Book Review: The Weight of Mercy

(This book review is being given in exchange for a copy of the book and small monetary stipend. All opinions are my own.)

When life becomes too difficult, I often turn to books to take my mind off my own circumstances. I read lots of non-fiction Christian books, and I have read my fair share of novels written by secular authors. I used to be in a book club with our daughters back in our home schooling days, and we also used numerous literature based curriculums for history, and other subjects like geography. I have read historical fiction, romance, science fiction, and mystery, but my all time favorite has been fantasy. I particularly enjoy faith based books where I don’t have to worry about explicit sex or language. When I read the synopsis for Weight of Mercy (Book 1 of The Chasm Cycle) by Nigel Poh, I was intrigued, so I signed up to do a review. I was not disappointed.

In this alternate historical time period we step into a fantastical world that is somehow both strange and familiar. The year is 1305 AD. The world has changed due to “The Chasms — fissures that birthed a tide of demons…” leaving “…the Holy Roman Empire in ruins and the Kingdom of France a scattered memory. Much of what should be has vanished, replaced by things that shouldn’t exist…” (p. 5, The Weight of Mercy). We see eras trickling together, and timelines upended.

Poh builds a world using a cast of characters; ones we cheer for and ones we want to see vanquished; but all who are part of humanity. In a world that is overrun by demonic entities and powers, humanity is what binds them together. It is in this combined humanity we are immediately introduced to Lord Stephern, a knight of the Church, serious, quiet, but a man with deep principles and faith; his fellow soldier Sir Bessian, a man of humor, and strength; and Captain Dosh, a ranking member of the Crown and commander of Lady Horst’s guards.

Weaving the workings of the Church with the undercurrents of political power mongering, we are drawn into the society of Clairval, home to one of the citadels of the church housing a training ground for new paladins, a great hall able to seat 1,000, an armory stocked with normal and blessed weapons, and several libraries where military strategy and church doctrine are stored. It is in this city where much of Poh’s story unfolds.

As this drama continues a dark weight descends throughout the land. There are skirmishes with otherworldly beasts like ghouls, vampires, massive demonic bears, and revenants, the living armor of knights long dead. The hefty hand of evil shows up all over the city in the form of chanting children drawing strange patterns in the dirt; fists fights between friends, and even a young woman who throws herself off a building. We see our heroes suffering through hunger, wounds, wrongful imprisonment, attempts on their lives, and the pain of seeing their own friends die. However, they know the God of the universe is in it. This faith and the willingness to be humbled in His service is what eventually helps to bring light back into the darkness.

This book was an unexpected treat. It combines fantasy, historically accurate details, exciting battles, close friendships, political intrigue and faith in a tale that moved me from fear, to laughter to tears. If you are a person of faith, and love to read historical fiction, and fantasy combined, The Weight of Mercy is for you. I loved how the author was able to create a feeling of investment in me, the reader from page one. Poh has a talent for description, dialogue, and character building that is so important in any novel, but particularly in the complex layers of the fantasy genre.

I am lookin forward to the next book in The Chasm Cycle.

Book Review: The Ghost You Can't See

(This is a paid book review. I was gifted the book and a small monetary payment in exchange for an honest review.)

Lucy and her best friend Schuyler, are ghost hunters. Not only that, but they fight daemons too. In fact, they have been fighting spirit beings ever since Lucy was given an old trunk full of odds and ends at a flea market by a strange old man named Iam Reynard. The odds and ends in that old trunk turned out to be magical tools and weapons for seeing ghosts and creatures who have come into the physical world to do harm.

The Ghost You Can’t See, is the third installment of the Issachar Gatekeeper series by L.G. Nixon. As the story unfolds we find Lucy Hornberger, her mom, and her grandmother preparing for the grand opening of their new home and business, Carriage House Bed and Breakfast. Using many of the antiques they inherited from great-aunt Isabel, their new home is decorated with a charm and uniqueness that makes it perfect for housing future guests and travelers. Lucy is still uncertain about sharing her home with strangers, but she is trying to get used to the idea for her mom’s sake.

Lucy, and Schuyler once again find themselves encountering the dark forces of Darnathian, a being who once inhabited the realm of the High King of Ascalon, but who rebelled against him. Taking numerous of his own followers with him, his purpose is to get rid of the High King and obliterate Ascalon. Planet Earth has become a battle zone, and Darnathian’s dark minions, at the behest of their master, are constantly trying to cause problems which keep Lucy, Schuyler and their friend Paul looking for trouble around every corner.

