Archive for category Book & Product Reviews

The Peleg Chronicles: Book 1, Foundlings

Here’s what the Author has to say:

“Foundlings, book one of The Peleg Chronicles is Historical Fiction that takes place in the time period of Peleg, soon after the tower of Babel dispersion. In its pages we meet dragons, giants, false priests, the death hunt, an under-city of the Dwarven Brotherhood, and many memorable characters.”

“Foundlings weaves together the Biblical principles of chivalry, truth, courage, duty, faith and love within the framework of Genesis, and a bold adherence to its historicity. It’s an exciting page turner that leaves you wanting more, but more importantly it leaves the reader with Godly heroes to think on and emulate, and a young earth creationist view of history that conforms to the Word of God.”

Classified by the author as “Young Earth Dragon Fiction”

About the Author:  Matthew Christian Harding

The story has exciting elements, suspense, and adventure true to a fantasy-type fiction genre.  The author’s goal to create fictional characters who display Godly attributes throughout the story has been accomplished.   I love that the main character, Lord McDougall and several of the main characters are followers of the One True God, and are bold about sharing their faith.  However, I’m not convinced that the author’s claim to “bold adherence to its historicity” has been accomplished.

We love a good fantasy fiction novel, but had a little trouble reconciling the setting of the novel, the time period of Peleg, with the book’s inclusivity of verses from different parts of the Bible.   During the time of Peleg, the characters would not have come across the Book of Job, much less writings from the New Testiment.  Because of that, the chronology of the story was a bit cloudy.   For example, there are times in the story where scripture references are introduced but not footnoted, and my logic-brain would say, “Hey, that is from Romans”  but Romans had not been written at the time the story took place.   (Specifically but not exclusively, on pages 83 – 84, when the character Thiery tells Igi Forkbeard, almost verbatim, the text from  Romans 1:2 – 25 and without proper reference to its origin footnoted.)   There are also references to the Book of Job on several occasions, which would have been written well after the time period of Peleg, as far as I can tell.

  

In summary, the story itself is quite enjoyable.  There were some truly enjoyable moments and some creative characters.  But because of the Biblical references throughout, I had a difficult time staying focused without analysing the chronology and looking for footnotes for the scripture that was used.    Perhaps, for me, it would have been easier reading if the characters’ faith was more authentic to faith of Biblical characters from a similar time period.  (For example, references to Abram & Sarai or even Issac, Jacob, & Joseph would be closer to the time period of Peleg.)    

Other Products Available:

Paladins, Book Two in The Peleg Chronicles

Chronology Chart from Adam to Joseph

Disclaimer:  Members of Homeschool Crew were giving a free copy of Foundlings in exchange for an honest review of this book.  No other compensation of any kind has been received. 

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Travel Kits

I remember many family vacations when I was a child, back in the day when you always drove and never flew.   My very organized and resourceful Mom would put together a sort of “bag of tricks”, and every once in a while she’d pull something out to distract us.  It might be a pack of gum, a new version of “Road Bingo”, or just some game she had in her head.  (You know, games like “Write-Down-All-the-States-You-See-a-License-Plate-For” and “The-First-One-to-See-a-Fire-Truck-Gets-Five-Points.” ) 

When my own kids were little, we enjoyed playing the “Alphabet Game;”   the game where you name an animal that begins with the letter “a”, then “b”, then “c” and so on.  When we were done with that, we’d move on to some other category like food, or names, or if we were feeling especially smart, maybe even countries. 

Whether you need your own boredom busters or would love to bless a friend who’s traveling, this is the perfect e-book for creative gift ideas for anyone who’s traveling.  Here’s what TOG says about…

travelkits_cover_sm.jpg picture by homeschoolcrew

 Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others…

“Does your family spend a lot of time in the car?  Are you fumbling for fun until you actually reach your destination? 

Discover the joy of using travel kits! The Old Schoolhouse® presents an incredible tool you can use to entertain your own family and bless others!”

   The Travel Kits e-book takes the idea of travel entertainment to a whole new level.  It is perfect for the family on the go, or for creating unique and wonderful gifts to bless a family who is preparing for a long journey by plane, train, or automobile.    It is very well thought out with complete ideas; from what type of gifts to obtain, to putting it all together with creative, re-usable  packaging.  While many of the gifts are store-bought, there are ideas on how to incorporate innovative homemade/no cost items as well; something as simple as a coupon for a back rub for Dad or a chance to choose the radio station for a teen.  Having little surprises to open a long the way, makes the journey quick and enjoyable.  As with most e-books, there are many helpful internet links provided, including links to the Department of Tourism for all 50 states, the National Register of Historic Places, and the National Park Service, to name a few.   Here’s a sneak peak of some of the things inside:

 I’m really hoping to hear about a friend who’s traveling soon….I would love to put these great ideas to work!

For more information on Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others:

Vendor Name:  The Old Schoolhouse

Purchase From:  The Old Schoolhouse Store

Product ID : ebok-TOS-Travel Kits

Price:  $12.45

Product Type:  E-Book

Travel /Gift Ideas/Family Project

Did you know “All E-Books published by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine come with a 7-day, 100% money-back guarantee!”  So what have you got to lose?

Disclaimer:  Members of the TOS Crew were given free access to this e-book for their families’ use.  In return, they were asked to post  an informational review on this product. No monetary compensation was received.   For more reviews on this item, please visit:  The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew

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