Review: Brilliant Conclusion to this Phenomenal Series
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 5, 2014
Blades of Valor is a brilliant and captivating conclusion to this amazing series. While it beautifully ties up all of the loose ends, it also poses some intriguing questions of character and faith along the way. Is there a limit to our faith whenever it seems to cross certain lines? Do we stop trying to understand and learn for fear of being required to do something that we don’t want to do? Is it worth putting our life and our heart on the line in order to attain a dream that we have been promised especially when everything points to the opposite? When it comes down to the wire, what is worth more to you – good character or power and wealth? These and many others are answered in depth throughout this phenomenal series. Just when you think you are reading merely a story of fantasy, you discover that you are really reading a fascinating story of faith that is filled with hope and sprinkled with love.We find Thomas in the Holy Land embarking on the most dangerous part of his quest. While he faced both hidden and visible dangers up to this point, what he walks into now will test the remainder of his resilience and the last vestige of his faith in man. He is so close to reaching his final goal, and yet he couldn’t feel any farther away than if he was back home in England. Knowing who he can trust has been an on-going thorn in his side, and he is determined to uncover that truth no matter the cost. Will he find what he so desperately seeks, or will he walk away tired and frustrated with no desire to push onward?The central character of Thomas is essentially every man who is on his own journey of truth and faith. Each of us face dangers, pitfalls, and lies that lead us astray, but if we learn to open our eyes to what is most important, we will find that there is always a light that will guide us back to the right path. What we need to always remember is to keep pushing onward. Even when things look like they can’t get any worse, we need to draw from the wellspring of life within us to keep our feet steady and our eyes focused on the prize ahead of us.  What a sad day it will surely be if we falter just before reaching our treasure. Don’t waver in doing good and leading the life that you are called to live. Your reward will be great, and your blessings will be everlasting.Isabella and Katherine are fascinating in their character’s opposition to the other. There is no middle ground taken by either of them. They know the plans laid out for them, and they follow them without question or doubt. We see Isabella question her actions a few times, but she keeps those safely tucked away inside for fear of retribution. If only we could release our fears in order to live the life that has been laid out before us, we could come to know the ecstasy and joy that would unabashedly fill our lives. Could you imagine such a life? Would you want a life like that?There is no doubt of the level of craftsmanship that is on display throughout the Merlin’s Immortals series. Brower’s words immediately fall away and all I see is the breathtaking landscape of England and the Holy Land. I observe as Thomas, Sir William, Katherine, and Isabella take us on an unforgettable excursion into exotic lands while surrounded by danger and mystery. It seems almost natural to walk beside them as they question, doubt, and persevere. Their struggles made me stronger, and their hardships brought me hope. This collection of dreams and beliefs were put through the intense flames of despair, heartache, and pain in order to be refined into the rich tapestry that is then put on display for all to gain knowledge, encouragement, and hope during their own times of trial and suffering. Only a master of words and heart can make this all look so effortless. I have greatly enjoyed reading and experiencing this enthralling series, and I eagerly look forward to what is next for this incredibly talented author.