About the Book

Book: The Light of Eidon

Author: Karen Hancock

Genre: Fantasy (reprint)

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Special Hardcover Edition of a Classic Christian Fantasy

Abramm has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice. But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably separate him from the life he was born to—as Abramm Kalladorne, fifth son of the king of Kiriath—he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers.

Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete as a gladiator. When the oppressed masses rally around his success, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible—to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient mist-bound cities, The Light of Eidon is the first volume of an epic series, Legends of the Guardian- King.

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About the Author

Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

Excerpt from the Book

“WHY DO WE SERVE THE FLAMES?”

“Toward the realm from Shadow.”

“Why must we guard our purity?”

“To keep the Flames strong and bright.”

They sat cross-legged on the barge cabin’s single, narrow bunk, facing each other—Novice and discipler—their voices alternating in a steady rhythm of question and answer that had gone unbroken for nearly an hour. Since the noon prayer service, they had been reviewing the six codices of the First Guardian Station, codices Eldrin must know tomorrow for the final test of his novitiate. He had long since learned them so well he could answer without hesitation, but he didn’t mind the repetition. Right now it was just the sort of superficial mental occupation he needed to keep his thoughts off . . . other things.

“What is the source of the Shadow?” asked his discipler, one bony, ink-stained finger pressed to the page of the open catechism in his lap.

“The arrogance of Moroq conceived it,” Eldrin replied. “The passions of the flesh sustain it.” “Who is Moroq?”

“The dark son of Eidon and Lord Ruler of the rhu’ema. The Adversary. No man can stand against him, save One.”

“And that One is?”

“Eidon, Lord of Light, Creator of All, Defender of Man. Soon may he come, and swift be his judgment.”

The rhythm ended, and the silence that filled the void after it made Eldrin’s ears ring. He noticed the heat again, the sweat trickling down his chest beneath his wool tunic, the stifling mantle of his long, unbound hair weighing on his back. A fitful breeze danced through the high, open portal in the bulkhead, carrying the river’s dank odor and a disharmonious chorus of voices from the crowds on its bank. Thunder rumbled out of the distance.

Anxiety, held at bay by the long recitation, came oozing back. Soon they would be docking, disembarking, and marching up to the temple to begin the long ritual that would end with his initiation as a Guardian of the Holy Flames. Or not, if things went badly.

His discipler, Brother Belmir, smiled at him over small, round spectacles. “Flawless, as usual. Shall we do another?”

“I defer to your judgment, Brother.” Eldrin uncrossed his legs and recrossed them in opposite order, wincing as feeling tingled back.

“We’ll do a random selection, then.” Belmir leafed through the catechism, yellowed pages just brushing the slender gray braid that dangled over his shoulder. He was a small, birdlike man, all bones and angles, with a deeply lined face and shrewd gray eyes behind the spectacles. He wore the four gold cords of his station at his left wrist and, at his throat, the ruby amulet all Guardians were granted upon acceptance into the Holy Brotherhood of the Mataio.

Tomorrow Eldrin should receive an amulet of his own.

It was a day he had anticipated for eight long years; now the closer it got, the more uneasy he became. What if he walked up to the lip of the great bronze brazier tomorrow and the Flames rejected him?

MY REVIEW

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