Liberation of Lystra: Book Three of the Annals of Lystra [Hardcover]

Robin Hardy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2006

Secure on the throne of Lystra, Roman, the Chataine's former guardian, heeds a warning that a nearby ruler is amassing power to strike. Roman decides to answer the threat himself. But his willful wife Deirdre, now ruling beside him, persuades him to let her go with him. Leaving their young son in the care of a nursemaid, they travel to Corona to confront the supernatural evil growing there. During their absence, a usurper attempts to seize power at West-ford, so Roman must attack his own capital to regain control. With each success, challenges multiply. The crisis point comes when all Lystra believes Roman is dead, and the fate of the province lies in the hands of a young teenage girl. The Annals of Lystra begin with Chataine's Guardian, continue in Stone of Help, and conclude with Liberation of Lystra. The story then picks up 100 years later with Nicole of Prie Mer: Book One of the Latter Annals of Lystra. Robin Hardy is the author of the Streiker Saga, the Sammy series, and Padre. She is also the editor of W.W. Melton's classic devotional, Sifted But Saved. For photos, articles, guest features and updates on new releases, see www.robinhardy.com.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A good book with deep religious significance." -- Macon MS Beacon, Oct. 9, 1986

"Courageous Deirdre and her kingly husband fall into the wizard's hands and do battle." -- Booklist, Nov. 15, 1994

"Excellent . . . another can't-put-down adventure . . . The complete trilogy is highly recommended reading." -- Christian Reader Review, Feb. 1987

About the Author

Robin Hardy is the author of the Streiker Saga, the Sammy series, and Padre. She is also the editor of W.W. Melton’s classic devotional, Sifted But Saved. For photos, articles, guest features and updates on new releases, see robinhardy.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 268 pages
• Publisher: Westford Press; 3 edition (February 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976196425
• ISBN-13: 978-0976196426
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been writing Christian fiction for 27 years now, with five publishers. What I have learned (and keep learning) is that the most powerful story in the world is that of redemptive love. So I keep working at it, trying to get the story right, and to adequately express something that is really beyond me.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Satisfying Conclusion, November 9, 2008

By 

Lit Chic "~Stephanie" (The Lone Star State) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Liberation of Lystra: Book Three of the Annals of Lystra (Hardcover)

Liberation is markedly different from its predecessors: while Chataine's Guardian is classic adventure and romance, and Stone Of Help is an awesome character study, Liberation is part supernatural thriller and part political intrigue. In the final installment of the Annals of Lystra, Hardy foreshadows her eventual return to Westford in the Latter Annals of Lystra with mounting plot stratagems.

In the first half of Liberation, Roman finds himself called to contain a supernatural threat from a neighboring province. He sets out with a loyal band, including the increasingly complex Deirdre. The group goes through a series of bizarre spiritual parries in countering the assaults of full-on sorcerery. Hardy relates the events matter-of-factly, and the reader can't help but feel cemented into the story by the authenticity of the telling--despite the fact that most of us can't relate. However, as a Christian, I am relieved to find someone calling sorcery for what it is. I'm a little creeped out by all of the witching that's worked its way into even YA fiction. The supernatural is anything but benign--please excuse the digression.

The climax of the first half of the novel involves Roman being pulled into Hell---or at least a vision of it---and the ensuing developments. The scenes that follow this make the novel a worthwhile read in and of themselves. Fortunately for us, the good stuff doesn't stop there.

Upon their return to Lystra, Roman and Deirdre settle into an uncomfortable pattern, and Roman gets a little too comfortable in the Surchatain's seat. When his pride threatens to wall away everything important, God mercifully intervenes. It is at this point in the novel that the intrigue sets in, and things really get compelling!

A series of careless choices and misunderstandings, combined with problems that have already been boiling, threaten to tear down everything that Lystra has become. And just when all hope is lost, the insurmountable tangle becomes a beautiful set of stitches in the weave of Lystran history.

Hardy fans will delight in several elements and themes that are later picked up in various volumes of the Latter Annals. However, the original Annals make for great rereads while you're waiting for the latest installment of Ares and Nicole!

Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars liberation of lystra, January 1, 2012

By 

Kim - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liberation of Lystra: Book Three of the Annals of Lystra (Hardcover)

This is a great book. It came in looking new and it was a great book. It is so written it just sucks u right in. I love it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Grand Finale, August 20, 2011

By 

DeAnna Julie Dodson "Miss Write" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Liberation of Lystra: Book Three of the Annals of Lystra (Kindle Edition)

What a read! Dierdre and Roman, as rulers of the kingdom, face tremendous challenges, both temporal and spiritual, in trying to learn and follow what is true and just, despite the misunderstandings and obstacles in their way.

I was sorry to have to say goodbye to these characters, but it's nice to know that their descendants continue the excitement in the Latter Annals of Lystra.