Jill Williamson 2008-12-05
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
In a grassy stadium field, twelve of the forest's strongest and bravest young fighters compete to determine who will be the four new squad leaders to serve with Forest Guard commander, Thomas Hunter. Johnis watches with his father from the sidelines as the twelve play this game called football, impressed with the strength of the contestants, but not their wit.
When the ball rolls into the audience and up to Johnis' feet, he hides it, rather than throw it back out. Thomas urges the contestants to find the ball, but they cannot. But Thomas knows Johnis has it and calls him onto the field with the declaration that he thinks Johnis can run circles around his mighty contestants.
Johnis is terrified but determined to show them all that the mind is greater than muscle. He uses his wit to prove Thomas right. Then Thomas announces that the Horde is gathering, and the new recruits, barely adults, will fight in four days time. But who will lead? Thomas calls out three names of the competitors, but instead of the fourth predicted leader, he points to Johnis. Shocked, Johnis shakily and reluctantly accepts his commission.
The four new leaders are first sent on a quest to prove themselves, but their mission changes when they meet a special someone who sends them on a new mission: find the seven lost Books of History before the Dark One does.
As always, Ted Dekker weaves a fantastical story with adventure, suspense, and danger. I loved his Circle Trilogy, and it was great to read a continuing story based in that world. Fans of the Circle Trilogy will love this story as will new readers. Highly Recommended.
