5.0 out of 5 stars
The Swashbuckle Tightens, September 3, 2010
As the story of the Trophy Chase continues we find the suspense building, action more frequent, the political intrigue deepening and the war mounting. As good as book one was I found book two to be a great improvement. I had read book one two years ago and found it had a good stopping point at the end so I never got back to the trilogy until now. I don't have an excuse but I did find the first book effected me so much I jumped right in to book two and remembered everything. Not bad for someone my age.
The writing is very good. Mature in it's style with indepth characters and a storyline that is well thought-out. This is not your Errol Flynn adventure. There's never been a high seas adventure movie made like this.
Biblically the book is powerful, even to the point that I read some out-loud to my wife. The power of God's Word is honored, Jesus is glorified and a few of the characters live a Christ-centered life. As with the first book the debate on whether a Christian should fight physically or just stand by and see God move. I found the debate aggravating at times so I'm hoping book three will give a final conclusion on the issue. The enemy has their man-made religion which curiously resembles Islam. I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
If you enjoy a good swashbuckling adventure you'll love this trilogy. If you don't care for this genre read it anyway and I believe you'll enjoy it just the same.
1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing
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2.0 out of 5 stars
A book that preachs, August 30, 2010
This review is from: The Hand That Bears the Sword (Trophy Chase Trilogy) (Paperback)
At time, I got lost in the good story telling in this book. However far too much of the time it reminds you of those novels from the 1700s that had a moral point to draw. The good is always good, the bad evil and the good can win through good intentions. Was disappointed after reading all the reviews here and buying the book.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Up all night reading, September 2, 2009
This review is from: The Hand That Bears the Sword (Trophy Chase Trilogy) (Paperback)
Long, long ago, on the other side of the world, Book One of the Trophy Chase Trilogy incited me to write one of my longest book reviews ever. So to say I was pleased when I finally got my hands on Book Two - well, that's an understatement.
Packer and Panna's marital bliss is interrupted after only two weeks when he is called away by royal decree to go to war. The Drammune navy is sailing to invade Nearing Vast, and the king wants Packer on board the Trophy Chase, now commandeered as the flagship of the fleet. What most people don't know is that the Drammune had already destroyed the entire fleet, which means that the Chase and two other ships are all that stands between Nearing Vast and the huge invasion force. So Packer sets sail against incalculable odds.
Panna, remaining in the palace under royal care, fights off the unwelcome attentions of the Crown Prince in her typical determined manner. Trouble piles up until the prince imprisons both her and her father for their stubbornness.
Across the ocean in Drammun, Talon rises to power in the empire - she's the bad girl extraordinaire that we already know from the previous book. As she gains the emperor's confidence, she also gains insight into the treachery of his council, even while their red-sailed ships fly across the ocean to attack Nearing Vast. This is no straight-laced villain, but rather one who often thinks back to her encounters with Packer Throme and the unusual power he gained by faith.
Back on the ocean, the Trophy Chase and her companions soon run into the enemy. Three ships against hundreds? Watch and be amazed. These naval battles are finely choreographed and cleverly paced - and a hungry Firefish adds depth and complexity to what looks like a hopeless situation.
Once again I'm impressed at how the author captures moments in time, stretches them out, and makes them last long enough to insert every possible impression and flash of enlightenment. Even in the midst of battle there is time aplenty to consider the foundations of your theology while the adrenaline pumps through you. Passionate faith glows in every scene and only ventures once or twice into all-out preaching. The story wraps up with several astonishing twists, not the least of which involves two young princes recognising their own shortcomings with startling results.
Full of awe-inspiring large-scale imagery, personal development and international intrigue. A page turner all the way to the end - far into the night!
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