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The Sword of Lyric #1
The Restorer
Soccer mom in our world. Promised deliverer in another.
Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker.
She was wrong.
Pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a desperate nation waiting for a promised Restorer.
While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that is poisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, and embraces a profound spiritual journey.
Will this adventure demand her life? Can she find a way back to her family? She has always longed to do something important for God, but can she fill this role?
Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker.
She was wrong.
Pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a desperate nation waiting for a promised Restorer.
While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that is poisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, and embraces a profound spiritual journey.
Will this adventure demand her life? Can she find a way back to her family? She has always longed to do something important for God, but can she fill this role?
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2007
151 people are currently reading
3013 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Hinck
28 books515 followershttp://www.sharonhinck.com/
Sharon writes "stories for the hero in all of us" - uplifting and entertaining novels about ordinary people called to extraordinary challenges.
She recently was awarded a Christy Award for Hidden Current. She's also won several Carol awards for both contemporary Christian fiction and fantasy, and was a Christy finalist for The Restorer - a genre-blending adventure of a soccer-mom in an alternate world.
When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She and her family make their home in the Midwest.
Sharon writes "stories for the hero in all of us" - uplifting and entertaining novels about ordinary people called to extraordinary challenges.
She recently was awarded a Christy Award for Hidden Current. She's also won several Carol awards for both contemporary Christian fiction and fantasy, and was a Christy finalist for The Restorer - a genre-blending adventure of a soccer-mom in an alternate world.
When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She and her family make their home in the Midwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 16, 2017
Wow! This book! I loved it. One main thing that stood out to me was its originality. It was unlike anything else I have ever read! The fantasy\sci-fi genre is so chock-full, often times it seems like I am reading the same book over and over, just with a slightly different premise. Not so with this one. The fantastical world, its people, weapons, buildings, life styles etc. were so unique.
I also liked its "cleaness". There was no annoying, impure guy\girl relationships, what violence there was was not graphically described, and there was no language. Although, even with its "cleaness", I wouldn't recommend this book for young teens or children, just because of some "thematic material".
I also liked how the main character was married. This sounds weird, I know, but bear with me. Oftentimes, it ends up being girl meets guy, they work together to solve the problem, end up falling in love along the way, boom, get married. I am not a fan of overly romantic stories, so I appreciated Mark and Susan's wholesome marriage. I loved how they knew each other so well, and the way they worked together to solve the problems. They reminded me a lot of my parents.
I loved the character of Kieren! He is such a grizzly, apparently heartless bear on the outside, yet you know he has a heart. I loved his love and care for his sister (I am blanking on her name), even though he didn't know how to show it. I also loved his and Tristan's relationship.
Overall, great book! I really enjoyed it! I just can't wait to get to the library to get book 2!
I also liked its "cleaness". There was no annoying, impure guy\girl relationships, what violence there was was not graphically described, and there was no language. Although, even with its "cleaness", I wouldn't recommend this book for young teens or children, just because of some "thematic material".
I also liked how the main character was married. This sounds weird, I know, but bear with me. Oftentimes, it ends up being girl meets guy, they work together to solve the problem, end up falling in love along the way, boom, get married. I am not a fan of overly romantic stories, so I appreciated Mark and Susan's wholesome marriage. I loved how they knew each other so well, and the way they worked together to solve the problems. They reminded me a lot of my parents.
I loved the character of Kieren! He is such a grizzly, apparently heartless bear on the outside, yet you know he has a heart. I loved his love and care for his sister (I am blanking on her name), even though he didn't know how to show it. I also loved his and Tristan's relationship.
Overall, great book! I really enjoyed it! I just can't wait to get to the library to get book 2!
December 10, 2017
AAAAH! This book is just so dang good! Literally in my top fifteen favorite series!
November 2, 2016
This book was so good! I started out kind of hard to grasp for some reason, I didn't really "click" into the story until later, probably half to three quarters of the way through. I am not sure what the disconnect was, because I can't really complain about the story. I enjoyed it a lot and the characters were really good! Loved Susan and I found myself highlighting lots of her real life comments. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say, I think if you like fantasy that is clean, you will like this book! I loved the relation between Scripture and the Verses in the land of Lyric. It was so cool and the musical aspect to it really grasped this music fanatic by the heartstrings. The plot twists were the best! I was actually gripped by shock over one particular twist. It kept me reading till the end and now I want to read the next book in the series. I also loved how the main character was a middle-aged married woman, versus the more popular unmarried adolescent. A great book and highly recommended!
