About the Book
Author: Terry Overton
Genre: Middle Grade Christian Fiction
Release date: November 22, 2022
Luke Alexander’s father is “missing, presumed dead.” But Luke is confident that his father has set off on an adventure and needs his help. Searching through his father’s office, Luke – along with his friends Nathan, a pastor’s kid, and Lydia, a world traveler who knows several languages – discovers some confusing notes about Isaac Newton and finds a strange watch that once belonged to his grandfather. Knowing his archeologist father was on the hunt for Solomon’s temple, Luke and his friends decide to start a search of their own. Little do they know that their search will take them on the wildest adventures of their lives and make the stories of Solomon’s temple and other biblical events seem more real than they ever thought possible. But will their adventures lead them to Luke’s father, or will they only wind up with more questions than answers? Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples is an excellent book for anyone who loves a good adventure and who wants to find the truth that is found only in God’s Word. This first book in The Newton Chronicles will make history and the Bible come alive for readers both young and old.
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My Review
This is a delightful novel for young readers. A mystery leads to time travel where the kids actually get to experience events recorded in the Bible. There is a great deal of adventure young readers will enjoy. Imagine being in a dungeon along with the Jews who are slaves in Egypt. Imagine seeing Samson or watching the people march around Jericho.
There is also lots of information included in the book. Nathan is a preacher's kid and he shares background details about each event the kids experience. Young readers will learn much about several biblical events while reading this adventurous book.
Overton's writing style is very good. The plot contains a good mix of personal background of the kids and their adventures. The mystery that started it all is not yet solved so I will be looking for the next book in the series.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author
More from Terry
I wanted to write this book as a way to teach middle grade and early teens about Bible history and the importance of Jerusalem in world history and in current history. In order to grab the attention of this age group, the book uses humor and suspense to transport the three main characters, Luke, Nathan, and Lydia, throughout the Bible and ancient and current history.
Here is how it begins:
Chapter 1
The truth is, I wish I had never found it. Or at least, I wish I had found it along with a set of instructions. It started in church. Not that I fancied going every week like my mother. But I go. I am not crazy about talking to the old ladies each week who still want to pinch my cheek and tell my mother how much I have grown. I am not wild about the church windows, the candles, and all of that. There is not much to look at during church except the backs of people’s heads and the preacher. Thankfully, I figured out how to sneak my phone in church by tucking it inside my zippered Bible. Paying attention to a longwinded preacher—even if it is Nathan’s father—is a lot to ask when you are not yet fourteen. So, pretending to listen while looking at my phone was a skill I had mastered. I sit there calmly, pretending to listen while disguising the moves I am making on my phone. And then, I hear the name “Isaac Newton” in the middle of the sermon. That is when it really started. If I had known the length and complexity of what I was about to begin, I might have changed my mind. I guess I could ignore the name Isaac Newton and continue playing Fortnite on my phone. But my curiosity is alive with the name Isaac Newton ringing in my ears.
So, it begins.
***
Luke is referring to a time-travel device that he and his two good friends find and accidentally set off. The problem is they do not know how to control it. They discovered the device as they researched the travels of Luke’s missing archeologist father. Luke believes his father was searching for the original Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem when he disappeared. Now, the three suddenly find themselves in precarious positions and environments and must figure out how to survive, find Luke’s father, and somehow return back to the current time.
Blog Stops
Bigreadersite, January 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 7
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 8
Sylvan Musings, January 8
deb’s Book Review, January 9
Mary Hake, January 9
Texas Book-aholic, January 10
Aryn the Libraryan, January 11
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 12
Cover Lover Book Review, January 13
Vicky Sluiter, January 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 17
Book Zone Reviews, January 17
Blogging With Carol, January 18
Lights in a Dark World, January 19
Mornings at Character Cafe, January 19
For HIm and My Family, January 20
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
3 comments:
I really like the cover, it looks great
This sounds like a terrific read.
This sounds pretty cool! Thanks for sharing!
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