Thomas Locke

Pamela Morrisson Reviews ‘Emissary’

Emissary by Thomas LockeBy Pamela Morrisson, Guest Reviewer

This review was originally published on the Daysong Reflections blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

I have read and enjoyed novels by a certain well-known Christian author since approximately 1990 and have learned that I can expect an excellent story that is well-written and well researched each time I pick up one of his books.

It doesn’t matter if it is contemporary fiction, historical fiction from various areas of the world, Biblical fiction, political fiction, fiction written with another well-known author, etc. It is all quality fiction and I never question whether I should invest in his latest offering.

This particular author has just released the first volume of a new epic fantasy series that targets the general market. Although the reader will not find an overtly “Christian” message in this novel, it is a classic story of the battle between good and evil and should appeal to those who have enjoyed tales from C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Those who have a problem with magic, wizards, and elves, etc. should probably skip this one but fantasy lovers may find themselves with a new favorite to add to their collection.

Emissary features two primary characters, Hyam and Joelle, two young people who have never really fit in with the rest of the world that surrounds them. Separately they each have been endowed with unique gifts that have equipped them for the destiny that draws them together in order to fight the malevolent forces that threaten the entire realm. Alone the challenge is impossible but together, along with others called to risk everything for their kingdom, there might just be a slim chance to overcome the evil that draws near.

This novel is written in a manner that drew me into the action almost immediately. Hyam and Joelle were characters that I could care about. Neither of them were perfect, in fact the opposite was true. Both had been sorely mistreated in the Long Halls where they were apprenticed and each found it difficult to trust others. Nevertheless they did not shrink from the call on their lives but bravely marched forward to even the possibility of death.

I find myself lacking in the eloquence needed to adequately describe Emissary. It encompasses the best of classic fantasy with beautifully descriptive passages, gallant characters, and a cause to die for. What more can a reader ask?

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