Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 432 pages
- Published by: Bethany House July 1, 2003
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0764227947
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0764227943
-
Book Dimensions:
8.1 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
- Weighs: 12 ounces
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Hancock's intriguing
Arena [BKL Ap 15 02] drew a great deal of praise for the originality and starkness of its alternative universe. In
The Light of Eidon,
she begins a fantasy series called Legends of the Guardian King that is more clearly a Christian allegory but is so crisscrossed with subplots and deceit that exactly where the light of Eidon shines may baffle the reader. It certainly baffles young Abramm Kalladorne, Hancock's hero. He is the little-valued fifth son of the king of Kiriath, a vivid kingdom that seems a bit like medieval England, with a bit of ancient Rome. Abramm is drawn to the religious life, but after eight years as a novitiate, he discovers that his spiritual leader is a fraud and that the true path to Eidon's light lies elsewhere. But upon leaving the monastery, he finds himself in the middle of court intrigues, and his brothers sell him into
Slavery in a faraway, barbarous land. For a while, Hancock's novel seems like a gladitorial epic, but then Eidon, or Jesus, makes his truths known. A great battle ensues, but victory is not complete and many questions remain. Readers will certainly return for the second installment.
John MortCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Review
"an exciting allegorical fantasy Hancock's writing, often eerie and suspenseful, is rich in sights, smells and sounds." --
Christian Retailing"the future should be bright for this promising novelist." --
Publisher's Weekly"TOP PICK-Four and a half stars." --
Romantic Times
Reader ReviewsFantasy and allegory are compatible shelf-mates in the world of fiction. Yet, for some reason, the Christian market has generally ignored them since the days of Tolkien and Lewis. Karen Hancock, Randall Ingermanson, and Michael Warden are leading the way to see that this changes. Hancock's first novel, "Arena," was a wonderfully rendered allegory, full of interesting characters, landscapes, and inner struggles. "The Light of Eidon" is more fantasy than allegory, but spiritual truths abound. Again, Hancock introduces us to characters with deep doubts and allows us to witness their transformations. In this case, a religious student by the name of Abramm comes face to face with betrayal, loss of faith, and rebirth in the flames of violent struggle. He finds himself a slave, a gladiator, a pretender...But ultimately, Abramm must discover his true purpose. Although the book has some fantastic sections and ends with a heart-pounding climax, I found myself plodding through a number of scenes. At times, I yearned for more of the colorful landscape and less of the political dealings. I'm glad I pressed on, though, because the overall result is worth it. Spiritual light is brought to bear on the ugliness of religious pretense, and Abramm's final decisions are moving and believable. It's great to see fantasy writers rising up in the Christian market. Without Hancock's books, we would be deprived of some of the best new stuff available.
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