Dark Eden

Bookworm's Ranking - 1 Worms

Storyline - On the alien, sunless planet they call Eden, the 532 members of the Family shelter beneath the light and warmth of the Forest’s lantern trees. Beyond the Forest lie the mountains of the Snowy Dark and a cold so bitter and a night so profound that no man has ever crossed it. The Oldest among the Family recount legends of a world where light came from the sky, where men and women made boats that could cross the stars. These ships brought us here, the Oldest say—and the Family must only wait for the travelers to return. But young John Redlantern will break the laws of Eden, shatter the Family and change history. He will abandon the old ways, venture into the Dark…and discover the truth about their world. (Copied from Goodreads.com)
 
Author - Chris Beckett
 
Publisher - Broadway Books
 
Age Group - 17 and up
 
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* When others didn't think or agree with the main character, he would ruminate how they are simple minded. Everyone seemed to have a problem with everyone else if they didn't agree with how they think things should be done or people behave. A physical romantic scene between a fifteen year old and a woman with several children. The protagonist risked his life to save another.
 
Personal Opinion - I didn't make it past the fifth chapter. My main issue with the story was the "slip" scene, fairly detailed, between a fifteen year old and older woman. For being what I thought a young adult book, this was unnecessary. Morally, I had a problem with this and is what caused me to stop reading the book (that and, according to other reviews by those who did finish the book, it sounded like there were going to be more of these scenes). Because I stopped reading the book, I have no idea what the author was trying to say about this stuff and might have had a good message about the whole "slip" thing but how it was going about the point was completely unnecessary. Before you think I'm just a prude, this is not the only reason I was frustrated with this book. For the first several pages, there was no description even though events were happening so it was hard to picture. Not only that, everything had different names than I am use to because it was a different planet so it was  confusing. The new language techniques, which I would have appreciated if it had been toned back a bit, were over used to the point they just became annoying instead of creative. The cover was very well done and represented well how the trees were suppose to give off light as well as the animals which I think sounds really cool. Having the characters reminiscent of caveman was fun and unusual. I am sorry I wasted mine, the author's, and publisher's time, though. This just teaches me once again I should research a book a little more before taking it.
 
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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Blogging for Books.

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The Knight of Eldaran: The Traitor's Heir

"Every Man has a Destiny.
His is to Betray."

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

 

Storyline - Eamon Goodman has dreamed of becoming a member of the Gauntlet for years. But, when he makes his oath to the Master, something isn't right. Something is speaking to him and making him do things he is shocked at. When his life is turned upside down and meets another who seems to stand for what he believes in, Eamon must make a choice. Serve this over thrown King and betray his Master or betray this King, once a friend, and keep the oath he has made?

Author - Anna Thayer

Publisher - Kregel Publisher

Age Group - 17 or 18 and up
 
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Several characters put themselves in harms way to protect another and desire to do what is right even though they question sometimes what that path is. A man attacks a woman but is not detailed. Two characters get physical romantically but the actual event is not shared but the lead up and morning after are shared as well as the passion felt remembered later. A few English swear words and some intense fighting scenes.

Personal Opinion - The cover made me first become intrigued with this book as well as the premise of trying to discover what side is right. It is not like some Christian fantasy books that make it really obvious and almost too easy for the character to choose the right side. Instead, Eamon's struggle is clear and well presented for both sides. It might seem obvious which side he should choose but, at the same time, the debate is real and the reasoning is understandable. The characters are so well created and so is the world that it seems real. Just when it seems the story might be slowing down and getting too much detail of regular life, new information is revealed and adds mystery to the story and characters. There were several scenes that surprised and shocked Eamon which didn't seem to make sense because they happened in broad daylight and in front of witnesses so I would have assumed he had known this before. Also, a handful of scenes that made the characters seem like they were in high school instead of adults that didn't seem to fit. I was also very uncomfortable when two characters got physically, romantically involved with one another. I was glad it was not a supported behavior but led the character down a bad path. It wasn't detailed, just right up to it and the morning after as well as remembering feelings afterwards as well as mentioning other times they get together and the lusting wanting which would make this book more appropriate for older audiences. None the least, those who love epic fantasies will proudly include this new fantasy to their bookshelf.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook, Publisher,

Special Notes - Book 2, The King's Hand - Coming Soon

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Kregel Publishing.

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