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This is the fourth and concluding book in Karen Hancock’s fantasy series, Legend of the Guardian King. Since I haven’t had the privilege to read the previous volumes, I wasn’t sure how well I could follow the events and characters as I read. While I wasn’t always clear about relationships, connections, and events alluded to, I am happy to report that enough information was provided that I could figure out the path and follow the story nicely. Not only could I follow it, but I didn’t want to leave it. Briefly, this is a tale about the people of the Light, those who believe in Eidon as their God and His son Tersius who gave his life to save the people. They are battling against the forces of darkness, which include evil spirits and Moroq. For Moroq, think Satan. The Terstans (Christians) are able to perform some remarkable feats when they let the Light take over and flow through them. When they let the Shadow in, though, it can destroy them. The King of Kiriath, Abramm, had previously lost his throne and was thought to be dead. Witnesses said they saw him die. But the novel begins with him on a trail in high mountains, traversing dangerous terrain in the snow as demonic beings sought to destroy them. Meanwhile, his wife, Madeleine, has arrived safely in her home country of Chesedh. As the First Daughter of the king of this country, she should have certain rights, but her sister-in-law Ronseca, married to the crown prince Leyton, harasses her and does what she can to make her life miserable. Worse yet, her two sons are missing and presumed dead by most everyone, and Madeleine is pregnant. Ronseca won’t believe that the baby belongs to Abramm and constantly tells Madeleine she is bringing shame upon her family. Ronseca and some others are always nagging at Madeleine to give up on Abramm and remarry for the good of the family and the kingdom. Leyton is fighting in a battle with the Esurhites, people who worship a false god and have taken over a large part of their world already. Enter the suave and darkly attractive Tiris ul Sadek, a wealthy and powerful man from the east who sets out to woo and win Madeleine. She feels an attraction when she is around him, yet there is an undercurrent of warning, that something isn’t right about him. All this time, months as it turns out, Abram is struggling to get home to his family and his people, beset by all manner of evil, especially plagued and tempted by the shapeshifter Tapheina, the evil spawn of fallen angels and women, who wants to take him and break him. The band of people Abramm is traveling with don’t know his real identity or understand his amazing spiritual gifts, so most of them mistrust him. This is a high adventure, romantic fantasy full of allegory. Christians who are familiar with fundamentals will easily understand the symbolism and tenets of the faith. They will also realize how evil temptations, and giving God control are manifested time and time again. The spiritual lessons are more than I could discuss in a review, but they do not come off as preachy and do not hinder the story in the least. I don’t believe that any of the Christian elements should be a hindrance to non-Christian readers unless they are determined not to touch such fare. Rather I would think most lovers of fantasy will be quite caught up in this tale. I am sure that it would be better to read the other books first, but it is still enjoyable on its own. I don’t suggest it for very young teens because of the violence and some adult situations (rape, seduction, within the marriage.) I suggest parents peruse it first before handing it to their children to read—you know your own children’s maturity. Overall, I consider it an excellent novel. Publisher: Bethany House
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