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The Wilderking Trilogy #1
The Bark of the Bog Owl
As Aidan Errol is pronounced Wilderking, a pact is signed between Corenwald and the Pyrthen Empire, but as Aiden shoulders the weight and glory of his destiny, Corenwald is double-crossed and an epic battle to save the kingdom ensues.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2004
651 people are currently reading
6736 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Rogers
44 books305 followersJonathan Rogers grew up in Georgia, where he spent many happy hours in the swamps and riverbottoms on which the wild places of The Wilderking are based. He received his undergraduate degree from Furman University in South Carolina and holds a Ph.D. in seventeenth-century English literature from Vanderbilt University. The Bark of the Bog Owl has already found a receptive audience among Jonathan’s own six children. The Rogers clan lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where Jonathan makes a living as a freelance writer. The Bark of the Bog Owl is his first novel.
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January 14, 2020
In several interviews I have heard Jonathan Rogers describe his Wilderking books as: “swampy adventure fiction,” “kind of a retelling of the David story,” and “a place that looks suspiciously like South Georgia.” The Wilderking Trilogy is swampy. It is full of adventure. It is a bit like King David. It might look a lot like South Georgia. But, this trilogy is a lot more than that as well.
While the the landscape may be South Georgia, I think it could just as easily be Sherwood Forest if not for the alligators. (In the next book, however, it is all South Georgia swamp.) Because of the elegance of the writing and the creativity of the story, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Rogers’ PhD in seventeenth-century literature from Vanderbilt University. It is clear to me that this living author knows his craft and respects the great writers who came before him. I think it is fair to say that Rogers has something meaningful to contribute to the great canon of children’s literature.
Even though there is nothing on the book cover to indicate it, this story is a medieval reimagining of David and Goliath. Once you know that, the already intriguing story becomes magical. Our minds get to play in two worlds: the real world of biblical history and a world of medieval fantasy that provokes wonder and awe. Most authors would not be able to convince me that this is both King David’s story and something else worthy at the same time, but Rogers is inspired. Our knowledge of David, his God, and his story allows us to know Aidan well before Aidan knows himself. When the story opens, Aidan “felt himself to be the person he had always hoped he was: not a shepherd boy who wished he were a soldier, but a soldier who happened to be playing the part of a shepherd boy.”
In this first book of three books, we meet twelve year old Aidan Errolson, the sixth son of a great and worthy noble of Corenwald. Aidan’s small island nation was founded on a dream of freedom, free worship of the one true God, and a love for wholesome living. Corenwald, a bit like early America, was settled by pilgrims, freedom fighters, and adventurers.
When fear of God left the land,
To be replaced by fear of man;
When Corenwalders free and true
Enslave themselves and others too,
When mercy and justice disappear,
When life is cheap and gold is dear,
When freedom’s flame has burned to ember
And Corenwalders can’t remember
What are truths and what are lies,
Then will the Wilderking arise.
Reminiscent of 1 Samuel 16:6-13, the second chapter of Bark of the Bog Owl introduces us to the Corenwald prophet Bayard The Truthspeaker. When Bayard arrives at Longleaf Manor, Errol greets the prophet with profound respect and offers him welcome. Bayard explains his task and asks to see Errol’s sons. As each of Aidan’s strong and capable brothers are rejected by Bayard, the brothers grow incredulous. When Bayard acknowledges Aidan as the prophesied Wilderking, Errol’s skepticism turns into anger. Despite his sincere respect for the Lord’s messenger, Errol is deeply loyal to King Darrow and will not allow any seeds of treachery to be planted in his home.
“Though he was a shepherd boy, Aidan’s was the heart of a warrior.”
Before Bayard leaves, he and Aidan have a private conversation in which Aidan confesses his anxiety about this prophecy. Bayard explains to Aidan that he should do as he has always done, “live the life that unfolds before you. Love goodness more than you fear evil.” Bayard encourages Aidan to remain loyal to the king. He insists that Aidan continue being a good shepherd. He admonishes Aidan to let life unfold naturally and, when called upon, to respond to all things with courage, faith, and love.
“You will fight one day for Corenwald – and sooner than you think. You will fight because you love Corenwald, because you love the freedom to live and worship as you see fit, because you love your family and your fellow soldiers. But you must never fight because you love the battle. You must never love the battle.”
When Corenwald was founded, it was a place of refuge. A new world. A land consecrated to the one true God. The first Corenwalders left their homeland of Pryth in defiance against evil rulers who worshipped gold instead of God. Unwilling to see their power and authority challenged, the Prythen armies attacked Corenwald many times in the hopes of conquering them and stomping out freedom everywhere.
“Our very existence is an act of defiance against the Prythen Empire. Four times they’ve invaded this island. And four times the stout men of Corenwald sent them home in disgrace… they’ve swallowed up a whole continent, but people who have a taste for freedom aren’t easily conquered.”
