Karen Hancock, The Light Of Eidon

The Light Of Eidon

Karen Hancock

Bethany House, Jul 2003, $12.99, 400 pp.

ISBN: 0764290649

He is a Kalladorne, fifth in line to the throne, but unlike his four brothers he doesn't have the warrior mentality. He prefers to spend his time in books instead of in swordplay. Influenced by his tutor, he renounced his heritage and dedicated his life to the Holy Brotherhood of the Matais. On the day he was to take his vows he learned that all he was taught was a lie and the church who held sway in his kingdom serving the forces of dark and hoped to use him to rule Kiraith.

Abramm's younger brother Gillard, who wants to rule and only needs to get the present king killed, sells Abramm into slavery. His new master is teaching him how to be a gladiator. During his two years of slavery, Abramm has forsaken his God Eidon but he will soon learn that Eidon has not forsaken him. In a land far from his own, he becomes a great warrior, one who believe must learn that those who evilly abuse a religion doesn't make its God malfeasance too.

This is the first installment in a beautiful new fantasy series, complete with fair maidens, quests to be achieved and battle scenes involving the forces of good and evil. This is not a preachy novel but one that can be compared to the Arthurian legends where one must open their eyes to evil to recognize it in any form. Karen Hancock is a gifted writer who uses avatars from many myths, legends and religions to create a beautiful story where goodness struggles to survive let alone triumph.

Harriet Klausner