We all read for various reasons. Some read to relax. Some read to be stimulated. Some read to learn. Some read to be entertained. If you are like me you read depending upon your mood and what you hope to gain at the moment. I will try to gather some information on a topic(s) if I know that I will be preaching on something soon. I used to read a lot of fiction but because of schedules it has taken a backseat. I still like to read western fiction by Al Lacy; courtroom dramas by Robert Whitlow and Randy Singer; and suspense novels by Colleen Coble, Terri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins, and some others. I call it my “escapist reading.” I used to read a lot of fantasy beginning with The Chronicles of Narnia to the books by John White (The Archives of Anthropos) and Steve Lawhead. But again, I have sort of pushed that aside.
Until now. I was in the local Christian bookstore several months ago and saw The Sword by Bryan Litfin and it caught my eye. I put it in my Cart at Amazon but just never pulled the plug until finally I said, “Go for it. Give yourself some escapist reading.” Man, am I glad I did! It reminded me why I loved this genre of writing and how much I missed it. The Sword is part of what will be called the Chiveis Trilogy. Chiveis is a territory where all spiritual truth is gone following a catastrophic war that wipes out modern civilization as we know it. It takes place far into the future with events that began in 2042 with what was called the X-Virus. I wrote Bryan about my enjoyment of the book and he informed that the landscape where the story takes place is Switzerland and also the Black Forest. Everywhere he describes is a real place, including a cathedral the two main characters found. The central area of Chiveis is the Interlaken region of the Swiss Alps.
Now, what I liked about the book is what some may not like. Bryan did not paint an overt Christian message into it. He weaved the story like a master craftsman as the two main characters (Teo and Ana) are affected differently after they find the book of Deu. He shows the uphill battle they face to present the truth of Deu to the people of Chiveis, who are influenced by the evil High Priestess. I found myself fighting the urge to keep reading when I knew my bed was calling. To protect myself I did leave my book at home so I would not be tempted to read it in the office. 
I don’t know if fantasy strikes your fancy, or even fiction in general. However, if you want to do some escapist reading that has you turning pages and wondering what is next, I suggest you beg, borrow, but don’t steal a copy. 
Part 2 comes out in April of 2011. I look forward to it. I don’t want to spoil the fun of reading and discovery so if you want to know more, you can check it out here. You will find videos and interviews with the author as he talks about his book. I enjoyed listening to them.
Just so you know: I bought this book on my own and decided to do a review. This book was NOT sent to me by any publishing company for review, nor did the author request such.
I know this is different than I normally post. I also know that it will not may not appeal to you. But I do think that reading something worthwhile and giving credit for hard work done is a good thing. I hope you will agree if you get a chance to read the book.
I have not read fiction in I don’t know how long. But this actually sounds good. Thanks Bill.
My escape usually comes in the form of TV, which is why I don’t many read novels anymore. This sounds good and I would like to read more so I may have to forsake my flatscreen.
Thanks Bill.
What an awesome looking book. I’m like you. I read to escape. And I read what I’m wanting to feed on at that moment.
I always have about 5 books started.
I’m in the middle of several books (plus trying to finish writing mine!)so the thought of adding another seems crazy. However, I may just have to check this one out!
Thanks Bro’
Michael: It is and I think it would be good to pick it up.
Jason: I watch very little TV and even in the winter when I doing puzzles I like to put in a movie.
Try this one and see what you think. Then get back to me.
Duane: 5 books? Dude, I can handle one at a time. I read one at the office and then one at home if I have fiction to read. I am still stumbling over 5.
Jay: Hope you will let me know when you are done writing yours. This one will give your mind a break.
Would a 12 year old boy be able to follow along. If so, it would be cool for my son and I to be able to have something to read.
It’s hard for me to pull him away from the TV. I’d like to find a good distraction for him. He has gotten caught up in book series’s before and I love to see him reading.
Most definitely Jim! Listen to Bryan’s videos if you can. I also highly recommend the Dragon King Trilogy by Steve Lawhead. It is an action-filled series that will hold Joe (and you) through it.
Just the names alone should be enough to get his attention!
Thanks for the recommendations.
You’re welcome Jim. Have fun reading!
Sounds like some avid readers in here. Me too. The biggest room in my house is the library. I am pretty much non-fiction only. I rarely watch TV and do not have cable. I will simply suggest my two favorite authors. Eric Hoffer and Christopher Hicthens. If they wrote it, it is a good read.
Jeff: Not familiar with Hoffer and have heard of Hitchens. thanks for the suggestions.
Reading now – My Personal Best: Life Lessons from an All American Journey. This is John Wooden’s biography and it is great. This is my second time reading it – I read it about 3 years ago. I HIGHLY recommend it!
Jim: John Wooden I know. The book I am not familiar with. Will have to check it out at the library.