Category: Freebies

“Beyond the Summerland (The Binding of the Blade Series, Book 1)” by L.B. Graham

~ Bob Hayton ~ 1 Comment

Faerie tales and adventure stories have long held our imagination. Tales of far off lands with exotic beauty, of hair-raising dangers and evil warlords, of bravery and skill in the face of overwhelming odds — such tales awaken our spiritual thirst for meaning and fulfillment in life. We’ve been blessed with fantasy authors steeped in a Christian worldview, great men such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have bequeathed a rich heritage of inspiring tales that Christians can embrace. Others have continued that legacy and in “The Binding of the Blade” series, L.B. Graham had picked up the mantle of Tolkien and Lewis.

Beyond the Summerland, the first book in “The Binding of the Blade” series, contains all that’s best in fantasy fiction. Written by a Christian trained in a reformed worldview (who’s even contributed articles to IVP’s Dictionary of Biblical Imagery), it doesn’t have the baser elements that modern fantasy fiction often includes. But more than a clean work of fantasy, Beyond the Summerland is a well-crafted, tale that’s sure to keep you riveted until its very unexpected ending.

The world of Kirthanin is a beautiful place with a scarred and ugly past. A fallen angelic figure has brought war and desecration to the land, but all that seems so far away now. But the peace of Kirthanin may prove to be an illusion.

Graham takes us on a journey through the length of the land with an assortment of interesting and many sided characters. Prophetic visions and hints of danger combine to add suspense and wonder to the tale. And the beauty and courage on display is almost palpable.

His tale is no copy cat, and the world he creates is believable and unique. The tale seems like it will go on forever, which it almost does. And by the end of the book, you are begging for more. Fortunately, there are four additional titles in the series, and if they are all as exciting and fast-paced as this book, I will certainly be picking them up.

More than a good story, a Christian view of the world pervades the tale. The characters struggle with making wise and right choices, a creator God is worshiped and the world is seen as his gift to men. The vision for the future is of a restored holy mountain and communion with the Creator in newly reborn world. The story lines intersect with our Christian faith in several key places. This adds to the value of the book and makes it an inspiring read that can help orient one’s mind and heart appreciate the wonder of the Greatest Fairy Tale of all, that we are a part of. Jesus Christ and His restoration of our fallen world, is certainly the greatest fantasy tale of all. Graham’s work helps us taste a tiny bit of the wonder of it all.

The book is written with young adults in mind, but I found it suitable for all adults and youth alike. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to continuing this series. P & R Publishing is offering a free e-book of Beyond the Summerland for a limited time at their website’s home page. I encourage you to get a taste via the e-book and then get yourself a copy of this great title.

This book is available for purchase at the following sites: Amazon.com and direct from P & R Publishing.

This book was provided by Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

“What’s in the Bible” DVD Giveaway

~ Bob Hayton ~ 2 Comments

I am participating in the “What’s in the Bible” DVD blog tour this week, sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers. I will be reviewing these new DVDs from Phil Vischer (the creator of Veggie Tales) later this week on my blog. Along with reviewing the new kids series, I will also be giving away to one of my readers, two certificates good for a free copy of the first two DVDs which together cover Genesis and Exodus.

UPDATE: Read my review of these new DVDs here.

Contest Details:

Fill in your name and email below to enter the giveaway for the first 2 What’s in the Bible DVDs. You can follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my blog today, and still qualify for the additional entries.

Plus, there’s an additional step to win 2 additional entries. If you subscribe to my new team book review blog: Crossfocusedreviews.com, you qualify. Just go over and check out the new blog and click “subscribe”!

Contest will end Friday night 3/12 at 8pm CST. Winner will be mailed a Tyndale House gift certificate to take to their local Christian bookstore which is good for a free copy of the DVD.

Use the contact form below to enter the free contest.

Contest is now closed, thanks for participating.

The winner is Marcelo Sanchez!!

Congratulations, your certificates will be mailed out shortly.

Book Giveaway: Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner

~ Bob Hayton ~ 1 Comment

This week, as part of the Hear No Evil book blog tour, I will be giving away one copy of the book Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music and the Holy Ghost by Matthew Paul Turner. You can read my review of the book, or check out other reviews collected at the author’s blog here.

The book is an interesting read and will be of particular interest to anyone familiar with the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. After entering my book giveaway contest, check out this post on the author’s blog with links to other book giveaway contests for the book, which officially releases today. Of course, if you don’t win, you can pick up a copy on Amazon.

 

 

The contest is now closed. A winner will be announced in the comments below shortly. Thanks for participating.

 

 

God Speaks in Packages — My Entry into the Thin Places Contest

~ Bob Hayton ~ 5 Comments

I learned of this contest just today, so I’m just in time to post my entry.   Mary DeMuth is promoting her new book Thin Places by a writing contest, with the prize being an Amazon Kindle.   Here is a description of the contest:

In exactly 259 words — the retail value of a Kindle reader — tell us about a time you experienced a “thin place” in your life. These would be aha moments, beautiful realizations when the Son of God bursts through the hazy fog of our monotony and shines on us afresh, times when God has reminded or reassured you that he is real and present.

Without further ado, here is my entry:

Overwhelmed. That word best described me that night. I was woefully behind in my projects. Finals loomed ahead, almost as bleak as the financial pressures I felt. And I had never been busier in my life.

I suppose most freshmen go through a crisis their first semester. But for me this was huge. I was facing this alone — stressed out, at my wit’s end, and eaten by worry. Sounds a bit dramatic now, but I remember the feeling well.

I sought solace in a time of prayer, on my knees, under my desk in a dark room. I don’t remember if I was begging God for help, or just quiet and worn out, but I was desperate.

And then it came: a knock on the door, and a voice, “Delivery, for Bob Hayton!” I slowly backed out from my desk and met the fellow entering my room. A very large package had arrived.

I wondered if a check was inside, something tangible to get me out of the mess I was in. Instead, I was greeted with a wide assortment of treats and goodies. It was a simple care package, nothing more.

But for me, it somehow was more. It didn’t help me pass my exams or complete my projects, it didn’t rescue me from a financial bind, but it gave me the kind of help I really needed — strength to go on.

God answers prayer. He watches out for His children. Sometimes, through small things like packages, he intervenes, whispering, “I’m here, I know, I care.”

Holiday Book Giveaways

~ Bob Hayton ~ 2 Comments

If you read my blog, you probably enjoy books. And, if you’re like me, you love the chance to get books for free! I thought I’d mention a few chances to get free books at this time of year.

  • My pal Shaun Tabatt is at it again with his 12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaway. Although today’s giveaway is a software module for BibleWorks 7 or 8 users, the next four days will likely include free book giveaways. Pay close attention to his blog now through Christmas Eve.
  • A blog I just stumbled upon, Sententiae Nil, is offering a free book in honor of its 200th post. You can enter to win a free copy of Biblical Theology: Retrospect and Prospect, edited by Scott Hafemann (IVP) just by subscribing to his blog and commenting on this post. This contest lasts until 12/26. (On a similar note, I just realized that I passed the 700 post mark around here. My 700th post actually offered a free book, too!)
  • Next, Allen Mickle’s blog is giving out a free Crossway title each month in 2010. You’ll want to subscribe to his blog, and read this post for details.
  • Finally, I should mention online bookswapping as a way to get free books. I keep meaning to devote a post to this, and still plan to. But for now, you should check out bookmooch.com and paperbackswap.com for great book-swapping programs. I’ve used both, and like paperbackswap.com’s features the best. In fact if you sign up to paperbackswap.com (for free) using this link, I’ll get credit for referring you to them. Goodreads.com has a new swapping program which I’ll have to check into as well.