Customer Reviews

The Restorer's Son (The Sword of Lyric Series #2)

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The Restorer's Son continues the story of unlikely heroes raised up to defend the People of the Verses. In the previous book, The Restorer (The Sword of Lyric), a suburban mom named Susan Mitchell gets pulled into the gray world of the People of the Verses and must choose whether to accept the prophesied role of Restorer and lead an army into battle. In The Restorer's Son, we have another unlikely hero in Kieran, the worldly-wise, self-sufficient, smart-alecky outcast who would prefer not to have anything to do with the One who has called him into service for his people.

Kieran's attempts to avoid the One only embroil him further in the growing conflicts with the hostile nations that surround the People of the Verses. He can handle Kahlarean assassins, but when a confused teenager wanders into Kieran's path, the task of shepherding the boy to safety almost sends Kieran over the edge. A friend's betrayal pushes Kieran even further, and he flees the country as an outcast, cut off from the only family he ever cared about. And on that journey in an unforgettable scene, Kieran must contend with the One who brought him to this point.

Kieran's status as an outcast proves to be an asset in the unlikely task that the One has given him. He wins some unusual allies in the land of Hazor, but war is coming. In the amazing final battle scene, Kieran must rely on the most unlikely weapon of all: love.

Strong characterizations and surprise plot twists mark this epic tale, laced with the light humor that is a hallmark of Sharon Hinck's novels. A surprise at the end reveals that the Mitchell family's role in the world of the People of the Verses is not over - the adventure continues in a third installment titled The Restorers Journey.

The Restorer's Son is an outstanding fantasy adventure novel informed by faith. Highly recommended.

When we last left Mark and Susan Mitchell they had just left the world of the People of the Verses to return home via the portal in their attic. They are shocked when they discover that their son, Jake, has found the portal and journeyed back to the world they have left behind. Now they are forced to return to try and find Jake before their enemies discover him.

Meanwhile, the new restorer, Kieran, struggles with the new role that has been thrust upon him. He knows that the One always sends a Restorer for His people during times of great need, but never did he think it would be him. Reluctantly embracing his new calling, Kieran sets out on his own journey and soon crosses paths with Jake and vows to safely return him to his parents. Along the way the One leads Kieran on a different path; one that will challenge his faith and bring him face to face with his deepest struggles.

Sharon Hinck continues to surprise me with this delightful series. Just when I think I have it all figured out, the story moves in a whole new direction that is much more enjoyable than anything I have anticipated. When I first heard about this series I have to admit that I mistakenly wrote it off as re-packaged Christian chick lit. Nothing wrong with chick lit...just not my thing. Boy was I wrong! So far both volumes have been action-packed and full of intrigue and suspense. The spiritual themes are strong throughout and are never presented in a forceful or preachy manner. Never fear...there is also just the right amount of romance that actually adds to the richness of the plot.

This story actually outshines the first and is incredibly addictive. This time around we get the story from the alternating first person perspectives of Kieran and Susan. This makes the story that much more fun and really shows off what a talented writer Hinck is. Kieran's struggle in particular is fascinating and relevant and it will resonate with anyone that has ever gone through a faith crisis. In the end we are satisfactorily left with some sense of closure plus a perfect little cliffhanger to set up the next installment.

If you are looking for some great speculative fiction with Christian themes then look no further. My only hope is that Sharon Hinck will continue to write more fantasy. I can't wait for number three!

Last summer I was asked to consider writing an endorsement for this book. That meant the publisher sent me a preview copy months before the October release date, along with a copy of book one, THE RESTORER. I started with the second book because I had a deadline for deciding whether or not to write an endorsement. I devoured this book in a single day. I got nothing else done all day, because I could not tear myself away from the incredible world Sharon created. The next day I read the first book and loved it, too! I can't say enough about these books. If you like fantasy adventure stories with spiritual truth seamlessly woven throughout, I highly recommend The Sword of Lyric Series.

If you want to read the endorsement I wrote for THE RESTORER'S SON, buy the book and check out the Endorsement page!

The Restorer's Son is Book Two of The Sword of Lyric series by author Sharon Hinck. With the background set in the first novel (The Restorer) and the names and culture familiar to the reader, Hinck shifts the narration between Susan, Housewife Ordinaire turned Restorer Extraordinaire - and Kieran, native of Lyric and newly chosen Restorer at the close of Book One.

Susan's purpose is different this time around; no longer the Restorer, Susan and her husband Mark are forced into a search and rescue mission - for their son, Jake, who has slipped through the portal and is missing.

