The Chronicles of Narnia (Series)--C. S. Lewis
The Magician's Nephew is the first book.
*RA
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: The journey through Narnia starts when Lucy Penvensie walks into a curious wardrobe. From there, the adventures unfold in startling and entertaining variety. The first three books (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) are concerned mostly with the four Pevensie children who become Kings and Queens of Narnia. In The Horse and His Boy, a boy named Shasta from a country next to Narnia has an adventure during the rein of the four Kings and Queens. The Magician's Nephew is about the start of Narnia. Later, the Pevensie's cousin, Eustace, and his friend Jill come into the picture, and they have adventures together in The Silver Chair and The Last Battle. Through it all, the majestic lion Aslan gives constant guidance, encouragement, and, at times, admonishment.
Other: Of course, this is a family favorite. It is a very family-friendly series, and the Christian morals are usually easy to pick up. The series goes through Genesis (The Magician's Nephew), the death and ressurection of Jesus (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), and Revelation (The Last Battle). As is the case with many others, the books are better than the movies (although those are good too). (Ages 8+)~Amy
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: The journey through Narnia starts when Lucy Penvensie walks into a curious wardrobe. From there, the adventures unfold in startling and entertaining variety. The first three books (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) are concerned mostly with the four Pevensie children who become Kings and Queens of Narnia. In The Horse and His Boy, a boy named Shasta from a country next to Narnia has an adventure during the rein of the four Kings and Queens. The Magician's Nephew is about the start of Narnia. Later, the Pevensie's cousin, Eustace, and his friend Jill come into the picture, and they have adventures together in The Silver Chair and The Last Battle. Through it all, the majestic lion Aslan gives constant guidance, encouragement, and, at times, admonishment.
Other: Of course, this is a family favorite. It is a very family-friendly series, and the Christian morals are usually easy to pick up. The series goes through Genesis (The Magician's Nephew), the death and ressurection of Jesus (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), and Revelation (The Last Battle). As is the case with many others, the books are better than the movies (although those are good too). (Ages 8+)~Amy
Dragonkeeper Chronicles (Series)--Donita K. Paul
Dragonspell is the first book.
*RA
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: In the fantastical country of Amara, Kale, an o'rant slave girl, finds out that her destiny consists of much more than scrubbing floors. She meets Wulder and realizes that He gave her gifts that she never imagined possible. As she grows in Him, she excercises her dragon-keeping and wizardry abilities. Later, another main character--Bardon, a stoic and unbending future knight--is introduced. From there, the story switches between the two. Throughout the series, they fight against various evils, both physical and spiritual, and every victory (and failure) brings them closer to Wulder.
Other: This is a series with all a fantasy lover could want--wizards, evil, dragons, knights, swordfighting, etc.--and all the Biblical truths that make up a good Christian novel. It's a family favorite and appropriate for almost all ages, as long as they aren't put off by book thickness. The characters are varied and realistic. Some are funny; others are sweet. They all just come together to make a great series. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
Here's the link to the author's website: www.donitakpaul.com.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: In the fantastical country of Amara, Kale, an o'rant slave girl, finds out that her destiny consists of much more than scrubbing floors. She meets Wulder and realizes that He gave her gifts that she never imagined possible. As she grows in Him, she excercises her dragon-keeping and wizardry abilities. Later, another main character--Bardon, a stoic and unbending future knight--is introduced. From there, the story switches between the two. Throughout the series, they fight against various evils, both physical and spiritual, and every victory (and failure) brings them closer to Wulder.
Other: This is a series with all a fantasy lover could want--wizards, evil, dragons, knights, swordfighting, etc.--and all the Biblical truths that make up a good Christian novel. It's a family favorite and appropriate for almost all ages, as long as they aren't put off by book thickness. The characters are varied and realistic. Some are funny; others are sweet. They all just come together to make a great series. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
Here's the link to the author's website: www.donitakpaul.com.
The Hobbit (Prequel to LOTR)--J. R. R. Tolkien
*RA
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit..." So begins the quaint tale that started it all--the sweeping epic of The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than to smoke his pipe and stay at home, not doing anything special or unusual. So when Gandalf the Grey comes to call, with 13 dwarves in a tow, to tell him that he is to go on an adventure, he is flabbergasted. Through dark forests and deep mountains, he encounters goblins, elves, wargs (evil wolves), giant spiders, enchanted waters, a bear-man, eagles, trolls, a dragon, a creepy little creature called Gollum, and the Ring, which comes into play in full force in LOTR.
Other: Unlike the LOTR, The Hobbit is a fairy-tale fantasy that's good for kids. Tolkien actually wrote it for children, and the LOTR went deeper into the story. There are a few slightly gross parts (spiders and swordfighting), but overall, this is a funny, fun adventure good for the whole family. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit..." So begins the quaint tale that started it all--the sweeping epic of The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than to smoke his pipe and stay at home, not doing anything special or unusual. So when Gandalf the Grey comes to call, with 13 dwarves in a tow, to tell him that he is to go on an adventure, he is flabbergasted. Through dark forests and deep mountains, he encounters goblins, elves, wargs (evil wolves), giant spiders, enchanted waters, a bear-man, eagles, trolls, a dragon, a creepy little creature called Gollum, and the Ring, which comes into play in full force in LOTR.
Other: Unlike the LOTR, The Hobbit is a fairy-tale fantasy that's good for kids. Tolkien actually wrote it for children, and the LOTR went deeper into the story. There are a few slightly gross parts (spiders and swordfighting), but overall, this is a funny, fun adventure good for the whole family. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
How to Train Your Dragon (Series)--Cressida Cowell
This is the first book.
*RA
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Summary: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third isn't exactly the fearsome viking warrior that his father envisions, so all he wants to do is pass the first viking initiation to prove he's a hero. But when a huge Seadragonis Maximus Giganticus washes up on the shores of the sleepy little Isle of Berk, it'll demand all of Hiccup's brainpower to get out of the situation alive. With that, the series blazes on, following his adventures as Hiccup learns to be a hero the hard way.
Other: This series is funny, and the extreme characters mixed with ridiculous rough vikings, dragons, and a whole assortment of other things make for some fun books. The different dragons are fun to read about as well. There are references to the Norse gods, and a few parts are a bit dark and sometimes a little sad, but the overall feel of it is usually extremely goofy. This is a good, funny series with some good morals. (Ages 9+) ~Faith
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Summary: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third isn't exactly the fearsome viking warrior that his father envisions, so all he wants to do is pass the first viking initiation to prove he's a hero. But when a huge Seadragonis Maximus Giganticus washes up on the shores of the sleepy little Isle of Berk, it'll demand all of Hiccup's brainpower to get out of the situation alive. With that, the series blazes on, following his adventures as Hiccup learns to be a hero the hard way.
Other: This series is funny, and the extreme characters mixed with ridiculous rough vikings, dragons, and a whole assortment of other things make for some fun books. The different dragons are fun to read about as well. There are references to the Norse gods, and a few parts are a bit dark and sometimes a little sad, but the overall feel of it is usually extremely goofy. This is a good, funny series with some good morals. (Ages 9+) ~Faith
The Tale of Despereaux--Kate DiCamillo
*RA
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: In a kingdom with monarchs that love soup, Despereaux is a mouse that loves to read books, especially the ones about princesses and knights. When love at first sight strikes him, he knows that he must be with the beautiful Princess Pea. The evil rat Rasco's heart was broken by the girl, and his dastardly plot to kidnap the princess goes unnoticed by all but a few. Determined, Despereaux girds a needle on his side and rushes to the rescue. Will he be able to save the princess, or will this fairy tale have a tragic ending?
Other: The story is very cute (how can it not be with a smitten mouse?), and the telling really pulls the reader in. Also, the morals about hope, light, and darkness are very touching. There are a few dark parts, but it just serves to contrast the light more starkly. I highly recommend it. It won the 2004 Newbery Award. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: In a kingdom with monarchs that love soup, Despereaux is a mouse that loves to read books, especially the ones about princesses and knights. When love at first sight strikes him, he knows that he must be with the beautiful Princess Pea. The evil rat Rasco's heart was broken by the girl, and his dastardly plot to kidnap the princess goes unnoticed by all but a few. Determined, Despereaux girds a needle on his side and rushes to the rescue. Will he be able to save the princess, or will this fairy tale have a tragic ending?
Other: The story is very cute (how can it not be with a smitten mouse?), and the telling really pulls the reader in. Also, the morals about hope, light, and darkness are very touching. There are a few dark parts, but it just serves to contrast the light more starkly. I highly recommend it. It won the 2004 Newbery Award. (Ages 9+) ~Amy
The Wormling (Series)--Jerry B. Jenkins & Chris Fabry
These are not shown in order.
*RA
Genre: Adventure/Allegory/Fantasy
Summary: Owen Reeder is no one special. He has a limp, he's scrawny, and all he seems to be able to do well is read. However, this is about to change. A mysterious figure hands him the Book of the King, and he finds out that his destiny is greater than he could have ever imagined. His life will never be the same again. The Book will call him to another world, where the dragon will stop at nothing to kill him, and he must defeat countless foes. He won't do it alone though; he'll have his friends, the Book, and the King himself to help him along the way.
Other: This is a great series for those who like adventure. It's slightly allegorical, although the authors do take some artistic liberties (they admit to them though) :). We really enjoyed them. (Ages 9+)~Amy
Genre: Adventure/Allegory/Fantasy
Summary: Owen Reeder is no one special. He has a limp, he's scrawny, and all he seems to be able to do well is read. However, this is about to change. A mysterious figure hands him the Book of the King, and he finds out that his destiny is greater than he could have ever imagined. His life will never be the same again. The Book will call him to another world, where the dragon will stop at nothing to kill him, and he must defeat countless foes. He won't do it alone though; he'll have his friends, the Book, and the King himself to help him along the way.
Other: This is a great series for those who like adventure. It's slightly allegorical, although the authors do take some artistic liberties (they admit to them though) :). We really enjoyed them. (Ages 9+)~Amy
Dragons of Chiril (Series)--Donita K. Paul
Dragons of Chiril is the first book.
*RA
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: This story is set in the same world as the Dragonkeeper Chronicles, in the country of Chiril, where a pretty Emerlindian girl is trying to keep her family's struggling estate afloat. Unexpectedly, her father returns from his years long absence, and he brings along a wizard and his librarian with him. Chiril is about to break apart, literally, and Tipper must help to save her country from disaster. Later, in Dragons of the Valley, a new, unknown evil has penetrated the peaceful land of Chiril. The despicable Grawl is slowly taking over Chiril, and Tipper and her friend Bealomondore have to break out of their shells and stop him. Bealomondore also comes out in Dragons of the Watch, trapped in a mysterious city with a tumanhofer named Ellie. It will take some help from the Dragons of the Watch to find out how to free themselves.
Other: Like Donita K. Paul's Dragonkeeper Chronicles, this is a very well-written, fun series. There are a couple slightly gory parts in the second book concerning the Grawl, but nothing is really shown. We enjoyed the Dragonkeeper Chronicles more, but Dragons of Chiril is still a good, meaningful, adventurous read. (Ages 10+) ~Amy
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: This story is set in the same world as the Dragonkeeper Chronicles, in the country of Chiril, where a pretty Emerlindian girl is trying to keep her family's struggling estate afloat. Unexpectedly, her father returns from his years long absence, and he brings along a wizard and his librarian with him. Chiril is about to break apart, literally, and Tipper must help to save her country from disaster. Later, in Dragons of the Valley, a new, unknown evil has penetrated the peaceful land of Chiril. The despicable Grawl is slowly taking over Chiril, and Tipper and her friend Bealomondore have to break out of their shells and stop him. Bealomondore also comes out in Dragons of the Watch, trapped in a mysterious city with a tumanhofer named Ellie. It will take some help from the Dragons of the Watch to find out how to free themselves.
Other: Like Donita K. Paul's Dragonkeeper Chronicles, this is a very well-written, fun series. There are a couple slightly gory parts in the second book concerning the Grawl, but nothing is really shown. We enjoyed the Dragonkeeper Chronicles more, but Dragons of Chiril is still a good, meaningful, adventurous read. (Ages 10+) ~Amy
The Ever Afters--Shelby Bach
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Rory Landon is used to being noticed at her schools; her parents are famous. But when she goes to the mysterious EAS, an after school program, she's puzzled, and relieved, that no one recognizes her. She's surprised to find that the Ever After School is a school to teach you how to get ready for your eventual fairy tale. Will she be able to survive the hard training, the obnoxious Chase, her best friend's tale, the poisoning of the entire EAS, the Snow Queen, and her destiny? Or will she fail her friends and fade away from the only place she truly feels wanted?
Other: This is a very fun series. The idea is interesting. The adventure was fun, with some goofy parts and good characters it makes a very well rounded, satisfactory book. I anxiously await the third book. (Ages 10+) ~Faith
Summary: Rory Landon is used to being noticed at her schools; her parents are famous. But when she goes to the mysterious EAS, an after school program, she's puzzled, and relieved, that no one recognizes her. She's surprised to find that the Ever After School is a school to teach you how to get ready for your eventual fairy tale. Will she be able to survive the hard training, the obnoxious Chase, her best friend's tale, the poisoning of the entire EAS, the Snow Queen, and her destiny? Or will she fail her friends and fade away from the only place she truly feels wanted?
Other: This is a very fun series. The idea is interesting. The adventure was fun, with some goofy parts and good characters it makes a very well rounded, satisfactory book. I anxiously await the third book. (Ages 10+) ~Faith
Artemis Fowl--Eoin Colfer
Aremis Fowl is the first book.
*RA
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-fi
Summary: Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, fully capable of stealing from the most secure bank vault in world--and he's only 12 years old. He's on a mission to obtain 2 metric tons of gold, and in order to do so, he must track down and kidnap an elf from the fairy LEPrecon police. Can he do it? Yes, but this escapade plunges him into fast-paced, magical, dangerous adventures involving him, his loyal bodyguard Butler, and a whole host of fairy friends who decide to help him along the way. A psychopatic pixie, rebellion, evil millionare, and time traveling creatures all stretch them to their limits along the way.
Other: These are some of my favorite books, and I would say all of them were great, although the 7th book was the weakest. One warning about the 8th and final book: it does deal with black magic, and though it's clear that it's evil, if you're not okay with this just stop at book seven, where black magic is just introduced at the end. That said, the characters are all incredibly fun, the humor is good, the writing is great, and the plans Artemis thinks up are really cool. These aren't the faries of storybooks, they are highly armed and dangerous. Very fun. (Ages 11+) ~Amy
Here's the link to the Artemis Fowl website: http://artemisfowl.com/
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-fi
Summary: Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, fully capable of stealing from the most secure bank vault in world--and he's only 12 years old. He's on a mission to obtain 2 metric tons of gold, and in order to do so, he must track down and kidnap an elf from the fairy LEPrecon police. Can he do it? Yes, but this escapade plunges him into fast-paced, magical, dangerous adventures involving him, his loyal bodyguard Butler, and a whole host of fairy friends who decide to help him along the way. A psychopatic pixie, rebellion, evil millionare, and time traveling creatures all stretch them to their limits along the way.
Other: These are some of my favorite books, and I would say all of them were great, although the 7th book was the weakest. One warning about the 8th and final book: it does deal with black magic, and though it's clear that it's evil, if you're not okay with this just stop at book seven, where black magic is just introduced at the end. That said, the characters are all incredibly fun, the humor is good, the writing is great, and the plans Artemis thinks up are really cool. These aren't the faries of storybooks, they are highly armed and dangerous. Very fun. (Ages 11+) ~Amy
Here's the link to the Artemis Fowl website: http://artemisfowl.com/
The Berinfell Prophesies (Series)--Wayne Thomas Batson
This is the first book.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Hundreds of years ago, the Spider King and his hordes of evil creatures overran the beautiful, powerful city of the elves, Berinfell, in their brutal attempt to destroy the elfin race altogether. Now a small remnant of the once-great city remains in hiding, and their only hope is to find and rescue the seven sons and daughters of the elf lords who were killed in the siege. They were put on Earth to be forgotten by the Spider King's forces, but they must now be dealt with. These seven thirteen year olds, who are just now coming into their powers, must face the reality of their elfish blood, their homeland of Allyra, and go back to save their people.
Other: This is a good fantasy/adventure read, with many different main characters with different special powers. This makes it fun, although a few good characters do die in the numerous battles. On that train of thought, the battles are things to consider, as of course there is a lot of killing, but no more so than other YA books out there. Otherwise, it's fast-paced and fun, if sad at times, but I don't like it as much as other Wayne Thomas Batson books. (Ages 13+) ~Amy
Summary: Hundreds of years ago, the Spider King and his hordes of evil creatures overran the beautiful, powerful city of the elves, Berinfell, in their brutal attempt to destroy the elfin race altogether. Now a small remnant of the once-great city remains in hiding, and their only hope is to find and rescue the seven sons and daughters of the elf lords who were killed in the siege. They were put on Earth to be forgotten by the Spider King's forces, but they must now be dealt with. These seven thirteen year olds, who are just now coming into their powers, must face the reality of their elfish blood, their homeland of Allyra, and go back to save their people.
Other: This is a good fantasy/adventure read, with many different main characters with different special powers. This makes it fun, although a few good characters do die in the numerous battles. On that train of thought, the battles are things to consider, as of course there is a lot of killing, but no more so than other YA books out there. Otherwise, it's fast-paced and fun, if sad at times, but I don't like it as much as other Wayne Thomas Batson books. (Ages 13+) ~Amy
The Lord of the Rings (Trilogy)--J. R. R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book.
*RA
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Starting 50 years after The Hobbit, this epic focuses on Bilbo's distant nephew, Frodo Baggins. Bilbo feels worn out and leaves his home in the Shire, leaving his Ring with Frodo. After some searching, Gandalf realizes that the Ring is the One Ring, forged by the dark Lord Sauron himself in the depths of Mordor, "where the shadows lie." He commissions Frodo to take the Ring into Mordor to destroy it. But the little hobbit doesn't have to do it by himself. He has a host of friends to help him--all races end up aiding him in his quest: Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men, and tree-men called Ents. What follows is the intricate story that spans three amazing novels that take Frodo and his friends against innumerable opposition and hopeless odds; the quest leading up to the ultimate triumph.
Other: This is the most amazing fantasy novel I've read. It is completely worthy of all its wide acclaim. It is for an older age group than is the The Hobbit, although I read it to my family when my sister was almost 10. The movies are great, but the books are even better. The characters are memorable and the morals are intricately woven into the storyline. This is a must-read. (Ages 13+) ~Amy
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Starting 50 years after The Hobbit, this epic focuses on Bilbo's distant nephew, Frodo Baggins. Bilbo feels worn out and leaves his home in the Shire, leaving his Ring with Frodo. After some searching, Gandalf realizes that the Ring is the One Ring, forged by the dark Lord Sauron himself in the depths of Mordor, "where the shadows lie." He commissions Frodo to take the Ring into Mordor to destroy it. But the little hobbit doesn't have to do it by himself. He has a host of friends to help him--all races end up aiding him in his quest: Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men, and tree-men called Ents. What follows is the intricate story that spans three amazing novels that take Frodo and his friends against innumerable opposition and hopeless odds; the quest leading up to the ultimate triumph.
Other: This is the most amazing fantasy novel I've read. It is completely worthy of all its wide acclaim. It is for an older age group than is the The Hobbit, although I read it to my family when my sister was almost 10. The movies are great, but the books are even better. The characters are memorable and the morals are intricately woven into the storyline. This is a must-read. (Ages 13+) ~Amy
The Door Within (Trilogy)--Wayne Thomas Batson
The Door Within is the first book.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Aidan doesn't really know how to do anything well, and he just moved away from the best friend he's had in years, Robby. He doesn't think much about his new home, but his grandfather shows him the Scrolls. Soon, he finds himself training to be a knight in some sort of parallel world called the Realm. He must stop the evil ruler Paragor from taking over Alleble. Through battles, sorrows, and hardships both physical and spiritual, he must grow in his understanding and trust in King Eliam, especially at the end, when things are at their most grave. In The Door Within, the story centers around Aidan. In The Rise of the Wyrm Lord, Aidan meets Antoinette, a headstrong fencer who also believes in King Eliam, and this sequel is mostly her story. In The Final Storm, Aidan, Antoinette, and Robby find themselves all in the Realm at the same time. Prophecies are fulfilled, and the ultimate victory will come, as long as the Three Witnesses make the right choice.
Other: This is a good series for fantasy lovers. It has knights, ladies, dragons, and quests. I enjoyed Batson's Pirate Tales more, but a friend of mine said she loved these more. It depends on the person. Still, these are great books, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. (Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
Summary: Aidan doesn't really know how to do anything well, and he just moved away from the best friend he's had in years, Robby. He doesn't think much about his new home, but his grandfather shows him the Scrolls. Soon, he finds himself training to be a knight in some sort of parallel world called the Realm. He must stop the evil ruler Paragor from taking over Alleble. Through battles, sorrows, and hardships both physical and spiritual, he must grow in his understanding and trust in King Eliam, especially at the end, when things are at their most grave. In The Door Within, the story centers around Aidan. In The Rise of the Wyrm Lord, Aidan meets Antoinette, a headstrong fencer who also believes in King Eliam, and this sequel is mostly her story. In The Final Storm, Aidan, Antoinette, and Robby find themselves all in the Realm at the same time. Prophecies are fulfilled, and the ultimate victory will come, as long as the Three Witnesses make the right choice.
Other: This is a good series for fantasy lovers. It has knights, ladies, dragons, and quests. I enjoyed Batson's Pirate Tales more, but a friend of mine said she loved these more. It depends on the person. Still, these are great books, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. (Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
Dragons in our Midst/Oracles of Fire/Children of the Bard (Connected Quartets)--Bryan Davis
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Billy Bannister finds out one day that he has dragon traits--he can breathe fire and sense danger. Bonnie Silver has wings and a natural eloquence. They both have one former dragon parent who was changed from dragon to human in the days of King Arthur to save him/her from the dragon slayers combing the land. Now the dragon slayers have found them, and the battles that they face together are epic and stem from ancient times before the Flood. Oracles of Fire is a continuation of Dragons in our Midst; Davis adds several more main characters and deepens the storyline considerably. Children of the Bard is a new series that he just started concerning Billy and Bonnie's children. Through all their trials, Billy, Bonnie, and their friends grow in their relationships and understanding of their Lord.
Other: This is quite possibly the first series that really got me into Christian fiction, and now I am hooked. For that, I owe this series a lot. As mentioned in the title, each series has four books (except for Children of the Bard--only two books of the quartet has been released so far). Davis' typical intricate, complicated plots and well-developed characters are great, as are his deeply woven Christian themes. A few examples are mercy (there is one passage in particular about this that is just beautiful), sacrifice, and honor. There are a few demon possession-type instances and a lot of battles, but this is an amazing series for fantasy and action lovers. (Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
Summary: Billy Bannister finds out one day that he has dragon traits--he can breathe fire and sense danger. Bonnie Silver has wings and a natural eloquence. They both have one former dragon parent who was changed from dragon to human in the days of King Arthur to save him/her from the dragon slayers combing the land. Now the dragon slayers have found them, and the battles that they face together are epic and stem from ancient times before the Flood. Oracles of Fire is a continuation of Dragons in our Midst; Davis adds several more main characters and deepens the storyline considerably. Children of the Bard is a new series that he just started concerning Billy and Bonnie's children. Through all their trials, Billy, Bonnie, and their friends grow in their relationships and understanding of their Lord.
Other: This is quite possibly the first series that really got me into Christian fiction, and now I am hooked. For that, I owe this series a lot. As mentioned in the title, each series has four books (except for Children of the Bard--only two books of the quartet has been released so far). Davis' typical intricate, complicated plots and well-developed characters are great, as are his deeply woven Christian themes. A few examples are mercy (there is one passage in particular about this that is just beautiful), sacrifice, and honor. There are a few demon possession-type instances and a lot of battles, but this is an amazing series for fantasy and action lovers. (Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
Dragons of Starlight (Series)--Bryan Davis
Starlighter is the first book.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Living on the semi-modern Major Four, Jason Masters, unlike his older brothers, has never really been sure about the fabled existence of humans brutally enslaved by dragons on another planet called Starlight. His oldest brother has been missing for years since he went off in search of the portal in order to rescue the slaves. When his older brother Adrian also goes off to seek the lost, Jason is left in charge of Adrian's duties as king's bodyguard, and soon, framed for murder, he is forced to flee with his best friend Elyssa, a Diviner with very special gifts. Eventually, they find themselves on Starlight and meet Koren--a Starlighter, capable of bringing stories to life in front of her enraptured audience. Soon, they find themselves up against a smooth talking, deceptive dragon prince who believes that in order to be loved, one must first be enslaved. Between battling dragons and rescuing slaves, Jason, Elyssa, and Koren learn the real significance of what they are attempting to do and the meaning of true freedom.
Other: I really enjoyed this series and couldn't wait for the last one to come out. The characters are well-developed, as is typical of Bryan Davis books, with each having different character flaws that they must overcome throughout the course of the book. The plot is multi-layered, and the history between the dragons and humans has many facets to consider. There is a good amount of sword fighting, and some friendly ghost-type people waiting for the Resurrection. Besides these considerations, I would recommend this series to people who love adventures and fantasy. (Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
Summary: Living on the semi-modern Major Four, Jason Masters, unlike his older brothers, has never really been sure about the fabled existence of humans brutally enslaved by dragons on another planet called Starlight. His oldest brother has been missing for years since he went off in search of the portal in order to rescue the slaves. When his older brother Adrian also goes off to seek the lost, Jason is left in charge of Adrian's duties as king's bodyguard, and soon, framed for murder, he is forced to flee with his best friend Elyssa, a Diviner with very special gifts. Eventually, they find themselves on Starlight and meet Koren--a Starlighter, capable of bringing stories to life in front of her enraptured audience. Soon, they find themselves up against a smooth talking, deceptive dragon prince who believes that in order to be loved, one must first be enslaved. Between battling dragons and rescuing slaves, Jason, Elyssa, and Koren learn the real significance of what they are attempting to do and the meaning of true freedom.
