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P. W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms
Courageous teens travel to the mysterious land where the realms converge to save the world from unseen raiders .
Teenagers have their own problems to deal with. But when a chosen group discovers a much bigger battle is going down all around them, will they work together to fight the real enemy?
Based on Psalm 23:1-6, Ephesians 6:10-18, and Luke 10:19, P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms brings to life the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm.
Enter the Kingdom Realms, where the unseen is seen, and battles must be won. On the verge of succumbing to a life of isolation, P.W. Stone, an unusual teen who sees visions, discovers her identity as an heir to an abandoned kingdom. After a total solar eclipse aligns seven cities named Salem with the hidden realm, the event propels her into a garden paradise with six fellow heirs.
Paradise is not what it seems. Pyrats lurk at every turn, attempting to control P.W. Stone’s life, prevent her reign, and snatch the newfound Destiny Scroll before she and the other Salem Seven members unveil the secret to their defeat on Earth.
What occurs in one realm affects the other. If the teens don’t accomplish what their ancestors failed to do and claim their kingdoms, life on Earth as they know it will come to a tragic end. Will P.W. emerge into whom she’s called to be and take back all that is rightfully hers?
P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms is an excellent gift for 11-year-olds and up, ready to embark on an identity-seeking adventure.
Those readers interested in the following would find P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms a fulfilling allegory, afterlife, armor of God, biblical symbolism, castles, classic fantasy, Creation, Christian fantasy books, Christian fantasy adventure books, children’s Christian fiction, cat books, compass, dangerous quest, Dead Sea Scrolls, diverse characters, dragons, dreams, epic battles, fantasy adventure, Garden of Eden, good and evil, Gospel of the Kingdom, Heaven, Heavenly encounters, hidden realm, invisible realm, key to the Kingdom, Kingdom of God, Kingdom travel, magical lands, manifestation of the sons and daughters, mansion, Melchizedek, mythology, Narnia, Native American, near death encounters, potter, prince, princess, prophecy, prophetic, parable, royalty, spirit realm, spiritual journey, spiritual warfare, sacred ground, sword, transfiguration, time travel, trip to heaven, unseen, visions, warriors.
Teenagers have their own problems to deal with. But when a chosen group discovers a much bigger battle is going down all around them, will they work together to fight the real enemy?
Based on Psalm 23:1-6, Ephesians 6:10-18, and Luke 10:19, P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms brings to life the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm.
Enter the Kingdom Realms, where the unseen is seen, and battles must be won. On the verge of succumbing to a life of isolation, P.W. Stone, an unusual teen who sees visions, discovers her identity as an heir to an abandoned kingdom. After a total solar eclipse aligns seven cities named Salem with the hidden realm, the event propels her into a garden paradise with six fellow heirs.
Paradise is not what it seems. Pyrats lurk at every turn, attempting to control P.W. Stone’s life, prevent her reign, and snatch the newfound Destiny Scroll before she and the other Salem Seven members unveil the secret to their defeat on Earth.
What occurs in one realm affects the other. If the teens don’t accomplish what their ancestors failed to do and claim their kingdoms, life on Earth as they know it will come to a tragic end. Will P.W. emerge into whom she’s called to be and take back all that is rightfully hers?
P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms is an excellent gift for 11-year-olds and up, ready to embark on an identity-seeking adventure.
Those readers interested in the following would find P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms a fulfilling allegory, afterlife, armor of God, biblical symbolism, castles, classic fantasy, Creation, Christian fantasy books, Christian fantasy adventure books, children’s Christian fiction, cat books, compass, dangerous quest, Dead Sea Scrolls, diverse characters, dragons, dreams, epic battles, fantasy adventure, Garden of Eden, good and evil, Gospel of the Kingdom, Heaven, Heavenly encounters, hidden realm, invisible realm, key to the Kingdom, Kingdom of God, Kingdom travel, magical lands, manifestation of the sons and daughters, mansion, Melchizedek, mythology, Narnia, Native American, near death encounters, potter, prince, princess, prophecy, prophetic, parable, royalty, spirit realm, spiritual journey, spiritual warfare, sacred ground, sword, transfiguration, time travel, trip to heaven, unseen, visions, warriors.
- GenresFantasy
340 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2021
4 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Easley
2 books6 followersS.C. Easley writes clean Science Fantasy for older kids and young teens. Her heart-thumping adventures explore humanity’s purpose and connection to the Creator. Classical authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien inspired her work. Although her novel P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms exhibits elements like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Hobbit, and A Wrinkle in Time, its storyline promotes a partnership with a higher power and place.
Combining her passion for Genetic Genealogy, Biblical patterns and symbolism, and insight from the Hebrew language, S.C. attempts to shed light on humanity’s original calling. The fantastic imagery that results from artistic, creative writing ignites imaginations and connects us all to a beautiful world.
S.C. Easley lives with her husband and two children in the Houston, Texas area.
Combining her passion for Genetic Genealogy, Biblical patterns and symbolism, and insight from the Hebrew language, S.C. attempts to shed light on humanity’s original calling. The fantastic imagery that results from artistic, creative writing ignites imaginations and connects us all to a beautiful world.
S.C. Easley lives with her husband and two children in the Houston, Texas area.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 18, 2021
What I discovered was a book somewhat similar to the Chronicles of Narnia series, filled with a lot of symbolism and parable. The story follows one main girl, P.W. Stone, initially, as she arrives with her mother at her uncle’s house into a less than ideal situation. But that situation doesn’t last long, and the reader is quickly taken on a surreal fantasy trip to save earth and the kingdom of God.
It’s told from the perspective of a young girl, and that’s what clued me into it being a children’s fantasy. But there are other parts that made me wonder if it was directed at an older audience. For example, much of the book is spent in exposition, giving pseudo-scientific explanation for the things that the children are seeing and experiencing. In fact, so much time is spent explaining that I felt that it took away from the actual story.
There is a lot of story, with a lot of details, much of which gets brought up, then dropped. In the beginning, there are details about where P.W. and her mother go to live, what is happening in their lives, and the family they join that are part of the story…then just aren’t. The author tries to explain and rationalize the crazy things they are seeing, but since this is a fantasy, I suspect that it would be better to spend less time in technobabble and more time just enjoying the story.
And finally, I had a hard time liking the main character. In fact, the seven heroes who go on the trip–referred to as the Salem Seven–for the most part argue, whine, and complain their way through the first three-quarters of the book. I could see what the author was trying to do, and wanted to show growth in the characters by the end, but unless the reader cares whether the main character lives or dies, the point is lost.
All in all, there’s a lot of creativity that goes into the book, the author spends a great deal of time trying to explain in rational, scientific terms things from the Bible that might otherwise be mysterious, and I think some kids would find it fun and interesting.
It’s told from the perspective of a young girl, and that’s what clued me into it being a children’s fantasy. But there are other parts that made me wonder if it was directed at an older audience. For example, much of the book is spent in exposition, giving pseudo-scientific explanation for the things that the children are seeing and experiencing. In fact, so much time is spent explaining that I felt that it took away from the actual story.
There is a lot of story, with a lot of details, much of which gets brought up, then dropped. In the beginning, there are details about where P.W. and her mother go to live, what is happening in their lives, and the family they join that are part of the story…then just aren’t. The author tries to explain and rationalize the crazy things they are seeing, but since this is a fantasy, I suspect that it would be better to spend less time in technobabble and more time just enjoying the story.
And finally, I had a hard time liking the main character. In fact, the seven heroes who go on the trip–referred to as the Salem Seven–for the most part argue, whine, and complain their way through the first three-quarters of the book. I could see what the author was trying to do, and wanted to show growth in the characters by the end, but unless the reader cares whether the main character lives or dies, the point is lost.
