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I recently came across a Trilogy of books written for young adults by Patrick Carmen about a place called the Land of Elyon. Now I know that Elyon is one of the names of God, so I did some research on the author to see if he was considered a Christian author. I was curious as to whether these would be good books for me to read to my children and/or for them to read as they get older.
Based on what I could find about the author, I was not able to confirm that he is considered a Christian youg adult ficition writer or that he had/has any intention of tying God into these books. However, not long after I heard about them a neighbor was giving away some books and I noticed the first one in the series, so I grabbed it.
Book one is called - The Dark Hills Divide. I'm not going to give much away except to say that these books are worth taking a look at, and I would consider them along the lines of the Narnia series. Fantasy fiction. I decided they have some parts that might be a bit dark for my 7 year old daughter but I would be willing to read them to her and have her read them as she gets older. They would definitely be good conversation starters for us and Patrick Carmen is a very talented writer.
Whether he intends these to be books to teach our children about God or not, there are definitely underlying themes that as a parent you can use to talk to your children about the truths of God. The author definitely has some kind of religious Christian background and has drawn on that for these books.
After I read the first book I borrowed the next two from the library (Beyond the Valley of Thorns and The Tenth City). These had even more underlying themes that encouraged me. While looking for a picture to include with this post I noticed two more books regarding the Land of Elyon which Mr Carman has now written. One tells the tale of two of the characters in the other books, it is basically a prequel. The other is futher adventures of Alexa, the main character in the books.
So if you are looking for some good books that would be a quick read for you and/or a good read for your children, I recommend taking a look at these books.
14 comments:
Elyon? is it used in scripture as a name of God?
Hi Chris,
Yes, Elyon is one of the names of God that is used in Scripture and is translated as "Most High". It is usually seen as El Elyon which means "God Most High".
Thank you for your review. My daughter just read the first book in the series and I had wanted to review it before, but I am a homeschooling mother of five, so I am sure you can imagine... sometimes we just have to pray that God will give the kids discernment! I am relieved to know that you saw some value in the series and I look forward to asking her what she found for herself. Sincerely, Christine Hayes
Hey! I just noticed that you are a Sonlight mom, too!!! I tried to put their link on my blog and I got accepted, but it didn't show up. I think I did something wrong...
This is exactly the type of review I needed. Just found the 1st three books at Half price books and picked them up for my 9 yr old insatiable reader. I wanted to make sure it would be appropriate. Thanks for writing.
These are awesome books! I own all 5 books in the series. The fourth one, ( into the mist) Is not only about Roland and Warvold, it also continues The Tenth city. The next one tells what the last of Alexas battles will bring. I am on the fourth book and so far have enjoyed them all. PS I am 9 yrs. old
I have purchased these books because of your recommendation and because you are a Christian. I do not know how to answer the question, "What is Christian fantasy?" I have 3 kids and we are all going to read these together.
Thank you so much for posting. My 11-year-old daughter chose this series from the library just yesterday. I was uncertain about the direction the book would take and book reviews didn't help me. The Narnia series, which you liken it to, is a family favorite, and we greatly appreciate Christian-allegorical stories in general. I am a homeschool mom of three. I get it!! But, for anyone out there that is not homeschooling, you are in the same boat, too. Our lives are very full, whether working outside the home or within, and it is hard to keep up with the basics of life, so who has time to read every book that each of our kids is interested in before they do?!?! Again, I am greatly appreciative that you took the time to post (several years ago--haha). I'm excited that my daughter has a whole new series to dive into and enjoy. I will challenge her to look for Biblical symbolism as she does so.
So glad it helped you Cara. Time sure does fly by fast! My daughter is now 14 and starting high school in the fall. We did end up reading these together and she enjoyed them. My boys did as well.
So glad it helped you Cara. Time sure does fly by fast! My daughter is now 14 and starting high school in the fall. We did end up reading these together and she enjoyed them. My boys did as well.
So glad it helped you Cara. Time sure does fly by fast! My daughter is now 14 and starting high school in the fall. We did end up reading these together and she enjoyed them. My boys did as well.
When i google Elyon a animated picture of a girl that looks much like the girl on the cover of book 4. She is called a witch. I don't think this book is of Elohim. I suggest you all look closer.
Anonymous,
As you posted this anonymously I'm not sure you will see this. What you found has nothing to do with the books I reviewed. I would ask you take your own advice and look closer prior to making comments that will put something in a negative light.
I googled Elyon and looked at Images and found what you are talking about. However, if you dig just a bit deeper you'll note the picture is of a character called Elyon Brown from a series called W.I.T.C.H - it has absolutely nothing to do with the Land of Elyon series. In the books I am reviewing the girl's name is not even Elyon, it is Alexa.
I often see this where individuals will look at just the surface of something and make a snap judgment without really looking into things. I find this sad as others may in fact buy into what is being said and make judgments themselves without really having the facts.
I just read the first 11 chapters of book 2. Although there are words used that may sound Biblical, it does not align with Scripture and, therefore, should be avoided. Some parts make very inaccurate statements about the very nature of God (Elyon is identified as the creator on pg 57). It also states that it is the mission of a young girl to defeat Satan (pg 60). Uhhh, what?! There is only one who can defeat Satan, and that is Jesus Christ. It also says that God has to use "a great deal of his own strength to keep Abaddon in the pit" (pg 58). This implies a weakness or limit in God's strength - an assault against one of the most important tenets of Christianity. I don't have to read any further. This book is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Don't confuse your kids' understanding of God's Word by reading it or open them up to a foothold of The Enemy in their lives.
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