L.B. Graham

The Binding of the Blade — (2004-2008) Publisher: Joraiem and other young members of Novaana, the ruling class of men, train in Summerland to rule Kirthanin and to defend it against the evil schemes of Malek.

Beyond the Summerland

Beyond the Summerland is a magnificent work — an adventure story that is compelling, fast-paced, and full of deep and rich characters. Deep in scope, filled with intimate duels and the clash of armies, it is a work that still maintains a sense of what man is and how his choices lead either to ruin or rejoicing. The race to an exciting and surprising conclusion will leave you hungering for more.

The story is seen primarily through the eyes of Joraiem, a young nobleman of the Novaana, who must journey to the town of Sulare to train and learn with fellow nobles the arts of battle, history, and leadership. But unbeknownst to him, Joraiem has been chosen by the Allfather to become something greater. With a love triangle, shipwreck, and battle with evil races bent on destroying those with faith in Allfather on all sides, Joraiem must use his newfound gifts for the benefit of himself, his friends, and perhaps the entire world of Kirthanin.

I am thrilled to find a Christian writer who writes fantasy well and doesn't simply use it as a vehicle to preach or proselytize. Although Graham's worldview is apparent throughout the book in obvious ways (such as leadership of the world belonging to the twelve, a fall from grace by humanity and one of those twelve leaders, and an age of suffering to one day be replaced by an age of Eden) he never falls into the trap of creating a world that replicates our own. Graham's world is a world of his own making, not allegory or a replication of the Bible.

Although the story itself is intriguing, it is the deep intricacies of human nature that Graham willingly explores that most make this work a masterpiece of writing. No character is without turmoil, but faith in the Allfather's will is what sees them through even in time of greatest peril. This is a great book to share with middle and high school children that they might gain from story what is so hard to teach through lecture or chastisement as Joraiem and his friends act courageously out of faith in a great God.

A book that will show you love, doubt, hate, revenge, courage and faith, Beyond the Summerland is a book whose surprise ending will leave you begging for more. The sequel, Bringer of Storms is as fascinating yet even greater in scope.  —John Ottinger
FanLit thanks John Ottinger III from Grasping for the Wind for contributing this guest review.

Shadow in the Deep

The third book by L.B. Graham, a Christian and Covenant Seminary grad, is probably one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. Shadow in the Deep picks up where Bringer of Storms left off after the destruction of Col Marena by Malek's followers. The prophet Valzaan is dead, and Benjiah must take his place. Aljeron must lead the people of Werthanin to safety across the sea to Cimaris Rul while the Bringer of Storms continues to use his powers to manifest rain across over Kirthanin.

But this is not what makes this book particularly wonderful. It is a book that has little new happening and more provides a preparation for the next book in the series. It truly is a middle book in a larger series — a good book, but not as exciting as the first or last book. Due to its place in the series, there are very few solutions to problems, only the continuation of those found previously and the addition of a few more.

What makes this book so wonderful is the author's ability to just kill main characters in the must mundane of situations. Most fantasy authors become so attached to their characters, or believe that the reader does, that he/ she is entirely unwilling to kill most named characters. Not so, Mr. Graham. He will kill off important characters if the situation calls for it, and never bend over backwards to create impossible heroics in order to save the life of his characters. No healing measures or magic, no frantic life-saving techniques. If a character is cut deeply in the chest, he dies from it. It is a simple as that.

It is too bad that Mr. Graham writes for a Christian publishing company because that will probably keep his subtlely written testimony out of the mainstream fantasy section of your local bookstore. But perhaps I am wrong — Stephen Lawhead found his way into B&N, so perhaps Graham will too. Let us hope so.

Keep writing good sir! —John Ottinger