The Book of Names (Volume 1) (Legends of Karac Tor)

When their mother dies, the Barlow family moves to a new home in rural Missouri, and Hayden hates it. Now he has the chore of clearing the briar patch back of the house with a hatchet and shears. His brother Ewan helps him, and they both really resent the job until four blackbirds fly over and drop four thin, metallic tubes, each bearing the same message, "You have been chosen for a life of great purpose. Great adventure awaits you in the Hidden Lands." After finding an ancient stone marked with a series of crude, oddly angled slashes and dots, Hayden and Ewan find themselves transported to a strange world of magic and mythology. D. Brkley Briggs is a new writer for me, and I'm anxious to read more. Lovers of fantasy won't want to miss this one.

The Book of Names is the debut novel by D. Barkley Briggs. It is the first in a trilogy set in the Hidden Lands. The protagonists are brothers Hadyn and Ewan Barlow. They, with their father and twin younger brothers, have moved to Missouri after the death of their mother. Though their grief over the loss of their mother is key to the story, the plot is much more complex and satisfying. While Hadyn is completing a chore for his father, he and his brother find a stone arch. An invitation to adventure is delivered by four strange birds, and they soon find themselves in the Hidden Lands. They meet up with the Grey Monks and are sent to the capitol where they may find answers to why they were called. Their journey is filled with trials and betrayal, but the boys also discover magic within them. They are caught up in the battle against an evil witch who is stealing the names-and hope, from the young people of the Hidden Lands. Briggs has a very light touch with the morals. Sorge, the grey monk who guides them on their journey is a wellspring of riddles and sayings, but he let the riddles speak for themselves. The Book of Names is published by NavPress as Christian Fiction, but it would be a pity for anyone to miss this terrific story because of the Christian label. The story is a tale of the struggle between good and evil. God, church and prayer are mentioned, but author Barkley Briggs does not let them overwhelm the story. There is no preaching here. I very much enjoyed this book. I will be watching eagerly for the next book to be released. Armchair Interviews says: An excellent first book in a trilogy set in the Hidden Lands.

Who are Hadyn and Ewan Barlowe - the sons of a famous (slightly infamous) history professor or Champions of Karac Tor? Are these two teen brothers following the instruction of their father or are they answering the call of the great Aion? Do these two brothers have the strength to reach beyond the pain of death and conquer despair? These are only a few of many questions that can be answered by D. Barkley Briggs' novel, The Book of Names. D. Barkley Briggs has created an enchanting tale indeed! The Book of Names takes two very average teen boys and transports them into the world of Karac Tor. All along their fantastical adventure the two young men have to reach beyond themselves and learn how to capture a strength greater than their own dreams to return home. The spiritual analogies are so seamlessly woven into the story that I would often have moments of insight flash into my mind long after I laid the book down! In Briggs' tale, there is a battle between those who know they are named and loved and those who have become captive to a nameless despair. The struggle subtly builds in intensity until you find yourself anxiously cheering the Barlowe brothers to victory. This is beautifully written and amazing story of courage and strength that carries you on an exciting journey and leaves you begging for more!

Since I first saw The Book of Names advertised on the hiddenlands website, I couldn't wait to read it, and when it had arrived I was so excited! It is an amazing book, full of mystery and suspense and some humor. The four Barlow brothers are adjusting to a new life when the oldest two get involved in a whole new adventure full of strange yet intriguing creatures. I loved the characters; each one's unique personality, and how each one grew througout the book. I liked how through this adventure the brothers become more confident about who they are. As a 15 year old, this is exactly the type of book I love to read, full of adventure and mystery with a modern flare. It leaves you hanging with suspense so I can't wait to read the second book! Dean Briggs did an amzing job on this book. I have to say this book/author has been added to the top of my list!

I enjoy a good fantasy story, something that can whisk me away and let me get absorbed in another time or place and separate myself from my reality for a little while. I have found that in The Lord Of The Rings, Chronicles of Narnia and even Sharon Hinck's Sword of Lyric series (better known as The Restorer series) and now I can add D. Barkley Briggs Legends of Karac Tor series. I quickly became immersed in the characters - 4 brothers moving to a new place with their dad, trying to adjust to life since the death of mom. The two oldest boys get sucked into another place through a portal on their new property... and then they find out that they are supposed to be "The Champions" for this place. All they want is to get home, some people are trying to help them while some don't want them to go - and there in starts the major conflict... This book deals with many issues that I find incredibly important including the significance of your name and what it means and also finding your place and your giftings in the body of Christ. Dean addresses these issues in an eye-opening way that makes you stop and think about it. Well written with amazing attention to detail in his new world "Karac Tor" - I highly recommend this book for any fantasy lover (or enjoyer, or dabbler, etc...)!