A fantastic story with deeply biblical grounds, but some violent content.
Plot
Young Abramm Kalladorne, fifth in line to inherit the throne of Kiriath, has one intent in mind: to discover and learn the ways of Eidon, the one true God. So he renounces any claims to his royal family, changes his name, and joins the order of the Mataio in their rigorous search for the spiritual. But no matter how hard he pleads, no matter how hard he searches, Abramm cannot find the answers he seeks. Through betrayal and slavery he falls away, only to realize that all his life has been an answer to his questions, and that Eidon has more planned for him than he ever imagined.
Morality
There is both good and evil in this story, but the difference between them is clearly delineated by biblical standards.
Spiritual Content
The purpose of this book is spiritual: its very premise is the light of God suppressing the advances of the darkness of evil.
Within Hancock’s world the light of God is represented by a sect called the Terstans, people viewed as heretics since they believe the Son of God is now to be known personally, their Savior by faith in His cleansing death and resurrection. There are other religious groups, such as the Mataio, which can be compared to Neo-Judaism, and several pagan sects represented by other countries.
There are also instances of supernatural activity. The 'rhu'ema,' or demons, play major roles behind the Mataio and pagan groups, but this is carefully and admirably handled.
Violence
There are many instances of violence in this story. Abramm is stabbed in the wrist by a bird, drugged, kidnapped, beaten as a slave, made to row a galley, tortured, and made into a gladiator. There is plenty of room for violence, though the violence is not written in merely for the sake of brutality. Though I did not consider the violence to be too graphic, I advise caution as some readers may be alarmed by these instances.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Drugs are used to subdue characters, and alcohol is consumed, though there are no instances of drunkenness.
Sexual Content
In the southern countries it is the custom to keep harems. Abramm’s master has just such a one, and the girls can become very tenacious in their attempts to attrach Abramm’s attention. The main character has intercourse outside of marriage, but for the sake of the reader it is not described, and it is regretted and repented of later.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
Profanity is mentioned, but never explicitly stated.
Conclusion
The Light of Eidon is a beautiful, heart-rending tale of God’s long-suffering and his diligence in seeking out his people. Abramm’s story is remarkably like the biblical Joseph’s, and can be summed up by the latter’s words: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”
This review is brought to you by Jenny.
