Having not read the 2nd book in the series, I did feel as if I was missing part of the story, something I hate when reading. but I knew that coming into the book.

Thomas, the main character, is now a wanted man, and is struggling finding out who he can trust and believe in. The book is well written and well paced. There's a lot of good verses evil in the book, but can be read more as an adventure novel then necessarily as a Christian book.

I did like this one more than the first book in the series.

( )

Read on February 13, 2014

My thoughts?

Author Sigmund Brouwer is Canadian - my first attraction to reading this novel as I'm always on the lookout for a new to me Canadian writer. It's turned into a true reading find and a series I'm keen to pursue. .
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Steady pace of the story's opening soon becomes urgent
as we follow the trail of this recently conquering Lord of Magnus Castle to his now fugitive conquered state.
Thomas' doubt of those who would assist him is returned as both sides try to determine where alliances lie. As readers, we have the advantage of seeing the background story,
yet without opportunity to intervene [ nor to prevent inevitable dangers!]

Having not read the preceding two books of the series I was at a disadvantage in not knowing main players in the drama, but was quick to catch up with the author's inclusion of references
and descriptions of events. Action was constant, keeping me involved rather than frustrated.

Deception and intrigue weave a dark pattern enhancing colourful characters and action. Brouwer paints a bustling medieval York that included me midst each scene - having walked through those very gates, the cobbled alleys, the broad stone walls.

High sea adventures as Thomas continues his flight from the evil intentioned druids. Battles and skirmishes play out for better and for worse... Who does he trust?

I love the story. I love the characters. I want to know how it ends.

The cameo scenes of Robin Hood and his band add a pleasing touch of familiarity
and seemed to situate the story for me. An ahah moment - this is where we are!
Romantic attachments are a pleasing thread running throughout,
without overpowering the essential aura of mystery and suspense.
Leaving this reader anticipating more...
More action, more resolution, more romance.

Book #4 next...
Blades of Valor (Merlin's Immortals, #4) by Sigmund Brouwer
Released January 21st 2014 by Waterbrook Press

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Merlin’s Immortals is a series that takes readers to the heart of the sorcery battles that have been hidden from mankind all through the centuries, since the first rays of sunlight at Stonehenge.

Perfect series for fans of Lisa Bergren's medieval River of Time series.
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Sigmund Brouwer is author of eighteen novels with nearly three million copies in print. His recent novel The Last Disciple was featured in Time magazine and on ABC's Good Morning America.
Married to songwriter recording artist Cindy Morgan. The couple and their two young daughters divide their time between Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and Nashville, Tennessee. He loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his RockandRoll Literacy Show.

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Appreciation to Random House and Waterbrook Press for providing an ecopy for reading and review via Blogging for Books. ( )

As I began reading this book I realized I should have read the first two in the series, as some of the characters were introduced in those books and their history had begun.
But with that said, the story was so full of mystery that it kept you guessing about how everything would end up. The book is set during the Medieval times of castles,noblemen,knights,the druids,the holy Grail and deep dark dungeons. In this segment fifteen monks of the Priests of the Holy Grail arrive in Magnus. They preformed tricks to make the people think the were miracles and believe in them. Thomas tries to stay hidden but his cover is blown by a friend.
Though I would recommend reading this book after the first two. ( )

Loved this book, keeps you on the edge of your seat, I was unable to put it down once I started reading! I am looking forward to reading some of Sigmund Brouwer's other books. ( )

Martyr’s Fire is book 3 in Sigmund Brouwer’s Merlin’s Immortals series. And while I was less than enthusiastic about books 1 and 2, I liked this book very much. It actually changed my reaction to the first two books.

So who should read this book and why?

Written for the young adult audience, I think middle schoolers are the most likely to connect with Brouwer’s series. I gave the first two books to a friend. She said her boys eagerly devoured them. There is plenty of action, mystery, and tricks. The variety of characters — priests, Druids, knights, sailors, and outlaws — will also appeal to this age group. Martyr’s Fire continues the story of young Thomas, a character with more questions than answers. After his successful reclaiming of Magnus, his hold remains tenuous. Danger and threats make him take precautions that limit his contact with the people. Soon, a group of priests claiming to hold the means to bless the people take over the their hearts and force Thomas to be on the run again.

Trust, or the lack of it, seems to be the major theme in Martyr’s Fire. Thomas grew up abused by the monks who raised him; his nurse the only one who cared for him. Answers to past secrets continue to elude him. Now Thomas has Druids and Immortals vying for his allegiance all the while keeping him from the truth of his roots and destiny. Finding it difficult to distinguish between friend and foe, Thomas takes on a solitary quest to find answers that will help him reclaim Magnus once more. Fast-paced, Martyr’s Fire discloses more of just who the Immortal’s are. Characters evolve as well, allowing the reader to connect more fully with them. The legend of Merlin is expanded and is a big draw for the story.

All in all, a good series for middle schoolers who like medieval settings, epic quests and a young character that is easily identified with.

Recommended.

(I received this book from Waterbrook in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )