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Guardians of Allon #1
The Great Battle
The vast splendor of the Almighty’s compound graced the Region of Sanctuary. With wisdom, compassion and justice, Jor’el utilized his immortals Guardians as administrators of the kingdom. For centuries, the mortals lived in peace and prosperity under divine guidance. They went about content with life – or so they thought. Guardians interacted with mortals on a daily. They offered protection and order. They were content in their role – or so they thought. When one Guardian upsets the balance, the consequences are devastating. For the first time ever, Guardians will face each other in war. Can the kingdom survive a battle of immortals?
- GenresFantasyChristian Fiction
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2015
24 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Lamb
34 books46 followersShawn began her career as a screenwriter for children's television back in the 1980s. She received an award for excellence from the American Screenwriter's Association. Taking her knowledge and expertise, Shawn turned to fiction in creating "Allon", a Christian allegorical fantasy series for young adults.
From "Allon", came "The King's Children" for ages 8 to 10, and the prequel "Guardians of Allon", an double award-winning trilogy.
Other books include the "Eldar Trilogy" a fantasy for young adults, and three historical fiction titles. She currently has 25 books available.
Shawn travels the country as a guest at comic conventions, homeschool conventions, and book festivals.
From "Allon", came "The King's Children" for ages 8 to 10, and the prequel "Guardians of Allon", an double award-winning trilogy.
Other books include the "Eldar Trilogy" a fantasy for young adults, and three historical fiction titles. She currently has 25 books available.
Shawn travels the country as a guest at comic conventions, homeschool conventions, and book festivals.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 6, 2020
Ms. Lamb takes the story of Satan’s fall and re-tells it as a fantasy in a world similar to the real world, yet with subtle differences. What if humans and angels (Guardians) lived together and Guardians protected humans? What might it be like if God, in this case, Jor’el communed with individuals face to face (so to speak) within his earthly temple? It would seem to be a peaceful place in which to live. And for a time, it had been.
But all is not well in the land of Allon. One powerful and charismatic Guardian is staging a rebellion. Plans are in place and soon to be worked out. Plans to challenge Jor’el’s rule and his Guardian’s role in that rule. Plans to change the land of Allon forever.
Though there were a few places where the story slowed for detailed descriptions and information, and moments where words are missing or extra words added, this is an engaging tale that kept me reading. As implied in the title, the action drives forward toward a major battle. The ending is bittersweet but does a good job of set the reader up to continue the story in the next book. A satisfying read, especially if you enjoy biblical truths set in alternate universes and strong, admirable heroes.
But all is not well in the land of Allon. One powerful and charismatic Guardian is staging a rebellion. Plans are in place and soon to be worked out. Plans to challenge Jor’el’s rule and his Guardian’s role in that rule. Plans to change the land of Allon forever.
Though there were a few places where the story slowed for detailed descriptions and information, and moments where words are missing or extra words added, this is an engaging tale that kept me reading. As implied in the title, the action drives forward toward a major battle. The ending is bittersweet but does a good job of set the reader up to continue the story in the next book. A satisfying read, especially if you enjoy biblical truths set in alternate universes and strong, admirable heroes.
September 24, 2015
Story:
Allon is a country unlike any you've seen before. The people are capable of getting direct help from Jor'el, the god of the world. To help maintain peace Jor'el has created a race of super people known as the Guardians. Each guardian has their own special skills and use them to help mortals. However nowadays there are some guardians that are causing trouble, like a mysterious rogue who beats people. An investigation begins to uncover a dangerous plan that could change the course of Allon's history forever.
I was incredibly impressed with this story. Shawn Lamb has created an amazing world that definitely stands out on its own. It has a presence of the Divine like in Narnia, but the action of Middle-Earth. Most fantasy stories start out with the world in an age of darkness and tyranny, but the author here has come up with a well-written story that shows the world in a golden age before the fall from grace. There are mystical creatures, but they are not what you expect. One example of something fantasy fans are familiar with would be the kelpie, but it is more of a monster than the water horse we know. Shawn Lamb has also created some dangerous new monsters that most heroes would rather not face in battle. Different perspectives and characters help set things up for the future of Allon and help to move the story along. This is a must-have for anyone who loves fantasy or the Chronicles of Narnia.
Caution:
Some battles can be terrifying and intense. Characters are chased by monsters and injured. People are tortured by the villains. Cases of blood from battles. Many characters die. A man passes through fire to test his virtue.
Lessons:
Sometimes people are allowed to do bad things so the judgement will be just. Even when it seems like evil has won, God will prevail in the end. Sometimes doing the right thing means going against those around you.
Allon is a country unlike any you've seen before. The people are capable of getting direct help from Jor'el, the god of the world. To help maintain peace Jor'el has created a race of super people known as the Guardians. Each guardian has their own special skills and use them to help mortals. However nowadays there are some guardians that are causing trouble, like a mysterious rogue who beats people. An investigation begins to uncover a dangerous plan that could change the course of Allon's history forever.
I was incredibly impressed with this story. Shawn Lamb has created an amazing world that definitely stands out on its own. It has a presence of the Divine like in Narnia, but the action of Middle-Earth. Most fantasy stories start out with the world in an age of darkness and tyranny, but the author here has come up with a well-written story that shows the world in a golden age before the fall from grace. There are mystical creatures, but they are not what you expect. One example of something fantasy fans are familiar with would be the kelpie, but it is more of a monster than the water horse we know. Shawn Lamb has also created some dangerous new monsters that most heroes would rather not face in battle. Different perspectives and characters help set things up for the future of Allon and help to move the story along. This is a must-have for anyone who loves fantasy or the Chronicles of Narnia.
Caution:
Some battles can be terrifying and intense. Characters are chased by monsters and injured. People are tortured by the villains. Cases of blood from battles. Many characters die. A man passes through fire to test his virtue.
Lessons:
Sometimes people are allowed to do bad things so the judgement will be just. Even when it seems like evil has won, God will prevail in the end. Sometimes doing the right thing means going against those around you.
February 21, 2022
This action-packed story takes place in the Kingdom of Allon where immortal Guardians serve mortals as administrators under the guidance of the Almighty Jor’el. While they are to serve with wisdom, compassion, and justice, it doesn’t take long to see trouble brewing. A rouge Guardian beats a couple of brothers stuck in a work camp as punishment for something they did not do. The younger one needs immediate medical attention for his severe injuries. An underground network of mortals sneak the boys out of the camp and take them to get medical attention. When the incident is reported to the Captain of the immortal Guardians, he sets his forces in action to find out who this rouge Guardian might be, but what he comes to learn is that the problem goes much deeper. It’s not a single rouge Guardian wreaking havoc, but a rebellion led by an Original (Guardian), Dagar. Elements of his plan to overthrow Jor'el are in place, and he and his minions are ready to strike. The peace and prosperity the mortals have enjoyed under the guiding hand of Jor’el erupt into full-blown rebellion as Guardians are forced to fight against their own.
At the start, I worried that the myriad of characters introduced would be hard to keep straight, but that was not the case. The multitude of characters proved necessary in this fast-paced Christian thriller which carries readers into war among the immortals. Can the rebellion be quashed? That question keeps the pages turning. The only negative I have regarding The Great Battle is that it needs a proofreader. Often a word is missing, and here and there, a wrong word is used, like compassionate instead of compassion.
Overall, the strength of this story earns a solid 4 stars. If you enjoy fantasy that explores traditional Christian themes or ideas, this book delivers 100%. I highly recommend this captivating read for young and old.
At the start, I worried that the myriad of characters introduced would be hard to keep straight, but that was not the case. The multitude of characters proved necessary in this fast-paced Christian thriller which carries readers into war among the immortals. Can the rebellion be quashed? That question keeps the pages turning. The only negative I have regarding The Great Battle is that it needs a proofreader. Often a word is missing, and here and there, a wrong word is used, like compassionate instead of compassion.
Overall, the strength of this story earns a solid 4 stars. If you enjoy fantasy that explores traditional Christian themes or ideas, this book delivers 100%. I highly recommend this captivating read for young and old.
January 15, 2021
Very exciting
Such a good adventure. The characters were brought to life by the author. I was with them on this well written adventure. I will read more from the Author.
Such a good adventure. The characters were brought to life by the author. I was with them on this well written adventure. I will read more from the Author.
March 29, 2021
Well written, but of course, there is a mini cliff hanger
and the next in the series cost, so I cannot read it.
I personally get a little tired of endless battles,
but still....
September 8, 2023
Not impressed. Struggled to finish. Will not continue series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews