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The Legends of Milana #1
The Pillar of Light: The Milana Legends, Part One, A Christian Fantasy Adventure
"Alexi!" Nani gasped. "He's here... he's close... we have to run... He's done terrible things..." Nani shook with fear and pointed wildly at the silver markings running up her arm, "Do you know what this means? We have to get away from him!" "I know what it means!" cried Alexi, grabbing her friend by the shoulders. "It means you can't get away from him." When Nani awakens in the jungles of Brazil, she has no idea who she is or how she came to the tiny missionary hospital. But soon she and her new friends are carried away to the world of Milana and soon find themselves under threat from the Hunters of Avoria. As they seek to unravel Nani's past and find their place in a new world, the group is forced to align with one of the Hunters. Can they trust him? Will they offer him a chance at redemption? The first book of The Milana Legends, The Pillar of Light is a Christian fantasy adventure about brave living, redemption, and forgiveness. Discover a thrilling journey through an enchanting world where faith blends with the fantastic. "Much like C.S. Lewis' stories about Narnia, the young people find themselves in a world other than their own with a challenge they must face in order to save themselves, but also to destroy the evil forces. Like Lewis, the author of The Pillar of Light parallels parables from the Bible to develop her plot. This is an exciting story for young people, a story about faith, love and the power of friendship as they work together to combat the many forces of evil." Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite. To learn more about the author and her world of Milana, visit www.AnnaTravis.com.
199 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2008
133 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Anna Travis
33 books39 followersI love to write about fantastic worlds where young characters choose to place a high value on courage, loyalty, freedom, and faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 31, 2016
I enjoyed the book overall. The author is certainly imaginative and can really create a new world. I enjoyed the Christian elements and much of the thought put behind the symbolism. It's also nice to read a fantasy book that isn't full of dark creatures.
There were, however, a few grammatical errors and not all of the passages flowed smoothly. With a bit more practice and editing though, I think this could really be a fantastic author. I would certainly read more of her work after reading this book.
There were, however, a few grammatical errors and not all of the passages flowed smoothly. With a bit more practice and editing though, I think this could really be a fantastic author. I would certainly read more of her work after reading this book.
December 20, 2015
As a Christian author myself, I’m always on the prowl for another Christian fantasy or other adventurous fiction. So I was pleasantly pleased when author Anna Travis approached me for a review.
The Pillar of Light is a Christian fantasy that focuses on the message of forgiveness and redemption, two of the most basic pillars of the Christian faith. I thought that alone was a cool play on the faith, books with a message are tough to find these days but ones with a firm Christian message is even rarer. So kudos to Travis for giving us something that’s both interesting and able to learn from.
The beginning of the story takes place in a missionary home in Brazil, its here that we meet the Millers, a husband and wife who simply go by Doc and Ruth. Readers are given a description of their struggles as whites in a minority country. It’s a very interesting tale as I’m a minority so I’m used to the whole racism thing being the other way around. There wasn’t a huge stress on their victimization but it was clear that the Millers had a hard time in Brazil, both as white people and especially as missionaries. Two struggles that are actually very common in other countries.
Fast forward a bit and we meet our protagonist, Nani, a girl who has little to no recollection of her own identity or whereabouts. She is taken in by the kindhearted Millers and thus our story begins; an adventurous race to find out just who this mysterious girl is.
I honestly enjoyed this book, its worthy of each of the five stars I gave it in its rating. Its written well, it has an even balance of detail and story, and its got a colorful and multicultural cast—most of whom have a Christian foundation in their background. So basically this novel has everything I look for in a book.
If I had to name a complaint, it would be that there were a lot of characters. Not everyone was a main character but there were plenty of people just called the boy or girl, the Hunter, etc… If you actually read the story then you’ll know many of the characters mentioned aren’t integral to the rest of the book and don’t make more than one appearance. Also, this book takes place in multiple locations, because of the storyline there’s bound to be plenty of characters. But for me, it was an AWFUL lot. However, I still gave the book five stars. Obviously the number of characters wasn’t bothersome enough to make me close the book but I did take notice to it.
Overall, I think Travis did a great job in representing the realistic side of Christianity while keeping her fictional novel interesting and entertaining. I liked the blend of faith and fiction and the happy medium she was able to find with her characters, detail, and plot. Christian fantasy isn’t easy to write, I can speak from personal experience, but Anna Travis makes it look easy. That’s a wonderful, wonderful gift to have.
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy and adventure, those with an interest in Christian fiction will especially appreciate this book but I feel that a secular audience will find enjoyment in the author’s writing as well.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The Pillar of Light is a Christian fantasy that focuses on the message of forgiveness and redemption, two of the most basic pillars of the Christian faith. I thought that alone was a cool play on the faith, books with a message are tough to find these days but ones with a firm Christian message is even rarer. So kudos to Travis for giving us something that’s both interesting and able to learn from.
The beginning of the story takes place in a missionary home in Brazil, its here that we meet the Millers, a husband and wife who simply go by Doc and Ruth. Readers are given a description of their struggles as whites in a minority country. It’s a very interesting tale as I’m a minority so I’m used to the whole racism thing being the other way around. There wasn’t a huge stress on their victimization but it was clear that the Millers had a hard time in Brazil, both as white people and especially as missionaries. Two struggles that are actually very common in other countries.
Fast forward a bit and we meet our protagonist, Nani, a girl who has little to no recollection of her own identity or whereabouts. She is taken in by the kindhearted Millers and thus our story begins; an adventurous race to find out just who this mysterious girl is.
I honestly enjoyed this book, its worthy of each of the five stars I gave it in its rating. Its written well, it has an even balance of detail and story, and its got a colorful and multicultural cast—most of whom have a Christian foundation in their background. So basically this novel has everything I look for in a book.
If I had to name a complaint, it would be that there were a lot of characters. Not everyone was a main character but there were plenty of people just called the boy or girl, the Hunter, etc… If you actually read the story then you’ll know many of the characters mentioned aren’t integral to the rest of the book and don’t make more than one appearance. Also, this book takes place in multiple locations, because of the storyline there’s bound to be plenty of characters. But for me, it was an AWFUL lot. However, I still gave the book five stars. Obviously the number of characters wasn’t bothersome enough to make me close the book but I did take notice to it.
Overall, I think Travis did a great job in representing the realistic side of Christianity while keeping her fictional novel interesting and entertaining. I liked the blend of faith and fiction and the happy medium she was able to find with her characters, detail, and plot. Christian fantasy isn’t easy to write, I can speak from personal experience, but Anna Travis makes it look easy. That’s a wonderful, wonderful gift to have.
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy and adventure, those with an interest in Christian fiction will especially appreciate this book but I feel that a secular audience will find enjoyment in the author’s writing as well.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
December 21, 2024
I was pretty disappointed with this book. I'd only recommend it if you want a book with shallow, unfeeling, and unneeded characters. A plot that has no depth beyond what you see on the surface, and is terribly executed and explained. I get her idea, but the execution was boring and not done well. The main has no personality and most of the characters had no purpose. You couldn't get a good grasp of the world because it wasn't well described or explained and the only thing that kept me interested was the strange relationship between the main female and male, but again, horribly executed. The action scenes felt airy and anticlimactic, and overall I wouldnt recommend it. I love the idea and just wish I had seen it executed more clearly.
February 6, 2025
I'm giving this a 4-star rating. I enjoyed the fantasy aspects and world-building. The characters were interesting enough. Their ages threw me for a loop, but the action was great. Great setup for what's to come. I love the idea of who God is in this story. I'm interested to see how the faith aspects play more of a role in this fantasy series.
May 11, 2008
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
The story begins when a young girl is brought to the home of two Brazilian missionaries. Doc Miller and his wife, Ruth, live in the jungles of Brazil. They run a hospital and attempt to take care of the local natives, and although the doctor and his wife never feel welcome, they still offer what services they can.
Things change on the night that a tall stranger arrives carrying an injured girl dressed in tattered clothes. The stranger speaks briefly to Doc and then reaches out to remove a mysterious necklace from around the girl's neck. He carefully hands the delicate chain and its charm to Ruth and tells her to keep it safe. Just before he leaves he tells the couple the girl's name - Nani val Dynia.
It doesn't take Nani long to become accustomed to her new life. She is welcomed by the natives who become more involved with Doc and his wife. Nani is like a daughter to the couple, and they watch her blossom into a teenager. She is a great help in their missionary work, and one day when a group of high schoolers arrive, Nani volunteers to accompany them to a nearby village.
The trip is uneventful until Nani drives around a sharp bend in the road only to discover the mysterious, tall stranger standing in the middle. In an attempt to avoid hitting him, Nani steers the truck over a cliff and it crashes down into the forest. When the teens gather their wits about them, they discover they have landed somewhere other than Brazil, and after some investigation they realize they are no longer even on the planet Earth.
The new world they have encountered is filled with strange adventures - fairies, traveling trees, and underwater homes. A wise man named Kalin becomes their guide and explains the world around them. It seems Nani is a long-lost native of this land, and she alone has the ability to make some sort of repair that could save this strange place.
Fans of fantasy, mystery, and other worldly places will enjoy THE PILLAR OF LIGHT. A. L. Travis presents a smoothly crafted tale that incorporates magic and mystical surroundings with adventure and intrigue. Nani and her companions are sure to return, since only the Pillar of Light has been dealt with, leaving five more for future stories.
The story begins when a young girl is brought to the home of two Brazilian missionaries. Doc Miller and his wife, Ruth, live in the jungles of Brazil. They run a hospital and attempt to take care of the local natives, and although the doctor and his wife never feel welcome, they still offer what services they can.
Things change on the night that a tall stranger arrives carrying an injured girl dressed in tattered clothes. The stranger speaks briefly to Doc and then reaches out to remove a mysterious necklace from around the girl's neck. He carefully hands the delicate chain and its charm to Ruth and tells her to keep it safe. Just before he leaves he tells the couple the girl's name - Nani val Dynia.
It doesn't take Nani long to become accustomed to her new life. She is welcomed by the natives who become more involved with Doc and his wife. Nani is like a daughter to the couple, and they watch her blossom into a teenager. She is a great help in their missionary work, and one day when a group of high schoolers arrive, Nani volunteers to accompany them to a nearby village.
The trip is uneventful until Nani drives around a sharp bend in the road only to discover the mysterious, tall stranger standing in the middle. In an attempt to avoid hitting him, Nani steers the truck over a cliff and it crashes down into the forest. When the teens gather their wits about them, they discover they have landed somewhere other than Brazil, and after some investigation they realize they are no longer even on the planet Earth.
The new world they have encountered is filled with strange adventures - fairies, traveling trees, and underwater homes. A wise man named Kalin becomes their guide and explains the world around them. It seems Nani is a long-lost native of this land, and she alone has the ability to make some sort of repair that could save this strange place.
Fans of fantasy, mystery, and other worldly places will enjoy THE PILLAR OF LIGHT. A. L. Travis presents a smoothly crafted tale that incorporates magic and mystical surroundings with adventure and intrigue. Nani and her companions are sure to return, since only the Pillar of Light has been dealt with, leaving five more for future stories.
March 11, 2024
So good. Can't wait to read the next installment of the series! Reminds of a combo of CS Lewis's Narnia and his Space Trilogy, which makes sense because she says she loved Lewis's books growing up. It has Christian themes, but they aren't throughout every chapter. They just pop up as the world they are in is explained to them. But a big biblical themes happen in the middle and the end that really move the story along, and I'm looking forward to what the writer does with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
This book had a lot of potential but the writing was missing a lot of necessary descriptions and world building. I did like the idea of this story. I just think there could be more building of the story (the world and characters).
August 2, 2018
I enjoyed the creativity of this book.
The idea behind each person having only one person in their life that they must find before they are Healed was interesting, sort of like a fresh take on marriage. I liked that the Sar and Ilni, as the Healed man and woman are called, had to share not only their Healing, but their pain and memories. When one was hurt, the other felt the wound as well. It was thought provoking!
Nani, the main girl, seemed a little young at only thirteen to meet her Sar, but I liked the way her Sar had sort of a redemption story and began to change. I also liked having so many teens in the book! They were all supportive to each other and made some selfless choices.
I can tell that the Chronicles of Narnia influenced the author - her writing carries some similar themes!
When I started reading, I thought the book was going to be rather simple, but the plot quickly escalated and I enjoyed the pace.
My one note would be that there were a couple of grammatical things (like using the word “drug” instead of “dragged”) that distracted me a bit from the story. But overall, the book was a fun, clean read that I’d recommend for kids looking for a little adventure.
(There’s still a lot for the other books to fill in!)
The idea behind each person having only one person in their life that they must find before they are Healed was interesting, sort of like a fresh take on marriage. I liked that the Sar and Ilni, as the Healed man and woman are called, had to share not only their Healing, but their pain and memories. When one was hurt, the other felt the wound as well. It was thought provoking!
Nani, the main girl, seemed a little young at only thirteen to meet her Sar, but I liked the way her Sar had sort of a redemption story and began to change. I also liked having so many teens in the book! They were all supportive to each other and made some selfless choices.
I can tell that the Chronicles of Narnia influenced the author - her writing carries some similar themes!
When I started reading, I thought the book was going to be rather simple, but the plot quickly escalated and I enjoyed the pace.
My one note would be that there were a couple of grammatical things (like using the word “drug” instead of “dragged”) that distracted me a bit from the story. But overall, the book was a fun, clean read that I’d recommend for kids looking for a little adventure.
(There’s still a lot for the other books to fill in!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
This was an interesting fantasy, most likely written for young adults. While it has the relational feel of a book from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it's way more concise. The main characters slip from one world to another, where the laws of physics are different and one young lady learns she's actually from that world, rather than earth. There are parallel beliefs to Christianity in the new place, much like what C.S. Lewis unveiled in The Chronicles of Narnia. And it is going to take teamwork on the part of each displaced missionary to restore the pillars of this strange new world which were broken centuries before.
The author does a nice job weaving her tale. I found some typos and awkward places in her story. But her characters are interesting and it's fun to see how their personalities and gifts unfold and contribute to the plot. I also was intrigued by the author's concept of "pairing" and would be interested in reading more of the series to see how the plays out. The first book is free, so check it out for yourself!
The author does a nice job weaving her tale. I found some typos and awkward places in her story. But her characters are interesting and it's fun to see how their personalities and gifts unfold and contribute to the plot. I also was intrigued by the author's concept of "pairing" and would be interested in reading more of the series to see how the plays out. The first book is free, so check it out for yourself!
September 10, 2022
The first book Laura the ground work and is a bit tough to follow at times... BUT... You won't regret it. This series is wonderful and got so much better as it progress to the point I'm addicted and wishing for the next book to be written. I would recommend it for young adults.!!!! Love the whole series!
February 19, 2024
3.5🌟
What an interesting story. I'm not entirely sure how to describe what I just read. I thought it was going to be a young adult adventure but I would definitely put this in a middle grade category - especially because the writing was simple and straight-forward (much like Chuck Black's Kingdom Series - if you like that you'll probably like this). The simple style is not my personal favorite but can be a great way for younger readers to get into fantasy without the emotional tugs that other writing can have.
See this review and more on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/14...
Malcor is our main hero - a teen in the world of Milana - and I really liked him. The writing style fit his personality very well because he is kind of a simple and straight forward sort of guy. I liked following his character arc.
Nani is our main heroine who has returned to her home world of Milana and I'm not sure how I feel about her character. While most of the other 6 teens who "accidentally" made it to Milana with her have distinctive qualities to their characters, Nani is just kind of two-dimensional. I couldn't tell if she was passionate about anything one way or the other, if she was nervous about anything, or if she embraced the adventure. There was really no description of hers or others' emotions in ways that stuck, even though I liked the roles that each of the characters had in the story.
Even though I enjoyed the story greatly, I felt like the magic system was underdeveloped and things would suddenly be explained to make the story work. I also have to say that the point-of-view writing was so confusing. I don't think it was omniscient POV exactly, but it kept changing among the characters and I wasn't a huge fan of that.
I haven't decided if I'll continue the series. I liked it but I have other fantasy I want to read right now. My kids might enjoy this one soon, so if they are interested I would continue reading it too!
What an interesting story. I'm not entirely sure how to describe what I just read. I thought it was going to be a young adult adventure but I would definitely put this in a middle grade category - especially because the writing was simple and straight-forward (much like Chuck Black's Kingdom Series - if you like that you'll probably like this). The simple style is not my personal favorite but can be a great way for younger readers to get into fantasy without the emotional tugs that other writing can have.
See this review and more on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/14...
Malcor is our main hero - a teen in the world of Milana - and I really liked him. The writing style fit his personality very well because he is kind of a simple and straight forward sort of guy. I liked following his character arc.
Nani is our main heroine who has returned to her home world of Milana and I'm not sure how I feel about her character. While most of the other 6 teens who "accidentally" made it to Milana with her have distinctive qualities to their characters, Nani is just kind of two-dimensional. I couldn't tell if she was passionate about anything one way or the other, if she was nervous about anything, or if she embraced the adventure. There was really no description of hers or others' emotions in ways that stuck, even though I liked the roles that each of the characters had in the story.
Even though I enjoyed the story greatly, I felt like the magic system was underdeveloped and things would suddenly be explained to make the story work. I also have to say that the point-of-view writing was so confusing. I don't think it was omniscient POV exactly, but it kept changing among the characters and I wasn't a huge fan of that.
I haven't decided if I'll continue the series. I liked it but I have other fantasy I want to read right now. My kids might enjoy this one soon, so if they are interested I would continue reading it too!
October 10, 2023
As a small prop plane abandons five teenagers in the jungle of Brazil, they stare about them and wonder what they've gotten themselves into. They are different individuals chosen from all over to help replace a medical mission's roof.
However, they never get to do that, because a man steps in front of the truck the doctor's teenaged daughter, Nani, is driving, and it careens down a hillside and crashes into a different world. The forests of Avoria.
Wounded, disoriented, and frightened, the six teens pack their gear and leave the wrecked truck behind in search of help. Following distant lights, they encounter Kalin, an ageless man of faith, wisdom and power, who becomes their guide.
He tells them, "The Breathless does not make mistakes; you are here for a reason. There is more to you than eyes can see."
Nani val Dynia has been called back to her own homeland where she finds her soul mate and her destiny--to heal a world she herself had broken.
As the youths' travels enmesh them deeper into Avoria's strange politics and engaging cultures, the reader can't help but pick sides and eagerly read on, embracing the loyalty the six are developing toward one another, especially toward Nani.
This is a clean teen adventure, worth reading a second time.
However, they never get to do that, because a man steps in front of the truck the doctor's teenaged daughter, Nani, is driving, and it careens down a hillside and crashes into a different world. The forests of Avoria.
Wounded, disoriented, and frightened, the six teens pack their gear and leave the wrecked truck behind in search of help. Following distant lights, they encounter Kalin, an ageless man of faith, wisdom and power, who becomes their guide.
He tells them, "The Breathless does not make mistakes; you are here for a reason. There is more to you than eyes can see."
Nani val Dynia has been called back to her own homeland where she finds her soul mate and her destiny--to heal a world she herself had broken.
As the youths' travels enmesh them deeper into Avoria's strange politics and engaging cultures, the reader can't help but pick sides and eagerly read on, embracing the loyalty the six are developing toward one another, especially toward Nani.
This is a clean teen adventure, worth reading a second time.
August 28, 2017
The Pillar of Light was an AMAZING book. Part of that amazingness did admittedly come from it being free. But guys, seriously, free books are awesome. I rated this book four stars for a few typos, and some scenes that I think could be a tad longer, or be improved. This was an awesome Christian Fiction, with plenty of action and friendship. It was very clean romance wise -with some sweet relationships that might be more later in the series- but there was an accident, and some blood, injuries, and sickness. Nothing graphic, but not for kids under 12, I would think. That is, of course, my personal opinion. Some children might be mature enough to read it at a younger age. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I loved the interesting facts about the new world, and all of the new plants and people I got to meet. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighter Christian read. One of my only complaints is that the second book isn't free! Read this book!
October 9, 2021
I HAVE TO give 3 stars, but wanted to give more
This book has so many good points, but I couldn’t give more than 3 stars because it had so many drawbacks. For one, it took FOREVER to get into it. And even once it got good and really going, it would sort of stall and fizzle out. Secondly, nothing is EVER really explained. It’s sort of inferred, but not in a way where the reader even fully grasps what it is they’re supposed to be inferring. The characters seem to grasp it, but we are still left in the dark. Lastly, the points of view change frequently and without any indication of such a change coming. There is no indication of who we’re hearing from until we’ve inferred it from the context. And often it makes no sense.
That said, I’m going to go ahead and give book 2 a shot. I hope the interesting parts of this first book end up being the rule instead of the exception as the series continues on.
This book has so many good points, but I couldn’t give more than 3 stars because it had so many drawbacks. For one, it took FOREVER to get into it. And even once it got good and really going, it would sort of stall and fizzle out. Secondly, nothing is EVER really explained. It’s sort of inferred, but not in a way where the reader even fully grasps what it is they’re supposed to be inferring. The characters seem to grasp it, but we are still left in the dark. Lastly, the points of view change frequently and without any indication of such a change coming. There is no indication of who we’re hearing from until we’ve inferred it from the context. And often it makes no sense.
That said, I’m going to go ahead and give book 2 a shot. I hope the interesting parts of this first book end up being the rule instead of the exception as the series continues on.
April 30, 2024
(3.75 rounded up to 4)
Though I’m not usually a fantasy reader, I occasionally find myself in the mood for a fantasy book. I stumbled across the Legends of Milana series and found the synopsis intriguing. I was particularly interested in the religious themes, so I gave it a go.
I think I am more partial to fantasy series geared toward younger readers because I found myself much more absorbed in the universe than I typically am with this genre. That said, I also am not the target age group so it wasn’t something that stuck with me as much as it might with other readers. It was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up and I enjoyed my time with it. I plan on continuing the series next time I’m in the mood for a similar read.
Though I’m not usually a fantasy reader, I occasionally find myself in the mood for a fantasy book. I stumbled across the Legends of Milana series and found the synopsis intriguing. I was particularly interested in the religious themes, so I gave it a go.
I think I am more partial to fantasy series geared toward younger readers because I found myself much more absorbed in the universe than I typically am with this genre. That said, I also am not the target age group so it wasn’t something that stuck with me as much as it might with other readers. It was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up and I enjoyed my time with it. I plan on continuing the series next time I’m in the mood for a similar read.
September 23, 2017
Wonderful Fantasy and Adventure
This story was beautiful and very imaginative. I would like to compliment the author's balanced use of faith and suspense, and her wonderful family friendly writing. Another reviewer said it better but the faith and values were presented gently and naturally. This book is wonderfully entertaining and I want to know what happens next. I'm interested in the characters, their growth, and the mysterious and wonderful events and creatures. I'm buying the next book in the series. I took off 1 star because it's dragged, not drug (just annoyingly frequent errors like that).
This story was beautiful and very imaginative. I would like to compliment the author's balanced use of faith and suspense, and her wonderful family friendly writing. Another reviewer said it better but the faith and values were presented gently and naturally. This book is wonderfully entertaining and I want to know what happens next. I'm interested in the characters, their growth, and the mysterious and wonderful events and creatures. I'm buying the next book in the series. I took off 1 star because it's dragged, not drug (just annoyingly frequent errors like that).
March 16, 2021
Great Christiann sci-fi
Only knowing where she woke up and that she lives with her foster parents. One day with a youth group who is visiting her parents. Go to pick up supplies and are in an accident. When they come to they aren't where they are suppose to be. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that I bought it when it first came out and I had to wait for the next one. Anna Travis is witty and thoughtful. This book flows well and ends with you wanting more but not abruptly.
Only knowing where she woke up and that she lives with her foster parents. One day with a youth group who is visiting her parents. Go to pick up supplies and are in an accident. When they come to they aren't where they are suppose to be. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that I bought it when it first came out and I had to wait for the next one. Anna Travis is witty and thoughtful. This book flows well and ends with you wanting more but not abruptly.
February 14, 2025
My second read as I rushed through the first and oh my I loved it even more the second time around. Maybe I had memory loss but I found I gained so much more from my reread. This book is so deep and relates to Scripture so so so much I'm always finding new little relations and it gives me real "Aha" moments. Really refreshing to see a Christian Fantasy able to do so much without making it obvious. None of it drags, it's fast paced yet still has amazing world building. Great story and great characters. I would recommend this book for all ages.
February 8, 2025
Overall, an inspiring story centered on forgiveness and faith. Ok action that is brief and somewhat puzzling at times but you get a jest of what’s going on.
Too many characters for one book.
To many unfinished scenes.
Why did the man who brought Nani to the missionary hospital come back 3 yrs later and cause all of them to drive off a cliff and then not show up again?!
The world building is fair and creative I’ll give the author that but I wish more was given than what was in the book.
Too many characters for one book.
To many unfinished scenes.
Why did the man who brought Nani to the missionary hospital come back 3 yrs later and cause all of them to drive off a cliff and then not show up again?!
The world building is fair and creative I’ll give the author that but I wish more was given than what was in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
As I was starting to read this story it seemed very familiar - I had read it before. I'm reading it again I am enjoying it so much.
This is a story about a hidden royal and a group of teen missionaries who get caught up in her journey back to her homeland. Not everyone is happy that she has returned!
This is a story about a hidden royal and a group of teen missionaries who get caught up in her journey back to her homeland. Not everyone is happy that she has returned!
April 9, 2022
The setting of Avoria is clever and creative but I would like more details. Maybe this comes in the next books of the series. Nani and Tai being linked is unique and it is clear each friend will bring something to the story in further novels. An imaginative story that makes the reader want to know more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2019
I think that it is an amazing book. While it seemed a bit rushed at first, it slowly evened out. I do wish it was a bit longer. However, it's an original story, and something that should happen more often in Christian fantasies.
December 22, 2019
Good Christian fantasy
It was fun to read and compare this story to the Bible.
It was also fun to read of strong Christian teens; their individual personalities, talents, gifts, and imperfections.
It was fun to read and compare this story to the Bible.
It was also fun to read of strong Christian teens; their individual personalities, talents, gifts, and imperfections.
August 22, 2023
2-2.5 Stars. Wasn't the greatest book I read, it was very slow in places. I did not really connect with the characters... and this book did nothing for me to say read the next book to find out what happens.
August 15, 2024
Loved the book! The plot was great! I would definitely encourage the author to keep practicing writing (which was a bit bland at times), but I loved all the original ideas in this story! Travis certainly has an ever-active imagination! Can’t wait to read the sequel!
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September 1, 2024I give no rating because I can’t. This is unlike anything I’ve read before and I can’t decide if that’s good or bad. It was interesting but didn’t get interesting until at least 50% into the book if not further.
April 27, 2025
A Fun Adventure
The first in a series so I'm excited to keep reading, but this was a fun start to a YA (but enjoyable for adults too) adventure series with some Christian truths tied in (think Narnia)!
The first in a series so I'm excited to keep reading, but this was a fun start to a YA (but enjoyable for adults too) adventure series with some Christian truths tied in (think Narnia)!
July 26, 2025
I Absolutely loved the book.
This was the best Christian book I have ever read. It is Hard for me to find a good book that I enjoy. It is great for people who love action and adventure!
This was the best Christian book I have ever read. It is Hard for me to find a good book that I enjoy. It is great for people who love action and adventure!
October 27, 2025
Great book! 4.5 stars!
I like the allegory the author wove into her story. I read this by myself, then read it with my siblings. I would recommend it for anywhere between ten and sixteen years of age (I’m sixteen, my littlest sister is ten).
I like the allegory the author wove into her story. I read this by myself, then read it with my siblings. I would recommend it for anywhere between ten and sixteen years of age (I’m sixteen, my littlest sister is ten).
December 24, 2019
This is a surprise to me since I don't usually go for fantasy genre. It was definitely worth the small risk of starting the read. It caught me up pretty much right away.
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