September 10, 2022
This series has been on my tbr since... probably before I even joined Goodreads in 2015. It was one of those things that I thought sounded really interesting and I always wanted to read it, but y'all know how it is. There are just so many books in the world and this series got pushed down the list until such time as it didn't.😛 In this case, it was because I virtually attended some writing classes that Sharon Hinck taught at the Realm Maker's conference last year (2021), and I really, really liked her and liked the examples she used from her own books to teach us students how to pull certain things off.
So! Having finally read it, I enjoyed it a lot! I definitely saw that same beautiful, thoughtful heart in the book as I saw in Hinck during those writing classes. It was great how she took a soccer mom, a person who was definitely not the typical fantasy hero or heroine, and showed how God could use even her to do His will. This is a theme I always love reading and love writing, too, so that was perfect for me.
I really loved that Susan wasn't some perfect, stereo-typical "strong female heroine" either. There were actually times early on that I got irritated with her for talking too much, but this was intentional on the part of the author so that Susan could learn and grow. Particularly so that she could learn that it isn't *her* human words or wisdom that will change things, it's allowing God to speak through her and not trying to add anything to it using her own limited wisdom. There was one scene that I thought was written especially well, because it took me from wanting to slap Susan to get her to SHUT UP (while simultaneously wanting her to punch a jerk in the face) to flipping things so that I understood both people better and saw beyond their flaws to the hearts beneath. I even empathised with them. This all without *excusing* the flaws, but simply showing that those flaws didn't have to define them as people if they repented and let God heal and grow them into better people.
The dynamics between other characters were amazing too. I adored the contrast between, well, pretty much all of them. They were all so distinct, and I think nearly all of them grew and changed in some ways. I especially loved how Susan and Kiernan's relationship evolved so naturally from enemy, to frenemy, to allies with a genuine (though sometimes begrudging) respect for each other.
And the world! One of the first things that really pulled me into this story was how interesting the other world was. It was different from any fantasy settings I've read before, and I loved discovering each new and unique detail alongside Susan.
Can I also say (without spoiling anything, which is killing me with one of them because I want to crow from the rooftops about how refreshing and surprising it was) how much I adored the twists? There were several and I gasped at all of them. It was like, right when I thought I knew everything, BOOM, plot twist! The one at around the halfway point was especially great for me. I loved what it added to the rest of the story!
The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is partially because I like to be cautious with series. There have been a few occasions where I adored the first part of a series only for the latter parts to not do it for me, or even be unfinishable for me due to something like excessive violence that wasn't in the first book. So, unless it's absolutely spectacular, I prefer to give the first book a 4 star and allow the complete story of the series to earn the final 5 star from me.
Also, there was one or two scenes in the story that were just a smidgen longer than I thought they should have been, to the point my attention wavered slightly. The story never failed to pull me back in soon after, but I just felt that a couple things could have been trimmed a little.
I also thought it would have been nice if the story had clarified if the Rhusicans had any spiritual connections if that makes sense. The way they were described at times came off as practically demonic, and yet, as far as we know so far, they're just a race of people with manipulative powers slightly comparable to the "Jedi mind trick" in Star Wars, but used for evil instead of good. There are three more books in the series, so maybe this will get explained better later on. I would just like to know if there's any nuance given to them, or if they're all bad.
Other than that, I don't have much criticism, and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series!
Content Advisory:
Language: None
Sexual:
A married couple kiss several times, sometimes passionately, but the description is brief and tasteful.
A couple of extremely vague hints that a husband and wife spent some intimate time together. Truly, so vague it would go completely over the heads of young readers. As a side note, though, the story does deal enough with a married relationship that it's clearly intended to be read by adults, not young children for whom this might not be appropriate subject matter, not to mention that they probably who wouldn't appreciate or relate to this element anyway. This is handled in a way that is fine for teens to read, though.
Violence:
Susan gets beaten up quite a few times, but because being a Restorer means she has fast-healing powers, few injuries have long lasting consequences.
She gets threatened with injury quite a lot, and actually cut by knives and swords quite a number of times. Sometimes these injuries are described with mentions of pain, and often with very brief mentions of blood. Sometimes she ignores them.
Susan witnesses an evildoer get run through with a sword, and later, runs one through herself. (Albeit, not completely intentionally.) Mention of blood both times. The mention is brief in the first instance, but in the second instance, there's some description of the feeling blood.
In a somewhat wince-worthy scene, an individual who claims to want to help train Susan in swordplay beats up on her far more than necessary, using her fast healing as an excuse. They hit her over the head so hard that she sees stars. Mention of blood from the many cuts they inflict on her, though the cuts heal quickly. The individual also threatens to kill her at one point, though this never actually happens for Reasons.
Once, Susan and some other people get burned by an acidic substance. Susan heals, but others get painful welts and rashes.
Mention of a dead body with a burn mark on the chest.
Susan learns that the previous Restorer died after getting stabbed so many times his body could no longer heal fast enough to save him. (No description.)
Once emotionally intense scene features torture.
gets stabbed in the chest with a dagger so, and there's also some brief mention of blood, but it doesn't get overly graphic.
A battle occurs in which our major characters participate. Overall, while it is, obviously, violent, and there are quick mentions of stabbing, cutting, killing, and dead bodies, the description is generally kept brief and not excessively detailed. One slightly more detailed moment occurs when someone gets run through and there is mention of blood, but again, it's not gross or graphic.
Spiritual/Worldviews:
In our world, Susan and her family are Christians and it's stated that they go to church every week. The Bible is mentioned and scripture (both real scripture, and the version given to the people in the alternate world, which is basically parts of our scripture reworded a little bit) gets directly referenced and quoted.
In the alternate world, God is called "the One" and has the same qualities as God in the real world. However, in the alternate world, the "Deliverer" (Jesus) has not yet come to earth.
As stated in the review, the Rhusicans seem practically demonic at times. They're able to poison people with words. Sometimes they only poison them enough to cripple them emotionally, but they can also poison a person to the point that the person withdraws into themselves and dies, and the poison can only be combated with scripture. If given any resistance, the Rhusicans get more aggressive, sounding like they have multiple voices when they speak, and even physically attacking. However, this book never clarifies if there's anything spiritual about the nature of the Rhusicans, or if this is just some weird power that is natural to their race and is being used allegorically.
So! Having finally read it, I enjoyed it a lot! I definitely saw that same beautiful, thoughtful heart in the book as I saw in Hinck during those writing classes. It was great how she took a soccer mom, a person who was definitely not the typical fantasy hero or heroine, and showed how God could use even her to do His will. This is a theme I always love reading and love writing, too, so that was perfect for me.
I really loved that Susan wasn't some perfect, stereo-typical "strong female heroine" either. There were actually times early on that I got irritated with her for talking too much, but this was intentional on the part of the author so that Susan could learn and grow. Particularly so that she could learn that it isn't *her* human words or wisdom that will change things, it's allowing God to speak through her and not trying to add anything to it using her own limited wisdom. There was one scene that I thought was written especially well, because it took me from wanting to slap Susan to get her to SHUT UP (while simultaneously wanting her to punch a jerk in the face) to flipping things so that I understood both people better and saw beyond their flaws to the hearts beneath. I even empathised with them. This all without *excusing* the flaws, but simply showing that those flaws didn't have to define them as people if they repented and let God heal and grow them into better people.
The dynamics between other characters were amazing too. I adored the contrast between, well, pretty much all of them. They were all so distinct, and I think nearly all of them grew and changed in some ways. I especially loved how Susan and Kiernan's relationship evolved so naturally from enemy, to frenemy, to allies with a genuine (though sometimes begrudging) respect for each other.
And the world! One of the first things that really pulled me into this story was how interesting the other world was. It was different from any fantasy settings I've read before, and I loved discovering each new and unique detail alongside Susan.
Can I also say (without spoiling anything, which is killing me with one of them because I want to crow from the rooftops about how refreshing and surprising it was) how much I adored the twists? There were several and I gasped at all of them. It was like, right when I thought I knew everything, BOOM, plot twist! The one at around the halfway point was especially great for me. I loved what it added to the rest of the story!
The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is partially because I like to be cautious with series. There have been a few occasions where I adored the first part of a series only for the latter parts to not do it for me, or even be unfinishable for me due to something like excessive violence that wasn't in the first book. So, unless it's absolutely spectacular, I prefer to give the first book a 4 star and allow the complete story of the series to earn the final 5 star from me.
Also, there was one or two scenes in the story that were just a smidgen longer than I thought they should have been, to the point my attention wavered slightly. The story never failed to pull me back in soon after, but I just felt that a couple things could have been trimmed a little.
I also thought it would have been nice if the story had clarified if the Rhusicans had any spiritual connections if that makes sense. The way they were described at times came off as practically demonic, and yet, as far as we know so far, they're just a race of people with manipulative powers slightly comparable to the "Jedi mind trick" in Star Wars, but used for evil instead of good. There are three more books in the series, so maybe this will get explained better later on. I would just like to know if there's any nuance given to them, or if they're all bad.
Other than that, I don't have much criticism, and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series!
Content Advisory:
Language: None
Sexual:
A married couple kiss several times, sometimes passionately, but the description is brief and tasteful.
A couple of extremely vague hints that a husband and wife spent some intimate time together. Truly, so vague it would go completely over the heads of young readers. As a side note, though, the story does deal enough with a married relationship that it's clearly intended to be read by adults, not young children for whom this might not be appropriate subject matter, not to mention that they probably who wouldn't appreciate or relate to this element anyway. This is handled in a way that is fine for teens to read, though.
Violence:
Susan gets beaten up quite a few times, but because being a Restorer means she has fast-healing powers, few injuries have long lasting consequences.
She gets threatened with injury quite a lot, and actually cut by knives and swords quite a number of times. Sometimes these injuries are described with mentions of pain, and often with very brief mentions of blood. Sometimes she ignores them.
Susan witnesses an evildoer get run through with a sword, and later, runs one through herself. (Albeit, not completely intentionally.) Mention of blood both times. The mention is brief in the first instance, but in the second instance, there's some description of the feeling blood.
In a somewhat wince-worthy scene, an individual who claims to want to help train Susan in swordplay beats up on her far more than necessary, using her fast healing as an excuse. They hit her over the head so hard that she sees stars. Mention of blood from the many cuts they inflict on her, though the cuts heal quickly. The individual also threatens to kill her at one point, though this never actually happens for Reasons.
Once, Susan and some other people get burned by an acidic substance. Susan heals, but others get painful welts and rashes.
Mention of a dead body with a burn mark on the chest.
Susan learns that the previous Restorer died after getting stabbed so many times his body could no longer heal fast enough to save him. (No description.)
Once emotionally intense scene features torture.
gets stabbed in the chest with a dagger so, and there's also some brief mention of blood, but it doesn't get overly graphic.
A battle occurs in which our major characters participate. Overall, while it is, obviously, violent, and there are quick mentions of stabbing, cutting, killing, and dead bodies, the description is generally kept brief and not excessively detailed. One slightly more detailed moment occurs when someone gets run through and there is mention of blood, but again, it's not gross or graphic.
Spiritual/Worldviews:
In our world, Susan and her family are Christians and it's stated that they go to church every week. The Bible is mentioned and scripture (both real scripture, and the version given to the people in the alternate world, which is basically parts of our scripture reworded a little bit) gets directly referenced and quoted.
In the alternate world, God is called "the One" and has the same qualities as God in the real world. However, in the alternate world, the "Deliverer" (Jesus) has not yet come to earth.
As stated in the review, the Rhusicans seem practically demonic at times. They're able to poison people with words. Sometimes they only poison them enough to cripple them emotionally, but they can also poison a person to the point that the person withdraws into themselves and dies, and the poison can only be combated with scripture. If given any resistance, the Rhusicans get more aggressive, sounding like they have multiple voices when they speak, and even physically attacking. However, this book never clarifies if there's anything spiritual about the nature of the Rhusicans, or if this is just some weird power that is natural to their race and is being used allegorically.
March 13, 2017
This book is a wallop of wow between two covers.
I stayed up till 1:20 last night to read this. Very few books make me do my happy dance when I've finished reading them....but I was dancing last night...literally jumped off the couch.
This book is astonishingly, breathtakingly good.....and it's CLEAN, which is a marvelous plus. The Christian allegories and message are inspiring and uplifting, filling me with wonder. The world building is fantastic.
I usually don't read 'portal fantasy', other than Narnia, but this one swept me away. It was especially interesting to see a suburban mom, as a fantasy warrior....but, I always knew mom's were heroes! It was also refreshing to read about a married character, the love between Susan and Mark was heartfelt and sweet...but the author refrained from any annoying details.
THIS BOOK WAS MARVELOUS....I am utterly 'gobsmacked'.
Now, please excuse my behavior for the next several weeks....there is no possible way that I can be normal until I have read the rest of this series!!
I stayed up till 1:20 last night to read this. Very few books make me do my happy dance when I've finished reading them....but I was dancing last night...literally jumped off the couch.
This book is astonishingly, breathtakingly good.....and it's CLEAN, which is a marvelous plus. The Christian allegories and message are inspiring and uplifting, filling me with wonder. The world building is fantastic.
I usually don't read 'portal fantasy', other than Narnia, but this one swept me away. It was especially interesting to see a suburban mom, as a fantasy warrior....but, I always knew mom's were heroes! It was also refreshing to read about a married character, the love between Susan and Mark was heartfelt and sweet...but the author refrained from any annoying details.
THIS BOOK WAS MARVELOUS....I am utterly 'gobsmacked'.
Now, please excuse my behavior for the next several weeks....there is no possible way that I can be normal until I have read the rest of this series!!
May 25, 2023
This was interesting and a bit different from most of the fantasy I read because in this story, our heroine is a 40-year-old wife and mother of four. I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about it, but it was actually better than expected and the plot twists really got me!
March 29, 2017
THIS WAS AMAZING OKAY!?!?!? Go read it RIGHT NOW!!!
April 18, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a great idea! I really identified with the main character and I loved how reciting the Verses was vital to the characters' lives. I feel encouraged to memorize more of the Bible after reading this book.
But the book sort of fell flat for me. I love fantasy, especially Christian fantasy. I have a deep love for Lord of the Rings and Karen Hancock's Legend of the Guardian King series (if you have never read this, you must check it out!). Part of what i love about these books is the extreme detail the fantasy world are created with. This books lacked that entirely! The main character is transported through a portal into a new world, where the reader never receives solid answers as to how this new world operates or how it is tied to our world. I wanted someone to explain things! Is there a creations story? There's no sun? Who created the portals and what for? Are the Rhusicans demons? Throughout this book, I consistently wanted details and they were never provided. I feel that this book could have been so much stronger if some ideas were fleshed out a bit more. And the ending was rather anti-climatic. Spent an entire books building up this enemy threat and the battle lasted a few short, slightly boring pages.
This being said, if you are a person who likes fantasy, but found the extreme detail of Lord of the Rings to be overwhelming and boring (as I know some people do), you might love The Restorer! It is a good concept with good characters. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
But the book sort of fell flat for me. I love fantasy, especially Christian fantasy. I have a deep love for Lord of the Rings and Karen Hancock's Legend of the Guardian King series (if you have never read this, you must check it out!). Part of what i love about these books is the extreme detail the fantasy world are created with. This books lacked that entirely! The main character is transported through a portal into a new world, where the reader never receives solid answers as to how this new world operates or how it is tied to our world. I wanted someone to explain things! Is there a creations story? There's no sun? Who created the portals and what for? Are the Rhusicans demons? Throughout this book, I consistently wanted details and they were never provided. I feel that this book could have been so much stronger if some ideas were fleshed out a bit more. And the ending was rather anti-climatic. Spent an entire books building up this enemy threat and the battle lasted a few short, slightly boring pages.
This being said, if you are a person who likes fantasy, but found the extreme detail of Lord of the Rings to be overwhelming and boring (as I know some people do), you might love The Restorer! It is a good concept with good characters. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
April 8, 2024
April 2024 Review
Soccer mom gets pulled into modern Israel-inspired fantasy world. Lots of focus on marriage, parenthood, and family, which I didn't really connect with. At a certain point I stopped paying attention to all the character names. Still, more enjoyable and memorable than I remembered it being last time I picked it up.
Spoiler-y comments:
January 2019 Review
I think this was decent enough at the time, but I've no strong memories of it -- which makes me inclined not to revisit it. Keeping it around just in case I get the itch to pick it up again.
Soccer mom gets pulled into modern Israel-inspired fantasy world. Lots of focus on marriage, parenthood, and family, which I didn't really connect with. At a certain point I stopped paying attention to all the character names. Still, more enjoyable and memorable than I remembered it being last time I picked it up.
Spoiler-y comments:
January 2019 Review
I think this was decent enough at the time, but I've no strong memories of it -- which makes me inclined not to revisit it. Keeping it around just in case I get the itch to pick it up again.
May 8, 2014
I liked this book, but I found myself annoyed with it often. It was unique and compelling. It drew me in. But the fact that it was written in the first person drove me crazy at times, and my mental image was often fuzzy. What did the other-worldly vegetables in the soup look like? Why was there no sun? What was the technology behind the transports? I was not expecting Tolkien-like detail of the author's fantasy world, but there were definite descriptive holes that undermined the story a little. All in all I really liked this book, but I could have loved it.
February 13, 2016
The Restorer is truly a unique adventure. I picked it up when it was free on Amazon. What a jewel! The cover and writing quality are exceptional.
I was drawn in immediately because I could relate so closely to the main character (Susan). This book plucked at my heartstrings and made me examine myself in the light of scripture. The liberal use of God's word sprinkled throughout the book is perfect and really brings out its power and our need of it (and Him) in all situations. It took my mind to psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and reminded me how important it is to speak with my children about His word every day. Christ-followers are told to hide His word in their hearts that they might not sin against Him. We never know when we will be called upon to remember scripture. I was inspired to read and memorize daily.
The love for husband, children, family, fellow believers, and friends is refreshing beyond words. Sharon Hinck's writing style is not ever boring. I read the book over two days, only putting it down the first night when I found myself rereading the same line in an infinite loop until I almost fell out of my chair.
I have read many books over the past year, and this is among the very best. It is God-honoring and puts me in awe of "the One."
I was drawn in immediately because I could relate so closely to the main character (Susan). This book plucked at my heartstrings and made me examine myself in the light of scripture. The liberal use of God's word sprinkled throughout the book is perfect and really brings out its power and our need of it (and Him) in all situations. It took my mind to psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and reminded me how important it is to speak with my children about His word every day. Christ-followers are told to hide His word in their hearts that they might not sin against Him. We never know when we will be called upon to remember scripture. I was inspired to read and memorize daily.
The love for husband, children, family, fellow believers, and friends is refreshing beyond words. Sharon Hinck's writing style is not ever boring. I read the book over two days, only putting it down the first night when I found myself rereading the same line in an infinite loop until I almost fell out of my chair.
I have read many books over the past year, and this is among the very best. It is God-honoring and puts me in awe of "the One."
July 29, 2015
This was an epic read, even though it took me a little bit to get into (which is why I would give this book the rating of 4.5 stars). Once I did, though, I could not put it down!
I had seen this novel free for a while on Amazon and was so hesitant to get it because I usually like reading about young heroines, but I completely misjudged this one! Susan is an amazing heroine and I very easily related to her. She was the most unexpected Restorer yet the perfect one in the end.
When I finished reading “The Restorer,” I was really bummed to leave the world Sharon created. It was fascinating to see that world’s culture and how the Verses played a big role in society. Plus, the people Susan met are priceless to say the least.
If you’re a fantasy reader, don’t miss this one! Excellent storytelling that’s real and a heroine that’s awesome, it’s sure to keep you turning pages.
*(I did not receive this book to review. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
I had seen this novel free for a while on Amazon and was so hesitant to get it because I usually like reading about young heroines, but I completely misjudged this one! Susan is an amazing heroine and I very easily related to her. She was the most unexpected Restorer yet the perfect one in the end.
When I finished reading “The Restorer,” I was really bummed to leave the world Sharon created. It was fascinating to see that world’s culture and how the Verses played a big role in society. Plus, the people Susan met are priceless to say the least.
If you’re a fantasy reader, don’t miss this one! Excellent storytelling that’s real and a heroine that’s awesome, it’s sure to keep you turning pages.
*(I did not receive this book to review. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
February 12, 2015
Ever since Narnia I've loved the idea of someone from our world traveling into another, so it was really fun to dive into this novel about an average woman sucked into an alternate world.
What I loved most about main character Susan Mitchell was her strength. She wasn't relegated to the side-kick role. She was the one taking charge, despite her fears. She was the one learning how to fight with a sword. She was the promised Restorer sent to deliver an oppressed people. Great stuff. Not to say the male characters sit around and drink tea. Susan's husband Mark plays a huge role, as do several important characters from the alternate world who I very much enjoyed getting to know as well.
What I loved most about main character Susan Mitchell was her strength. She wasn't relegated to the side-kick role. She was the one taking charge, despite her fears. She was the one learning how to fight with a sword. She was the promised Restorer sent to deliver an oppressed people. Great stuff. Not to say the male characters sit around and drink tea. Susan's husband Mark plays a huge role, as do several important characters from the alternate world who I very much enjoyed getting to know as well.
April 14, 2015
A Christian fantasy novel from a mom and writer of fiction types. An honest voyage through a sudden adventure, with faith, fear and forgiveness mixed in in massive quantities. What kind of a heroine is a mom with two teenagers and two grade schoolers? Well worth the time spent reading.
did-not-finish
April 24, 2016I dunno. I just couldn't get into this book. Maybe I'll pick it up later.
June 27, 2018
I’m a big fan of time travel stories, so naturally, a fantasy about a suburban soccer mom stepping through a portal into a different world would get my attention. It took me a while to get through the first half of the story—not for any fault with it, for the descriptions of technology that lighted buildings through glowing walls, self-propelling transporters, a culture centered around the Verses, all that was interesting. But as a reader who prefers a romance angle somewhere in the story, I got a little bored knowing that she’d left her husband behind when she went through the portal and that she’d not be reunited with him till the end.
Boy was I wrong, and the story’s captivating factor went off the charts when Susan’s husband goes through the portal after her, and I came to understand why the portal was in Susan’s attic to begin with. (Kudos to the author for a giving a solid reason for the portal being accessed by the heroine! I rarely see a logical explanation for portals in time travel novels.) That’s the only spoiler I’m going to give, in case there’s someone else hesitiant for lack of a love interest early on. It’s worth the wait.
Susan is given Restorer gifts upon arriving through the portal, enhanced senses such as hearing and eyesight, and the ability to heal quickly. These gifts are given by God (called “the One”) for the purpose of leading the people in battle against their enemies and calling them back to the truth of the Verses. The story is centered around Susan’s God-given mission, and has deep spiritual undertones. Although the story has a satisfying conclusion, there’s a crafty hook toward the second book in the series. And since I enjoyed Susan and Mark and Tristan and Kendra so much, I may have to check it out and see what adventure they’re up against next.
