Review: The Foundlings, Peleg Chronicles, Book 1 by Matthew Christian Harding

The Foundlings, Peleg Chronicles, by Matthew Christian Harding

Genre: Pre-historical Fiction, Action/Adventure

My rating: 7 out of 10 stars

     I first ran across The Peleg Chronicles in the Vision Forum catalog, shortly before VF closed down. At the time I was extremely interested and coveted all three books. The descriptions were intriguing and I felt that they would satisfy my taste for rather fantastic fiction while still in a possible and realistic setting - i.e. they included elements like dragons, giants, dwarfs, and priests (who seemed an awful lot like magicians.) You may be wondering how dragons, giants, and dwarfs could possibly be combined in a realistic setting, but the answer is really quite simple: the time frame of the story is during the days of Peleg, who lived approximately 101 years after the flood. There are strong indications from the Bible, ancient traditions, archaeology, and paleontology that there were still dinosaurs and giants on the earth. Dwarfs? Well, I haven't researched that point, yet.

     I have read only the first book: The Foundlings, and the free Kindle sample of the second book, but I decided not to purchase the second and third books, though possibly I may do so in the future.

Summary:

    Lord McDougal and his faithful servant, Fergus, travel across ancient Scotland toward the fabulous city and fortress of Hradcanny. Along the way they fall in with various adventures (which include dragons/ dinosaurs and giants.) Thiery, a young boy with a natural talent for woodsmanship and working with animals, finds his life suddenly turned upside down when he is targeted by the evil Dragon Priests, and he is thrown upon his own resources - and the gracious protection of Noah's God. Suzie, whose childlike faith and overflowing love and joy in the worst of circumstances make her a light to everyone around her, is separated from her adopted older brother, Thiery, only to find new friends raised up for her just when she needs them most.

     A troubled count, a ruthless and wily priest, and a stubborn and confused, but grateful, pagan soldier play varied and important parts in the story. The Dragon Priests are determined to serve their false gods and stamp out the religion of Noah's God wherever they can, but help comes to Thiery and his friends in the most unexpected places and at the most necessary times.

"Little Things" - From The White Gypsy, by Annette Lyster

* This "devotional" is something I wrote during the Lamplighter Summer Reading Challenge last year. I have a lot of character sketches and other devotionals like this, some of which I will be posting. I hope it is an encouragement to someone - and go read the book!*

“Little Things”

From The White Gypsy, by Annette Lyster

    “Oh, it’s just a little thing!” Just a little pain, a little unkindness, a little selfishness, a little laziness - who cares about the little things? Gilbert Phayre, the only son left to his mother after a catastrophic train accident, did not care much about little things. He loved his mother and she idolized him; he was always ready to show her affection whenever any “big” problem arose - so why give up his own pleasure when she had some little request?

    The trouble is that “little” things lead to great things. Gilbert had no idea how he pained his poor mother on an almost daily basis by constantly following his own preferences rather than hers. Of course, she was happy to yield to him, but how much happier would she have been if he had showed the loving deference of a son, and yielded to her? He helped keep her in a state of mournful, nervous misery, largely because she could not trust him in the “little things.” He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much - and the reverse is quite as true: He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (Luke 16:10)

    We all have great power for good when we pay attention to little things. As Keith said when parting from George and Willie at school: “Catch your foxes while they’re little… and kill them before they eat your grapes.” (Song of Solomon 2:15). It is the “little” things of life that make up the “big” things in the long run, and God pays attention to both, therefore we should too.

Available:

Free on Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=4BgCAAAAQAAJ&hl=en

Hard copy from Lamplighter:

https://store.lamplighter.net/white-gypsy-the-p382.aspx

The Top Eight Influential Books in My Life

     Have you ever considered which books have had the greatest impact on your life? Besides the Bible, which obviously is the most important Book, I have read hundreds, maybe thousands, of books and they all have more or less helped shape my thinking, but in considering which ones really impacted my thinking, only a handful stand out distinctly. Some are thoroughly Christian, such as The Pilgrim's Progress, and some are classics, like Ben Hur. A few are comparatively unknown, or like The Heir of Redclyffe, were once bestsellers, but now receive only a passing mention in some encyclopedia and are almost entirely out of print. Please note that I do not recommend all these books for all readers; this is simply a list of the books that rise above the crowd when I mentally review the literature I have read. They are not listed in order of importance, because I could not decide on which were the most important. Read them, and see for yourself.

Fantasy, Pt. 2: Why is Fantasy so Popular - and So Dangerous?

     Fantasy/ Science fiction is the most popular genre in America, and has been the best selling category of literature for some time.  Why is this?  Why do fantasy fans love it so much?  Why does this genre have such power to grip people?  And does this power make these books (and movies) good to read?

     These are the questions I have asked myself over and over, but the answer is not difficult.  The secret of the power of fantasy does not lie in the fantastic creatures, wild quests, melting scenes, or bloody conflicts of the stories, but in their limitless capacity.  Put simply, the answer to the above questions is twofold:

My First Book: A project which most of my readers have probably forgotten...

Have you ever had a project that just sort of lingered on and on, and you could not get it quite right?  Well, my first book has been just such a project...

Perhaps a few of you still remember my first attempts at writing, which were dutifully published here on this blog.  What began as a short story turned into a full-length novel, and and it took me about three years to write it.  In the process, I learned a lot about writing, but I also learned that my skills as a writer have lots and lots of room for improvement.  So...  All of that to say, part of the reason I haven't posted the whole book since I "finished" it several months ago, is because I have been wanting to go back through it and re-write the whole thing.  The reason I'm sharing it now is because I hate unfinished projects, and this one feels unfinished until I actually take the leap and share it.

So, please forgive the mistakes, only laugh at the parts that are supposed to be funny, and then let me know if you liked it, and what you think could be improved!

And may the Lord use this for His glory.  (Truly, it doesn't have any of its own!)  :)

Journeying in the Light (full length PDF)

*Please forgive the footnotes being scattered throughout the pages, instead of just at the bottom of pages.  I tried to fix this problem but just couldn't get it right.  :(

Book/ Radio/ TV Series Review: The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger Rides

By Fran Striker

Rating:  4 out of 10

    Hold onto your hats as you read this rip-roaring tale!  Filled with intrigue, action, and gun-slinging cow punchers who use colorful language and bleed freely, this story will keep you on the edge of your seats!  Look out for the blazing six-guns as you--- but wait:  is this the kind of book Christians should be reading?

Book Review: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Just in case you can't tell, I'm trying to catch up on posting about various books I have read or listened to recently. If you want to learn about family life, I think you will have to check our family blog.

Maybe sometime I will find time to post some pictures of us...

:)

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

By Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rating:  6 out of 10 stars

    Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a humorous story about a young, imaginative, poetic girl whose lively personality is suddenly superimposed upon her elderly aunts’ strict, sober minded, and extremely practical and thrifty lifestyle.  Similar to Anne of Green Gables in that it is a story about a child with very little in common with her guardians, and focuses more on daily life and small struggles than on any great climax, this book follows Rebecca as she grows, matures, and finally graduates college and inherits her aunts’ home.

Book Review: The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper

The Deerslayer

By James Fenimore Cooper

Rating:  7 out of 10

    Set in the wilderness of upstate New York just at the beginning of the French and Indian War, this story is the first of James F. Cooper’s famous “Leatherstocking Tales”.  Natty Bumpo, or the Deerslayer is the main character.  His simple honesty and unusual skill with the long rifle, added to his quickness in wilderness warfare, bring him safely through a sudden Indian attack, and a short captivity.

Book Review: The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper

The Deerslayer

By James Fenimore Cooper

Rating:  7 out of 10

    Set in the wilderness of upstate New York just at the beginning of the French and Indian War, this story is the first of James F. Cooper’s famous “Leatherstocking Tales”.  Natty Bumpo, or the Deerslayer is the main character.  His simple honesty and unusual skill with the long rifle, added to his quickness in wilderness warfare, bring him safely through a sudden Indian attack, and a short captivity.

Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain

Rating:  3 out of 10 stars

    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (and it’s even more popular sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) would certainly be high on a list of the most famous and popular American novels.  These books “capture the spirit of American boyhood in the pre-Civil war era” and are a “nostalgic and humorous look at the naivete and simple eagerness of childhood”.  They are filled with dry humor, and combine the unlikely and adventurous with an unusually keen portrayal of real character and everyday life.  The pranks and attitudes of the boys (and girls) in the story are described in vivid and lifelike language, and the idiosyncrasies of Aunt Polly and the other adult characters provide an excellent foil for the children.  Tom’s creativity and imagination are hilarious; especially his idea of what a pirate’s or robber’s life is like.

    But are these books good reading material for Christians?  

The Man-Eaters of Tsavo, and Other East African Adventures

By Col. John Henry Patterson

Rating:  7 out of 10 stars

The Man-Eaters of Tsavo may seem like a rather strange name, but it is speaking of two famous man-eating lions which terrorized the camp of East African railroad builders, and actually brought the Government managed project to a complete halt for three weeks.  These two male maneless lions were relentless in their hunt for human prey, and killed “twenty-eight Indian coolies, besides scores of unfortunate natives of whom no official record was kept”.

Book Review: Prisoners of the Sea, by Florence Morse Kingsley

Prisoners of the Sea

By Florence Kingsley

Rating:  6 out of 10 stars

   Prisoners of the Sea is set during the reign of Louis XIV, when the Catholic persecution of Huguenots (French protestants) was at its height.  To be a Huguenot meant to be convicted of treason, lose your property, and be sent to the galleys, a virtual death sentence.  In the midst of this turmoil, a mother and daughter flee the country, endeavoring to make their way to America.  But their ship sinks, and when the story opens, they are adrift in a small boat with three companions, two sailors and the black cook.  Their boat is leaking fast, and they are far out of the track of ships.  The prospect looks bleak, but just in the nick of time, they find a deserted yacht and soon after, reach harbor on a small island.  Mystery gathers thicker as they discover a deserted chateau, furnished, full of provisions, and apparently left hastily by the owners.  Henri Baillot, the French sailor who is leading the little party, and his companions are puzzled by the peaceful, but depopulated island.  However, they decide to make the best of their situation, and settle down to a peaceful life to wait for a ship.

The Daisy Chain, and The Trial, by Charlotte Mary Yonge

The Daisy Chain, and The Trial

By Charlotte M. Yonge

    Set in 19th century England, The Daisy Chain is the story of a country doctor’s large family.  The characters in this story are many and varied:  from the quiet and gentle Richard, to impulsive and awkward Ethel; self-possessed Flora and emotional and brilliant Norman.  There are eleven children, and each has his or her own character.  The Doctor himself is much like Ethel; impulsive, warm hearted, intelligent, and kind.  He is far from perfect, however, and sometimes his hasty words and actions startle his children, or cause misunderstandings in the town.

The House of Love, by Elizabeth Cheney

The House of Love

by Elizabeth Cheney

Rating:  6 out of 10 stars

    Doris Avery is a lonely orphan, quite plain, and without a friend in the world.  She is sent to earn her keep at the house of a well-to-do farmer, whose wife aspires to worldly greatness for her daughter.  The daughter, a pretty child, has been entirely spoiled by having her every whim gratified by her doting mother, and is selfish and jealous of her little maid.  She is unscrupulous, cruel, and exacting, but finds Doris useful sometimes as a playfellow, and gradually even comes to like her a little, as Doris is unfailingly kind and loving to her.

Book Review: Mignonette, by Agnes Giberne

Mignonette, by Agnes Giberne

Rating:  8 out of 10 stars.

     Ina Mignon, more familiarly known as Mignonette, has grown up in a Brussels boarding school under the care of a kind headmistress, since her father died suddenly without leaving directions regarding her.  In England, her uncle and his family are entirely unaware of her existence, until an accidental mention leads to her discovery.

Book Review: To Have and To Hold, by Mary Johnston

To Have and To Hold, by Mary Johnston

Rating:  4 out of 10 stars

    To Have and To Hold is Mary Johnston’s best known novel, and is set in the early days of America, in the settlement of Jamestown.  It is a romance novel, telling the story, in the first person, of Captain Percy’s hasty marriage, and the wild, unpredictable adventures to which it led.

Book Review: The Key to the Riddle, by Margaret S. Comrie

The Key to the Riddle, a story of Hugenot days, by Margaret Simson Comrie

Also published as:  A Loyal Hugenot Maid

Rating:  8 out of 10 stars

     Browsing through Librivox one day, I ran across this book.  I liked the reader, and generally found her choice of books to be quite good, so decided to listen to it while working on a sewing project.  Well, I immediately found myself immersed in the lives of Azerole and Leon Montoux, and listened almost breathlessly to the story of their dangers, struggles, and final triumph.  The author skillfully weaves an interesting story; one with strong elements of wholesome mystery and romance, some Swiss history, and the spiritual development of Azerole and her brother.

     The tale begins when Azerole and Leon are driven from their peaceful home by the ruthless troops of the Duke of Austria.  Footsore and on the verge of despair, they are conducted by a kind friend to the castle Brianza, where Azerole finds a cold shelter, almost forced from the lady of the castle by her friend.  Her brother also finds a home nearby, and the two encourage each other in their faith, despite the trials they meet with in their homes, and the uncertainty of their parents' fate.

     Azerole is puzzled by the contradictory emotions displayed by her cold, haughty mistress in the castle; and accidentally stumbles upon a mystery, hidden in the castle, and the chatelaine's heart.  She enjoys teaching the little crippled ward of her mistress, Christophe, and pours out on him the love of Christ, though his guardian seems to resent her teaching at times.  The trouble she is in only deepens when the son of the chatelaine returns home for a visit.  The evil Abbe Tetu hunts for the secret Madame Heloise is hiding, and plots begin to form around her, her son, Azerole, and even poor crippled little Christophe.  Leon too has his own troubles, and there seems little hope for a happy ending for either of them, but they are upheld by the faith that God holds "the key to the riddle" of their lives, and will only do that which is best for them.

A thought regarding age of readers:

     While this book is certainly not perfect, it is a very enjoyable and interesting story.  It is well written, and most importantly, is written from a distinctly Christian perspective.  I do not recommend it for young children, but ages 14 and up will enjoy it.  There is very little violence in it, but a strong element of romance.  For the most part it is in the proper boundaries, but it may be wise to discuss guarding one's heart when allowing a child to read this.  Just because "everything comes right in the end" doesn't mean that it always will, and many families have been made miserable because the parents are unequally yoked.  A Christian girl can never be too careful in guarding her heart; especially when the young man is not a Christian.  (See Chapter 15.)

Links:

Librivox recording

Google Books

Internet Archive

Two More Chapters: Journeying in the Light 12 and 13

I just realized that the last time I posted a chapter of Journeying in the Light was March 5th, 2015.  I'm sorry I have been away from it for so long!  Finally I have been making some real progress, and am getting nearer the climax and end of the story.  Thank you for being patient with my first major attempt at writing!

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

For previous chapters, please visit this link:  Journeying in the Light

The Chronicles of Narnia: Allegory or Trojan Horse?

First, let me say that I did not write this blog post to cause trouble, or be controversial.  I write it in sincere love to my brothers and sisters in Christ who may not recognize this series of books for what it really is.  I know this is a rather lengthy article, but please read it anyway, especially if you are a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, or know people who are.

My prayer is that the Lord will speak through this article, and that only what is true will be presented.

(Not for human consumption)... I mean, not for Christian Reading: Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White

Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White

Rating:  3 out of 10 stars

Charlotte's Web is a well-known children's classic.  It is the story of a pig, Wilbur, the runt of a litter who is originally going to be killed by the farmer simply because of his small size.  The farmer's daughter, Fern, begs her father to give her the piglet, and tenderly cares for him until he is too old to stay on the farm, when, despite Fern's entreaties, he is sold to a nearby relative.

Of course, Wilbur's new owner has sausage, ham and bacon in mind when he purchases the piglet.  When Wilbur discovers this in conversation with the other animals he is inconsolable for some time.  Finally, a friendly spider named Charlotte comes up with a plan to convince the farmer that he is too splendid a pig to butcher, and must go to the fair instead.  Of course, the wise spider knows that ribbon winning pigs are kept as prized breeders, instead of being sent to the smokehouse.

Eventually, through messages which she cleverly weaves in her web, she creates enough interest in Wilbur to send him to the fair, where he receives an unusually high award, and is secured from the fear of being butchered.

The story ends with the death of Charlotte, and hatching of her 100,000 eggs, when one of her daughters becomes Wilbur's new friend.

Issues with this book: