The Restorer's Son

When we last left Mark and Susan Mitchell they had just left the world of the People of the Verses to return home via the portal in their attic. They are shocked when they discover that their son, Jake, has found the portal and journeyed back to the world they have left behind. Now they are forced to return to try and find Jake before their enemies discover him. Meanwhile, the new restorer, Kieran, struggles with the new role that has been thrust upon him. He knows that the One always sends a Restorer for His people during times of great need, but never did he think it would be him. Reluctantly embracing his new calling, Kieran sets out on his own journey and soon crosses paths with Jake and vows to safely return him to his parents. Along the way the One leads Kieran on a different path; one that will challenge his faith and bring him face to face with his deepest struggles. Sharon Hinck continues to surprise me with this delightful series. Just when I think I have it all figured out, the story moves in a whole new direction that is much more enjoyable than anything I have anticipated. When I first heard about this series I have to admit that I mistakenly wrote it off as re-packaged Christian chick lit. Nothing wrong with chick lit...just not my thing. Boy was I wrong! So far both volumes have been action-packed and full of intrigue and suspense. The spiritual themes are strong throughout and are never presented in a forceful or preachy manner. Never fear...there is also just the right amount of romance that actually adds to the richness of the plot. This story actually outshines the first and is incredibly addictive. This time around we get the story from the alternating first person perspectives of Kieran and Susan. This makes the story that much more fun and really shows off what a talented writer Hinck is. Kieran's struggle in particular is fascinating and relevant and it will resonate with anyone that has ever gone through a faith crisis. In the end we are satisfactorily left with some sense of closure plus a perfect little cliffhanger to set up the next installment. If you are looking for some great speculative fiction with Christian themes then look no further. My only hope is that Sharon Hinck will continue to write more fantasy. I can't wait for number three!

The Restorer's Son is Book Two of The Sword of Lyric series by author Sharon Hinck. With the background set in the first novel (The Restorer) and the names and culture familiar to the reader, Hinck shifts the narration between Susan, Housewife Ordinaire turned Restorer Extraordinaire - and Kieran, native of Lyric and newly chosen Restorer at the close of Book One. Susan's purpose is different this time around; no longer the Restorer, Susan and her husband Mark are forced into a search and rescue mission - for their son, Jake, who has slipped through the portal and is missing. As for Kieran, though he is personally chosen by the One to help guide and protect His people, Kieran is unwilling to accept it, and chooses to opt out of his new title. He pulls a Jonah and hightails it out of Lyric to avoid dealing with the One, whom he thinks does not exist beyond the borders of his own land. Newsflash: God is everywhere, and regardless of how far Kieran runs, he cannot outrun the One. Kieran finds himself on the outskirts of Lyric in flight mode, when he stops and decides to literally pick a fight with God. Who generously obliges him... until Kieran learns that the One is real, and powerful, but above all, merciful. Jonah syncs into Jacob, wrestling with the angel, then back again as the One directs Kieran to go spread the word to the nation of enemy Hazor. Both narrators struggle with their identity and sense of purpose through a series of events that eventually bring their paths together. But as they unite they discover that the One does indeed have a purpose for each of them, even through the darkest of situations. This story is Everyman (and Everywoman's) everyday life search to find meaning in a mixed-up and often (seemingly) meaningless world. Another solid and satisfying novel by Sharon Hinck. The Restorer's Son is a must-read novel, and firmly establishes this series in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.

The Restorer's Son continues the story of unlikely heroes raised up to defend the People of the Verses. In the previous book, The Restorer (The Sword of Lyric), a suburban mom named Susan Mitchell gets pulled into the gray world of the People of the Verses and must choose whether to accept the prophesied role of Restorer and lead an army into battle. In The Restorer's Son, we have another unlikely hero in Kieran, the worldly-wise, self-sufficient, smart-alecky outcast who would prefer not to have anything to do with the One who has called him into service for his people. Kieran's attempts to avoid the One only embroil him further in the growing conflicts with the hostile nations that surround the People of the Verses. He can handle Kahlarean assassins, but when a confused teenager wanders into Kieran's path, the task of shepherding the boy to safety almost sends Kieran over the edge. A friend's betrayal pushes Kieran even further, and he flees the country as an outcast, cut off from the only family he ever cared about. And on that journey in an unforgettable scene, Kieran must contend with the One who brought him to this point. Kieran's status as an outcast proves to be an asset in the unlikely task that the One has given him. He wins some unusual allies in the land of Hazor, but war is coming. In the amazing final battle scene, Kieran must rely on the most unlikely weapon of all: love. Strong characterizations and surprise plot twists mark this epic tale, laced with the light humor that is a hallmark of Sharon Hinck's novels. A surprise at the end reveals that the Mitchell family's role in the world of the People of the Verses is not over - the adventure continues in a third installment titled The Restorers Journey. The Restorer's Son is an outstanding fantasy adventure novel informed by faith. Highly recommended.

This is a story for anyone who's ever felt the sting of rejection and the hunger for something more. Kieran's journey and the twists and turns of this story are beautifully portrayed, action-packed, and full of real-life emotion. From incredible sword fights to the passion and pain of fulfilling a calling, this story captivated me from page one and kept me up late at night. Whether you're a fantasy fan, a mom-lit reader, or someone who simply enjoys an excellent novel, The Restorer's Son is sure to establish Sharon Hinck as a beloved favorite author.