Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Mid-Elementary , Late Elementary, Middle School

Five Children battle enemies, visible and invisible alike. Two face consequences for poor choices, but learn that God is for them and that they are loved enough to be pursued. Definitely start with Book 1, which I also liked, and I also liked Book 3.

Possible Concerns:

  • Fantasy. Magic, water dragons, evil and deceptive creatures.
  • Depression/Sources of mental illness. One character disobeys and–as a direct result–spirals into depression. Readers should know that if they find themselves in depression, it might not be because of the same reasons as this character, and their cure may be different. Tim Keller offers some great sermons that talk about how depression can indeed come from spiritual disobedience and listening to lies, but it also can come from chemical imbalance and other means.
  • Deception/Negative thoughts. A character lets the enemy’s thoughts into her heart and mind. The book does a good job if painting the lies as such, exposing how the lies can grow from lack of faith in God and others. Nevertheless, parents with kids who struggle with listening to lies should know that crafty, horrible ways of thinking are offered and it might be worth a discussion.
  • Stroke. A granny has a stroke.

Things I like:

  • Excellent relationship with adults. Several adult characters are warriors who battle alongside the children at various moments.
  • Black heroes. The book includes main character heroes with dark skin.
  • Identity as princes and princesses. The children are called by these titles of honor before they feel they have earned them.
  • Clearly illustrating principles of Christianity and spiritual warfare. The warriors have a belt of truth, boots of peace, etc. Paraphrases of scripture guide their journey. There is a clear enemy whose story reflects that of Satan. There is an unseen battle and a crafty enemy.

Although perhaps not as well-written as Wingfeather Saga, it is still an asset to my bookshelf, with peril appropriate for my sweet 9-year-old.