Sharon Hinck has created one of the most vivid and enchanting worlds in all of Christian fantasy with her Restorer series. If I were able to visit a fiction fantasy world, it would by Lyric. (Though I would struggle between that and Narnia!) I *love* Lyric - the people, the culture, their dedication to the One. But Lyric isn't all music and praise. There's a very real evil at work in the land, and the battles are fought with real weapons, both physical and spiritual.When the first edition of The Restorer's Son came out, it was my first introduction to the Sword of Lyric series. I read the book in one sitting, absolutely captivated by the story of Susan and Mark entering a portal to another world in search of their son, Jake. I was drawn to Kieran's struggle against the One's call on his life. The mark of a great writer is the ability for a reader to place herself into the story, and I was right there with Kieran as he ran past the borders of Lyric, and straight into an evil that chilled me to the bone.Now the extended edition is available, and I'm once again swept away to the world of Lyric. There's so much new, fascinating, thought-provoking, entertaining levels to the story! If you didn't read the first version, you MUST read this one. And if you did read the first story, you already know you MUST read this one! Hating his new role as Restorer, Kieran fights against the One's plan until everything he knows is stripped away. Still, he'd rather die than do the simple thing the One asks of him. This path takes him deep into the heart of an enemy kingdom where life and death is in his hands.With the terror of their son lost in another world, Susan and Mark find themselves caught up once again in the politics and dangers they thought were behind them forever. With constant threats lurking, they search in places they never dared venture before, believe things that seemed impossible.When the journeys of the main characters crossover each other, it's not the old friends' reunion any of them wanted.>>>I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed this book. The characters are real, the wit and irony had me laughing out loud, and all the time turning pages to see what happens next. Sharon Hinck is a master storyteller, combined with writing that doesn't waste a sentence.Add the spiritual lessons, and what more could you ask for? The scenes in the tower with the mist, the presence of God so close it seems you're in heaven. Then you walk out and life slams you back to the reality of a broken world. But you're now empowered to face the battles ahead.This is fantasy that doesn't feel like fantasy, another reason I love it and can't wait for the expanded edition of The Restorer's Journey.Well done, Sharon Hinck. Edited to add: This is book 2 of The Sword of Lyric series.
What do You think about The Restorer's Son (2012)?
Not so well developed as her first book.
—loko
Another well-written book in the series.
—Windex777
