After being sold into slavery by his siblings and being betrayed, Abramm finds himself fighting in gladiatorial combat. Every promise he ever made has been broken, and his only surviving possession is the company of the hated Terstan. He has nothing left to live for. He elevates a victim to the position of hero without even meaning to. If he does not discover the Light of Eidon, everything he has battled for will be lost.

The plot is intriguing and continually shifting on a physical and emotional level, and the characters are likeable. As he moves from hope to despair to purpose, the hero is tremendously likeable and captivating.

The surroundings are radiant, the political, religious, and cultural components have been carefully cultivated. It was enjoyable to read a story about sinister, perverse characters without any harsh language or graphic sexual content. This book is for you and your book club if you enjoy fantasy with a biblical theme.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

I can totally see why this book won the Christy Award in 2004 when it was first published and why Karen Hancock holds the enviable spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame. Now with an updated and streamlined cover from Enclave Publishing, the book is gorgeous inside and out. It's a completely engaging allegory-fantasy novel that unfurls an epic adventure full of magic and good triumphing over evil. As characters navigate through pain, loss, and sacrifice, they learn about perseverance, true faith, and sense of purpose and calling. There is plenty of action in the gladiator games that is reminiscent of the movie Thor : Ragnarok.

Told from Abramm and Carissa's third person point of view, we get to see the twins' growth and maturation as they leave the country they have become disillusioned with and enter a cruel new culture that only seeks to use them. Their journey to finding each other is fraught with betrayal, heartbreak, and agonizing soul-searching. Abramm becomes a warrior from his priestly scholar beginnings and I expect he's on his way to becoming a fierce king. I can't wait to read the next book. My favorite character was Trap Meridon - the faithful, patient, steadfast, loyal protector of Abramm; I hope to see more of him in the series. The book is a little longer than my usual fare but I gobbled it up in no time.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )

The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock is a fantasy novel. As the first book in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, this book explores the struggles between good and evil set during a Medieval-like other-world setting.

Karen Hancock does an excellent job bringing the storyline and characters to life. As Abramm prepares to take the vows that will separate him from the life he was born into, unexpected events occur.

With struggles to do what he has actually been called to do, dealing with the betrayal of those closest to him, and more, this book will keep you reading. I must say, I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

So if you enjoy fantasies, check out The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I will first start my review by mentioning how the cover is very eye catching. It draws readers in and perhaps gives them an insight into the story they are about to read. The sword for me is a symbol of strength and power. My curiosity was piqued and I decided to enter into this fantasy world the author created.

Abramm is the focus of the story as he has reached the place where he will take his vows. He has been diligent in preparing himself for this moment in time. It took him by surprise to see everyone waiting for him. I could feel doubt entering and fear start to take over. Is he ready to take this step? The author brings readers a story where family will betray each other, fights of epic proportions and someone who starts to doubt what they have believed in.

There are parts of the story where Abramm is resisting being king. He talks with his sister who pleads with him to take the throne. Her hope is that he will clean up the realm and rid it of evil. Can he stop the corruption that is going on? Why is he so against this plan?

There are some references that could be seen as a hint of God. One part is when Abramm is talking to the king. It is explained that “only of Light-Eidon’s own light, bought by the death of his Son and freely bestowed upon any who desire it.” We have a choice to accept the gift God has given us as Abramm tries to explain to the king. They don’t use the Word God in the story but we are free to make our own observations and conclusions as we read the book.

Attacks start coming at Abramm as evil tries to engulf him. It is an epic battle where evil vs good play out. Some scenes were a bit much for me and I would have liked less description of those. Becoming a slave quickens Abramm’s sister to free him. She must be careful of who she trusts though.

Toward the middle and end of the book I started to not like what I was reading. I didn’t like how the story mentions suicide, spells, magic and the battles that Abramm is forced into. Graphic scenes that made me uneasy and a few scenes that were questionable sexual content. Very distasteful to me and I cannot recommend this book at all.

Perhaps there are some good things readers can take from the book but the details of battles that are too graphic and sexual content is not needed in this book. It may have been in his thoughts only but to describe it in detail is not necessary.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion ( )

it was a great story and the characters were easy to get attached to. The only problem i really had was the choppy style in some parts and some lack of detail. the good parts were more than able to to make up for this though. ( )