King's Shadow By Angela Hunt

King's Shadow
by Angela Hunt
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764233364

As a long time fan of Angela Hunt's, I was excited to find out the final book in her The Silent Years series was coming out. I jumped at the chance to review King's Shadow thanks to Bethany House.

Summary:

Their Lives Couldn't Be More Different,
but Their Goal Is the Same:
Survive King Herod's Rule.
Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

My Review:

I don't know if there's an author who can write in any genre like Angela Hunt can. The Silent Years series has been an awesome one and I'm sad to see it finish with this last book.

Can I be completely honest about something? I saw this book come up for review and just requested it without even reading what it was about. Do you have an author who you don't care what they write, you're going to read it no matter what? Yea, that's me with Angela Hunt. So when the book came. I glanced at the back of the book to get a glimpse of the story, and then dove in. I didn't realize this story was about THE Herod. Know when I realized? When I got to the end of the book. Can we all just take a moment to facepalm? Honestly!

I have to say, I appreciate the research that goes into creating stories like these. Biblical fiction is becoming one of my favorite genres! After reading this fictionalized story of Herod's reign, I have to tell you, I would never have any desire to be in a position of authority. What he went through, what his wives and children went through, as well as his extended family was just awful! I can't even imagine anyone in that time desiring power to sit on a throne.

Anyhow, we meet Salome and in turn meet her new handmaiden, Zara. Believe it or not, I started out on Salome's side. I could understand how she wanted to protect her family, especially her brother, the king. Unfortunately, that desire to protect put many in danger. Then there's also, Zara, who I had hoped we would've seen her transformation a bit more detailed, but we got to see her heart for serving her mistress.

It was very interesting watching Salome transform as a character. Starting from when she is the king's young sister up to when she's an elderly grandmother, we watch her develop and mature. Not always in a positive way, but who of us has a straight and narrow path?

Zara spends her life serving Salome. It's clear she loves Salome and Salome learns to trust her. Because Zara isn't a slave, but a servant, she's allowed more freedom than most. This allows her leave the palace and spend time with those who live and share her faith. I would've liked to have watched Zara's faith develop more. We have glimpses of it, but I wish as a reader we would've see her have that "light bulb" moment. That's just my perspective from my view of the story. Others might be completely satisfied by how her faith life unfolded.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and am sad to see the series come to an end. I felt like I was on a constant roller coaster of emotions because of all the intensity the Herodians carried. Let's just say I'm glad I wasn't part of his court or family! lol The way it ushers in the beginning of Jesus' time is fluid and gripping! Imagine being a king and knowing there are people who believe there's a king coming who will be greater than the one ruling!

I'm looking forward to reading her next set of stories about women in the New Testament.

About the Author:

The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty.Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Whose Waves These Are By Amanda Dykes

Whose Waves These Are
by Amanda Dykes
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764232664

Ok, can I be honest with you? I'm terrible at giving new authors a chance. I like staying cozy and comfy with my familiar, tried and true authors. I mean, true, they were all new to me at some point, but then they became reliable. When I saw the offer to review Whose Waves These Are come through my email, I actually glanced over what the book was about and past the cover. I decided I'd read Amy Green's (BHP Fiction Publicist) reason as to why they chose it as their book of the month to see if I'd have any interest.

There'd already been some buzz about this author, that somewhat, sorta piqued my interest, but I'm not a hype person. I don't get pulled in. BUT, I have a lot of respect for Amy and with how she described the book, I knew I had to give it a try. And with that, I'll have to share my review.

Summary:

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family's past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.

My Review:

I had high hopes for Whose Waves These Are. Everything I read in reviews about this novel was how incredibly well written it was. The anticipation was strong and I'm happy to tell you it's as good as everyone is saying.

The book actually starts off in September 1944, which was the month and year my mom was born. A few chapters in it switches to May 2001. I wonder why 2001 and not 2019, but that's a question I'll have to ask the author.

We meet Roy and Robert Bliss, twins who have futures looming in front of them neither are ready for. No one is ever prepared for war and being sent to fight will have an impact on families, friends, a whole town, and an entire nation. Getting to know these men as the story flashes back throughout the book, you see how strong their ties are, even apart from being twins. Their lives are intertwined with each other, and span the generations in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Then we meet Annie Bliss along with all of the inhabitants of Ansel-by-the-Sea. What a cast of characters. They're exactly what you'd imagine in a small fishing village in Maine. They're the kind of people, salt of the earth people, who you hope you get to meet in your lifetime. One of those people is actually a newcomer, Jeremiah Fletcher. He's rooted himself in this coastal harbor. This is where he and Annie begin a journey that will have her working on getting her sea legs again and him figuring out what his future looks like.

The way this story is written, you literally feel like you're in Ansel. You can picture the post office, The Galley, and especially Sailor's Rest. You're in the moment with each of these characters being pulled along with their stories. The writing is incredibly descriptive and it seems not a word is wasted. As you read Whose Waves These Are you'll be tossed and turned like the waves on the sea as each of the main characters' stories unfold before you.

This is the author's debut novel, but along with the novel there's a novella called Up From The Sea. It's free, so a perfect way to become introduced to a new author because it'll have you setting sail for this novel immediately! Get your summer started with a great read!

About the Author:

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she'll be happy for hours. She's a former English teacher, and her novella, Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale, was met with critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Readers' Favorite, and more. She is also the author of a novella in The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection. Whose Waves These Are is her debut novel.

Shelter Of The Most High by Connilyn Cossette

Shelter of the Most High
by Connilyn Cossette
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764219870

So, a little background into getting this book at exactly this time... First, I've never read any books by Connilyn Cossette, although I have 2 of her books on my bookshelves. Time just keeps getting away from me!

Second, I'm in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and this year we are covering The People of the Promised Land. We started in the book of Joshua and have read through it as well as the book of Ruth. We're now at the beginning of Samuel.

When I was offered this book for review, I jumped at the chance because now I HAD to read Connilyn's book and was very excited. What I didn't know was, this book was going to be set during the time of my Bible study! I can't tell you how amazing it was to read the description of the book again, realize the series name, and understand how well God works things together! I already understood what "Cities of Refuge" was because of what I'd learned in Joshua. I was SO ready to dive into Shelter of the Most High.

Summary:

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?

My Review:

Have you ever just devoured a book? I had no idea going into Shelter of the Most High that I was going to be so lost in the book.

As I previously mentioned, I hadn't read any of the author's books before, but her book covers compelled me to purchase her books. lol I had a feeling the stories inside would be just as incredible. I was right, but I had no idea how far off the mark I was. What was inside was even BETTER!

The story begins with the reader meeting Sofea and her cousin Prezi. They're out having fun like teenage girls will do, even back in Biblical times. Little do they know their lives are about to change forever. Kidnapped and taken to a foreign land, they only hope to survive, even if it's as a slave.

Connilyn's detailed description of almost every moment in the book gives so much life to the characters and Kedesh. After reading this time period in the Bible, it was incredible to see her pull into what was going on during that time and add it to what's going on in the story. We know that there were cities of refuge where people who accidentally killed someone could seek refuge. They would then have to stay there until the priest at the time dies. Kedesh is one of 6 cities named in the Bible.

For Sofea and Prezi you can feel their fear through the author's writing. When they're brought to this city, which they don't know anything about or understand the language, they don't know if they'll be sacrificed or enslaved for the rest of their lives. Can you imagine? As a reader, I could feel Prezi's helplessness and Sofea's desire to protect her.

We meet Eiten and his family, who are introduced in book 1, which I will absolutely be going back to read! There's such a mix of emotion and drama within this family you might wonder how they all live under one roof. What you do know is, there is a lot of love and reverence for God.

The way Connilyn Cossette describes nearly every piece of this story with such detail, you will think you've been transported to Kedesh! I could barely put this book down. I was up to the wee hours to get one more chapter in. I can't wait to go back to read book 1, and I can tell you I'm already impatiently awaiting book 3 when I've only just finished Shelter of the Most High!

About the Author:

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), bestselling author Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Her novel Counted With the Starswon the 2013 Frasier Contest and was a semifinalist in the 2013 ACFW Genesis Contest. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.

The Masterpiece By Francine Rivers

The Masterpiece
by Francine Rivers
Publisher: Tyndale
ISBN: 978-1-4964-0790-0

Every year when I come back to Minnesota I join my old book club for their book of the month! It's one of my favorite things to do when I come home. Spending an evening with friends like we always did once a month, what could be better? I found out they were doing Francine Rivers' book The Masterpiece and was SO excited. If you've ever read a book by Francine Rivers, you know why I was so excited. If you haven't, then you're missing out. I reached out to Tyndale House hoping I could do a review of the book, and they agreed!

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this unexpected and redemptive love story, a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.

A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want—money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist—an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship—and both their lives—forever.

My Review:

When my friend told me once I started reading The Masterpiece I wouldn't want to put it down, I thought she might be exaggerating slightly. I couldn't have been more wrong, and she couldn't have been more right! From page one, I was hooked!

Francine Rivers' writing draws the reader in and holds on to them until the very end. Actually this book in many respects reminded me of Bridge to Haven, which I read not too long ago. The characters have so much depth and realness. 

Roman was easy to dislike at the start of the story. He was living a very worldly life and only concerned for himself. Then there was Grace, a broken woman trying to find a way to make ends meet and figure out if she was keeping her son or giving him up for adoption. Two people who have been hurt tend to have walls built. Grace and Roman are no exception.

Book club was fun discussing the book. One gal thought Roman was a jerk. We all got a chuckle out of her response. Our hearts all went out to Grace. Our discussion was wonderful and insightful. The questions at the end of the book helped with our chat. Be sure to give them some thought after you read the book!

We agreed that we like how Francine wrote chapters specific to flashbacks of Grace & Roman's individual pasts. It gave us insights to how they became the people we meet in the story. Those chapters made them relatable, and I think helps us as readers to remember that the people we meet have a story.

Be prepared when you start this book to stay up late and to tell yourself, "Just one more chapter!"

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years before becoming a born-again Christian. As her statement of faith, she wrote Redeeming Love, a retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush. Redeeming Love is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction and it continues to be one of the industry's top-selling titles year after year.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors, and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine's novels have been translated into over thirty different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries.

Francine and her husband live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Visit her website at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

The Wounded Shadow By Patrick W. Carr

The Wounded Shadow
by Patrick W. Carr
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764213489

When I saw book 3 of The Darkwater Saga available for review from Bethany House, I didn't even think about it. I requested it! I'd been waiting for almost a year and a half for the next book. What I didn't realize? It was the last book in the series. Cue the silent sobbing!

Summary:

The Final Battle over the Darkwater Has Begun. Will Anything Be Able to Stop the Evil Sweeping across the North?

The kings and queens of the northern continent lay siege to the Darkwater Forest, frantic to contain its evil. But rumors of gold and aurium have lured deserters and the reckless into its shadow, creating a growing army that can see in the dark and fight like the gifted. Desperate after the death and dissolution of their greatest ally, Willet and the rest of the Vigil seek the truth of what lies at the heart of the evil they face. They delve the mind of an ancient enemy and find an answer far worse and more unimaginable than they had feared. 

But while they seek to understand their past and peril, danger stalks the cities of the north striking at the rulers of the kingdoms. As Willet and the rest of the Vigil search for answers, the Vigil is scattered with an ever-growing darkness around them. They must discover a path to keep their land safe or risk losing the world.

My Review:

I know that Christian fantasy is different than what I normally read, but I actually grew up reading secular fantasy novels. Now, unlike the first two books where I was confused the first couple of chapters, I dove into The Wounded Shadow and didn't want to put the book down.

As with any great adventure, our heroes are sent in different directions trying to find ways to stop the evil coming from the Darkwater Forest. As each group is traveling, I found myself loving their apprentices as much as they unexpectedly do. If it were acceptable, my review would say, "Oh my gosh, and then they did 'this' and it was so cool" "and they did 'this' and it was incredible" "then I got to 'this' part and wow" because I was so deeply involved in the story as I was reading.

I don't know why but the north continent came alive this time more than with the other books. Actually, I want to go back and re-read the first 3 books (incl the prequel) because I feel like I'd have such a better understanding of what is going on. I've also told my 15 yr old son to hurry up and finish the series he's currently reading so he can read the Darkwater Saga and we can talk about it.

There's not a character who stuck out to me more than the rest for who I liked the best. I loved Gael, Willet's love and protector. She's so fierce! And I still think Bolt rates pretty high up there for me. His sarcasm and exasperation with Willet never ceases to amuse me. Of the urchins, I think Rory is the one who's storyline I enjoyed the most. Honestly, I loved everyone, including Toria Deel.

Have you ever read a book or a series and you enjoyed getting to know the world, country, or town so much that you wanted more, then you'll know what I mean when I say that's how I feel about the world Patrick Carr has created. Ok, so the series is over, please bring us back there so we can enjoy other adventures!!! I also have some questions for the author. Maybe he could skip ahead a couple of generations and we can get to know the urchins all grown up and children of people we know. While I'm sad to leave this series behind, I'm going to start The Staff and the Sword series next! Thank goodness I have A Cast of Stones already.

About the Author:

Patrick W. Carr is the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Staff and the Sword. A Cast of Stones won the 2014 Carol Award for Speculative Fiction and the 2014 Clive Staples Award. A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot were both finalists for 2014 Christy Awards. He teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four sons. Learn more at www.patrickwcarr.com.

Dragon Seed By Marty Machowski

Dragon Seed
by Marty Machowski
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN:

I really love when I get the chance to review books for youth! I received this one from Litfuse Publicity and shared it with my 14 yr old.

Summary:

An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background.

Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book-a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family's history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you'll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!

This page-turning, young adult fiction story invites older children and teens into the real-life struggles of Nick. But it also ushers them into an imaginative exploration of the life of the young man Jesus saved as he wandered through the tombs. Best-selling author Marty Machowski uses both stories to introduce the reality of spiritual warfare and how its shadows affect and change us.

Machowski, a trusted teacher for children of all ages, presents a thoroughly biblical view of spiritual warfare that emphasizes the importance of humility and dangers of pride. Teens will be drawn to the story of Nick and his struggles and will learn, as they read, to also identify the shadows in their own life and turn from them. While the biblical teaching is evident throughout the narrative of Dragon Seed, Machowski also includes a twelve-lesson Bible study at the end of the book to help teens ground their understanding of spiritual warfare on biblical principles.

Youth pastors, leaders, and parents will also want to explore with teens the small group study at the end of the book with its unique take on spiritual warfare that emphasizes the biblical theme of humility. This is a perfect book to read with a group and discuss together the implications of Nick's struggles for their lives.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Review:

I thought this was an interesting book. The idea of it initially reminded me of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I wasn't sure how my son would take to an allegory book, but he seemed to like it. This would be a good book for pre-teens and teens.

I think the family that's represented is very relatable. Kids from the same family react differently to life situations. Nick is mad at the world and takes it out on his family. His sister, Martha, is putting all of her effort into being a fabulous student. Mary, along with her mom, is trying to keep what's left of her family from falling apart.

A story has been passed down through the family in the form of an allegory. I love how these kinds of stories work to really help the reader understand through the hidden meaning of how important our faith is. Through Nick reading this story, teens are able to understand the spiritual world. In fact, I really appreciate authors who point out the things that happen around us that we're rarely aware of.

Now, I thought the names the author gave the demons were a bit cheesy. I thought for this age group he could've gotten a bit more creative. The names seemed more like you'd find them in an elementary story than a story like this. There were a few spots where I thought the story was trying too hard to be allegorical. Can a story sometimes be too descriptive? Then again, this book is geared to young teens so maybe that's more to their liking.

At the end of the book there's a 12 day prescription to help the reader work through uprooting what the author refers to as the dragon seed. You'll have to read the book to find out what he's referring to. It's a good way for the kids finish the story and really attempt to relate it to their own lives.

I think this would also be a good book for teen youth groups to work through as a small group.

About the Author:

Marty Machowski is the Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over 25 years. Marty leads Promise Kingdom, the children's ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is the author of a systematic theology for children entitled "The Ology," "Long Story Short," "Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God," "The Gospel Story Sunday School Curriculum" and the companion "Gospel Story Children's Bible." He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania area.

Find out more about Marty at martymachowski.com.

The Shattered Vigil By Patrick W. Carr

The Shattered Vigil
by Patrick W. Carr

• ISBN-13: 978-0764213472
• Publisher: Bethany House

At the start of the year I was introduced to Patrick W. Carr through a Bethany House review of The Shock of Night (The Darkwater Saga). Now I had the opportunity to read the second book in the series thanks once again to Bethany House! Believe it or not, I've had the prequel sitting on my tablet for a while now, but just haven't had time to read it. I'm reading it now, believe me! lol

About:

A Single Terrible Choice Faces the Vigil. Hide in Safety and Let Darkness Take Over the Land or Face the Growing Danger and Risk All of Their Lives.Their victory over the dark forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have guaranteed safety for the continent. Instead, Willet and the rest of the Vigil discover they've been outsmarted by those seeking to unleash the evil that inhabits the Darkwater. One of the Vigil has gone missing, and new attacks have struck at the six kingdoms' ability to defend themselves.

Worse, a deadly new threat has emerged--assassins hunting the Vigil, men and women who cannot be seen until it's too late. To thwart the perilous new risk, the church makes the drastic decision to safeguard the Vigil by taking the surviving members into protective custody. But there are secrets only the Vigil can unearth, and so Pellin makes the heart-wrenching choice to oppose the church in a race to turn back the evil that threatens an entire continent.

My Review:

The Shattered Vigil started off the same way The Shock of Night did for me. I was SO confused for the first few chapters. Not as much as I was with the first one, but still confused. I think I read at the pace in which my minds-eye saw the events unfolding, which was extremely fast. I know, as a reader I can slow down the story, but from the moment you start reading the first page, you know you're on an intense adventure.

I think I was halfway through this book when I remembered that the author's first novel had an element of PTSD! You could tell once again that the characters were dealing with it, and in a big way. I also got into a rhythm with reading the book, and at one point couldn't put it down. I kept trying to find moments to sneak in a chapter or two. At one moment I'm worried about what's going on with Willet, and the next moment remembering that Toria Deel was in a crisis.

The Shattered Vigil draws the reader in, and hooks them. The characters have become an investment for me, and the urchins have wound their way into my heart. The epilogue though...so annoying! Patrick W. Carr leaves a cliffhanger!! Worst. Thing. Ever! lol I'm pretty sure my words on the last page were, "you've got to be kidding me!" And NOW the wait begins. Thankfully I have the prequel to read at my leisure, and probably get a lot more insight into where this series came from.

I think this series is one my oldest son would dive into. He's not much of a reader, but The Shattered Vigil has all of the elements that he loves in a novel. There have only been a few books he's been willing to read the past year or so, and I'm hoping this series will pull him in! It certainly has done that for me! I'm already looking forward (rather impatiently) to book three.