Book Description
A thousand years after its disappearance, the Mystic Rosethe fabled Grailhas been found, and the Knights Templar will stop at nothing to possess it. Only one person stands in the way of their ruthless pursuit: Cait, a young woman from Northern Scotland.Download Description

A new historical series examining in detail the Crusades and the major changes that period of history wrought in the church from award-winning novelist Stephen R. Lawhead. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

The Dragon King Saga:
Typical Steven Lawhead epic adventure story, action, narrow escapes, love, and good always triumphs. Great story and very easy reading. I flew through all 1000 pages in just caouple of weeks.

My 12-year-old son's favorite book series!
My son will tell you, "This is the best book I've ever read." In thisfantasy the characters grow and change for the better. Move over Harry Potter, the Dragon King Saga has got you beat!

King-Priest of the Dragon King
here is an exerpt from the Warlords of Zin
Never in Malice, Never in Hate , Never in evil shall this blade be raised. But in righteousness and Justice forever shall it shine

This is seeped in Holy writings of Nippon, the Middle Kingdom, and Europe

All have a traditon of the few Holy-Warriors,
Recomended if thou likest the Lord of the Rings

A good, solid series of Lawhead's early writing.
I don't think I can add much beyond the in-depth review below, except to say that when I read the series some time ago, it captured my imagination enough for me to rate it a solid "I like it" #4 on the scale.I thought some of the spiritual concepts were a bit understated for a Christian Fantasy, but many prefer that.An event that I particularly remember was the search for the precious metal to fashion the sword, and also the sword's creation.The sword and its use in one certain battle still comes to memory.I wouldn't overlook this series if you are a Fantasy fan.It's worth the read.

Save your time, save your money, save your dignity
It could be said in this trilogy's defense that this work was intended as mere pulp fantasy, intended to be read by readers looking for the familiar fix of a plot written by the numbers.However, to do so would be an insult to pulp authors everywhere.Lawhead entirely fails to create believeable characters or to develop the characters that he does create.The plot is so predictable that I am convinced the author looked for the most obvious possible developments.However, these faults could be forgiven - or at least ignored - if the exposition was even slightly worthwhile.

Unfortunately, its deficiencies in plot, character, world-building, and originality are complemented by quite possibly the worst writing I have ever seen.His descriptions substitute the reader's fantasy stereotypes for any actual use of adjectives.Perhaps he assumes that his entire audience is third graders.His language is consistently cliched and hackneyed.If you enjoy being hit in the face repeatedly with large bricks, this trilogy may be for you.If you actively hate literature, this trilogy is definitely for you.If you're looking for a simple but entertaining story without too many preconceptions, read the Belgariad. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (14)

Enjoyed this story
As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "Dream Thief". Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. Give this book a try.
The fiction book that I have written main story theme is about ten years in the life of a little girl who was "chosen by God" to be the next Madonna in the second coming of Christ. Yes it has cloning in it.
Tommy Taylor
Author - The Second Virgin Birth

Entertaining, not Impressive.
If you are looking for easy-reading entertainment with a sci-fi flair, look no farther.
However, on a literary level I felt this novel to be sub-par.The character sketches and development are weak, and descriptions in general are shallow and repetitive.(How many times must we hear about "clear blue eyes," "bouncy locks," and people sitting "in meditation like the classic guru?"How many times does Reston almost "faint from exhaustion," then "barely muster the strength to go on" in the same chapter?)
Perhaps this was written before the days of a trusty editor for Lawhead, but I was unimpressed.I suggest finding other sci-fi novels such as "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card.
(For those of you who are drawn to Lawhead for his epics, Ender's game is the beginning of an.. 8(or so?)-volumed one, I believe.)

Sweet dreams with early Lawhead sci-fi
Stephen Lawhead's best works are the historical fantasy of his Pendragon Cycle and his Song of Albion trilogy."Dream Thief" is one of his earlier works, with shadows of the brilliance that would emerge in those later writings.But unlike his later fantasies, "Dream Thief" is a science fiction story.While researching dreams on the space station Gotham, the protagonist Spencer Reston discovers that someone is trying to control his mind through his dreams.A fairly exciting plot develops, as the villain Ortu (an alien) and the sinister side-kick Hocking (in his pneumatic wheelchair) begin carrying out their plans for control of the world.Along with his lovely lady friend Ari, and his two fellow scientists Adjani and Gita, it is up to Spence to prevent their evil plans from succeeding.The main threat comes from a "tanti", a consciousness-altering device capable of broadcasting to the whole world and inducing dreams and manipulating minds.In the process of resisting the "Dream Thief" who is masterminding the plot, Spencer travels to Mars where he discovers remnants of Martian civilization and meets the Martian guardian Kyr.Amidst the action and excitement, Lawhead integrates an interesting premise by suggesting that the revered gods of Indian folklore and Hindu legends were in fact such Martians (p451-2).

In many respects this is stereotypical science fiction, with lots of rocket ships, alien spacecraft, Martians and an extended visit to Mars.The plot is not always as convincing and suspenseful as readers of later Lawhead might expect.But there are certainly flashes of Lawhead's later brilliance, emotion and creativity.Typical for Lawhead, there are also Christian overtones throughout, such the presence and involvement of a Divine Being, and a sacramental meal called the Essila much like the Lord's Supper (p408-414).Judging by the high standards of his later work, "Dream Thief" is an inferior work.But for readers looking for an interesting and thought-provoking science fiction story with lots of adventure and some subtle theology, this is still a good read.Sweet dreams! - GODLY GADFLY

X files from the future's standpoint.
Mankind is on the verge of a Martian terraforming project a few hundred years from the present day.In a state-of-the-art satellite station Gotham (orbiting Earth) scientists prepare and research while special teams are regularly dispatched to Mars to establish the framework for a permanent colony.A Gotham-employed sleep researcher, Dr. Reston is plagued by a series of increasingly bizarre nightmares that give him uncomfortable premonitions about something sinister pending on Mars.
As a non-scientist, I was still able to appreciate with fascination what seems to be a very credible and realistic account of the future world in this universe.The logistics of a working space station and how humans adapt to it, the early stages of a terraforming project -- these are explained well enough to create a plausible backdrop for the story, but not detailed to death for more casual audiences like me.The looming mystery on Mars that culminates with a first encounter with an ancient Martian race is the real story as far as I'm concerned.The focus of Dream Thief is nicely character-driven.
Stephen Lawhead does a surprising departure from space about midway and takes us to an even more alien environment (for most of us Westerners):India.Seen through the eyes of a santized, educated man of the 23rd (?) Century, India is even more exotic and disturbing.Lawhead may be borrowing from some pretty standard SF mythos at this point in the novel as he ties in space visitors with certain aspects of humanity's religious and cultural heritage (Gee, where have I heard that before..?), but his interpretation of how that worked out from the aliens' standpoint is unique.He deserves credit for an original twist on that modern day Science Fiction convention.
Readers of Lawhead's Arthurian and fantasy series books will be very happy with his change to Sci Fi. His style is intact.New readers will just enjoy the good tale.And as in his other books, the Christian message is very subtle (ie, not "preachy").In fact, the implications of the spiritual revelations from the Martian could just as easily be New Age as Christian, as no mention of Jesus is actually made (and believe me, I was watching for it).Whether or not that is a plus is up for you to decide, but I was a tad disappointed in Stephen for that.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

Science Fiction with a New Spin
Who would have thought that a combination of science fiction christianity would ever exist in a book.Grant it, Star Trek and Star Wars have themes which touch on religion.However, neither bases the story on Chrsitianity.The Dream Thief addresses the question of religion's existance on other planets.

It is true that we know life does not exist on Mars.It is also unlikely that any life form is capable of producing the technology that exists in this book.However, if you suspend this disbelief, the book is enjoyable.The story includes a dream experiment which leads to the discovery of life on Mars, and the lead character's (Spence) discovery of his faith in God through his subsequent exploration of the Martian Christianity.Another sub-plot also demonstrates Spence falling in love which adds another sunstantial layer to the story.

All of these themes make a theme that is truly enjoyable.Even though I am not a fan of fiction, I enjoyed this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Stephen Lawhead's best-selling trilogy is being relaunched for a new generation of young adult readers.

In the third volume, Quentin reigns as the Dragon King and faces the insidious attack of evil from within himself when Nimrood holds his son hostage.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Thanks
These books were in great condition and they came when they were supposed to. Thanks so much.

A "must have"
I love Stphen Lawhead and was thrilled to read these books. This was the first series he wrote and it is not quiet as good as his other works, but you can still the the genious creativity that is his trademark. The Sword and the Flame is mostly Quinten's struggle with how to balance being a king and being a man. You see an emotional side to him that isn't sappy or wierd, but completely human. As a reader we can relate not only to Quinten, but to his friends as they either stand by him or desert Quinten in his time of need. I totally recomend this book, it is one you will read over and over again.

1st and 2nd one was better,but it pretty good, too!
As I said in the title place, the first and second book of the Dragon King Trilogy was better; they both had excitement and action. The third was good too, but didn't have much action in it. I like books with adventure in it so that might be the reason I didn't give this book 5 stars. But I still enjoyed it. To enjoy this book properly, I think it is better to read, "In the Hall of the Dragon King" and "Warlords of Nin" first.

Quentin is now the Dragon King. He has 3 kids,two girls and a boy. His wife Bria is now the Queen. Mesandor had enjoyed peace for a long time. With his legendary sword, Shaligkeer the Shining Sword (I forgot to tell about it in my "Warlords of Nin" review. "Warlords of Nin" is the second book.), which was made from the precious stone called lathrinil.

Quentin soon faces a severe test as his son is kidnapped, his most trusted couselor, Duwin the Holy Hermit, is killed, and when he hears that his archenemy Nimrood the Necromancer had returned. (I was so shocked at the part where Durwin died!)Quentin is filled with grief and frustration that he does not know what he is doing. He murdurs one of the kidnappers mercilessly and loses his great sword, the Shaligkeer. King Quentin loses, as it seems to him, everything he holds dear and plunges into despair. It does not help that one of his lords, Lord Ameronis was full of ambition and leaped at the chance to become King. Soon Mesander fights with one of his lords and the whole land is thrown into turmoil as the common people and also the knights, lords, and nobles of the King, hears rumores that Quentin had lost his sword and that it was because he followed the Most High God that he was punished by other gods.

What will happen to King Quentin? What did it mean that Nimrood the Necromancer, assumed dead, came back?

Quentin learns a valuable lesson in this book, that when it seems that God was not with you, it was because you had drawn away from Him. Not because He had left you.

This book was interesting and at the same time, some parts were exciting. Especially the part where Quentin's son is kidnapped and the last part. I can't tell you how the last part is or it'll be telling the whole story. :) I suggest that you would read this because it would finish the Dragon King Trilogy and also because this book is a good book.

Mature Quentin & Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.
"The Sword and the Flame" is the third title in Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy, the series which propelled him to success. Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen, and is now the father of three children. The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High. And he is armed with the enchanted sword, "The Shining One", whose "flame was the symbol of the god's presence with the King, and more." (p.94)

But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods. The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as an inevitable sign of the destruction of their own High Temple. Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness. A close friend of Quentin is killed, his son kidnapped. Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, and! even conflict from his own people, and treachery from his own supporters. But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it: "One fell thrust and the fire of the white lanthanil blade had been quenched. The awful significance of what had happened struck him like a thunderbolt...the hand of the Most High was removed from him." (p.77-8) Is there any hope for Quentin or his kingdom?

The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional of the series. Certainly we are treated to lots of Lawhead excitement and action, one of the highlights being the intrigue and conflict of a castle under seige. But "The Sword and the Flame" doesn't quite have the same blazing glory of battle as the previous volume. It is far more introspective, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith. "Now there was only darkness. In the space of half a day he had los!t his son, his trusted friend, and - worst of all - the favor of the Most High. His mind reeled at the enormity of his trouble, his heart ached with sorrow, his body throbbed with grief and exhaustion." (p.85) Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine tuned which made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful. Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High (p.166) and tumbles into the depths of despair.

