An Official Review of Olivia the Brave and Autumn the Fierce

Linda is an accomplished writer whose reviews and editorials have been printed in several Christian publications. I am thankful she took the time to give me such a stunning review.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I heard this was a good book for kids age 10 and up, so I decided to read it to see if my grandkids might like it. I was intrigued that it is based upon the biblical story of Gideon.

I was surprised, therefore, to find this children’s book held my attention until the end. It was a mix of the Narnia books and the Lamb Among the Stars series (for adults). Narnia contains lots of unique talking animals in a land taken over by an evil queen. A big battle ensues between good and evil, and a prophecy is fulfilled. The Lamb series features a universe of peace and good which is invaded by something that has not been encountered in a millennium–evil.

Some of these themes are seen in Olivia the Brave. Two young girls find themselves sent to a planet that has been oppressed by evil for over seven hundred years. They are forced to play parts they would never have dreamed of on Earth. They meet a variety of strange and odd creatures at war with each other and decide they must stay and help. I enjoyed the fantastical creatures, especially the Shadowtreaders who were marooned on a mysterious island and the Nivian bird soldiers led by a vicious general.

There is a lot of action in the story. Battles and sword fights are frequent. I am betting most kids would love the sword fights, armed space ships, and bright stones that give the characters their power. The two girls are funny and witty and grow in wisdom by the end of the book. They also learn to get along with each other and to develop empathy for the subjugated groups on the planet.

It is nice to read a children’s book that does not feature the usual dreary and dark themes of today, such as drugs, suicide, divorce, and bullying. Yet the story is not simple or naive. Parents would like the positive values of overcoming fear, knowing God is there to help, putting others before self, realizing each person has great worth, and finding adventure in life.

I appreciated the large print in the book! Easy on the eyes!

— Linda Jinkens