8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a Captivating Book!, August 9, 2008
This review is from: Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow (Codebearers) (Paperback)
Be Warned: The Secret of the Shadow has serious hooks- this isn't an easy book to put down! The Miller Brothers have created a powerful and engaging world that challenges us all to take a deeper look at who we are and ultimately who is in control. With creative characters, wonderful plot twists, great illustrations, and fun extras (the codes throughout the book were an intriguing challenge) this book is one you're sure to enjoy!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Book!!, September 9, 2008
This review is from: Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow (Codebearers) (Paperback)
I'm part of the "older teen" crowd and I enjoyed this book so much!
There was so much to think about and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I thought it was kind of like a cross between Frank Peretti's " Piercing the Darkness" Series and the Chronicles of Narnia. I cant wait for the next one! Great work guys!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An unconventional mingling of symbolism that works, March 20, 2009
This review is from: Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow (Codebearers) (Paperback)
Hunter Brown is an average grade nine student. He plays practical tricks, evades bullies, makes amateur videos and chums around with the geeky Stretch and affluent Stubbs. When he encounters a mysterious book, his life changes irrevocably. Suddenly he is acutely aware of the forces of darkness surrounding him. Not only can he see these beings, they're after him. Plunging through the pages of the book into an alternate dimension he enters the world of Solandria where the Shadow holds the land captive under the leadership of the boy-sorcerer Venator.
Recruited by the Codebearers - the forces of light who stand for the Author, creator of all worlds - Hunter begins his study of the Code of Life only to be swept into the fray far too early in his training. Called apart by the Author's son, Aviad, Hunter soon learns that his destiny is deeply entwined with the fate of this world.
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow is the first installment of The Codebearer Series published by Warner Press. This inventive new series for tweens is co-written by a pair of brothers - Christopher and Allan Miller - who combine their writing talents and considerable illustrative skills. Raised in a home where their parents operated a CBA bookstore while homeschooling them, they now put their passion for inspiring faith-based books and products into their company Lumination Studios.
Drawing from modern sci-fi symbolism the authors integrate devices reminiscent of The Matrix and Star Wars, while mining the deep allegorical thread that The Pilgrim's Progressis based upon. While the imagery is sci-fi in flavour, the story itself plants itself firmly within the realm of fantasy. While seemingly cobbled together from disparate elements - some fairly common, others unique - this presentation of scriptural truth in a vibrant adventure is surprisingly captivating. The quest that Hunter finds himself on is parallel to the story of mankind's fall into sin and redemption through sacrifice.
The Millers offer a straightforward writing style that never plunges deeply into descriptive prose, akin to the majority of widely read, modern novels for young adults. Modern vernacular and tween-speak are heavily utilized, resulting in a culturally accessible work. The brisk pace and ground covered wouldn't lend itself to deep literary prose in any case; measuring in at 366 pages, Hunter Brown remains a manageable read for its audience. The quick-moving plot captures the attention with twists, turns, and surprising outcomes. While the writing itself is somewhat superficial, the message is thought-provoking.
Having two talented CGI men as co-authors and illustrators certainly comes in handy. From book trailers to the official Codebearers website, and the book itself, all of the images relating to the novel are drawn from the minds of the Miller Brothers themselves. Codebearers.com keeps young readers engaged in the adventure by providing mind-tingling challenges, forums, videos, and more. You can read the entire book for free online, or pick up an autographed hardcopy. The Millers even offer a unique "Good Read" guarantee - if you (or your child) don't love the book they'll buy it back.
While I read one part of me remained skeptical, the other was absorbed. The unusual blend of faith-powered light sabers, a chivalrous knight-like resistance, menacing forces of evil unique to the series and biblical truth work together to draw eager young minds into the tale. While the scriptural nods are strikingly clear to Christian readers, connections to the faith are not as blatantly drawn as to frighten away other readers. The series has great potential as a crossover novel, and a good clean read across markets. In all honesty, I'm looking forward to future installments.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
