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Trophy Chase #2
The Hand That Bears the Sword
Christian fantasy at its best has finally arrived in The Hand that Bears the Sword, book two in Emmy award-winning author George Bryan Polivka's The Trophy Chase Trilogy.
Readers will thrill as newlyweds Packer and Panna Throme are once again thrust into high adventure. Pirate Scat Wilkins returns with evil intentions for Packer as the Trophy Chase sets sail for the deep waters once again. A new and surprising Hezzan in the Kingdom of Drammun has diabolical designs on not just Packer but on the entire Kingdom of Nearing Vast. And, at home, Panna must await Packer's hopeful return while imprisoned by the lecherous Prince Mather.
Will Packer and Panna escape their separate dangers and find happiness in the Kingdom of Nearing Vast....or will the invading Drammune army steal away their future and that of all the people of Packer and Panna's homeland?
Readers will thrill as newlyweds Packer and Panna Throme are once again thrust into high adventure. Pirate Scat Wilkins returns with evil intentions for Packer as the Trophy Chase sets sail for the deep waters once again. A new and surprising Hezzan in the Kingdom of Drammun has diabolical designs on not just Packer but on the entire Kingdom of Nearing Vast. And, at home, Panna must await Packer's hopeful return while imprisoned by the lecherous Prince Mather.
Will Packer and Panna escape their separate dangers and find happiness in the Kingdom of Nearing Vast....or will the invading Drammune army steal away their future and that of all the people of Packer and Panna's homeland?
432 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
George Bryan Polivka
6 books53 followersGeorge Bryan Polivka was raised in the Chicago area, attended Bible college in Alabama, and ventured on to Europe where he studied under Francis Schaeffer at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. He then returned to Alabama where he enrolled at Birmingham-Southern College as an English major.
In 1986, Bryan won an Emmy for writing his documentary, “A Hard Road to Glory,” which detailed the difficult path African Americans traveled to achieve recognition through athletic success during times of racial prejudice and oppression.
Bryan moved to the Baltimore area where he worked with Sylvan Learning Systems, (now Laureate Education). In 2001 Bryan was honored by the U.S. Distance Learning Association for the most significant achievement by an individual in corporate e-Learning. Bryan is currently responsible for developing and delivering new programs for Laureate’s online higher education division.
In 1986, Bryan won an Emmy for writing his documentary, “A Hard Road to Glory,” which detailed the difficult path African Americans traveled to achieve recognition through athletic success during times of racial prejudice and oppression.
Bryan moved to the Baltimore area where he worked with Sylvan Learning Systems, (now Laureate Education). In 2001 Bryan was honored by the U.S. Distance Learning Association for the most significant achievement by an individual in corporate e-Learning. Bryan is currently responsible for developing and delivering new programs for Laureate’s online higher education division.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 9, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
As the story of the Trophy Chase continues we find the suspense building, action more frequent, the political intrigue deepening and the war mounting.
As good as book one was I found book two to be a great improvement. I had read book one two years ago and found it had a good stopping point at the end so I never got back to the trilogy until now. I don't have an excuse but I did find the first book effected me so much I jumped right in to book two and remembered everything. Not bad for someone my age.
The writing is very good. Mature in it's style with indepth characters and a storyline that is well thought-out. This is not your Errol Flynn adventure. There's never been a high seas adventure movie made like this.
Biblically the book is powerful, even to the point that I read some out-loud to my wife. The power of God's Word is honored, Jesus is glorified and a few of the characters live a Christ-centered life. As with the first book the debate on whether a Christian should fight physically or just stand by and see God move. I found the debate aggravating at times so I'm hoping book three will give a final conclusion on the issue. The enemy has their man-made religion which curiously resembles Islam. I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
If you enjoy a good swashbuckling adventure you'll love this trilogy. If you don't care for this genre read it anyway and I believe you'll enjoy it just the same.
As the story of the Trophy Chase continues we find the suspense building, action more frequent, the political intrigue deepening and the war mounting.
As good as book one was I found book two to be a great improvement. I had read book one two years ago and found it had a good stopping point at the end so I never got back to the trilogy until now. I don't have an excuse but I did find the first book effected me so much I jumped right in to book two and remembered everything. Not bad for someone my age.
The writing is very good. Mature in it's style with indepth characters and a storyline that is well thought-out. This is not your Errol Flynn adventure. There's never been a high seas adventure movie made like this.
Biblically the book is powerful, even to the point that I read some out-loud to my wife. The power of God's Word is honored, Jesus is glorified and a few of the characters live a Christ-centered life. As with the first book the debate on whether a Christian should fight physically or just stand by and see God move. I found the debate aggravating at times so I'm hoping book three will give a final conclusion on the issue. The enemy has their man-made religion which curiously resembles Islam. I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
If you enjoy a good swashbuckling adventure you'll love this trilogy. If you don't care for this genre read it anyway and I believe you'll enjoy it just the same.
November 15, 2008
Better. Much Better. Polivka seems to have mastered the formula he started in The Legend of the Firefish. His mix of created world and actual scripture works better this time. The evangelizing is better
integrated into the story line.
He still does jarring point of view changes mid-paragraph. An omnipresent narrative admits any POV, but Polivka's lack of signaling the change frequently knocks the readers out of the story.
Also he still sets up really good points of conflict, but doesn't wring all the tension potential in them. Many are resolved too soon and too easily.
Unfortunately, like too many second installment of trilogies, much of the story is a set up for the third book. Still, it is a story well told, and many Star Wars fans like The Empire Strikes Back best of the three original movies.
integrated into the story line.
He still does jarring point of view changes mid-paragraph. An omnipresent narrative admits any POV, but Polivka's lack of signaling the change frequently knocks the readers out of the story.
Also he still sets up really good points of conflict, but doesn't wring all the tension potential in them. Many are resolved too soon and too easily.
Unfortunately, like too many second installment of trilogies, much of the story is a set up for the third book. Still, it is a story well told, and many Star Wars fans like The Empire Strikes Back best of the three original movies.
January 22, 2023
I loved the moral conflict in this book, as well as the themes of trusting God, surrender, sacrifice, and doing the right thing come what may. Okay, I just loved this book. Yes, it's worth reading. But start with book 1 ("The Legend of the Firefish"). Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
January 14, 2026
Second book brought a bigger conflict that the first, easing the stakes, and continuing similar themes. I enjoyed getting to see the development of the same characters and a more thorough introduction of other characters that were previously more background. A fun read!
May 29, 2018
I enjoy the author's writing, but I have some spiritual discrepancies with this book.
May 13, 2020
This book was AMAZING!!! I loved every second of it. There was absolutely nothing to complain about in it! Definitely worthy of five stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 13, 2011
Packer Throme is torn between loyalty to his new wife, his country, and his God…
Interrupted in the middle of their “Honeymonth”, Packer is forced away from Panna, his new bride. Celebrated as the hero and the great hope of Nearing Vast, loyalty requires that he must set sail with the Vast Navy. Packer’s influence is far reaching and many believe he is preserved by the hand of God. But how much influence can just one man have over an entire enemy navy? The odds that he will return are not good, for there are many who seek his demise.
Packer is forced to fight against pirates, fire fish and the massive Drannun Navy. There are times when he seems to surpass human capabilities, amazing his fellow seamen. Does Packer’s strength come from within or are there miracles at work? Does God intervene or is it just coincidence?
Panna, left alone in Nearing Vast, is confined to the castle by Prince Mather. She is very strong willed and blatantly refuses his growing affections. Pana is a brave soul, but fear for those she loves is ever constant in her mind. Will God lead Packer home to her heart or is he lost forever?
The Kingdom of Drammun is well prepared war against the Kingdom of Nearing Vast. Their navy has many ships and their warriors are clad with an amazing armor. However, there are plots brewing that could alter the very heart of the Drammun government. The Law, the Rahk-Taa, becomes a powerful weapon when used for personal gain. Will the worthy Hezzan of Drammun be victorious? Will the unworthy Vasts be easily defeated?
What will become of Packer Throme? A hero remembered or a legend that lives on?
The Hand That Bears The Sword is full of many intriguing twists and unexpected turns. It was difficult to relate to the characters without a prologue. However, if you keep reading the characters sort themselves out and the vividness of detail opens your imagination.
Interrupted in the middle of their “Honeymonth”, Packer is forced away from Panna, his new bride. Celebrated as the hero and the great hope of Nearing Vast, loyalty requires that he must set sail with the Vast Navy. Packer’s influence is far reaching and many believe he is preserved by the hand of God. But how much influence can just one man have over an entire enemy navy? The odds that he will return are not good, for there are many who seek his demise.
Packer is forced to fight against pirates, fire fish and the massive Drannun Navy. There are times when he seems to surpass human capabilities, amazing his fellow seamen. Does Packer’s strength come from within or are there miracles at work? Does God intervene or is it just coincidence?
Panna, left alone in Nearing Vast, is confined to the castle by Prince Mather. She is very strong willed and blatantly refuses his growing affections. Pana is a brave soul, but fear for those she loves is ever constant in her mind. Will God lead Packer home to her heart or is he lost forever?
The Kingdom of Drammun is well prepared war against the Kingdom of Nearing Vast. Their navy has many ships and their warriors are clad with an amazing armor. However, there are plots brewing that could alter the very heart of the Drammun government. The Law, the Rahk-Taa, becomes a powerful weapon when used for personal gain. Will the worthy Hezzan of Drammun be victorious? Will the unworthy Vasts be easily defeated?
What will become of Packer Throme? A hero remembered or a legend that lives on?
The Hand That Bears The Sword is full of many intriguing twists and unexpected turns. It was difficult to relate to the characters without a prologue. However, if you keep reading the characters sort themselves out and the vividness of detail opens your imagination.
July 25, 2013
I thought Panna was very interesting. If she was the main character I would give the book 3 stars. But then we come to Packer- a swordsman who won't fight. I understand letting God fight, but seriously Packer's in a war! I just found that SUPER annoying. Plus too many 'passive' sentences (had, was), that could be removed. I do really like the Firefish. Overall not a bad book, but it could be better.
June 11, 2018
In many ways, the least action of the trilogy but the most amazing outcomes. Even though we start at war and fight both naval battles and the first and second land battle, the true story is in the hearts of our characters battling themselves and their beliefs. And Panna Throme escaping the Prince.
January 5, 2010
this is the 2nd book in the series (the first being Legend of the firefish) and it was good.... more intense then the 1st, and had some other issues, but overall was good!
December 27, 2010
it is a very good book so far
March 14, 2011
Nice Story. Alex read too.
June 22, 2012
The second book in the Trophy Chase Trilogy. A good read!
August 1, 2012
Was even better than the first book. Definitely going on my all times favorite list.
July 13, 2015
The writing style instantly transports you to a fantasy world while still anchored in Biblical principles. A good read for those easy rainy stay indoors Sunday afternoons
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews