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The Sword of Lyric #4
The Deliverer
A Lost Songkeeper Must Lead Her People to a Long Awaited Deliverer
Eager to serve the One, a young songkeeper travels to the dark and foreign nation of Hazor, but her confusing, rough-edged companion has lost his Restorer gifts. As danger rises against them both, she loses her freedom, her memories, and her hope. Now even the very music of her soul is threatened.
In our world, Susan Mitchell no longer feels at home in the carpool lane. Burdened by the unhealed scars from her trips through the portal, she fights to suppress her worry about her son, who remains out of contact in Lyric. But when a mysterious message hints Jake is in danger, she and her husband are swept away—to the place they least expect.
Clan rebellions. Lost Restorers. Has the One turned away, or will the face of the Deliverer bring light to the darkness?
Eager to serve the One, a young songkeeper travels to the dark and foreign nation of Hazor, but her confusing, rough-edged companion has lost his Restorer gifts. As danger rises against them both, she loses her freedom, her memories, and her hope. Now even the very music of her soul is threatened.
In our world, Susan Mitchell no longer feels at home in the carpool lane. Burdened by the unhealed scars from her trips through the portal, she fights to suppress her worry about her son, who remains out of contact in Lyric. But when a mysterious message hints Jake is in danger, she and her husband are swept away—to the place they least expect.
Clan rebellions. Lost Restorers. Has the One turned away, or will the face of the Deliverer bring light to the darkness?
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2015
3 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Hinck
28 books516 followershttp://www.sharonhinck.com/
Sharon writes "stories for the hero in all of us" - uplifting and entertaining novels about ordinary people called to extraordinary challenges.
She recently was awarded a Christy Award for Hidden Current. She's also won several Carol awards for both contemporary Christian fiction and fantasy, and was a Christy finalist for The Restorer - a genre-blending adventure of a soccer-mom in an alternate world.
When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She and her family make their home in the Midwest.
Sharon writes "stories for the hero in all of us" - uplifting and entertaining novels about ordinary people called to extraordinary challenges.
She recently was awarded a Christy Award for Hidden Current. She's also won several Carol awards for both contemporary Christian fiction and fantasy, and was a Christy finalist for The Restorer - a genre-blending adventure of a soccer-mom in an alternate world.
When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She and her family make their home in the Midwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 16, 2017
After reading 8+ book by this author, I have determined that Sharon Hinck has an incredible gift for writing clean, inspiring fiction. I greatly enjoyed this entire series, and this book was the perfect way to wrap up the entire series. Incredibly well written. Beautifully inspiring. Action packed. Heartwarming, and a tear jerker, this book is amazing! I heartily recommend this book!
CONTENT NOTE: There is some violence, but not portrayed graphically at all. There is also a small thread of romance. Recommended to 14+ for violence.
CONTENT NOTE: There is some violence, but not portrayed graphically at all. There is also a small thread of romance. Recommended to 14+ for violence.
August 31, 2015
Fans of Sharon Hinck won't want to miss this new installment. I LOVE this series and couldn't wait for book four, but here it is, finally, and it doesn't disappoint. Sharon has a unique voice in the fantasy world, and never fails to carry me away--completely--to her fantasy worlds. PLEASE let there be more books!
March 27, 2017
We return to Hazor in the opening scenes of The Deliverer! The story opens up on a mildly funny note and a new birth, but things quickly take a dark turn when Kieran’s secret comes out – he’s no longer the Restorer. But the King of Hazor didn’t know that, and now the price of that omission will be high.
Susan and Mark have jumped back through the portal to find their son Jake, who has not been heard from in some time. The portal, however, does not take them to Lyric, and the pair find themselves in a mess of trouble.
There was a lot more Biblical allegory in this book than in the previous ones, with the coming of the Deliverer – their Jesus figure. The ending was …wow. There are so many things I would like to say about the ending, but...
Check out the rest of this review and ratings here on my blog: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Susan and Mark have jumped back through the portal to find their son Jake, who has not been heard from in some time. The portal, however, does not take them to Lyric, and the pair find themselves in a mess of trouble.
There was a lot more Biblical allegory in this book than in the previous ones, with the coming of the Deliverer – their Jesus figure. The ending was …wow. There are so many things I would like to say about the ending, but...
Check out the rest of this review and ratings here on my blog: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...
