and borders on problematic, in that a kingdom that evokes real-world Middle Eastern cultures is portrayed largely as worshippers and pawns of the evil being. However, if one suspends disbelief about the supernatural aspects of the worldbuilding, the effects this is shown to have on the political situation make sense in-world.
Hancock expanded the worldbuilding here, and the political relationships among the various kingdoms made sense. One could say that the idea of supernatural forces backing these kingdoms undermines the political relationships somewhat - and borders on problematic, in that a kingdom that evokes real-world Middle Eastern cultures is portrayed largely as worshippers and pawns of the evil being. However, if one suspends disbelief about the supernatural aspects of the worldbuilding, the effects this is shown to have on the political situation make sense in-world.
March 26, 2019
An epic retelling of Job
This entire series had me on the wildest emotional roller coaster. Even knowing there was another book, I could not be assured of the survival and well being of Abramm our hero. At one point I wondered what else could possibly go wrong, what else could possibly be done to this man, and how would he ever endure this next trial?! This ending tale had me putting the book down and walking away. I could not accept the heart ache. I was so engrossed in it I had to share my angst with my husband who is not at all into this genre. Yet still I returned and was well rewarded for my diligent perseverance. I am walking the line of spoiling the series so I will simply say that if you love intrigue, epic adventures, rewarding heroic tales with an emphasis on God, and have not read these book, you have waited too long and have miss out on something special. But fret not, you now know and have another opportunity to fix that. Happy reading!
This entire series had me on the wildest emotional roller coaster. Even knowing there was another book, I could not be assured of the survival and well being of Abramm our hero. At one point I wondered what else could possibly go wrong, what else could possibly be done to this man, and how would he ever endure this next trial?! This ending tale had me putting the book down and walking away. I could not accept the heart ache. I was so engrossed in it I had to share my angst with my husband who is not at all into this genre. Yet still I returned and was well rewarded for my diligent perseverance. I am walking the line of spoiling the series so I will simply say that if you love intrigue, epic adventures, rewarding heroic tales with an emphasis on God, and have not read these book, you have waited too long and have miss out on something special. But fret not, you now know and have another opportunity to fix that. Happy reading!
August 17, 2018
Excellent Series
I have read the Legends of the Guardian-King books 1-4 numerous times and have enjoyed it more with each reading. The story and characters were all well thought out. It is a wonderful story of the love our Lord Jesus has for each and every one of us. All we need do is accept His most amazing gift of love, mercy and so much more. The author also shows the reality of Satan, which many people often leave out. I highly recommend this series and plan on reading it for years to come.
I have read the Legends of the Guardian-King books 1-4 numerous times and have enjoyed it more with each reading. The story and characters were all well thought out. It is a wonderful story of the love our Lord Jesus has for each and every one of us. All we need do is accept His most amazing gift of love, mercy and so much more. The author also shows the reality of Satan, which many people often leave out. I highly recommend this series and plan on reading it for years to come.
December 25, 2018
Wow! This book series is now part of my top ten and will be re-read again and again. The journey splendid, the writing lavish, and the characters real. Allegorical to the Bible and to God’s own vessels He used for His glory, Karen Hancock wove the same awe-inspiring faith for which we need to strive. My mind soared, heart leaped, laughed, cried, and all that which a well-told tale does for its reader. This is a hidden treasure to which I highly recommend for those seeking not only a good read, but to recognize the power and awesomeness of God.
April 17, 2018
The final part of this series, I liked very well. However, I do hate loose ends and I feel like the author left way too many for my liking. Gillard, Simon, Rennalf, etc........
It seemed very drawn out at times and I felt myself rushing to get through it to the conclusion. Interesting enough read for those dedicated to the series, but I had much higher hopes for an epic ending that these characters deserved.
It seemed very drawn out at times and I felt myself rushing to get through it to the conclusion. Interesting enough read for those dedicated to the series, but I had much higher hopes for an epic ending that these characters deserved.
September 2, 2019
My least favorite of the 4, but still my favorite fantasy (not called Harry Potter) series. The characters develop and you love them. The spiritual lessons are so impactful throughout the series, challenging your trust in the Lord while also rallying you to be more faithful and devoted. I just wish this final had been more straight forward. It took too many twist and turns and too many gut wrenching choices to make the end satisfactory.
July 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this whole series. I was a little disappointed when Book Three took a romantic twist because up until then I really thought my young teenage grandson would have enjoyed it; however, it made for a great plot and Karen Hancock used it clear to the end to add adventure. Don't start Book one if you aren't prepared to read all four because each one hooks you for the next!
December 20, 2024
Hancock has crafted an epic fantasy. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page. I so appreciated the spiritual truths woven amongst the pages!
Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
October 16, 2018
I’m waiting for book five please!
This was a great story but I don’t want it to stop! I loved the characters, the spiritual lessons that improved the character of the willing. Especially interesting were the evil people who thought they were good. Just like today’s world.
This was a great story but I don’t want it to stop! I loved the characters, the spiritual lessons that improved the character of the willing. Especially interesting were the evil people who thought they were good. Just like today’s world.
March 23, 2022
A very enjoyable read
Great read, I am seventy three. I can not stay awake while reading. Darn thing keeps hitting me in the face. This book is exciting and full of adventure. Enjoy,
Great read, I am seventy three. I can not stay awake while reading. Darn thing keeps hitting me in the face. This book is exciting and full of adventure. Enjoy,
February 4, 2024
Oh I am so terribly sad that is all over now, the last book. This was beautifully written, the character development, the surprises, the language craft, and the plot! The underlying theme of sanctification is strong and it's exactly what I needed right now.
December 6, 2017
read 3 times. love the series
March 29, 2020
Good finish
This was a good finish to the series It focused a lot on interpersonal relationships it's not quite as it ventures as the other 3Books
This was a good finish to the series It focused a lot on interpersonal relationships it's not quite as it ventures as the other 3Books
April 23, 2020
Great series
May 13, 2021
I absolutely love the series "legends of the guardian-King"! So great! It's a parallel to the Christian walk! I love the concept of keeping ourselves from "the darkness" or sin!
June 29, 2023
This series kept getting better with each book!!
October 24, 2017
The culmination of the adventures of Abramm. This book contains the ultimate test of his faith, his fight with the devil, and his greatest victories. It was thrilling and sad, exciting, fascinating, and also a little unfinished feeling. For instance, the visit to the dragon city felt kind of unexplained. What happened to the dragons? It was a fairly long book, but I would have liked to know what all happened on every front before it closed.
Still an amazing story. Four stars, for certain.
Still an amazing story. Four stars, for certain.
April 6, 2011
As I read this book immediately following the third one, this is really just an extension of the review I did for Shadow Over Kiriath. I gave the first three books four stars each, I thought they were excellent, but the heavy religious influence cast just enough of a pall over my experience with them to make me hesitate to give them five starts, which I try to reserve for books I love without reservation. That said, I did really enjoy the series, so while I didn't necessarily enjoy this book more than the others, I wanted to express my appreciation here with an unabashed commendation. I've already discussed the religious aspects in my previous reviews, as well as the specific things I enjoyed about the writing and story, so here I will just say that the quality remains the same. The romantic arcs remain compelling, the pacing of the story remains excellent, and the book and series comes to a resounding and satisfying conclusion.
This book does feel like it "meanders" a bit, but I think the message being conveyed by these seemingly far flung detours is obvious, and is consistent with the overall story.
I guess I would make one final note on religion. While I was initially taken aback by the heavy christian influence and genre labeling, I really warmed to the authors use of it as I read through the series, and found my feelings really shifting. While I do not believe in religion (not that it doesn't exist, but that I don't agree with it), nor do I believe in god, she actually handled it in a more personally spiritual way that I can respect, portraying the organized religions of the world much as I believe many of our own religions operate, which, without really getting into it, is not a good, positive, or spiritually fulfilling way. So that's my two cents on that, if it counts for anything.
Overall, as I said, great book and a great fantasy series.
This book does feel like it "meanders" a bit, but I think the message being conveyed by these seemingly far flung detours is obvious, and is consistent with the overall story.
I guess I would make one final note on religion. While I was initially taken aback by the heavy christian influence and genre labeling, I really warmed to the authors use of it as I read through the series, and found my feelings really shifting. While I do not believe in religion (not that it doesn't exist, but that I don't agree with it), nor do I believe in god, she actually handled it in a more personally spiritual way that I can respect, portraying the organized religions of the world much as I believe many of our own religions operate, which, without really getting into it, is not a good, positive, or spiritually fulfilling way. So that's my two cents on that, if it counts for anything.
Overall, as I said, great book and a great fantasy series.
