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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Review: Draven's Light

Description


Draven's Light
Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Synopsis from Goodreads:
In the Darkness of the Pit
The Light Shines Brightest

Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his place among the warriors. But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward.” When the men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame. Only fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor.

The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a curse in their wake. One by one the strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power. The secret source of this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart.

But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs to face the darkness?


Review


Gaho faces a choice: to become a murderer or a coward. His decision to spare the prisoner’s life turns Gaho into Draven, the village coward whose only friend is his crippled sister, Ita. But a new enemy arises whose sole purpose is to destroy all human life, including everyone Draven and Ita hold dear.

Anne Elisabeth Stengl has done it again. I am a huge fan of her Christian fantasies, and this novella, Draven’s Light, is no exception. The complicated fantasy world, the depth of the characters, and the soul-touching message made me love this story as much as all of the Goldstone Wood books before it.

Draven’s Light touched the subjects of unconditional love, acceptance and rejection, conscience, and bravery. The two main characters, Draven and Ita, were placed in situations in which all of these were tested yet they both reacted differently. Although Draven’s initial act that branded him a coward was a worthy and courageous one, he believed the lies and rejection his village forced upon him and becomes the coward by refusing to face them. Ita, however, stands up for herself no matter what. She believes she has to prove she is capable because of her disability. Her fiery personality was memorable.


My favorite part was the fishing trip. It started out so unconventionally yet ended epically.

Both Draven and Ita grew throughout the story. Both sacrificed for one another. Both showed bravery in different ways. Theirs was a tale worthy of being told and retold. I would highly recommend it to Christian fantasy lovers.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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