Light of Mine had me gripped. I listened to the audiobook, although it’s available in other formats too. It’s a Middle-Grade Christian fantasy book, but I couldn’t stop listening! Not sure what that says about my listening age, but the adventures of Lauren and her little brothers Aiden and Ethan had me stuck for hours.

Lauren, Aiden and Ethan must guard the Tower of Light, as both parents have gone to fight the darkness. The children need to protect the Tower and keep the light bright, to guide their parents home. This isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially as the newly arrived bishop confuses them, the stranger hanging around the area scares them and to top it all off, the young acolyte assigned to them doesn’t seem to know much about living in the Light.

Allen Brokken, the author, has done a brilliant job in using Scriptural symbols and viewpoints to weave an exciting story together. I loved how the light dims a little every time the children fudge the truth a little. Their faith and the way they stand together is beautifully talked about, and their courage is great to see. The world they live in, Zoura, is implied in many ways, which is how I like fantasy.

Here is the first part of the blurb: Darkness is spreading through Zoura. Beyond the borders of the heathlands, innocent animals are being turned into monsters, and good men into pawns of the Dark One. Father has vanished after joining the Mighty Mercenaries and mother has gone missing in search of him.

Light of Mine didn’t take too many hours to listen to, and each chapter had a good length. The narrator’s voice, Stacey Bradshaw, was just right for the story and I loved how she sang the song each time. The book reminded me of The Little House on the Prairie mixed with the Wingfeather Saga. The story moves at a lovely pace and is gripping enough to keep your attention. Some of the story near the end was a bit scarier, but I loved how Allen dealt with the ending.

Light of Mine contains lots of important lessons and not all questions are answered in detail. There is a great cliffhanger right at the end of the book, the bane of my life, haha, as it means I will need to read the next book! The first part of the story ends nicely though, which to me is important.

Light of Mine deals with the important truth of trusting people. Who is the bishop? Surely he’s the main defender of the Light? The children are confused when the acolyte seems to lack basic knowledge or act more as a follower of Darkness. This is such an important truth and to have it in a book for this age group is wonderful. The characters are interesting, especially Lauren. She has to carry a lot of responsibility, but I love how Ethan sees the importance of speaking the truth.

I received a review copy via Celebrate Lit but was under no pressure or obligation to write a favourable review. As it’s a Celebrate Lit Tour, there is a giveaway! (US only…).

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d3be/light-of-mine-celebration-tour-giveaway

Here are the various Blog Stops, so enjoy having a look around.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 3

Guild Master, May 4 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, May 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 6 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 6

Vicky Sluiter, May 8 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, May 8 (Spotlight)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 11

Artistic Nobody, May 12

Simple Harvest Reads, May 13

Blossoms and Blessings, May 14 (Author Interview)

Cats in the Cradle Blog, May 15