Boy was I wrong, and the story’s captivating factor went off the charts when Susan’s husband goes through the portal after her, and I came to understand why the portal was in Susan’s attic to begin with. (Kudos to the author for a giving a solid reason for the portal being accessed by the heroine! I rarely see a logical explanation for portals in time travel novels.) That’s the only spoiler I’m going to give, in case there’s someone else hesitiant for lack of a love interest early on. It’s worth the wait.
Susan is given Restorer gifts upon arriving through the portal, enhanced senses such as hearing and eyesight, and the ability to heal quickly. These gifts are given by God (called “the One”) for the purpose of leading the people in battle against their enemies and calling them back to the truth of the Verses. The story is centered around Susan’s God-given mission, and has deep spiritual undertones. Although the story has a satisfying conclusion, there’s a crafty hook toward the second book in the series. And since I enjoyed Susan and Mark and Tristan and Kendra so much, I may have to check it out and see what adventure they’re up against next.
July 22, 2019
I loved this book. I loved how Scripture was truly used as a weapon. I loved how our MC grew and changed and developed. I love that there are more books in this series.
July 11, 2021
I really liked this book! I can definitely see the Old Testament parallels. It works great just as a fantasy novel too, if the Christian premise scares you off.
May 28, 2018
A busy housewife gets her life turned upside down when she accidentally goes through a portal into a different world. We are along for the ride as Susan adjusts to this world of guardians, songkeepers, sword fights, and strange new abilities to frighten and confuse her. She wonders if God has forgotten about her... but discovers instead that this journey can turn her heart towards Him in new ways if she is willing to trust Him on any path He leads her down. Exciting adventure, unexpected turns of plot, lovable characters and inspiring spiritual application mark this easy-to-read tale.
**May 2018 Reread
Susan Mitchell is a suburban mom of four who is burnt out and feeling defeated. Her husband builds her a little getaway in their attic - enough space for a desk and a comfy chair, with strict instructions to the children that this is Mom's personal space. When Mark takes the kids to the park, Susan heads up to the attic ready to be refreshed and renewed.
Instead, Susan stumbles through a portal and finds herself in another world. A world without modern technology or comforts, with strange customs and traditions of its own. These people call God 'the One' and follow 'the Verses,' making their faith is similar to Susan's own, which is a strength as she learns to navigate life in this strange place.
It is quickly discovered that Susan possesses special gifts promised to the Restorer - someone the One will raise up in times of great need to turn the hearts of the people back to the Verses. Susan feels ill equipped to be the Restorer when she doesn't know anything about the great needs facing these people! How could God have called her to this? Yet if this is His task for her, she wants to be faithful.
The people in this new world face attacks from their enemies, corruption in their Counsel, and despair from those spreading lies of hopelessness. There's plenty of adventure as Susan and her new friends seek to win these battles with the help of the One, and she wonders if He will ever allow her to return to her own home and family.
I do not read much fantasy, because I often find it hard to get into new worlds. With this story, however, Susan is as new to this place as we are, so the pacing and world-building seems very natural, quick, easy to follow. I love these books and am looking forward to rereading more in the series!
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
**May 2018 Reread
Susan Mitchell is a suburban mom of four who is burnt out and feeling defeated. Her husband builds her a little getaway in their attic - enough space for a desk and a comfy chair, with strict instructions to the children that this is Mom's personal space. When Mark takes the kids to the park, Susan heads up to the attic ready to be refreshed and renewed.
Instead, Susan stumbles through a portal and finds herself in another world. A world without modern technology or comforts, with strange customs and traditions of its own. These people call God 'the One' and follow 'the Verses,' making their faith is similar to Susan's own, which is a strength as she learns to navigate life in this strange place.
It is quickly discovered that Susan possesses special gifts promised to the Restorer - someone the One will raise up in times of great need to turn the hearts of the people back to the Verses. Susan feels ill equipped to be the Restorer when she doesn't know anything about the great needs facing these people! How could God have called her to this? Yet if this is His task for her, she wants to be faithful.
The people in this new world face attacks from their enemies, corruption in their Counsel, and despair from those spreading lies of hopelessness. There's plenty of adventure as Susan and her new friends seek to win these battles with the help of the One, and she wonders if He will ever allow her to return to her own home and family.
I do not read much fantasy, because I often find it hard to get into new worlds. With this story, however, Susan is as new to this place as we are, so the pacing and world-building seems very natural, quick, easy to follow. I love these books and am looking forward to rereading more in the series!
