Monday, July 23, 2012

The Orphan King: Book 1 in the Merlin's Immortals series by Sigmund Brouwer

Book Description:  The future of the Immortals is in the hands of an orphan.
 My greatest fear was that they would find us and make of us a sacrifice beneath a full moon. Now you, Thomas, must help us destroy the circle of evil. The last words of a dying woman would change the life of young Thomas. Raised behind monastery walls, he knows nothing of his mysterious past or imminent destiny. But now, in the heart of medieval England, a darkness threatens to strangle truth. An ancient order tightens their ghostly grip on power, creating fear and exiling those who would oppose them. Thomas is determined fulfill his calling and bring light into the mysterious world of the Druids and leaves the monastery on an important quest. Thomas quickly finds himself in unfamiliar territory, as he must put his faith in unusual companions—a cryptic knight, a child thief, and the beautiful, silent woman whom may not be all she seems.  From the solitary life of an orphan, Thomas now finds himself tangled in the roots of both comradery and suspicion. Can he trust those who would join his battle…or will his fears force him to go on alone?


My Review:  I've been reading "out of my genres" for the past two weeks.  Why?  Because I believe that every once in awhile one needs to read other types of genres to bring a broader scope to one's life.
It's like eating fruits and vegetables all the time...yes, they're good and good for you but one must have a bite or two of chocolate to make life sweeter!  The same is said of books.
Sigmund Brouwer pens an unusual story in the Orphan King.  There are medieval kings, queens, and subjects along with the poor uneducated peoples.
Now, Thomas has lived all his young life behind the thick, corrupted walls of the monastery.  Then one day a dying woman tells Thomas that he must destroy the circle of evil before it kills him and all the people.  
Thomas secretly leaves the monastery only to find a mysterious and somewhat "hardened" people.
Actually, I got so involved in the story that I didn't want Thomas to leave the monastery...stay safely behind thick walls, fight from within...From the title I thought I knew what what going to happen...dread!  But this interesting story takes on a persona all its own and no!  it didn't play out anything like I thought it would. (Don't you just love when a book isn't predictable!?).
Thomas meets up with some unlikely companions...a cryptic knight, a child thief, and a beautiful but silent woman.  Who is on his side and whom can he trust?
"Enter a medieval world of love and chivalry, of ancient secrets, an evil conspiracy, noble knights, and a mysterious castle called Magnus..."  (taken from the very beginning of the book).
This is a fast read that has been written in a flowing style.  Reading about ancient times, complete with castles and moats, makes for a fantastic read!
Book 2, Fortress of Mist, will be available in February of 2013!
*This book was provided for review by 
Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing*


  • Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press (July 10, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400071542
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400071548

No comments:

Post a Comment