Phil Lemons

This book is written specifically for a Seventh-Day Adventist audience as it is based on the theology, history, and culture of the denomination. Torres looks at these aspects of the denomination, how it has evolved, where it has stalled, and where we as members have come to rely on methods and procedures while losing sight of the bigger picture and the heart of the movement that inspired the formation of the denomination. Torres proposes that we as members would care more and have more to share with others who are looking for God if we lived remembering that God wants relationship with each person and that his presence in our hearts changes us from the inside out, we would have something to share that people want to hear and not rely on fear and winning intellectual arguments to reach people and connect them with God. 

I would not not have guessed I would enjoy this book as much as I did based on the book description. The writing is fantastic and the Aaronovitch casts the fantasy characters in a modernized light with the gravity of their history. I found the main character believable. Clever in his own way, but not a genius. He doesn't buy too much into his own stock and his awkwardness with women is a nice change from the stereotypical lead who is confident and comfortable with the opposite sex. I do think this could have been done without sounding so much like a teenager who is hyper aware of the female body. 

All said, this is a fun adventure blending modern London with mythical fantasy. 

This is a fun book. The magic system feels unique to me, and that may be my favorite part of this book. I don't typically go for love stories, but this was a fun one. It wasn't too cheesy or steamy. I could see certain elements of the story being allusions to a ln even greater romantic story, but I will leave that for the romantics. 

It has been ten years since I last read this book. There are details that have faded over time. Some I'm not sure I saw in the previous readings.

The main takeaway for me is the question of whether I still love and follow God or am I devoted to a way of life that bears His name only? Secondly, when following God becomes unpopular, especially with those who are devoted to the lifestyle, do I hold on to Him or follow the crowd? How much pain and discomfort will this world put me through to get me to accept the lie?

I want to stay true. And even when I miss the mark, I want to be able to see the truth and recognize it, embracing God as my king. The God who designed this whole universe yet knows me intimately.

Reading this again for the first time in twenty-some years, I see how Lawhead's writing has matured. It should be noted this trilogy was written primarily for a Christian audience and the Christian themes are more overt than his more recent material. Christian themes include the superiority and love of God. I can see aspects of Arthur and Robin Hood in the story. In the end it is a fun read in spite of the telling a story more than painting mental pictures.