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Out of Darkness Rising
by
Darkness reigns unchallenged.
For the villagers on the accursed Island, life has only one meaning - death. Bound to the Island by the curse, the villagers suffer beneath the iron claw of the Serpent, daily breathing the poison of his breath and dying to appease his insatiable appetite.
When Marya’s parents are slain by the serpent for their belief in a legendary king, she b ...more
For the villagers on the accursed Island, life has only one meaning - death. Bound to the Island by the curse, the villagers suffer beneath the iron claw of the Serpent, daily breathing the poison of his breath and dying to appease his insatiable appetite.
When Marya’s parents are slain by the serpent for their belief in a legendary king, she b ...more
Paperback, 180 pages
Published
March 15th 2015
by Magpie Eclectic Press
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Gillian Bronte Adams has proven herself able to stand amongst the greats of Christian fantasy authors.
This stand alone fantasy novella displays the incredible beauty and power of allegory. The prologue alone is the best representative of Lucifer's fall that I've ever read in fantasy. Gillian is a master of epic prose that grabs you tight and steals your breath.
Alas, I lament that the story is rather short. I would have loved to see Gillian expand Marya's original plot-line in order to drive up ...more
This stand alone fantasy novella displays the incredible beauty and power of allegory. The prologue alone is the best representative of Lucifer's fall that I've ever read in fantasy. Gillian is a master of epic prose that grabs you tight and steals your breath.
Alas, I lament that the story is rather short. I would have loved to see Gillian expand Marya's original plot-line in order to drive up ...more

Do you want to read a re-telling of the fall of man and the savior that came to save the broken? (The Bible, for any of my non Christian peeps).
Look no further, this book is perfect!
Christian? Non Christian? Something else? Somewhere in between? No problem! This story is so beautiful, you don't believe in it to enjoy it, although I do. ;)
The writing style, the characters, the story development, it all equals perfection.
This is my favorite book of Gillian's so far, and let's not even get star ...more
Look no further, this book is perfect!
Christian? Non Christian? Something else? Somewhere in between? No problem! This story is so beautiful, you don't believe in it to enjoy it, although I do. ;)
The writing style, the characters, the story development, it all equals perfection.
This is my favorite book of Gillian's so far, and let's not even get star ...more

Read this review on my blog with pretty pictures and formatting.
Betrayal.
For me, that one word brings up a certain sense of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. It's the first word of Out of Darkness Rising, promising an epic adventure from start to finish, filled with the qualities I listed above.
Gillian does an amazing job of delivering that promise. Evil serpents, betrayal (surprise! xD), sword fights, and the figure of our one true hope are packed into a 160 page novella. To say it was epic is ...more
Betrayal.
For me, that one word brings up a certain sense of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. It's the first word of Out of Darkness Rising, promising an epic adventure from start to finish, filled with the qualities I listed above.
Gillian does an amazing job of delivering that promise. Evil serpents, betrayal (surprise! xD), sword fights, and the figure of our one true hope are packed into a 160 page novella. To say it was epic is ...more

I'll start out by saying that this book has one of the coolest covers that I have ever seen. I love it so much.
The story itself was a powerful story of redemption. Written as an allegory of the fall of mankind and the promise of a savior, this book contain a wonderful fantasy world. It's divided into three parts. In the first, we have the discontented soldier who rebels against his king and is cast out of the kingdom. In the second, the knight has taken the form of a serpent and tempts the inhab ...more
The story itself was a powerful story of redemption. Written as an allegory of the fall of mankind and the promise of a savior, this book contain a wonderful fantasy world. It's divided into three parts. In the first, we have the discontented soldier who rebels against his king and is cast out of the kingdom. In the second, the knight has taken the form of a serpent and tempts the inhab ...more

So SO beautiful! A little novella, I read it in a sitting, and it’s a gorgeous allegory. It was incredibly well written — I love this author’s style! — and just… gaah. Words fail me. It was such an amazing allegorical story! <3 It was so immersive and detailed, I really felt pulled in, and the timeless tale of love and salvation was so beautifully woven. It made me really love the Prince and his Father and look to the allegory beneath, pointing upward. Just an awesome story. (Not to mention one
...more

When I first started "Out of Darkness Rising", I was a little afraid that the allegorical nature of the story would result in it being too predictable. The very first part in particular actually was pretty predictable given that it paralleled the fall of Lucifer and the first temptation of Man so closely. However, I needn't have worried because, though the allegorical meaning of things was still clear and I knew what would happen in a general sense, the majority of the story did not parallel any
...more

Gillian Bronte Adams's Out of Darkness Rising is a medieval, fantasy retelling of Satan's fall from Heaven, Adam and Eve's mistake in the Garden of Eden, Satan's defeat, and the Lord's love that sets us free.
Though it took me a while to get into the story, I loved how Gillian portrayed Jesus. I've often imagined Him with a good-natured sense of humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed how His character was given just that.
The ending was excellent, as well! Though I didn't connect with Marya much over the ...more
Though it took me a while to get into the story, I loved how Gillian portrayed Jesus. I've often imagined Him with a good-natured sense of humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed how His character was given just that.
The ending was excellent, as well! Though I didn't connect with Marya much over the ...more

Mar 19, 2015
Polaris
marked it as to-read
Okay, I have only technically read the sample of this book, but it sounds so incredibly amazing! I cannot wait to read it!

I enjoyed Out of Darkness Rising. I would have liked to have seen some things done differently—such as more development of the culture of the Island, a slower and deeper change arc in the main character, and a slower and more subtle buildup in general—but at the same time I understand the limitations of a novella, and Out of Darkness Rising is one of the better-done allegories I've read. I also enjoyed one of the unexpected plot twists at the end, as an allegory is typically predictable and this
...more

This is a fine book if you're looking for a straightforward allegorical story. It's well-written and serves that purpose well.
If what you want is a fantasy novel with world building and character development, though, this one is not for you. ...more
If what you want is a fantasy novel with world building and character development, though, this one is not for you. ...more

in one word: touching
in one sentence: Gillian crafts a tale of Christ as our rescuer; a tale that will not be forgotten.
good: Gillian has a gift with words.
The imagery in Out of Darkness Rising was my favorite part. I knew as soon as I read the first words that this was going to be a captivating story I would love and share with others.
Gillian weaves a magnificent allegory that covers the fall and the redemption of our story with a style of her own that is lucid, unique, powerful, and elegant. H ...more
in one sentence: Gillian crafts a tale of Christ as our rescuer; a tale that will not be forgotten.
good: Gillian has a gift with words.
The imagery in Out of Darkness Rising was my favorite part. I knew as soon as I read the first words that this was going to be a captivating story I would love and share with others.
Gillian weaves a magnificent allegory that covers the fall and the redemption of our story with a style of her own that is lucid, unique, powerful, and elegant. H ...more

I love the cover of this book. Very eye catching.
I read Out of Darkness Rising without reading the back cover blurb because I know and like the author. I enjoy being surprised by stories and going along for the ride. So if I know I'll like the book, I'll just crack into it. And I was surprised... to find out I was reading an allegory.
I have a love/hate relationship with allegories. Since I like for stories to take me somewhere new, once I realize I'm reading an allegory, I know where the story i ...more
I read Out of Darkness Rising without reading the back cover blurb because I know and like the author. I enjoy being surprised by stories and going along for the ride. So if I know I'll like the book, I'll just crack into it. And I was surprised... to find out I was reading an allegory.
I have a love/hate relationship with allegories. Since I like for stories to take me somewhere new, once I realize I'm reading an allegory, I know where the story i ...more

This is a short book- I read it in under an hour- but its briefness makes it no less powerful. Gillian weaves a beautiful allegory reminiscent of Chuck Black's Kingdom Series, but far better. The story perfectly captures the struggle between Light and Darkness and rebellion and love, and Gillian's poignant tale will not be quickly forgotten.
...more

