Friday Fun Reads

“Never alone.”

These are the promised words high school freshman Aidan Thomas struggled to believe. The same words he clung to as he descended the pitch black stairs of the great dragon in the realm called Alleble.

Aidan’s world turned upside down (or, maybe right-side up) when his family moved him across the country to live with his aging grandfather, Grampin. New home, new school, new friends—thousands of miles away from his best and only friend, Robby. What Aidan didn’t know was that while his life seemed to be spinning out of control, King Eliam of Alleble, was preparing to change Aidan’s life for the better.

The scrolls appeared out of nowhere the day Aidan explored his grandfather’s basement. While his parents pushed it aside as a fairy tale, Grampin believed Aidan’s story and encouraged him to continue reading them, allowing them to take his mind where they chose. As the story unfolds, we see the realm of Alleble as the spiritual world that surrounds us all. Paragor, (Satan), once called Paragal, the King’s most trusted Elder Guard, murdered King Eliam, (Jesus), in hopes of making himself the most powerful leader of the land. Thus, beginning the well-known battle between good and evil.

When Aidan is whisked into Alleble upon believing in the scrolls, he finds himself among dragons, knights, and a pretty girl who all help him train as a knight and walk with him to fulfill his destiny—until he must complete the mission alone. It is only then that he realizes what “never alone” truly means, as he calls on the King more than once to show him the way.

Wayne Thomas Batson captures his readers immediately with his introduction of the first of three books in the trilogy by taking us on a journey through dark caves, across the Grimwalk, and into foreign lands where unicorns roam freely while giving us the most important lesson of all—salvation.

This book contains some violence with swords and the evil intents of Paragor, but I would agree with the age recommendation of 8-12. I’d even include 13 and 14 year-olds in there, as his emotional and social struggle is very relatable to many who enter high school, longing to fit in.

 My second fantasy, and I’m hooked with this new genre! I’d love to know, what is your favorite fantasy read?