Book Reviews: From the Mouth of Elijah and Armageddon Summer

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Hello again! Wow, three posts in one week. That’s gotta be a record. Well, for me anyway.

Today, I’m doing a couple of book reviews. Last time, I joked about books being “other dimensions,” but in the first book I’m reviewing, the characters actually did do some dimension-hopping.

I’m talking ‘bout, From the Mouth of Elijah by Bryan Davis.

I’d have a description here, but I’m scared of giving away too many spoilers, since this is actually the second book in the Children of the Bard series, which is the sequel to the Dragons in Our Midst series and the Oracles of Fire series. Still, here's my spoiler-free review.

My review: 5 out of 5 stars. Like all the ones that came before, this book was amazing, action-packed, and edge-of-your-seat awesome. Mr. Davis did a brilliant job depicting the characters and their struggles, though, to be honest, I felt it was just slightly less exciting than some of the others earlier in the series.

Still, I really enjoyed it, and Lauren and Matt have been pretty amazing additions to the series. One of my favorite things about this book is how Mr. Davis brought back almost everybody from the first two series, told all of their stories together, and did it in such a way that it wasn’t confusing in the least. That’s some feat of writing, let me tell you!

Anyway, great book, and highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy, particularly if you’re a Christian, as these are told from a Christian point of view. But first, you must read the other two series and book one from Children of the Bard, Song of the Ovulum. Trust me, you’ll thank me.

Book two for review is Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville.

Summary: Armageddon Summer is about two teenagers, Jed and Marina, whose parents both believe the world will be ending on June 27, 2000 -- which also happens to be Marina's birthday. Their parents, Jed's dad and Marina's mom, are members of the “Believers,” a Christianity-based cult led by Reverend Beelson, who intend to spend the weeks before Armageddon on top of a mountain, awaiting the end of the world.

But Jed doesn't believe, and Marina can't decide whether or not she does. So, together, they wade through their belief and unbelief, learning about life, love, and loss as they and their families await the end of the world.

My review: 5 out of 5 stars. Technically, there were no “other dimensions,” though Mount Weeupcut certainly felt like one.

Armageddon Summer was riveting, wonderful, and beautifully written. The really cool part is that this book really makes you think. About God, about life, about how crazy people can be sometimes.

Plus, the characters were great. Marina, especially, because I could really related to her personality.

The only problem I did have with this book was, as a Christian, I do believe in the Millennium and in Jesus' return. Then again, I also know there are many cults out there who twist the word of God into something that is isn't, something that will only hurt people rather than save them -- just as Reverend Beelson and the Believers did in this book. I’m just glad that when Jesus actually does come back, it won’t be anything like that.

All-in-all, it was a very good book, and I enjoyed reading it.

Well, that's all for this week! Do any of these books interest you or do you have some other books you’d like to recommend to me?