Book Review--Hebbros by Nicole Sager

In a realm that feasts on wickedness, and a city that thirsts for power, the faithfulness of a few will be tested.

A MIZGALIAN SEEKS JUSTICE…
When members of his faith are exiled from the city of Hebbros, Luke vows to resist the forces that tore his family apart. Armed with a divine gift and the aid of friends, he undertakes to right a world of wrongs. Opposed on all sides by evil men determined to silence the Faithful and outlaw their powerful God, Luke’s small band will be tried and tested as they battle for truth, freedom, and the overthrow of rampant evil in their city.

AN ARCREAN SEEKS FULFILLMENT…
Three years after Elaina’s world was turned upside-down, the former nobleman’s daughter still tastes the sting of bitterness. When an act of betrayal sends her north into slavery, Elaina finds herself face-to-face with the truth she has long resisted and a choice that will change her forever.

THEY WILL DISCOVER A MATCHLESS GRACE…
Brought together in a desperate attempt to pluck a remnant from destruction, Luke, Elaina, and a host of unforgettable characters will discover the greatness of the power of God, and the startling truth that some things are not what they seem.

Through My Window

One of the first things that struck me when I began reading this book was this--the writing was excellent! In fact, it was so excellent, allow me a few moments to rave about it. 

The author's voice is simple yet elegant, leading the story with a strong hand. Once the tale begins, it really doesn't slow down...calms perhaps, but never bores. I admit, there were times when I would anticipate something that would either be postponed or defused, but after I sighed sadly and accepted things for the way they were, the story would take a new exciting twist. Each character is unique and vivid, imprinting themselves on your mind with such clarity, that it is no problem to keep track of the many characters--and there are MANY characters. 

Speaking of characters, our lead, Luke, is one of the most enjoyable male main characters I've encountered in a quite a while. He's a firebrand, a rebel, a spitfire. Think a Christian Robin Hood in a city instead of a forest. And the supporting cast is wonderful too, especially the witty, but wounded Brandly. The story follows these characters from childhood to adulthood, and they are fantastic the entire way. For the most part, I felt very little disconnection during the time jumps, except for a unprecedented nobility in one of the bad guys.

The theme of faith and salvation is incredibly strong here. The faith is actually based around God and Jesus, not representative deities, which I found a little strange, cause this is obviously a different world. But hey, C. S. Lewis did it too, though a tad more subtly. And while there are a few redemptions that feel rushed, they also feel well-thought out and possible. After all, Saul's salvation was rather sudden.

Violence: Very, very little. Some people die in battle, some are beaten, one is whipped. Children are threatened with death. But it so very mild in description. To be honest, I *cough, cough* was a little disappointed when the scene skipped over a hero being beaten. I know that sounds callous, but that confrontation and scene was being led up to throughout the entire book, and we missed it! (I know, I'm cruel to characters.)

Language: None

Sexual: None

Perhaps the only REAL complaint I have about this book is the cover. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice cover, but....it's the wrong cover. That girl on the front could barely be called a main character, though she does become prominent in the last 3rd. Still. I imagine Luke, with a bow in his hand, on a rooftop overlooking a (possibly burning) city at night. Such a cover would be hard to come by, though, so I understand. *sigh*

This is truly an engaging novel, packed full with excitement, drama, humor, unexpected twists, and a firm foundation on faith. If any of these things interest you, I suggest you check it out! (And be prepared to look up the author's other books. A sequel is coming!)