Doing something a little different. Instead of a fantasy book for teens/young adults, here’s a fantasy for adults. The first of a series.
Susan Mitchell is your average mom. Four active kids, wonderful husband, and days filled with little else then catering to them all. No mistake, she loves them all dearly but recently she’s felt over-worked and under-appreciated. So, her husband, Mark, makes her a little hideaway in the attic. But when everyone is out of the house and Susan is making use of her new private space, she starts to hear noises and voices. Then, she finds herself in a dark alley, rainstorm pouring over her, and . . . two men sword-fighting at the alley’s entrance. As unbelievable as it seems, Susan has stumbled into a new world and has found hospitality among the People of the Verses. It is soon revealed that she also has a part to play: she has been summoned by the One to be His Restorer.
“In every time of great need, a Restorer is sent to fight for the people and help the guardians. The Restorer is empowered with gifts to defeat our enemies and turn the people’s hearts back to the Verses.” And the People are in desperate need of a Restorer. Rhuscians travel freely, poisoning the minds of the people. The nation of Hazor is demanding a horrible price if war is to be prevented. Even in the Council, there is a grave danger to all of the One’s people. Can Susan save these people from these dangers? Will her faith in God survive? Or will she discover something more about herself and the One she serves?
I’m going to confess that despite my family borrowing this series multiple times from the library, it wasn’t until a couple months ago that I actually started to read it for myself. I really don’t know why. But now, I’m really happy that I am reading them. Although the series is officially The Sword of Lyric, referencing the land’s capital, my family and I refer to them as “the Restorer books.” Also up until this year when I was locating them to put on a Christmas list for me and my sister, we believed it to be a trilogy. We were right at least up until a couple years ago. There is a fourth book. Though we have yet to read it, we hope that the reviews are correct in saying that this fourth one is equal to the first three.
Unlike some fantasy books I tend to pick up, there isn’t anything “magical” about it. There is a portal between our world and theirs, and there are unusual powers. That’s it. Yet it is amazing in its own way. It actually breaks a common stereotype. While most stories about world traveling involves a kid or teenager, this story showcases the typical, stay-at-home mom who really just wants to return home to her husband and children. The author also portrays Susan not as a model Christian who knows her Bible inside and out but as a human Christian with flaws, doubts, and who also struggles occasionally to pull verses straight from memory. It honestly makes her far more relatable and helps the reader gain some encouragement in their own life.
I am now the proud owner of “special edition” copy of The Restorer by Sharon Hinck. She relates her tale in thirty-four chapters with the pages coming to 345. She includes a Reader’s Guide in the back to help one glean as much beneficial thought and consideration as possible if the reader so chooses. There is also a Glossary covering some unfamiliar words. Also, something that I especially like (even if I couldn’t play an instrument to save my life) two songs featured in the story along with the music. (I am hoping at some point to have my mom or a friend who can read music play the songs so that when I read the words in the story, I can sing along with the People of the Verses.)
I would highly recommend this book for young adults and adults. There are battles and mentions of blood. There are even encounters with death. While Mrs. Hinck doesn’t dwell on these things, I believe it would only be fair to provide warning since I know some people can be squeamish. Aside from this, I have no qualms in recommending this book to Christians, adventure lovers, those who enjoy other worlds, or any who just enjoy a good quality story. Easily five dragons out of five.
Until next time. Bye.
Other titles in the series:
Comments