Curse of the Spider King: The Berinfell Prophecies Series - Book One

Curse of the Spider King is another wonderful book written by Christian fantasy author Wayne Thomas Batson, as well as Christopher Hopper, another Christian fantasy author. The setting of this book is many places in the US and the world, such as North Carolina, California, Paris, Scotland, and many others. Each setting is wonderfully described with immense detail and a vivid choice of words. The theme of this book, in my opinion, is finding out who you really are and not who others say you are, as the seven teens in this book discover who they really are. The plot of this book is quite interesting. It starts out by talking about each of the seven teenagers and giving a little insight into their life. Tommy is an awkward 7th grader whose parents are always too protecting, or so he thinks. He finds out who he is at a archery competition. Kat is a student who has polycythemia vera, causing her skin to appear blue. Jett is a football star and a motorbike fan, but an accident on the bike causes him to find out who he really is. Autumn and Johnny are twins, whose librarian gives them a book that causes them to discover their true identity. Jimmy lives in Scotland with unloving adopted parents, but a chance school encounter with his neighbor brings his power into effect. Finally, the last teen is Kiri who is a violin prodigy, but when her parents try to kill her, she has to use her power to escape them. Once all of the teens find their guardians, their goal is to get to Scotland, which is the location of the last open portal to Berinfall. But what they do not realize is that the Drefids have been secretly plotting to have all the teens in one place so that they can kill them and ruin their chance to take the throne in Berinfall. The teens all arrive in Scotland, and before they go, they listen to Kiri play for the king and queen. That’s when the Drefids make their move to try to destroy the teens. A huge fight ensues and the teens make it through the portal. But so does a Wisp, whose intent is to kill the teens. It ends at a cliffhanger, leaving one quite anxious to find out what happens. The characterization of this book is wonderful, as it always is with one of Wayne Thomas Batson’s books. There aren’t really any “main” characters, as every section of the book focuses on a different teen. Along with the teens, the guardians also play a key part in the story. Overall, this was a rather good book with a good Christian background. I can’t wait for the second one to come out. I would recommend this book to anyone interested.

While a little confusing of a read the first time around (there are a lot of characters) I really enjoyed Curse of the Spider King, and while I was a little sorry not to get the Allyra until the very end I look forward to it's sequel: Venom and Song. The story really begin 800 years ago in the Elven land of Allyra, where the children of the seven elven lords are kidnapped and sent to Earth. Skip ahead about 11 or 12 earth years as the elven lords reach the age of reckoning, and age where their hidden gifts and powers start showing themselves. Elven sentinels sent to earth to find and bring back the young lords but they are not the only ones searching, Drefids, dangerous minions of the Spider King r are also looking for them in order to finish the job they did not dare to do before. As the elves try to return to Allyra they encounter more and more resistance until it finally reaches a climactic battle in Scotland where remains the last open portal.

The Spider King holds an ancient grudge against the Elves and desires to destroy their homes, their culture, and their world. He amasses forces to consume all of Allyra. After murdering the seven Elven lords, nothing now stands between the Elves and the destruction of the Spider King but seven tiny babies, the firstborns of the Elf Lords – the last hope of the Elves. Though commanded to kill the babes, the Spider King’s assassins do not, in fear of the ancient curse that protects the firstborn Elf Lords. Instead, they hide children on Earth, deciding to kill them once they reach the age of reckoning and are no longer under the curse’s protection. Years pass, and the Spider King’s minions enter Earth again, this time for blood. However, the Elves are also searching for the children, as the preservation of their race hinges on the return of the Lords to Allyra. But if the Spider King’s minions find the lords first, all hope for the Elves will vanish. The race is on. Adventure awaits. The Curse of the Spider King is masterfully written, weaving together colorful plots and genuine, engaging characters. The seven teenagers are just like any kid you might find in any middle school. They have their faults, their hurts, their dreams. As diverse as they come, you have Tommy, curly-haired and unremarkable; Kat, rich but friendless; Kiri Lee, a musical prodigy; Jett, a star football player; Jimmy, a lonely, unloved orphan; and Johnny and Autumn, your average siblings. The adults in the book are refreshingly smart and honorable, unlike most portrayed in books and movies nowadays. They deserve your respect and they exceed your expectations. Witty at times, but strong and dependable, the teachers and librarians are true friends to the seven teens. Beautiful description paints the scenes of the book with vivid color, while adrenaline-filled car chases, battle scenes, and midnight escapes grip and draw you in. Sprinkled with a good dose of laughs, this book will have you chuckling over and over again. The Curse of the Spider King will mesmerize you, each hair-raising plot twist pulling you deeper and deeper into the amazing struggles and heroic victories of the seven Elven Lords.