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Armour of God #5
Helmet of Salvation
With the threat of dragons on everyone’s mind, George wants to help the knights at the outposts, while his friend Henry wants to collect dragon scales, even at the risk of being tossed out of Knight School. The same day Sir Lucian shares a mysterious object—hidden under a cape in the front of the classroom—dragons are spotted over Knight School for Boys and Girls. Needing reliable helpers, the knights give George a special task. Then George sees Henry sneaking off, and he wants to stop him, but the knights are counting on him. Pulled in so many directions, what’s a page to do? George barely has time to think about earning the next piece of armor: the Helmet of Salvation.
Based on the Scriptural Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), the six-book ARMOR OF GOD series appeals to the universal and timeless quest for virtue and inner strength. The story themes and "Brother Coll's Catechism Lessons," weaved into each story, are perfect for children preparing for or who have recently made their First Confession and First Holy Communion.
Based on the Scriptural Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), the six-book ARMOR OF GOD series appeals to the universal and timeless quest for virtue and inner strength. The story themes and "Brother Coll's Catechism Lessons," weaved into each story, are perfect for children preparing for or who have recently made their First Confession and First Holy Communion.
116 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
About the author
Theresa Linden
42 books112 followersRaised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. She began writing in grade school and her passion for writing has never waned. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the Chasing Liberty trilogy, a dystopian story about a future that is sadly becoming a reality.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 4, 2024
I read the first edition of this story back in 2022. I thought the book and series was excellent. The series is being rereleased in second editions with new covers and new artwork. The artwork is by Nihal Dungdung, it is not my favourite style but I am sure children will appreciate it.
I have now read books from Linden’s masterful pen 38 times, and her contributions to anthologies several times each. To say that Theresa Linden is one of my contemporary Catholic and Christian authors, would be a bit of an understatement. Everything I have read from her has been impressive. I have reread several of her books myself, and reread others with one or more of my children. My children are all through their first communion, but even so we loved this book and this series. I am a fan of all of Linden’s writings, but this series geared for a younger audience than her other works is excellent and a great addition to the canon of her work. With this volume we are two thirds of the way through the series.
As is obvious by the series title this series is based on the Armour of God:
“Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So, stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
~ Ephesians 6:13-17
The chapters in the story are:
1 Sword Fighting
2 A Knight At Home
3 To Become A Good Knight
4 Time To Go
5 A New Mission
6 What Shelter?
7 That Shelter
8 Afraid Of The Dark
9 George And A Lantern
10 Waiting On The Knight
11 A Wrong Turn
12 Responsibilities
13 Hope And A Prayer
14 A Figure Eight Knot
15 The Shield Of Faith
The description of the book is:
“While George and the other pages work hard at Knight School, learning how to earn the Shield of Faith, Robyn notices several knights have gone away. She suspects they've gone to investigate the dragon sightings.
Before George and his friends can learn more, Sir Lucian invites George and his little brother, Erik, on a secret mission that answers questions George has been wondering ever since he first became a page. When George finds himself in a tight situation, he'd rather have a lantern than faith. He's not the only one facing a challenge. Each page--anxious to earn the Shield of Faith--is tested before the day is out.”
At the beginning of the book is a note ‘Dear Reader’ And at the end a section about the author and about the series. All the books available in this series are well worth reading. Between many of the chapters are Brother Coll’s Catechism Lesson, there are 6 of these lessons in this volume. And the last one really hit me hard. It is:
“Brother Coll’s Catechism Lesson
Whether you are preparing to make your First Holy Communion or you have already received this Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for faith.
At every Mass, the priest changes ordinary bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord. Let us pray for the faith to believe not in what our eyes see—ordinary bread and wine—but in what Jesus tells us: this is my Body given for you.”
Part of these stories is the adventure and growth in virtues of the students at the Knight’s Academy. Part is living out their faith and lessons. Learning to live, work and play in mind of our role as Christians. Part of the stories is these lessons, and bringing home the faith in a very meaningful and applicable way. My own first communion was over 40 years ago, and yet this passage at the end of this volume has refreshed my approach to communion and spiritual communions. Linden has infused these stories with faith. And it is a faith that will both inspire and challenge us, no matter our age!
This continuing story of George Pennington, and as we now know Dragons truly are on the move, that the knights are preparing for them, and preparing the towns and village folks about, we can guess that this George is one who later in life is one of some fame.. He is a young lad who is attending knight’s school. To graduate they must obtain the 6 pieces of the armor of God. Six levels of training to become a squire. In the first volume, Belt of Truth, only some of the classmates do not get their belt. And it was very close for George. George learned the value of truth, even if you need to admit to lies, and mistakes you have made. Robyn Haylan and Erik, Georges younger brother continue to be good influences. In the second they must earn the Breastplate of Righteousness. In the third volume they must earn the Boots of Peace. And in this one they are working towards the Shield of Faith. At the beginning of the story we are informed that:
““Today you will learn a new virtue from the Knight’s Code.” Sir Lucian motioned toward the word “faith” scrawled on the chalkboard. A few students whispered. “A knight strives to be the best he can. You learn and practice both physical skills and inner strength. Virtue. But a knight can’t do everything on his own. Knights rely on one another. And . . . knights rely on God.” Sir Lucian stopped. He stood still a moment and looked from student to student.”
And at the beginning of the final chapter:
“Armor day came sooner than expected.
After the meeting with the townsfolk at dawn, the knights called the pages and squires together on the back lawn of Knight School. Heavy clouds threatened rain, but the sun shone brightly between them.
Sir Lucian’s cape flapped around him as he stood before the students. He explained what the knights had told the townsfolk. The rumors were true. Dragons had been spotted nearby, but no one needed to worry. Stay alert and ready. No one could know the day or hour. Should the threat increase, the knights would come to their aid. The squires and certain pages would know what to do.”
And a few paragraphs further on:
““You have risen above fear”—the knight glanced at George—“and disappointment.” His gaze shifted to Robyn. “You have overcome worry”—he looked at Erik—“and even failure.” He looked at other pages in the group, including Henry and Otho. “You have trusted in God. …”
The way Linden explains faith and how to live it out in this tale is wonderful. Those lessons are not only excellent for younger readers but for us older readers as well. Several of the characters have specific tests or trials; George, Robin, Erik, Fendrel, and of course several of the Knights.
This is another excellent volume from the masterful pen of Linden. It is a great read in an excellent series. I recommend them to those in the intended audience who are preparing for their first communion. And for older reads who enjoy a faith filled story.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!
I have now read books from Linden’s masterful pen 38 times, and her contributions to anthologies several times each. To say that Theresa Linden is one of my contemporary Catholic and Christian authors, would be a bit of an understatement. Everything I have read from her has been impressive. I have reread several of her books myself, and reread others with one or more of my children. My children are all through their first communion, but even so we loved this book and this series. I am a fan of all of Linden’s writings, but this series geared for a younger audience than her other works is excellent and a great addition to the canon of her work. With this volume we are two thirds of the way through the series.
As is obvious by the series title this series is based on the Armour of God:
“Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So, stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
~ Ephesians 6:13-17
The chapters in the story are:
1 Sword Fighting
2 A Knight At Home
3 To Become A Good Knight
4 Time To Go
5 A New Mission
6 What Shelter?
7 That Shelter
8 Afraid Of The Dark
9 George And A Lantern
10 Waiting On The Knight
11 A Wrong Turn
12 Responsibilities
13 Hope And A Prayer
14 A Figure Eight Knot
15 The Shield Of Faith
The description of the book is:
“While George and the other pages work hard at Knight School, learning how to earn the Shield of Faith, Robyn notices several knights have gone away. She suspects they've gone to investigate the dragon sightings.
Before George and his friends can learn more, Sir Lucian invites George and his little brother, Erik, on a secret mission that answers questions George has been wondering ever since he first became a page. When George finds himself in a tight situation, he'd rather have a lantern than faith. He's not the only one facing a challenge. Each page--anxious to earn the Shield of Faith--is tested before the day is out.”
At the beginning of the book is a note ‘Dear Reader’ And at the end a section about the author and about the series. All the books available in this series are well worth reading. Between many of the chapters are Brother Coll’s Catechism Lesson, there are 6 of these lessons in this volume. And the last one really hit me hard. It is:
“Brother Coll’s Catechism Lesson
Whether you are preparing to make your First Holy Communion or you have already received this Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for faith.
At every Mass, the priest changes ordinary bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord. Let us pray for the faith to believe not in what our eyes see—ordinary bread and wine—but in what Jesus tells us: this is my Body given for you.”
Part of these stories is the adventure and growth in virtues of the students at the Knight’s Academy. Part is living out their faith and lessons. Learning to live, work and play in mind of our role as Christians. Part of the stories is these lessons, and bringing home the faith in a very meaningful and applicable way. My own first communion was over 40 years ago, and yet this passage at the end of this volume has refreshed my approach to communion and spiritual communions. Linden has infused these stories with faith. And it is a faith that will both inspire and challenge us, no matter our age!
This continuing story of George Pennington, and as we now know Dragons truly are on the move, that the knights are preparing for them, and preparing the towns and village folks about, we can guess that this George is one who later in life is one of some fame.. He is a young lad who is attending knight’s school. To graduate they must obtain the 6 pieces of the armor of God. Six levels of training to become a squire. In the first volume, Belt of Truth, only some of the classmates do not get their belt. And it was very close for George. George learned the value of truth, even if you need to admit to lies, and mistakes you have made. Robyn Haylan and Erik, Georges younger brother continue to be good influences. In the second they must earn the Breastplate of Righteousness. In the third volume they must earn the Boots of Peace. And in this one they are working towards the Shield of Faith. At the beginning of the story we are informed that:
““Today you will learn a new virtue from the Knight’s Code.” Sir Lucian motioned toward the word “faith” scrawled on the chalkboard. A few students whispered. “A knight strives to be the best he can. You learn and practice both physical skills and inner strength. Virtue. But a knight can’t do everything on his own. Knights rely on one another. And . . . knights rely on God.” Sir Lucian stopped. He stood still a moment and looked from student to student.”
And at the beginning of the final chapter:
“Armor day came sooner than expected.
After the meeting with the townsfolk at dawn, the knights called the pages and squires together on the back lawn of Knight School. Heavy clouds threatened rain, but the sun shone brightly between them.
Sir Lucian’s cape flapped around him as he stood before the students. He explained what the knights had told the townsfolk. The rumors were true. Dragons had been spotted nearby, but no one needed to worry. Stay alert and ready. No one could know the day or hour. Should the threat increase, the knights would come to their aid. The squires and certain pages would know what to do.”
And a few paragraphs further on:
““You have risen above fear”—the knight glanced at George—“and disappointment.” His gaze shifted to Robyn. “You have overcome worry”—he looked at Erik—“and even failure.” He looked at other pages in the group, including Henry and Otho. “You have trusted in God. …”
The way Linden explains faith and how to live it out in this tale is wonderful. Those lessons are not only excellent for younger readers but for us older readers as well. Several of the characters have specific tests or trials; George, Robin, Erik, Fendrel, and of course several of the Knights.
This is another excellent volume from the masterful pen of Linden. It is a great read in an excellent series. I recommend them to those in the intended audience who are preparing for their first communion. And for older reads who enjoy a faith filled story.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!
March 4, 2022
Helmet of Salvation brings readers one step closer to the conclusion of the series - and dragons!! I love how in this book we see that while still subject to missteps, George is growing in wisdom. In Helmet of Salvation, the characters are called upon to make mature decisions involving obedience and prudence. The reader also learns of a rivalry among the knights themselves. A fun series for kids with examples that can be applied to their own lives.
March 6, 2022
Searching for a way to enhance your child’s catechism? Look no further than Theresa Linden’s brilliant Armor of God series. These chapter books make the perfect gift for any child, especially those about to receive their First Communion or Reconciliation. I wish these books had been around when my children were preparing for their Sacraments. The stories are not only engaging, but the added bible verses and sacramental lessons enhance the story, offering families further ways to discuss the virtues taught in catechism class.
In each book, the reader journeys along with young medieval knights in training—George, his brother Erik, and their friends, Henry and Robyn. The stories provide the students who attend Knight School, as well as the readers, valuable lessons about being faithful followers of Christ and what it means to put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 is cleverly brought to life as George, and his friends earn the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Boots of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
Between the threat of dragons and the swashbuckling sword fights, Helmet of Salvation held me captive. When George’s village faces grave danger, he must make some tough decisions. Is it best to follow orders or help a friend in need? When George finally follows the advice of his trusted mentor, to take time to ask for God’s guidance, he knows which pathway to take. The growth of young George throughout the series has been wonderful. The impulsive boy has grown into a responsible, faith-filled young man—exactly what should happen when we cloak ourselves in the armor of God.
In each book, the reader journeys along with young medieval knights in training—George, his brother Erik, and their friends, Henry and Robyn. The stories provide the students who attend Knight School, as well as the readers, valuable lessons about being faithful followers of Christ and what it means to put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 is cleverly brought to life as George, and his friends earn the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Boots of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
Between the threat of dragons and the swashbuckling sword fights, Helmet of Salvation held me captive. When George’s village faces grave danger, he must make some tough decisions. Is it best to follow orders or help a friend in need? When George finally follows the advice of his trusted mentor, to take time to ask for God’s guidance, he knows which pathway to take. The growth of young George throughout the series has been wonderful. The impulsive boy has grown into a responsible, faith-filled young man—exactly what should happen when we cloak ourselves in the armor of God.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews