Product Description
Sometimes the greatest evil lies within.

The Dragon King who rules the land of Mensandor is none other than Quentin, whose courage and heroism have slowly transformed him from an orphaned servant into a war hero, respected leader, and a fierce man of faith.

But even the powerful can fall prey to weakness.  The world is turned upside-down when the dark sorcerer Nimrood--long thought dead after a battle with the previous Dragon King--returns with a fearsome plan.  Shattered by the death of a dear and trusted friend, the abduction of his beloved son, and the loss of his enchanted sword, Quentin finds his faith tested like never before.

In The Sword and the Flame, the final volume of Stephen R. Lawhead's captivating Dragon King Trilogy, the fate of the entire world depends on the outcome of this climactic battle between good and evil.

Customer Reviews (7)

Dragon King Trilogy books
Bought for gift for young adult. Good story line for age group. Arrived in excellent condition. Pleased with promptness.

Thanks
These books were in great condition and they came when they were supposed to. Thanks so much.

A "must have"
I love Stphen Lawhead and was thrilled to read these books. This was the first series he wrote and it is not quiet as good as his other works, but you can still the the genious creativity that is his trademark. The Sword and the Flame is mostly Quinten's struggle with how to balance being a king and being a man. You see an emotional side to him that isn't sappy or wierd, but completely human. As a reader we can relate not only to Quinten, but to his friends as they either stand by him or desert Quinten in his time of need. I totally recomend this book, it is one you will read over and over again.

1st and 2nd one was better,but it pretty good, too!
As I said in the title place, the first and second book of the Dragon King Trilogy was better; they both had excitement and action. The third was good too, but didn't have much action in it. I like books with adventure in it so that might be the reason I didn't give this book 5 stars. But I still enjoyed it. To enjoy this book properly, I think it is better to read, "In the Hall of the Dragon King" and "Warlords of Nin" first.

Quentin is now the Dragon King. He has 3 kids,two girls and a boy. His wife Bria is now the Queen. Mesandor had enjoyed peace for a long time. With his legendary sword, Shaligkeer the Shining Sword (I forgot to tell about it in my "Warlords of Nin" review. "Warlords of Nin" is the second book.), which was made from the precious stone called lathrinil.

Quentin soon faces a severe test as his son is kidnapped, his most trusted couselor, Duwin the Holy Hermit, is killed, and when he hears that his archenemy Nimrood the Necromancer had returned. (I was so shocked at the part where Durwin died!)Quentin is filled with grief and frustration that he does not know what he is doing. He murdurs one of the kidnappers mercilessly and loses his great sword, the Shaligkeer. King Quentin loses, as it seems to him, everything he holds dear and plunges into despair. It does not help that one of his lords, Lord Ameronis was full of ambition and leaped at the chance to become King. Soon Mesander fights with one of his lords and the whole land is thrown into turmoil as the common people and also the knights, lords, and nobles of the King, hears rumores that Quentin had lost his sword and that it was because he followed the Most High God that he was punished by other gods.

What will happen to King Quentin? What did it mean that Nimrood the Necromancer, assumed dead, came back?

Quentin learns a valuable lesson in this book, that when it seems that God was not with you, it was because you had drawn away from Him. Not because He had left you.

This book was interesting and at the same time, some parts were exciting. Especially the part where Quentin's son is kidnapped and the last part. I can't tell you how the last part is or it'll be telling the whole story. :) I suggest that you would read this because it would finish the Dragon King Trilogy and also because this book is a good book.

Mature Quentin & Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.
"The Sword and the Flame" is the third title in Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy, the series which propelled him to success. Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen, and is now the father of three children. The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High. And he is armed with the enchanted sword, "The Shining One", whose "flame was the symbol of the god's presence with the King, and more." (p.94)

But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods. The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as an inevitable sign of the destruction of their own High Temple. Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness. A close friend of Quentin is killed, his son kidnapped. Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, and! even conflict from his own people, and treachery from his own supporters. But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it: "One fell thrust and the fire of the white lanthanil blade had been quenched. The awful significance of what had happened struck him like a thunderbolt...the hand of the Most High was removed from him." (p.77-8) Is there any hope for Quentin or his kingdom?

The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional of the series. Certainly we are treated to lots of Lawhead excitement and action, one of the highlights being the intrigue and conflict of a castle under seige. But "The Sword and the Flame" doesn't quite have the same blazing glory of battle as the previous volume. It is far more introspective, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith. "Now there was only darkness. In the space of half a day he had los!t his son, his trusted friend, and - worst of all - the favor of the Most High. His mind reeled at the enormity of his trouble, his heart ached with sorrow, his body throbbed with grief and exhaustion." (p.85) Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine tuned which made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful. Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High (p.166) and tumbles into the depths of despair.

Yet this personal struggle of the king occurs in the context of a great struggle for his kingdom. Does the extinguished flame of the enchanted sword mean that the Most High no longer is to be trusted? The people of the kingdom are convinced that the old gods are humbling their king for having chased after a new god (p.159). Yet in the end, even when the people are ready to lose faith in the Most High, the Most High is fait!hful. "It is not the One who forgets us, but we forget him." (p.199) Quentin must realize that "the flame of true faith can not be kindled on the fuel of the old religion." (p.230) When he renews his faith, the tide turns. The climax of the book is particularly powerful, with scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

In many respects, Lawhead's medieval fantasy world is reminiscent of Tolkien's world, although Tolkien's many fantastic creatures are absent. But what is absent in Tolkien is present in Lawhead: the Most High God. It is the strong spiritual vision where the Most High God and faith in God is central that makes Lawhead's books so powerful and so wholesome. Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy paints a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's the picture of a time much like the glorious Old Testament !days of David and Solomon, who with prophets and visionaries fought for the peace of the Kingdom of the Most High in the era before the coming of Christ. Although not as deep or profound as "The Pendragon Cycle", this series of Lawhead "Lite" is still unquestionably a success. ... Read more

Product Description

From the dreaming spires of Oxford, Lewis Gillies drives north to seek a mythical creature in a misty glen in Scotland. Expecting little more than a weekend diversion, Lewis finds himself in a mystical place where two worlds meet, in the time-between-times--and in the heart of a battle between good and evil.

The ancient Celts admitted no separation between this world and the Otherworld: the two were delicately interwoven, each dependent on the other. The Paradise War crosses the thin places between this world and that, as Lewis Gillies comes face-to-face with an ancient mystery--and a cosmic catastrophe in the making.

Customer Reviews (66)

best book series I've read
THis book series is the favorite of my entire family, all who are avid readers.Lawhead is amazing and this book certainly is a 5 star must read.

My Favorite "Epic Fantasy" Novel, by FAR!
5 Word Review:
Exciting, thrilling, captivating, inexorable, awesome

The premise for The Paradise War seems to be a familiar one: 2 otherwisenormal, decently adjusted people are taken from their average, dreary world and either given extraordinary powers or put into an extraordinary, otherworldly place and left to fend for themselves and start an adventure. That part of this book as a foundation is unchanged from the archetype, I think. That is where the similarities begin and end, though!
Two Oxford graduate students, Lewis and Simon, venture out on a spontaneous road trip to visit a mysterious cairn with possible connections to "The Otherworld", an alternate dimension of Celtic history where the past of our world is transpiring as the present for Otherworlders.Right away you can tell that Simon is the more adventurous, yet more quarrelsome, of the two... Whereas Lewis is reserved and quiet, Simon is outgoing and indefatigable. This disparity ends up playing into several storylines once the boys reach "The Otherworld" and I recommend watching for this theme throughout your reading of the book!
After a really slow start for The Paradise War (About 50 pages or so), the reader will be transported through clever prose and sentence structure into Tuatha de Denann, "The Otherworld" as Lewis called it, there is an explosion of awesomeness not unlike the slow warm-up of an F-16 Falcon fighter jet which appears to be sitting idly thrust all of a sudden into a full afterburner take-off. After those first agonizing 50-ish pages, I found myself having to put time aside throughout my day for The Paradise War, promising to get "at least 2 chapters" at a time read. 2 chapters turned into 3, which turned into 4, and that's when I knew this book was a winner.

Many folks criticize The Paradise War for telling the reader what to think as opposed to letting the reader make up his or her own mind, but I never felt forced in any way while reading this book. I felt that, for something so very, very foreign to me (As both a genre of fiction AND being about complicated Celtic history and myth), Lawhead took the correct approach. Perhaps this would've felt patronizing to someone who was either very well versed with the genre and could therefore easily predict what would happen next, or someone who was, himself or herself, a scholar of Celtic history. Barring those 2 possibilities, however, I can't see how the "told what to think" complaint is truly valid.
A fantastic thing for me in this book was the unemphasized existence of a romantic attachment. It seems like romance, sex and the like is a complete necessity nowadays, but Lawhead wove in a cute, age-appropriate romance for Lewis and a girl he met at a particular school in The Otherworld.Perhaps this was due to his devout Christian faith, but in any event, this romance was never cringe-worthy (Haven't you ever face-palmed at a particular scene in a book where you were just thinking, "NO WAY that actually happened!"? I know I have...) and added to the story, rather than detracted from it.

Progressing through the book, the reader WILL experience a variety of emotions: Hope, intrigue, sadness, agititation, excitation, and anticipation. The plot unravels in a seamless fashion, moving inexorably from one plotline to the other, wrapping things up nicely... Which is a huge "plus" for me. Not everyone cares for the "happy ending" and the neat bow-wrapped story lines like I do, and if you're one of those, then perhaps that might be annoying for you. But it was great for me!
There are glorious fight sequences, wonderful best-friend altercations (Isn't it so human to argue with your best friend once in a while? So many books neglect this!), cute romances, and generally just an epic feeling about this book. The Paradise War has puzzles to solve, problems to overcome, quests to complete, and sides to root for - It is just amazing and I have a hard time finding anything particularly troublesome about the book, besides the slow introduction and progression into "The Otherworld", where the bulk of the story takes place. At one point, Lewis, who you'll recall was the less adventurous of the two, is transported back to "our world", to find out that only a matter of days transpired, despite him having experienced years of combat and training!

It all began with the Aurochs
So begins the The Paradise War, the first book in the Song of Albion trilogy by Stephen Lawhead. Cynical Oxford grad student Lewis Gillies is convinced by his roommate Simon to drive to Scotland to investigate the truth behind a tabloid photo of an long extinct type of oxen. Upon arriving, they make several discoveries, including an ancient mound known as a cairn. But before Lewis can stop him, Simon goes into the cairn and disappears. Believing that he has fallen victim to one of Simon's pranks, Lewis returns home. Very quickly however, strange events begin to overwhelm him and Lewis learns that he must find Simon and bring him home before the whole world is threatened. This launches him on an amazing adventure that continues in The Silver Hand and The Endless Knot.

This hidden gem was introduced to me by a friend's wife and has turned out to be among the best fantasy literature I've ever read. Lawhead is an adoring anglophile as evidenced by his other major works, the Pendragon Cycle (his own retelling of the King Arthur legend) and The King Raven Trilogy (a retelling of the Robin Hood legend). Steeped in Celtic mythology, Albion is no different. In fact, Lawhead's expertise is such that it is nearly impossbile to tell where facts and history end, and fantasy begins.

The trilogy is written in first person which has its strengths and weaknesses. Seeing and experiencing everything through the eyes of Lewis really makes you feel a part of the story. However, as time goes on you want to respond to the story in your own way rather than being told. A narrator change in the second book is a nice touch and allows you to experience the world from a new perspective.

The setting is richly told. The plot is well-crafted and full of layers. The prose and dialogue are excellent. But Lawhead's greatest strength is his characters. From heroes to villians and everyone in between, Lawhead peoples his world with distinct, interesting and sincere characters, giving each an opportunity to show they matter.

Even more impressive, is Lawhead's powerful, yet nuanced inclusion of Biblical themes. There is too much to give it justice in this short review, but through the plot, parables, prophecies, character arcs, and imagery, Lawhead explores the corruption and redemption of creation, good vs. evil, providence, and liberation from sin. All of this is done with the right amount of thoughtfulness and subtly.

My only real criticism is with the ending where things seemed a bit rushed and incomplete. All said however, The Song of Albion is an outstanding fantasy series that has found itself among my favorites, and placed Lawhead firmly in the tradition of Tolkien and Lewis.

Great trilogy
I just finished the last book and have lots of thoughts about it.This review covers the trilogy in general:

1.I loved the beginning of Book 1, which had a humorous tone and was set in modern day Oxford.It reminded me of Brideshead Revisited in some ways, and was so laugh-out-loud funny that I wish the author would set a fantasy novel solely in modern day Oxford.

2.Because I loved the setup so much, I was taken aback by some of the character development later on.(I won't give away any plot but you probably know which character I'm talking about if you read it.)I just didn't believe some of the changes based on the beginning, even after reading the entire trilogy and the author's explanation.I do think some of his characters were too "black" or "white" and had too many motivations based on plot convenience, but that's okay.I also think he does better character development in his new Robin Hood trilogy - more complex.

3.The author does a great job of world building, with lots of description and a real sense of being there and experiencing the Celtic world.Sometimes, I could do with a little less description and more plot/dialogue, but that's just me.

4.I think his female characters can be a little boring - amazingly beautiful, wise, graceful, and good, they're sometimes interchangeable.I wish he'd mix things up a little and make them more flawed/human.

5.As a Christian reader, I got a lot out of all three books spiritually and really liked some of his analogies to the Christian life.

6.I was satisfied with the plot in general.Some things I guessed at the end.Others, I had no clue.It was a fairly wild ride and I had a lot of fun reading it.

When it was all over, I spent a lot of time thinking about it and had trouble getting it out of my head.For me, overall, it was a 5-star read.Very enjoyable and definitely recommended.

A great read
For those who love Celtic fiction, this is a must have. At times Lawhead suffers from mid-book doldrums, and this book is no exception; however, this is probably my favorite Lawhead book. Too bad the final one of the series has such a horrible ending and practically annihilates all of the hard work the author put into the first two books.

4.5 stars
... Read more

Product Description

"Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds its mark."

King Raven has brought hope to the oppressed people of Wales--and fear to their Norman overlords. Along the way Friar Tuck has been the stalwart supporter of King Raven--bringing him much-needed guidance, wit, and faithful companionship.

Deceived by the self-serving King William and hunted by the treacherous Abbot Hugo and Sheriff de Glanville, Rhi Bran is forced to take matters into his own hands as King Raven. Aided by Tuck and his small but determined band of forest-dwelling outlaws, he ignites a rebellion that spreads through the Welsh valleys, forcing the wily monarch to marshal his army and march against little Elfael.

Filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking suspense, and rousing battle scenes, Stephen R. Lawhead's masterful retelling of the Robin Hood legend reaches its stunning conclusion in Tuck. Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Lawhead's trilogy conjures up an ancient past while holding a mirror to contemporary realities. Prepare for an epic tale that dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood.

Product Description
A master storyteller weaves a tale of adventure and the coming of age of a young soul in this epic novel of the early centuries of the first millennium. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (124)

Byzantium
I loved this book.The era seems to be my interest lately and I've alway like mysteries.This fit the bill.

good reading
I enjoyed this book. Interesting, memorable characters , a story that consistently kept my interest through all of its 870 pages. Aiden's loss of faith and eventual return to the fold was handled well, I could imagine this actually happening to a devout christian. The battle scenes were exciting and seemed realistic to me. On a few too many occasions Aidan escapes certain death by the skin of his teeth, but this is not a serious flaw, perhaps some people are very lucky or watched over :)

A Journey to Faith
I ran into (literally) Stephen Lawhead's novels early this summer while trying to squeeze by other library patrons in a crowded aisle. I somewhat reluctantly picked up his "Song of Albion" series (probably because I was tired of weaving through the summertime crush of people). Well, what a great read! Oh, to be in Scotland!

I was expecting more or less of the same with "Byzantium" and debated passing Lawhead by for awhile. However, "Byzantium" slowly hooked me and then intrigued me as it became clear this intelligent story was certainly about heroes, warriors and cowards--but the heart of the book is something much more and extraordinarily authentic--an agonizing, gut wrenching journey of faith.

It seems to me Mr. Lawhead's very name implies what people yearn for--to speak truthfully from the head and the heart. Well done.

Loved it.
I've got a little bit of an author crush on him O_o. I haven't read a bad Lawhead book yet, so it's well deserved. Byzantium is no different. I did have a little bit harder time getting into this book than previous Lawhead books I've read, because it's a bunch of guys mostly, the whole story. I love stories about girls, I love a little romance. Not Harlequin romance, but natural, understated, everyday, romance. This book doesn't have it. What it does have is a good story, amazing characters, history, settings, everything you could want, just not romance.

I am always amazed at how simply and profoundly he tells a message, without preaching or seeming to make the story all about the message. I don't read Lawhead for his Christian message, I read it for the story, but he sneaks up on you and before you realize what happened you're almost in tears because of the wonderful message.

This book happens to be about a bunch of monks who set off to deliver the book of Kells to the Emperor at Byzantium, so the Christian theme is obviously a bit stronger (if it wasn't it wouldn't be very believable). Of course everything goes horribly wrong and Aedan (our monk) ends up a slave of Vikings, then a spy, and many other things. One of my favorite parts in the book is when Aedan is trying to tell the story of the crucifixion of Christ to the Vikings in a way they would understand.

A must read.

Incredible, yet realistic adventure. A true "must-read".
Wow! Where to start!

Given the number of reviews, and the fact that others have already outlined the plot, allow me to tell you what you want to know. This book IS epic in scope. The adventure is constant, and the chapters all end with a cliff-hanger that you keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The best part about this book is that it is actually plausible, yet, amazing in plot scope. The language nuances used by the author to create tone are just ingenious.

I believe that people enjoy character adventures because they want to live it themselves. This is that kind of book. It will become a part of you. You will have fought Vikings, dined on sumptuous fare in Byzantine restaurants, visited places that are lost in time, and places that are still standing today, and you will have felt everything happen from the first person point of view.

There are many extremely touching scenes in this books; here's one of many:

Watch for Aiden's telling the Danes about Jesu and the fisherfolk and their subsequent conversation over ol. Yes, ol. One of the best scenes of the book....and it does pick up from there, believed it or not.

If I sound overly excited about this book or as if I have nothing negative to say, that is because it is true. I read about 50 books a year, and this one is in my number 1 spot for 2009 by far.

Get it. Live it. Love it. ... Read more

Product Description
In Stephen Lawhead’s transfixing science fiction adventure, a sleep scientist findshe has become the vital link in a cosmic coup… and that all civilization hangs in the balance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

realistic spiritual life in science fiction
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy science fiction. I'm a pretty avid sci-fi reader, and have also read several of Lawhead's fantasy books (starting with Warlords of Nin when I was about nine). Recently, I had just enjoyed the new Scarlet Scarlet (The King Raven, Book 2), which prompted me to look again at Lawhead's older books. I was surprised to find a sci-fi novel among them. I found it at a nearby library, cracked it open and was immediately hooked by the story. Although I was only visiting that town briefly, we managed to convince the librarian to let me take the book home with me till it was due.

Comparisons to C.S. Lewis' space trilogy are appropriate. While the two authors are very different, they share the vision that both science fact and sci-fi speculation (if true) would be within the realm of God's creation and plan; and that God is sovereign in the universe, is active in the lives of individuals who call on him, and reaches out to those who don't. As in Lawhead's mythical and historical fiction, God just happens to be a part of ordinary life for those characters who happen to be Christian. God and religion are not usually on center stage, but nor are they kept in a closet; they are part of reality. This is very refreshing to me: it's surprising how seldom ordinary things like prayer are depicted realistically in sci-fi. Maybe most sci-fi authors are either atheist/agnostic, or are timid about portraying belief without painting it as superstition and bigotry.

On a literary level, Lawhead's prose is not as impeccable as Lewis'. Dream Thief reads more like a popular novel than a work of great literature. Nevertheless, the language is enjoyable to read and is often evocative.

Those looking for hard sci-fi technical details will not find them in this book. The future-tech aspects are competently done but not revolutionary. The strengths of Dream Thief lie in the interesting locations (a space station, another planet, and India), plot twists, fantastic evil powers, and in what the main characters discover about the history of the solar system, themselves, and the nature of God. In Dream Thief, questions like "Why does God seem silent when a beggar in India is suffering?" are treated with sensitivity and depth.

Great Book
I really enjoyed this book! It had lots of action and suspence. Very well written and imaginative. I didn't know when I picked it up that this was a Christian sci-fi. I loved it! What a beautiful way to give glory to God through fiction!

Excellent
I loved this book!The only problem was that the print was so small

Enjoyed this story
As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "Dream Thief". Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. Give this book a try.
The fiction book that I have written main story theme is about ten years in the life of a little girl who was "chosen by God" to be the next Madonna in the second coming of Christ. Yes it has cloning in it.
Tommy Taylor
Author - The Second Virgin Birth

Entertaining, not Impressive.
If you are looking for easy-reading entertainment with a sci-fi flair, look no farther.
However, on a literary level I felt this novel to be sub-par.The character sketches and development are weak, and descriptions in general are shallow and repetitive.(How many times must we hear about "clear blue eyes," "bouncy locks," and people sitting "in meditation like the classic guru?"How many times does Reston almost "faint from exhaustion," then "barely muster the strength to go on" in the same chapter?)
Perhaps this was written before the days of a trusty editor for Lawhead, but I was unimpressed.I suggest finding other sci-fi novels such as "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card.
(For those of you who are drawn to Lawhead for his epics, Ender's game is the beginning of an.. 8(or so?)-volumed one, I believe.) ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
In this first book of the Empyrion series, Treet and his oddly-assorted friends try to unscramble the complexities of a new world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Theophilus
This review is in reference to the omnibus edition that publishes both volumes of this novel in one. Apparently, this was originally one huge novel published in two parts (similar to Lord of the Rings). Stephen Lawhead, who is more renown for his fantasy and historical fiction wrote this back in the eighties and here he shows what can happen when those who know God place their light under a basket (very relevant, actually). On one planet, Empyrion, there is both a dystopian society as well as a utopian. More than any other novel that I've read, Empyrion shows the beauty of living in communion with God and demonstrates what a society can look like if all Christians understood this. Furthermore, this is a magnificent science fiction story that treats the reader to alien civilizations that only the best story-teller can do. This is my first introduction to Stephen Lawhead's work, and it certainly will not be my last. He writes a very entertaining novel that also has the great literary and spiritual subtext of a master craftsman. I wish there were more Christian writers like him.

Another World
Combining thinly veiled Christian themes with well-developed science fiction, Steven Lawhead shows great skill in this relatively unexplored genre.Even the political savy shown in the writing holds a resemblance to Earth's problems in the 20th and 21st century.

The early chapters that shape the plot might make readers think they are reading a mislabeled book.Without preface, Lawhead lays the background of the main character Orion Treet.A moderately successful writer, Orion is chosen by a mega-corporation to chronicle his visit to the colony Empyrion which happens to be light years away.Upon Orion's agreement to accept the assignment, the trip becomes somewhat rushed when a wormhole opens and allows the opportunity for quicker travel.

Orion finds Empyrion remarkably different than he expects.This world with an expected appearance of paradise is divided and appears of the brink of war.Two separate colonies have formed.One is ruled by a dictator while the other is a utopian-like society.After visiting both colonies, Orion finds his purpose.

While the book reminds me of other novels that I have read, it certainly maintains its own niche.As other readers have noted, the Christian themes are not so overwhelming as to repulse non-Christian readers.However, the scientific inaccuracies may strike some readers as unacceptable unless they are remedied in the second book.Particularly for one of his early works, Lawhead is to be commended for this book.

fairly middling scifi
i found this book to be an easy read but devoid of any great excitement or significant interest. there's no characterisation beyond flat generic cut outs & the plot meanders along waiting for the sequel. the christian theme running through the book are obvious although not offensive to non christian evangelical readers.
given all the excellent reviews this book receives as a high rated scifi novel one wonders exactly what other scifi the empyrion saga is being compared against.

A visual oasis
Great read that really gets the imagination going! I couldn't put the book down and had to move straight on to the next book as soon as I finished it!

Great!
A very good book. Very different from Stephen Lawhead's traditional style, but that makes it all the better. The story is most certainly one that will keep you guessing, with many intriguing plot twists that are written with flawless skill. I very enjoyable read, though the ending was a letdown in one way, but not so much as to take away from the whole of the book. ... Read more

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Box Set TrilogyHoodScarletTuck ... Read more

Product Description
Follow the !HERO action up close and personal! Read as Special Agent Alex Hunter strives to discover the story behind a mysterious miracle-worker from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, whose very presence is changing the world.

In a series of five action-packed episodes, best-selling author Stephen R. Lawhead, collaborating with author and penciler Ross Lawhead, incites the imagination to wonder: What if He were born today? Collect all four comics, then pick up the graphic novel which includes comics 1-4 and the previously unreleased issue five! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This re-telling of the story of Jesus was just OK
I picked this one up yesterday. I was excited to see it was a near-futuristic re-telling of the last days of Jesus re-told by Stephen R. Lawhead.I am a giant fan of his book Byzantium (Harper Fiction), so I knew he'd re-tell this is a respectful and interesting way.

It was resepectful and faithful to the Biblical version but very short. I read this one in about 20 minutes. It is a graphic novel version of a rock opera but this so you obviously can't include the songs. But, there was nothing else added either. No background on the disciples (except Maggie). You actually have to know the story from the Bible to read this and get what they are doing. There's no explanation about who Petrov (Peter) is and where he came from and why he follows Hero (Jesus). Jude Discariot gets the most treatment, which is not saying much.

So much more could have been done. At least no harm was done by straying from the original too much, but this one could have been easily 3 times longer without straying from the original.

Not for classroom book shelf
This is that part of the Jesus story that spawned 2000 years of persecution against the Jews.Not appropriate out of context.

An amazing comparison. =)
It stays pretty close to the actual story of Jesus Christ. It basically just puts that B.C. story into 2007 time frame. It's a really good read, great for church plays, theater pieces, or just for some light reading. the only bad thing is it ends so quickly. =) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Why 5? I haven't even read it.
For those wondering when the new rogue nation is coming out... the answer is possibly never. Due to circumstances unknown to me this books publication was cancelled. Leaving us hangin at the end of the city of dreams now this book as made a huge impact on the younger generation. I have got people to read this book who would never touch a bible and they loved this book and it inspired them to read about jesus. So I am saying that some of us should write the publisher and say we want this book pushed and soon.yours truely GOdguy2002

I would give it five stars if I could read it!
Does anyone know how to get this book?? What a bummer! I read City of Dreams the day it was released. I have the graphic novel and the DVD. What is going on??? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Awesome Animal Tale With A Heart
This captivating tale of a good-hearted hedgehog introduces children to many precious animals.When tiny Anabelle is nominated Official Dog Chaser of Riverbank, several citizens give her their harsh advice.Eventually, Anabelle realizes the best way to rid their homes of the menacing labrador is to make their enemy into their friend.

I am so impressed with this tale!It just was republished in March. The author skillfully increases your child's vocabulary by introducing challenging words and then providing the definition through the dialogue a clever animal.

Your child will learn a valuable lesson on how to deal with others of all personalities.It will encourage them to look beyond first impressions and get to know one another more thoughtfully. ... Read more

Product Description
A three–book omnibus edition of this spellbinding fantasy saga. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Dragon King Saga:
Typical Steven Lawhead epic adventure story, action, narrow escapes, love, and good always triumphs. Great story and very easy reading. I flew through all 1000 pages in just caouple of weeks.

My 12-year-old son's favorite book series!
My son will tell you, "This is the best book I've ever read." In thisfantasy the characters grow and change for the better. Move over Harry Potter, the Dragon King Saga has got you beat!

King-Priest of the Dragon King
here is an exerpt from the Warlords of Zin
Never in Malice, Never in Hate , Never in evil shall this blade be raised. But in righteousness and Justice forever shall it shine

This is seeped in Holy writings of Nippon, the Middle Kingdom, and Europe

All have a traditon of the few Holy-Warriors,
Recomended if thou likest the Lord of the Rings

A good, solid series of Lawhead's early writing.
I don't think I can add much beyond the in-depth review below, except to say that when I read the series some time ago, it captured my imagination enough for me to rate it a solid "I like it" #4 on the scale.I thought some of the spiritual concepts were a bit understated for a Christian Fantasy, but many prefer that.An event that I particularly remember was the search for the precious metal to fashion the sword, and also the sword's creation.The sword and its use in one certain battle still comes to memory.I wouldn't overlook this series if you are a Fantasy fan.It's worth the read.

Save your time, save your money, save your dignity
It could be said in this trilogy's defense that this work was intended as mere pulp fantasy, intended to be read by readers looking for the familiar fix of a plot written by the numbers.However, to do so would be an insult to pulp authors everywhere.Lawhead entirely fails to create believeable characters or to develop the characters that he does create.The plot is so predictable that I am convinced the author looked for the most obvious possible developments.However, these faults could be forgiven - or at least ignored - if the exposition was even slightly worthwhile.

Unfortunately, its deficiencies in plot, character, world-building, and originality are complemented by quite possibly the worst writing I have ever seen.His descriptions substitute the reader's fantasy stereotypes for any actual use of adjectives.Perhaps he assumes that his entire audience is third graders.His language is consistently cliched and hackneyed.If you enjoy being hit in the face repeatedly with large bricks, this trilogy may be for you.If you actively hate literature, this trilogy is definitely for you.If you're looking for a simple but entertaining story without too many preconceptions, read the Belgariad. ... Read more

Product Description
An animal tale for younger children. ... Read more