Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Review - The Prodigals: Giants in the Land, Book Two

The Prodigals: Giants in the Land, Book Two
By Clark Rich Burbidge
Illustrated By Karl C. Hepworth
Publisher: WinePress Publishing
Pub. Date: October 23, 2013
ISBN: 978-1606152416
Pages: 248

Review:

Author Clark Rich Burbidge returns with book two in the Giants in the Land series, which is set in a world where villagers relied on Giants to help them dig canals for irrigation, lifted heavy stones for foundations and the Giants built and took care of the levees. Basically, the Giants helped the people with day-to-day living that is until the Giants suddenly vanished, leaving everyone to defend for themselves.

In book one The Way of Things, a young father named Thomas volunteered to look for the Giants by venturing to the forest, which he had to leave his family behind and everything he knew. Throughout his journey, his faith and courage is tested until he finally learns the true meaning of being a Giant.

Seventeen years have went by since Thomas has become the Land's Forest Ward, occasionally over the years he would venture out to visit his daughter, Hope, who now has two children of her own, seventeen-year-old Tommy and thirteen-year-old, Rose.

Times have changed across the land as a ruthless band of raiders invade the villages and take anything of valuable. These raiders attacked Tommy's father and Uncle Samuel and they kidnapped his sister, Rose. It seems the raiders consider humans as valuables too, putting them into slavery for their leader, Big John, who works for The Leader.

Tommy will do anything to save his sister. His mother gives him a family heirloom, a bow and arrow, and plans on saving his sister, but he can't do this alone. Tommy must get help from his grandfather Thomas and his Giant friend, Earthwatcher, and a band of lost prodigals in order to save Rose and put an end to the raiders once and for all.

In a world where vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures overcrowd the books for children and young adults, it is nice to see a book series with an original premise as with Giants in the Land, which feels more like a C.E. Lewis book with a blend of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Giants can represent many people who have helped or guided you at one point in you your life, such as your parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, etc... Author Clark Rich Burbidge has created an intriguing fantasy world with enchanting characters. The Prodigals takes place seventeen-years after the ending of the first novel and focuses on the grandson Tommy, though an older Thomas does return as the Forest Ward. The sequel is a page-turner from start to finish with plenty of action and adventure. Overall, I enjoyed reading The Prodigals and I highly recommend it to both children and adults. Look for book three, The Cavern of Promise, out in bookstores next summer!



*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 



Giveaway


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About the author:

Clark Burbidge's path to becoming an award winning author had distant beginnings. He received an MBA degree from the University of Southern California and a BS Degree in finance from the University of Utah. His career spans 31 years in banking, project finance, investment banking and more recently as Chief Financial Officer of three separate companies. He has been actively involved in community and church service, including lay youth and adult ministry, for over 35 years.

It has been his long-term dream to write and publish several works that have been kicking around in his mind for many years. His first book, "Life on the Narrow Path: A Mountain Biker's Guide to Spiritual Growth in Troubled Times" was released nationally in March 2011. His second book "A Piece of Silver" was published in July 2011 and is currently entering its 2nd edition. Clark enjoys life in the foothills of the Rockies with his wife, children and three grandchildren. He looks forward to this next phase of life's wonderful adventures.

Learn more about Clark by visiting www.clarkrburbidge.com.

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the insightful review. I appreciated especially your comments about the difference in approach my books take versus other popular literature. My characters cannot just wave a wand, beam up or call upon their super powers to overcome their problems. They, like all of us, must reach deep into their souls and find the magic and power they require. But it is there in us all. This makes the characters relatable and inspiring in a way that young people really can hope to be like. Best wishes in your continuing blogging activities and thanks again.

    Clark Burbidge
    www.giantsinthelandbook.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to win this for my sister.

    ReplyDelete

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