Category Archives: Historical Fiction

Morgan’s Book Bag Reviews: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

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Overview:

A prophecy has entwined seven demigods with the meddling of Hera.  Now they are faced with the almost impossible task of making peace with the Romans and destroying the evil earth goddess.  Annabeth must walk alone, Percy will be challenged in his own element, Leo must learn to accept himself as he is, Hazel must find her brother before it is too late, Frank must come to grips with his curse, Jason must share the leadership rule with his enemy Percy, and Piper must learn to trust Jason.  Will these demigods be able to pull off the prophecy?

Sexual Content:

Annabeth and Percy kiss throughout the book.  They fall asleep in the cargo ship together and are woken up by Frank.  Although nothing happened, they are reprimanded for falling asleep and being in the cargo hold by themselves.

Spiritual Content:

Throughout this book, the characters make sacrifices to their parents/demigods.  One point, Percy makes a tribute to the wine god in hopes in getting help from him.

Positive Content:

Percy wants to protect his girlfriend Annabeth and his friends.  He has been told this can and will be his downfall.  Jason follows all the rules and continually promises to protect his girlfriend Piper.  Even Leo, who is goofy, believes in protecting each other.  This was one of the major good parts in this book.  Furthermore, responsibility is also talked about throughout the book.

Negative Content:

The kids seem to have inhuman abilities and often it seems they know better than their parents.

Drug and Alcohol Content:

NONE

Conclusion:

Rick Riordan is very good at keeping you excited about what comes next.  I loved that he brought in the conflict between Roman and the Greeks and developed and matured the characters even more in this book.  I also like that he has brought up responsibility, perseverance, honor, and other traits in his book to encourage young readers when reading to be more like the characters in the book.  Although, I would watch out for the numerous references to the Greek and Roman gods listed in this book.  Riordan did a great job in showing the gods as fickle and not all-knowing in this book, nevertheless, I would discuss this book with your kids before allowing them to read.

Morgan’s Book Bag reviews writes christian reviews for kids and teens. Morgan Thomas is passionate about books and would love to hear from you. If you liked this review, please check out our other fiction reviews.

 

Morgan’s Book Bag Review: The Redemption by M.L. Tyndall

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Overview:

Lady Charlisse is running away from the memories of her past, Captain Edmund Merrick is trying to lead a godly life on board a privateer ship.  When Charlisse and Merrick’s passes cross, Merrick is now in charge of protecting Charlisse from his crew and battling with telling Charlisse the truth behind Charlisse’s father.  Will Merrick have the strength to protect Charlisse?  Will Charlisse find the love of a father that she has been searching for all her life?  Will Charlisse and Merrick find redemption?

Sexual Content:

Charlisse must stay in the Captains cabin and for her own protection Merrick has claimed her for his own.  Merrick’s first mate, tries to take advantage of Charlisse.  Charlisse and Merrick kiss.  The author discusses Charlisse’s growing fascination with the captain.  Charlisse’s uncle had a lust for Charlisse, but never took advantage of her.  References are made about Merrick’s past before he became a Christian when he used to visit places for women.

Violent Content:

There are battles on this ship.  Blood and gore are talked about in this book. At one time they kill a bird by snapping the neck.  A few times comrades are strewn across the ship with blood gushing from bullet holes or sword wounds.

Profane Language:

None

Spiritual Content:

Both Merrick and Charlisse have a faith in God

Drug and Alcohol Content:

Rum is drunk by all the characters in the book.

Other Negative Content:

Merrick and his crew are a form of pirates. In fact, they are privateers, so they are legally stealing from the Spanish.

Conclusion:

A very exciting book to say the least.  M.L> Tyndall is a fantastic writer with characters that struggle with everyday life, just like we do.  The only difference is, is that they are in a different time period then we are.  I would watch out for the sexual and violent content in this book.

Morgan’s Book Bag reviews writes christian reviewschristian reviews for kids and teens. Morgan Thomas is passionate about books and would love to hear from you. If you liked this review, please check out our other fiction reviews.

Morgan’s Book Bag Review: Viking Quest Series (Book 5): The Raider’s Promise by Lois Walfrid Johnson

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Overview:

Bree, Devin and Mikkel have traveled to Greenland and now have traveled to a new land,which Lief Erickson calls Vinland.  Still Bree hopes for the day when Mikkel will take her home, but along the way she makes more friends and learns to respect Mikkel.  Mikkel is growing stronger in the Lord and has become a courageous and wise leader in the viking community, while Dev has become a teacher to Mikkel about the Christian way.  Will Mikkel keep his promise to Bree? Will Tully wait for Bree to come home or will he have found true love?  Will Mikkel right the wrong that he has committed?

Sexual Content:

NONE

Violent Content:

Hammer, a viking on Mikkel’s ship, tries to hurt Mikkel by dropping a rock on his head (No harm is done).  Another time Mikkel gets scratched by tree when it falls.

Profane Language:

NONE

Spiritual Content:

Again, Bree, Dev and Mikkel believe in the Lord and throughout the book they ask for God’s guidance.

Conclusion:

Again a great book by Lois Walfrid Johnson.  I love how in-depth the characters are in this book and I love their devotion to the Lord..  This was a very good series that I would recommend this series to any child.