Customer Reviews

The Sword Bearer (Archives of Anthropos)

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

 

 

I read this when I was in grade school the first time around, and thought it was decent. It wasn't until I decided to read it again recently that I realized what a truly well-written book this is! Honestly, this book is a lot closer to the quality of C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" than I realized. I would also compare this writing to many of Stephen Lawhead's works.

White's writing is solid, well-paced, and skillful, and his characters are decently well-developed. He works the message of the gospel (as well as some solid Christian-living principles) in the story with a delicate touch, although at no point is the book preachy, dogmatic, or cheesy.

I was very happy with the quality of writing to be found in this book (NOT a common occurrence in christian fiction), and plan to read the rest of the series.

I really love this book because not only is it a great suspenseful fantasy novel but it means so much to me when there are authors out there who also want to write stories that depict the Divine reaching out and comforting. This author depicts the Divine as the Changer and Ga'al throughout his series. Even through White is of a Christian background like C.S. Lewis and his intention is to create a Christlike allegory, I feel that people of all faiths can truly be touched by stories like Anthropos and Narnia. While the characters struggle, in both these series, they receive comfort and friendship from the Divine Beloved God in an Aspect that is reachable and very human. These two series have such a charm to them that makes you even fall in love with the Divine. If ever you are feeling down, the series of Anthropos and Narnia are wonderful reading. In the Sword Bearer, I like the part when John is crying and then the Changer tells him that he wants to keep his tears forever because his tears are important to Him. Even in times John doubts himself through his struggles in the battle and not knowing how to get along with others, the Changer is reaching out and laughing with him showing him that unconditional love.

Please help me. If anyone knows of anymore series out there that are like the Narnia and Anthropos series in which the Divine manifests in His Aspect of friendship and comfort as He does so beautifully in these series. I always enjoy series that are uplifting in this way and it's hard waiting until 2008 for the next Narnia movies to come out. Can anyone tell me some series that touches the heart and brings comfort and those warm fuzzy feelings of walking on air each time you finish the series?

I love to read fairy-tales, and I have read a lot of them. This one ranks as one of my favorites- I could hardly put it down. I really don't see how anyone could dislike it or regret reading it to their children, as one reviewer said. John White has a very engaging style of writing, and he makes the characters come alive throughout the story, especially Mab the Prophet, John, and the Changer. It also has a very good ending which you will not expect. If you like fairy-tales and Christian allegories, you will want to read this one. I wish I could give it TEN STARS.

LAURA ANDREWS

With each book of his "Archives of Anthropos," John White weaves a better story, making up for the fact that the writing is a bit plain in style. In this book, we get to travel back in time, rather than forward, and learn more of the history that makes Anthropos so interesting.

"The Sword Bearer" acts as a prequel in John White's derivative Middle-Earth/Narnia series, the Archives of Anthropos. It tells the story of John Wilson, an orphan who finds himself being hailed as the Slayer of the Goblin King. He has to find the secret of his birth, as well as his future.

"Sword Bearer" gets criticized for being violent. It's not the violence that's the issue. It's tame. On the other hand,the book's battles are formulaic. The battles compensate for the lack of plot, character development, and direction. Mab the Prophet comes across as a bland Gandalf knock-off. He's not compelling or memorable.

"Sword Bearer" makes for good escapism. It even bears re-reading. It has fun, without the depth. Michael Moorcock's series about Elric the albino and his dark blade are far more interesting.

I loved this series as a child and this book was my favorite. I read this more times than i can remember. I am so happy to see them back in print

John White's "The Sword Bearer" is not only a great book, but it's the start to a great series of books... I wish I wouldn't have read this series only because now I want to read them all over again!

A shallow and transparent allegory espousing a narrow Christian worldview where good triumphs over evil by violence, rather than by the power of love. Add to that as story which lacks depth of plot, and has almost no meaningful character development. The result is a story which I found offensive to the extent that I regret reading it to my kids.

So ... if you looking for a fantasy novel that bolsters your belief in a titanic and violent struggle between good and evil, then you may love this book. If like me, you call yourself a Christian but believe that God calls Christians to overcome evil with acts of kindness, you will find the book deeply obnoxious. If you are of a faith other than Christianity, there is a good chance you will find it to be a shallow and preachy treatise on a particular Christian worldview which thinks it knows all the answers and does not have patience other faiths.