Good book, gets better towards the end.

A full review to follow ( )

This is the second book in The Staff and the Sword series, and continues without any time lost from the first novel. This book finds Errol under compulsion from the church, once again, to seek out and stop the rogue Reader in Merakhi. On this journey, he discovers more of the truth of what Martin and Luis had not told him, as well as more inner convictions. The religious tones of the story also come out more, though not overwhelming the reader.

As with the first book, I enjoyed reading this one through to the end to find out what happens to our main character. Though the plot is an often told one, there is enough twists in the plot, and the different kind of "magic" (Readers casting lots moreso than just discovering you can do more sorcerer-like magic)keeps me wondering how this may change with time as our main character has developed it so fast, as well as having a rare form of Reading ability. nothing stopping me from the third book, which I received free through Netgalley and the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for a review. ( )

I must say, I'm rather surprised that this book isn't better represented here on LT! Only 23 people have the book, while I don't expect it rival books like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, I think 1-200 copies could easily belong.

Errol has had a few weeks to recover from almost being killed and is almost back to full health. When a new problem arises. Too many people with power and influence have a problem with Errol and his talent. Especially since it makes it harder bribe or threaten readers to lie.

So with an attempt to get Errol executed with false charges, other charges are allowed to be brought against him in order to save him from the executioner. It didn't work out as planned. Errol finds himself in strange company, sent into the heart of enemy territory under compulsion in order to assassinate a terrible enemy of the Kingdom. It is an almost certain death sentence, since the enemy can see him coming. ( )

Synopsis: In this second book of The Staff and the Sword series, Errol is compelled by powerful members of the conclave to go to a dangerous land and kill the traitor Sarin Valon. With a mixture of stubbornness and bravery, the princess follows Errol on his dangerous journey.

My thoughts: This book didn't have quite the flare of the first in the series, but it was nevertheless quite enjoyable. The adventure was much more clearly laid out in this book, which made it less mysterious than the first, but the plot was thicker as a result. The story emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, and raises interesting questions about whether Church authority is "good" just because it follows conservative values that have worked for centuries. I tend to believe that Carr's church is symbolic for the Catholic Church, and the hints of church-shattering philosophical changes that will come in the next book symbolize the conversion to Protestantism or perhaps simply the disgust many people have these days about the sex scandals in the Catholic Church. However, that's a message intended for adults, I suspect, and the target audience - ages 12-15 will probably mostly miss it. The dangerous foreign land that Errol traveled to clearly symbolized Egypt / Muslims - Carr included some rather direct hints to that effect. I felt a little sad that the people of that land were generalized as evil, except for those that had been converted by God's Christian word. Those few characters who weren't pure evil seemed rather weak and a little selfish. Messages like this always make me sad - especially in children's books - but I understand that it's difficult to write an epic fantasy without having a hint of xenophobia. Someone has to be "evil" right? I'm not sure how this problem can be gracefully avoided. At the very least, there were "bad" people and "good" people on both sides of the border, which is as much as I can rightfully wish for, I suppose. :)

Cross posted on Resistance is Futile ( )

The Hero’s Lot is the second book in Patrick Carr’s The Staff And The Sword series and as such should be read only after you read his first novel, A Cast of Stones. But that’s a really good thing, because this series is excellent! Book 2 continues the story of Errol Stone, now Earl Stone, a reformed drunk, now epic hero. Errol is under compulsion by the church to kill the traitorous Sarin Valon, a feat that most in the kingdom see as a death sentence for Errol. But Errol is not easily done away with, especially when he has so many that want to keep him alive.

The Hero’s Lot is a quest for truth — of secrets of the past and secrets of God. The nature of God and His relationship with His people are major themes as contrasted with the restrictions humans place on that relationship. Favorite characters from book 1 are in force here, and they become more complex. A few new characters are added that deepen the spiritual dimension of the story. The novel is set in a medieval world with a very familiar feel to it. The language, people and geography seem very real. This actually made the book more enjoyable as I tried to figure out just where the action could have taken place. (Is that Egypt they are traveling to?) Please note that there is another book yet to come in the series, so the novel leaves loose ends.

All in all, I think Carr’s series is great for Young Adult and Adult readers, and I heartily recommend it. And I definitely cannot wait to read book 3, A Draw of Kings, due out in February 2014.

Recommended.

I received The Hero’s Lot from the publisher and NetGalley in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )