The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock - This has been on my 'to read' list for a long time, based on reviews and descriptions of it as fantasy and Christian allegory. I was able to acquire it for free on my Kindle several weeks ago so at last I could delve into it. The main character is Abramm, the fifth son of a Kiriathan king. Abramm has spent eight years studying and preparing to take vows as a guardian of the sacred flames of Eidon, but just before the big day, he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and members of his own family. He winds up sold into slavery and then forced to compete as a gladiator in a foreign and hostile country. Abramm realizes that the religion he had followed was false, and is unsure whether Eidon (God) even exists. And even if Eidon is there, does he care? Can Eidon be trusted? Abramm's only friend in all of this is a Trap Meridon, who is a Terstan (another sect of believers in Eidon). Abramm is confused by the Terstan faith and resists accepting it, for fear that it too, will prove false.
Abramm's twin sister Carissa has been searching for him, determined to somehow buy him back from slavery or effect some sort of rescue, but she has her own doubts and fears. Meridon's younger brother Philip has joined her small party and expresses his belief that Abramm and Meridon are still alive and that Eidon will make a way for them. But Carissa doesn't know who in her own party can be trusted, and just when it seems they've finally caught up with Abramm, all hope seems lost. Throughout the story, there are dangers both physical and spiritual that all the characters must navigate.
The alternate world Hancock creates as a setting for this fantasy is detailed and complex, and I spent most of the first part of the book at least as unsure as Abramm of whether Eidon was supposed to represent God and who might be the good guys. As a reader, I like to at least have a sense of which side I should be rooting for, and it took several chapters before I thought I knew. The richly detailed plot felt like it moved along ponderously, despite there being plenty of action. I did care enough to keep going though, and was rewarded with an epic 'beat the odds' Christian allegory. Although I found the beginning confusing, it did become clearer as it went along. There is plenty of swordplay, spiritual warfare, and elements of magic throughout. The end is satisfying in many respects, and yet definitely leaves the reader hanging in anticipation of the next story in the series. I have to admit that as I plodded through early chapters I wondered whether I'd carry on to the end, never mind be invested enough to read the sequels, but having finished the book, I do think I will put the rest of the series on my 'to read' list as well.
I do recommend it for fans of fantasy and allegory, but in my opinion, it's not "light reading". It will require some time and attention and maybe some perseverance.
Abramm's twin sister Carissa has been searching for him, determined to somehow buy him back from slavery or effect some sort of rescue, but she has her own doubts and fears. Meridon's younger brother Philip has joined her small party and expresses his belief that Abramm and Meridon are still alive and that Eidon will make a way for them. But Carissa doesn't know who in her own party can be trusted, and just when it seems they've finally caught up with Abramm, all hope seems lost. Throughout the story, there are dangers both physical and spiritual that all the characters must navigate.
The alternate world Hancock creates as a setting for this fantasy is detailed and complex, and I spent most of the first part of the book at least as unsure as Abramm of whether Eidon was supposed to represent God and who might be the good guys. As a reader, I like to at least have a sense of which side I should be rooting for, and it took several chapters before I thought I knew. The richly detailed plot felt like it moved along ponderously, despite there being plenty of action. I did care enough to keep going though, and was rewarded with an epic 'beat the odds' Christian allegory. Although I found the beginning confusing, it did become clearer as it went along. There is plenty of swordplay, spiritual warfare, and elements of magic throughout. The end is satisfying in many respects, and yet definitely leaves the reader hanging in anticipation of the next story in the series. I have to admit that as I plodded through early chapters I wondered whether I'd carry on to the end, never mind be invested enough to read the sequels, but having finished the book, I do think I will put the rest of the series on my 'to read' list as well.
I do recommend it for fans of fantasy and allegory, but in my opinion, it's not "light reading". It will require some time and attention and maybe some perseverance.
