Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart

Spirit Bridge

I can’t read one of Jim Rubart’s novels just for entertainment. Somehow God uses them in my life. Every. Single. Time. And they’re not just novels anymore. 

This book releases Tuesday, May 6, 2014 from Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins Christian Publishing.

Let’s begin with the summary:

The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he's just set it loose.

The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon's alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there's Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn't know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon's final assault.

The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart's Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.

And now, my review: 

I usually have the privilege of reading Jim’s books as ARCs—advanced reader copies. These may or may not contain some typos, or some elements that may later be changed during the editing process. So, I won’t quote passages here, though I certainly highlighted a few places in the version I read. Because I don’t see the finished product, I like borrowing the audio files from the library after they’re available. Unlike with some novels where a reader is hired, Jim himself reads the books for us. And no matter how much I gain from the read-through a few months before I listen to the audio books, I always glean more in the listening. (Just ignore the fact I may linger in the car while I run errands around town.)

As usual, Jim’s use of setting captured my imagination once again. Sure, these are fantasy novels with plenty of supernatural elements, but the Pacific Northwest also plays a “role” in the story and I love that! A beautiful setting. 

His books are easily visualized, and like with the earlier books, I could see this playing out as a movie including Seattle attractions. 

Beneath that, though, are the spiritual elements. With themes like identity, truth, one’s calling, approval seeking, humility, and personal worth, readers will find relatable elements. And without being preachy, Jim presents principles that offer revelation and insight. 

I liked Simon’s characterization and how this title brought hope—the hope of restoration only available from God. 

Another great book from this author. 

Highly recommended!

The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck

Sharon Hinck has a new fan in this reader/reviewer. I’m so glad I stumbled upon her Sword of Lyric series. Susan May Warren is right in her endorsement: Sharon has the ability to make you fall in love with a whole new genre.


Here is the back cover copy:

Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake, as all signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. Assassins and political intrigue, false leads, and near misses beset their path, which will lead them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One's purpose is revealed.

Cast out by those he trusts and preferring to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will, Kieran flees to enemy Hazor, only to find that the One knows no borders. Pursued by his calling, Kieran journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all--perhaps even his life.

And now for my review:

Sharon’s writing is so insightful, you’ll gulp at the nuggets as they rise from the prose on the page. Yummy phrases and humorous situations will gather chuckles as you read. Then, the seriousness of the situation in Lyric will compel you to turn those pages to see what will happen.

At first, you wonder if Jake, the newcomer to Lyric, has the smarts (and guts) to last in this savage land. He is the previous restorer’s son. Suddenly, he has found the portal and transferred into the foreign land, without explanation or skills to survive there for long. In the meantime, the new restorer rails against the One he doesn’t understand. Because of his past pain, he just assumes the worst of the One and rather than ask Him about His ways or heart, this restorer denies Him access to his life. But the One needs him, so let the sword fight commence. I read and reread the scene of the restorer fighting with God. Not only did Sharon skillfully portray this male character’s POV, she also brought out the heart of the One and believably, insightfully, portray their battle.

Now for the best part, how God used this to coincide with a few scenes in my life. So many elements of this story match my own—the songkeepers and their lyrics, believing in the Verses, misunderstanding God’s heart (at times), and finding freedom in the single instruction the One gave the restorer: yield.

This is a beautifully written novel, a fantastic follow-up to the first book. My husband said, you don’t always expect the second book in a series to be as good as the first. Sharon surprised us both. We each enjoyed Book Two more than the earlier one (which is amazing given our enjoyment of “The Restorer”). I highly recommend “The Restorer’s Son.”

Here's her website so you can learn more about Sharon: www.sharonhinck.com and her other projects.