Book Challenge 2012: December Book Reviews

*R*

*sniff* It's the last month of 2012! My last book challenge review post for this year.

I am so thankful for the marvelous reading year I've had. For a girl who used to spend all her free time reading, then practically stopped reading for a few years, I'm making pretty good progress now, I'm happy to say!

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Rebel's Keep

Douglas Bond

"Rebel's Keep" is the third book in the Crown & Covenant series by Douglas Bond. Here you can see my reviews of books #1 and #2.

From Amazon: "Set in 17th century Scotland, in the midst of the brutal persecutions of King Charles II of England, Rebel's Keep picks up the historical thread just before the devastating defeat of the Covenanters at Bothwell Brig in 1679. Brothers Duncan and Angus team up again to stand for the Covenanter’s cause and fight the king’s injustice."

What I didn't like: One of my big pet peeves was the father did not allow his sons and son-in-law to make their own decisions for themselves and their family's as to whether to fight or not against the king and with the Covenanters. The father is the leader and he makes all the decisions for them all - he does listen to the sons and seeks their counsel, but in the end, it's his choice. I think once a young man is married and has his own family, though he should still listen to his father, it's the sons decision to make for himself and his family as he thinks God deems best. What is right for the father may not be the right choice for the son. Later in the book this sort of changed but not through any real "choice", it's just how the author chose to sort things out that the sons would be in a position to take charge a little more.

Also the choice of whether the men should fight or not felt repetitious to the other two books. I felt they should have made this choice long ago. If, indeed it was as in this book needed to make a choice again because of new circumstances, I felt that should have been addressed as such.

I do not agree 100% with all that the Covenanters are portrayed as to believing in the series - true they are passionate about their Lord,but here and there things just don't match up with Scripture. Nothing I can really pinpoint on exactly as most of the time it was sound doctrine. Don't take my word for this, I'd recommend looking up more information about Covenanters to be certain (which I *may* do in the future).

And, because it's about a time in our Christian history that was very bleak, there was a lot of martyrdom and relentless killings, which are described in part in this book. The very first chapter began with the two young men taking the dismembered body parts of a minister and friend down from spikes at the Keep where they had been for years. Ugh. It's just horrible what people can do to another human being (even if it is only fiction, these things HAVE happened!). This is what would later be known as, "The Killing Time" in Scotland. It made the series not an enjoyable one to read, though perhaps a little thought-provoking and making me feel blessed and thankful for this period of "rest" in our nation for those who seek to serve the Lord.

"When our enemy prevails over us - as he has done, aye, and will do again - Christ is mine. When I or mine are brought to the wheel, the rack, the gallows, Christ is mine. If he destroys, Christ is mine. If he slay me, Christ is mine." (p.172)

What I *did* like: The family atmosphere is endearing. The father is like a shepherd protecting his family and the sons/brothers are at his side to defend and fight along side him and keeping the women safe is their first priority.The father is always leading the family in time in the Word and both instructing and encouraging his family in the strength and joy of the Lord. :) Each family member does their part and it's such a delight to see.

I found the faith of the family and the lessons to be truer and deeper in this book than in book #2. Though I still didn't like parts of the story, the biblical application of faith in trials and trust in the Lord when the world is at it's darkest was such a testimony and so encouraging to me after these last few months where I've seen death play it's part in a number of ways in the lives of those near me, and seen the world begin to show it's ugly head of sin and foreboding in the government once again.

The old promise of "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble..." still rings true.

"There is always hope, Mary - when God is on our side. Aye, and He is. So we must be still and hope in Him. Our Redeemer shall arise, my dear. And when He does, it willnae be by half measures. With a stroke of His mighty arm He'll destroy His foes, and peace and freedom will come. I ken they will." (p.111)

I would not recommend this book to anyone under 15.
And I would not really recommend this book to most - I will not be reading the series again.


I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars

The Wanderer
{Lamplighter}

I am so in love with these Lamplighter audio's. They are so well done and the stories come to life through the "readings"!If you've not had the opportunity to get them yet keep an eye out for sales and discounts on Lamplighter, Vision Forum, and on Amazon - that's how we got these.

This story is a retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son. I laughed, I cried, and I was greatly encouraged. I don't want to give anything away from this one but suffice it to say I will be listening to this one again and again. It's perfect for weary "wanderer's". ;)

I highly recommend this story to all and for all ages!

{You can order a set of Lamplighter Audio's now until January 15th at almost HALF the original price!!! It's such a great deal!}

I gave this audio book 5 out of 5 stars.

The Pirate City

by R.M. Ballantyne

I enjoyed the last two Ballantyne books so much I decided it was time for a third. I grabbed this one intrigued by it's title and assuming it would be a thrilling tale of pirates laying claim to gold and loot and afflicting the seas with their wild deeds.

 However, this book was nothing like I expected:

"The Pirate City is a story about the Algerian pirates who were the scourge of the Mediterranean sea during the early to mid-1800s. They would plunder the ships of other sovereign nations, and as a result were a wealthy little city-state until their demise in the Barbary War." (amazon)

Those captured from the ships, as some of the characters in this tale have been, are forced into slavery to work for the pirate king, going under brutality by whip and the bastinado (a rod used to hit and crush the bottoms of the victims feet) even death by crucifixions, beheading's, and worse.

What I didn't like: There were only a few scenarios of the more detailed descriptions of the killings, beatings, and tortures of the slaves/characters, for which the author apologized for having to describe, but those shared were quite gruesome. Besides that there was a prolonged scene with a character telling of his escape in the nude (thankfully not in explicit detail) and a scene in a bath house. And I found that because there were not actually any "main" characters that played a large part in the story it became quite dull in places despite the above mentioned beatings and it being an island of pirates! *ahem* Go figure. :/

At least the author was kind enough to acknowledge these doings are necessary to the realism of the story but admits they are not ideal for a story (though I thought the one scene of nudity unnecessary) - "We would not describe such a scene as this were it not certainly true; and we relate it, reader, not to the purpose of harrowing your feelings, but for the sake of showing what diabolical deeds we men are capable of, unless guarded therefrom by the loving and tender spirit of Jesus Christ." (p.93)

What I loved: "R.M. Ballantyne spent time in Algiers and dressed himself as an Arabian while researching material for his book so that he might portray his characters and the story's setting with the greatest accuracy possible." (via Amazon). I just thought that was the neatest thing! When an author goes so far into his research to discover and experience what it would be like for their characters in a said time period it brings the story to an entirely new level! This book was not lacking in historical facts or interesting new idea's! :D

There were as always beautiful biblical principles throughout the book, such as not being vengeful among others. I always appreciate a fiction book that doesn't force a "godly theme" into it but naturally utilizes circumstances to teach lessons. It's more realistic that way I find and a more powerful message.

 There were so many intriguing characters with amazing stories, from a British soldier to a Jewish leader, to three Italian men, and the host of Algerians living on the Island. The customs of each and the politics of their countries were drawn together into an inviting tale. I learned so much about the history and cultures of the many countries and I think that was my favorite part of this book. :)

I would not recommend this to all, I'd be most careful of who I and I'd gear it for ages 15 and up.

I gave this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Buried in the Snow

by ?

{A Lamplighter Audio}

My family read the book many years ago so I'd forgotten how endearing this story was! I thought December would be a perfect time to listen to a book about snow...seemed appropriate for winter and Christmas-time.

This is a story of a boy and his grandfather who become trapped on a mountain and "buried" by the wall of snow covering the little house they have taken shelter in. Though God has provided for them with milk from a goat and food and shelter, the snow makes it impossible to travel down the mountain to the village where the boy's father has travelled to in search of aid. Each day is a new challenge of danger. A new challenge to rely fully on the Lord and trust Him.

I enjoyed this story very much with it's many little lessons of faith and growth of character. Another beautiful Lamplighter story and another job well done on their audio's!

{You can order a set of Lamplighter Audio's now until January 15th at almost HALF the original price!!! It's such a great deal!}

I gave this audio 5 out of 5 stars.

So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore

by Wayne Jacobsen

Some friends gave this book to us because of what we've been going through this year with some stuff with our own church. This book was not at all what we expected from the title. It's not a "how to quit your church" book or anything like that as it may sound. Instead, it's a book for those who are hungry for more than complacency in their relationship with God. It's "not church bashing, but Christ exalting". Good right?

"Religious systems prey on people's insecurity's. They haven't learned how to live in Father's love, to follow His voice and depend on Him."

 "When we're looking to the future, we're not listening to the Father. Anything we do to try and guarantee stability on our own terms will actually rob us of the freedom to simply follow him today. We'll resort to our own wisdom instead of following His. The greatest freedom God can give you is to trust His ability to take care of you each day." (p.106)

 The book is a story of encounters between two men and the journey of one man and his family as they seek to step outside of the normal church programs in search of real relationships with God and with His people. More than a list of to-do's it's simply more of an encouragement for your Christian walk. It shares how God used these two men and how God changes lives.

From understanding God's love for you, to knowing what He expects, dealing with hurt from other Christians, and getting away from all those church "philosophies" of being and doing "good" this book was insightful in breaking down our man-made perspectives on God and the church. The author even goes into the topic of the organized church and home churches in a way I've never heard it spoken of before - enlightening!

We found this book to be an encouragement in the path God's lead us on and a confirmation of some of the choices our family has been making. It was timely and just what we needed in this season of our lives. :)

"To anyone who is wondering if God still moves among us as He did in the Bible, here is a story to show the truth - He does! It spoke to something so deep inside me that I couldn't relax until I reached the end. And even then I knew it was just the beginning." (review from the book)

There wasn't anything in this book my family disagreed with because much of what was spoken of we've already observed in the church as a whole so it was comforting to know we were not alone in our thinking and in what God has lead us to. I understand this book wont' be for everyone...I'm sure there are those who would shun it and disagree with much of it, but for those who are searching for more than ordinary and mediocre, it's perfect. :)

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

The Battle

by A.L.O.E 

{Lamplighter}

Jessica and I have been reading this sequel to "The Giant Killer" in the last few months. It's taken us so long because we were finding time to read it together. We finally finished it though!

Here we follow the Roby family once more as well as their cousins Constantine and Adolphis Probyn. But sadness and misfortune has struck this beloved family and they must now face an even greater trial. As the family is separated they must each take up their battle against pride, rebellion, selfishness, and more sins that so easily enter into our hearts.

"The Battle unveils the relentless obstacles that we face each day, both from within and without, and challenges us in the midst of the battle to think of the victory - and consider the crown!" - A.L.O.E

As in the first book, once again each character has challenges of character they are facing and lessons they must learn to grow in their faith and walk. I'm always encouraged and blessed and challenged by every Lamplighter book, it's stories and characters and lessons. That's why I continue to read them!

"You thought that all was lost when we stood together on that sinking ship, when we every moment expected the waves to sweep over our heads; and yet the mercy of God sent deliverance. It is so with our souls: we are in danger of perishing - our own merits cannot save us - our sins are sinking us down, down to destruction; but the life-boat is coming, even in the storm - the hand of the Saviour is stretched out to save us!"

Jessica gave this book 5 stars but I personally felt it wasn't quite as energetic in it's storyline nor did I think it shared quite as great a spiritual encouragement as the first book did, in my opinion. ;) Also, there were a couple small, very minor things I didn't agree with as far as the doctrine went.

You can buy both book #1 and #2 together in a special deal! :)

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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My book total for 2012 was:

57 Books Read!!

My original goal was 24 again this year, though I wanted to read 35 - later I moved my goal to 40 and the Lord helped me able to read 56! I am so excited! :D

Historical Fiction: 17 
Other (Christian or not) Fiction: 25
Friend Written/Rachel Edited Books: 6 
Spiritual Encouragement: 8 
Other Non-fiction: 1
5-Star Reviews: 13

Next year I'm thinking of only reviewing the books I liked... what do you all think? Do you want me to continue my reviews as I've been doing them or would you want to read the reviews only of the books I've enjoyed reading? I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this.

If you'd like you may follow me on Goodreads where I share all of my reviews (or will do when I go back and fill them in! I hope to do better at keeping up with that next year). :)


Come back in a few days for my end-of-the-year favorite books post where I'll be sharing my top 10 for 2012, some of my reading list for next year and goals, and some fun bookish questions for you all! It's going to be great!

Blessings for you new year!
~Rachel~

P.S. - I'm linking up my post today over at Tarissa's "Sharing Our Bookshelves" link up!