Other: I really enjoyed this series and couldn't wait for the last one to come out. The characters are well-developed, as is typical of Bryan Davis books, with each having different character flaws that they must overcome throughout the course of the book. The plot is multi-layered, and the history between the dragons and humans has many facets to consider. There is a good amount of sword fighting, and some friendly ghost-type people waiting for the Resurrection. Besides these considerations, I would recommend this series to people who love adventures and fantasy. (Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
The Lost Books (Series)--Ted Dekker (& Kaci Hill)
Chosen is the first book.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Johnis is scrawny but fast. He tends to think with his heart instead of with his head. When he is sent on a quest with three other warriors, he is considered the runt, but when they return, Johnis is the leader who saved them all from death, with some help from a few fluffy koala angel-creatures. This begins their brutal struggles with demonic bats, hatred, and a vampiress who speaks with seductively honeyed words. Johnis' adventures thrust him and his companions into a confusing middle world, an even more bewildering world with bright lights and metal machines that can be driven, and, most striking, a changed homeland, taken over completely by the powers of darkness. Their mission: keep the lost Books of History safe from the evil one, or the entire world is forfeit. "Think with your heart and prepare to die, for you have been chosen."
Other: This is a good series, although I did have to force my way through the first half of the fourth book. The Christian morals are masterfully portrayed in the guise of an intricate story. There are a lot of sword battles and susequent killing, but overall, I feel like most teens can handle it. This is definetly for those who like action/fantasy/adventure. I would like to leave off with a word from Ted Dekker himself, written at the very beginning of the first book, Chosen.
Summary: Johnis is scrawny but fast. He tends to think with his heart instead of with his head. When he is sent on a quest with three other warriors, he is considered the runt, but when they return, Johnis is the leader who saved them all from death, with some help from a few fluffy koala angel-creatures. This begins their brutal struggles with demonic bats, hatred, and a vampiress who speaks with seductively honeyed words. Johnis' adventures thrust him and his companions into a confusing middle world, an even more bewildering world with bright lights and metal machines that can be driven, and, most striking, a changed homeland, taken over completely by the powers of darkness. Their mission: keep the lost Books of History safe from the evil one, or the entire world is forfeit. "Think with your heart and prepare to die, for you have been chosen."
Other: This is a good series, although I did have to force my way through the first half of the fourth book. The Christian morals are masterfully portrayed in the guise of an intricate story. There are a lot of sword battles and susequent killing, but overall, I feel like most teens can handle it. This is definetly for those who like action/fantasy/adventure. I would like to leave off with a word from Ted Dekker himself, written at the very beginning of the first book, Chosen.
We are Chosen to love the Infidels. Many go Renegade
and face a world of Chaos; some are called Lunatic. But in the
end it's all about Elyon the one who holds the secrets to all of the
Lost Books. Welcome to the CIRCLE. ~Ted Dekker
(Ages 13/14+) ~Amy
Tales of Starlight (Series)--Bryan Davis
Masters and Slayers is the first book.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: Adrian Masters is determined to free the slaves on the dragon planet of Starlight, but freeing them won't be easy. Marcelle, a tough, beautiful swordsmaiden, is skillful but stubborn with a capital "S". Their struggle to free the slaves pits them against dragons, both brutal and honorable, and evils beyond their greatest imaginings.
Other: This adult companion series to Dragons of Starlight is slightly more violent and has more graphic scenes, although according to Bryan Davis, 16 year old's should be fine. I agree; it's not too bad. The older crowd also permits Davis to go deeper into the morals of the story. This is a good series to read if you liked Dragons of Starlight because it's the same story from different points of view. Of course, I am kind of biased toward Dragons of Starlight because I started to read it first, but this was very good as well. (Ages 16+)~Amy
Summary: Adrian Masters is determined to free the slaves on the dragon planet of Starlight, but freeing them won't be easy. Marcelle, a tough, beautiful swordsmaiden, is skillful but stubborn with a capital "S". Their struggle to free the slaves pits them against dragons, both brutal and honorable, and evils beyond their greatest imaginings.
Other: This adult companion series to Dragons of Starlight is slightly more violent and has more graphic scenes, although according to Bryan Davis, 16 year old's should be fine. I agree; it's not too bad. The older crowd also permits Davis to go deeper into the morals of the story. This is a good series to read if you liked Dragons of Starlight because it's the same story from different points of view. Of course, I am kind of biased toward Dragons of Starlight because I started to read it first, but this was very good as well. (Ages 16+)~Amy