Errol, was one of the four and twenty nobles who supported King Darrow in battle and in court. Like Saul, however, Darrow is growing forgetful.
“We overcame because the One God fought on our behalf – the God who asks only that we act justly, love mercy, walk humbly… In our comfort, we have forgotten that virtue is hard. In our wealth, we have forgotten that freedom is expensive.”
When King Darrow remembers what it is to be a Corenwalder, he goes to war again with Pryth. But, his heart is not in it. The Prythens have a giant, and like Goliath, Greidawl is willing to fight one man in exchange for the freedom of an entire people. For weeks, no one is willing to meet the giant in the field. Like David, Aidan is sent by his father to check on his brothers at the front. When Aidan arrives at the camp, he is astonished at the dejected army and the cowardly king.
“‘But isn’t this a kind of death?’ Aidan’s terror at the sight of Greidawl had given way to indignation. He was ashamed at the cowardice of his brothers and countrymen. ‘You die every day you hear that beast insult our armies, mock our King, and blaspheme the One God. You die everyday you submit to a slavery that has been imposed on you without a fight.”
While we know how this situation resolves itself, I can assure you that Rogers makes the reading worthwhile. His description of the next twenty-four hours, Aidan’s conversations with key characters, and the actual battle scene are all very entertaining.
Before Aidan arrived at the camp, however, Rogers sent him deep into the swamp. What Aidan finds there, or rather who he discovers, is a sample of pretty fantastic storytelling. Drawing from what he knows, Rogers created a race of people who sound like Southerners, live in the swamps, and would probably make Flannery O’Connor belly laugh. The Feechies have a rich culture and tradition, and their race adds a deeply interesting layer to this story.
When Aidan defeats the giant, things do not resolve automatically. Prythens have no honor. And so, the defeat of Greidawl is just the first act in a 3 part symphony of war. The cunning Prythens have some military advantages that are a complete shock to the Corenwalders. The need to rethink their battle plan allows for another fascinating twist in this story.
Oh, the miners brave of Greasy Cave,
They did not think it odd
To make their way beneath the clay
Where human foot has never trod.
Fol de rol de rol de fol de rol de rol
De fol de rol de fiddely fol de rol.
Oh, the miners brave of Greasy Cave,
Come out the other side.
They braved the gloom, they challenged doom.
They made an end to Prythen pride.
Fol de rol de rol de fol de rol de rol
De fol de rol de fiddely fol de rol.
One of the things that I most appreciate about this series of stories is how vividly Rogers has drawn the landscape of Corenwald. This island is a place of astounding beauty. A little bit like Tolkien’s Middle Earth, the medieval cities are familiar, the pastoral farms feel like the Shire, the lush swamp and river areas remind you of a hot and sticky August camping trip, the battlefield seems to be right out of Arthurian legend, and the underground mines had me looking for goblins and Curdie. While Rogers probably drew this landscape from the gorgeous examples he lives with in Georgia, the beauty and complexity of the land are palpable to all of us, thanks to his elegant descriptions.
As I was writing this review, I had a conversation with Doug McKelvey. I mentioned how hard it was to write this one because of how much I appreciate it. He wisely said that there is a law of inverse at work in this kind of writing. The closer we feel ourselves to something, the harder it is to capture what we most appreciate and then communicate that to others. I mention this because I want you to know that I think this modern book has true classic quality. I am buying the trilogy for everyone I know in the hopes that it will make their family libraries richer.
This story is high adventure, has complex heroes, is written beautifully, contains songs and poetry, and is steeped in biblical wisdom. We are reading this series aloud as a family. My children are 6, almost 8, and 10. There is nothing in this story that is inappropriate for young children. If being read independently, however, the language and sentence structure is sufficiently complex to make this most suitable for confident readers. Warning: you may end up with some good natured Feechie brawls and little boys who simply must learn how to tree-walk.
While the the landscape may be South Georgia, I think it could just as easily be Sherwood Forest if not for the alligators. (In the next book, however, it is all South Georgia swamp.) Because of the elegance of the writing and the creativity of the story, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Rogers’ PhD in seventeenth-century literature from Vanderbilt University. It is clear to me that this living author knows his craft and respects the great writers who came before him. I think it is fair to say that Rogers has something meaningful to contribute to the great canon of children’s literature.
Even though there is nothing on the book cover to indicate it, this story is a medieval reimagining of David and Goliath. Once you know that, the already intriguing story becomes magical. Our minds get to play in two worlds: the real world of biblical history and a world of medieval fantasy that provokes wonder and awe. Most authors would not be able to convince me that this is both King David’s story and something else worthy at the same time, but Rogers is inspired. Our knowledge of David, his God, and his story allows us to know Aidan well before Aidan knows himself. When the story opens, Aidan “felt himself to be the person he had always hoped he was: not a shepherd boy who wished he were a soldier, but a soldier who happened to be playing the part of a shepherd boy.”
