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Truth from Taerna #1
Promise's Prayer
He promised to save the land. She received a divine calling.
But how can mere prayer quench his restlessness and her fears?
Walking behind a plow day in and day out gets boring for a nineteen-year-old who longs for nothing more than adventure. In the midst of the rampant lawlessness and love of pleasure that drive their country, Kaelan Ellith yearns to make a difference. When a promise at his mother’s deathbed gives him the impetus to do just that, he’s off to the capital city to bring back the knowledge of Adon Olam. Despite his natural leadership skills, his schemes keep going awry, and lost people keep passing into eternity without hope. How can he ever keep such an impossible promise?
Shy Carita Kostan knows the voice of Adon Olam, and she desires nothing more than to follow His calling: “Love. Serve. Pray. Persevere.” Yet how can she minister His love to her neighbors when her soul is tormented by their unmet needs and handicapped by her own paralyzing fears?
When the true nature of his promise and her call begin to surface, Kaelan and Carita just might discover how saving the world is entirely different than they imagined . . . if they have the humility and the courage to receive it.
A clean, family-friendly Christian kingdom adventure fiction novel for all ages.
But how can mere prayer quench his restlessness and her fears?
Walking behind a plow day in and day out gets boring for a nineteen-year-old who longs for nothing more than adventure. In the midst of the rampant lawlessness and love of pleasure that drive their country, Kaelan Ellith yearns to make a difference. When a promise at his mother’s deathbed gives him the impetus to do just that, he’s off to the capital city to bring back the knowledge of Adon Olam. Despite his natural leadership skills, his schemes keep going awry, and lost people keep passing into eternity without hope. How can he ever keep such an impossible promise?
Shy Carita Kostan knows the voice of Adon Olam, and she desires nothing more than to follow His calling: “Love. Serve. Pray. Persevere.” Yet how can she minister His love to her neighbors when her soul is tormented by their unmet needs and handicapped by her own paralyzing fears?
When the true nature of his promise and her call begin to surface, Kaelan and Carita just might discover how saving the world is entirely different than they imagined . . . if they have the humility and the courage to receive it.
A clean, family-friendly Christian kingdom adventure fiction novel for all ages.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2017
7 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 20, 2022
Recommended for All Ages 🙏🏻|| Content Meter: 5/5 🙏🏻|| Quality Meter: 8/10 🙏🏻|| Personal Enjoyment: 8 🙏🏻|| Overall: 8/10
Where to start... 🙏🏻
This book wasn't a fangirly book. This is a book that makes you think. The pacing was slow and the adventure mild compared to some books, but it was just what I needed...a breather...a chance to slow down, rest and hear what God wanted to teach me through the story He laid on Erika's heart...🙏🏻
I need to pray more...to look before I leap. To turn to God in all things...🙏🏻
The writing wasn't glamorous but it didn't need to be...it was just what I needed. 🙏🏻
Overall, I will be meditating on the contents of this book for days to come...🙏🏻
Content: talk of girls being stolen.
Where to start... 🙏🏻
This book wasn't a fangirly book. This is a book that makes you think. The pacing was slow and the adventure mild compared to some books, but it was just what I needed...a breather...a chance to slow down, rest and hear what God wanted to teach me through the story He laid on Erika's heart...🙏🏻
I need to pray more...to look before I leap. To turn to God in all things...🙏🏻
The writing wasn't glamorous but it didn't need to be...it was just what I needed. 🙏🏻
Overall, I will be meditating on the contents of this book for days to come...🙏🏻
Content: talk of girls being stolen.
December 28, 2023
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Wow. I wasn’t sure if I would love this book. I mean, I ADORE the new cover (all the bluuuuue). But medieval kingdom fiction is usually a hit-or-miss for me. However, this book was an awesome cross between allegory and medieval kingdom fiction. While the land was imaginary, the situation reminded me strongly of the way our world works (and has always worked). The book has some serious messages. I really liked the characters (Carita <33 I want to be a Carita), and I was impressed by how the plot worked—kept me hooked without being tense. The only little thing that bugged me was that sometimes the dialogue and the narration became pretty modern and rather jolted me. But I became used to it after a while. As for the themes—!! Wow. I needed them so badly. Saving the world—how does one save the world? This book has the answer. So much of what I am struggling with right now, this book reminded me of the truths. I fully, completely, absolutely recommend this to EVERYONE, but especially those who struggle with depression & wanting to do more for the Lord... anyone who’s dissatisfied with their life, basically. It is amazing.
Content: veiled & frequent mentions to "houses of pleasure," lust abounding, & girls being kidnapped for pleasure.
A Favourite Quote: “Kaelan, the work is His. That means the methods must be His. The timing must be His. And above all things, it must be bathed in prayer for His blessing. No step can be taken without Him.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Carita raised her face to the vivid blue sky. “This is a wonderful time of year,” she sighed in delight. “I’m glad Adon Olam made autumn to last so long. It’s like a season of delight before the cold winter shuts us in.”
“Yes,” Kaelan agreed. “The harvest is in, and now is the time for rest, joy, and delighting in the glories of the season.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Briefly, my business is to bring to the people Adon Olam’s purpose, that the prosperity and blessings of old times may be once again restored.”
“That sounds well; and how do you intend to go about such an important business?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Content: veiled & frequent mentions to "houses of pleasure," lust abounding, & girls being kidnapped for pleasure.
A Favourite Quote: “Kaelan, the work is His. That means the methods must be His. The timing must be His. And above all things, it must be bathed in prayer for His blessing. No step can be taken without Him.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Carita raised her face to the vivid blue sky. “This is a wonderful time of year,” she sighed in delight. “I’m glad Adon Olam made autumn to last so long. It’s like a season of delight before the cold winter shuts us in.”
“Yes,” Kaelan agreed. “The harvest is in, and now is the time for rest, joy, and delighting in the glories of the season.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Briefly, my business is to bring to the people Adon Olam’s purpose, that the prosperity and blessings of old times may be once again restored.”
“That sounds well; and how do you intend to go about such an important business?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
April 25, 2017
Promise’s Prayer was a very pleasant surprise for me. I always enjoy getting an opportunity to read and review books written by my Goodreads friends so I was thrilled when Erika was asking for reviewers for her debut novel Promise’s Prayer, book one in the Truth from Taerna series. I am extremely glad that I jumped at the chance. Promise’s Prayer certainly lived up to my expectations and left me with some great thoughts as well. It was very refreshing to read a book like this with such inspiring characters and profound truths prevalent throughout it.
Kaelan is one of the two main characters. A deathbed promise to his mother leads him on a quest- a quest to save the world. But just how does one go about saving the world? Ah, Kaelan, he reminds me so much of Kien in Judge by R.J. Larson. They both share the same mistaken idea that as long as they are doing the work Adon Olam (God) told them to do, they can go about it however they chose. Carita, a friend, later corrects him saying that since the work is Adon Olam’s, so must be the methods and the timing. “And above all things, it must be bathed in prayer for His blessing. No step can be taken without Him.”
Carita is such a sweet inspiration, certainly not perfect, but willing to be used by Adon Olam however He chooses. She would be the Ella to Kien in Judge. She is an introverted girl with a spiritual depth to her that is humbling to see. It was amazing to see her grow in Adon Olam as she learns to obey His command to love, serve, pray, and preserve, even when it means loving and serving cross neighbor ladies or preserving when she feels like her efforts are not making any difference at all. And praying, because prayer is, as Carita later describes it- “…the keynote. Prayer isn’t the preparation to accomplish the purposes of Adon Olam. It is the accomplishment of His purposes. Great works are done through prayer.”
Not only are the characters inspiring, but the messages and themes throughout this book are quite profound too. Taerna is a land beginning to see the effects of everyone living for their own pleasure. Few people are working; everyone is living for the pleasures supported by the kings-Thaerre and Daemien- and the rest of an increasingly immoral kingdom. The food supply is dwindling, causing Taerna to go into debt paying other countries for exported food. The kings are paying farmers to work, the land being owned by the king, but what is the personal initiative or motivation to work when someone else already owns your crop?