As for Kieran, though he is personally chosen by the One to help guide and protect His people, Kieran is unwilling to accept it, and chooses to opt out of his new title. He pulls a Jonah and hightails it out of Lyric to avoid dealing with the One, whom he thinks does not exist beyond the borders of his own land. Newsflash: God is everywhere, and regardless of how far Kieran runs, he cannot outrun the One. Kieran finds himself on the outskirts of Lyric in flight mode, when he stops and decides to literally pick a fight with God. Who generously obliges him... until Kieran learns that the One is real, and powerful, but above all, merciful. Jonah syncs into Jacob, wrestling with the angel, then back again as the One directs Kieran to go spread the word to the nation of enemy Hazor.

Both narrators struggle with their identity and sense of purpose through a series of events that eventually bring their paths together. But as they unite they discover that the One does indeed have a purpose for each of them, even through the darkest of situations. This story is Everyman (and Everywoman's) everyday life search to find meaning in a mixed-up and often (seemingly) meaningless world. Another solid and satisfying novel by Sharon Hinck. The Restorer's Son is a must-read novel, and firmly establishes this series in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.

This is a very good fantasy book, albeit a little strange and unique. I enjoyed the ease in which Mrs. Hinck moves real-life characters from one dangerous situation to another tender and heart-warming one within a few pages. The balance of characters was okay, though there were quite a few. There were two points of view in the book: Susan's and Kieran's. Each had lengthy sections at a time, and the transitions were slightly abrupt. Although, on a different note, the message of the Gospel to any non-believer was unmistakable.

What this book means to a Christian: God is everywhere, and he has a plan for everything and everyone. Sometimes there are things we think HAVE to happen, but he says "Yield," and we don't want to, and maybe it takes multiple times to submit, or maybe we abandon His reasoning altogether, but the point is that He has a purpose for everything we and others go through. As Steven Curtis Chapman said in his song "See," "But right now, all I can say is `Lord, how long before you come and take away this aching?' This night of weeping seems to have no end. But when the morning light breaks through, we'll open up our eyes and we will see it's everything that He said that it would be and even better than we would believe"

I loved this book!!This is my favorite of the Restorer series so far. I loved how the new Restorer ran from God until He finally came to the place of surrender. I think it truly refelcts God's uneneding and undying pursuit of each person and shows how God knows how to relate to each of us in a manner that is uniques to us. The transformation from fully rejecting to fully accepting and finally stepping into God's plan was well presented. I felt every emotion along with the characters...maybe because I've been there.

If you love adventure and traveling to other worlds, this book is for you. The adventure began in book one, The Restorer, and continues with even more excitement and surprises in book two. You haven't read book one? I highly recommend it. But you can also read this one now if you'd prefer.
Sharon Hinck created a parallel world of nations and wars and faith. Susan and Mark's son escaped through the portal into the world of Lyric while they were there. Upon returning to our world, they discover their son's absence and once again travel to Lyric in search of their son. Within Lyric they find assassins, political intrigue, and hatred. But they don't find their son, Jake.
Kieran, the rebel of Lyric, was thrust into the role of Restorer after Susan's duties ended. He doesn't want the role, but has no choice. Running from his appointment he meets Jake, a lost young man, and a king of a dark culture seeking answers. Will Kieran allow the One to guide him and have his all so that peace may be restored? And will Jake find understanding between truth and lies and return to his family?
Sharon appropriately named this country Lyric, for the world truly reads like a ballad, a lovely ballad. Sit down to read this book and travel somewhere else. Along the way, find the strength of faith and love and the healing of forgiveness. This book is a must read.

The Restorer's Son picks up where The Restorer (The Sword of Lyric) left off: Jake, Susan and Mark's teenage son, has slipped through the attic portal into the land of the People of the Verses, and Kieran is bitter and angry about his role as the new Restorer. Now the Mitchells must find their son, and Kieran must struggle with the One's purpose for his life.

The Restorer's Son is a rollercoaster ride of action and emotions. You don't have to be a fan of fantasy to enjoy this book... the basic themes of accepting who God's created you to be and the plan He has for your life, are universal. Sharon Hinck weaves her words with care. In more than one instance, I found myself tearing up after a particularly touching scene. And during the climactic ending, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. As with The Restorer, The Restorer's Son concludes with a question that leads straight into the next book. I for one can't wait to find out what comes next!

Former Restorer, Susan and her husband Mark are back home,but now Jake their teenage son has gone through the portal and is in Lyric. Sure he's in danger, Susan and Mark set out to find him, which proves to be difficult. The One has chosen Kieran to be the next Restorer, but he's rebelling. He doesn't want the task, and he has made enemies who want to harm him.

Book two in The Sword of Lyric series, brings back all of the charcters of book one, including Cameron, enemy of both Susan and Kieran, an exciting fantasy with a strong message of faith.

Sharon Hinck is a gifted writer who has spun an amazing fantasy world that has begun to feel like my home-away-from home. I couldn't wait for this sequel to The Restorer to hit the bookshelves. The characters nearly lift off the page as they come to life in this book and the dilemas they wrestle with make a compelling page turner. Can't wait for the conclusion to this excellent trilogy!