In this first book of three books, we meet twelve year old Aidan Errolson, the sixth son of a great and worthy noble of Corenwald. Aidan’s small island nation was founded on a dream of freedom, free worship of the one true God, and a love for wholesome living. Corenwald, a bit like early America, was settled by pilgrims, freedom fighters, and adventurers.
When fear of God left the land,
To be replaced by fear of man;
When Corenwalders free and true
Enslave themselves and others too,
When mercy and justice disappear,
When life is cheap and gold is dear,
When freedom’s flame has burned to ember
And Corenwalders can’t remember
What are truths and what are lies,
Then will the Wilderking arise.
Reminiscent of 1 Samuel 16:6-13, the second chapter of Bark of the Bog Owl introduces us to the Corenwald prophet Bayard The Truthspeaker. When Bayard arrives at Longleaf Manor, Errol greets the prophet with profound respect and offers him welcome. Bayard explains his task and asks to see Errol’s sons. As each of Aidan’s strong and capable brothers are rejected by Bayard, the brothers grow incredulous. When Bayard acknowledges Aidan as the prophesied Wilderking, Errol’s skepticism turns into anger. Despite his sincere respect for the Lord’s messenger, Errol is deeply loyal to King Darrow and will not allow any seeds of treachery to be planted in his home.
“Though he was a shepherd boy, Aidan’s was the heart of a warrior.”
Before Bayard leaves, he and Aidan have a private conversation in which Aidan confesses his anxiety about this prophecy. Bayard explains to Aidan that he should do as he has always done, “live the life that unfolds before you. Love goodness more than you fear evil.” Bayard encourages Aidan to remain loyal to the king. He insists that Aidan continue being a good shepherd. He admonishes Aidan to let life unfold naturally and, when called upon, to respond to all things with courage, faith, and love.
“You will fight one day for Corenwald – and sooner than you think. You will fight because you love Corenwald, because you love the freedom to live and worship as you see fit, because you love your family and your fellow soldiers. But you must never fight because you love the battle. You must never love the battle.”
When Corenwald was founded, it was a place of refuge. A new world. A land consecrated to the one true God. The first Corenwalders left their homeland of Pryth in defiance against evil rulers who worshipped gold instead of God. Unwilling to see their power and authority challenged, the Prythen armies attacked Corenwald many times in the hopes of conquering them and stomping out freedom everywhere.
“Our very existence is an act of defiance against the Prythen Empire. Four times they’ve invaded this island. And four times the stout men of Corenwald sent them home in disgrace… they’ve swallowed up a whole continent, but people who have a taste for freedom aren’t easily conquered.”
Errol, was one of the four and twenty nobles who supported King Darrow in battle and in court. Like Saul, however, Darrow is growing forgetful.
“We overcame because the One God fought on our behalf – the God who asks only that we act justly, love mercy, walk humbly… In our comfort, we have forgotten that virtue is hard. In our wealth, we have forgotten that freedom is expensive.”
When King Darrow remembers what it is to be a Corenwalder, he goes to war again with Pryth. But, his heart is not in it. The Prythens have a giant, and like Goliath, Greidawl is willing to fight one man in exchange for the freedom of an entire people. For weeks, no one is willing to meet the giant in the field. Like David, Aidan is sent by his father to check on his brothers at the front. When Aidan arrives at the camp, he is astonished at the dejected army and the cowardly king.
“‘But isn’t this a kind of death?’ Aidan’s terror at the sight of Greidawl had given way to indignation. He was ashamed at the cowardice of his brothers and countrymen. ‘You die every day you hear that beast insult our armies, mock our King, and blaspheme the One God. You die everyday you submit to a slavery that has been imposed on you without a fight.”
While we know how this situation resolves itself, I can assure you that Rogers makes the reading worthwhile. His description of the next twenty-four hours, Aidan’s conversations with key characters, and the actual battle scene are all very entertaining.
Before Aidan arrived at the camp, however, Rogers sent him deep into the swamp. What Aidan finds there, or rather who he discovers, is a sample of pretty fantastic storytelling. Drawing from what he knows, Rogers created a race of people who sound like Southerners, live in the swamps, and would probably make Flannery O’Connor belly laugh. The Feechies have a rich culture and tradition, and their race adds a deeply interesting layer to this story.
When Aidan defeats the giant, things do not resolve automatically. Prythens have no honor. And so, the defeat of Greidawl is just the first act in a 3 part symphony of war. The cunning Prythens have some military advantages that are a complete shock to the Corenwalders. The need to rethink their battle plan allows for another fascinating twist in this story.
Oh, the miners brave of Greasy Cave,
They did not think it odd
To make their way beneath the clay
Where human foot has never trod.
Fol de rol de rol de fol de rol de rol
De fol de rol de fiddely fol de rol.
Oh, the miners brave of Greasy Cave,
Come out the other side.
They braved the gloom, they challenged doom.
They made an end to Prythen pride.
Fol de rol de rol de fol de rol de rol
De fol de rol de fiddely fol de rol.
One of the things that I most appreciate about this series of stories is how vividly Rogers has drawn the landscape of Corenwald. This island is a place of astounding beauty. A little bit like Tolkien’s Middle Earth, the medieval cities are familiar, the pastoral farms feel like the Shire, the lush swamp and river areas remind you of a hot and sticky August camping trip, the battlefield seems to be right out of Arthurian legend, and the underground mines had me looking for goblins and Curdie. While Rogers probably drew this landscape from the gorgeous examples he lives with in Georgia, the beauty and complexity of the land are palpable to all of us, thanks to his elegant descriptions.
As I was writing this review, I had a conversation with Doug McKelvey. I mentioned how hard it was to write this one because of how much I appreciate it. He wisely said that there is a law of inverse at work in this kind of writing. The closer we feel ourselves to something, the harder it is to capture what we most appreciate and then communicate that to others. I mention this because I want you to know that I think this modern book has true classic quality. I am buying the trilogy for everyone I know in the hopes that it will make their family libraries richer.
This story is high adventure, has complex heroes, is written beautifully, contains songs and poetry, and is steeped in biblical wisdom. We are reading this series aloud as a family. My children are 6, almost 8, and 10. There is nothing in this story that is inappropriate for young children. If being read independently, however, the language and sentence structure is sufficiently complex to make this most suitable for confident readers. Warning: you may end up with some good natured Feechie brawls and little boys who simply must learn how to tree-walk.
January 7, 2019
This was recommended by one of my students. He has read nearly every book I've recommended to him and usually finishes a book in a matter of days. When he said this was one of his favorite books and asked if I would please read it, I couldn't say no. Turns out, this is a fantasy retelling of the boyhood of King David.
Things I liked about this book:
--Instead of generic and overdone fantasy medieval Europe, this book presents a medieval swampland. Yay for something different and new.
--There is a distinctly Southern flavor to the writing, something I don't see very often.
--There were were really clever turns of phrase here and there.
Thinks I didn't care for
--I noticed a single named female character. In the entire book. I remember women being mentioned in a total of two group shots. Pretty much everyone both important and unimportant to the story is a man or boy. Even in a biblical retelling, that's just poor world building. Women exist in the world. They don't have to be the main focus of every story, but they should at least be present in your world.
--How one-to-one the David allegory was. Maybe this is an unfair criticism. C.S. Lewis isn't exactly subtle with his allegory, and I've read and loved plenty of fairytale and Austen retellings that don't change much at all from the source material. But this book just didn't work for me. And as one-to-one as the allegory was, the Goliath fight still felt shoehorned in.
--I'm not super comfortable with the dynamic between the fronteirsmen Corenwalders, who are literally called civilizers, and the indigenous feechiefolk who are portrayed as little more than quaint but backwards savages. It strays too close to a Manifest Destiny, cowboys and Indians vibe at some times and a white savior vibe at otheres.
--The specific brand of American Christianity the book espoused. There's a lot I like about Christianity, but not the kind that pushes unquestioning patriotism as a necessary religious value along with self-sufficiency to the point of isolationism and protectionism and shunning global cooperation.
Maybe what's bugging me the most is that I love when religion is done well in books. When faith and devotion are explored rather than taken as givens. When religion authentically motivates a character's actions. When a character has to examine their own faith and doubts, whether they end up abandoning that faith or recommitting all the stronger. This felt like a poorly disguised Sunday School lesson. That's not what I'm looking for when I read a book, even when the topic is religion.
Things I liked about this book:
--Instead of generic and overdone fantasy medieval Europe, this book presents a medieval swampland. Yay for something different and new.
--There is a distinctly Southern flavor to the writing, something I don't see very often.
--There were were really clever turns of phrase here and there.
Thinks I didn't care for
--I noticed a single named female character. In the entire book. I remember women being mentioned in a total of two group shots. Pretty much everyone both important and unimportant to the story is a man or boy. Even in a biblical retelling, that's just poor world building. Women exist in the world. They don't have to be the main focus of every story, but they should at least be present in your world.
--How one-to-one the David allegory was. Maybe this is an unfair criticism. C.S. Lewis isn't exactly subtle with his allegory, and I've read and loved plenty of fairytale and Austen retellings that don't change much at all from the source material. But this book just didn't work for me. And as one-to-one as the allegory was, the Goliath fight still felt shoehorned in.
--I'm not super comfortable with the dynamic between the fronteirsmen Corenwalders, who are literally called civilizers, and the indigenous feechiefolk who are portrayed as little more than quaint but backwards savages. It strays too close to a Manifest Destiny, cowboys and Indians vibe at some times and a white savior vibe at otheres.
--The specific brand of American Christianity the book espoused. There's a lot I like about Christianity, but not the kind that pushes unquestioning patriotism as a necessary religious value along with self-sufficiency to the point of isolationism and protectionism and shunning global cooperation.
Maybe what's bugging me the most is that I love when religion is done well in books. When faith and devotion are explored rather than taken as givens. When religion authentically motivates a character's actions. When a character has to examine their own faith and doubts, whether they end up abandoning that faith or recommitting all the stronger. This felt like a poorly disguised Sunday School lesson. That's not what I'm looking for when I read a book, even when the topic is religion.
November 15, 2019
Live the life that unfolds before you.
Reading this book aloud to three of my local grands (the oldest, alas, has occupying studies) engendered all the responses that make a Nana's heart glad.
:: A week or two between readings is no problem: they remember crazy details from the last paragraph when we stopped.
:: "I just want to go outside and play 'Wilderking'," my almost 11-year Preston spontaneously exclaimed.
:: I sang an impromptu tune to Oh, the miners brave of Greasy Cave and later heard the little sister humming it while she played with beads.
"Can we start the next book, pleeeeease?" When I noted that their mom would be here in five minutes, his response was, "Well, you could read for five minutes." As if I need an excuse to read aloud!
My favorite engaging strategy is to stop reading and ask, "What do you think will happen next?" Towards the end of this book, we all posited our theories; Preston was fist-pumping when his idea was the next plot point.
Reading this book aloud to three of my local grands (the oldest, alas, has occupying studies) engendered all the responses that make a Nana's heart glad.
:: A week or two between readings is no problem: they remember crazy details from the last paragraph when we stopped.
:: "I just want to go outside and play 'Wilderking'," my almost 11-year Preston spontaneously exclaimed.
:: I sang an impromptu tune to Oh, the miners brave of Greasy Cave and later heard the little sister humming it while she played with beads.
"Can we start the next book, pleeeeease?" When I noted that their mom would be here in five minutes, his response was, "Well, you could read for five minutes." As if I need an excuse to read aloud!
My favorite engaging strategy is to stop reading and ask, "What do you think will happen next?" Towards the end of this book, we all posited our theories; Preston was fist-pumping when his idea was the next plot point.
February 8, 2016
Did you ever long for the story of a pre-king King David to be translated as a middle-grade adventure fantasy with strong flavors of the American South? No? Well, Jonathan Rogers wrote it anyway. And, yeah... it works.
November 29, 2021
Aiden Errolson is just a farm boy, or that’s what he thinks. Soon, an old prophet arrives and tells Aiden he’s the wilder king, which is quite unbelievable to the Errolsons. Believing it’s a joke, his brothers just laugh at him and still treat him like a little brother. His father, though, has put his faith in Aiden more than ever, and Aiden saves Corenwald with something they will never forget.
I loved this book both times I read it. It’s just such a nice refreshing book you could read at any point in life and be very happy with it. The story itself captures your attention and his interpretation of David and Goliath is phenomenal. You really can’t get any better! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book both times I read it. It’s just such a nice refreshing book you could read at any point in life and be very happy with it. The story itself captures your attention and his interpretation of David and Goliath is phenomenal. You really can’t get any better! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 20, 2017
This book is geared towards younger readers, and I might have enjoyed it more at a younger age, but didn't C.S. Lewis say: "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children isn't a good children's story in the slightest"? The story draws heavily from the Biblical account of David and Goliath (if it was set in a frontier swampland), which is a fun idea, but it makes the story pretty predictable and the characters aren't given much depth. With so many excellent children's books out there, this series isn't one I'll be finishing.
September 6, 2018
“If I am defeated tomorrow, I want to die as I have lived - a shepherd boy, with the sun on my forehead and the breeze in my hair. But if I overcome, everyone must know that the One God, and not Aidan Errolson, is the Champion of Corenwald. Neither arms nor armor can deliver Corenwald - only the arm of the One God.”
March 25, 2021
Much of faith is learning to receive our days with trust that God is telling a bigger story than the chapter and characters we can currently see. Rogers’ book is a delightful retelling of the biblical story of David and his courage. In reading a well-known story in a new light, you might be reminded that even in a story that seems too familiar or small or tired to matter, you can choose courage too.
Easy. Enjoyable. A great book for both kids and adults who need to cultivate more playful hearts (💁🏻♀️ me, that’s me).
Easy. Enjoyable. A great book for both kids and adults who need to cultivate more playful hearts (💁🏻♀️ me, that’s me).
Read
July 29, 2024I really enjoyed this book! There were so many David references! Such as the shepherd part, killing Greidawl with the stone then cutting off his head, and him being the youngest who is forgotten. So interesting!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Young Aidan Errolson’s family history has a lineage of brave adventurers who have also contributed to the history of his kingdom of Corenwald. Greatly influenced by their history, he is antsy to find his own adventures instead of living a normal and peaceful life with his older brothers and widowed father, himself a nobleman. Aidan’s wish will slowly be granted when he hears a mysterious cry which will lead him to where he’ll meet one of the swamp people known as the feechiefolk and learn that he’s part of a prophecy that will determine the kingdom’s future.
Aiden’s adventure is full of peril, surprises and danger that children and fantasy fans will enjoy. Despite its short size, there’s plenty of story in these pages that’s for sure. It’s start off very simple with the search for adventure and it slowly gets more deeper and thrilling. It’s a great start for Aiden’s quest as it’s only the beginning for his surprising new life. A- (91%/Excellent)
Aiden’s adventure is full of peril, surprises and danger that children and fantasy fans will enjoy. Despite its short size, there’s plenty of story in these pages that’s for sure. It’s start off very simple with the search for adventure and it slowly gets more deeper and thrilling. It’s a great start for Aiden’s quest as it’s only the beginning for his surprising new life. A- (91%/Excellent)
August 18, 2021
Good book for kids. We listened to it as a family and I enjoyed it. It wasn’t the best story ever but it had good Christian themes and neat southern influences.
August 18, 2021
This book was poorly written. And terribly narrated. My little boys really enjoyed it though.
Edit: I'm revising my review from 2 to 3 stars. I was probably too critical.
Edit: I'm revising my review from 2 to 3 stars. I was probably too critical.
February 14, 2025
After hearing lots of praise of this book, I echo the praise of a wonderfully and exciting retelling of a story many know. I did not realize it going into it and enjoyed the discovery in reading so I will not reveal the correlation. A great novel for boys especially with a 12 year old protagonist that you want to cheer for with lots of adventure, battles, fighting and mischief. Will recommend to many a kids.
Read with the kids for the first time and it was such a win! What a great book. Excited to go on in the series.
Read with the kids for the first time and it was such a win! What a great book. Excited to go on in the series.
October 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book more than The Green Ember and The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. This swampy fantasy was just as entertaining for me as it was for my 7- and 9-year-old boys. After we finished this one, they immediately asked if we could start book two in the series.
I must say this upfront. I obtained the NEW, redesigned hardbacks. They are gorgeous. The cover is lush. The interior black-line illustrations are wonderful. This new edition is worth buying, just FYI.
This is a middle-grade retelling of the story of King David. Aiden Errolson is the David character, and when this book opens, he's 13. He's the youngest son of a lord, but he spends most of his days tending sheep. He longs for adventure and greatness. When Aiden has greatness thrust upon him, it doesn't look or feel as grand as he dreamed. But, as the feechies say, Aiden has what it takes.
Ultimately, this is a story about having what it takes. It's aspirational for kids. Can they rise to the challenges that everyday life throws at them? Aiden's example can show them what this looks like.
This book parallels David's early life and culminates in the defeat of a giant and the thwarting of an invading enemy. Just in case you want to know the basic roadmap. But, there's a lot more here than a beat-by-beat retelling. The feechiefolk add a lot of color and humor, and I'm interested to see what role they end up playing in the trilogy.
Overall, I think this is an amazing book for young readers, and we're already a handful of chapters into the second book and enjoying it just as much.
I must say this upfront. I obtained the NEW, redesigned hardbacks. They are gorgeous. The cover is lush. The interior black-line illustrations are wonderful. This new edition is worth buying, just FYI.
This is a middle-grade retelling of the story of King David. Aiden Errolson is the David character, and when this book opens, he's 13. He's the youngest son of a lord, but he spends most of his days tending sheep. He longs for adventure and greatness. When Aiden has greatness thrust upon him, it doesn't look or feel as grand as he dreamed. But, as the feechies say, Aiden has what it takes.
Ultimately, this is a story about having what it takes. It's aspirational for kids. Can they rise to the challenges that everyday life throws at them? Aiden's example can show them what this looks like.
This book parallels David's early life and culminates in the defeat of a giant and the thwarting of an invading enemy. Just in case you want to know the basic roadmap. But, there's a lot more here than a beat-by-beat retelling. The feechiefolk add a lot of color and humor, and I'm interested to see what role they end up playing in the trilogy.
Overall, I think this is an amazing book for young readers, and we're already a handful of chapters into the second book and enjoying it just as much.
October 10, 2021
Mmmm. There was something so organic about this book that I just loved. I thought it was a great intro to the trilogy and the climax, for lack of a better word, climaxed very well.
