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Tales of the Kingdom #2
Tales of the Resistance
Back in print by popular demand, this intriguing allegorical children’s classic takes place in the enchanted city where you will enjoy the wonderful experience of God’s great deliverance. I would place this treasure on an equal with The Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim’s Progress
112 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1986
19 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
David R. Mains
61 books23 followersDavid R. Mains has been dedicating himself for spiritual growth development programs that disturb ordinary presumptions. During the year 1967 he built an experimental church in a Teamster’s Union Hall in West Chicago. Some church-planting specialists proclaimed that it can't be done but then with a few supporters, the church has grown from only 27 until 500 for ten years.
Mains' system is advanced that he joined together worship with arts and media. He implement a system to service planning focusing one concept making the entire worship communication into just a single but valuable idea. Lay people were invited and brainstorm sermons and he firmly incorporated that each sermon should include practical ideas so it will be integrated with everyday living as Christians.
During the year 1977, Mains replaced his uncle John D. Jess as Director of a national radio broadcast, The Chapel of the Air. He then started to use religious media that would boost spirituality on every listener.
Mains transformed broadcasting as a service to the local church rather than competing them. He then began to train a team to do on-air voices which includes his wife, Karen Mains.
Several experts again warned him that such a service can’t be done but then he was thrilled when the first Spiritual Adventure he implemented had reach 7,000 participants.
Mains has been a Christian communicator and his passion was always for the local church to experience the living presence of Jesus Christ. A pastor once gave him a gratitude for putting his own personal agenda to serve for the good of the local church.
Now, Mains resigned from the broadcast and created Mainstay Ministries which dedicated to help church leaders and its people by several growth tools and training seminars. He established Team Sundays where every church goer would experience a life changing Sunday. His goal in Mainstay Ministries was to help pastors be effective in preaching.
Visit David Mains Mainstay Ministries the - Sunday Solutions. He also put up several resources for pastors called Sermon Series and Sermon Coach. He also established a mentoring ministry for men and women called Hungry Souls.
Mains' system is advanced that he joined together worship with arts and media. He implement a system to service planning focusing one concept making the entire worship communication into just a single but valuable idea. Lay people were invited and brainstorm sermons and he firmly incorporated that each sermon should include practical ideas so it will be integrated with everyday living as Christians.
During the year 1977, Mains replaced his uncle John D. Jess as Director of a national radio broadcast, The Chapel of the Air. He then started to use religious media that would boost spirituality on every listener.
Mains transformed broadcasting as a service to the local church rather than competing them. He then began to train a team to do on-air voices which includes his wife, Karen Mains.
Several experts again warned him that such a service can’t be done but then he was thrilled when the first Spiritual Adventure he implemented had reach 7,000 participants.
Mains has been a Christian communicator and his passion was always for the local church to experience the living presence of Jesus Christ. A pastor once gave him a gratitude for putting his own personal agenda to serve for the good of the local church.
Now, Mains resigned from the broadcast and created Mainstay Ministries which dedicated to help church leaders and its people by several growth tools and training seminars. He established Team Sundays where every church goer would experience a life changing Sunday. His goal in Mainstay Ministries was to help pastors be effective in preaching.
Visit David Mains Mainstay Ministries the - Sunday Solutions. He also put up several resources for pastors called Sermon Series and Sermon Coach. He also established a mentoring ministry for men and women called Hungry Souls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 4, 2017
Read during morning time...krb 7/17
July 19, 2017
Reading for our summer morning time...krb 6/27/17
Absolutely wonderful to see the spark of recognition in my children's eyes when reading this allegorical tale. Looking forward to reading the final book in this trilogy...krb 7/19/17
Absolutely wonderful to see the spark of recognition in my children's eyes when reading this allegorical tale. Looking forward to reading the final book in this trilogy...krb 7/19/17
December 4, 2007
Love love love it, must read it to your kids over and over.
February 15, 2018
"The Forbidden Princess" brings tears to my eyes. I love the beautiful illustrations.
May 29, 2022
Beautiful—if brief—sequel to Tales of the Kingdom. Loved getting to see the resistance grow in the place of the Enchanter and the allegories of facing your fears and trusting the King, who knows every orphan's name, resounded deeply.
January 2, 2019
In this sequel to the beloved allegory "Tales of the Kingdom," our main character, Hero, is leaving the safety of Great Park to follow the King to the dark world of Enchanted City. It is almost time for the restoration of the kingdom, and there is work to do preparing the hearts of those still enslaved to the Enchanter. Hero has grown since he was a scared boy fleeing for his freedom, but he will be challenged again in being missionary in the world that left once him scarred and lonely.
There are many working for the King in a hidden capacity. Hero discovers and joins the Taxi Resistance, led by mastermind Big Operator, who runs daring rescue missions for those most in need of protection from the Enchanter. They challenge his heralds by honking to confirm whether the news proclaimed throughout the city is true or false. They run back-up for those who scout the streets and are in greater danger of being discovered.
The King Himself is present in Enchated City, calling unto Himself those who are unloved and trapped and forsaken. The Enchanter grows angry and more desperate to capture this upstart challenger. Then comes the black night when the King is arrested and put on trial. When it appears evil will triumph, the restoration is nearer than any of his followers can guess.
This winter I read these stories to my young Wednesday night Bible class, drawing out Biblical insights from each chapter. There were some chapters that I skipped over, feeling them a little bleaker than my 1st-3rd graders needed to dwell upon, but each one is good and full of truth. Maybe someday we will get back to the third book, "Tales of the Restoration," but for now we're taking a break from allegories and getting back to straight Bible stories. I believe these books gave the children some good things to think about, and they remain a much-loved part of my own childhood reading memories.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
There are many working for the King in a hidden capacity. Hero discovers and joins the Taxi Resistance, led by mastermind Big Operator, who runs daring rescue missions for those most in need of protection from the Enchanter. They challenge his heralds by honking to confirm whether the news proclaimed throughout the city is true or false. They run back-up for those who scout the streets and are in greater danger of being discovered.
The King Himself is present in Enchated City, calling unto Himself those who are unloved and trapped and forsaken. The Enchanter grows angry and more desperate to capture this upstart challenger. Then comes the black night when the King is arrested and put on trial. When it appears evil will triumph, the restoration is nearer than any of his followers can guess.
This winter I read these stories to my young Wednesday night Bible class, drawing out Biblical insights from each chapter. There were some chapters that I skipped over, feeling them a little bleaker than my 1st-3rd graders needed to dwell upon, but each one is good and full of truth. Maybe someday we will get back to the third book, "Tales of the Restoration," but for now we're taking a break from allegories and getting back to straight Bible stories. I believe these books gave the children some good things to think about, and they remain a much-loved part of my own childhood reading memories.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
August 31, 2016
I was first introduced to this book, by Philip C. Fields, the moderator of the Daily Bible Reading Podcast - part of our daily Bible reading plan - Digging Deeper Daily which is housed in the YouVersion of the bible devotionals. Philip was reading chapters, at a time, in part of our JoySightings podcast. I think we had gotten to chapter seven in the listening, when I chose to look the book up on Amazon and decided to purchase. I wanted to read along as Philip read. I started all over from the beginning and followed along as I listened to the readings.
What a wonderful piece of allegory. I was mesmerized throughout, but especially in the last chapter's use of imagery. Such vivid pictures raced through my mind's eye as I read/listened to the words of the authors flow through the pages. I was indeed moved with Hope, Visions, Laughter and a desire to seek out the other two books in this trilogy.
Was this book written for young children to understand on their own? I guess it depends on their level of spirituality. As an adult, I loved every single bit of this book. It touched me deeply. I think it's a good conversation piece for families of small children to discuss. Middle school children may be able to comprehend this allegory or maybe it will appeal to them as a nice piece of fiction. With prayer, the Holy Spirit could work on their hearts to teach the meaning of the book.
Highly Recommend this book and hoping the other books in this trilogy will live up to this wonderful work of words.
What a wonderful piece of allegory. I was mesmerized throughout, but especially in the last chapter's use of imagery. Such vivid pictures raced through my mind's eye as I read/listened to the words of the authors flow through the pages. I was indeed moved with Hope, Visions, Laughter and a desire to seek out the other two books in this trilogy.
Was this book written for young children to understand on their own? I guess it depends on their level of spirituality. As an adult, I loved every single bit of this book. It touched me deeply. I think it's a good conversation piece for families of small children to discuss. Middle school children may be able to comprehend this allegory or maybe it will appeal to them as a nice piece of fiction. With prayer, the Holy Spirit could work on their hearts to teach the meaning of the book.