Issues such as how to be respectful to those in authority over you whom you disagree with, the dangers to a nation of having government “take care of” its people, and the harm that occurs as a result of everyone living for self, are cleverly woven into this delightful story set in a medieval time period. This book also had some funny parts- I’m making it sound all theological and deep, I know- but truly it was a fun read also! Kaelan’s friendship with Caleb was another part I truly enjoyed.
I am looking forward to reading more by Erika Mathews. And I definitely recommend this book to fans of history and people looking for a clean medieval non-magical fantasy book to read. Thank you, Erika/ Resterwen, for giving me this opportunity to review your book!
Kaelan is one of the two main characters. A deathbed promise to his mother leads him on a quest- a quest to save the world. But just how does one go about saving the world? Ah, Kaelan, he reminds me so much of Kien in Judge by R.J. Larson. They both share the same mistaken idea that as long as they are doing the work Adon Olam (God) told them to do, they can go about it however they chose. Carita, a friend, later corrects him saying that since the work is Adon Olam’s, so must be the methods and the timing. “And above all things, it must be bathed in prayer for His blessing. No step can be taken without Him.”
Carita is such a sweet inspiration, certainly not perfect, but willing to be used by Adon Olam however He chooses. She would be the Ella to Kien in Judge. She is an introverted girl with a spiritual depth to her that is humbling to see. It was amazing to see her grow in Adon Olam as she learns to obey His command to love, serve, pray, and preserve, even when it means loving and serving cross neighbor ladies or preserving when she feels like her efforts are not making any difference at all. And praying, because prayer is, as Carita later describes it- “…the keynote. Prayer isn’t the preparation to accomplish the purposes of Adon Olam. It is the accomplishment of His purposes. Great works are done through prayer.”
Not only are the characters inspiring, but the messages and themes throughout this book are quite profound too. Taerna is a land beginning to see the effects of everyone living for their own pleasure. Few people are working; everyone is living for the pleasures supported by the kings-Thaerre and Daemien- and the rest of an increasingly immoral kingdom. The food supply is dwindling, causing Taerna to go into debt paying other countries for exported food. The kings are paying farmers to work, the land being owned by the king, but what is the personal initiative or motivation to work when someone else already owns your crop?
Issues such as how to be respectful to those in authority over you whom you disagree with, the dangers to a nation of having government “take care of” its people, and the harm that occurs as a result of everyone living for self, are cleverly woven into this delightful story set in a medieval time period. This book also had some funny parts- I’m making it sound all theological and deep, I know- but truly it was a fun read also! Kaelan’s friendship with Caleb was another part I truly enjoyed.
I am looking forward to reading more by Erika Mathews. And I definitely recommend this book to fans of history and people looking for a clean medieval non-magical fantasy book to read. Thank you, Erika/ Resterwen, for giving me this opportunity to review your book!
May 4, 2022
I loved this book so much that I have already purchased the entire series! You know it's a good book when you are already convicted in the first chapter or so. There were SO many good lessons in this story! The story plot itself was unique and enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters and the quest for how one person could save the world. And how this was resolved in the end? It was simply beautiful! I also appreciate the note Erika put at the end about where the idea came from for this story. It gave me something to think about as a writer.
I highly recommend this as a well-written story and a thought-provoking, convicting story!
I highly recommend this as a well-written story and a thought-provoking, convicting story!
December 25, 2017
4.5 stars. Set in the imaginary kingdom of Taerna, Promise's Prayer is a book that radiates with a poignant message: surrendering your life fully to the Lord to do His will instead of doing what you think is right. I loved how much prayer and seeking God was incorporated into the story. Apart from it, the action seems a little thin, my only complaint. A lot happened, but it seemed that telling was emphasized more than showing; I would have liked more specific details of this world and what was happening in it, but that's just me--I'm a detail-hungry reader.
The storyline was compelling and I could so identify with Carita's timidity and struggle to discover God's will for her life. Her character arc was extremely meaningful to me. Her relationship with Adon Olam is something to emulate as she prays to Him, loves, serves, and perseveres in doing the good He has set before her. Speaking of Adon Olam, I adore this name for God that the Taernans use (it's Hebrew and found in Jewish liturgy, meaning "Master of the World" or "Master of Eternity").
Kaelan has even more to learn, and although I haven't been in a parallel position to his in the real world, I have had his thoughts and desires. The twists and turns of his activities kept me guessing. I enjoyed all the supporting characters, especially Ellrick, the wise, older man with the ministry of prayer.
The spiritual battle for Taerna isn't over in the first book of the series. I look forward to reading book 2 to see more of how Adon Olam and His followers move in this floundering kingdom. To cap off this review, I'll include two of my favorite quotes:
About Carita: "Of course Adon Olam was in charge of the work, of Taerna, and of her too. He loved her too much to let her waste her life, give way to her fear, or miss His purpose for her. If she were really going the wrong direction, He would direct her otherwise. Until then, she had to move forward in the confidence that she was serving Him as He desired."
About Kaelan: "You don't need to be the hero. You don't need to save the world. What Taerna needs--is someone who is willing to make a difference."
The storyline was compelling and I could so identify with Carita's timidity and struggle to discover God's will for her life. Her character arc was extremely meaningful to me. Her relationship with Adon Olam is something to emulate as she prays to Him, loves, serves, and perseveres in doing the good He has set before her. Speaking of Adon Olam, I adore this name for God that the Taernans use (it's Hebrew and found in Jewish liturgy, meaning "Master of the World" or "Master of Eternity").
Kaelan has even more to learn, and although I haven't been in a parallel position to his in the real world, I have had his thoughts and desires. The twists and turns of his activities kept me guessing. I enjoyed all the supporting characters, especially Ellrick, the wise, older man with the ministry of prayer.
The spiritual battle for Taerna isn't over in the first book of the series. I look forward to reading book 2 to see more of how Adon Olam and His followers move in this floundering kingdom. To cap off this review, I'll include two of my favorite quotes:
About Carita: "Of course Adon Olam was in charge of the work, of Taerna, and of her too. He loved her too much to let her waste her life, give way to her fear, or miss His purpose for her. If she were really going the wrong direction, He would direct her otherwise. Until then, she had to move forward in the confidence that she was serving Him as He desired."
About Kaelan: "You don't need to be the hero. You don't need to save the world. What Taerna needs--is someone who is willing to make a difference."
December 7, 2019
Age Appropriate For: 10 and up vailed mentions of various immoral entertainments and pass times
Best for Ages: 10 - 16
As I read this book, I felt like it was the kind that would be great for reading aloud as a family, especially with younger children. It’s the kind of book that would spark a few of family discussion.
I’ll be honest that this wasn’t a personal favorite of mine. It felt like it was written for much younger readers than me. I appreciated the message and the story, but it as a bit flat for an older reader.
The message really does set this book apart. Mathews did a wonderful job with the plot and message being tied together. They are woven together so well that one without the other wouldn’t have worked. The message itself was not one I’ve seen addressed often in fiction: doing what is right is often not as exciting as we wish.
The characters were a bit flat, lacking in emotional depth. However, I think everyone will still be able to identify with one or more characters. Real, everyday struggles are represented as well as big life questions.
This non-magical fantasy world is well thought out. The culture is so entertainment and pleasure seeking oriented that there aren’t enough people farming. Mathews obviously spent a lot of time world-building and it paid off. While God goes by a different name, this story isn’t an allegory and scripture (paraphrased) is used throughout as the source of knowing what God wants.
I recommend this for me young fantasy readers, as a family read aloud, and those who like stories that wave the message and plot tightly together.
Best for Ages: 10 - 16
As I read this book, I felt like it was the kind that would be great for reading aloud as a family, especially with younger children. It’s the kind of book that would spark a few of family discussion.
I’ll be honest that this wasn’t a personal favorite of mine. It felt like it was written for much younger readers than me. I appreciated the message and the story, but it as a bit flat for an older reader.
The message really does set this book apart. Mathews did a wonderful job with the plot and message being tied together. They are woven together so well that one without the other wouldn’t have worked. The message itself was not one I’ve seen addressed often in fiction: doing what is right is often not as exciting as we wish.
The characters were a bit flat, lacking in emotional depth. However, I think everyone will still be able to identify with one or more characters. Real, everyday struggles are represented as well as big life questions.
This non-magical fantasy world is well thought out. The culture is so entertainment and pleasure seeking oriented that there aren’t enough people farming. Mathews obviously spent a lot of time world-building and it paid off. While God goes by a different name, this story isn’t an allegory and scripture (paraphrased) is used throughout as the source of knowing what God wants.
I recommend this for me young fantasy readers, as a family read aloud, and those who like stories that wave the message and plot tightly together.
August 3, 2018
This wasn't quite the story that I expected going in, but I really appreciated the excellent message. It's an especially important one to keep in mind with all the pressure that's out there to "do big things" for God. It's always good to be reminded that God's work is done through our obedience and surrender to Him in everything He puts in front of us, not in our efforts to save the world by our own strength.
The only (small) trouble I had with the story was with consistency of setting/word use. I realize that that's a pretty subjective criticism for a kingdom adventure book, since the dialogue isn't actually constrained by historical usage. But for me personally, the mix of old-fashioned words and constructions with very modern expressions and phrases did tend to jar a bit.
That issue aside, though, I really enjoyed the book and definitely applaud the message. Content-wise, there are references to various sinful "pleasures" (always in veiled and non-explicit terms) and to girls being kidnapped for obvious (but not detailed) reasons.
Final rating--3.5 stars
The only (small) trouble I had with the story was with consistency of setting/word use. I realize that that's a pretty subjective criticism for a kingdom adventure book, since the dialogue isn't actually constrained by historical usage. But for me personally, the mix of old-fashioned words and constructions with very modern expressions and phrases did tend to jar a bit.
That issue aside, though, I really enjoyed the book and definitely applaud the message. Content-wise, there are references to various sinful "pleasures" (always in veiled and non-explicit terms) and to girls being kidnapped for obvious (but not detailed) reasons.
Final rating--3.5 stars
June 4, 2022
I...have no idea how I feel about this. Rtc later on.
****
So...it wasn't bad, but I can't say I love it either. Please take this as my personal subjective opinion.
BASICS:
1. Aside from a few confusingly worded sentences, such as 'her little girl laugh chuckled at him,' my main beef, for lack of a better word, was that the plot came across as somewhat passive.
That isn't to say there wasn't action, but it came across as being told more than shown. When it comes to showing and telling, the two need to have a balance. They're essentially two sides to the same coin. Puzzle pieces that are a perfect match so to speak.
But yeah, I thought there was a bit of telling in here.
2. I wish there had been a little more description, especially when it came to character descriptions. I had no idea what Kaelan looked like until halfway through the book.
CHARACTERS
1. Kaelan. I get that 19-year-olds still have a bit of naivety, but I kind of expected him to figure things out sooner than he actually did. Some of his reactions confused me a little. I could kind of see his character arc, but ultimately, the change he had was told more than shown.
1a. As a minor aside, I think Laelara should've been older, like 15-16. Even before their mother died, she sounded and acted far older than an actual 11-year-old girl. I'm not saying 11-yros can't cook bc they can or that children can't act older than they are but even in the latter case, they're still a child.
2. I still don't understand why the relation between two characters was kept secret. It didn't seem like a genuine reason to do so. Not to me at least. And I honestly thought around the last twenty percent of the book that there was an attempt to start hinting at a future romance between two other characters but then they turned out to be related. I have no problem with mind-blowing plot twists (a certain fantasy author comes to mind), but this one fell flat for me.
THE MESSAGE
For a little background context, I read through Ecclesiastes last month. While reading this, the context of what I read in Ecclesiastes came to mind a couple times.
Now, there's obviously nothing wrong with declaring sinful pleasures sinful. That wasn't my quibble. My quibble was that aside from a few comments, there was little to no talk about how there are also GOOD pleasures that are given to us by God to enjoy. It didn't help that Kaelan said something about how we don't have to have fun - which is really not what Ecclesiastes eventually concludes in some areas.
Ecclesiastes certainly warns against mindless self-indulgence, but it also encourages us to enjoy life - with discretion and boundaries of course. I don't recall reading that that charge includes the notion that we don't have to have fun because it certainly sounds like we ARE being told to have fun - again, with discretion and boundaries.
Edit: After thinking about it again, I'm not sure I entirely agree with the 'prayer being the work' conclusion. I was under the impression that spreading the Gospel - the Great Commission - was the work.
I'm not doubting the power of prayer and certainly we can pray for the salvation of others. But Jesus' last command to his disciples before ascending into heaven was to spread the Gospel throughout all the nations.
Yes, some of us will be called to spread the Gospel here at home and not abroad. That was recognized towards the end of the book...I think. But I've always been under the impression that the Great Commission is the work...
OTHER THINGS
1. The girl. If you know, you know. I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I was expecting a certain character to do more about that whole situation and actually help rescue her but nope.
2. MINOR VILLAINS
This may be extremely nitpicky, but some of the minor villains came across more as cardboard cutouts than actual people.
3. VERSES
Specifically, the issue of taking Jeremiah 29:11 out of context. Yes, friends. That verse does not mean what you think it means, or rather, what you've been taught it means. Let's look at it with verses 10 and 12:
For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. - ESV
Honestly, I could go on (and actually started listing other translations), but I think it's time to wrap this review up. But I'll eventually write a blog post about it...
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The concept is great. It really is, and honestly there should be more books like this, because there's really nothing wrong with casual, relaxing reads about the Christian life.
Yet, with regard to some of the aspects, I can't help but look back and think it might've been missing something that ultimately resulted in it falling a bit flat for me.
I think I have to rate it around 2.5-3 stars.
I'll still read the rest of the series though.
****
So...it wasn't bad, but I can't say I love it either. Please take this as my personal subjective opinion.
BASICS:
1. Aside from a few confusingly worded sentences, such as 'her little girl laugh chuckled at him,' my main beef, for lack of a better word, was that the plot came across as somewhat passive.
That isn't to say there wasn't action, but it came across as being told more than shown. When it comes to showing and telling, the two need to have a balance. They're essentially two sides to the same coin. Puzzle pieces that are a perfect match so to speak.
But yeah, I thought there was a bit of telling in here.
2. I wish there had been a little more description, especially when it came to character descriptions. I had no idea what Kaelan looked like until halfway through the book.
CHARACTERS
1. Kaelan. I get that 19-year-olds still have a bit of naivety, but I kind of expected him to figure things out sooner than he actually did. Some of his reactions confused me a little. I could kind of see his character arc, but ultimately, the change he had was told more than shown.
1a. As a minor aside, I think Laelara should've been older, like 15-16. Even before their mother died, she sounded and acted far older than an actual 11-year-old girl. I'm not saying 11-yros can't cook bc they can or that children can't act older than they are but even in the latter case, they're still a child.
2. I still don't understand why the relation between two characters was kept secret. It didn't seem like a genuine reason to do so. Not to me at least. And I honestly thought around the last twenty percent of the book that there was an attempt to start hinting at a future romance between two other characters but then they turned out to be related. I have no problem with mind-blowing plot twists (a certain fantasy author comes to mind), but this one fell flat for me.
THE MESSAGE
For a little background context, I read through Ecclesiastes last month. While reading this, the context of what I read in Ecclesiastes came to mind a couple times.
Now, there's obviously nothing wrong with declaring sinful pleasures sinful. That wasn't my quibble. My quibble was that aside from a few comments, there was little to no talk about how there are also GOOD pleasures that are given to us by God to enjoy. It didn't help that Kaelan said something about how we don't have to have fun - which is really not what Ecclesiastes eventually concludes in some areas.
Ecclesiastes certainly warns against mindless self-indulgence, but it also encourages us to enjoy life - with discretion and boundaries of course. I don't recall reading that that charge includes the notion that we don't have to have fun because it certainly sounds like we ARE being told to have fun - again, with discretion and boundaries.
Edit: After thinking about it again, I'm not sure I entirely agree with the 'prayer being the work' conclusion. I was under the impression that spreading the Gospel - the Great Commission - was the work.
I'm not doubting the power of prayer and certainly we can pray for the salvation of others. But Jesus' last command to his disciples before ascending into heaven was to spread the Gospel throughout all the nations.
Yes, some of us will be called to spread the Gospel here at home and not abroad. That was recognized towards the end of the book...I think. But I've always been under the impression that the Great Commission is the work...
OTHER THINGS
1. The girl. If you know, you know. I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I was expecting a certain character to do more about that whole situation and actually help rescue her but nope.
2. MINOR VILLAINS
This may be extremely nitpicky, but some of the minor villains came across more as cardboard cutouts than actual people.
3. VERSES
Specifically, the issue of taking Jeremiah 29:11 out of context. Yes, friends. That verse does not mean what you think it means, or rather, what you've been taught it means. Let's look at it with verses 10 and 12:
For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. - ESV
Honestly, I could go on (and actually started listing other translations), but I think it's time to wrap this review up. But I'll eventually write a blog post about it...
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The concept is great. It really is, and honestly there should be more books like this, because there's really nothing wrong with casual, relaxing reads about the Christian life.
Yet, with regard to some of the aspects, I can't help but look back and think it might've been missing something that ultimately resulted in it falling a bit flat for me.
I think I have to rate it around 2.5-3 stars.
I'll still read the rest of the series though.
October 8, 2021
Amazing, highly recommend
January 23, 2022
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book since it has a very medieval fiction feel to it, and I haven’t read an abundance of books in that genre. It did take me a few chapters to warm up to the story, but after that, I rather enjoyed it!
One thing I loved best about the book was the way Mathews weaves an excellent message throughout the story highlighting:
-the dangers of living for pleasure
-the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing Him in the heart (not just the mind and in outward service)
-how we are all to serve in different capacities but keeping God at the centre is vital
-the importance of a prayer-filled life
I love how the contrast between Kaelan and Carita…the former is doing grand schemes and trying to save the world in the name of Adon Olam, and the latter is shining her light in a matchbox setting but she is sure of her calling.
Kaelan does what *he* thinks is best and is bent on making people serve God but fails to bring God’s will into the equation as if it is all up to Kaelan’s efforts.
Carita is often faced with her own weakness and inability, but she faithfully keeps doing the next thing before her. Her ministry seems small and insignificant compared to Kaelan’s plans, but her perseverance and faithfulness even in little things are a beautiful reminder. She’s definitely someone I want to be more like!
One of my favourite scenes was between Ellrick and Carita as he encourages her not to give into fear. It’s such a sweet scene, and Ellrick is so grandfather-like.
This book is a great family book - perfectly acceptable for younger readers but also interesting enough to keep older readers engaged! A hearty 4.5 stars!
Content: veiled mention of a man taking girls to produce an heir without actually marrying them; discreet mentions of prostitution
One thing I loved best about the book was the way Mathews weaves an excellent message throughout the story highlighting:
-the dangers of living for pleasure
-the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing Him in the heart (not just the mind and in outward service)
-how we are all to serve in different capacities but keeping God at the centre is vital
-the importance of a prayer-filled life
I love how the contrast between Kaelan and Carita…the former is doing grand schemes and trying to save the world in the name of Adon Olam, and the latter is shining her light in a matchbox setting but she is sure of her calling.
Kaelan does what *he* thinks is best and is bent on making people serve God but fails to bring God’s will into the equation as if it is all up to Kaelan’s efforts.
Carita is often faced with her own weakness and inability, but she faithfully keeps doing the next thing before her. Her ministry seems small and insignificant compared to Kaelan’s plans, but her perseverance and faithfulness even in little things are a beautiful reminder. She’s definitely someone I want to be more like!
One of my favourite scenes was between Ellrick and Carita as he encourages her not to give into fear. It’s such a sweet scene, and Ellrick is so grandfather-like.
This book is a great family book - perfectly acceptable for younger readers but also interesting enough to keep older readers engaged! A hearty 4.5 stars!
Content: veiled mention of a man taking girls to produce an heir without actually marrying them; discreet mentions of prostitution
March 26, 2021
This was such a wonderful book on the importance of prayer and our personal relationship with God Himself.
I really enjoyed this new “world” and its similarities to our own. The characters felt very realistic in their struggles and reluctance to submit to God’s will instead of following their own plans.
All-in-all, just a really good book! I wish more authors would write like this, actually having “meat” to their stories instead of all fluff and filler!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I really enjoyed this new “world” and its similarities to our own. The characters felt very realistic in their struggles and reluctance to submit to God’s will instead of following their own plans.
All-in-all, just a really good book! I wish more authors would write like this, actually having “meat” to their stories instead of all fluff and filler!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
October 10, 2023
The only reason it took me so long to read this is that I had no time! I really enjoyed it!
I didn't really get into this book as much as I was hoping but maybe that was just because of the sporadic reading.
Knowing that Kaelan and Carita were going to end up together, I really appreciated that there was absolutely no romance in this book!
I loved the beautiful message about prayer and following God's way, not our own.
Erika did a lovely job of creating a clean fantasy novel!
And Carita - all the hearts - she is exactly who I aspire to be!
I didn't really get into this book as much as I was hoping but maybe that was just because of the sporadic reading.
Knowing that Kaelan and Carita were going to end up together, I really appreciated that there was absolutely no romance in this book!
I loved the beautiful message about prayer and following God's way, not our own.
Erika did a lovely job of creating a clean fantasy novel!
And Carita - all the hearts - she is exactly who I aspire to be!
February 20, 2023
This book was one of those books that is so good, but in a different sort of way. It makes you think. It's definitely one that I know God allowed me to read when I needed it, and He used it to reinforce some things He's been teaching me. The messages of the power of prayer were good, but so was the message of just following God's calling each day and doing what He has put in front of you. It's all so simple, but seeing it lived out by these characters just helps to put it into perspective.
But the characters weren't perfect. They had flaws and they messed up, which was part of what made the book so good. Carita was afraid, they sometimes wanted to give up, and Kaelan often tried to do things his own way instead of God's. But God still used them. The whole book is just full of excellent reminders!
Another thing I loved about this book was the fact that it's set in a fictional setting, but it had absolutely none of the magic that often comes with that. It could have easily taken place in medieval-type setting, but the fictional country added to it, since it allowed for a unique government and language pronunciations and all.
Overall, this was a wonderful, very encouraging book filled with Scriptural truth. Also, all of the Scripture was taken from the King James version.
But the characters weren't perfect. They had flaws and they messed up, which was part of what made the book so good. Carita was afraid, they sometimes wanted to give up, and Kaelan often tried to do things his own way instead of God's. But God still used them. The whole book is just full of excellent reminders!
Another thing I loved about this book was the fact that it's set in a fictional setting, but it had absolutely none of the magic that often comes with that. It could have easily taken place in medieval-type setting, but the fictional country added to it, since it allowed for a unique government and language pronunciations and all.
Overall, this was a wonderful, very encouraging book filled with Scriptural truth. Also, all of the Scripture was taken from the King James version.
June 1, 2018
Prayer seems to be the focus of the books I have been reading recently and this book brought the subject to life in a kingdom fiction novel. World building is important in kingdom fiction/fantasy and I would have liked the author to have given more description that gave me a sense of being there. As a positive note, I really liked the character Carita and what she had to say. She was wise beyond her years. She spoke of and lived in the wisdom of God (Adon Olam in this kingdom--meaning "Master of the World" or "Master of Eternity").
January 7, 2025
I am now regretting not reading this book at my first read of the year. The author did an amazing job with the theme. It is soaked in scripture; some even in between the lines.
March 16, 2023
I loved every moment of this book! It was, first and foremost, an incredible encouragement on a personal level to me and such an encouragement in my personal walk with the Lord. I could relate to the characters in such a way that helped me move forward and act like Carita even when fear threatens to overwhelm all good intentions. The book is one I would recommend to all readers who are seeking a clean and encouraging read for all ages. It is a book that will challenge your beliefs and help shed a light on how we should try to walk in these times in which we live. Thank you, Erika, for following the Lord and writing books that honour and glorify His Name! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
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