CSFF Blog Tour “The Orphan King” and “Fortress Of Mist” – A Book Review x2!

Feb 18, 2013 by Nathan    3 Comments    Posted under: Reviews

It’s that time again for another CSFF Tour (Christian Science-Fiction & Fantasy) review. This frigid month of February I’m reviewing not one but two books ,”The Orphan King” and “Fortress Of Mist” by Sigmund Brouwer. Please also visit my fellow reviewers on the tour, listed below. In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received free copies of these books from the publisher.

There’s not much to do in February in upstate NY when the outside temperature reaches -18F below with the windchill factor. When it gets that cold I like to curl up on the couch with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee. These books with around 200 pages each make for a great weekend read and even a bedtime story to your kids. The genre is fantasy/historical fiction, but the historical part is barely there, just enough to keep the story believable and not too dry for the younger readers. The fantasy part weaves throughout the books as the characters and plot delve deep into the magical and mystical dealings prevalent in the medieval era. The two books could have easily been combined into one volume, but I understand why the author (and likely the publisher) chose to keep them separate. However, I’m going to review them as a single story.

The first book introduces our main character Thomas the Orphan. (The title of the book gives away the fact that he’s a King, but let’s move on from that). He’s being raised by monks who would rather eat and drink than instruct Thomas in the ways of the church. It’s in this behavior that turns Thomas away from God but also sets him on his course to fulfill his calling, to conquer Magnus, a mysterious castle. The second book picks up after the conquest and expands in Thomas’ search for answers to the mysteries of the castle “Fortress of Mist” and the century old struggle between the Druids and the Immortals. It’s a classic good vs. evil and the author does a superb job in keeping the reader guessing which way the characters will turn, either towards power, fame and might or towards good, justice and God.

The author spins a colorful tale in describing the adventure Thomas embarks and even though at times it seems a bit too forced or expected, a young reader will enjoy it. I’ve read too many similar novels to be surprised by description of medieval times. The other characters that come and go throughout Thomas’ quest give depth to the story. I would have avoided naming the pickpocket “Little John” unless the author intends to weave the story line towards the Robin Hood legend in later books.

I appreciated the author giving Thomas strong, intelligent characteristics even though he’s young. It gives way to allow him to overcome seemingly impossible challenges throughout the story. There are some twists and turns and some unanswered questions that lead into the second and hopefully the third book. I’m sure that any fan of historical and fantasy fiction will enjoy these books. The Christian themes are craftily woven into the story so that while it’s not overt it is clear that Sigmund is a Christian author. Read these on your own, give them to your young children (8 and up) to read, or better yet, read them together.

If you’ve enjoyed this review, let me know in the comment section below, or add your own review if you’ve read these as well.

Author Website – Sigmund Brouwer
Buy “The Orphan King” on Amazon
Buy “Fortress Of Mist” on Amazon

To learn what the other CSFF bloggers are saying on this tour, follow the links below:

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Beckie Burnham
Janey DeMeo
Theresa Dunlap
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Jeremy Harder
Ryan Heart
Janeen Ippolito
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Eve Nielsen
James Somers
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler

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