I really enjoyed Cast of Stones. I felt like this one was a little less unique, but still interested in all the political intrigue.

Patrick Carr filled such a needed gap in the Christian fantasy genre when he stepped in with his epic high historicals.

The world building is sparklingly imaginative and the characters leap off the page. I love the Frodo meets BBC Merlin vibe of the lead character and the endearing friendships and made-community that seem him through his trials and quests.

Highly recommended.

The Hero's Lot is the second installment in The Staff and The Sword trilogy by Patrick W. Carr. After being pleasantly surprised by the first book, A Cast of Stones, I was looking forward to starting this one and am glad to say it was also good.

I liked how we learned a lot more about Errol in this story and some of it was surprising. I liked the fighting scenes, as they were intense and grabbed your attention. There were a few sections that I didn't find as interesting (basically the ones that didn't involve Errol), but the ending made up for that as I LOVED the way it ended. It was a great ending and one that leaves me anxious to finish the trilogy as soon as I can.

If you like fantasy novels I think you will enjoy The Hero's Lot.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Hero’s Lot is the second book in Patrick Carr’s The Staff And The Sword series and as such should be read only after you read his first novel, A Cast of Stones. But that’s a really good thing, because this series is excellent! Book 2 continues the story of Errol Stone, now Earl Stone, a reformed drunk, now epic hero. Errol is under compulsion by the church to kill the traitorous Sarin Valon, a feat that most in the kingdom see as a death sentence for Errol. But Errol is not easily done away with, especially when he has so many that want to keep him alive.

The Hero’s Lot is a quest for truth — of secrets of the past and secrets of God. The nature of God and His relationship with His people are major themes as contrasted with the restrictions humans place on that relationship. Favorite characters from book 1 are in force here, and they become more complex. A few new characters are added that deepen the spiritual dimension of the story. The novel is set in a medieval world with a very familiar feel to it. The language, people and geography seem very real. This actually made the book more enjoyable as I tried to figure out just where the action could have taken place. (Is that Egypt they are traveling to?) Please note that there is another book yet to come in the series, so the novel leaves loose ends.

All in all, I think Carr’s series is great for Young Adult and Adult readers, and I heartily recommend it. And I definitely cannot wait to read book 3, A Draw of Kings, due out in February 2014.

Recommended.

The Hero's Lot
The Staff and The Sword Book 2
By Patrick W. Carr

What draws us to certain people and others just repulse us? It is a question that seems to follow Errol Stone. For some reason unknown to Errol and those closest to him, he has enemies throughout the kingdom of Illustra. But why would a young man who grew up in a small backwater town attract the attention of so many?

This what one hopes to discover at some point in this delightful attention grabbing series. And of course one hopes that Errol will be able to marry the young woman who has captured his heart, but where matters of politics and power are concerned nothing is certain. Especially when our hero has been accused and convicted of a crime so that his life might be saved only to be sent on a mission sure to result in the forfeiture of his life. Alas, Errol's troubles only continue to grow just as he continues to grow as a person.

Time is short as the king's life draws to an end, but Errol's time is even shorter as a new compulsion is yet again placed on him to do the bidding of the church. With his life and the lives of those nearest to him and the future of the very kingdom in the balance, Errol must succeed or he will die. (I won't give away more as that will just detract from your experience in reading these books for yourself!)

But if you like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Space series, Stephen Lawhead's books, or Fay Sampson's Pangur Ban series you'll love The Staff and The Sword!

I was provided a copy of The Hero's Lot in exchange for my honest review.