Yet this personal struggle of the king occurs in the context of a great struggle for his kingdom. Does the extinguished flame of the enchanted sword mean that the Most High no longer is to be trusted? The people of the kingdom are convinced that the old gods are humbling their king for having chased after a new god (p.159). Yet in the end, even when the people are ready to lose faith in the Most High, the Most High is fait!hful. "It is not the One who forgets us, but we forget him." (p.199) Quentin must realize that "the flame of true faith can not be kindled on the fuel of the old religion." (p.230) When he renews his faith, the tide turns. The climax of the book is particularly powerful, with scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

In many respects, Lawhead's medieval fantasy world is reminiscent of Tolkien's world, although Tolkien's many fantastic creatures are absent. But what is absent in Tolkien is present in Lawhead: the Most High God. It is the strong spiritual vision where the Most High God and faith in God is central that makes Lawhead's books so powerful and so wholesome. Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy paints a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's the picture of a time much like the glorious Old Testament !days of David and Solomon, who with prophets and visionaries fought for the peace of the Kingdom of the Most High in the era before the coming of Christ. Although not as deep or profound as "The Pendragon Cycle", this series of Lawhead "Lite" is still unquestionably a success.

Quinten again faces nimrod.
This is a great finish to the series that Lawhead developed. You can start with this book, but I would recommend reading the previous two first. Quinten again is matched against the evil Nimrod. He loses his son, his sword, and his wife has left him, to seek advice from the God most High, in his most needful hour. The book weaves in Christianity in a mysterious way and still has a great story line! What more can you ask?? ... Read more

Product Description
From Publishers WeeklyLawhead (Byzantium), known for his historical and fantasy fiction, reimagines the tale of Robin Hood in his latest novel, the first in the King Raven Trilogy. Based on detailed research, Lawhead places the folk hero (whom he names Bran) in Wales in 1093, at a time when the land was under constant assault from the new Norman rulers of England. When Bran's father, the king, is killed in an ambush along with nearly all his warriors, the land of Elfael is overtaken and its citizens subjected to great oppression. Though Bran should be king, he has lost faith (in both himself and whatever God he once knew) and decides to flee instead. Through agony and adventure, aided by a ragtag group of colorful characters, his sense of justice grows, along with his commitment to leading the people of Elfael and his creative strategies for dealing with the enemy. Lawhead examines questions of faith from both sides of the conflict, so readers see Welsh monks praying for deliverance and Norman rulers asserting their divine right to the land. The story's tone is unevenby turns sweet, violent, and funnyand it gets a bit bogged down in the middle, but overall it's a fun read that will leave readers anxious for the next installment. (Sept. 5)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Book Description
E-Book Extra: "Stephen R. Lawhead on-" (The writing process; The Atlantis/Britain connection; Whether or not Arthur existed, etc.)

It was a time of legend, when the last shadows of the mighty Roman conqueror faded from the captured Isle of Britain. While across a vast sea, bloody war shattered a peace that had flourished for two thousand years in the doomed kingdom of Atlantis.

Taliesin is the remarkable adventure of Charis, the Atlantean princess who escaped the terrible devastation of her homeland, and of the fabled seer and druid prince Taliesin, singer at the dawn of the age. It is the story of an incomparable love that joined two worlds amid the fires of chaos, and spawned the miracles of Merlin...and Arthur the king.

Customer Reviews (93)

Starts off wonderfully and sadly goes flop
I won't give a synopsis of the story; you can scroll down to find several of these. If you're a die-heard Christian and like pot-boilers you might find the last third of the novel delightful. Lawhead does an excellent job of giving the reader two story lines- sub-plots - and then merging them. Up to the merging chapter, the novel is rich in scope. But then the two main characters meet and oops, Lawson wallows in the romance between the two and all else is botched, forgotten, ignored. Talieson, a Druid, bard, seer who's supposed to change the world and be remembered through the ages... becomes a love-sick puppy strumming silly songs and gawking at Charis.

Charis' father is against the match because his line has been 'pure' through the ages.... although, after suffering a battle wound in Atlantis he married his nursemaid... a woman with a very dubious pedigree. Charis never thinks to mention this the entire time dad is waxing furious about racial 'purity'. She and Talieson run away to a small town where he strums his harp and they make google-eyes until their child- Merlin- is born. (Charris must remain in bed for her pregnancy and Talieson never leaves her side.)

Forget about Talieson's father, back home with the tribe, all struggling desperately to build homes and find enough food to make it through the winter...along with fighting invaders. (Although Charis' father and brothers now insist they are not warriors and do not fight, they left Atlantis in the middle of a war... go figure.) Forget about the fate of Britian.

Add to this Talieson's conversion to Christianity and Lawson's second wallow- the reader gets numerous sermons via the sweet Christian priests and Talieson- and the novel just takes a huge nose-dive in ill-logic, non-sequitors, maudlin smoochings, and sermonizing.

Before Talieson's Christian conversion, the novel showed seemingly marvelous insight and acceptance of numerous beliefs and practices. But once Talieson becomes a Christian, he does nothing but preach about the One God, and sigh over Charis.

If all this isn't enough to have you grinding your teeth, the book ends with Talieson given an ignoble death as he and Charis head home after the birth. Ah well... so much for a seer/singer who was going to change the world and be remembered forever. Merlin is born and poor Talieson is no longer needed, since he's performed his function.

Not Free SF Reader
Lawhead here takes the figure of Taliesin the bard, and throws him together with a young priestess of Atlantis.

As far as that goes, it doesn't seem too incongruous, so points for that.Throw in some prophecy, impending doom, and a creepy young girl and you have an ok story.

Not for Me
A decent read, one that I was enjoying, until it got REALLY preachy about 2/3 of the way through the book.I picked the book up knowing the the author was a Christian, and it didn't stop me: I'd be a fool and a biggot to choose not to read a book based solely on the author's beliefs...but then he started to cram those beliefs down my throat.And THAT'S when I put the book down, unfinished, never to pick it up again.To quote Homer Simpson:

"Awwww...this isn't about *Jesus* is it?"

Sorry Homer, I'm afraid it is.

A New Slant on the Arthurian Myths

Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Stephen Lawhead has his home in Austria with his wife.

I admire Stephen Lawhead's writing very much. It is quite obvious to the reader that the author loves his subject matter andin his historical novels has diligently researched the material that he uses. Even with Taliesin, which can only be described as a fantasy, the way the author sets the scene makes the reader almost believe that they are reading a factual rather than a fiction book.

This story begins the series of books about the Arthurian legends and begins with the sinking of Atlantis and the escape of its people to Britain, including King Avallach and the Price Taliesin. During the waining of the power of the once mighty Rome, a tale is told that brings about the miracle of Merlin and Arthur, the Once and Future King.

Flawed timeline, but excellent storytelling
This book shows Lawhead's superb talent for taking the reader into another world, time and place.Descriptive elements and sense of story were fanatastic.Those familiar with history will find many flaws in the book, however.The major example being the destruction of Atlantis during the late Roman era--which was described many centuries before the setting of the novel by Greek writers.(I also found it curious in the novel that the Romans knew nothing of Atlantis, even though they would have been familiar with Plato...)The connection he tries to make is understandable, but history buffs may find the inconsistencies annoying.Other little things, like English families eating "potatoes" long before the New World was discovered occasionally disrupt this excellent "story."In the end, though, it is just that--a superb re-shaping of several myths, meshed together to form the dawn of Arthurian times.If you approach it as fantasy, it is a great read.Don't use it to cram for your Arthurain Myth 101 Final, though!
... Read more

Book Description
Follow the !HERO action up close and personal! Read as Special Agent Alex Hunter strives to discover the story behind a mysterious miracle-worker from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, whose very presence is changing the world.

In a series of five action-packed episodes, best-selling author Stephen R. Lawhead, collaborating with author and penciler Ross Lawhead, incites the imagination to wonder: What if He were born today? Collect all four comics, then pick up the graphic novel which includes comics 1-4 and the previously unreleased issue five! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not for classroom book shelf
This is that part of the Jesus story that spawned 2000 years of persecution against the Jews.Not appropriate out of context.

An amazing comparison. =)
It stays pretty close to the actual story of Jesus Christ. It basically just puts that B.C. story into 2007 time frame. It's a really good read, great for church plays, theater pieces, or just for some light reading. the only bad thing is it ends so quickly. =) ... Read more

Book Description
The Great Blue Heron has given home–loving Jeremy Vole news of an impending flood, and he doesn’t know what to do. How can he warn all the creatures on the Riverbank? Will they listen to him? A great adventure is about to begin. Ages 6–9. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.
If you are expecting something like Lawhead's profound and satisfying "Pendragon Cycle" when reading the "Dragon King" trilogy, prepare to be disappointed. This is the Lawhead "Lite" version, because it lacks the depth of description, character and emotion present in many of Lawhead's other works. Undoubtedly, this is more entertainment than the literary fiction of those offerings. But it would be unfair to criticize Lawhead too harshly for this, because this series was born in the infancy of his career as a writer. Readers familiar with the more polished and developed Lawhead as evident in his later work would do the man an injustice by measuring his first work by the incredibly high standard of his more mature efforts. As a series geared towards the level of teens rather than adults, and where the reader is not under the false expectation that it contains the majesty and depth of the "Pendragon Cycle", this is still a great read.

This first volume in the series! "In the Hall of the Dragon King" introduces us to young Quentin, who undertakes an important mission to rescue the Dragon King Eskevar from the traitorous Prince Jaspin and the evil necromancer Nimrood. The king can be rescued from the corrupt wizard only after Quentin and his friends make a perilous journey to the dreaded Karsh, the desolate home of Nimrood. In volume two of the series "The Warlords of Nin" Quentin has matured into a young adult, and must defend the royal castle and the kingdom over against the deadly Nin the Destroyer, with his four warlords, and thousands of soldiers. Victory is only possible when Quentin is armed with the enchanted sword Zhaligheer, but first Quentin must make a dangerous journey to search for a rare and fabled substance needed to make the sword. In "The Sword and the Flame", the third title in the series, the adult Quentin has assumed the throne and is busy building a temple dedicated to the Most High. But the evil necromancer Nimrood re!turns and collaborates with the defenders of the old gods against Quentin. The flame of the sword goes out, and the faith of the king and the hopes of the kingdom appear to be extinguished with it.

The strength of the series is the constant battle between good and evil, the powers of light and darkness. Quentin and his companions fight for freedom, justice and righteousness. Lawhead plainly intends this conflict to portray spiritual warfare. Quentin's enemies find their support in the pagan religions who worship the old gods, and employ the powers of sorcery, the occult and the dark arts. In contrast, victory of Quentin's kingdom is possible only with the help of the Most High God. The Christian symbolism is clearly evident: the conflict between the powers of good and evil is a picture of the great spiritual battle of the ages between God and Satan. Readers familiar with the battle images of Ephesians 6 will find the connections obvious. Quentin in particular plays a M!essianic role, by achieving deliverance as the Priest King, fulfilling prophecy in a manner much like Jesus Christ. Yet in contrast to these Messianic overtones of Quentin's role in an epic struggle, Lawhead also humanizes Quentin to the point where he is like us, a soldier in the battle rather than the Deliverer. Lawhead makes profound observations about personal faith, by showing that in the battle Quentin must learn to trust in the Most High. The Most High will be faithful in preserving the Kingdom, but his soldiers must be faithful in trusting and obeying him.

It is this depth of spiritual vision that makes Lawhead's prose all the more compelling and enjoyable. It is in the first place a story filled with medieval vistas and conflict - courageous knights in shining armour, flashing swords, evil wizards, deadly battles, heroic quests, and ancient chivalry. But especially the central place of the Most High God makes Lawhead's "Dragon King" trilogy so powerful and who!lesome - a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's not as deep and profound as his "Pendragon Cycle", but Lawhead "Lite" is still a very enjoyable read.

A guide to the story of the Dragon King trilogy.
This first volume in the series "In the Hall of the Dragon King" introduces us to young Quentin, an assistant in the temple of Ariel, who forsakes aspirations of priesthood in order to undertake an important mission for the Dragon King Eskevar.This leads to a quest to save Eskevar from the hands of his evil brother Prince Jaspin, who harbours selfish ambitions to take over the crown.Quentin and his great war horse Balder are joined in this quest by the religious hermit Durwin, the renowned outlaw Theido, the prison warder Trenn, the good Queen Alinea, the mysterious nomad Toli, and the brave knight Ronsard.But Jaspin proves to be a mere pawn in the hands of the evil necromancer Nimrood, and it is from the clutches of this corrupt wizard that the King must be rescued.Quentin and company face perils of many kinds, including the dreaded Harriers, and a long journey through the lands of Mensandor and Elsendor to the dreaded Karsh, the desolate home of Nimrood.

In volume two of the series "The Warlords of Nin" Quentin has matured into a young adult and made his home in Dekra, far away from his beloved Bria.Along with his companion and friend Toli, Quentin heads back to the royal castle at Askelon at the urgent summons of King Eskevar, who detects an impending danger that threatens the empire.All the signs, including the bizarre and ever-brightening Wolf Star, point to a perilous time.The danger proves to be a serious one indeed: Nin the Destroyer, with his four warlords, and thousands of soldiers.Quentin and Toli escape from the clutches of one of the warlords along with the defector Myrmior, who turns out to be a most helpful ally.Myrmior's cunning and clever strategy does a great deal to slow the advance of the army of Nin threatening to overwhelm Askelon.But in the end, victory depends on the fulfilment of an archaic prophecy about a Priest King, who will bring deliverance armed with a mysterious sword known as the "Zhaligheer" or "Shining One".It seems the Quentin is the fabled Priest King, and in obedience to the prophecy, he undertakes a mission to the lost mines of Ariga, along with the armorer Inchkeith, to search for the rare and fabled lanthanil needed to make the sword.Will he accomplish his mission on time?Is he the one of whom the prophecy speaks?

In "The Sword and the Flame", the third title in the series, Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen.The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High.And he is armed with the enchanted sword, whose flame symbolized the support of the Most High.But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods.The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as a sign of the inevitable destruction of their own High Temple.Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness.His son is kidnapped, a close friend killed.Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, even treachery from his own supporters.But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it.The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional and introspective of the series, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith.Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine-tuned that made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful.Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High and tumbles into the depths of despair.In the end, the tide turns when Quentin renews his faith.The climax is particularly powerful, with unforgettable scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

Each story can be read independently, since each volume introduces a new conflict which is resolved by the conclusion of the book.But the tales of the Dragon King trilogy are so exciting, that once you have read one, you'll want to read them all!

Good Books
It has been several years since I have read these books, but they are the ones that started me on Lawhead.Since then I have read almost every one of his works.That should say a bit about these.He is an excellent author and really knows how to go into Folklore and bring out a great story.

In the Hall of the Dragon King
If you have ever read Stephen R. Lawhead, you will know that he is a great author with an epic imagination.This shines though in many of his books and "In the Hall of teh Dragon King" is no exception.It is a great epic about the coming of a boy that feels an urge yet doesn't know that it was destiny beaconing him forward.I can't wait to get the rest of the sereies though I have only one reason why I gave it a 4 stars and not 5.It went too fast.Though close to 400 pages....I felt that the plot was a bit rushed.

An exciting and envolved plot
The twisting tale of a young temple acolyte as he grows up to become the Dragon King.With excellent Battle descriptions, a series of twists and, devastating scenes where hero's of old come to rest. This is a great bookby Stephen Lawhead even if the characters are slightly too correct andpolite. I wish there was another book to continue on!! ... Read more

Book Description

In book one of the Celtic Crusades series, a Scottish boy travels to Jerusalem to try to regain his family's stolen lands, and ends up saving the relic Iron Lance that pierced Christ's side.