Customer Reviews

The Iron Sceptre (Archives of Anthropos)

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

 

 

At first, I was turned off by how much of a rip-off of Narnia this was. But get into it, and you realize it has a style all its own. Gaal, the semi-mortal Christ-figure, is a majestic, personal character, sometimes cryptic and sometimes playful. Murmia, the evil-personified figure, is no crystalline icecube like the White Witch, but is a seductive, appealing magician; and beneath her beautiful exterior is a rotting,decrepit hag. Pervading this whole book is the new character Mary's search for beauty and acceptance, and Murmia plays upon this and recruits Mary to her side. Only Gaal can take the girl back for himself. Also appealing, though certainly nothing new in fiction-writing, is the thoughtful intertwining of several plotlines at once, which atone for White's clever yet mediocre style of writing. Characterization is one of the strenghts of "The Iron Sceptre."

Well, what can I say? I'm seventeen and I still enjoy reading my copy of this book from time to time. The story is creative, exciting, and fast-moving, and the world White describes is so rich and lovely. The scope of this story and the lessons skillfully woven into it make this a wonderful choice for older children, but again, as I said, I don't think I will ever tire of this series. This is truly enjoyable fantasy writing; one of those books you can lose yourself in on a rainy day.

If you are a kid between 4 and 16, or have children in the same age range, I can't think of a better book to read than this one, other than the Bible and the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis.

I especially appreciate how these books are more up to date than the Nania books. It makes it easier for 21st century children to relate to the 4 children pulled into Anthopos easier. Although Mary is overly selfish in the beginning, she develops improved, yet flawed character as the story develops, and as she meets Gaal.
There is so much wonderful imagery in the book, so many parables, that it would be hard to pick my favorite sections. Even if you are older than 16, and do not have children, I still recommend this book. I first read it as a college student, after my younger brother (then in high school) sent me a copy as a Christmas gift, and my only regret was that I had discovered it, as well as the rest of the Chronicles of Anthopos before. I read the first 3 books in this series while in college, as recreational reading, then read the last 2 when my 3 children were in their fantasy phase, sometimes to them, sometimes to myself. I hope that someone makes all 5 books into movies someday, like they have done with the first 3 books in the Narnia series.
I hope this helps you in picking your next book to read.

Like C.S. Lewis, John White has also written some wonderful helpful non fiction books, including The Fight and Eros Defiles, both of which I found helpful in my Christian walk.
May God bless you,
Kevin of Cupertino, CA

"The Iron Sceptre" is an interesting Middle-Earth/Narnia derivative by the late Canadian author John White. In "Tower of Geburah",Kurt, Wesley and Lisa go on an adventure to save Anthropos' king and queen from the sorcerer Hocoino. In "Iron Sceptre",however,it's told from the perspective of the overweight,bullied Mary McNab. To make matters worse, White portrays the three leads' callous attitude towards Mary as justified. She's fat and unattractive,of course she deserves it.

The story begins with Mary having a vision of Gaal,Anthropos' Christ-figure. He tells her about "The Enchantment of Bodily Yearnings","The Enchantment that Dazzles the Eye" and "The Enchantment of Blasphemy." Could allegory be clearer? Mary also finds the alluring- but evil- witch Mirmah. In a sense,the book is a custody battle,the good paternal Gaal vs. the evil maternal Mirmah. White's misogyny is pretty clear. At the same time, Gaal calls himself "The Lord of ice." In Dante's Inferno, the Devil dwells in the icy depths,beneath the fires above. Gaal comes across as emotionally manipulative,especially with Mary. He plays mindgames. In the end of the book, King Kardia is mortally wounded when battling a dragon- like Beowulf- and Gaal forbids his wife Suneidesis from being at his side while he dies. Suneidesis defies Gaal to be with her dying husband. It's a poignant, powerful moment. Spousal love is more powerful than Gaal's promises of power.

"Iron Sceptre" also has a questionable message about Christianity. When Mary becomes a Christian, she is no longer overweight, no longer has acne, and is physically attractive. What about the inner transformation? What if she became Christian, but still looked the same? When girls have issues with body image, this book has a questionable message. "Iron Sceptre" is fascinating,and thought-provoking. Narnia made Philip Pullman question Christianity. The Anthropos series would've made him lose his religion altogether.

It's not as good as the first of the sequel, but it's okay. It's too much like THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, however. Four stars is pretty good for it.