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Codebearers #1
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow (Codebearers, No.1) [Paperback] [2008] (Author) The Miller Brothers, Allan Miller, Christopher Miller
Strange visions hideous monsters startling revelations Hunter Brown never expected a summer like this, and its only getting started! After one of his infamous pranks backfires, Hunter unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient book and key. Little does he know the mysterious book is a gateway to Solandria, a supernatural realm held captive by the Shadow. In Solandria, Hunter joins forces with the Codebearers, a band of highly trained warriors who form the Resistance to the Shadow. But before he can complete his training in the ways of the Code of Life, Hunter is sent on a mission far more dangerous than he ever bargained for. Now with his life in peril and the future of Solandria hanging in the balance, Hunter is headed for a showdown with the Shadow and a battle to save his soul from a fate worse than death! Is Hunters knowledge of the Code deep enough to uncover the secret of the Shadow, or will the truth be more than he can bear? Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow is the first installment in The Codebearers SeriesTM. The story incorporates an added layer of symbolism, inspired by John Bunyans Pilgrims Progress, to communicate spiritual truths and themes to readers.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 2, 2023
I've read this countless times and it's just as good as the first time!
July 17, 2018
"Hunter Brown and The Secret of the Shadow" by Christopher Miller
This is a book I doubted at the beginning then it gripped me with its fast packed action,cliffhangers, and mysteriousness. Highly recommended to read. The book also seems to have a background with the Christian religion which I found interesting.
--Caleb, PWPLS Teen Reader
http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola...
This is a book I doubted at the beginning then it gripped me with its fast packed action,cliffhangers, and mysteriousness. Highly recommended to read. The book also seems to have a background with the Christian religion which I found interesting.
--Caleb, PWPLS Teen Reader
http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola...
March 18, 2010
Quick synopsis: Hunter Brown is a fairly ordinary, underachieving kid who has the usual problems with school, bullies, and a fractured family. One day, he acquires a mysterious book under mysterious circumstances that leads him into a world much stranger than anything he ever imagined. He has a special destiny in this world that requires him to complete a quest culminating in a showdown with the forces of darkness. Along the way, he learns a lot about himself and the value of friendship, truth, endurance, trust, and self-sacrifice.
Quick reaction: I liked it. Any tweener on your gift list will probably enjoy it very much, and if they’re not careful, they, like Hunter, might learn something before they’re done. The Brothers Miller have created a rollicking adventure that moves at a fast clip, is filled with likable characters, weaves a plethora of puzzles and riddles into the plot, and prepares the way for future installments of Hunter’s adventures.
Random observations: These aren’t pros & cons so much as a list of things in the story that stood out for me.
* I Don’t Think This Means What You Think It Means: Not too surprisingly, there’s a lot of allegory in this story, which will be more or less obvious depending on the reader’s background. It makes some very definite statements about God’s sovereignty and how God’s will and human will interact that had a strong Calvinist tone, in my opinion–again, not a criticism, just an observation.
* He’s Dead, Jim: As with any book for kids this age, parents ought to look it over to ensure they’re comfortable with the content and that it’s appropriate for their child. There are some requisite “ew, gross” moments. There’s a fair bit of hacking and slashing with swords and claws. People are hurt, and people, including some of the good guys, die. One particular death is rather shocking for a book at this age level, in my opinion, but maybe I just don’t get out enough.
* She’s Really Not That Into You: Having a daughter, I’m always looking at how female characters are portrayed. There are only three or four girls in this story, but they’re strong, courageous, and resourceful, with the possible exception of Hunter’s annoying kid sister. The female lead is key to the story without becoming Hunter’s girlfriend. The Millers state on their webpage that they’re focusing on stories boys would enjoy reading, but I think girls would like this story just fine.
* Just an Amazing Simulation: There are some strong echoes of the usual spec-fic suspects, including Narnia, LOTR, and Star Wars, but nothing that feels like a blatant lift from those works.
Quick reaction: I liked it. Any tweener on your gift list will probably enjoy it very much, and if they’re not careful, they, like Hunter, might learn something before they’re done. The Brothers Miller have created a rollicking adventure that moves at a fast clip, is filled with likable characters, weaves a plethora of puzzles and riddles into the plot, and prepares the way for future installments of Hunter’s adventures.
Random observations: These aren’t pros & cons so much as a list of things in the story that stood out for me.
* I Don’t Think This Means What You Think It Means: Not too surprisingly, there’s a lot of allegory in this story, which will be more or less obvious depending on the reader’s background. It makes some very definite statements about God’s sovereignty and how God’s will and human will interact that had a strong Calvinist tone, in my opinion–again, not a criticism, just an observation.
* He’s Dead, Jim: As with any book for kids this age, parents ought to look it over to ensure they’re comfortable with the content and that it’s appropriate for their child. There are some requisite “ew, gross” moments. There’s a fair bit of hacking and slashing with swords and claws. People are hurt, and people, including some of the good guys, die. One particular death is rather shocking for a book at this age level, in my opinion, but maybe I just don’t get out enough.
* She’s Really Not That Into You: Having a daughter, I’m always looking at how female characters are portrayed. There are only three or four girls in this story, but they’re strong, courageous, and resourceful, with the possible exception of Hunter’s annoying kid sister. The female lead is key to the story without becoming Hunter’s girlfriend. The Millers state on their webpage that they’re focusing on stories boys would enjoy reading, but I think girls would like this story just fine.
* Just an Amazing Simulation: There are some strong echoes of the usual spec-fic suspects, including Narnia, LOTR, and Star Wars, but nothing that feels like a blatant lift from those works.
June 28, 2022
Well, that was... something.
It reads like a super generic Western children's isekai, with some metaphors so thinly veiled I doubt they can even be called metaphors. There's a lot of preaching about how God- I mean, the Author- works everything together for your good, and how there's a reason for everything, et cetera. If it was worked into the story instead of having action interrupted for a weak sermon I would tolerate it. But it's just bad writing.
Speaking of bad writing, this whole book was poorly written. There were a lot of times a comma would have been nice, and other times an exclamation point shouldn't have been there. It all felt stiff and impersonal, and it definitely didn't sound like it was from the perspective of a 14-year-old boy. But anyway, that's excusable if the story's good.
It's not. It's incoherent and the characters are all ridiculously flat.
I like the Veritas Sword, but it's basically a knock-off lightsaber. Hope's bow is actually kinda cool though.
Y'know, I love Lewis, but it's times like these when I can't stand the guy. Narnia made everyone believe that Christian fantasy has to have a character that's a stand-in for Jesus, a character that's a stand-in for God (usually unseen), and send kids to another world (that's usually suspiciously similar to medieval England for some reason) to learn life lessons and become good Christians. Narnia executed it well; most (this included) do not.
I remember the second and third books being better than the first, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to read any more of this series.
If not for nostalgia, this would net a solid 1 star. But I remember loving this, so it gets a reluctant 2 stars.
It reads like a super generic Western children's isekai, with some metaphors so thinly veiled I doubt they can even be called metaphors. There's a lot of preaching about how God- I mean, the Author- works everything together for your good, and how there's a reason for everything, et cetera. If it was worked into the story instead of having action interrupted for a weak sermon I would tolerate it. But it's just bad writing.
Speaking of bad writing, this whole book was poorly written. There were a lot of times a comma would have been nice, and other times an exclamation point shouldn't have been there. It all felt stiff and impersonal, and it definitely didn't sound like it was from the perspective of a 14-year-old boy. But anyway, that's excusable if the story's good.
It's not. It's incoherent and the characters are all ridiculously flat.
I like the Veritas Sword, but it's basically a knock-off lightsaber. Hope's bow is actually kinda cool though.
Y'know, I love Lewis, but it's times like these when I can't stand the guy. Narnia made everyone believe that Christian fantasy has to have a character that's a stand-in for Jesus, a character that's a stand-in for God (usually unseen), and send kids to another world (that's usually suspiciously similar to medieval England for some reason) to learn life lessons and become good Christians. Narnia executed it well; most (this included) do not.
I remember the second and third books being better than the first, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to read any more of this series.
If not for nostalgia, this would net a solid 1 star. But I remember loving this, so it gets a reluctant 2 stars.
April 15, 2021
Hunter Brown fits himself into an interesting category, where he doesn't try too hard because he knows he'll fail, so better to not exert himself in a useless effort. The one area in which he does try hard is setting up practical jokes on the school bully, which in and of itself isn't too bad. If someone can take a bully down a peg, more power to them.
I was torn between 2 and 5 stars for the overall content, as the story leans heavily towards the Christian mythos, but also has teaching moments where Hunter is forced to figure things out for himself. Along the way, he learns the values of being truthful to himself and others, being proactive even if it might not be the safest move, and believing in something outside himself.
Even though I expected the ending, it still took me a bit by surprise, especially the obvious nod to a follow up book. I liked that too though, as it introduces Hunter to more ways to think positive about himself, and where his decisions will take him. I also liked that he learned that what he does affects not only himself, but those around him, such as his friend Stretch.
Highly recommended for readers of multiple ages, both male and female, as we deal with a tale of a budding high school kid who still hasn't quite left childhood behind, wants a girlfriend, but more than anything wants a friend he can talk to.
I was torn between 2 and 5 stars for the overall content, as the story leans heavily towards the Christian mythos, but also has teaching moments where Hunter is forced to figure things out for himself. Along the way, he learns the values of being truthful to himself and others, being proactive even if it might not be the safest move, and believing in something outside himself.
Even though I expected the ending, it still took me a bit by surprise, especially the obvious nod to a follow up book. I liked that too though, as it introduces Hunter to more ways to think positive about himself, and where his decisions will take him. I also liked that he learned that what he does affects not only himself, but those around him, such as his friend Stretch.
Highly recommended for readers of multiple ages, both male and female, as we deal with a tale of a budding high school kid who still hasn't quite left childhood behind, wants a girlfriend, but more than anything wants a friend he can talk to.
May 17, 2022
Hunter Brown er en standard fantasy roman, som tydeligt er inspireret af kristendommen. Man skal være forberedt på et hurtigt tempo, få mangelfulde beskrivelser og lidt kikset dialog, men det skyldes en yngre målgruppe, knap så god oversættelse, og for at give dybde til hovedpersonen Hunter. Bogen er skrevet efter Hunters perspektiv, og det kan mærkes i præsentationen af verden. Hvis man kan overleve de negative områder, bliver man belønnet med en kreativ verden, nogle fantastisk billeder/sammenligninger, en god historie, og karakterer, man ikke kan lade være med at heppe på.
Der er to budskaber i bogen. Den ene er at Forfatteren (Gud) har en plan med alt. Den anden er at synden er dybt forbundet med mennesket, hvilket gør det svært at adskille de to fra hinanden.
Jeg vil slutte af med et citat fra bogen, der faldt i god jord hos mig.
"Jeg tror ikke, man rigtig kan bedømme en histories værdi, før man har læst den til ende."
Der er to budskaber i bogen. Den ene er at Forfatteren (Gud) har en plan med alt. Den anden er at synden er dybt forbundet med mennesket, hvilket gør det svært at adskille de to fra hinanden.
Jeg vil slutte af med et citat fra bogen, der faldt i god jord hos mig.
"Jeg tror ikke, man rigtig kan bedømme en histories værdi, før man har læst den til ende."
December 10, 2011
Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier les éditions Salvator de m’avoir permis de lire ce livre et ainsi de faire découvrir le 1er tome de cette série qui est vraiment très prometteuse.
Hunter Brown est un garçon comme les autres, enfin presque… Alors que c’est le dernier jour d’école, il se fait remarquer en faisant une mauvaise blague à la petite brute de l’école. Pour cela, il finit par prendre la fuite avec ses deux amis : Stubbs et Stretch et vont se retrouver dans la poubelle où un homme, le gardien va finir par les retrouver et les sortir de là. En échange de son silence, les garçons devront aller dans une librairie chercher un livre. Ils s’exécutent et lorsqu’ils reviennent ils ne trouvent pas l’homme, mais tombe nez à nez avec le directeur de l’école qui les punit pour le dernier jour de cours. En rentrant, Hunter est également privé de sortie par sa mère et va finir par regarder ce mystérieux livre qui ne contient à première vue que des pages blanches, jusqu’à ce qu’elles se révèlent. Hunter va ainsi découvrir un autre monde où l’Ombre règne. La Résistance, un groupe de Gardiens du Code vont lui révéler des choses étonnantes et lui confier une mission très dangereuse, mais pourtant nécessaire pour la survie de tous, mais Hunter sera-t-il à la hauteur de sa tâche ?
Je ne savais pas forcément à quoi m’attendre avec ce livre parce que jusque là, je n’en avais jamais entendu parler et je me suis laissé tenté par le résumé qui est assez alléchant (bien qu’il en dise peut être un peu trop) et j’ai donc commencé ma lecture, sans aucun a priori. Par ailleurs, avec les livres jeunesses du genre, généralement, ça se lit bien et vite, donc c’était parfait. Puis j’ai commencé et là, difficile de s’arrêter. Dès le début j’ai été happé – un peu comme Hunter – dans cet univers : Solandria, qui est un autre monde dirigé par l’Ombre. Une Résistance est créée par les Gardiens du Code. Ce sont eux qui vont retrouver et guider Hunter pour l’amener à Aviad qui va lui confier sa mission de la plus haute importante et dangereuse. L’univers est complet, riche et très intéressant, on prend plaisir à s’y plonger et découvrir tout ça, en même temps que Hunter qui jusque là, ignorait totalement son existence. Il est des choses qu’on ignore encore à la fin de ce premier tome, ce qui attire davantage notre curiosité pour poursuivre cette aventure.