Things I loved:
1) The character development was awesome. I loved Aiden and all his dynamics, as well as his reactions to the world around him. He's so cute!
2) The world-building was great. I definitely felt like I was there much of the time.
3) Rogers is an amazing poet. His songs and poems were perfect and captured the spirit of Corenwald flawlessly.
4) Dobro is literally the. best. character. ever. invented! (I mean, excluding Sam and Pippin, that is!) 😂
Things I liked:
1) I thought the conflict between Corenwald and the Pyrthens was done quite well.
2) The culture of the Feechiefolk was vibrant and alive.
3) King Darrow's development was good.
4) Roger's descriptions made Corenwald seem real.
Things I didn't like:
1) The writing felt very juvenile. There were moments when I felt the dialogue was artificial, as were Aiden's thought processes.
2) The allegory. Okay. So let me be clear here. I'm actually a huge fan of Biblical allegory, when it's done in a masterful and/or very subtle way. This allegory was not either of these things. I appreciated Roger's attempt to paint the David and Goliath situation in no uncertain terms, but in trying to make it obvious he made it seem redundant and fake. I really really didn't like this.
3) The gunpowder. This actually isn't a gigantic complaint on my part, but I wasn't the biggest fan of how Rogers painted the cannon scenes. I think the cannons were, in and of themselves, a great addition, but the way the Corenwalders responded put them across as being rustic and uneducated. I'm not entirely convinced this is what Rogers wanted to portray, but if it was, he did a great job of it!
To sum this unexpectedly long review up, I'm going to add a gif:
Only, it was actually a hug in a book. I would definitely add this to a list of awesome books to read in the middle of winter with a cup of hot cocoa and a snuggly blanket!
Things I loved:
1) The character development was awesome. I loved Aiden and all his dynamics, as well as his reactions to the world around him. He's so cute!
2) The world-building was great. I definitely felt like I was there much of the time.
3) Rogers is an amazing poet. His songs and poems were perfect and captured the spirit of Corenwald flawlessly.
4) Dobro is literally the. best. character. ever. invented! (I mean, excluding Sam and Pippin, that is!) 😂
Things I liked:
1) I thought the conflict between Corenwald and the Pyrthens was done quite well.
2) The culture of the Feechiefolk was vibrant and alive.
3) King Darrow's development was good.
4) Roger's descriptions made Corenwald seem real.
Things I didn't like:
1) The writing felt very juvenile. There were moments when I felt the dialogue was artificial, as were Aiden's thought processes.
2) The allegory. Okay. So let me be clear here. I'm actually a huge fan of Biblical allegory, when it's done in a masterful and/or very subtle way. This allegory was not either of these things. I appreciated Roger's attempt to paint the David and Goliath situation in no uncertain terms, but in trying to make it obvious he made it seem redundant and fake. I really really didn't like this.
3) The gunpowder. This actually isn't a gigantic complaint on my part, but I wasn't the biggest fan of how Rogers painted the cannon scenes. I think the cannons were, in and of themselves, a great addition, but the way the Corenwalders responded put them across as being rustic and uneducated. I'm not entirely convinced this is what Rogers wanted to portray, but if it was, he did a great job of it!
To sum this unexpectedly long review up, I'm going to add a gif:
Only, it was actually a hug in a book. I would definitely add this to a list of awesome books to read in the middle of winter with a cup of hot cocoa and a snuggly blanket!
December 1, 2017
"Who knows what the future holds? Only the One God," explained Aidan. "You just live the little bit of life that you can see in front of you. You live it well. And that gets you ready for whatever unfolds next" (p. 189). Those are good thoughts for a young, budding hero and his aging mother alike. What a wonderful adventure to read aloud together! Very highly recommended!
June 24, 2022
This book was adorable! My brother got it a while ago, and I've been dying to read it! So, I finally finished it the other day!! It was so cute, and even though it's Middle Grade, I would heartily recommend it to anyone!
October 20, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Tons of fun, lots of surprises, and plenty of faith. Check out my full run-down on my blog! 😁
February 4, 2025
Fantastic read aloud! I would say best for 10 and under, but also good for 10 and up. All my boys loved it. Please don't ruin the story by explaining the allegory to your children. Just read it and let the story do its work.
April 4, 2022
Our family loved this read aloud of bravery, chivalry and following the One True God. Great adventure story. Looking forward to reading the next one.
September 3, 2024
4.5 stars. This took us all summer to read just b/c we constantly had one (or two) kid(s) away most weeks of our summer break. Sometimes that really makes a read aloud fall apart, but I think this held up quite well to being dragged out. I didn't know going into it that is was a retelling of the story of David and Goliath (a pretty major thing to miss, to be sure!) but we enjoyed this all the same. I rarely like Biblical retellings to be honest, but this was one of the best (or the best) I've personally experienced.