I loved this book. I picked it up and couldn't stop reading it. Quick read but was very good.
...more

Adam's Out of Darkness Rising is a beautiful allegory! Thoughtful description and simplicity serve the depth of this story with delight and a fast pace.
...more

An allegorical novella, Out of Darkness Rising follows a variety of characters in their exploits in the Kingdom and on the accursed Island. The story begins with the rebellion of Arientyl, who ultimately fails in his uprising against the King, and is banished to the Loch bordering the Kingdom, where he begins plotting his ultimate revenge. Soon he emerges from the Loch and seduces several of the King’s peasants, luring them across the vast uncharted waters to an island he claims is full of riche
...more

Beautiful.
For starters the first paragraph of this book is one word: Betrayal. Seriously, who wouldn't want to read a book with such an epic first sentence? Not to mention the cover!
The story is an allegory of redemption that is unlike any other book I've ever read. It is ringing with the truth, and love of Christ. I can honestly say that reading it made me feel closer to understanding our Lord. Through the whole thing the pace never slows, it's always fast and interesting.
Marya was the perfect ...more
For starters the first paragraph of this book is one word: Betrayal. Seriously, who wouldn't want to read a book with such an epic first sentence? Not to mention the cover!
The story is an allegory of redemption that is unlike any other book I've ever read. It is ringing with the truth, and love of Christ. I can honestly say that reading it made me feel closer to understanding our Lord. Through the whole thing the pace never slows, it's always fast and interesting.
Marya was the perfect ...more

Out of Darkness Rising is a wonderful book. It tells the story of how people turn from their king at the bidding of a serpent who convinces them that they can have more glory by following him. They end up on an accursed island where life only means death. The serpent keeps the villagers bound to the island with his poisonous breath and unquenchable hunger. Marya is a young girl whose parents were slain by the serpent because of their belief in a legendary king. Marya becomes an outcast strugglin
...more

A deceivingly simple allegory that will stick in your mind like super glue.
Christian allegory has been one of my favorite genres ever since reading Pilgrim's Progress. Among modern tales with ancient flavor, Out of Darkness Rising is refreshing. Adams writes with a delicate prose that treats her characters with dignity and sends them to the ends their deeds have led them to. If you love fantasy and appreciate religious themes, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. This book will not disappoint. ...more
Christian allegory has been one of my favorite genres ever since reading Pilgrim's Progress. Among modern tales with ancient flavor, Out of Darkness Rising is refreshing. Adams writes with a delicate prose that treats her characters with dignity and sends them to the ends their deeds have led them to. If you love fantasy and appreciate religious themes, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. This book will not disappoint. ...more

I absolutely loved this book. It was a shorter book than what I often read, but it was awesome just the same. The writing and the plot were excellent. I love the storytelling feel the book has to it. The allegory was very strong and clear. I think anybody really enjoys allegories will like this book.

This allegory of redemption is a short read, sad, and hopeful and beautiful, the writing resounds with one of the greatest truths. The characters are relatable, and the story, a retelling of the greatest rescue is epic. But I must say it felt over too soon, I wish it was longer. And the cover is seriously cool too especially since it is a scene in the story, and because it just is too.

When I first started reading this one, I had a mild panic attack, because the first chapter reminded me so much of The Field.
They are two very different stories, but they both speak to themes of redemption and spiritual warfare, and portray similar archetypes. Adams builds a vivid world, and you won't just feel her story emotionally, but physically as well. ...more
They are two very different stories, but they both speak to themes of redemption and spiritual warfare, and portray similar archetypes. Adams builds a vivid world, and you won't just feel her story emotionally, but physically as well. ...more

Mar 14, 2015
Lavay Byrd
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorite-reads,
inspiration
one word: WOW! A beautifully written allegory of hope, redemption, and Christ' love for us (non-believers and believers alike!)
...more
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Christian Books -...: 3 Paperback copies of Out of Darkness Rising and a Medieval Themed Giveaway | 1 | 7 | Mar 21, 2015 05:16PM |
Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, thro
...more
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