In this book we see the opening of another portal, battles in the underworld and one of their toughest assignments yet, Mathias Sasson. Mathias and his mom and dad are the bed and breakfast’s first guests. His father’s job is taking them to Lucy’s hometown of Grand River Valley, and with their house already sold they need a place to stay until they can find a new home. Mathias is not happy about any of it, and Darnathian decides to monopolize on Mathias’ already dark attitude.

With the return of past characters and the introduction of new ones L.G. Nixon, once again, writes a page turning tale, that leaves the reader wanting to know more. Watching each difficulty Lucy and her friends encounter, we see them grow, becoming braver, but also more humble, realizing battles in the unseen realm are not won just by a warrior’s skill with the right weapons, but by his or her understanding and relationship with the High King.

This series of books is perfect for teens and young adults who like a story that combines mystery, intrigue, action, and feel good moments. These stories are spooky, but not the stuff of nightmares, and for someone like me, who is older, they are a nice break from the divisive, negative content filling up our news, and social media feeds. Written with a Biblical foundation, and with the perfect blend of tension and resolution, The Issachar Gatekeeper series has been a delight to read. I am looking forward to more from L.G. Nixon.

If you are a Christian and are not sure if these are appropriate books to read check out L.G. Nixon’s note here.

Book Review: The Ghost Writer

(This is a paid book review. I was gifted the book and a small monetary payment in exchange for an honest review.)

“ Darnathian cupped his hands together. When he opened them again a glowing orb sat in his palm. A smile spread across his face as he studied the colors within the circle.
‘Mene ru’ach tsava yara,’ he uttered and tossed the orb at the boy. It exploded over the bed, and diamond-like dust settled on the boy. The particles sank into his pores, luminescing under his skin before the light disappeared completely.”

— The Ghost Writer p. 16

Thus, begins the second installment of three in the the teen/young adult Issachar Gatekeeper series by L.G. Nixon. You can see my review of the first book, The Ghost of Darwin Stewart here.

Lucy Hornberger and her best friend Schuyler Williams are more mature and a little older since their introduction to the reality of a spiritual world by Iam Reynard, a flea market vendor, who ends up selling Lucy an old trunk full of ancient, otherworldly artifacts. Lucy has been chosen by Iam, who is really the High King of Ascalon. These old items end up being tools and weapons for fighting ghosts, daemons and other dark entities from the spirit world. The two friends learn how to wield the weapons through trial and error, Iam’s help and the support of Bill and Vivian McGoo, who turn out to be more than just good neighbors.

Another academic year has commenced and the teen girls find themselves battling numerous ghosts in their school, causing all sorts of damage which Lucy get’s blamed for. In addition, Lucy’s mom looses her aunt and might also lose her job creating addition stress and difficulties at home. What Lucy and Schuyler don’t realize is the difficulties are just beginning.

The hauntings become more frequent, and with each encounter, battle and vanquishing the girls learn these ghosts are not specifically trying to obtain the ancient Spectrescope she uses to see them, but are somehow connected to several people in their school. The mystery is who, and why is it happening.

Throughout the book we see Lucy growing, not just in her compassion for others, but in her love for the High King. She helps her mom as she maneuver’s her impending job loss by making meals, and taking on tutoring at school to help earn money. She also learns the importance of orison (prayer), and abnegation (self-sacrifice). Lucy helps Schuyler gain the seal of the High King, and helps break the curse another friend is under. Even after a terrible personal loss, Lucy learns the High King and His son Ishi, are always there for her.

L.G. Nixon weaves an interesting tale of mystery, friendship, and resilience while threading the truth of the Bible and the reality of the spiritual world throughout. She also uses the realities of the difficulties of life to show how God is for us, not against us, and how He always provides just what we need. Through ghostly details, lighthearted moments and the comfort of food, family and friendships we are ushered through the story, leaving us anxious for the final installment in the series.

Right now L.G. Nixon is running a special on her website where you get all three books in the series plus and additional book free. Click on the following link to purchase.

To learn more about the author follow this link to view her podcast appearances. You can also read more about her thoughts on Christians reading ghost stories here.

If you are looking for a fun story with mystery, ghosts, fearsome daemon creatures, otherworldly battles, and real world struggles this series is perfect to take along on vacation, or give as a gift to your daughters, granddaughters or nieces. With strong female characters, clean dialogue and action, the Issachar Gatekeeper series is a must read.