Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Craig and Janet Parshall's Captives and Kings ~ Reviewed


Captives and Kings
By Craig and Janet Parshall
Harvest House Publishers 2007
ISBN 13: 978-0-7369-1513-7

Authors Craig and Janet Parshall blend fascinating storytelling, excellent research, and their passion for the early 1600s in this exciting follow up to Crown of Fire.

Andrew, astute, applied, and ambitious, has little but contempt for his wayward and adventuring brother, Phillip… who in turn resents what he sees as Andrew’s high-handedness and superior attitude. The rift is deep, and it seems it will be permanent after Andrew learns of Phillip’s unwitting involvement in a court plot and insists that he and his son, Peter, flee to the new colony of Virginia.

So far apart in both body and heart, will the two brothers ever meet on common ground again, let alone find their way to forgiveness?

Without giving away the story, the main characters each play an important role in one of three themes interwoven throughout the book. Andrew travels on a journey of forgiveness. Peter fleshes out true submission, and Phillip presents a picture of true repentance.

Readers who enjoy a quick pace with rapidly changing scenes are sure to like the short chapter lengths. At times, I did wish for a bit more depth into the characters thoughts and feelings rather than the continual action.

Everyone’s heard of the King James version of the Bible, so readers should appreciate the historical highlights from this snapshot during the reign of James. I particularly liked the description of London and felt drawn into the period.

Even though this book is a sequel, having never read the first (Crown of Fire), I had no problem getting to know the characters or following the story. Overall, historical fiction lovers should come away with a smile on their face after reading Captives and Kings.

Reviewed by Michelle Griep

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