Benjamin Epstein (2)

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Epstein's description of this this book intrigued me. He shared that it contained a spiritual component. While religion and magic are not new to the genre of fantasy, Judeo-Christian values are.

I loved this book! Epstein successfully integrated the tension of trying to practice a spiritual faith while living in a world that is at times disdainful and hostile towards those practices.

We meet the main show more character, Dallet, who is a soon-to-be seminarian student. His travels are interrupted by an attack on his caravan which results in him being taken as a slave to the Orc, Torak. Together they journey (with many side adventures) to Torak's village. Dallet must struggle with his growing faith as it is regularly in contradiction with his circumstances.

I grew to really like both characters Dallet and Torak. I thought Epstein did a fabulous job making them complex individuals whose personalities developed as the story progressed. I also liked the way the story unfolded. I found it took unexpected turns and kept me guessing. But, I especially appreciated both characters'spiritual growth.

Dallet is a "believer" who discovers most decisions are neither clearly right nor wrong. Torak, however, comes from a war-like community which values power and valor. He constantly finds himself in conflict with Dallet's belief system yet is attracted to it as well.

Great book! Anyone who appreciates fantasy will enjoy this book. However those who are looking for novels with a spiritual thread, like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien's work, will appreciate this story. show less