George Bryan Polivka

In a history that is similar to our own, but different in that the giant sea monsters drawn on maps are actually real, a young man is strangely obsessed with the "legend" of the firefish. He believes he can help find the elusive beasts--but the only problem is that the only people interested in hunting the firefish are pirates. Stowing away on a pirate ship is almost a certain death sentence, but that is just what Packer (our hero) does. This leads to the first of several times he is nearly show more killed, but survives by the hand of providence. Providence is also guiding his fiance, who leaves her home on a desperate quest to find him. Plenty of swashbuckling adventure follows, with a hint at more to come in the planned sequels.
There isn't much "Christian Fantasy" so fans of that genre who would like it to be written with that worldview will be pleased to see this new addition. The fantasy element is kind of low, this reads more like an alternate history type of adventure, though the firefish and the native people that hunt them are pretty unusual. There's no magic, but there is a God who seems to be keeping Packer alive through some pretty incredible circumstances. It took a while for me to get into this story, I had to adapt to the historical feel of the language and geography, but once the adventure got underway it was a good romp. show less

This book picks up a few weeks after the previous book ([b:The Legend of the Firefish|1311496|The Legend of the Firefish (Trophy Chase Trilogy)|George Bryan Polivka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1182684008s/1311496.jpg|1300786]) back in the village of Hangman's Cliffs. Panna and Packer are married and halfway through their "honey month" (similar to our more familiar honeymoon). A herald arrives directly from the King, specifically requesting Packer's presence for the reading of a show more proclamation - a call to arms of all able-bodied men to defend Nearing Vast from the invading warriors of Drammune.

Packer is swept away again on another adventure, one not of his choosing and often broiled in political intrigue and manipulation. His conscience is at odds with his superiors' (and peers') perception of him as a hero. Panna is also subjected to manipulation and danger from the most unlikely of sources - her own sovereign prince. She stands her ground with conviction and faith.

The welcome surprise (or twist) for me was the return of Talon, whom we were lead to believe had perished in the first novel. Polivka has an uncanny ability to write strong women characters, something few male authors can convince me of. While Talon was the embodiment of evil in the first novel, she is a changed woman now. She discovers true love in humility and experiences the hidden power in weakness from another's sacrifice.

The entire nation of Nearing Vast, the supposed faithful, seem to represent all the is reprehensible to their faith. And on the other hand, the Drammune Empire is strong, conquering and apparently invincible, washing over the Vast fleet and later it's army in the capital city of Mann. It's a vast stage (pun intended) upon which we ponder "Is God testing Nearing Vast?"

For Christian fiction, this is a great story, without being preachy, putting real people in believable dire situations and watching them struggle, in all too human ways, with their faith and the consequences of their actions, both temporally and spiritually. show less

I really need to stop jumping into series at their conclusion, or part way through. I’ve read Blaggard’s Moon, the prequel to The Trophy Chase Trilogy, but haven’t read the first and second novels that make up this masterfully written seafaring trilogy of Christian fiction. Still, George Bryan Polivka is a masterful world builder who interweaves biblical Christianity with ease into the world he has created, so I simply couldn’t resist.

The Battle for Vast Dominion does provide a show more synopsis of the events in the trilogy to date in its opening pages, but that is no replacement for the rich cultural concepts (particularly relating to the Drammun) that cannot be fully understood in this title alone; I highly recommend you start with the first book – The Legend of the Firefish – before digging into this novel.

Despite flying blind in some areas, it was impossible for me to remain aloof from the characters Polivka casts for us (and to be entertained by their antics), and to be swept into the ongoing political intrigues at play in the kingdom of Nearing Vast and across the sea in Drammun. These characters who exist only on page and in the imagination are humble, doubting vessels who can only trust themselves into God’s keeping time and again as He directs their steps through treacherous paths.

God’s unerring sovereignty is skillfully woven throughout the pages of this book, skillfully illustrating His hand in all things to both the books’ characters, and to readers as well. The concept of Christ’s redeeming work, and of His spirit living in all regenerated believers also figures prominently in the storyline. I can’t resist a story with great theological underpinnings; particularly one so well written.

Those who love a robust, epic tale of war, love, and trying times would be hard pressed to find an adventure story as unique and appealing as the one Polivka concludes with The Battle for Vast Dominion. It is well worth the read!

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com show less

Pirate Smith Delaney finds himself atop a tall post in the midst of a tropical lagoon waiting for a particularly gruesome death to arrive in the form of savage mer-monkeys. Attempting to keep his thoughts from the flesh-hungry piranha in the waters around him, and the imminent arrival of the Onka Din Botlay — rippers of bone – Delaney casts his thoughts to and fro in hopes of finding a solution to his desperate predicament. Rather than discovering a clever means of escape, he is show more alternately drawn into examining his life to date and recalling a particularly engaging tale spun by a fellow pirate – Ham Drumbone – detailing the lives of several world-shaking figures in the kingdom of Nearing Vast. Delaney’s own life plays a small yet significant role in the histories of these persons, and the two trains of thought eventually converge upon the present.

Set in a fictional world somewhat reminiscent of the Elizabethan age, George Bryan Polivka’s Blaggard’s Moon is a prequel written after the conclusion of his Trophy Chase Trilogy. I found the premise of a Christian pirate novel irresistible, and the results immensely entertaining. It takes a certain amount of skill to convey authentic pirate language while refraining from outright blasphemy and cursing, yet Polvikka pulls it off. Both his narration and dialogue are lively – vivid, captivating and just plain fun. Indeed, Polivka’s work clearly places him amongst the top writers in Christian fantasy today.

Using the context of piracy to contrast righteous and corrupt behaviour, Polvikka casts Damrick Fellows as a man fiercely dedicated to ridding the world of evil, Conch Imbry as a ruthless, greedy and heartless pirate king, and the lovely Jenta Stillsmithers as the woman caught in a dangerous dance that is largely outside of her control. Though the main characters seem stereotypical, this trio of super-hero, villain, and damsel in distress are endowed with living, breathing three-dimensional fullness that etches their characters in the mind. The sharp contrast of choosing for God and choosing against Him in both these lives and that of others Delaney has known drive him to self-examination during his final hours.

The near exclusive use of Delaney’s recollections of Drumbone’s tale combined with discrete incidents from his own life result in a story that is taking place on a stage that nearly entirely exists in Delaney’s mind. An uncommon device in what is essentially an action novel, the alternating narrative viewpoints only add to the rush towards the present, where all three stories eventually meet. Lovers of boisterous sea battles need not worry; his reminiscences are filled with active language, fierce battles complete with nautical language and complex schemes hatched by merchants and pirates alike.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com show less