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The Kingdom to Come #1
A Great Light
War isn’t coming. It’s already here. Prepare for the final battle.
In a kingdom ruled by a powerful monarchy focused on dominion, an opposition develops from the king’s own son, Prince Karhiad. While the ruthless King Vilsig envisions conquest of all kingdoms, his son’s own heart has a different direction. Prince Karhiad is more focused on the humanity of the citizens than he is his father’s instructions on how to one day lead the Kingdom of Merrhius with power.
All the while, the threat of wickedness from a dark sinister force from the past erupts and bleeds over into the present and future times. This ancient sinister beast is orchestrating the moral decay, corruption and down fall of every kingdom. It commands an army of supernatural menacing soldiers bent on serving this evil until each living being is destroyed or absorbed in their own vile image.
On the night of Prince Karhiad’s 17th birthday, he is mesmerized by a radiant light and makes a decision to learn of its origin. That choice will bring him answers to questions he didn't know he had, and will separate him further from being in allegiance with his father. The future king of Merrhius will learn things about the past and future that will force him head on in battling the most evil entity of all time.
- GenresFantasy
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
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September 10, 2018
A Great Light is the first installment to a new series called The Kingdom to Light. I enjoyed this Christian Fantasy. Prince Karhiad is lead to Faith by a light. She was my favorite character of the book. The story is full of inspiration with the battles of good versus evil. There are some slow scenes but the pace quickly speeds up again.
I give A Great Light four stars. I look forward to the next book in the Kingdom to Light series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give A Great Light four stars. I look forward to the next book in the Kingdom to Light series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
July 2, 2018
“How could I possibly do this alone? I don’t even know what I’m doing.”
Author Jennifer Ball offer no biographical information except that she writes Christian books infused with fantasy and a touch of science fiction. Her initial book was her 2014 HERE - a story about Christian morals and values meeting head on with today's progressive society which is decaying away from Scripture. Now she presents THE KINGDOM TO COME: Book One – A GREAT LIGHT.
Jennifer opens her well-scribed book with an interesting name for a prologue – a PROEM – which serves as a fine introduction to her style and her story: ‘War is inevitable in such a time as this. It can’t be avoided because antagonistic people roam the world. Since the creation of man, the world’s ultimate antagonist showed itself and immediately began to corrupt man through deception, immoral influence and facilitation of cultural strife that eventually always leads to war. Through twisting the beliefs of many cultures, the world’s first antagonist manipulated and assisted in the rise of narcissistic dictatorships and monarchies. In order to end the destruction and terror of the leading antagonist, there will be the most gruesome war to have ever taken place. Before that final battle happens, though, there is still the reign of narcissistic leaders. Yet there is hope for the world as the antagonist’s unmatched and more powerful opponent is also building an army, one that only the faithful will join. King Vilsig, the domineering and egoistical ruler of the Kingdom of Merrhius, is not satisfied with control over just one kingdom. His intentions are to conquer all kingdoms so that he becomes the greatest and most powerful king of all time. Although such an elaborate plan takes time, he is not deterred as he has two sons who he believes will continue his plans of complete territorial reign, therefore his bloodline will forever rule the regions. His older son, Prince Karhiad, has just turned 17, the age of manhood. Although Prince Karhiad displays a much more humbling characteristic than his father would have hoped for in the heir to his throne, the king is still optimistic he can role model the commanding ways to rule not only Merrhius but all kingdoms with an iron fist. Unbeknownst to the king, there is a force that is in complete selfish alignment with his goals. Feared since the beginning of time, this ancient sinister beast, the world’s first antagonist, commands a sadistic army that has been recorded to annihilate entire cultures. Meanwhile there is a known kingdom that has resisted the influence and corruption of the ancient evil one. Reigning over this kingdom, or destroying it all together, would be a victory for anyone who opposes good, especially King Vilsig and the beast. The reserved, humble, older prince is optimistic about the future. His compassion for the citizens of Merrhius, although viewed by his father as a character flaw, makes Prince Karhiad the most approachable and adored royal family member. His father, however, isn’t the only one who finds such traits of the older prince a weakness. Before night falls on Prince Karhiad’s 17th birthday, he sees a radiant light far off in the distance. His decision to discover its origin will bring him answers to questions that his father had always kept from him. What he does with these answers will strengthen a resistance between father and son that neither were ever prepared for.’
And to say more about the story would remove the very present suspense and message. She has sculpted a fine hero – ‘Prince Karhiad was tall and broad-shouldered. Although there were boys his age who displayed a far more muscular physique, it was apparent when you saw Karhiad’s build that he was effectively trained for battle. The freckles that were sprinkled on his face complimented his fair skin. Karhiad green’s eyes were distinctive.’ Very fine imagery – and this attention to detail accompanies the reader through this new book by a sound author.
Author Jennifer Ball offer no biographical information except that she writes Christian books infused with fantasy and a touch of science fiction. Her initial book was her 2014 HERE - a story about Christian morals and values meeting head on with today's progressive society which is decaying away from Scripture. Now she presents THE KINGDOM TO COME: Book One – A GREAT LIGHT.
Jennifer opens her well-scribed book with an interesting name for a prologue – a PROEM – which serves as a fine introduction to her style and her story: ‘War is inevitable in such a time as this. It can’t be avoided because antagonistic people roam the world. Since the creation of man, the world’s ultimate antagonist showed itself and immediately began to corrupt man through deception, immoral influence and facilitation of cultural strife that eventually always leads to war. Through twisting the beliefs of many cultures, the world’s first antagonist manipulated and assisted in the rise of narcissistic dictatorships and monarchies. In order to end the destruction and terror of the leading antagonist, there will be the most gruesome war to have ever taken place. Before that final battle happens, though, there is still the reign of narcissistic leaders. Yet there is hope for the world as the antagonist’s unmatched and more powerful opponent is also building an army, one that only the faithful will join. King Vilsig, the domineering and egoistical ruler of the Kingdom of Merrhius, is not satisfied with control over just one kingdom. His intentions are to conquer all kingdoms so that he becomes the greatest and most powerful king of all time. Although such an elaborate plan takes time, he is not deterred as he has two sons who he believes will continue his plans of complete territorial reign, therefore his bloodline will forever rule the regions. His older son, Prince Karhiad, has just turned 17, the age of manhood. Although Prince Karhiad displays a much more humbling characteristic than his father would have hoped for in the heir to his throne, the king is still optimistic he can role model the commanding ways to rule not only Merrhius but all kingdoms with an iron fist. Unbeknownst to the king, there is a force that is in complete selfish alignment with his goals. Feared since the beginning of time, this ancient sinister beast, the world’s first antagonist, commands a sadistic army that has been recorded to annihilate entire cultures. Meanwhile there is a known kingdom that has resisted the influence and corruption of the ancient evil one. Reigning over this kingdom, or destroying it all together, would be a victory for anyone who opposes good, especially King Vilsig and the beast. The reserved, humble, older prince is optimistic about the future. His compassion for the citizens of Merrhius, although viewed by his father as a character flaw, makes Prince Karhiad the most approachable and adored royal family member. His father, however, isn’t the only one who finds such traits of the older prince a weakness. Before night falls on Prince Karhiad’s 17th birthday, he sees a radiant light far off in the distance. His decision to discover its origin will bring him answers to questions that his father had always kept from him. What he does with these answers will strengthen a resistance between father and son that neither were ever prepared for.’
And to say more about the story would remove the very present suspense and message. She has sculpted a fine hero – ‘Prince Karhiad was tall and broad-shouldered. Although there were boys his age who displayed a far more muscular physique, it was apparent when you saw Karhiad’s build that he was effectively trained for battle. The freckles that were sprinkled on his face complimented his fair skin. Karhiad green’s eyes were distinctive.’ Very fine imagery – and this attention to detail accompanies the reader through this new book by a sound author.
September 28, 2019
This is a little journey by a questioning prince, Karhiad, as he goes into a foreign realm and meets a young woman, Faith. They exchange information about each other every time they meet. It is two cultures getting to know each other. A warlike culture (the prince Karhiad's country of Merrhius) and the mystical, fabled land of Trinicity, a kind of place of redemption, if you ask enough questions about it and actually get there.
Jennifer Ball presents the novel like a Middle Ages parable, with castles and knights on horseback and swords and arrows and scheming between kingdoms to gain territory and power. Karhiad is somewhat a figure of Buddha and sometimes a Francis of Assisi. He doesn't like his royal heritage but doesn't know what to replace it with. He is full of questions and will even stoop to the commoners to gain insights.
Time after time, he sneaks out of his palace and comes closer and closer to Faith and her people. The differences in their societies is revealed by their meetings. Of course, they fall in love, but at a terrible cost to both. At various times, biblical themes enter in. Names are a big thing to them both. Faith explains. “My name means ... 'the substance of...” About other people, Faith reminds Karhiad that “They'd rather create their own path that is comfortable and wide. Many people will travel that path because they want what is easy.” This is like the story of The Pilgrim's Progress.
“People are blind to the gifts that are right in front of them,” declares Faith, reminding him that “Marble floors and grand staircases do not make you rich”. And there's the lamb, an innocent victim which dies to aid Karhiad. He feels guilty about it, but a friend says, “It's an animal, Karhiad. Don't feel guilty about its death”. A picture of the Christ sacrifice. Faith reminds him, “So, you sacrificed this lamb. And look, the lamb forgives you.” Redemption indeed.
A battle ensues, including a beast that might be Satan, between Merrhius and Trinicity. Karhiad takes sides with Trinicity, following his seared conscious. This is an easy read, where the dialogue carries most of the story. I'm not much on medieval stories but there's a good morality tale here, about real faith in your instincts for doing, in the long run, the right thing.
August 4, 2019
I like to believe that I’m fairly well versed in what fantasy is and is not—adult or YA. The Kingdom to Come: A Great Light was not what I expected. I saw the romance between Faith and Karhiad building throughout the book and thought I could guess where everything was headed. Happy endings for the couple and dire consequences to be resolved in subsequent entries in the series. Which, while predictable, is enjoyable. A Great Light wasn’t that though. It is rare for me to be truly surprised by a book, but this one succeeded. I didn’t see the midway twist coming, though it was foreshadowed. When tragedy struck the characters reacted exactly how they should to be believable, complex people. Which is infuriating to a reader in all the right ways, because we, of course, know things they don’t and can see past their situation to what is of greatest importance.
Early on, some style choices in the writing that didn’t always agree with my sensibilities pulled me out a bit, but a few chapters in I was happily following Ms. Ball through each encounter between Faith and Karhiad. Their encounters become the basis for the reader’s understanding of their world, which was a really fun way to discover things. When the twist came I couldn’t put the book down.
Christian fiction is sometimes accused of avoiding hard realities. If it does face them it is sometimes criticized as being too worldly. I think A Great Light struck the right balance. It doesn’t force truths on the reader or make characters caricatures of real people. It tells a story, a fictional one that is filled with speculative elements so I wouldn’t try to say this is The Pilgrim’s Progress Redux. It is good and enjoyable and as respectful to both reality and Christian morality as any book can manage while still being an engaging story. The story leaves several threads to be tied in the next book, so I’m looking forward to seeing where Ms. Ball takes everything next.
Early on, some style choices in the writing that didn’t always agree with my sensibilities pulled me out a bit, but a few chapters in I was happily following Ms. Ball through each encounter between Faith and Karhiad. Their encounters become the basis for the reader’s understanding of their world, which was a really fun way to discover things. When the twist came I couldn’t put the book down.
Christian fiction is sometimes accused of avoiding hard realities. If it does face them it is sometimes criticized as being too worldly. I think A Great Light struck the right balance. It doesn’t force truths on the reader or make characters caricatures of real people. It tells a story, a fictional one that is filled with speculative elements so I wouldn’t try to say this is The Pilgrim’s Progress Redux. It is good and enjoyable and as respectful to both reality and Christian morality as any book can manage while still being an engaging story. The story leaves several threads to be tied in the next book, so I’m looking forward to seeing where Ms. Ball takes everything next.
September 14, 2018
The Kingdom to Come is an inspirational epic fantasy for young adults. Join Prince Karhiad and Faith as their paths collide on an unexpected quest leading to romance, and a war for the ages.
Prince Karhiad has just celebrated his birthday and is clearly used to having everything his way. While his entitlement is expected with the whole "prince" thing, it doesn't stop him from showing compassion and curiosity as he meets Faith, the mystery girl from Trinicity. Unlike the lands Karhiad knows, Faith's home is a comparative utopia. While Karhiad has been trained for war, Faith only understands peace. As they continue to meet in secret, Karhiad's perspective is challenged. But what neither are prepared for is the tragedy and the war that will consume all lands and peoples, a battle Karhiad alone is destined to stop.
Jennifer Ball does a fantastic job of painting this world with compelling characters and vivid colors. There is some very lovely prose to immerse the reader into Karhiad and Faith's worlds. The writing style harkens to Robin McKinley's and other epic fantasy authors. Some readers may be put off by the heavier religious elements, but fans of more allegorical works like C.S. Lewis and Anne Elisabeth Stengl will love the message of faith behind The Kingdom to Come.
Prince Karhiad has just celebrated his birthday and is clearly used to having everything his way. While his entitlement is expected with the whole "prince" thing, it doesn't stop him from showing compassion and curiosity as he meets Faith, the mystery girl from Trinicity. Unlike the lands Karhiad knows, Faith's home is a comparative utopia. While Karhiad has been trained for war, Faith only understands peace. As they continue to meet in secret, Karhiad's perspective is challenged. But what neither are prepared for is the tragedy and the war that will consume all lands and peoples, a battle Karhiad alone is destined to stop.
Jennifer Ball does a fantastic job of painting this world with compelling characters and vivid colors. There is some very lovely prose to immerse the reader into Karhiad and Faith's worlds. The writing style harkens to Robin McKinley's and other epic fantasy authors. Some readers may be put off by the heavier religious elements, but fans of more allegorical works like C.S. Lewis and Anne Elisabeth Stengl will love the message of faith behind The Kingdom to Come.
September 26, 2018
Prince Karhiad has turned 17 and become a man in his kingdom. He is also next in line for the throne. He is different than your typical king. He is liked and likes the people. When he sees this bright light on the night of his 17th birthday, he has to find it. When he gets to this creek, the light is gone but he sees a women. The next day when he returns to see what he can find, he finds Faith.
Faith is from a city no one believes exisit. They like to keep it that way. No one leaves and no one can find it unless they walk the path of light.
Over the time they spend together they share about their homes. How they differ and what they share. They call for each other. Then tragedy stricks. Secrets and lies and manipulation take over.
So the first 1/3 of the book is slow going. It jumps back and forth between Karhiad and Faith's point of view. I feel that it would have been better if each point of view was labeled. Also they do a lot of talking in their head but it is written just like regular speaking. So there can be a lot of confusion. There was for me.
The biggest thing is this book is so long. It should have been at least 2 books. I don't mind long books but It felt like a different book half way through. I like the story though and am curious what happens next.
Faith is from a city no one believes exisit. They like to keep it that way. No one leaves and no one can find it unless they walk the path of light.
Over the time they spend together they share about their homes. How they differ and what they share. They call for each other. Then tragedy stricks. Secrets and lies and manipulation take over.
So the first 1/3 of the book is slow going. It jumps back and forth between Karhiad and Faith's point of view. I feel that it would have been better if each point of view was labeled. Also they do a lot of talking in their head but it is written just like regular speaking. So there can be a lot of confusion. There was for me.
The biggest thing is this book is so long. It should have been at least 2 books. I don't mind long books but It felt like a different book half way through. I like the story though and am curious what happens next.
August 26, 2019
There are some happy moments, sad moments and some tense moments in this medieval world filled with likable characters that kept me reading through all the chapters. Prince Karhaid, successor to the throne of King Vilsig is well liked among his countrymen for his common and friendly candor and a polar opposite to how his father - who likes nothing more than to expand his kingdom, Merrhius, by taking over others.
On the night of Karhaid's 17th birthday, he sees a mysterious light which only he can see, which soon leads him down a path in meeting a girl called Faith from the kingdom of Trinicity - a kingdom which has so far remained hidden from Merrhius. Karhaid travels to a special spot to meet this girl, Faith, whenever he can, and a relationship slowly blossoms. Problem is, Faith hails from a land where the people of Merrhius are taught Trinicitians have magic and are taught lies about them. Exposing his relationship with her may expose the kingdom of Trinicity and King Vilsig... might be wanting to expand his territory and wealth there.
The plot of this story is quite good and I could easily imagine the world this author was creating. This is a great first part to a series which I am looking forward to continuing.
On the night of Karhaid's 17th birthday, he sees a mysterious light which only he can see, which soon leads him down a path in meeting a girl called Faith from the kingdom of Trinicity - a kingdom which has so far remained hidden from Merrhius. Karhaid travels to a special spot to meet this girl, Faith, whenever he can, and a relationship slowly blossoms. Problem is, Faith hails from a land where the people of Merrhius are taught Trinicitians have magic and are taught lies about them. Exposing his relationship with her may expose the kingdom of Trinicity and King Vilsig... might be wanting to expand his territory and wealth there.
The plot of this story is quite good and I could easily imagine the world this author was creating. This is a great first part to a series which I am looking forward to continuing.
April 9, 2025
Romeo and Juliet styled story in a fantasy. Two unlikely young people from very different kingdoms—one serving righteousness, the other serving power and greed—meet and are intrigued by one another. Their relationship is sweetly developed and the tale of the two cities slowly unveiled.
I enjoyed the author’s exploration of the motives of rulers and peasants. Some of the key characters were rather cardboard and too predictable, while others changed in ways I didn’t quite believe. Her fascination with connecting with the dead troubled me, though I think her purpose was to show us that there is a parallel reality that we tend to ignore or disbelieve—the eternal Kingdom of God.
This is a charming story. I enjoyed it. It would do well to have an editor go through it as the errors were distracting. I think Jennifer Ball has potential as a delightful story weaver with a heart for God.
I enjoyed the author’s exploration of the motives of rulers and peasants. Some of the key characters were rather cardboard and too predictable, while others changed in ways I didn’t quite believe. Her fascination with connecting with the dead troubled me, though I think her purpose was to show us that there is a parallel reality that we tend to ignore or disbelieve—the eternal Kingdom of God.
This is a charming story. I enjoyed it. It would do well to have an editor go through it as the errors were distracting. I think Jennifer Ball has potential as a delightful story weaver with a heart for God.
July 4, 2018
The Kingdom to Come is a very well-written fantasy story with Christian aspects running throughout the storyline that is woven well and makes the reader think. Prince Karhiad next in line for the throne of his kingdom follows a strange light in the forest that leads him to Faith, from Trinicity.
The characters are very well-developed and the story of the fight for good and evil is one I'm very familiar with but was presented in a fresh way. Prince Karhiad's learns everything is has been led to believe may not be the truth. I enjoyed following his journey to becoming King.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The characters are very well-developed and the story of the fight for good and evil is one I'm very familiar with but was presented in a fresh way. Prince Karhiad's learns everything is has been led to believe may not be the truth. I enjoyed following his journey to becoming King.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 20, 2019
This had a slow start but then it really picked up and I found myself reading through the chapters quicker. The greater war being waged is merely a backdrop to the immediate conflict for Karhiad who is next in line for the throne. It's set in medieval times which is an ideal time period of tyrannical leadership to set up an epic good vs. evil plot. I started this book with a 3 star then it picked up and I figured 4 was good then it took off after an event so I gave it 5. I recommend this book.
July 24, 2019
The story picks up speed halfway through and truly grabbed my attention. This fanciful tale couples tragedy and love into a beautiful story of faithfulness. When a prince meets a beautiful stranger, both his and his kingdom's future turns completely upside-down. The author gives lots of details to help paint the picture in the reader's mind. I have to admit, I thought I had the storyline figured out but was completely surprised by the twists the author weaves into the storyline. I can't wait for the second book to find out what happens next!
July 23, 2019
I enjoyed this story. Getting to know Karhiad, Faith and the rest of the cast of characters was an enjoyable read. I did feel at times that there was a little too much Faith and Karhiad story. I wanted to see more of his relationship with some of the other characters, like his peasant friends and his family.
The Christian part of the story was well written and not overpowering, in fact at times it seemed almost too simplistic. But overall I think Ms. Ball did a good job of portraying the battle between good and evil and how sometimes people can be misled and jump to the wrong conclusions.
Overall a great book and I can't wait to see the next installment.
The Christian part of the story was well written and not overpowering, in fact at times it seemed almost too simplistic. But overall I think Ms. Ball did a good job of portraying the battle between good and evil and how sometimes people can be misled and jump to the wrong conclusions.
Overall a great book and I can't wait to see the next installment.
June 21, 2023
I was really enjoying it till I got to the end. Then I discovered it's a cliff hanger. You have to keep buying books to find out what happened
March 6, 2019
Beautifully written
The author spins a tale of love while unveiling wil in the world and the true source of peace. You'll be amazed at the cost the characters must pay a d how they face life's struggles.
The author spins a tale of love while unveiling wil in the world and the true source of peace. You'll be amazed at the cost the characters must pay a d how they face life's struggles.
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