The Candlestone: Volume 2

Okay here we go Book two complete with new intrigues and cliff hangers all its own! Honestly if you are having doubts after the first book I recommend giving book two a try at least but then again that's my personality as an avid reader is to read everything and finish every series I start... I love how Bryan Davis writes from a Christian standpoint but doesn't sacrifice the quality of writing or of the story to push Christian morals as was previously popular in Christian fiction. As an author he is amazing!

Since the discovery of his dragon heritage, Billy Banister and fellow dragon Bonnie Silver have been on the run from a dangerous sect of dragon slayers who will stop at nothing to destroy them. Both are adjusting to their new life; Bonnie is looking forward to being adopted by the Foley family and Billy is training in hand-to-hand combat, preparing for another encounter with dragon slayers. However, things take an unexpected twist when Bonnie's dad, a sort of mad scientist, shows up and announces that her mother is still alive. While having serious misgivings, Bonnie agrees to go with him to a secret lab in Montana in an attempt to help her mother. I love the Dragons in out Midst books, they are so good. They have dragons, knight, sword-to-sword battles, and fair maidens in need of rescuing. I haven't been able to find many Christian fantasy series but this one is definitely worth reading.

The first book in this series, "Raising Dragons," I finished in a night and an afternoon. "The Candlestone," however, I finished in a day. Faced-paced and exciting, I couldn't put it down. Bryan Davis is truly a masterful storyteller. All though written for the upper elemetary grades and young adults, these books are are deep enough for adults as well. They are touching and full of spiritual truth. I anxiously await "Circles of Seven," the third book in series. Highly recommended.

If you thought Bryan Davis created a masterpiece in the first book, then this book will leave you shaking your head in awe. And I'll tell you many reasons for that in my next review. In this blurb however, I want to credit Mr. Davis with creating a spiritually marvelous and uplifting novel. Yes, it was a page turner (up until 4:00 and 2:00 am on successive nights), yes the writing gets tighter and the characters deeper. But the biggest impact that The Candlestone had on me was spiritually. I'm guessing we all have moments in time when we are spiritually at a low ebb. Ironically, Christmas day was one of those low points for me. I was toast. However, during the course of reading The Candlestone I couldn't help but be re-energized by the very same power and Spirit that are the source of strength for young Bonnie, The Professor and Billy. Yes, the book is far more "Christian" than the previous book, but it turned out great for this old boy that it was so. The reliance of the characters in scripture and on the basic principles of foundational Christian doctrine helped to remind me of the foundations of my own faith. There was enough scripture (without constant Bible references) and enough power in the "imagined" prayers - though I'm sure that large parts of those prayers are prayed every day somewhere by someone - that the prose sparked my own faith and continued to bring my mind back to my Savior and his wonderful love. Yah. I know it sounds sappy. Kind of odd for a guy who typically likes stuff that has an edgier feel and characters that have rapier wit, but there are certainly some days when truth does far more for the weary soul than just good writing alone. Great job Bryan. One last comment. There's a lass that left her opinion (which she has the right to do) regarding this book and series being occultic or involving sorcery. I think she missed the point. And in fact, I'm not sure she could have read the entire book with it's references to Christ and still come to that conclusion. I will share that my opinion - as a Christian for 22 years, a youth leader, worship leader, outreach ministry head and children's and adult Sunday school teacher - is that Mr. Davis has done a great job of reshaping a legend and imbuing it with a sense of the scared and supernatural without making it hokey, trite and obvious. Quite refreshing indeed. But you know what? Don't just believe me, experience The Candlestone yourself and then let me know what time you were up until ;-)

Bryan Davis yet again creates an awesome book! Fast-paced, exciting, poetic, with just the right mix of sacred and sillyness. This is most definently a Christian book, blending messages of hope and redemption in the midst of the troubles of life. An awesome read for pre-teens/teens who like christian fantasy, or those who just love a marvelous adventure. Bryan Davis should be commended for not leaving the fantasy genre to the pagans, but like other Christian authors before him, taking the time to create another world/reflection not so very different from our own. If you haven't gotten the first book (Raising Dragons), be sure to buy both at once-- you won't want to stop after just one!

You must read this book if you love good fantasy...well, if you've read the first one, Raising Dragons. If not, go get it. Bryan Davis continues his story of the growth and education of Billy, Bonnie, and all the others in their little band as they quest to understand a prophecy that seems to involve all of them. This is a story about family, about faith, about honor, and a thousand other good virtues that seem to be forgotten as we move further in time. If I had children, I would read this to them. I hope you will considering doing the same.