April 7, 2025
I can see the appeal this book holds to children, but for me, it followed David's story too directly and felt "preachy" at times.
July 22, 2018
This book is so good! It's funny... So funny. But it's also a good story, very Christian and some parts are strongly based off the bible.
September 7, 2018
Great book. Definitely on the top ten favorite list. To me, it seemed like the story of David, like from the bible.
May 28, 2018
1 Samuel: the Message Bible translation.
I'm going to keep this short lest I regret something I say. This was a one-star read for me, but I know that I dislike allegory so I'm going to give it benefit of the doubt and bump it up a star. The problem with this story is that it follows the life of Totally Not David, a shepherd boy youngest of many chosen by a prophet to be king, as he quests through his pre-teens and ends up killing Totally Not Goliath, a literal giant who challenges a champion of Totally Not Israel to fight him to decide which army will be enslaved to another. Also, when Totally Not David comes out to kill him with a stone and sling he literally uses the "Am I a dog that you come out to me with sticks" line. Literally.
This "allegory" is beat for beat how it actually happened. I knew how this was going to end from page 1, and I was not wrong.
I'm going to keep this short lest I regret something I say. This was a one-star read for me, but I know that I dislike allegory so I'm going to give it benefit of the doubt and bump it up a star. The problem with this story is that it follows the life of Totally Not David, a shepherd boy youngest of many chosen by a prophet to be king, as he quests through his pre-teens and ends up killing Totally Not Goliath, a literal giant who challenges a champion of Totally Not Israel to fight him to decide which army will be enslaved to another. Also, when Totally Not David comes out to kill him with a stone and sling he literally uses the "Am I a dog that you come out to me with sticks" line. Literally.
This "allegory" is beat for beat how it actually happened. I knew how this was going to end from page 1, and I was not wrong.
December 24, 2025
Talitha's Review: 4 stars. My favorite part was when Aidan found Dobro in the bottom pasture and saved him from the panther. I didn't like when Bayard, Errol, and the brothers were talking. I liked when Aidan killed the giant. I learned more about Goliath fighting David, just like Aidan fought the giant. I don't like that there were not any girls (except Dobro's mom).
I really enjoyed this read-aloud! Lots of fun action, enjoyable scenes with the feechiefolk, faithful representation of David/Goliath, and great moral lessons on courage and conviction. I do not often think about David's youth like the book portrays him, and that was a nice touch.
I really enjoyed this read-aloud! Lots of fun action, enjoyable scenes with the feechiefolk, faithful representation of David/Goliath, and great moral lessons on courage and conviction. I do not often think about David's youth like the book portrays him, and that was a nice touch.
July 23, 2013
This book was so much FUN as a read-aloud!! Lots of excitement and lots of unique voices...
Its a retelling of the story of King David and its really well done!
Lots of boyish adventures that kept my son on the edge of his seat during this entire read-aloud! We are anxiously awaiting the second book in the trilogy from the library.
I personally found the rough and tumble friendship between Aidan and Dobro to be very charming, even if, as a woman, I could not relate to their extreme boy-ishness...
Its a retelling of the story of King David and its really well done!
Lots of boyish adventures that kept my son on the edge of his seat during this entire read-aloud! We are anxiously awaiting the second book in the trilogy from the library.
I personally found the rough and tumble friendship between Aidan and Dobro to be very charming, even if, as a woman, I could not relate to their extreme boy-ishness...
December 26, 2020
SERIES REVIEW:
One of the most unique fantasy worlds I've read, especially the feechies! This series is a loose retelling of the Biblical account of King David, but different enough to be surprising. The ending of bk. 3 is one of my favorite sections of a novel, ever.
Recommended for middle grade readers, family read alouds, and anyone who wants a fun adventure rife with beauty, truth, and goodness. Content: mild violence, character death, rude humor.
Live the life that unfolds before you. Love goodness more than you fear evil.
One of the most unique fantasy worlds I've read, especially the feechies! This series is a loose retelling of the Biblical account of King David, but different enough to be surprising. The ending of bk. 3 is one of my favorite sections of a novel, ever.
Recommended for middle grade readers, family read alouds, and anyone who wants a fun adventure rife with beauty, truth, and goodness. Content: mild violence, character death, rude humor.
Live the life that unfolds before you. Love goodness more than you fear evil.
August 19, 2021
Though I understand the story is a modern retelling of The narration by the author is great and has the perfect Southern twang to fit the setting of the book.
June 26, 2018
Pre-reading for my kids - what a perfect adventure! Full of everything “boy,” chivalry and courage in the midst of fear, wrestling and alligators, honoring the one true God and living the life that He unfolds before you, etc. I can’t wait to hand this one to my son and see him get caught up in this trilogy.
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