A Simply Enchanted Life

Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is book two in the Merlin’s Immortals series and I honestly thought it was much better than the first book. I will say, if you haven’t read book one then don’t pick this one up as it would be really hard to follow if you didn’t know the back story. I thought there was a definite improvement in the excitement factor in this book. I’m not sure why but the first book seemed to drag at times for me. I can’t wait to see how the next book turns out!

Thomas has reclaimed the throne of Magnus but a threat rises against his new leadership—the druids. Further, a neighboring kingdom is insisting that Thomas help in England’s fight against invaders from the north and he’s obligated to help. However, he fears that the Earl of York may be working with the secret sect of druids that seek his throne.

In this tale we were whisked away to a land of hidden secrets and hints of magic. Two beautiful women also crave Thomas’ attention—one who hopes in secret and another who is brazen in her attempts to seduce him into the hands of the druids.

I feel that these stories fall into the fantasy genre but they don’t really read as such and I almost crave that and wish I saw more exploration of that element but they’re still good quick reads. Also, unlike the last book I did see more of a Christian element with this book—mainly from the priest. Though this series doesn’t necessarily make it to my “to keep and reread” shelf they’re still worth the read!
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Sigmund is married to songwriter recording artist Cindy Morgan. The couple and their two young daughters divide their time between Red Deer, Alberta and Nashville, Tennessee. He loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.
I received Fortress of Mist (Merlin's Immortals #2) as a complimentary gift in exchange for an honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. My comments and opinions are my own.

The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



"The Orphan King" by Sigmund Brouwer is the first book in the "Merlin's Immortals" series. The next book "Fortress of Mist" becomes available in February of 2013. From what I understand, it is an updated or revamped version of an older book. This is the first book I've read by this author, so I'm unable to shed much light into that.

In this book we meet a young man, Thomas. An orphaned boy who has been raised in a monastery by gluttonous and greedy monks who would rather fill their own bellies and wallets than help needy villagers. Set in the heart of Northern England in AD 1312, the world is a dark and discouraging place filled with corrupt lords and impoverished lands.

Thomas escapes the monastery. With the help of a knight, a mute girl and a pickpocket he sets out to fulfill his destiny. Along the way he is mentored by the older and wiser knight, secretly falls in love with the girl and obtains a bit of brotherly affection for the young thief. Their adventures along the way form trust and friendship that will either help or hinder the success of Thomas' quest.

I felt like this book had a lot of potential and it was a very enjoyable fast read. But I felt that while the characters were fleshed out really well and had a lot of life to them, it just seemed a little rushed. The fantasy part of the story was very appealing to me. I enjoy a good fantasy story and its a genre I read quite often. However, I felt that the idea of Merlin and Druids all seemed a bit conflicting for the Christian theme. Now, granted, I am not opposed to mixing fantasy and Christianity, especially in the setting of an allegory but I felt as if this story just didn't really nail it. Did I enjoy the story? Yes. Will I read the next? Yes. But I just felt it was a little rough around the edges.

I received The Orphan King as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. My comments and opinions are my own.








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