Kingdom's Dawn (Kingdom, Book 1)

As you can probably tell from my reviews, I love adventure stories that parallel biblical events. Lewis' Narnia series, Karen Hancock's Arena, and Calvin Miller's "The Singer Trilogy" are just a few of the books I have read that utilize this form of storytelling. I've just completed listening to the magnificent "Kingdom's Dawn," by Chuck Black. The author sets the events of Genesis against the backdrop of a medieval kingdom called Arrethtrae.Leonard is the son of Payton, a farmer who instills strength and honor in his son while training him to use a sword. Payton encourages Leonard to serve "The King," a person whom Leonard has never seen. Leonard is catapulted from his uneventful life into an extraordinary quest. It is up to this young boy and a servant girl named Tess to begin a perelous mission to free Arrethtrae from the treacherous "Dark Knight" called Lucius. Chuck Black masterfully makes biblical events accessible to children. All of his characters, particularly Leonard, the village blacksmith who is more than he seems, and Leonard's father, represent key figures that will be easily recognized. I won't tell who these characters symbolize, because the book speaks for itself. The author does exceptionally well at illustrating the spiritual warfare we all are embroiled in.The book grabs you from the beginning and does not let go. The audio version is read by Andrew Turvey and Dawn Marshall, two British narrators. Their vibrant narrations, particularly Turvey's, along with memorable music and stirring sound effects, bring this series to life. I hope Dawn Marshall portrays more characters as the series progresses, because she seems to be a very talented narrator as well. Please give this book a chance. I am eagerly ready to begin the second book. Happy listening, and God bless you.

This was my first time reading Chuck Black.NEGATIVE: In the begging of the book I was a bit concerned. The author can get a bit wrapped up in details such as the physical description of characters. The process of getting introduced to characters came across as distracting and a bit forced for me. I know why he did it, to make the characters more alive to the reader, but I forget the details within a few pages anyway. IDK if this was the authors first book, maybe since it's the first in the series.POSITIVE: Aside from that concern, the book was written excellently. So eventually my concern noted above was overcome. The fast action pace of the book keeps you from wanting to put down the book. This is definitely a Christian book, and as a christian who knows the bible it makes the book MORE ENJOYABLE. Much of the parallels with scripture maybe lost on some people. Making the connection, made it all the more exciting for me though.The material in the book was also very PG. I was concerned with the concept that it might be a bit too gory or focus a bit to much on romance for the teen audience. However, I found this book to be CLEAN enough to allow my 9, 10 and 11 year old girls (who are avid readers) to read it as well. They enjoyed it too.We are looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks Chuck Black!

The book is written with great skill to capture attention quickly. The characters are developed well, and the allegory is quite easy to see. I would stop as I read and ask my kids, “who/what is this in the Bible?” Highly recommend!

So this story is interesting and kept my girls attention. However she was very disturbed that the bad guy basically impale the main characters father. My girl is 11 and she is a sensitive child so other kids may be fine with reading this but just be cautious. Maybe read it first and see what you think.

Disclaimer: I have not read this book nor the other books in this series. However, my 10 yeard old son has read books 1-3. I knew he enjoyed these books, but I didn't realize to what extent until I overheard him "selling" the books to his 9 year old brother, "Dude, Im telling you, when you read his books,the way this guy writes, he makes you FEEL all these emtions! Dude, you really need to read it. Just try the first book!" Of course I purchased the whole series and plan to read them myself! :)

Since my passion for reading and fantasy stories came alive as a teen, I've always wanted to read a story like the Kingdom series. It took me years later well after these books were even published to stumble on them. I have to say it was worth the wait. The story is well crafted and not watered down as seen in most Christian books. Action was there, along with human joys an woes a hero of any story would encounter. Bad things happen to the main character with no end that could crush a spirit forever, but there is always a glimmering hope in each crisis this character faces to propel him forward. Chuck drew a fine line on the story's content limitations but I was nonetheless drawn to what would happen to the characters next. While I don't really approve of how thin this book is my hand compared to other fantasy novels on my shelf, the story was still very satisfying. Character developing was there but more content certainly would enhanced the reading experience further. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am on the way to purchasing the remaining novels to this series.

The Kingdom Series was recommended to us as a way to strengthen our son's confidence not only in reading but in his knowledge of the Bible. I read this book before reading it to him and found myself so engrossed in it that I could not put it down.When reading this book, I think you will find yourself picking up the Bible to reread the stories from the old testament. And as you read Kingdoms Dawn, you will see how well Chuck Black spins a wonderful story of love, compassion, hardship, trials and tribulation.I hope you will find yourself remembering Adam and Eve, Cain ans Abel, Noah, Moses, Joseph, and others as you read. This is a book for all ages, not just kids! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I think these books would make a great middle school Bible study topic.

A well told story that is worth reading again and again.I bought this as a replacement, after our loaned copy was never returned. When my children were younger we all loved the series. Now grown, I caught my daughter rereading the series again.

Fast and good😍👍🏽

Excellent

原作を読み・ＣＤでも楽しもうと購入しました。効果音や、剣での戦いのシーンやナレーターの方の臨場感あふれる語り口に満足しております。本格的な語りに魅了されたのは私だけではなく、原作を読んでいない息子（7歳：インターナショナルスクールに通ってます）は、ＣＤから夢中になり原作も読み始めるほど夢中です。就寝前にＣＤかけていると、2-3時間はじっと寝ないで聞いていたことがあり8時就寝の妨げになる・・・と、就寝前にＣＤを聞くことをやめたほどです。アーサー王や中世の騎士の話や、リーダーとはこうあるべき・・・という騎士道を楽しめました。

I've read the book more then once. Now I am happy to have the audiobook copy too. (hands free!)If you haven't read this series...read it.