Customer Reviews

The Battle for Vast Dominion (Trophy Chase Trilogy)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book, the third in the Trophy Chase trilogy. All three books, beginning with "The Legend of the Firefish", offer fun seafaring adventure with the bonus of a fantastical mysterious creature called the Firefish. I recommend all three books in the series for people who enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean films or the Master and Commander series of books by Patrick O'Brien.

And for a book marketed as "Christian fiction", that shouldn't scare anyone off. It doesn't offer cheap conversions of characters. Instead, theology is woven into the story in a thought-provoking way, illuminating the main characters instead of just trying to preach a message.

George Bryan Polivka could not have impressed me more. "The Battle for Vast Dominion" is a fantastic book. The writing is nothing short of phenomenal. The story is so indepth and unpredictable that I couldn't put it down. Not only were the characters deep and rich the ship itself, the Trophy Chase, became almost alive with it's own character. The story, plot and lessons are never contrived but each word has meaning and purpose. The pace is fast without losing the gravity of the settings - no lengthy discriptions here. This book will stay with me for years to come. The trilogy could not have ended better. I loved the epilogue at the end which allowed the reader to get a follow-up on all the characters.

If it hasn't sold millions of copies then it should. Maybe reader think this is just a fantasy novel but I say it's really not. Except for the Firefish it's not fantasy. It truly covers all genres... political thriller, murder mystery, thriller, war, historical period piece, high-sea adventure and even a little romance. I think there's something here for everyone.

Biblically it's solid. The question that runs through all three books is "when to pick up the sword and when to lay it down'. When do we fight or when do we submit to the point of allowing God to move in our lives? That's a tough one to answer and depending upon the reader you will most likely come up with your own answer. I think George did a good job of weaving the question into the story without it ever being forced. Many other topics are touched on too. True evangelism, evil in the church, power hunger, greed and many more. It never felt 'preachy' and the book flows as smoothly as the water in the Mayak-Aloh.

Do yourself a favor and buy all three books. You will not be disappointed. Don't allow the pathetic Product Description above fool you, this is a very powerful book. This trilogy will hold a prominent place on my shelf. My sons will read them and if time permits, there children.

1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing

I really need to stop jumping into series at their conclusion, or part way through. I've read Blaggard's Moon, the prequel to The Trophy Chase Trilogy, but haven't read the first and second novels that make up this masterfully written seafaring trilogy of Christian fiction. Still, George Bryan Polivka is a masterful world builder who interweaves biblical Christianity with ease into the world he has created, so I simply couldn't resist.

The Battle for Vast Dominion does provide a synopsis of the events in the trilogy to date in its opening pages, but that is no replacement for the rich cultural concepts (particularly relating to the Drammun) that cannot be fully understood in this title alone; I highly recommend you start with the first book - The Legend of the Firefish - before digging into this novel.

Despite flying blind in some areas, it was impossible for me to remain aloof from the characters Polivka casts for us (and to be entertained by their antics), and to be swept into the ongoing political intrigues at play in the kingdom of Nearing Vast and across the sea in Drammun. These characters who exist only on page and in the imagination are humble, doubting vessels who can only trust themselves into God's keeping time and again as He directs their steps through treacherous paths.

God's unerring sovereignty is skillfully woven throughout the pages of this book, skillfully illustrating His hand in all things to both the books' characters, and to readers as well. The concept of Christ's redeeming work, and of His spirit living in all regenerated believers also figures prominently in the storyline. I can't resist a story with great theological underpinnings; particularly one so well written.

Those who love a robust, epic tale of war, love, and trying times would be hard pressed to find an adventure story as unique and appealing as the one Polivka concludes with The Battle for Vast Dominion. It is well worth the read!

THE BATTLE FOR VAST DOMINION by George Bryan Polivka is an Inspirational classic/Allegory fantasy fiction. It is Book 3 in the Trophy Chase Trilogy. It is not a book I would normally pick up to read, but as you began to read you get pulled into the story. It has adventure, action, pirates, lots of gore, intrigue, suspense and yes surprise.It mixes real Biblical Christianity with fiction,in a historical fantasy world.The hero struggles to reclaim his relationship with God, we see God at work in this fantasy world. The characters are enchanting and engaging. I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy sword fighting, blood spilling fighting ,Christian fantasy mixed with sci-fi you will enjoy this one. This book was received for review and details can be found at My Book Addiction and More and Harvest House Publishers.

I have admitted several times that I am not a big fantasy fan. There's nothing wrong with the genre, it's just hard for me to be able to get into the story. However, I have really enjoyed the Trophy Chase series and now with the third and final book, I was sad to see everything come to an end. Polivka takes the reader on another sweeping adventure above the Trophy Chase where Packer has to once again battle the Firefish as well as the Drammune. This time however, he has been newly crowned the king of the Nearing Vast which puts a spin on everything including an encounter with a foe he thought was dead.

What makes this book stand out for me is that even though the story is set in a made up land, with creatures that don't exist in our world, I still could totally relate to the characters. Most of the action that takes place, while using swords and other techniques from a Lord of the Rings situation, doesn't seem too far out there or something I would have to stretch my imagination too far to conjure in my mind. Also I really enjoy how strong the female characters in this book are portrayed. Panna, Packer's wife, has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series and once again she shines in this story.

I did feel that the book was a little slow at times. Also I was really hoping that this would be the book where Packer and Panna would have an adventure together but alas they were separated again for most of the story. However, if you have enjoyed the other two books in the series, you will definitely want to read this one as questions are finally answered, people are reunited, and heroes are proclaimed. This is a great read for fans of the fantasy and allegory genre and a fine end to a wonderful series.

This third volume in the epic Trophy Chase trilogy opens with Packer as the new King of the Vast, with motley supporters and the Drammune invasion in full swing. But just as his enemy's war leader determines to crush him, a message from across the sea calls for terms of peace and for Packer to sail to Drammun on the Chase. And so he must go, not knowing what the Hezzan of Drammun wants from him.

Across the ocean, political turmoil mounts. Talon is determined to discover the secret of taming the Firefish, not realising that it's not a technique to be copied. And back in Vast, Packer's queen has her own palace intrigues to deal with.

If you've read the other two books in this series, I reckon I don't need to convince you that this one is worthwhile. It carries that same signature blend of epic fantasy and Biblical reality, of Firefish and friars, of ships and Scriptures. This one of course has more: the stunning conclusion to the tale. There are surprises aplenty in store for Packer on this journey and it's one that will take you there too - into the swarming Firefish, the hordes of enemies, and to encounters undreamed of even in that realm.