“Set in a world
of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and
ancient mist-bound cities, THE LIGHT OF EIDON is the first volume of an epic series
Legends of the Guardian-King.”
Abramm Kalladorne
is the fifth son of the king of Kiriath, and as such, he was doomed to a military life,
with no hope of ever obtaining the crown. Since Abramm is worthless wielding a sword and
fascinated with the faith of his mother, he desires to become a servant of his god, Eidon,
instead. His mentors change his name to Eldrin, and as such, his goal is to become a
keeper of the Sacred Flames of Eidon. He expects to become blessed for his devotion and
sacrifice.
On the eve of his
procession, Abramm learns that his father has been murdered. Soon after learning that,
Abramm is kidnapped. Sure he’ll be killed, he is stunned when his brother’s
captain rescues him and returns him to his mentors. Abramm spends days in prayer, hoping
to feel Eidon’s touch. When he finally feels it, he is repulsed, not ecstatic as he
was hoping. The date set to take his vows, Abramm discovers a terrible secret. Not only
has his father been killed, but also three of his brothers! Now the fourth brother is on
the throne and Abramm must make a decision. Follow Eidon or go on a trip to discover the
world before he takes the throne.
Before his decision
can be made though, Abramm is betrayed by his mentors and sold into slavery by his
brother/King. Forced to compete as a gladiator, it is uncertain whether he’ll even
survive, much less gain anything from his suffering. Is serving Eidon the impossible
dream?
Epic novels are not
something I enjoy. I really had a hard time getting into this book. While it did have some
exciting moments, most of the time I was not impressed by how quiet and submissive Abramm
as Eldrin was. When Abramm had to take action though, he did not disappoint me. He reacted
well to whatever life threw in his way, although he was not an initiator.
I was impressed by
how closely most of the faith in Eidon compared to the Christian life. Eidon was portrayed
as omnipresent and omniscient, like our God. As soon as I finished THE LIGHT OF EIDON, my
husband started reading it. If you like fantasy, THE LIGHT OF EIDON is the book for you.
Pick it up today. $12.99, 432 pages.
Reviewed by Laura
V. Hilton for The Road to Romance
December 11, 2003 |
