The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul Published by Waterbrook Press Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #9781400073399 Reviewed by: Phyllis Wheeler Order Now!

It’s a medieval-style world, where friendly wizards use magic, technology has advanced as far as use of swords, and the animal kingdom includes huge sentient parrots as well as dragons, large and small, who communicate telepathically. A young woman,Tipper, lives a sheltered life with her mother in an elegant house that has seen better days on the edge of a forest. Her artist father mysteriously vanished 15 years before. Her mother is pleasantly out to lunch, talking a lot of nonsense most of the time. Among other strange things, the mother claims that she sees Tipper’s father in the evenings. When her mother goes on a trip, Tipper sees her father in the evenings too. It turns out he is in quite a fix, appearing but then vanishing into thin air after only a few minutes. It all has something to do with a “gateway” his wizard friend across the world in Amara rigged up in the closet of her parents’ bedroom. The gateway is coming apart, threatening the fabric of the world. Tipper and her father, the wizard friend, a librarian, and a giant parrot set out on a quest to find the keys to putting it back together. Later on we find out that there are also some bad guys who want to take over the kingdom using the gateway. What do I think? Donita K. Paul wrote another successful series, the DragonKeeper Chronicles, which I have not read. The DragonKeeper stories are set in the same world as the characters in The Vanishing Sculptor, but they are separated by time and place. So to someone familiar with Paul’s work, the background and settings must seem familiar, though the characters aren’t. For me, barging into this world clueless, it was difficult to sort out the seven races. Paul refers to these races by name–emerlindian, tumanhofer, etc., without explaining that they are races. After several chapters of puzzlement I looked up the strange words in the glossary, which I was glad to find. Other than that, I found a well-crafted story. Tipper’s teenage character is self-centered in a very realistic way. Her bossy guardian, the large parrot, is also a fully-drawn self-important kind of guy. Only the wizard from Amara seems two-dimensional through most of the story, continually dropping lizards from his clothing with little variation. However, I understand he is a character in the other series, and so is probably more developed there. Christian underpinnings for this story are definitely there. A loving deity is watching over the characters, sending an emissary to intervene. Paul does a great job of touching the heart of the matter in a lovely and satisfying way. So, I heartily recommend this book for a variety of ages. -Phyllis Wheeler, The Christian Fantasy Review

Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith by Eric Reinhold Published by Creation House (A Strang Company) Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-1-59979-626-0 Reviewed by: Florida Baptist Witness Order Now!

ORLANDO (FBW)—Imagining fantasies to tell his three children at bedtime, Orlando resident Eric Reinhold developed a cast of characters and events that became the basis for supernatural adventure novels published by Creation House. The recently released Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith follows book one of the series, Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword, published in 2008. In the books, 12-year-old Ryann is set on a fantasy adventure by a command from the angel Gabiel “to search our and put on the full armor of God so that you can take a stand against the devil’s schemes.” The angel leaves a glowing ring with Ryann to help on the quest. Unable to keep quiet about the angel’s visit, Ryann enlists his friends Terrell and Liddy in his search for pieces of God’s armor. Another boy—a classroom bully—is visited by a dark angel, Lord Ekron, who charges him with thwarting all of Ryann’s godly efforts. All the non-fantasy action takes place in Mt. Dora, where the friends meet at the Dickens-Reed Book Nook and attend Mt. Dora Middle School. The lakes and gazebos around the city serve as passageways to the world of Aeliana where mythical friends and talking animals help them in their searches. The second book, in which Ryann searches for the shield of faith, places Ryann and his friends in “more grown-up situations and more do-or-die circumstances,” according to a publisher’s news release. The author is a member of First Baptist Church Sweetwater in Longwood where is he is a deacon, Sunday School teacher and volunteer with the high school youth group. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and University of Baltimore, he is president of Academy Wealth Management, a financial planning firm. While growing up in Miami, Reinhold read the works of C.S. Lewis and sci-fi author Marion Zimmer Bradley. Such influences combine to produce what one reviewer called a “fine balance between virtuous substance and an enchanting romp.” Reinhold began outlining the Annals of Aeliana series in 2000, but was sidetracked by health and business issues before picking up the project again in 2007. The hard-cover volumes, 227 and 384 pages, are colorfully illustrated by Corey Wolfe, and contain maps of both Mt. Dora and Aeliana, and an illustrated list of characters. Reinhold is currently writing book three in the series, Ryann Watters and the Belt of Truth. For more information on the Annals of Aeliana Series, go to www.ryannwatters.com.

