Warning Review: Light of Eidon

Despite being categorized as Christian book, this is tome to approach with extreme caution.

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Author: Karen Hancock

Genre: It is marketed as Christian fantasy

Publishers: 2003: Bethany House; 2023: Enclave Publishing

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About

Abramm has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice. But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably separate him from the life he was born to—as Abramm Kalladorne, fifth son of the king of Kiriath—he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers.

Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete as a gladiator. When the oppressed masses rally around his success, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible—to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient mist-bound cities, The Light of Eidon is the first volume of an epic series, Legends of the Guardian-King.

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Reviewer’s Note:

As you can see from the publication dates above, Light of Eidon was published in 2003 and then republished by Enclave in 2023. I kept an eye on the reviews for this updated version, wondering of the problematic content had been removed. Alas, it does not appear so. Thus my own warning review must remain.

I would like to make clear I never rate a book a low star out of spite, dislike toward the author, or with other malice-driven intent. I strive to encourage Christian authors and their books in the Christian genres. If I rate a book a low star, it is because I have massive concerns regarding its content, whether that be theology, violence, sexual content, etc. I am not singling out Ms. Hancock. She is a gifted writer, and I wish her gift would be directed toward penning clean books, because we could certainly use more clean Christian fantasy.

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Rating:

1 Star

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Review:

I dislike giving “Christian” books a low rating. I really do. I believe we should support each other as much as we can and provide gentle constructive criticism. I just cannot give The Light of Eidon a rating higher than a one star. For a “Christian” book, I am quite disappointed it contains the content it does. The violence was beyond gruesome and gratuitous, and that’s saying something because violence usually doesn’t unsettle me.

This book had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, it contains sexual content including sex outside of marriage, including scenes that are way too explicit. This act is perpetrated by the main male character, who never has any remorse for this unbiblical act, nor does he ever repent or admit he was wrong. It’s just shrugged off by everyone, even his mentors.

As Christian authors, we are held to a higher standard, and therefore our books are too. The content in this book more befits a secular story with the extremely over-the-top violence and sex. Therefore this book rates a one star. I do not recommend it for anyone of any age due to this.