C’est un livre de fantasy qui use certains codes donc pas vraiment de surprises à certains moments, mais les auteurs savent tout de même nous surprendre et nous intriguer, suffisamment pour avoir envie de continuer notre lecture pour savoir ce qui va arriver à Hunter. L’action ne cesse jamais, dès qu’Hunter se retrouve en possession de ce livre, il lui arrive diverses aventures, qui vont lui faire comprendre peu à peu ce qui se passe, dans quel monde il se trouve exactement. Bien que ce soit un livre de jeunesse, on peut dire que les auteurs ne ménagent pas leur personnage et qu’ils n’hésitent pas à le mettre dans des situations plutôt compliqués qui vont mettre le cerveau d’Hunter à rude épreuve. Il devra ruser et user de toute sa tête pour s’en sortir. C’est un livre de jeunesse c’est indéniable, mais je le trouve suffisamment mature pour que ça intéresse un public plus large (ou un public plus large avec une âme d’enfant, à voir).
Les personnages sont très attachants et plaisants à suivre. Je ne pourrais pas tous en parler parce qu’il y en a pas mal et que certains ont les voit finalement très peu. Mais en tout cas, je peux dire que j’ai beaucoup apprécié le personnage de Hunter. Le fait que ce soit écrit à la première personne aide énormément puisqu’on est dans sa tête et son corps, donc on le comprend mieux et on peut plus facilement se glisser dans sa peau. Mais en dehors de cela, je trouve ce personnage très attachant et courageux. Il n’hésite pas à y aller, tout en montrant parfois ses craintes. Mais il prend peu à peu confiance en lui et sait ce qu’il doit faire, prenant vraiment son Destin en main. Hunter va gagner en maturité, on voit une vraie évolution dans le livre au fur et à mesure qu’il lui arrive quelque chose. Hunter va se rendre compte que la vie peut être difficile mais que le tout est d’en accepter les choix et conséquences. Il va en ressortir grandi et changé, en quelque sorte. Une très bonne évolution en soi, et qui promet énormément pour la suite de cette série.
Sinon, je tiens à parler rapidement du livre en lui-même, je le trouve vraiment extra. La couverture est sympa (couverture VO, faite par les deux auteurs), mais c’est surtout l’intérieur. Le livre a des pages légèrement coloré en marron dans les angles, un peu comme un parchemin vieilli et je trouve ça beau, sans compter les illustrations (toujours au début d’un chapitre et parfois au milieu, représentant souvent quelques créatures que Hunter peut rencontrer). Et l’autre particularité, c’est que la police est aussi en marron et non en noir, comme c’est toujours le cas. Je trouve que ça fait vraiment un beau livre, bien sympathique à regarder visuellement, alors je tenais à le dire.
En bref, ce premier tome est un vrai régal. J’ai beaucoup apprécié l’univers des deux auteurs, les personnages sont attachants et plaisants à suivre. On est tout le temps dans le doute, même si on sait que ça ne peut que bien terminer (c’est de la jeunesse tout de même !) il n’empêche que l’on craint pour nos héros et qu’on se demande comment ils vont pouvoir s’en sortir. Si vous aimez les quêtes, les aventures, de la fantasy jeunesse quoi ! N’hésitez surtout pas à lire ce livre parce qu’il en vaut vraiment la peine.
Hunter Brown est un garçon comme les autres, enfin presque… Alors que c’est le dernier jour d’école, il se fait remarquer en faisant une mauvaise blague à la petite brute de l’école. Pour cela, il finit par prendre la fuite avec ses deux amis : Stubbs et Stretch et vont se retrouver dans la poubelle où un homme, le gardien va finir par les retrouver et les sortir de là. En échange de son silence, les garçons devront aller dans une librairie chercher un livre. Ils s’exécutent et lorsqu’ils reviennent ils ne trouvent pas l’homme, mais tombe nez à nez avec le directeur de l’école qui les punit pour le dernier jour de cours. En rentrant, Hunter est également privé de sortie par sa mère et va finir par regarder ce mystérieux livre qui ne contient à première vue que des pages blanches, jusqu’à ce qu’elles se révèlent. Hunter va ainsi découvrir un autre monde où l’Ombre règne. La Résistance, un groupe de Gardiens du Code vont lui révéler des choses étonnantes et lui confier une mission très dangereuse, mais pourtant nécessaire pour la survie de tous, mais Hunter sera-t-il à la hauteur de sa tâche ?
Je ne savais pas forcément à quoi m’attendre avec ce livre parce que jusque là, je n’en avais jamais entendu parler et je me suis laissé tenté par le résumé qui est assez alléchant (bien qu’il en dise peut être un peu trop) et j’ai donc commencé ma lecture, sans aucun a priori. Par ailleurs, avec les livres jeunesses du genre, généralement, ça se lit bien et vite, donc c’était parfait. Puis j’ai commencé et là, difficile de s’arrêter. Dès le début j’ai été happé – un peu comme Hunter – dans cet univers : Solandria, qui est un autre monde dirigé par l’Ombre. Une Résistance est créée par les Gardiens du Code. Ce sont eux qui vont retrouver et guider Hunter pour l’amener à Aviad qui va lui confier sa mission de la plus haute importante et dangereuse. L’univers est complet, riche et très intéressant, on prend plaisir à s’y plonger et découvrir tout ça, en même temps que Hunter qui jusque là, ignorait totalement son existence. Il est des choses qu’on ignore encore à la fin de ce premier tome, ce qui attire davantage notre curiosité pour poursuivre cette aventure.
C’est un livre de fantasy qui use certains codes donc pas vraiment de surprises à certains moments, mais les auteurs savent tout de même nous surprendre et nous intriguer, suffisamment pour avoir envie de continuer notre lecture pour savoir ce qui va arriver à Hunter. L’action ne cesse jamais, dès qu’Hunter se retrouve en possession de ce livre, il lui arrive diverses aventures, qui vont lui faire comprendre peu à peu ce qui se passe, dans quel monde il se trouve exactement. Bien que ce soit un livre de jeunesse, on peut dire que les auteurs ne ménagent pas leur personnage et qu’ils n’hésitent pas à le mettre dans des situations plutôt compliqués qui vont mettre le cerveau d’Hunter à rude épreuve. Il devra ruser et user de toute sa tête pour s’en sortir. C’est un livre de jeunesse c’est indéniable, mais je le trouve suffisamment mature pour que ça intéresse un public plus large (ou un public plus large avec une âme d’enfant, à voir).
Les personnages sont très attachants et plaisants à suivre. Je ne pourrais pas tous en parler parce qu’il y en a pas mal et que certains ont les voit finalement très peu. Mais en tout cas, je peux dire que j’ai beaucoup apprécié le personnage de Hunter. Le fait que ce soit écrit à la première personne aide énormément puisqu’on est dans sa tête et son corps, donc on le comprend mieux et on peut plus facilement se glisser dans sa peau. Mais en dehors de cela, je trouve ce personnage très attachant et courageux. Il n’hésite pas à y aller, tout en montrant parfois ses craintes. Mais il prend peu à peu confiance en lui et sait ce qu’il doit faire, prenant vraiment son Destin en main. Hunter va gagner en maturité, on voit une vraie évolution dans le livre au fur et à mesure qu’il lui arrive quelque chose. Hunter va se rendre compte que la vie peut être difficile mais que le tout est d’en accepter les choix et conséquences. Il va en ressortir grandi et changé, en quelque sorte. Une très bonne évolution en soi, et qui promet énormément pour la suite de cette série.
Sinon, je tiens à parler rapidement du livre en lui-même, je le trouve vraiment extra. La couverture est sympa (couverture VO, faite par les deux auteurs), mais c’est surtout l’intérieur. Le livre a des pages légèrement coloré en marron dans les angles, un peu comme un parchemin vieilli et je trouve ça beau, sans compter les illustrations (toujours au début d’un chapitre et parfois au milieu, représentant souvent quelques créatures que Hunter peut rencontrer). Et l’autre particularité, c’est que la police est aussi en marron et non en noir, comme c’est toujours le cas. Je trouve que ça fait vraiment un beau livre, bien sympathique à regarder visuellement, alors je tenais à le dire.
En bref, ce premier tome est un vrai régal. J’ai beaucoup apprécié l’univers des deux auteurs, les personnages sont attachants et plaisants à suivre. On est tout le temps dans le doute, même si on sait que ça ne peut que bien terminer (c’est de la jeunesse tout de même !) il n’empêche que l’on craint pour nos héros et qu’on se demande comment ils vont pouvoir s’en sortir. Si vous aimez les quêtes, les aventures, de la fantasy jeunesse quoi ! N’hésitez surtout pas à lire ce livre parce qu’il en vaut vraiment la peine.
July 28, 2024
Read this series back in the day when I was in like middle school. They are decent enough, i mean I enjoyed them if I recall correctly. But legitimately I think these are the books that led me to start deconstructing from christianity, which is just hilarious. The themes and ideas behind the books just didn't sit right with me and that led to be no longer being religious.
That is some peak irony right there.
That is some peak irony right there.
April 10, 2019
Hunter Brown war das erste Buch dass mich komplett in seine Welt gesogen hat und von der Ich auch nicht mehr ausgespuckt werden wollte. Und dafür wird es auch immer einen besonderen Stellenwert in meinem Herz finden, auch wenn es (essenziel) als Allegorie der Bibel heutzutage nicht gut fruchtet
December 26, 2020
An interesting story with compelling allegorical elements, but the typos (oh my goodness, so many typos) threw me off.
Recommended for middle grade readers. Content: violence, spiritual warfare/struggles, characters almost die, mild romance, bad family relationships.
Recommended for middle grade readers. Content: violence, spiritual warfare/struggles, characters almost die, mild romance, bad family relationships.
January 10, 2022
This is a good middle school read, or read aloud for younger children. Lots to think and talk about with children. Plan to purchase and read the others in the series before giving them to my grandchildren.
May 13, 2017
A bit cheesy and ideas that have been used before, but "Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow" was fun, adventurous, and enjoyable.
March 16, 2019
THE....... NEXT BOOK PLLLLEEEAASSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
November 26, 2020
Excellent book. Put me in mind of Wayne Batson's "The Door Within." I love the blend of fiction and scriptural concepts.
December 3, 2020
Good app
December 27, 2024
Pacing is painful
September 19, 2023
I enjoyed the book because i like reading about mystery and adventure
September 23, 2009
Hunter Brown is an average ninth-grade boy: good at pranks, bad at first impressions, mediocre at life. Things have been harder to deal with since his father disappeared years ago, but Hunter makes do. Until, in a Neverending-Story-meets-the-Matrix moment, he opens an ancient book and learns that everything he ever knew about his world is wrong.
Not only that, but everything he ever knew about himself is wrong.
Raising my arm to the mirror I wiped the steam away, expecting to see the usual bushy blond hair and oversized ears that reminded me of my father. What I saw instead made my stomach lurch and the blood drain from my face in horror. Something was wrong with my reflection.
Hunter’s terrifying visions collide with reality as he finds himself running from evil spirit-beings that are tracking him in his own hometown. The only way out is into the world of the book — Solandria, where the Codebearers fight an armed resistance against the Shadow. Where Hunter must learn the way of Via, Veritas, Vita — the Way of Truth and Life. Where he’ll face the most powerful enemies and terrifying truths imaginable, and where he’ll finally learn that “By his fear, a man declares his master.”
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow is a fantasy adventure, an allegory for tweens and teens that’s likely to be read by even younger kids. With that in mind, I make my first caveat: this book is not Anne of Green Gables. It makes use of scary imagery from the start, as Hunter watches a giant red serpent swallow up his town in a vision, falls into an empty grave, and finds himself swimming (or more accurately, drowning) in a lake full of chained dead bodies. While the violence isn’t especially graphic, sometimes it’s gross. And there’s definitely plenty of tension to go around.
At the same time, the book’s frightening images and villains also lend it its greatest strength: this is not a story that shies away from big questions. The truth is that Hunter is not a good guy. He is a sinner who will find out just how deeply his own nature is capable of betraying him and those he loves. As I got deeper into the book, I found myself squirming a little because, the more I identified with Hunter, the more I had to recognize that I’m not a good guy either.
Hunter Brown deals with big issues. It lets us know that our world is in serious danger. It wrestles with questions of free will and Divine sovereignty. It reminds us of eternity.
“You see, Hunter, while there will be some who no longer play a role in the pages you travel, I can assure you those who have been rewritten will never truly die. No, they are at the beginning of a new and wonderful story, one in which there will be no ending, and every page is better and more beautiful than the one before.”
But the book isn’t all serious lessons and scary images — there’s a lot of George Lucas-style fun here, too. One of my favourite scenes involves iguas, giant lizard steeds that run up the trunks of redwood trees and leap from limb to limb while their riders, clipped into their saddles, hang on for dear life. Hunter is personable and often funny.
While young readers are liable to enjoy this story, writers may find themselves throwing fits over certain technique and editing issues (such as the inexplicable spelling of “reins” as “reigns,” done so ubiquitously that I second-guessed myself and checked the spelling to be sure it was wrong!). By the end of the first paragraph I was itching to grab a red pen (whatever happened to commas between independent clauses?). I hoped that the story would grab me enough to make up for this, and while I never stopped desiring to add commas, I found that it did.
Hunter Brown isn’t without its problems. It’s not great literature or seamless writing; not, as I said, Anne of Green Gables — but then, it’s not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be an engaging, exciting story that shares some powerful truths.
In that goal, it certainly succeeds.
Not only that, but everything he ever knew about himself is wrong.
Raising my arm to the mirror I wiped the steam away, expecting to see the usual bushy blond hair and oversized ears that reminded me of my father. What I saw instead made my stomach lurch and the blood drain from my face in horror. Something was wrong with my reflection.
Hunter’s terrifying visions collide with reality as he finds himself running from evil spirit-beings that are tracking him in his own hometown. The only way out is into the world of the book — Solandria, where the Codebearers fight an armed resistance against the Shadow. Where Hunter must learn the way of Via, Veritas, Vita — the Way of Truth and Life. Where he’ll face the most powerful enemies and terrifying truths imaginable, and where he’ll finally learn that “By his fear, a man declares his master.”
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow is a fantasy adventure, an allegory for tweens and teens that’s likely to be read by even younger kids. With that in mind, I make my first caveat: this book is not Anne of Green Gables. It makes use of scary imagery from the start, as Hunter watches a giant red serpent swallow up his town in a vision, falls into an empty grave, and finds himself swimming (or more accurately, drowning) in a lake full of chained dead bodies. While the violence isn’t especially graphic, sometimes it’s gross. And there’s definitely plenty of tension to go around.
At the same time, the book’s frightening images and villains also lend it its greatest strength: this is not a story that shies away from big questions. The truth is that Hunter is not a good guy. He is a sinner who will find out just how deeply his own nature is capable of betraying him and those he loves. As I got deeper into the book, I found myself squirming a little because, the more I identified with Hunter, the more I had to recognize that I’m not a good guy either.
Hunter Brown deals with big issues. It lets us know that our world is in serious danger. It wrestles with questions of free will and Divine sovereignty. It reminds us of eternity.
“You see, Hunter, while there will be some who no longer play a role in the pages you travel, I can assure you those who have been rewritten will never truly die. No, they are at the beginning of a new and wonderful story, one in which there will be no ending, and every page is better and more beautiful than the one before.”
But the book isn’t all serious lessons and scary images — there’s a lot of George Lucas-style fun here, too. One of my favourite scenes involves iguas, giant lizard steeds that run up the trunks of redwood trees and leap from limb to limb while their riders, clipped into their saddles, hang on for dear life. Hunter is personable and often funny.
While young readers are liable to enjoy this story, writers may find themselves throwing fits over certain technique and editing issues (such as the inexplicable spelling of “reins” as “reigns,” done so ubiquitously that I second-guessed myself and checked the spelling to be sure it was wrong!). By the end of the first paragraph I was itching to grab a red pen (whatever happened to commas between independent clauses?). I hoped that the story would grab me enough to make up for this, and while I never stopped desiring to add commas, I found that it did.
Hunter Brown isn’t without its problems. It’s not great literature or seamless writing; not, as I said, Anne of Green Gables — but then, it’s not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be an engaging, exciting story that shares some powerful truths.
In that goal, it certainly succeeds.
May 29, 2012
Hunter Brown by The Miller Brothers, was fun, exciting, and most of all had a wonderful message. I love reading books with a nice, good, Christian message in them and The Miller Brothers did it with flying colors.
I really liked how the Miller Brothers wrote Hunter Brown in first person form, Hunter was the one telling the whole story, I thought it was pretty neat.
The book is physically really beautiful. Being an artist and writer myself I would find it to be a dream come true to be able to write the book, design the cover, and have some of your own drawings inside...wow.
The only bad thing I can say about Hunter Brown is that I was a little confused for a while in the beginning of the book between two characters Stretch and Strubbs, I kept mixing them up. I think it was because they both start with the letter “S” and they both were Hunters best friends. I also realized the Miller Brothers really like names/things that start with “S”. Other then that the book was a great read and I would recommend it to boys and girls 12 to young adult.
I really liked how the Miller Brothers wrote Hunter Brown in first person form, Hunter was the one telling the whole story, I thought it was pretty neat.
The book is physically really beautiful. Being an artist and writer myself I would find it to be a dream come true to be able to write the book, design the cover, and have some of your own drawings inside...wow.
The only bad thing I can say about Hunter Brown is that I was a little confused for a while in the beginning of the book between two characters Stretch and Strubbs, I kept mixing them up. I think it was because they both start with the letter “S” and they both were Hunters best friends. I also realized the Miller Brothers really like names/things that start with “S”. Other then that the book was a great read and I would recommend it to boys and girls 12 to young adult.
February 2, 2011
Hunter Brown is an expert on pulling off pranks, but his last prank of the school year gets him in big trouble with the school bully, and Hunter and his friends are force to hide in a dumpster, where, unfortunately, they get locked in. Luckily, they get resing cued by the school janitor. In return for rescuing him, he wants them to retrieve a book for him from an old bookstore. After picking it up, they find that this janitor has disappeared. Later on, this mysterious book they picked up transports them to another world, where they must battle evil creatures and pretty much save the world. Will they be able to complete this near impossible task?
October 6, 2010
Hunter Brown and The Secret of the Shadow-- The Miller Brothers
This first book in The Codebearers Series is a classic adventure tale of a boy who must battle good and evil with a book and the help of some friends. The Miller Brothers do a great job creating a unique world. Frankly I'm fully behind any book that explains the philosophical concept of infinite regression (in the Night of Questions Chapter) and hits upon the major elements of Plato's Cave. A good read for pre-teen boys in particular.
Overall: B+
ARC provided free on NetGalley
This first book in The Codebearers Series is a classic adventure tale of a boy who must battle good and evil with a book and the help of some friends. The Miller Brothers do a great job creating a unique world. Frankly I'm fully behind any book that explains the philosophical concept of infinite regression (in the Night of Questions Chapter) and hits upon the major elements of Plato's Cave. A good read for pre-teen boys in particular.
Overall: B+
ARC provided free on NetGalley
November 20, 2015
As most of my friends know, I am not a big fan of fantasy books. But this first book...I found, was actually pretty good. This is one of the best fantasy books I think I have ever read (even though I don't read many of them.) I really liked all the characters and the plot. I especially like how it sort of had a Christian point of view at some points. Like I think the Author in the book is supposed to be God because he knows everything. I really liked the drawings in the book...I found them very interesting.
November 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Upon buying the book I knew it was Christian fantasy, but as I read it I actually really liked how “hidden” yet obvious it was. I’ve noticed it’s often hard for Christian fantasy authors to write Christian fantasy without making it a way to obvious version of Narnia, but I really think the authors of this book pulled it off. There were some grammatical errors and stuff that bugged me a bit, but all in all this was a thrilling book and I own all 3, and they stand proudly on my bookshelf!
November 27, 2008
What an exciting adventure! This story pulled me in till I felt like I was with Hunter every step of the way, feeling every hurt, joy, sorrow, and accomplishment. I felt like I learned with him as he learned more about the Author and how to follow Him. The imagery is wonderful when Hunter gives Aviad his most precious possession. I enjoyed this book and want to read it again and again, and I can't wait until book number 2!
December 14, 2008
This is a very good book for any age group. Its about a grade 9 boy named Hunter Brown who goes to another demention/world. If you have read it then you know what i mean when i say its an amazing book, if you havent readit then read it cause its awsome. A greatbook to read to younger siblings.(not to young)
Read it Read it Read it!
Read it Read it Read it!
August 24, 2009
This is probably the most amazing, captivating book of our day. If you love books you will ecstatically love this one. If you like books you will love it. If you hate books you won't be able to put it down. Not only does it draw you in the first moment, it also teaches you valuable lessons like following God and letting him be your light and Shepard. This book is a must have!
August 24, 2010
I was drawn in by the cover art and the beginning chapters that had a wonderfully magical/adventurous feel. About a quarter of the was through, though, it turned into a religious tract thinly veiled as fantasy fiction. It became somewhat reminiscent of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. I'm sorry to say that I quickly became insulted by such an obvious message and couldn't finish it.
April 17, 2014
(This review is from my 9-year old son, Joshua Ryan Helmuth. :-)
"This book is awesome. It's one of the most vivid books I've ever read - you can almost see it. It's a great book for everyone. It has characters which represent biblical truth - just like the Chronicles of Narnia. You'll love this action-packed story. It kept me on the edge of my seat - have fun reading it! :-)"
"This book is awesome. It's one of the most vivid books I've ever read - you can almost see it. It's a great book for everyone. It has characters which represent biblical truth - just like the Chronicles of Narnia. You'll love this action-packed story. It kept me on the edge of my seat - have fun reading it! :-)"
March 23, 2021
This present darkness but for young adults (and better). The Hunter Brown series somehow manages to be both lighter and darker than most books I’ve read. Detailed and complex world building that is hard not to appreciate. This series is exciting and fun while still maintaining a surprising amount of depth.
May 10, 2025
5/11/24 review
Yikes!!!! I can honestly say I did not expect it to be this good!
My praise for the book:
🤍Love the biblical idea of the Bloodstone and how Hunter had to give his heart to Aviad🥰
My dislikes:
❌Seemed a little to magical especially with the book in the beginning...it did get better though
Yikes!!!! I can honestly say I did not expect it to be this good!
My praise for the book:
🤍Love the biblical idea of the Bloodstone and how Hunter had to give his heart to Aviad🥰
My dislikes:
❌Seemed a little to magical especially with the book in the beginning...it did get better though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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