All in all, there’s a lot of creativity that goes into the book, the author spends a great deal of time trying to explain in rational, scientific terms things from the Bible that might otherwise be mysterious, and I think some kids would find it fun and interesting.
December 4, 2021
In August 21, 2017, the shadow of the moon crossed over the width of the continental United States. Interestingly, the narrow band of the solar eclipse could be observed in seven municipalities named Salem. This unique celestial event became the basis for Easley’s tale. Penelope Stone, a member of the “Salem Seven” from Salem, Oregon, was one of the teenagers who were destined for greatness. This is the story of what happened to them.
S. C. Easley has a wonderful imagination. Indeed, her fantasy story reminded me of Lewis Carroll’s ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND or Madeleine L’Engle’s A WRINKLE IN TIME series. Easley’s story is full of beautiful vistas, deadly enemies (for example Pyrats—beings with python bodies and rat heads) and many others. The seven teenagers meet many characters along the way (as Alice did) as they pursue their quest.
If I have one complaint, I wish this book had a glossary so I could refresh my memory as I meet characters a second time.
There was one part of the story, I particularly enjoyed. Several of the seven, thinking they knew better than their guide, decided to take an ill-advised shortcut to their next destination. The troubles on the short cut led to ill temper, sharp words, and grumbling. With every grumble their packs became heavier, until they opened them up and found rocks inside that had not been there before. These “weighing stones” had words on them that described their origin in the words, actions, and attitudes of the travelers. The teenagers could only continue after they had removed these rocks.
This is a wonderfully imaginative story. Like the best children’s stories, this speaks not only to children, but to adults who read it as well.
S. C. Easley has a wonderful imagination. Indeed, her fantasy story reminded me of Lewis Carroll’s ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND or Madeleine L’Engle’s A WRINKLE IN TIME series. Easley’s story is full of beautiful vistas, deadly enemies (for example Pyrats—beings with python bodies and rat heads) and many others. The seven teenagers meet many characters along the way (as Alice did) as they pursue their quest.
If I have one complaint, I wish this book had a glossary so I could refresh my memory as I meet characters a second time.
There was one part of the story, I particularly enjoyed. Several of the seven, thinking they knew better than their guide, decided to take an ill-advised shortcut to their next destination. The troubles on the short cut led to ill temper, sharp words, and grumbling. With every grumble their packs became heavier, until they opened them up and found rocks inside that had not been there before. These “weighing stones” had words on them that described their origin in the words, actions, and attitudes of the travelers. The teenagers could only continue after they had removed these rocks.
This is a wonderfully imaginative story. Like the best children’s stories, this speaks not only to children, but to adults who read it as well.
December 31, 2021
Thirteen year old Penelope (P.W.) Stone and her sick mother arrive at her uncle’s estate on a cold night in January to find themselves locked out of the front gate. Their reception when they arrive at the house is about as cold as the weather and things go downhill from there. The estate is in financial distress, P.W.’s mother gets sicker, and the cousins are all selfish, self-centered, mean-spirited, slobs. P.W. soon finds herself in the role of Cinderella, slaving for the ungrateful mob. Like her mother, her uncle is seriously ill. And, although she seems kind enough, P.W.’s aunt is blind to her children’s hurtful, self-serving attitudes.
This book was written for a target audience of 8 – 12 year old readers and Penelope’s story is a familiar one. She continues to work and survive her situation until her fourteenth birthday; a birthday shared by six other youths. The birthday in August when all the Salem Seven will be gathered as a solar eclipse moves over each youth’s city. As the eclipse plunges P.W.’s world into darkness, her childhood friend Emmanu appears riding a white horse named Special Delivery and plucks her out of a developing emergency before continuing onward to collect the other Salem Seven.
As each youth is pulled from their specific disastrous situation, time is frozen for those left behind. The youths are transported to a place called Oohnaah, the Outer Rim, and the Light Realm where a series of adventures awaits.
Though placed within a skeleton of biblical truth, P.W. Stone rewrites how creation and the fall happened. Told in a unique, imaginative retelling, it blends biblical elements with what feels like legends. (Perhaps this is where the book fits within the Native American Religions and Spirituality category on Amazon.)
Throughout the story “scientific” and “technical” explanations are inserted. For me, they tended to bog the story down and pulled me out of the fantasy of it all. For example: “You are human beings with bloodstreams who live in the Blood Realm. Because you have not yet regained our tech, most of your people can’t hear of see what we’re dealing with.” (Chapter 14) And “Solar traction, combined with the centrifugal force of Earth’s rotation, created a torquing pressure on the landmass. The stress shook the earth when the Radiance Layer cracked and twisted. … the agony of Separation overcame every Particle Sensor torn apart as Earth’s Radiance Layer severed from her Living Crust.” (Chapter 15)
In general, the plot moves forward at a quick pace as the Salem Seven experience a series of adventures and learn more about the connection between Oohnaah, our world, why they have been chosen, and what their calling as Heirs entails.
In general, P.W. Stone is well written with little technical errors. The less developed characters and short “adventures” will appeal to that 8 – 12 age group who love adventures and fantasy. I personally, had difficulty with the “reimagining” of biblical creation and the fall. My recommendation: do consider this creative tale for your middle school readers, but if you are more conservative in your beliefs, read it for yourself first. It might prove an interesting platform for discussion.
This book was written for a target audience of 8 – 12 year old readers and Penelope’s story is a familiar one. She continues to work and survive her situation until her fourteenth birthday; a birthday shared by six other youths. The birthday in August when all the Salem Seven will be gathered as a solar eclipse moves over each youth’s city. As the eclipse plunges P.W.’s world into darkness, her childhood friend Emmanu appears riding a white horse named Special Delivery and plucks her out of a developing emergency before continuing onward to collect the other Salem Seven.
As each youth is pulled from their specific disastrous situation, time is frozen for those left behind. The youths are transported to a place called Oohnaah, the Outer Rim, and the Light Realm where a series of adventures awaits.
Though placed within a skeleton of biblical truth, P.W. Stone rewrites how creation and the fall happened. Told in a unique, imaginative retelling, it blends biblical elements with what feels like legends. (Perhaps this is where the book fits within the Native American Religions and Spirituality category on Amazon.)
Throughout the story “scientific” and “technical” explanations are inserted. For me, they tended to bog the story down and pulled me out of the fantasy of it all. For example: “You are human beings with bloodstreams who live in the Blood Realm. Because you have not yet regained our tech, most of your people can’t hear of see what we’re dealing with.” (Chapter 14) And “Solar traction, combined with the centrifugal force of Earth’s rotation, created a torquing pressure on the landmass. The stress shook the earth when the Radiance Layer cracked and twisted. … the agony of Separation overcame every Particle Sensor torn apart as Earth’s Radiance Layer severed from her Living Crust.” (Chapter 15)
In general, the plot moves forward at a quick pace as the Salem Seven experience a series of adventures and learn more about the connection between Oohnaah, our world, why they have been chosen, and what their calling as Heirs entails.
In general, P.W. Stone is well written with little technical errors. The less developed characters and short “adventures” will appeal to that 8 – 12 age group who love adventures and fantasy. I personally, had difficulty with the “reimagining” of biblical creation and the fall. My recommendation: do consider this creative tale for your middle school readers, but if you are more conservative in your beliefs, read it for yourself first. It might prove an interesting platform for discussion.
Read
December 30, 2021I'd like to clarify that my review is based upon the latest version of P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms, which I finished yesterday (review posted on 12-30-2021 [Happy New Year!])
I have decided to let these words stand as my review, and to forego the star system. Please read on.
There are many, many good elements in this book. Easley has a gift for writing to children; I found myself smiling often at the whimsy of narrative, dialogue, and movement in this story. The main character is well handled and easy to like, and the worlds and imagery visited are creative and described as well as something so fantastical can be.
However, I had a few strong concerns with the story as a Christian reader looking for biblical parallels.
The book focuses largely on the concept of dominion - ours over creation, as a birthright from God. My main concern, without going into spoiler levels of detail, is that I felt the analogy presented regarding the fall and reconciliation to God were soft sold; while there is a Christ figure in the story, nothing is mentioned of His need to die and rise again to reconcile us to the Father, and our fallen state is mostly focused on in a past tense, wherein our ancestors were mainly deceived, and did not so much willingly rebel against God. The devil is mostly pinned with the offense, while we are portrayed as being more neutral; the concept of our offense is not really touched upon.
Romans 5:10 : "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (emphasis added)
Without the act of reconciliation, the dominion in the story seems like less of an heirdom through adoption and more as an act of almost entitlement. While Penelope, the main character, is portrayed as already having a relationship with the Christ figure (and can be believed to have perhaps repented in the past, for example), the other children do not seem to share this relationship, and they are recruited as, dare I say, "needed" by the Christ figure to "help" Him save the fallen creation.
Hebrews 1:3 (speaking of Christ): "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (emphasis added)
And Luke 17:10 (quoting Christ): "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
I'm also concerned about the "retelling" of the creation and fall. This happens in the story because the characters travel to a parallel dimension that reflects our reality, but is full of analogous figures, such as the Christ figure, a Father figure, and so on. The book goes into a great level of detail in the creation and fall process, making them seem very scientific and in some cases almost mechanical, and less spiritual. While I understand that these things are meant to be an analogy, I'm concerned that very young readers or young readers being exposed to biblical ideas for the first time may be overall confused by this imagery - I don't see how it aids in clearer instruction, as it is either very abstract or so minutely detailed that it distracts from what a simple Bible reading would provide.
My suggestion would be to read this yourself first, and then alongside your child or teen, holding up what you see to the Bible together, and having discussions according to biblical doctrine.
It is my hope that the author of this book is not discouraged - I see her desire to please God. I only desire to be honest about my concerns with some of the analogies used.
I have decided to let these words stand as my review, and to forego the star system. Please read on.
There are many, many good elements in this book. Easley has a gift for writing to children; I found myself smiling often at the whimsy of narrative, dialogue, and movement in this story. The main character is well handled and easy to like, and the worlds and imagery visited are creative and described as well as something so fantastical can be.
However, I had a few strong concerns with the story as a Christian reader looking for biblical parallels.
The book focuses largely on the concept of dominion - ours over creation, as a birthright from God. My main concern, without going into spoiler levels of detail, is that I felt the analogy presented regarding the fall and reconciliation to God were soft sold; while there is a Christ figure in the story, nothing is mentioned of His need to die and rise again to reconcile us to the Father, and our fallen state is mostly focused on in a past tense, wherein our ancestors were mainly deceived, and did not so much willingly rebel against God. The devil is mostly pinned with the offense, while we are portrayed as being more neutral; the concept of our offense is not really touched upon.
Romans 5:10 : "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (emphasis added)
Without the act of reconciliation, the dominion in the story seems like less of an heirdom through adoption and more as an act of almost entitlement. While Penelope, the main character, is portrayed as already having a relationship with the Christ figure (and can be believed to have perhaps repented in the past, for example), the other children do not seem to share this relationship, and they are recruited as, dare I say, "needed" by the Christ figure to "help" Him save the fallen creation.
Hebrews 1:3 (speaking of Christ): "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (emphasis added)
And Luke 17:10 (quoting Christ): "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
I'm also concerned about the "retelling" of the creation and fall. This happens in the story because the characters travel to a parallel dimension that reflects our reality, but is full of analogous figures, such as the Christ figure, a Father figure, and so on. The book goes into a great level of detail in the creation and fall process, making them seem very scientific and in some cases almost mechanical, and less spiritual. While I understand that these things are meant to be an analogy, I'm concerned that very young readers or young readers being exposed to biblical ideas for the first time may be overall confused by this imagery - I don't see how it aids in clearer instruction, as it is either very abstract or so minutely detailed that it distracts from what a simple Bible reading would provide.
My suggestion would be to read this yourself first, and then alongside your child or teen, holding up what you see to the Bible together, and having discussions according to biblical doctrine.
It is my hope that the author of this book is not discouraged - I see her desire to please God. I only desire to be honest about my concerns with some of the analogies used.
Read
January 1, 2022I'd like to clarify that my review is based upon the latest version of P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdoms, which I finished yesterday (review posted on 12-30-2021 [Happy New Year!])
I have decided to let these words stand as my review, and to forego the star system. Please read on.
There are many, many good elements in this book. Easley has a gift for writing to children; I found myself smiling often at the whimsy of narrative, dialogue, and movement in this story. The main character is well handled and easy to like, and the worlds and imagery visited are creative and described as well as something so fantastical can be.
However, I had a few strong concerns with the story as a Christian reader looking for biblical parallels.
The book focuses largely on the concept of dominion - ours over creation, as a birthright from God. My main concern, without going into spoiler levels of detail, is that I felt the analogy presented regarding the fall and reconciliation to God were soft sold; while there is a Christ figure in the story, nothing is mentioned of His need to die and rise again to reconcile us to the Father, and our fallen state is mostly focused on in a past tense, wherein our ancestors were mainly deceived, and did not so much willingly rebel against God. The devil is mostly pinned with the offense, while we are portrayed as being more neutral; the concept of our offense is not really touched upon.
Romans 5:10 : "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (emphasis added)
Without the act of reconciliation, the dominion in the story seems like less of an heirdom through adoption and more as an act of almost entitlement. While Penelope, the main character, is portrayed as already having a relationship with the Christ figure (and can be believed to have perhaps repented in the past, for example), the other children do not seem to share this relationship, and they are recruited as, dare I say, "needed" by the Christ figure to "help" Him save the fallen creation.
Hebrews 1:3 (speaking of Christ): "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (emphasis added)
And Luke 17:10 (quoting Christ): "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
I'm also concerned about the "retelling" of the creation and fall. This happens in the story because the characters travel to a parallel dimension that reflects our reality, but is full of analogous figures, such as the Christ figure, a Father figure, and so on. The book goes into a great level of detail in the creation and fall process, making them seem very scientific and in some cases almost mechanical, and less spiritual. While I understand that these things are meant to be an analogy, I'm concerned that very young readers or young readers being exposed to biblical ideas for the first time may be overall confused by this imagery - I don't see how it aids in clearer instruction, as it is either very abstract or so minutely detailed that it distracts from what a simple Bible reading would provide.
My suggestion would be to read this yourself first, and then alongside your child or teen, holding up what you see to the Bible together, and having discussions according to biblical doctrine.
It is my hope that the author of this book is not discouraged - I see her desire to please God. I only desire to be honest about my concerns with some of the analogies used.
I have decided to let these words stand as my review, and to forego the star system. Please read on.
There are many, many good elements in this book. Easley has a gift for writing to children; I found myself smiling often at the whimsy of narrative, dialogue, and movement in this story. The main character is well handled and easy to like, and the worlds and imagery visited are creative and described as well as something so fantastical can be.
However, I had a few strong concerns with the story as a Christian reader looking for biblical parallels.
The book focuses largely on the concept of dominion - ours over creation, as a birthright from God. My main concern, without going into spoiler levels of detail, is that I felt the analogy presented regarding the fall and reconciliation to God were soft sold; while there is a Christ figure in the story, nothing is mentioned of His need to die and rise again to reconcile us to the Father, and our fallen state is mostly focused on in a past tense, wherein our ancestors were mainly deceived, and did not so much willingly rebel against God. The devil is mostly pinned with the offense, while we are portrayed as being more neutral; the concept of our offense is not really touched upon.
Romans 5:10 : "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (emphasis added)
Without the act of reconciliation, the dominion in the story seems like less of an heirdom through adoption and more as an act of almost entitlement. While Penelope, the main character, is portrayed as already having a relationship with the Christ figure (and can be believed to have perhaps repented in the past, for example), the other children do not seem to share this relationship, and they are recruited as, dare I say, "needed" by the Christ figure to "help" Him save the fallen creation.
Hebrews 1:3 (speaking of Christ): "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (emphasis added)
And Luke 17:10 (quoting Christ): "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
I'm also concerned about the "retelling" of the creation and fall. This happens in the story because the characters travel to a parallel dimension that reflects our reality, but is full of analogous figures, such as the Christ figure, a Father figure, and so on. The book goes into a great level of detail in the creation and fall process, making them seem very scientific and in some cases almost mechanical, and less spiritual. While I understand that these things are meant to be an analogy, I'm concerned that very young readers or young readers being exposed to biblical ideas for the first time may be overall confused by this imagery - I don't see how it aids in clearer instruction, as it is either very abstract or so minutely detailed that it distracts from what a simple Bible reading would provide.
My suggestion would be to read this yourself first, and then alongside your child or teen, holding up what you see to the Bible together, and having discussions according to biblical doctrine.
It is my hope that the author of this book is not discouraged - I see her desire to please God. I only desire to be honest about my concerns with some of the analogies used.
December 30, 2022
While this book is intended for older children, typically ages 11 and up, my 8-year-old son really enjoyed this book! We have read other Christian fantasy faith-based series, like the Chronicles of Narnia, and The Pilgrims Progress, and this book is the start of another phenomenal Christ-led series by S.C. Easley.
As we follow Penelope and her friends on their journey to the Outer Rim, we can see how they discover who they really are and how much God loves them, and how that changes the way they connect with each other. This sets them on a path to learn their destinies and the importance of having a solid relationship with each other as daughters and sons of God to face daunting challenges together. The imagery throughout the book is vivid and written for the spiritually young to begin to visualize and learn how to connect with God directly. It provides the reader with an understanding that they too can spend daily time with God as well. It is a blueprint for children of what is to come biblically and what needs to be overcome to get there!
This book has so many great puzzle pieces in this first book that helps the reader get excited about reading future books. When you look at series like Harry Potter or the Chronicles of Narnia, there are puzzle pieces purposely put out there to be discovered further in the series. S.C. Easley’s series will not disappoint.
We loved finding out who Emmanu really is and how long he has been a part of each child’s life. The ending circles back to each of the children’s beginning stories and allows them to change their destinies now that they know who they are. It reminded me a little of the ending of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the movie. I could see how this story could become a movie!
We look forward to Book 2!
As we follow Penelope and her friends on their journey to the Outer Rim, we can see how they discover who they really are and how much God loves them, and how that changes the way they connect with each other. This sets them on a path to learn their destinies and the importance of having a solid relationship with each other as daughters and sons of God to face daunting challenges together. The imagery throughout the book is vivid and written for the spiritually young to begin to visualize and learn how to connect with God directly. It provides the reader with an understanding that they too can spend daily time with God as well. It is a blueprint for children of what is to come biblically and what needs to be overcome to get there!
This book has so many great puzzle pieces in this first book that helps the reader get excited about reading future books. When you look at series like Harry Potter or the Chronicles of Narnia, there are puzzle pieces purposely put out there to be discovered further in the series. S.C. Easley’s series will not disappoint.
We loved finding out who Emmanu really is and how long he has been a part of each child’s life. The ending circles back to each of the children’s beginning stories and allows them to change their destinies now that they know who they are. It reminded me a little of the ending of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the movie. I could see how this story could become a movie!
We look forward to Book 2!
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