Review – The Restorer’s Journey

Often, the second or third movie or book in a series pales in comparison to the artistry of the first. Not so with Hinck’s The Sword of Lyric series. Each novel builds on the other into a thrilling and satisfying end, one borne of hardship, sorrow and victory. I truly feel this is one of the best additions to the fantasy genre that readers will experience.

Third in The Sword of Lyric series, The Restorer’s Journey continues Susan’s adventures in an alternate universe. Previously, Susan, as the promised Restorer for the People of the Verses, has won a vicious battle with neighboring enemies and watched the Restorer gifts change hands from her to a man named Kieran. He struggles with his calling, but finally submits to the One as a missionary of sorts to the people of Hazor.

Just as Susan, her husband Mark, and son Jake return home through their attic portal, they learn that the evil Cameron and Medea have traveled to their world as well, up to no good. Soon all of them but Mark re-enter Lyric. Cameron, armed with technology and weapons that he uses to create bogus sacred Records, has proclaimed himself king and given the clan of Rendor’s land up to the Kahlareans as a peace offering.

In this story, Jake is the next Restorer, but he is clueless as to his specific task. After some prayer and soul-searching, the One reveals that he must expose the false Records and return Rendor to the People of the Verses. A daunting task for one so young and relatively unfamiliar with a strange world.

There are as many themes and thought-provoking questions raised as there are characters in this book. The reader will be inspired by Susan’s response to suffering and lack of hope and by Jake’s overcoming helplessness and depending on God to accomplish His task through him. I marveled at the way the author likened Rhusican’s mind poison to demonic suggestion, portraying the agony that can result from believing lies from the enemy.

Prayer’s role can’t be overstated in our own lives, and as Susan sees, it can accomplish more than we could ever dream. However, evil people live behind the deception of the Evil One, and until they open themselves to the leading of God in their lives, no amount of cajoling will turn them from their path.

Readers will uncover numerous other spiritual truths and applications to life in this complex, enjoyable tale. I highly recommend all three books in the series and give them high marks in craft, entertainment, and inspiration.