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Nylo of Maradon
An isolated and unknown shepherd in the ancient island kingdom of Tirna Cothrom, 13-year-old Nylo Clurin’s life takes a sharp turn toward adventure when he spies a vast fleet of unknown ships sailing past his castle outpost. As a coastal watcher, he is required by law to report his sightings to his superiors, but before he can leave home, he discovers a shipwrecked foreign girl, Rakell, who seems to have been a captive on the strange fleet. Accompanied by Nylo’s local friends, Coren and Maddie, he and Rakell travel inland to report Nylo’s sighting. Little can prepare them for the danger that lurks on the way, nor the difficult decisions they will face. Nylo and his little band learn to depend on the Almighty Creator for protection, guidance, and ultimately, the very salvation of their souls.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2022
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January 28, 2023
This is a creative Christian fiction novel between middle grade and YA that takes place during the time of King Solomon. Great character development, world-building, and biblical references.
Set in an imaginary string of islands, Davis creates political and racial tension between people groups while confronting the issues of slavery and idolatry against a backdrop of lush, vivid landscapes. Creative liberties have been taken, but overall, the research is evident and the level of knowledge and technology is believeable enough. It is written in modern English for readability, which I prefer, though some characters speak more antiquated dialects than others.
Nylo, a thirteen-year-old coast watcher, is an extremely likable character. Despite the loss of his father five years prior, the naivety of his youth is balanced with a strong sense of moral rightness, so he doesn't make a pile of rash mistakes or selfish decisions, though he has an appropriate level of doubt in his abilities. He gathers a motley group of supporters who follow him on a mission to save their island from invaders but end up saving it from more than that.
The inhabitants of the island include a race of giants, a landless tribe of tinkers, and the ruling class which includes a religious officiant called an onar. There are many strong female characters, including my favorite, Maddie, a girl who Nylo has known all his life but finds highly annoying. Maddie starts out with some prejudices and suspicions but fights fiercely for her right to join her friends. She shows a lot of growth throughout the book, learning to see value in people she had previously looked down on.
The author describes animal sacrifice in some detail and illustrates the plight of prisoners and slaves, so depending on the maturity level of your tween, I would say it is suitable for ages twelve and up. I enjoyed it immensely.
Set in an imaginary string of islands, Davis creates political and racial tension between people groups while confronting the issues of slavery and idolatry against a backdrop of lush, vivid landscapes. Creative liberties have been taken, but overall, the research is evident and the level of knowledge and technology is believeable enough. It is written in modern English for readability, which I prefer, though some characters speak more antiquated dialects than others.
Nylo, a thirteen-year-old coast watcher, is an extremely likable character. Despite the loss of his father five years prior, the naivety of his youth is balanced with a strong sense of moral rightness, so he doesn't make a pile of rash mistakes or selfish decisions, though he has an appropriate level of doubt in his abilities. He gathers a motley group of supporters who follow him on a mission to save their island from invaders but end up saving it from more than that.
The inhabitants of the island include a race of giants, a landless tribe of tinkers, and the ruling class which includes a religious officiant called an onar. There are many strong female characters, including my favorite, Maddie, a girl who Nylo has known all his life but finds highly annoying. Maddie starts out with some prejudices and suspicions but fights fiercely for her right to join her friends. She shows a lot of growth throughout the book, learning to see value in people she had previously looked down on.
The author describes animal sacrifice in some detail and illustrates the plight of prisoners and slaves, so depending on the maturity level of your tween, I would say it is suitable for ages twelve and up. I enjoyed it immensely.
Displaying 1 of 1 review