Booking It: July Update

I'm not sure I read any non-fiction in July. I don't remember much about July except feedings, feedings, feedings day and night. July was the first full month of having a new baby in the house. Somewhere in there, I did read a really good Christian fantasy series: The Guardian King series by Karen Hancock. I picked them up randomly at the library and almost put them back because the description on the back of the book decribed them as an "allegory." After recently struggling through the famous allegory Pilgrim's Progress, the word disgusted me. However, I was desperate for something good to read and I usually enjoy fantasy.

There are four books in the series: The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, Shadow Over Kiriath, and Return of the Guardian-King. The main character is Abramm, the next to youngest son of the king of Kiriath. As a child he is sickly and unathletic, more interested in studying and religion, than sword play and military training. With several older brothers, he never expects to be king so he removes himself from the line of inheritance and joins the equivalent of a monastery. In the book, there are two different religous groups both claiming to worship the same god and claiming to be the only truth. You spend most of the first book unsure about what is really the true way. Has Abramm been deceived or is he following the right path to Eidon (God)?

In The Light of Eidon Abramm is betrayed by two of his brothers and sold into slavery. Abramm, who has never been good with a sword, is forced into the role of gladiator and must fight again and again for his life. The books are too good to give away any more of the plot, but they aren't all action and battles, though. There is also politcal intrigue and romance along with Abramm's spiritual journey. While I was drawn by the storyline, the books also really made me examine myself. Abramm is continually forced to consider whether he is relying on himself or if he is trusting God. He also must face the question, "Is God really enough?" If Abramm's position, physical abilities, or family are taken away from him, will he still be satisfied in God? When I look closely at my own heart, these questions make me uncomfortable and are worthy of much prayer.

If you would like to see what other people have been reading lately, check out the links on FishMama's July Booking It Update.