Beyond Corista by Robert Elmer Published by Zondervan Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-0-310-71423-1 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

Robert Elmer is a most unique author. He is equally at home writing a tender love story as a young adult fiction series about another universe, another world. Beyond Corista is the third book in The Shadowside Trilogy. Some sequels disappoint readers by not taking them on as grand a journey as the first book, The Shadowside books do not. Each book begins where the last one left off and the action and adventure grows with each successive book. Beyond Corista begins with Oriannon and her friends Margus and Wist traveling through space on some unknown mission guided only by the glowing red stone that sings to Oriannon's heart. They have an unwelcome guest with them, Sola, who is now blind and bitter. Oriannon would like nothing better than to drop Sola off in some obscure planet, but her mentor, Jesmet, always taught forgiveness. As they travel from planet to planet they are to give the inhabitants the message that the Troikans are coming to destroy Corista. When warnings go unheeded, doubt sets in, and even Oriannon begins to wonder if her visions are nothing more than hallucinations. This book completes the Shadowside Trilogy and will grab the reader from page one. There are new planets and new creatures and challenges for the three friends. The book can be read as a standalone. However, if you would like the full story I would recommend the entire trilogy which includes, Trion Rising and The Owling.

The Owling by Robert Elmer Published by Zondervan Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-0-310-71422-4 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

Few authors have the ability to cross not only genres but also age levels the way Robert Elmer does. Whether he is writing a tender love story, a young person's high adventure, or another world drama his talent for story telling is unmatched. The Owling, book two in the Shadowside Trilogy is entertaining and thought- provoking. When fifteen-year old Oriannon Hightower witnessed the death of her mentor, Jesmet, she thought her world was falling apart. His return to life made her life completely baffling. And, when she thought things could get no more complicated, Jesmet returns and promises his followers some sort of special power called the Numa. As Oriannon waits for this unexplained power a new source of hope comes into her life. Sola, the new head of security on planet Corista, proposes the Ultimate Solution for peace. Oriannon is seduced by Sola's power and promises. Is the mysterious holy man or the new charismatic security leader the one to follow? Oriannon must work with her friend Markus to find the real answers, but will they be in time to save their loved ones and friends? The second book in the trilogy does not disappoint. It picks up almost immediately where the first book left off and the action doesn't stop. Readers will meet new characters and old friends. And, as with any book Robert Elmer writes, readers will find themselves drawn into the story and challenged by the message. I recommend this book for anyone, not only young adults. My twelve year old son loves this series also.

A Lever Long Enough by Amy Deardon Published by Taegais Publishing Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-0-9818997-2-5 Reviewed by: Delia Latham Order Now!

Benjamin Feinan leads an Israeli military team back in time. The goal: Film the "theft" of Jesus' body from the tomb, thus disproving the age-old story of resurrection, salvation, and belief in Jesus as Messiah. They have seventy-two hours to collect video evidence and plant it in the Dead Sea to be found two thousand years later, in their own time. The mission's failure could have dire consequences, including war and the devastation of the nation of Israel. While the team struggles through a series of obstacles in the first century, a present-day traitor tries desperately to sabotage the mission for his own purposes. In the meantime, Benjamin is shocked to discover one vital member of his team has serious doubts about their very purpose, and is leaning toward the deadly belief that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. The author does a fantastic job of bringing vividly to life another time and place. Absolutely stunning imagery. I felt as though I were right there in ancient Jerusalem - inside the empty tomb of Jesus Christ - seeing the Roman soldiers, the Temple Mount, the lifestyles and customs of that day and time. A Lever Long Enough is packed with riveting suspense and heart-pounding intrigue. The pages turn all by themselves as the reader rushes through Jerusalem along with Benjamin and his team. It's fast-paced, dynamic, and totally unpredictable. I didn't want the story to end. Amy Deardon is an amazing painter of words. I will definitely be watching for more from this gifted writer.

Trion Rising by Robert Elmer Published by Zondervan Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-0-310-71421-7 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

Robert Elmer is a truly talented author, equally comfortable with tender adult fiction and creative youth science fiction. Trion Rising is the first book in The Shadowside Trilogy, his latest youth science fiction. With the same creative flair as The Pilgrim's Progress and Hind's Feet on High Places, Elmer's allegorical world will attract all ages. Oriannon Hightower lives a comfortable life on the bright side of Corista. She only questions the rules and standards when she and her friend Margus are talking. When her father forbids her to remain friends with the boy because he isn't in their Class, Oriannon begins to question a little more. Then Jesmet comes to the school to teach music. His music, songs, and ideas are strange, beautiful, and dangerous. They go against everything she has ever been taught. But somehow they make sense. When she dares to stand up against the leadership of Corista, she finds herself running for her life and lost on the dark side of the planet. There she meets the people she was always told were animals and discovers a love that dwells in the heart and guides and protects even when disaster threatens. Oriannon must choose between tradition and what she knows is true of the cliff-dwelling people to save an entire nation and maybe her mentor, Jesmet. Robert Elmer created a new world, new civilizations, new and old situations and brought the age-old battle between tradition and change into the story. Then, he added a special man who knew the heart of people to show them love and life. Sound familiar? This book is a great read. It will captivate youth who long for science fiction, fantasy worlds, and unique characters. And bring truth into the heart of the readers as they travel the journey with Oriannon, Margus, and Jesmet. I highly recommend it and am now eager to start book two in the trilogy, The Owling.

The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck Published by Navpress Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-1-60006-133-2 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

Sharon Hinck has taken her readers on another grand journey. Check your schedule before opening the book, you'll need a few clear days because you will not want to stop reading until the end! Susan, Mark, and Jake return from Lyric to pick life back up where they left off. Despite the fact they know Cameron and Medea traveled through the portal also, they haven't seen or heard from them in three months. Just as they allow themselves a sense of security, their house is invaded. Cameron and Medea abduct Susan and take her back through the portal with them. Mark and Jake must follow. Back in Lyric again, Jake finds things very different, and his mom has disappeared. Jake must learn the meaning of the Restorer power flowing through his body and understand that following the One is not an easy task. Susan also must find the well of faith within her and she faces worse trials than ever before from an enemy that threatens to destroy her spirit and very soul. Sharon Hinck skillfully takes the reader into a world of faith and fights, hatred and love, evil and good. And somehow, within the lives of Susan and Jake readers will see themselves and find their own journey to follow the One is filled with battles, betrayals, challenges and growth. What an amazing book. I suggest you read all three of the Sword of Lyric books. They will leave you hoping for another.

Day Omega by Craig Harms Published by Lighthouse eBooks Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #978-0-9797863-9-6 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

In his debut novel, Mr. Harms created a very believable interpretation of the end times of our world. His Biblical, scientific, and historical knowledge blend together into a story rich with strong characters and Christian hope. Sam Dimas lived a comfortable life in Chicago for years. Then the quest for more money, more stuff, more everything left him and his family with less of each other. The day he has a marriage-ending fight with his wife, is the day the world changes. In a flash, his wife and millions of people around the world disappear on what becomes known as Disappearance Day. A new world rises. New leaders, new governments, new power, and people searching for answers tend to follow even the most ridiculous explanation for the human loss. Sam Dimas rises to a place of economic stability working for the company that develops and implements the microchip all remaining humans must have placed within their hands. When Sam becomes aware of inconsistencies in the new world leader's goals and actions, he begins his own quest for answers. He finds them in his wife's Bible. As he and his children embark on a spiritual journey to faith and a physical journey to safety, they are ill prepared for the challenges ahead. This book will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next and to ponder Mr. Harms' interpretation on the apocalyptic verses. It is a good read, suspenseful and surprising. Reviewer's note: The epilogue provides an entire twist on the whole end of the book. Some will like it, others' won't. But I believe all who read this book will find themselves searching their own faith and beliefs.

Heart of the Highriders by Dr. Richard C. Leonard & Charity R. Silkebakken Published by Word Association Publishers Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #1 59571 144 9 Reviewed by: Betty Anne Bantz, www.bantzbooks.com Order Now!

Return to a year when truth is hidden, and evil has lost its name. Yet the WORD still guides the man who takes the time to listen. In a land of medieval creatures and valiant men on flying horses, Bilgash seeks hidden clues that will unlock the mystery of the missing scrolls, while dark enemies from the north seek to destroy him before he can unite the clans with their true leader. Anyone who loves fantasy and adventure will find this story captivating. Over 400 pages of mystery and discovery written by a conservative Congregational minister and his daughter. Some of the mind pictures they paint will stay with you for a long while, like how evil has a way of settling down on you unawares. And how God is ever so much more powerful than this evil, and He's more than willing to do you good if you just ask.

The Restorer by Sharon Hinck Published by Navpress Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic ISBN #1600061311 Reviewed by: Dan Case Order Now!

This is a very dangerous book. Reading this book will upset your place in the time-space continuum. It will suck you into its pages like a portal into another reality, and then drop you back into our world hours later, potentially leaving entire days unaccounted for. And, if you are given to reading in the bathtub, be warned: it is nearly impossible to put this book down long enough to towel off, and you may find yourself trapped in a tub of room-temperature bathwater with more pruney wrinkles than a bulldog. Established CBA Mom-Lit author Sharon Hinke has accomplished something incredible in The Restorer–a successful fusion of Mom-Lit and Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory genres. Like any fusion of extremes, hard-core advocates of either genre will have to adjust a little. The hard-core Mom-Lit fans may find it challenging at first to get their heads around the alternate universe that burned-out soccer mom Susan Mitchell falls into; portals into alternate realities aren’t exactly the norm in Mom-Lit. Likewise, hard-core Fantasy readers may be challenged by the interpretation of that alternate reality through the eyes of a suburban soccer-mom. However, those who have the creative vision to see this fusion for what it is and approach without presumption will find The Restorer to be a wondrous journey with a truly unique twist or two and more than a few surprises as soccer-mom Susan grows into her calling in the alternate reality, and in the process rediscovers herself. Be warned that once you open this book and start reading, you might slip through the portal right behind Susan. I did, and I want to go back. It’s a good thing this is the first of three (and who knows, maybe more) in the Sword of Lyric series. I’ll soon make the return trip with The Restorer’s Son. D.