Book Review: The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment

The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment

Ed Dunlop

Publisher: Cross and Crown Publishing; Expanded edition (July 1, 2006)

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The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment by Ed Dunlop is book one of seven in The Terrestria Chronicles.

It is a children’s series recommended for age 10 and up.  But don’t let that fool you into thinking this book is just for kids.  I read aloud to the entire family (10, 8, 5, and 1) and we all enjoyed it.

The Chronicles are an allegory, and with names and places such as The Dungeon of Condemnation, The Castle of Faith, Coach of Grace, Sir Faithful and King Emmanuel, it is very easy to see the message and the message is very clear.

It is about Josiah who is held in the Dungeon of Condemnation and how Josiah’s master, Argamor, and his servants Evilheart and Lawofsin, hold him captive with the chain of iniquity and the ball of guilt around his ankle.  But just when things are looking pretty grim for Josiah, the Coach of Grace pulls up and asks Josiah if he would like to be saved from the Dungeon of Condemnation.  When he gives his answer “yes,” the storyline shifts and we are now on Prince Josiah’s journey as he grows in his service to King Emmanuel.  We see the struggles and the joys that he goes through as he realizes what it means to be adopted into the family of the King.

We also witness young Josiah stumble and fall back into his old ways that lead him away from the King’s service.  The story also takes us through Josiah’s doubts and fears and questions that he has when he realizes what it means to be truly forgiven and received back into the Castle of Faith.

The story kept very true to the salvation message.  The message is clear, simple, and easy to understand; but the story is exciting and keeps you reading for more.

The series comes with a question/study guide for parents and teachers and the answers are on the website!!

We will definitely be reading the next book in the series to see how Josiah’s faith and service to King Emmanuel will continue to grow.

meet the reviewer: Kim Wilson

Kim Wilson is the mother of 5 children from age 20 – 2.  She was born and raised right here in Cottage Grove/Woodbury area (and feels she will never escape – I mean move from the great state of Minne-snow-tah.)  Ten years ago, she left her profession as a court reporter to pursue new challenges - raising a family.  She currently lives in Woodbury with her husband, Greg, and their four children.  Three years ago she took on the challenge of homeschooling the four younger children.