The Hand That Bears the Sword

Packer and Panna Throme are supposed to be basking in their new marriage and enjoying their honeymoon. Unfortunately this is interrupted by Packer being summoned to help fight the Drammun and defend Nearing Vast. Whisked away from his beloved, Packer must spend months aboard the Trophy Chase fighting the pirate Scat Wilkins. Meanwhile Panna refuses to stay at home twiddling her thumbs. She finds herself having to fend off the two faced Prince Mather who has sold his allegiance to the Drammun. And then there is someone who was thought to be dead, who is plotting their revenge on the Thromes.... I think I might have to rethink my views on fantasy fiction. This series has gotten me hooked on the idea of different worlds and realms. I enjoyed the first book in this series and I was thrilled to continue the adventures of Packer and Panna in the sequel. Once again Panna is my favorite character. She is such a strong female character and a wonderful role model for young women. Even though she loves Packer and respects him, she doesn't want to be left at home waiting. Her experiences with the prince showed just how well she's able to take care of herself in tough situations. The contrast between the crown prince and his brother are very apparent throughout the story. One has given in to the dark side, selling not only himself but his country as well. Meanwhile the other has gone against his brother and tries to do what is right and protect his country from evil. There's also a surprise return of a character thought to be dead. This character is again, another one of my favorites, and they once again never cease to amaze me with their back story. There's lots of sword fighting in this story with plenty of battle fights to satisfy the adventurous reader. The firefish also makes another memorable appearance as the reader once again gets to see the story from its point of view. The best part of this book is how detailed the author describes everything. Even though this is an imaginary world, the story is written so well that one can see themselves fighting along side Packer. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this wonderful trilogy.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (12/07) Have you ever waited and waited for a sequel to come out for a favorite book or movie? When the long-anticipated sequel comes out you find yourself not enjoying the second one as much as the first. Let's face it, sometimes the sequels or the second one in a series fails in comparison to number one. If you enjoyed "The Legend of the Firefish," which is the first one in the "Trophy Chase Trilogy," you will not be disappointed in the second one of the series. "The Hand That Bears the Sword" is just as wonderful as the first one. Packer and Panna Throme are newlyweds. The honeymoon is soon over and Packer is again called away from his home. It is more difficult for him to leave this time as he must leave Panna at home. He is again headed for adventure on the high seas. Pirate Scat Wilkins is no longer in charge as he was in the "Legend of the Firefish." But no good adventure story is without its villain. Scat seems to want to attack Packer again. Will he succeed in destroying Packer this time around? Meanwhile at home, Panna has found herself to be in enough trouble on her own. She is being imprisoned by Prince Mather. Will she have the strength to endure the trials and be reunited with Packer when he is again back on the shore? Panna does not ever fail in comparison with her lack of endurance to withstand attacks. She is far from a spineless woman. Faith and sacrifice are two definite parts involved in this exciting book. George Bryan Polivka has done it again in keeping the reader interested and intrigued in the "Trophy Chase Trilogy." It is a page-turner which will find the reader having a hard time putting it down until the last page. Yet this is a trilogy meaning that there is yet one more book in the series. Is it possible to have an equally enjoyable book again? I will be anxiously awaiting "The Battle of Vast Dominion" which will be coming out in early 2008. This book can be enjoyed by any adventure-seeker or those who enjoy reading about life on the high seas. It is wonderful to see that, through a very entertaining story, real truths about God's existence and faith through trials can be presented. In "The Hand That Bears the Sword," head out to the high seas with Packer and stay home with Panna at the same time. You will see just how resilient and committed these two newlyweds can be!

As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "the Hand That Bears the Sword". Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. In a nutshell, the characters are believable and yet a little out of the ordinary and the story line unique. Give this book a try. I have not read his first book but now I will. The Christian fiction book that I have written main story theme is about ten years in the life of a little girl who was "chosen by God" to be the next Madonna in the second coming of Christ. Tommy Taylor Author - The Second Virgin Birth

This is one of my new favorite Christian fiction series. The second book was as good as the first.

this book rocks so hard! I'm serious, I'm so amazed how he brings you right back into the story line but this time even more in depth and intriguing! Seriously, I cannot wait for the third installment it's gonna be off the chain. George Bryan Polvika is the Thomas Kinkade of Christian literature: sound doctrine, unreal story line, great character development, nothing's cheesey and all the action rocks face. This guy rules and if I were one of his kids, I'd be so jazzed to tell everyone how rad are my dad's books. You rule man keep writing! God Bless b'