Ross Lawhead

Beneath Great Britian lies a sleeping army ready and waiting for the great battle between good and evil. Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds are normal school children. Until they accidentally discover, and awaken, two of the sleeping knights in that army. Thus begins their adventures in the realms thereunder. Knights, immortal and ancient wise men, trolls, gnomes, dragons, and an evil wizard seem to be in only the beginning in this enjoyable series.

Reading The Realms Thereunder felt like a show more return to an older style of fantasy novel. It comes from a time when confused youths with swords could become heroes, a time when fantasy still had an element of the fairy tale, and it is well done. While maintaining the ambiguity of the human soul, the deceitful shadows of evil, and the reality of our confusing and often sorrowful life on earth Lawhead manages to pull the reader into a different world. If you can't tell, let me say it plainly: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What you have here is a good, old-fashioned, yarn. You won't be disappointed. Of course you may not like this if you don't like fantasy. And if you are stuck on only reading fantasy which follows the likes of Martin then you also may have issues. After all, we apparently live in a time when gritty fantasy is the way to go. But if you are open to some classic fantasy, look no further.

Conclusion: 4.5 Stars. Recommended. Great book, super fun. show less

I do not know how many people liked the character Freya Reynolds, but I do know that I absolutely was annoyed by her at almost every turn throughout this book. I mean, I can understand why she is the way that she is, or at least I think I understand it, but still...UGH!! At times she could be so brave, very rare times, but the rest of the time she was HIDING UNDER A BED! Okay, so that only happened once, and she exaggerated about her reasoning behind it later in the book, but...I just can't show more even talk about her without groaning and moaning in almost excruciating pain.

Whew. Glad that is out of the way. With all that being said, I actually enjoyed the premise of the story. It was actually kind of fascinating. I loved the past/present aspect of it, and I loved seeing how both characters have grown since their experience as children.

One of the most fascinating parts of this book to me, as much as it kills me to admit, did star Freya. It was when she was experiencing a sort of accelerated ageing process. Eventually it was revealed that it was all in her head, but every single time this part came up I was excited to see what new stage in her life she had reached. And then when she started rebelling against the outside force keeping her in her head, it became even more fascinating to see how she would escape.

I guess looking back on my reading experience with this book, I thought I understood the reason the older versions of the characters were the way they were. But finishing it, I don't think I understand at all. I mean, it kind of eludes me how Freya can be so paranoid, unless she begins to believe what she did not want to believe when it was happening. Guilt also could have been eating away at her. And Daniel, I guess I kind of understand why he is how he is, I mean I understand why he is homeless, but he acts as if all along he knew the evil of the underworld they found themselves in as children would seep into the human world. But with the ending given, it kind of doesn't make sense. He was told the evil had been vanquished. I would have loved a part that kind of explained this. His experience with the creature that brought back his knowledge that the evil had not been defeated after all and was growing stronger.

All in all, this was an okay read. I account part of that to the fact that this is the first book in a continuing story. Mostly this was just a retelling of past events and instilling in the main characters that they have a job to finish. There wasn't much story development, but I am going to read the second just to see what happens next. show less

Freya and Daniel are closer than they will ever want to admit. The are connected in many ways: they went to the same school, they were both born on the same day, and they both went on the same class trip that ended up changing their lives forever.

From the beginning, Mr. Lawhead knew just how to capture my interest and he wove such a fantastical story that I read it in two sittings (and that was only because I had to sleep). Crossing between time periods and worlds, this story reminded me a show more little of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" yet with more of an adult appeal.

The story focuses on three characters: Freya, Alex and Daniel and jumps between them as well as past and present. I found this switching kept me on my toes and very interested of what was going to happen next and to whom.

Fast paced and full of action, this book may be even better than Lawhead's father's "Bright Empire" series. I could be biased though, as I love books that center around "special" children that have a specific task they must accomplish. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series as I need to know what these three will do next!!

This book was provided by the Book Sneeze program and was used in conjunction with CSFF Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion. show less

The Realms Thereunder (Ancient Earth #1) DNF 3:44 pm 26 December 2013 This author, Ross Lawhead, is Stephen Lawhead's son, so I had high hopes.   However, I am sick and tired of main characters who are whiny, broken people. I get enough of that in my own life and in real life. I DON'T want to read about it in a book.   And when they are kids and then older teens/young twenty somethings, it makes it worse for me.   The story follows two 12/13 year olds who accidentally awaken 2 of show more Arthur's knights and apparently they have an adventure and save the world. The story splits between that time and "now", 8 years later. The girl is psychologically broken by the experience and barely holding on. The boy is now a homeless vagrant. As youngsters the girl is bossy but afraid and the boy is rebellious and stupid.   None of those circumstances appeal to me in any shape, way or form.   So goodbye young Lawhead, you blew your chance with me.     Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.com" show less