Highly Recommend this book and hoping the other books in this trilogy will live up to this wonderful work of words.
January 7, 2014
Perhaps not quite as good as the first book in the series (Tales of the Kingdom), but a well-executed allegory of biblical and spiritual truths which should appeal to children and adults alike. My wife and I enjoyed reading it aloud to one another (even though we don't have kids). We're very much looking forward to getting the third book, Tales of the Restoration.
Read
July 8, 2008Great book in a set of three about being warriors for Christ.
July 16, 2008
Second in the series. Very good
August 7, 2010
one of my absolute favorite storybooks when I was a kid. Gorgeous illustrations and beautiful allegory.
July 21, 2011
This is definitely my favorite of the trilogy. The illustrations (my edition's are by Jack Stockman, not those pictured here) are gorgeous. The danger and intrigue of the tales are masterful.
May 4, 2024
A synopsis of the short stories in Vol 2: spiritual truths about a larger story. (5 stars)
This is the second of the three volume “Kingdom Tales” series, each of which has twelve fantasy short stories. The stories are connected to a larger story about a city ruled by an evil Enchanter who has usurped the throne from the true King, and who is now in exile. But the true King will eventually return and bring about the Great Celebration, restoring the city into Bright City. While this larger narrative has clear allegorical qualities that Christians will immediately recognize, the stories aren’t strict allegories, but function more like religious fables, drawing on important spiritual truths about faith and serving the King Jesus Christ.
The short stories all function separately and often involve different characters. But there is a frequently returning character, Scarboy, who is an orphan boy. Over the course of the series he escapes from the Enchanted City with his brother Little Child, and eventually becomes Hero in the service of the King.
In Volume 2, Hero leaves the safety of Great Park to return to the darkness of Enchanted City, and work for the restoration of the Kingdom. Here he joins the Taxi Resistance, where those who follow the Kingsways rescue the Lost from the Enchanted City. The climax comes in the last two stories, “Traffic Court” and “The Burning Place”, where the King himself is captured by the Enchanter, placed on trial, and burned to death. Just when all who have loved and served the King have lost all hope, the King comes back to life, and glorious day falls upon Enchanted City. This event of New Day Rising breaks the enchantment, and is of course a clear image of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Here's an overview of the twelve stories from Volume 2:
1. Back to Enchanted City – Hero is commissioned to the office of Ranger and returns to the Enchanted City.
2. Doubletalk, Triple Tongue and Theysay – Two of the Enchanter’s heralds join the resistance of the King, and learn to speak the language of the Kingdom.
3. The Taxi Resistance – Led by Big Operator, the City Taxi Company leads the resistance against the Enchanter’s Burners, Breakers and Naysayers, working for the Restoration.
4. The Challenger – Hero begins his new assignment as Keeper of the Chronicle of Sightings of the King.
5. The Most Beautiful Player of All –The famous actress Thespia leaves the Palace of Players and follows the King.
6. The Sewer Rat and the Boiler Brat – Two orphans who are part of those cruelly enslaved in running the underworld sewer system are rescued by the King.
7. The Forbidden Princess – Amanda helps rescue a princess destined to live an empty life under the curse of the Enchanter.
8. The Carnival Daughter – The King rescues Carny, a girl who tries to escape the Enchanter by fleeing to an imaginary carnival world.
9. The Orphan Exodus – Big Operator and the King rescue orphan children from the evil Orphan Keeper.
10. The Enchanter’s Revenge – The Enchanter seeks revenge for the orphan exodus by a demolition raid on the terminal of the City Taxi Company and killing Big Operator.
11. Traffic Court – The King is captured and charged with insurrection - pretending to be the King – and sentenced to death.
12. The Burning Place – The King is burned to death, to the sorrow of his followers, but then returns to life and so breaks the enchantment on the city.
It’s somewhat hard to tell how successful these stories on their own apart from the underlying spiritual truths they are communicating, because in most instances the moral and message is quite transparent, although in the case of a few tales it is obscure. Overall the message about serving and honouring the King Jesus Christ comes through loud and clear, and it was this deeper meaning that made the stories especially enjoyable for me.
The concept is like the Narnia Chronicles, although arguably not with the same degree of success or imagination. The Narnian stories can also function on the level of stories alone, but I suspect that those who don’t appreciate the deeper meaning behind the Kingdom Tales will find it hard to enjoy them as stand-alone stories for their own sake. But even though the world isn’t as fantastic as Narnia, Christian families will find themselves appreciating the Kingdom Tales of the Mains for similar reasons, because of their spiritual depth, and how they lead to a greater love for the King and His Kingdom.
This is the second of the three volume “Kingdom Tales” series, each of which has twelve fantasy short stories. The stories are connected to a larger story about a city ruled by an evil Enchanter who has usurped the throne from the true King, and who is now in exile. But the true King will eventually return and bring about the Great Celebration, restoring the city into Bright City. While this larger narrative has clear allegorical qualities that Christians will immediately recognize, the stories aren’t strict allegories, but function more like religious fables, drawing on important spiritual truths about faith and serving the King Jesus Christ.
The short stories all function separately and often involve different characters. But there is a frequently returning character, Scarboy, who is an orphan boy. Over the course of the series he escapes from the Enchanted City with his brother Little Child, and eventually becomes Hero in the service of the King.
In Volume 2, Hero leaves the safety of Great Park to return to the darkness of Enchanted City, and work for the restoration of the Kingdom. Here he joins the Taxi Resistance, where those who follow the Kingsways rescue the Lost from the Enchanted City. The climax comes in the last two stories, “Traffic Court” and “The Burning Place”, where the King himself is captured by the Enchanter, placed on trial, and burned to death. Just when all who have loved and served the King have lost all hope, the King comes back to life, and glorious day falls upon Enchanted City. This event of New Day Rising breaks the enchantment, and is of course a clear image of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Here's an overview of the twelve stories from Volume 2:
1. Back to Enchanted City – Hero is commissioned to the office of Ranger and returns to the Enchanted City.
2. Doubletalk, Triple Tongue and Theysay – Two of the Enchanter’s heralds join the resistance of the King, and learn to speak the language of the Kingdom.
3. The Taxi Resistance – Led by Big Operator, the City Taxi Company leads the resistance against the Enchanter’s Burners, Breakers and Naysayers, working for the Restoration.
4. The Challenger – Hero begins his new assignment as Keeper of the Chronicle of Sightings of the King.
5. The Most Beautiful Player of All –The famous actress Thespia leaves the Palace of Players and follows the King.
6. The Sewer Rat and the Boiler Brat – Two orphans who are part of those cruelly enslaved in running the underworld sewer system are rescued by the King.
7. The Forbidden Princess – Amanda helps rescue a princess destined to live an empty life under the curse of the Enchanter.
8. The Carnival Daughter – The King rescues Carny, a girl who tries to escape the Enchanter by fleeing to an imaginary carnival world.
9. The Orphan Exodus – Big Operator and the King rescue orphan children from the evil Orphan Keeper.
10. The Enchanter’s Revenge – The Enchanter seeks revenge for the orphan exodus by a demolition raid on the terminal of the City Taxi Company and killing Big Operator.
11. Traffic Court – The King is captured and charged with insurrection - pretending to be the King – and sentenced to death.
12. The Burning Place – The King is burned to death, to the sorrow of his followers, but then returns to life and so breaks the enchantment on the city.
It’s somewhat hard to tell how successful these stories on their own apart from the underlying spiritual truths they are communicating, because in most instances the moral and message is quite transparent, although in the case of a few tales it is obscure. Overall the message about serving and honouring the King Jesus Christ comes through loud and clear, and it was this deeper meaning that made the stories especially enjoyable for me.
The concept is like the Narnia Chronicles, although arguably not with the same degree of success or imagination. The Narnian stories can also function on the level of stories alone, but I suspect that those who don’t appreciate the deeper meaning behind the Kingdom Tales will find it hard to enjoy them as stand-alone stories for their own sake. But even though the world isn’t as fantastic as Narnia, Christian families will find themselves appreciating the Kingdom Tales of the Mains for similar reasons, because of their spiritual depth, and how they lead to a greater love for the King and His Kingdom.
September 21, 2019
The sacrifice of the King is just the beginning of the true kingdom!
In the sequel to Tales of the Kingdom, Hero discovers the truth about what sacrifice really is. When the King is captured and sentenced to death Hero’s is tested and discovers that light truly triumphs over darkness!
In the sequel to Tales of the Kingdom, Hero discovers the truth about what sacrifice really is. When the King is captured and sentenced to death Hero’s is tested and discovers that light truly triumphs over darkness!
February 5, 2025
A Holy-Spirit soaked story that powerfully ministers hope and healing. For such a simple, straightforward allegory, this book series gets me in tears by the end of every chapter. I had to hand this particular volume to my son to read the last chapter to me because I couldn’t read out loud through the tears.
August 22, 2021
A beautiful allegory; I am glad that I finally decided to read it for myself. I was captivated from the very beginning. This book holds a special place in my heart as my third grade teacher read it aloud to the class at the end of every day.
Read
June 10, 2022mmm not the best show ive ever done. stressful & annoying cast. but i also did portrait of a nobody during this so that saved the semester of drama
i'm literally rating the shows not the actual books what
i'm literally rating the shows not the actual books what
April 28, 2018
Super!
Each of these stories is so touching, challenging, encouraging, and I just can’t say enough good things about it! Such a fresh perspective of an old story I know well.
Each of these stories is so touching, challenging, encouraging, and I just can’t say enough good things about it! Such a fresh perspective of an old story I know well.
March 23, 2019
Wonderful
This book series is disarmingly sweet and simply. Every chapter is fuul of life and trth. I only wish I could find more like it.
This book series is disarmingly sweet and simply. Every chapter is fuul of life and trth. I only wish I could find more like it.
November 14, 2020
A family favorite
January 19, 2025
We don’t have the last oneeeeee! (On Kindle. We have it in print but I’m reading something else.)
August 14, 2025
Fantastic biblical allegory, and immensely enjoyable for our whole family. We are just sad there is only one left!
November 24, 2025
I'm continuing to love reading these stories aloud. The boys love them too.
February 9, 2022
2022 Challenge: A book published prior to 2000
June 6, 2013
First of all, get this old edition with the beautiful pictures by Jack Stockton if you can possibly find it.
Secondly, see my review on Tales of the Kingdom for my thoughts on the audiobooks.
Thirdly, I love this book. I love "The Orphan Exodus" and "Sewer Rat and Boiler Brat". I love "The Most Beautiful Player of All", and Hero and Amanda's quiet romance. Mostly I love the King!
A final note, I DO NOT love the Tales of the Restoration, mostly because I had dreamed of that book for many years before it was published, and when it did I found it disappointingly not living up to its name. At this point I just pretend the third book was never written... leaves me free to live in the Restoration I dreamed of as a child.
Secondly, see my review on Tales of the Kingdom for my thoughts on the audiobooks.
Thirdly, I love this book. I love "The Orphan Exodus" and "Sewer Rat and Boiler Brat". I love "The Most Beautiful Player of All", and Hero and Amanda's quiet romance. Mostly I love the King!
A final note, I DO NOT love the Tales of the Restoration, mostly because I had dreamed of that book for many years before it was published, and when it did I found it disappointingly not living up to its name. At this point I just pretend the third book was never written... leaves me free to live in the Restoration I dreamed of as a child.
December 12, 2016
I read this aloud to my four children (11, 9, 4, and 2) and will definitely be reading it again and again in years to come! A lot of these stories really got me choked up, challenged me, and helped us see some things in a new beautiful way. The authors have a deep understanding of the Christian life and incredible imaginations. The lessons learned have come up repeatedly in conversation with my older two since reading this together, and I look forward to exposing these stories to my younger kids as they get older.
April 7, 2015
Wow, again. Like the latter half of the previous book, the messages in this book (how the stories apply in real life) take a little more searching to find, but are there in sweet richness all the same. My brother and I greatly enjoyed reading this together, and I look forward to going through it again with each of my younger siblings as they get old enough.
March 2, 2016
This is an allegory of basically Christ here on earth for children. We really liked the first book. However, in this book, a lot of the stories were very dark, and kind of overshadowed the good message. They still had a good message, though. I would preview any of the stories that you plan to read to young children, as they could be scary.
February 3, 2013
I have no recollection if it's better or worse than Tales Of The Kingdom the first book, but this series and its illustrations really stir something in me.
February 7, 2014
Great sequel. More action and suspense in this one as Hero and his fellow Resistance workers infiltrate the evil enchanted city and help bring people to the true King. Lots of good discussion with the kids too, about the underlying parallel to Christ's kingdom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews