Four hundred years after a deadly virus and nuclear war destroyed the modern world, a new and noble civilization emerges. In this kingdom, called Chiveis, snowcapped mountains provide protection, and fields and livestock provide food. The people live medieval-style lives, with almost no knowledge of the "ancient" world. Safe in their natural stronghold, the Chiveisi have everything they need, even their own religion. Christianity has been forgotten—until a young army scout comes across a strange book.
With that discovery, this work of speculative fiction takes readers on a journey that encompasses adventure, romance, and the revelation of the one true God. Through compelling narrative and powerful character development, The Sword speaks to God's goodness, his refusal to tolerate sin, man's need to bow before him, and the eternality and power of his Word. Fantasy and adventure readers will be hooked by this first book in a forthcoming trilogy.
Bryan M. Liftins novel, The Sword, is a story about struggle, persecution, and truth in a post-apocalyptic world. The two heroes, Captain Teofil and the farm girl Anastasia, are forced to fight rough outsiders, religious persecution, and their own internal struggles with doubt. What Liftin creates is a story that tugs on the heartstrings, letting audiences feel excited, afraid, and hopeful.
The Sword is presented in three distinct sections, each telling a different aspect of the story. Part one starts when Captain Teofil meets Anastasia in the woods after a dangerous encounter with a bear. This is the beginning of a growing strong friendship. When Anastasia is kidnapped by outsiders, Captain Teofil ignores orders from his superiors and treks out to rescue Anastasia. During the rescue the two come upon an abandoned church in which they find a damaged copy of the Bible, referred to as the text of the Ancients. This is also the location of one of the most memorable scenes when the two have to escape the church by climbing down the outer walls. Anastasia is returned home and Captain Teofil promises to translate the text.
Part two is where the two and some close friends, including Teofils mentor Maurice the Wise, begin translating and learning from the text. They start a small community of believers learning from the new God they know as Deu. Teofil faces some of his own challenges and, with Anastasis help, he turns himself over to Deu. The third section is the finale. Here, the persecution they faced turns to imprisonment and culminates in a dramatic duel between the gods of old and Deu. The book ends with a feeling of hope, though not the one the reader expected.
Liftin does a very good job of creating a unique setting for his story. The world has been taken back by nature after a devastating plague, and the people are surviving much like the medieval times. This includes much of the morality, which I have to compliment Liftin on. In these times, sexuality is a free form, and is an accepted part of the society. He covers the topics of prostitution, rape, and lust in a very tactful, but still interesting fashion. Liftin also crafts his characters very well; they are unique and believable. The High Priestess is especially stirring; her representation of evil is almost tangible. Teofil and Anastasia fill the requirements for a typical hero-heroine, but they are not very stable. Captain Teofil sways from being the headstrong, inventive military captain to an indecisive, self-doubting man. Anastasia switches from confident and witty to awkward and reserved and back again.
Nevertheless, The Sword is a good book for both solid and new Christians. Liftin shows how trust in God can change ones world. He also shows how to keep faith even in persecution. One theme that is used often in the book and sums up the ideas is the message of Psalm 27, with the characters focusing on God as their protection. I would readily recommend this book to those looking for a story of both adventure and purpose. Todd Naevestad, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
http://www.christianbook.com/the-sword-a-novel-ebook/bryan-litfin/9781433523014/pd/7598EB
Welcome to Christianbook.com! Sign in or create an account
Cart
0 items
Checkout
We now accept PayPalfor ALL orders
