The Book of Names: A Novel (Legends of Karac Tor) [Paperback]

D. Barkley Briggs (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Legends of Karac Tor

Teen brothers Hadyn and Ewan Barlow are forced to adjust to a depressing new life when tragedy strikes their home. Then a secret Viking runestone opens the door to a world in peril, and they discover a crisis larger than their own pain.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Magic and folklore at its very best!" — GP Taylor, New York Times best-selling author

"In the same vein as such master fantasy writers as J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis... The Book of Names is fast-paced and compelling, and readers will be clamoring for Briggs's next installment in this exciting and worthy new series." — Teenreads.com

"D. Barkley Briggs has a fresh story to tell, and he delivers it in a unique voice. His writing style brightens every page. The lyrical prose suits his intriguing tale and heightens the feel of another world. The Book of Names is sure to gather a following among young and old fantasy lovers.” — Donita K. Paul, author of The Dragon Keeper Chronicles

"A complex tapestry of magic and meaning, bravery and brotherhood.” — Jeffrey Overstreet, author of Auralia's Colors --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Teen brothers Hadyn and Ewan Barlow are forced to adjust to a depressing new life when tragedy strikes their home. Then a secret viking runestone opens the door to a world in peril, and they discover a crisis larger than their own pain.

In the Hidden Lands of Karac Tor, names are stolen from the young and darkness spreads. Hadyn and Ewan become targets of war, forcing them to make a reluctant choice: join the battle or risk losing each other and their home forever.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (June 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160006227X
• ISBN-13: 978-1600062278
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,856,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

For more info, go to HiddenLands.net. Also, find Dean at http://www.facebook.com/DBarkleyBriggs or follow him on Twitter @DBarkleyBriggs.
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Dean "D. Barkley" Briggs is an author, father of eight, and waaay too prone to twisting his ankle whenever he attempts a pick-up basketball game in his old age. He grew up reading J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lews, Patricia McKillip, Guy Gavriel Kay, Stephen R. Donaldson, Ursila K. Leguin, Susan Cooper, Madeline L'Engle, Terry Brooks, Andre Norton and Lloyd Alexander (just to name a few).

In the aftermath of losing his wife of 16 years, Dean decided to create a heroic journey that his four sons could relate to. Thus was born a new and paradoxical genre: semi-autobiographical fantasy, as Dean actively weaves elements of his life and family into the plots of his stories.

"The Legends of Karac Tor" tells the edgy, sweeping tale of four brothers who get stranded on another world. Together, they must find their courage, battle overwhelming odds, face their pain, and never quit searching for home. Five books total are planned.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such great characters!, December 4, 2011

By 

Noah Arsenault (Washington, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Names (Legends of Karac Tor) (Paperback)

I hadn't heard a great deal about these books before a particular friend kept recommending them to me, but now I can see why he did. This first book, for instance, has wonderful writing, deep characters (I really got into them!), and an awesome plot and adventure. The Barlow family goes through severe grief, wonderful joy, and many other emotions throughout, looking to God for answers, and it made the book one of my top favorites. Any reader of fantasy (or even deep legend) should read this series!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book was a hit at our house!, August 21, 2008

By 

Kimfurd "Kimfurd" (Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Names: A Novel (Legends of Karac Tor) (Paperback)

Who are Hadyn and Ewan Barlowe - the sons of a famous (slightly infamous) history professor or Champions of Karac Tor? Are these two teen brothers following the instruction of their father or are they answering the call of the great Aion? Do these two brothers have the strength to reach beyond the pain of death and conquer despair? These are only a few of many questions that can be answered by D. Barkley Briggs' novel, The Book of Names.

D. Barkley Briggs has created an enchanting tale indeed! The Book of Names takes two very average teen boys and transports them into the world of Karac Tor. All along their fantastical adventure the two young men have to reach beyond themselves and learn how to capture a strength greater than their own dreams to return home. The spiritual analogies are so seamlessly woven into the story that I would often have moments of insight flash into my mind long after I laid the book down!

In Briggs' tale, there is a battle between those who know they are named and loved and those who have become captive to a nameless despair. The struggle subtly builds in intensity until you find yourself anxiously cheering the Barlowe brothers to victory. This is beautifully written and amazing story of courage and strength that carries you on an exciting journey and leaves you begging for more!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great New Fantasy Series For The Fantasy Lover..., August 20, 2008

By 

Janna R. Ryan (Nebraska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Names: A Novel (Legends of Karac Tor) (Paperback)

I enjoy a good fantasy story, something that can whisk me away and let me get absorbed in another time or place and separate myself from my reality for a little while. I have found that in The Lord Of The Rings, Chronicles of Narnia and even Sharon Hinck's Sword of Lyric series (better known as The Restorer series) and now I can add D. Barkley Briggs Legends of Karac Tor series.


I quickly became immersed in the characters - 4 brothers moving to a new place with their dad, trying to adjust to life since the death of mom. The two oldest boys get sucked into another place through a portal on their new property... and then they find out that they are supposed to be "The Champions" for this place. All they want is to get home, some people are trying to help them while some don't want them to go - and there in starts the major conflict...


This book deals with many issues that I find incredibly important including the significance of your name and what it means and also finding your place and your giftings in the body of Christ. Dean addresses these issues in an eye-opening way that makes you stop and think about it. Well written with amazing attention to detail in his new world "Karac Tor" - I highly recommend this book for any fantasy lover (or enjoyer, or dabbler, etc...)!