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The Centurions #1
The Dragon's Prophecy
Brendan is a young thief of “unusual talents”, while Portia is a young warrior maiden, a member of the Order of the Centurion. The two find themselves caught in the web of a dragon’s plot while racing against time to stop a massive invasion from the east. Their courage and faith will be tested as they must find a way to work together despite their differences.
The year is 946 A.D. Threats both human and monstrous loom over the kingdoms of the Franks; Moors to the west, Vikings to the north, and Hungarians to the east. Technology is advancing and trade with China is thriving on routes that pass through Constantinople and India. Pirates infest the seas, knights fight battles for conquest and glory, dragons rule the wild places, werewolves haunt the forests, and darker things prowl the edges of civilization. Questions of faith will be asked, and tests of courage will be faced. Dive into the world of the Centurions today!
The year is 946 A.D. Threats both human and monstrous loom over the kingdoms of the Franks; Moors to the west, Vikings to the north, and Hungarians to the east. Technology is advancing and trade with China is thriving on routes that pass through Constantinople and India. Pirates infest the seas, knights fight battles for conquest and glory, dragons rule the wild places, werewolves haunt the forests, and darker things prowl the edges of civilization. Questions of faith will be asked, and tests of courage will be faced. Dive into the world of the Centurions today!
- GenresChristian Fantasy
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2019
20 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
David Noel
2 books5 followersI was born long ago in a land far away (okay, it was Virginia, but it FEELS like it was long ago and far away). My father was in the Air Force so we traveled a lot when I was a child and I got to experience a lot of places and a few different cultures (Germany was AWESOME). We finally settled in Texas which is where I still live today. As an adult, I became a teacher because I really enjoy spreading the spark of learning. I have taught every grade 3rd through 7th but mostly 5th because 5th graders are just really interesting to me.
Over the years I have read many of the books that interested the students I taught. It helps me to connect with the kids when I know why Hagrid got expelled from Hogwarts or why Percy Jackson turned down immortality (and let’s face it, the better books are fun to read even for adults). But I noticed the trend that these kinds of adventure books were slowly becoming darker and NONE of them were stories told from a Christian perspective. Most of the kids were familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia but none of them could name an exciting Christian series of books to read that had been written after 1960. I felt called to start writing exciting, adventure novels from a Christian perspective that address questions of faith as well as acts of courage. And dragons, it never hurts to throw in a dragon or two. My primary audience is kids ages 10 to 16 but I hope that my books will be of interest to everyone.
I'm the old soldier here to teach the next generation what it means to put on the armor of God and stand your ground against the fiery darts of the enemy.
Soli Deo Gloria
The Centurion
Over the years I have read many of the books that interested the students I taught. It helps me to connect with the kids when I know why Hagrid got expelled from Hogwarts or why Percy Jackson turned down immortality (and let’s face it, the better books are fun to read even for adults). But I noticed the trend that these kinds of adventure books were slowly becoming darker and NONE of them were stories told from a Christian perspective. Most of the kids were familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia but none of them could name an exciting Christian series of books to read that had been written after 1960. I felt called to start writing exciting, adventure novels from a Christian perspective that address questions of faith as well as acts of courage. And dragons, it never hurts to throw in a dragon or two. My primary audience is kids ages 10 to 16 but I hope that my books will be of interest to everyone.
I'm the old soldier here to teach the next generation what it means to put on the armor of God and stand your ground against the fiery darts of the enemy.
Soli Deo Gloria
The Centurion
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 23, 2020
Good Idea, Bad Writing
I really wanted to enjoy this book and I tried very hard to stick with it, but the truth is that it simply was not my cup of tea. I was approached by Noel for a review and felt really excited to get my hands on a copy because Christian fantasy is my all-time favorite genre. The premise offered dragons, adventure, and strange talents—I really didn’t need much convincing to pick this up so I was a little disappointed when I started losing interest in the book.
The first issue I had was the writing. Dragon’s Prophecy is edited pretty well and has an even pace, but the writing is amateurish and almost dated. I found it really awkward how Noel referred to most of the younger characters as a “youth” or a “youngster.” I could tell right away that he was an older author, haha.
Read my full here at The Rebel Christian Publishing!
*I received a free copy of this book on behalf of The Rebel Christian Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
I really wanted to enjoy this book and I tried very hard to stick with it, but the truth is that it simply was not my cup of tea. I was approached by Noel for a review and felt really excited to get my hands on a copy because Christian fantasy is my all-time favorite genre. The premise offered dragons, adventure, and strange talents—I really didn’t need much convincing to pick this up so I was a little disappointed when I started losing interest in the book.
The first issue I had was the writing. Dragon’s Prophecy is edited pretty well and has an even pace, but the writing is amateurish and almost dated. I found it really awkward how Noel referred to most of the younger characters as a “youth” or a “youngster.” I could tell right away that he was an older author, haha.
Read my full here at The Rebel Christian Publishing!
*I received a free copy of this book on behalf of The Rebel Christian Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
November 3, 2021
Good read
I’m over 40 and enjoyed the book. I wish my kids would read it. They would learn a lot about God’s love and being a good person. Some parts were a little slow... too much details. That’s just me being impatient and wanting to know what happens at the end. I will read the 2nd one right away.
I’m over 40 and enjoyed the book. I wish my kids would read it. They would learn a lot about God’s love and being a good person. Some parts were a little slow... too much details. That’s just me being impatient and wanting to know what happens at the end. I will read the 2nd one right away.
April 22, 2023
This is the best book I've read in a long time! I can't remember the last time I genuinely didn't want to put down a book. The story was great, and I loved the characters. A good Christian book by a good Lutheran (I assume) author.
A friend from my church lent it to me, and I'm so sad I have to give it back. I guess I will just have to buy my own copy as well as the sequel.
A friend from my church lent it to me, and I'm so sad I have to give it back. I guess I will just have to buy my own copy as well as the sequel.
September 10, 2020
Fun well written story
I'm 54 years old. I love swords and clean stories. This was that and more with fun mythical creatures. I hope more BOOKS will be coming.
I'm 54 years old. I love swords and clean stories. This was that and more with fun mythical creatures. I hope more BOOKS will be coming.
September 11, 2019
This was a great fantasy, written for teenagers and middle grade, but I enjoyed it myself as a 40-year-old. Of course, the Chronicles of Narnia are also one of my favorite series.
This first in the trilogy was very interesting, giving us glimpses into the dragon's mind, too. The different kinds of dragons reminded me of "How to Train a Dragon" but with the deeper characters of Divergent or The Hunger Games, though without the violence or steamy romance of the latter two.
There were two things I didn't like: 1. Editing and 2. POV.
1. The editing and formatting had several style choices that I disagreed with as an editor and proofreader. There were a few stylistic things like “try and” instead of “try to” and long sentences with very few commas, all of which drove me as proofreader batty. ;) The main thing that annoyed me was the use of commas between two complete sentences, sometimes even three, but without any coordinating conjunction. Also, the paragraphs were often too long for an ebook. Sometimes the entire page on my phone was only one paragraph!
2. The Point of View, while done technically correct, and interesting with both the hero and heroine plus the villain, slowed the pace down too much for me. Changing POVs every single chapter made it hard to read for big chunks of time.
But once I got past the halfway mark, the pace picked up, possibly because the dragon's POV became shorter and shorter. Then the relationship between Portia & Brendan became interesting enough to keep me reading. As a romance reader and hopeless romantic in general, I really enjoyed the end.
Keep reading; it gets better.
Favorite quotes:
Chapter 18, Page 142: “God calls to us but he does not compel us, so the choice is yours.”
Chapter 32, Page 214: “Do not make important decisions when you are hungry, exhausted, angry, or fearful. These feelings are friends of Satan and enemies of wisdom. Eat, sleep, and go to the Lord in prayer, then make your decision as the Lord leads.”
Chapter 36, Page 232: “'God has quite a sense of humor and He seems to be having a little chuckle at my expense.' Portia nodded wisely at this as if she understood what he was talking about even though she had no clue.”
Chapter 36, Page 232: “'I don't think that God causes evil to teach us a lesson, but I do think that he sees opportunities to teach us lessons in the midst of evil.'”
Chapter 38, Page 242: “Do not let fear keep you from standing up against impossible odds to protect the innocent but also do not let pride drive you to stand up against impossible odds to protect your reputation. The first is courage, the second is folly.”
Chapter 39, Page 249: “Firing down on a target from above with an unfamiliar bow would have been an almost impossible challenge but now she was back at the castle with her mother, practicing her shooting from the balcony down into the courtyard. The height and distance she had practiced at then was almost identical to the height and distance she was shooting at now.”
Chapter 40, Page 265 “'All of those little things that you found so aggravating when you set out, the very things that made you feel like God had abandoned you just when you needed him most, those were the very things that God used to save your life!' The priest had to stop and breathe and laugh some more. Portia was far less amused. 'Surely God is able to use all things for the good of those who love him,' the priest continued as he wiped a tear of laughter from his face.”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
This first in the trilogy was very interesting, giving us glimpses into the dragon's mind, too. The different kinds of dragons reminded me of "How to Train a Dragon" but with the deeper characters of Divergent or The Hunger Games, though without the violence or steamy romance of the latter two.
There were two things I didn't like: 1. Editing and 2. POV.
1. The editing and formatting had several style choices that I disagreed with as an editor and proofreader. There were a few stylistic things like “try and” instead of “try to” and long sentences with very few commas, all of which drove me as proofreader batty. ;) The main thing that annoyed me was the use of commas between two complete sentences, sometimes even three, but without any coordinating conjunction. Also, the paragraphs were often too long for an ebook. Sometimes the entire page on my phone was only one paragraph!
2. The Point of View, while done technically correct, and interesting with both the hero and heroine plus the villain, slowed the pace down too much for me. Changing POVs every single chapter made it hard to read for big chunks of time.
But once I got past the halfway mark, the pace picked up, possibly because the dragon's POV became shorter and shorter. Then the relationship between Portia & Brendan became interesting enough to keep me reading. As a romance reader and hopeless romantic in general, I really enjoyed the end.
Keep reading; it gets better.
Favorite quotes:
Chapter 18, Page 142: “God calls to us but he does not compel us, so the choice is yours.”
Chapter 32, Page 214: “Do not make important decisions when you are hungry, exhausted, angry, or fearful. These feelings are friends of Satan and enemies of wisdom. Eat, sleep, and go to the Lord in prayer, then make your decision as the Lord leads.”
Chapter 36, Page 232: “'God has quite a sense of humor and He seems to be having a little chuckle at my expense.' Portia nodded wisely at this as if she understood what he was talking about even though she had no clue.”
Chapter 36, Page 232: “'I don't think that God causes evil to teach us a lesson, but I do think that he sees opportunities to teach us lessons in the midst of evil.'”
Chapter 38, Page 242: “Do not let fear keep you from standing up against impossible odds to protect the innocent but also do not let pride drive you to stand up against impossible odds to protect your reputation. The first is courage, the second is folly.”
Chapter 39, Page 249: “Firing down on a target from above with an unfamiliar bow would have been an almost impossible challenge but now she was back at the castle with her mother, practicing her shooting from the balcony down into the courtyard. The height and distance she had practiced at then was almost identical to the height and distance she was shooting at now.”
Chapter 40, Page 265 “'All of those little things that you found so aggravating when you set out, the very things that made you feel like God had abandoned you just when you needed him most, those were the very things that God used to save your life!' The priest had to stop and breathe and laugh some more. Portia was far less amused. 'Surely God is able to use all things for the good of those who love him,' the priest continued as he wiped a tear of laughter from his face.”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
August 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel. I have the typical romantic view of the medieval time and the knights, castles, and dragons etc. What was great about this author was how he wove scripture and it's application in.
Also the struggles one can have, first with belief, but then, with sin still trying to entangle us.
I also loved the more in depth working knowledge of armor, swords etc. Especially since I have been into doing paintings of knights and dragons ( from a Christian perspective).
And that is another plus, this is really a Christian novel! I get so frustrated when I read a book that is supposedly Christian, and frankly it is not. So I recommend this author ( and will be reading it with 3 kids soon).
I am looking forward to more novels from this author.
Also the struggles one can have, first with belief, but then, with sin still trying to entangle us.
I also loved the more in depth working knowledge of armor, swords etc. Especially since I have been into doing paintings of knights and dragons ( from a Christian perspective).
And that is another plus, this is really a Christian novel! I get so frustrated when I read a book that is supposedly Christian, and frankly it is not. So I recommend this author ( and will be reading it with 3 kids soon).
I am looking forward to more novels from this author.
July 26, 2019
The author does a great job of combining truth and Christian morals into a riveting adventure story complete with action, battles, and romance. I loved that the heroine was portrayed as a warrior in her own right and the women were seen and treated as equals and partners alongside the men.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews