The Christian Fiction Review Blog presents its May 2008 novel on tour:
ASULON: Sword of Fire
by William R. McGrath
Visit the CFRB Blog Tour page for more information about this month’s book!
Rebecca’s Review
When I first visited William McGrath’s website, I noticed a blurb from Glenn Sunshine’s review at Breakpoint.org:
Bill McGrath’s Asulon is the first book of a fantasy trilogy entitled The Sword of Fire. Aimed primarily at young adults, the book is written in such a way as to make biblical history and Christian morality exciting to a notoriously difficult group to reach.
Difficult to reach, indeed! But what a promising opportunity McGrath has presented in this novel. I was definitely excited to read Asulon after seeing that quote. My excitement grew as I allowed myself to become engrossed in this tale.
Daniel is a young man with an incredible responsibility. Not only is he royalty, but there are those who believe he is the fulfillment of an ancient prophesy. While training to become a warrior, Daniel is faced with some incredible life changes that propel him into a battle of physical and spiritual consequence.
William McGrath uses biblical truths and parallels to tell the story of a mythical land. This is a land of giants and dwarves, of angels and corrupted man. The God of the Bible is proclaimed as the Most High, the One True God. Yeshua is God incarnate and years after his resurrection and ascension, his followers still acknowledge his humanity and his deity. These believers face opposition from those who would deny allegiance to God based on their desires for wealth and power.
Sound familiar?
Oh, yes, there is truth in this novel and it is powerfully presented. I believe McGrath’s intended audience would be well-served in reading this fantastical treasure.
It amazed me how much thought and detail had gone into the creation of the world of Asulon and of its inhabitants. I couldn’t help but feel that sense of wonder similar to entering C.S. Lewis’ Narnia.
Asulon was an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
McGrath’s Website: Sword of Fire
Book Details:
Asulon
William R. McGrath
Epic Fantasy
PTI Press; January 1, 2008; 296 pgs; $14.95
ISBN: 978-0-9801058-0-3
Purchase a copy of Asulon at the following sites:
Other CFRB Bloggers:
Filed under: Christian Fiction Blog Tour | Tagged: Asulon, Blog Tour, Fiction
Very good review, and the images come up just fine now. Now I have someone who can teach newcomers with no real blog how to post on their website. God bless you Rebecca.
David
I found it! Maybe it just didn’t come up on my screen before. THat happens sometimes. Really nice review. i kept seeing parallels to Lewis, as well as Tolkien, also. But then they are the standard for all others.