Title: In the Hall of the Dragon King (Dragon King Trilogy, Book One
Author: Stephen Lawhead
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 358
Summary:
Carrying a sealed message from the war-hero Dragon King to the queen, Quentin and his outlaw companion, Theido, plunge headlong into a fantastic odyssey and mystic quest. Danger lurks everywhere in the brutal terrain, and particularly in the threats from merciless creatures, both human and not-so-human.
While at the castle, the wicked Prince Jaspin schemes to secure the crown for himself, and an evil sorcerer concocts his own monstrous plan. A plan that Quentin and Theido could never imagine. In the youth’s valiant efforts to save the kingdom and fulfill his unique destiny, he will cross strange and wondrous lands; encounter brave knights, beautiful maidens, and a mysterious hermit; and battle a giant, deadly serpent.
Positive Elements:
Toli points out that serving is not weakness; Durwin remarks that “Even in war, we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of men”; characters show loyalty.
Cons:
The necromancer’s plans and power are extremely creepy, and might frighten younger readers.
Violence:
A character is ambushed and wounded; it is mentioned that an enemy’s comrades were beheaded; characters are taken captive, and one is beaten; battle and carnage are semi-described; a character battles a snake.
Spiritual Elements:
Omens are mentioned; several different gods are referred to (and eventually proved to be false); the antagonist dabbles in the occult; the nameless god is referred to as the Most High and Creator of Life; a character summons the antagonist through a pyramid-like structure; one character observes, in reference to Matthew 6:24, that a man cannot serve two masters; a character meets and places his faith in the Most High; the antagonist puts himself in a trance; another character speaks of two paths, seemingly in reference to Matthew 7:13-14.
Other:
Wine is used to revive an injured knight. There is one reference each of “Jackass” and “Shut up.”
Rating:
4 Stars
Conclusion:
In the first of three books, Lawhead introduces us to several characters you will find yourself immediately rooting for. Subtly showing how fake the gods of men are, Lawhead paints a story filled with suspense, faith, and action. While I would suggest this book for readers thirteen and up due to some of the spiritual elements and violence, In the Hall of the Dragon King is a book that will keep you reading to the end.
Madi's Musings 