August 11, 2025
This series has been an adventure and a blessing! I am so grateful to be able to read these books!! Tis not only a thrilling whirlwind of stories about knights, fencing, and dark hardships. But about TRUSTING and BELIEVEING the One (Christ). Letting His love and light RESTORER our souls!! 💖 Can't stop recommending this book and all the others that are part of the series! God bless!!
https://pin.it/utfRVFhjl
Love,
Nancy
https://pin.it/utfRVFhjl
Love,
Nancy
April 27, 2017
This series was simply too good, I don't want to stop reading! I guess I'll just have to read the books all over again.
June 25, 2019
RTC
This one may end up hidden because of spoilers, cuz man do I have things I need to gush about.
This one may end up hidden because of spoilers, cuz man do I have things I need to gush about.
September 21, 2018
The fourth book of the Sword of Lyric series brings a hopeful, inspiring conclusion for the world and characters we've grown to love. Though the author left a few threads dangling with the option of returning to the People of the Verses someday, this is the planned end to the series.
Susan feels strongly that she needs to return to this alternate world, and as she walks her path she confronts all the pain she has faced since her first visit. She's such a strong, relatable character. She's gone through a lot, and it's appropriate that she takes time to address it with The One.
Meanwhile, we finally receive the point of view I've been eagerly anticipating as Linette, the songkeeper, takes center stage. She's been helping Kieran spread the message of The One in the pagan land of Hazor, but he also harbors a dangerous secret that if found will put all their lives in danger. Linette's journey is full of heart-pounding suspense, her gentle but sustained faith, and the undercurrent of romance that we've been picking up on for several books now.
Has The One sent His promised Deliverer into this world at last? I had wondered how Hinck would tackle the topic, and while it wasn't what I expected, I thought she did a good job with it.
It has been fun to reread this series, and to read The Deliverer for the first time. I will definitely revisit this world in the future! Sharon Hinck has a new fantasy series debuting next year, and I will be on the lookout to find a copy as soon as possible!
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
Susan feels strongly that she needs to return to this alternate world, and as she walks her path she confronts all the pain she has faced since her first visit. She's such a strong, relatable character. She's gone through a lot, and it's appropriate that she takes time to address it with The One.
Meanwhile, we finally receive the point of view I've been eagerly anticipating as Linette, the songkeeper, takes center stage. She's been helping Kieran spread the message of The One in the pagan land of Hazor, but he also harbors a dangerous secret that if found will put all their lives in danger. Linette's journey is full of heart-pounding suspense, her gentle but sustained faith, and the undercurrent of romance that we've been picking up on for several books now.
Has The One sent His promised Deliverer into this world at last? I had wondered how Hinck would tackle the topic, and while it wasn't what I expected, I thought she did a good job with it.
It has been fun to reread this series, and to read The Deliverer for the first time. I will definitely revisit this world in the future! Sharon Hinck has a new fantasy series debuting next year, and I will be on the lookout to find a copy as soon as possible!
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
December 28, 2016
WOW! I have left this book believing without a shadow of a doubt that Sharon Hinck has an incredible gift with words and stories. I found this book a satisfying ending to the series, however it would not be amiss if Mrs. Hinck decided to write another. (pretty please!)
I found myself laughing, and even crying as the ending was drawing to a close. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so all I will say is that you need to read it yourself. I really like how this book is a lot from the perspective of Linnette. I love the character of Linnette and her heart. She reminded me a lot of myself. Which in turn, made the book that much more moving. But that is what Sharon Hinck does. She writes books with the highest relatability that I have ever read. All of her characters are so human, so real, and so loveable, but flawed, that it is impossible NOT to like them. The theological parallelism I found beautiful as well. And I can't go without mentioning the Musical aspect. The city of Lyric and their tradition of singing the "Verses" always has this musician so happy. And the ending!!!! I had tears streaming down my face. Bravo Sharon Hinck. I hope you will continue to write many books in the future. Because, I will read them all!
I found myself laughing, and even crying as the ending was drawing to a close. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so all I will say is that you need to read it yourself. I really like how this book is a lot from the perspective of Linnette. I love the character of Linnette and her heart. She reminded me a lot of myself. Which in turn, made the book that much more moving. But that is what Sharon Hinck does. She writes books with the highest relatability that I have ever read. All of her characters are so human, so real, and so loveable, but flawed, that it is impossible NOT to like them. The theological parallelism I found beautiful as well. And I can't go without mentioning the Musical aspect. The city of Lyric and their tradition of singing the "Verses" always has this musician so happy. And the ending!!!! I had tears streaming down my face. Bravo Sharon Hinck. I hope you will continue to write many books in the future. Because, I will read them all!
August 14, 2019
I stumbled across Sharon Hinck’s delightful Sword of the Lyric series unexpectedly—proving that great books never die. I don’t usually read Christian fantasy, but her first book hooked me. I read one book after the other, because her fiction stories swept me into not only a fascinating world, but into one with such applicable, biblical truths to my real world—and even to my life. Like others, I hunted for another sequel and was excited to find this fourth book in the series recently, The Deliverer. Her books contain a mix of suspense, drama, danger, fantasy, inspiration, and even a touch of romance.
Sharon’s ability to transport the reader immediately into her fantasy world was a surprise, and her characters came to life with skilled writing. In every book her smooth transition from fantasy to reality—as more members of her own family became involved—left me breathless at times. There’s nothing easy about these characters’ struggles in a dangerous world filled with both good and evil—a fight that’s both real and credible. In this last sequel, I love the focus on the lost songkeeper in The Deliverer, and her quest with others to turn her discouraged people back to the One whose verses they have known and loved.
Don’t start with this book. Buy all four, and start your reading with the very first in the Sword of the Lyric series. Each story is a page turner with a satisfying ending—but always leaves you wanting more. The Deliver joined Sharon’s other books in the series as a fantastic read.
Sharon’s ability to transport the reader immediately into her fantasy world was a surprise, and her characters came to life with skilled writing. In every book her smooth transition from fantasy to reality—as more members of her own family became involved—left me breathless at times. There’s nothing easy about these characters’ struggles in a dangerous world filled with both good and evil—a fight that’s both real and credible. In this last sequel, I love the focus on the lost songkeeper in The Deliverer, and her quest with others to turn her discouraged people back to the One whose verses they have known and loved.
Don’t start with this book. Buy all four, and start your reading with the very first in the Sword of the Lyric series. Each story is a page turner with a satisfying ending—but always leaves you wanting more. The Deliver joined Sharon’s other books in the series as a fantastic read.
July 5, 2023
The Sword of Lyric series has been my favorite modern fantasy series (and by modern, I mean published within the last couple of decades) ever since I began reading the first book in the series, The Restorer. I was BEYOND thrilled when I found out that Sharon Hinck had written a final book in the series, several years after Sword of Lyric began its publication.
The Deliverer is every bit as good as the other three books in the series, if not better. The Restorer's Son was my former favorite, but The Deliverer is now tied with that one, making them both my favorites. This novel provides the perfect conclusion to the series. It left me satisfied with the ending even though I was sad to be leaving the People of the Verses for good.
Don't miss this awesome, adventurous, beautiful conclusion to the series. And if you haven't read the first three books yet, get started! You're in for a wonderful adventure.
The Deliverer is every bit as good as the other three books in the series, if not better. The Restorer's Son was my former favorite, but The Deliverer is now tied with that one, making them both my favorites. This novel provides the perfect conclusion to the series. It left me satisfied with the ending even though I was sad to be leaving the People of the Verses for good.
Don't miss this awesome, adventurous, beautiful conclusion to the series. And if you haven't read the first three books yet, get started! You're in for a wonderful adventure.
February 22, 2021
In the final book, The Deliverer, Susan’s adventures with her husband and son and the people of Lyric are wrapped up. The distrust and falling away from the Truth and all the fighting and factions in this fantasy world reflected upon the quarrelling and confusion experienced now in our own world. I find this remarkable given the book was published in 2015, long before these pandemic and political issues became an ugly reality. Susan’s feelings capture a mom’s feelings about moving into new stages in life and letting children go to live their own adult lives. Hearing God and taking those scary, unsteady, doubt-filled first steps continues to be a theme in this book. It’s encouraging for believers to be reminded that these thoughts, feelings, choices we wrestle with are normal, understandable, forgivable by our all-knowing Creator.
January 30, 2021
So good and so sad this series is done. I will definitely be rereading this book in the near future as particular scenes made me race through to see how our characters made out of their circumstances. We learn about the Deliverer and the conclusion of the Kieran- Linette- Jake love triangle. I appreciate a book series that addresses our doubt at times as Christians and the difficulty to trust. Well done, Sharon!! 👏🏽👏🏽
August 27, 2017
Fantasy meets reality.
If you're looking for an epic tale that always leads your heart and mind back to God and His ways this is the series for you. I loved the characters, the fantasy world Sharon Hinck created, and the reminder of how important it is to memorize the scriptures. I don't read fantasy but after this story I think I'll start.
If you're looking for an epic tale that always leads your heart and mind back to God and His ways this is the series for you. I loved the characters, the fantasy world Sharon Hinck created, and the reminder of how important it is to memorize the scriptures. I don't read fantasy but after this story I think I'll start.
February 28, 2023
BRAVO! The Deliverer is a stunning conclusion to this fabulous series! I've so enjoyed my time with the People of the Verses! I look forward to reading more for Ms. Hinck.
Recommend to readers who enjoy epic, inspirational fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I've expressed my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy epic, inspirational fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I've expressed my honest opinion.
July 19, 2017
All sorts of interesting twists in this one as Mark and Susan learn to live in two worlds again. The series wraps up but ends with a possibility. I kind of like the idea that there is more to the story of "The Sword of Lyric".
August 16, 2019
Tremendous ending, and new beginning, to this series. Beautiful encouragement to keep following our Savior, through all the trials and things we do not understand. We cannot see the future, but we know the One who does, and we can trust Him.
February 18, 2018
Marvellous
Just as riveting as the other three. I love the rollercoaster of emotions I have experienced during this series. Definitely worthy of a re-read or two!
Just as riveting as the other three. I love the rollercoaster of emotions I have experienced during this series. Definitely worthy of a re-read or two!
July 13, 2018
The fourth book had my second favorite perspective. The series had some conclusion but the author left it open for more.
March 27, 2020
Great ending to a great series. Beautiful use of God's word in a fantasy world.
March 9, 2023
This book took me over a month & a half to read! I spent A LOT of it being frustrated, annoyed, and eager to be done. Kind of a disappointing end to a good series, in my opinion. Thankful to be done!
Read
July 26, 2025DNF
November 1, 2016
I would highly recommend this book.
August 8, 2015
When a reader has to wait a long time for another book in a beloved series there's always a fear that the enthusiasm will fade. That you won't be as captivated as you were for the first books. I confess, that was my concern as I waited (more or less patiently) for The Deliverer, the fourth book in Sharon Hinck's Sword of Lyric series.
My fears were laid to rest two days ago when I started the book. OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a joy to return again to Braide Wood, to Lyric, and to the people of the verses. Sharon Hinck has crafted a compelling plot, an entrancing setting, and characters that are so realistic I felt like I was welcoming long lost friends. I slipped into the story world seamlessly through the viewpoints of Linette and Susan for another exciting other-world adventure.
I love the spiritual element woven so beautifully into the very fabric of the story. That's one of Hinck's strengths, and a skill that few inspirational novelists do well.
I will say that readers who are new to Hinck's series should begin with the first story, The Restorer. Though each book in the series is a complete story, the overall story arc needs to be experienced from the beginning to have its full impact. But trust me, that is not a hardship at all, since The Restorer is, in my opinion, the very best example of modern inspirational fantasy. There's only one regret you'll have in reading these books--you won't get anything else done until you've finished them all.
My fears were laid to rest two days ago when I started the book. OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a joy to return again to Braide Wood, to Lyric, and to the people of the verses. Sharon Hinck has crafted a compelling plot, an entrancing setting, and characters that are so realistic I felt like I was welcoming long lost friends. I slipped into the story world seamlessly through the viewpoints of Linette and Susan for another exciting other-world adventure.
I love the spiritual element woven so beautifully into the very fabric of the story. That's one of Hinck's strengths, and a skill that few inspirational novelists do well.
I will say that readers who are new to Hinck's series should begin with the first story, The Restorer. Though each book in the series is a complete story, the overall story arc needs to be experienced from the beginning to have its full impact. But trust me, that is not a hardship at all, since The Restorer is, in my opinion, the very best example of modern inspirational fantasy. There's only one regret you'll have in reading these books--you won't get anything else done until you've finished them all.
March 23, 2021
The book is so good! Often authors going back and adding more books on their popular series is hit or miss, but I’m so glad she continued the sword of lyric series! This book is excellent, thought provoking, and action packed
October 20, 2015
I borrowed the first three books of the Sword of Lyric series from my son. The plot line and characters were so compelling that I had a hard time putting each volume down. I couldn’t bear to finish the third book and thus end the story without knowing a fourth volume was in the works. The Deliverer is the fourth book and well worth going back to reread the first three (finally finishing the third one) before delving into this latest edition. Sharon Hinck knows how to deftly weave an intriguing, unique storyline and captivate her readers. My only regret is that I finally have to say goodbye to this marvelous alternate world and its inhabitants. These are great stories for teens and adults alike. I highly recommend The Deliverer and its predecessors.They are a great way to escape from every day stresses.
May 17, 2016
Wow! What a great book!
I read the first three books of this series eight years ago and they quickly joined the ranks of my all-time-favorite books. When I found out there was going to be a fourth book, I was over the moon, but then I got a little nervous. What if it didn't live up to the first three? I actually put off reading this one for a few months because I was so nervous, but then I decided to just enjoy a re-read of the first three and then dive in. One way or the other, I just had to know. I'm delighted to report that this book was amazing and deserves its place in this fabulous series! It was such a treat to have more of the story! I highlighted so many poignant and thought-provoking quotes, it will fill pages and pages in my journal when I copy them out over the next few days.
If you enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia at all, I think you will really enjoy this series!
I read the first three books of this series eight years ago and they quickly joined the ranks of my all-time-favorite books. When I found out there was going to be a fourth book, I was over the moon, but then I got a little nervous. What if it didn't live up to the first three? I actually put off reading this one for a few months because I was so nervous, but then I decided to just enjoy a re-read of the first three and then dive in. One way or the other, I just had to know. I'm delighted to report that this book was amazing and deserves its place in this fabulous series! It was such a treat to have more of the story! I highlighted so many poignant and thought-provoking quotes, it will fill pages and pages in my journal when I copy them out over the next few days.
If you enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia at all, I think you will really enjoy this series!
Read
September 27, 2015Amazing and fulfilling!
I have read all three books by Sharon Hinck, so when I saw that a fourth book of her continuing series "The Sword of Lyric" came out I immediately jumped on the opportunity to find out what other adventures Susan and her family had in store. I was not disappointed. The author filled this fourth book with excitement and fulfilling spiritual lessons. I know this book series will continue onto a fifth book in which I am glad to say, I will be happily continuing. May God continue using Sharon Hinck to write more fulfilling spiritual books. And thank you Sharon Hinck for another satisfying read. :)
I have read all three books by Sharon Hinck, so when I saw that a fourth book of her continuing series "The Sword of Lyric" came out I immediately jumped on the opportunity to find out what other adventures Susan and her family had in store. I was not disappointed. The author filled this fourth book with excitement and fulfilling spiritual lessons. I know this book series will continue onto a fifth book in which I am glad to say, I will be happily continuing. May God continue using Sharon Hinck to write more fulfilling spiritual books. And thank you Sharon Hinck for another satisfying read. :)
August 8, 2015
Such interesting twists!!! Another reviewer said "every time I expect her to zig, she zags". So true. It would be easy in this genre to go with canned characters or a routine plot, but she always seems to take us just where we don't expect to go before bringing it all back to The One.
Lots of great starts have less than satisfying endings. This is not one of them. This one is compelling to the end; it delivers.
Lots of great starts have less than satisfying endings. This is not one of them. This one is compelling to the end; it delivers.
March 24, 2017
Very exciting. I wish it were a little longer. I will miss exploring that world!
Oh, one other thing: These books seem to assume that if God were going to bring deliverance to another world he would need to start the whole process of sending a savior over again. Maybe it's a little nerdy for me to say this, but I believe that if there were separate worlds from ours that Jesus Christ's sacrifice (in this world) would still be sufficient - once for all.
Oh, one other thing: These books seem to assume that if God were going to bring deliverance to another world he would need to start the whole process of sending a savior over again. Maybe it's a little nerdy for me to say this, but I believe that if there were separate worlds from ours that Jesus Christ's sacrifice (in this world) would still be sufficient - once for all.
March 6, 2016
The Sword of Lyric books. 1_4
I could not put these books down! Soon as I finished book one I started book two ,etc. It was like going on a. fantastic tip through the ages with God guiding and waiting in that strange land for Jesus to come and make all things good again.Please read it and if you have children8 to teens m a key it a family group gathering to worship.
I could not put these books down! Soon as I finished book one I started book two ,etc. It was like going on a. fantastic tip through the ages with God guiding and waiting in that strange land for Jesus to come and make all things good again.Please read it and if you have children8 to teens m a key it a family group gathering to worship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews