Book Review of Draven's Light

Book Review of Draven’s Light by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Rooglewood Press

©2015, 189 pgs

From the back of the book:

IN THE DARKNESS OF THE PIT

THE LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST

Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his place among the warriors.  But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward”.  When the men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame.  Only fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor. 

The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a dire curse in their wake.  One by one the strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power.  The secret source of this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart. 

But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs to face the darkness?

                                                            *******

In a village along the river Hanna lives a timid young girl in need of some courage.  She is one of many in a large family and it is easy to get lost in all of the business so that she isn’t really noticed.  I know that we have all felt that way at one time or another, maybe not with our family but maybe at school, at work, in the mall, at the park…just one of many, lost in a sea of people. 

Very near this village, the building of the Great House is taking place.  The house is being built by the Brothers.  They do not speak the language of men and yet they are understood.  They do not sleep but work day and night.  The girl is asked to take a gift up to the Great House where the Brothers are there working hard to build it.  Who are these brothers?  What is the purpose of this Great House? 

During the girl’s trek up the promontory to the Great House she struggles with fear and longs to run in the other direction.  She faces the Brothers alone and offers them their small gift; each day is the same, a water skin full of fresh water.  The girl is overwhelmed with such awestruck fear and amazement while in their presence that she doesn’t now how to act or what to say and can barely finish her task.  One of the Brothers speaks kindly to her and he begins to tell her a story about a man he once knew.  Bit by bit and day by day she hears pieces of the story.  Pressing onward she is intrigued by the tale of Draven, who he was and who he became.  She has to fight fear back each time she goes up the promontory to hear more of Draven’s story and yet she longs to sit and listen at the same time.  Almost like the child who is afraid to ask for a hug for fear of rejection but asks anyway and is rewarded sweetly.  “Won’t you come follow me?  Follow me?”  I ask you to come away with me on a journey…one of bravery that at first sight looks like humility rather than strength.  One that will change you forever… come follow me and hear of the story of Draven’s Light. 

                                                            *******

When reading an allegory I always have many more questions running through my head than I would if I were to read a story that doesn’t have any parallels.  I want so badly to pull from the story everything that I possibly can, but do not think this means that I don’t enjoy the journey… I always enjoy every moment of the journey. 

Words are powerful.  When you speak the words of a story in your heart and mind you are feeding yourself with whatever you are reading.  It is imperative that you always choose wisely when it comes to the things you read because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  Whatever we feed our hearts in literacy will spring forth.  It is only a matter of time before it does if it hasn’t already.

Draven’s Light, to some, it may just be a good story that they liked and would read again and maybe even tell their friends about.  To others, this tale will resonate within them and stir a greater truth deep inside.  And to those who are being called but have yet to find… may your eyes be opened and may this tale the catalyst.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”-John 15:13

*******

This Teen Fiction Fantasy is written for ages 13 and up. 

Sensitive Topics:

There is no profanity in this book. There is the presence of tribal customs and the belief of many gods, sacrifices, curses and acts of bravery into manhood or womanhood for that matter that do become more real when placed in the setting of a story rather than a history book.  There is some graphic violence and inner struggles as well as spiritual darkness not recommended for children under the age of 13 without the guidance of an adult.  There is only one mention of alcohol when somebody asks if they have had too much drink.  No mention of drugs. 

 

There are no sexual implications of any kind.  Any talks of relationships are pure. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope to have a physical copy soon so that I can read it again.  

***I am a participant in the Influencer Program through Rooglewood Press for Draven's Light.***    

Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s book Draven’s Light is available for Pre-Order Now or can be purchased after its release (May 25th, 2015) on any of these sites:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.  If you want to know more about the author, please see her blog http://dravenslightnovel.blogspot.com/