I received [[ASIN:1595549099 The Realms Thereunder (An Ancient Earth)]]from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of their Booksneeze review program in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
I don't have enough good things to say about this book. I have been wading through the morass of poor popular fiction and it is so refreshing to find a work of fiction combining the imagination, literary depth, and story telling expertise in works like Potter, Tolkien, and Lewis with the characterization, plot, and excitement of books we call "classics." Across the dark realms of modern "literature", this rises like the sun on the horizon, bathing the landscape in its light. I may seem to be gushing, but every word is true. This is an excellent piece of fiction, and I cannot wait for the second book.
The readers move back and forth between "Before" and "Now" as Daniel and Freya (two reluctant adventurers thrown together by fate and a shared birthday) are caught in a game of good versus evil. As children, Daniel and Freya accidentally stumble into an underground realm where they must (Potter-esque) destroy the heart of their enemy which he has removed from his body and hidden from view for his protection. They encounter a world that exists beneath their own, guarded by sleeping knights who are set to awaken when the final battle begins. As adults, Daniel and Freya are hunted by this same evil force in their own world. Caught up in the mystery of the nature of good and evil, Daniel and Freya must find their role in this world. Insightful without being preachy, Lawhead has crafted excellent fiction.
This was a breath of fresh air. I am a huge fan of this new author and I am so excited to finish the trilogy. This is one of the few books I have ever listed as "must reads" for anyone. Especially good if you enjoy mythology and fantasy, but equally appealing to readers of more modern fare (Harry Potter, Inheritance, etc.). Enjoy!
