Christian Fantasy

The Rhise of Light: Darkness Overcome (Book 1) by Max B. Sternberg

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The Rhise Of Light: Darkness Overcome Book One (Darkness Overcome Series 1) by [Max B Sternberg]

The Rhise of Light: Darkness Overcome (Book 1) by Max B. Sternberg is a debut Christian fantasy novel. As a book reviewer, I received an Advance Reader Copy, and this is my honest review. I was not required to write a review of any kind.

I prefer a book that takes me deep into the mind of the main character, but this book was written mostly from a narrative point of view, therefore I wasn’t as deeply engaged in the main character’s life as I would have liked.

The main character, Leon returns home after his Naval airship is destroyed in battle. However, things at home are not what he had hoped and though he wants to help, he has no power to do so. Therefore he sets out on a new adventure, unsure of where he is going or what he will do.

Along his journey, he meets a dwarf, a pyromancer and her dog companion. These characters join him on his adventure after helping him battle a group of undead (a.k.a. zombies) that have been reeking havoc on their town. As this group of misfits continues on their journey, they meet more fantastical creatures and face more battles, and each of them must face pains of their past.

The main characters are my favorite part of the book. They are well-developed and unique, and seem an unlikely group of friends, but a bond of friendship builds between them.

There are some action scenes, as well as scenes of suspense that kept me turning pages.

Finally, there is a Christian message that threads throughout the story. I found it a bit unclear in some of its lessons, but it certainly exhibits hope and love.

I recommend this story to young adults and adults who enjoy Christian fantasy or who are looking for a story of friendship and hope amid life’s difficult struggles.

Max B. Sternberg promises two more books to come in this “Darkness Overcome” series.

I give The Rhise of Light 4 stars.

Bag of Lies by Ricky Dean Wyrick

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As a Book Reviewer, I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Bag of Lies, the debut novel by Ricky Dean Wyrick. for my honest review.

At first, it appears to be a historical fiction book set in the Civil War era. But, as you continue reading, a unique twist reveals this isn’t a historical fiction story about the North vs. the South.

Bag of Lies takes you on a journey and plunges you into the middle of a Civil War where it is sometimes hard to figure out who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Michael and a handful of his friends are soldiers in this war, but as friends become enemies and strangers seem like friends, Michael isn’t sure whom he can trust. Michael is sent on a special mission and is afraid of failing. As he attempts to accomplish his mission, more clues as to the true setting and actual story are revealed as Michael faces many struggles and challenges.

There are a couple scenes where Mr. Wyrick head hops, causing the reader to reread a paragraph or two to figure out whose point of view that particular section is coming from.

Ricky Dean Wyrick has woven a very unusual story with interesting twists and turns. Bag of Lies is the first book of a series. The end of Bag of Lies offers enough resolution to satisfy the reader, but also leaves a hint of things to come to whet the reader’s appetite for the next book in the Broken World Series.

Bag of Lies is a well-written, unique story. It is a tale of war, courage, friendship, betrayal, and much more. There is also an inspirational aspect to the story, and there is some mild profanity. If you’re looking for a Civil War story unlike any you’ve read before, I suggest you pick up Bag of Lies. You’re in for a treat!

In my opinion, this story is suitable for middle grade through adult.

I enjoyed Bag of Lies and look forward to the next book in the Broken World Series.

I give Bag of Lies by Ricky Dean Wyrick 4 stars.