September 27, 2010
Who does not love a hot guy protecting his woman and his kingdom from the forces of darkness! The conclusion to this beautifully written series is as good, if not better, than the first. The heartbreak, the futility, and then the final conquering let me breathless and wanting to start over and read it all over again.
Overall, I had a few criticisms, SPOILER ALERT the ending was too quick and easily concluded. After years and years of struggles and torments against it the Esurhites, the final battle seemed too easy. There were a couple other points throughout the series that seemed to foreshadow things to come that never panned out.
Overall, I thought the allegory was so spot on. I can't tell you how many times Abramm was arguing with God that I have had that same argument. We like to water down God to something that fixes everything for you. And yet in this book we see that He often puts challenges in our way. There were so many examples of the characters' faith that I could put a real like example to, either in my own life or in others. For any Christian who is struggling with deeper questions, this book has some interesting insights.
The story itself was so captivating altogether, from the first to the last book. The only book that was weak was the second book, but it seems all good series have weak second books. The character development of Abramm and Madeleine was particularly well written. Trap's character could have had more done to it, it seemed he got mostly forgotten about or used to contrast with Abramm until the last book. I would have liked to have seen a little more development of Gillard, as well. He was one of the loose ends that could have been wrapped up better in the end.
These books will stick with me for a long time and ones I will probably read again and again!
Overall, I had a few criticisms, SPOILER ALERT the ending was too quick and easily concluded. After years and years of struggles and torments against it the Esurhites, the final battle seemed too easy. There were a couple other points throughout the series that seemed to foreshadow things to come that never panned out.
Overall, I thought the allegory was so spot on. I can't tell you how many times Abramm was arguing with God that I have had that same argument. We like to water down God to something that fixes everything for you. And yet in this book we see that He often puts challenges in our way. There were so many examples of the characters' faith that I could put a real like example to, either in my own life or in others. For any Christian who is struggling with deeper questions, this book has some interesting insights.
The story itself was so captivating altogether, from the first to the last book. The only book that was weak was the second book, but it seems all good series have weak second books. The character development of Abramm and Madeleine was particularly well written. Trap's character could have had more done to it, it seemed he got mostly forgotten about or used to contrast with Abramm until the last book. I would have liked to have seen a little more development of Gillard, as well. He was one of the loose ends that could have been wrapped up better in the end.
These books will stick with me for a long time and ones I will probably read again and again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2016
Following the traumatic events of the third book Abramm Kalladorne has been presumed dead and we follow him as he ainstakingly trys to be reunited with his family. Also, Queen Madeleine is queen no more, instead she is forced back to Chesedh and reverted to First Daughter station where she is continually pressured to remarry, specifically to an alluring Sorite lord.
As always, this book was great. However, I do think I was expecting a bit more out of it. In all the other books I believe I enjoyed when the author focused on Abramm’s part of the story, in this case things seemed to drag just a bit. At times I was confused as to where we were or what the physical setting looked like.
My last complaint about the book (I feel sort of bad saying that) was how it ended. Here it was, taking four hundred plus pages detailing every single event keeping Abramm from Madeleine, Simon, Ian, Abby, Trap, Carissa, Conal, and Peregrine and we get, what? One chapter of reunited bliss? I understand that it can be said that Abramm is following the will of Eidon and that’s why he must move on so quickly to do the next job, but I still believe that there was such rising action and build up for a rather small product.
On the other hand, I adored all pages detailing the evolving relationship between Trap and Carissa. As a couple that I had rooted for sense the first book (I’m not kidding) I felt the romance was long up and coming. It is not an understatement to say that whenever I saw that the next section was going to be a scene with both or one of them I had to stop, take a deep breath, control my giddy smile, and then begin.
As always, Karen Hancock, well done. You have truly given Christian fantasy a gem of a series.
As always, this book was great. However, I do think I was expecting a bit more out of it. In all the other books I believe I enjoyed when the author focused on Abramm’s part of the story, in this case things seemed to drag just a bit. At times I was confused as to where we were or what the physical setting looked like.
My last complaint about the book (I feel sort of bad saying that) was how it ended. Here it was, taking four hundred plus pages detailing every single event keeping Abramm from Madeleine, Simon, Ian, Abby, Trap, Carissa, Conal, and Peregrine and we get, what? One chapter of reunited bliss? I understand that it can be said that Abramm is following the will of Eidon and that’s why he must move on so quickly to do the next job, but I still believe that there was such rising action and build up for a rather small product.
On the other hand, I adored all pages detailing the evolving relationship between Trap and Carissa. As a couple that I had rooted for sense the first book (I’m not kidding) I felt the romance was long up and coming. It is not an understatement to say that whenever I saw that the next section was going to be a scene with both or one of them I had to stop, take a deep breath, control my giddy smile, and then begin.
As always, Karen Hancock, well done. You have truly given Christian fantasy a gem of a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2011
My family will be glad I'm done reading these books because I've been a little obsessed, but I will not be. I wish the story continued...
There was much more darkness and evil in this book than I remember in the others. It was creepy at times and I put it down a few times to take a breather. Still an amazing, action-packed book.
Carissa & Trap were really annoying in part of the book. I wanted to shake them both.
For some reason, the talking with God part of this book bothered me a little (not that fact that Abramm was praying but the attitude with which he prayed)...it also bothered me when Abramm saw Moroq and Tersius - (Satan and Jesus) allegorically speaking of course - talking to each other. It never occurred to me that Jesus & Satan might speak to each other (or maybe they don't?) but it just bothered me. Hmmm...
Well, without going into too much detail, I really liked it. I liked the ending.
This is a series I could read again. That says a lot because my to-read list is long and I hardly read anything more than once.
There was much more darkness and evil in this book than I remember in the others. It was creepy at times and I put it down a few times to take a breather. Still an amazing, action-packed book.
Carissa & Trap were really annoying in part of the book. I wanted to shake them both.
For some reason, the talking with God part of this book bothered me a little (not that fact that Abramm was praying but the attitude with which he prayed)...it also bothered me when Abramm saw Moroq and Tersius - (Satan and Jesus) allegorically speaking of course - talking to each other. It never occurred to me that Jesus & Satan might speak to each other (or maybe they don't?) but it just bothered me. Hmmm...
Well, without going into too much detail, I really liked it. I liked the ending.
This is a series I could read again. That says a lot because my to-read list is long and I hardly read anything more than once.
Read
July 24, 2011I loved it! A satisfactory ending to the series, although I want to know exactly what happens with Duke Simon and Gillard - I despise loose ends, although one important thing with Duke Simon did get cleared up right near the end. (*Note - the rest of this paragraph is a spoiler*.) I was so thrilled when Carissa and Meridon finally got their marriage worked out! This was possibly the most agonizing love story I've ever seen, and they needed to fix it! Carissa's blatant flirting with her husband was positively hilarious. And that last scene, when Carissa admits she really loves Trap, was so perfect. I love it!
This is a fantastic series overall. The intense necessity of the characters' need to trust and listen to Eidon (God), and their reliance on Him even when it seems like all His plans go against their own desires, has amazed me throughout all of the books. This novel follows in that tradition as a great, encouraging allegory and a fun, action-packed adventure novel. I so wish there were more...
This is a fantastic series overall. The intense necessity of the characters' need to trust and listen to Eidon (God), and their reliance on Him even when it seems like all His plans go against their own desires, has amazed me throughout all of the books. This novel follows in that tradition as a great, encouraging allegory and a fun, action-packed adventure novel. I so wish there were more...
March 15, 2012
Abramm is believed dead by all but the people who rescued him from his execution, but Maddie is reluctant to give into the public consensus. Even her closest advisers are pressuring her to remarry for the good of Chesedh. Meanwhile, Abramm must undertake a series of trials that will shake his faith and delay his homecoming.
This was a satisfying end to the series, made even more so by the events that occur between Trap and Carissa. Honestly, Trap is perhaps my favorite character in these four books, so I wish he was utilized a bit more. There are so many different storylines and competing threads that a few seem to fall by the wayside for long periods of time while the main story is explored. And by the end of this book, the preaching was really getting out of hand. Despite those criticisms, I didn't want the book to end, and I'm sad this is the last of the series, even though most everything was resolved. Overall, this is one of the best fantasy series I've ever read, and I really wish there were more books to enjoy.
This was a satisfying end to the series, made even more so by the events that occur between Trap and Carissa. Honestly, Trap is perhaps my favorite character in these four books, so I wish he was utilized a bit more. There are so many different storylines and competing threads that a few seem to fall by the wayside for long periods of time while the main story is explored. And by the end of this book, the preaching was really getting out of hand. Despite those criticisms, I didn't want the book to end, and I'm sad this is the last of the series, even though most everything was resolved. Overall, this is one of the best fantasy series I've ever read, and I really wish there were more books to enjoy.
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