IgniteLit

Title: Kingdom’s Edge
Author: Chuck Black
Series: Kingdom, book 3
Major Themes: Biblical Allegory, Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Synopsis: The Prince has called Cedric to follow Him—but when the Prince is killed, is all hope for the kingdom been lost forever?

When Jesus calls us to follow Him, we have two choices: Either accept Him, or run away as fast as we can. In Kingdom’s Edge, Cedric is faced with the difficult decision, and for a good while he has a hard time knowing what to do. While maybe not quite as exciting as Kingdom’s Hope, this book is one of—if not the—most important book in the whole Kingdom series, because it is the foundation of all the books to come.

The wealth of Chessington’s people is completely gone—save for the Noble Knights, who fill their coffers from the poor’s meager livelihoods. Once happy and healthy citizens are now reduced to rags and begging for food. Amidst the sadness, Cedric—a man of no hope—scoffs at the dreams of his friend William for a better future. That is, until the day comes when he is faced by a Stranger—one whom he soon realizes is the King’s son, the Prince. Only He can save the kingdom now, and soon there are many men who follow Him, hoping to help bring about a change.

The Noble Knights, however, hate His power and authority among the people, and they secretly plot to kill Him. Their plans succeed, and he is soon hung. Cedric is sure that there will be no hope for the kingdom now. How can men, that have seen their deepest dreams become reality, now deal with the bitter disappointment of defeat? Why did the King let the Prince die, instead of rescuing Him? What will happen to them now—now that He can no longer protect them? Will they lose their lives as well because they followed Him?

Through Kingdom’s Edge, Chuck Black tells the dramatic story of the Prince—Jesus’—time on earth, and beyond through the Acts. I never realized—before reading this story—how much the disappointment of dreams unrealized affected the Disciples. This really brought the story to life—in allegorical form, as are all books in the Kingdom series. I also really enjoyed the theme that came out through this book of how God protects us. Even in the darkest danger, He’s still there. This story is especially suited for teenage boys.

WARNING: Some parents may not appreciate the amount of sword fighting that goes on throughout the story. There are no especially gory details given (beyond “a sword cut through his chest from behind”, “a crosscut  . . . cut deep into his opponent’s torso” , or other similar remarks).

Title: Kingdom’s Hope
Author: Chuck Black
Series: Kingdom, book 2
Major Themes: Biblical Allegory, Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Synopsis: Leinad must free the King’s people from slavery—but when all hope fails and the people ridicule his calling, will the King desert His people?

When reading allegories, like Kingdom’s Hope, I always look for specific things in the stories that could be applicable to my life. The little nugget of truth that Kingdom’s Hope held for me on this last reread was that even though everything seems to go haywire, God—the King—is still in control of my life and will deliver me from trouble in His perfect time. I was both strengthened and encouraged through Leinad and Tess’ stories.

The King wants Pyron Mid to fall. As Leinad prepares himself to accomplish the impossible, he knows the King is with him. Fairos, the lord of Pyron Mid, refuses to accept the message from the King—“Let my people go!” Leinad soon has to duel with the captain of Fairos’ guards—Keston, a man he had trained himself. Soon, he gains complete mastery over him, and just as Keston is swearing to raise no sword against Leinad or the King’s people, Fairos kills him. Then both Fairos and Leinad are locked into a fierce duel to the death.

“The King demands the freedom of His people,” Leinad said  . . . “Release them and no one will die.”

After fighting for quite a while, and no one gaining the mastery, Leinad challenges Fairos to another fight the next day. A fight that will determine once and for all whether or not the King’s people will stay slaves forever. Does the King genuinely care for His people? Or will Leinad’s failure today spell the end of their hope for a better life?

Kingdom’s Hope is action-packed from the very first page. I really enjoyed the challenge this gave me to trust in God no matter what. This is book two out of six in the Kingdom series, and covers from the Israelite’s escape out of Egypt through to the end of the Old Testament. I highly recommend the story to all young adults, and especially to boys who love a touch of adventure in their stories.

WARNING: Swear is used in ch. 1 and 2. Someone says “May you be cursed” in ch. 5, and someone curses in ch. 7. There are sword fights throughout the book. People are killed in ch. 1, 3, 7, 11 (a fight with several people killed in this chapter), and 12. Men’s lives are threatened in ch. 1 and 6. People die in ch. 4, people are wounded in ch. 7, and several man-eating animals are killed or wounded in ch. 9 in a dangerous fight. There is a mention of a dead man in ch. 10. Someone is badly injured in ch. 12. An unmarried couple touches in ch. 2, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 12, and spends some time alone together in ch. 2 and 6. People drink wine in ch. 6.

Title: Kingdom’s Dawn
Author: Chuck Black
Series: Kingdom, book 1
Major Themes: Biblical Allegory, Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Synopsis: Leinad always thought he was just a common farmer’s son…but when the King calls him to help Him in a plan to save Arrethtrae, will he rise to the challenge?

I’ve always thought that for such an exciting series, Kingdom’s Dawn has a slow start. Once gotten into, however, I usually expect to stay up late to finish the story. I’ve always been a fan of allegories—Pilgrim’s Progress being my favorite by far—but now Chuck Black’s stories fall a close second on the scale.

Leinad’s father has trained him in the art of the sword since he was a young boy, even though they live like common farmers. When tragedy strikes and his father is brutally murdered, Leinad realizes his calling is bigger than that of a farmer’s son. The King personally commissions him to help in His plan of saving the kingdom of Arrethtrae. People refuse to listen to a sixteen-year-old, however, and he wonders if the job that has been entrusted to him will ever be completed.

After being sold into slavery, and his expertise in the sword is found, Leinad becomes a sword trainer for the palace guards. But when the time comes for him to try to free the slaves, he is sent out to the desert, where ferocious beasts are ready to eat anyone alive that they come across. Has the King forgotten His people? Does He no longer care? Will the slaves never be freed?

Kingdom’s Dawn, book one out of six in the Kingdom series, covers a timespan in Biblical terms roughly from the flood through Moses’ flight out of Egypt. It’s a fascinating portrayal of Biblical truths, interwoven with exciting sword fights and thought-provoking allegories. Although slow for the first few chapters, Kingdom’s Dawn shows us that the Lord can and is trustworthy, no matter what happens—even if the night is completely black. This series is especially suited for teenage boys, because of the content.

WARNING: Swear is used in ch. 3, 5, 10 (three times), and 14. Curse or a variant is used in ch. 6 and 12. Blasted is used in ch. 9. There is lying in ch. 3 and 12. Someone recounts a knife being held to a woman’s throat, and many people killed, in ch. 3. In ch. 4, there is a sword fight, a man is badly injured, and a character witnesses someone being killed. In ch. 6, there is a description of a plague killing people (this may be somewhat frightening for young readers). In ch. 8, someone is sold as a slave. There is another sword fight in ch. 10, and someone is injured. A battle is briefly described in ch. 11. In ch. 12, someone is badly whipped, a man is punched, and someone is choked. In ch. 13, someone is left to die at the hands of carnivorous animals (this would be frightening to younger readers).