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
July 20, 2012
This was my first book by Sharon Hinck and definitely not my last. What an awesome writer she is! She drew me right into the story and kept my attention till the very last page!
Susan is a normal mom in our world. She prayed that the Lord would use her for a great work. When she's on her attic she accidentally stumbles upon a portal to another world. She doesn't know what is happening to her, and suddenly she's a witness of a man killing another man with a sword! When she recovers from her shock she notices that things around her look different than in her own world. First she believes she's dreaming, but soon she's discovering she's wide awake and she doesn't know how to get back to the attic in her own world.
Tristan is a guardian in this strange world. He finds Susan and takes care of her. First they don't trust each other, but soon Tristan discovers that Susan is showing signs of a Restorer. A restorer is sent to Tristan's people--the People of the Verses--in times of great need. Susan can hardly believe she's the one.
After some time in Tristan's world she is learning of the dangers that are threatening the People of the Verses. Can she really be sent to be the Restorer these people need?
A story that reminds us of the times of the Judges in the Bible--The Restorer is a fascinating read with many Biblical truths woven into the story, without becoming preachy.
The message in this book is very clear and also important for Christians nowadays--the truth will set you free!
Susan is a normal mom in our world. She prayed that the Lord would use her for a great work. When she's on her attic she accidentally stumbles upon a portal to another world. She doesn't know what is happening to her, and suddenly she's a witness of a man killing another man with a sword! When she recovers from her shock she notices that things around her look different than in her own world. First she believes she's dreaming, but soon she's discovering she's wide awake and she doesn't know how to get back to the attic in her own world.
Tristan is a guardian in this strange world. He finds Susan and takes care of her. First they don't trust each other, but soon Tristan discovers that Susan is showing signs of a Restorer. A restorer is sent to Tristan's people--the People of the Verses--in times of great need. Susan can hardly believe she's the one.
After some time in Tristan's world she is learning of the dangers that are threatening the People of the Verses. Can she really be sent to be the Restorer these people need?
A story that reminds us of the times of the Judges in the Bible--The Restorer is a fascinating read with many Biblical truths woven into the story, without becoming preachy.
The message in this book is very clear and also important for Christians nowadays--the truth will set you free!
February 18, 2012
Edit--the book has been expanded and rereleased! http://vikingsbooksetc.wordpress.com/...
I got to read a rough draft of this novel years ago and loved it, and look forward to reading it now that it's finally in print-- Sharon is a great writer and a wonderful person! May her pen never run dry! Or her inkjet, or laser printer, whatever she uses, and if it does, may it be replaced ASAP by a generous benefactor.
Have just restarted the book, after finally buying a copy, and am enjoying it thoroughly. As a "real person sent to a fantasy world with a mission to accomplish" it obviously has a lot in common with certain fantasies out in the secular market (eg, Stephen Donaldson's work), but is more along the lines of Joseph Bentz's Song of Fire, both in the general feel and in the Christian undertones (though sometimes fairly explicit). That said, this work is very original and fun in it's own right, and I'm getting all wrapped up in it again, just like I was when studying Swedish in Uppsala five summers ago.
I got to read a rough draft of this novel years ago and loved it, and look forward to reading it now that it's finally in print-- Sharon is a great writer and a wonderful person! May her pen never run dry! Or her inkjet, or laser printer, whatever she uses, and if it does, may it be replaced ASAP by a generous benefactor.
Have just restarted the book, after finally buying a copy, and am enjoying it thoroughly. As a "real person sent to a fantasy world with a mission to accomplish" it obviously has a lot in common with certain fantasies out in the secular market (eg, Stephen Donaldson's work), but is more along the lines of Joseph Bentz's Song of Fire, both in the general feel and in the Christian undertones (though sometimes fairly explicit). That said, this work is very original and fun in it's own right, and I'm getting all wrapped up in it again, just like I was when studying Swedish in Uppsala five summers ago.
June 14, 2015
I usually don't read fantasy books, and I wasn't sure what to expect with a Christian fantasy, but I really enjoyed this book! I was eager to read and to find out what happened next! I enjoyed picturing what they were going through, and I thought the characters were brave, courageous, faithful, and hopeful. No matter what they were going through and the danger that they experienced, they held steadfast to God.
I loved that when they spoke "The Verses" they were made stronger and were refreshed. That should be like us with the Bible and prayer and church and how we experience God on Earth. And just reading this Christian story and the faith they had with the Verses, renewed me to think of God more in my daily life and to pray more often. I found myself, even while I was on a hike, thinking about God and his presence there with me and feeling hopeful and faithful. I was more upbeat and positive and energized as I was thinking about God.
A well read. I am definitely eager to read the sequel! The ending made it where the story continues with their son.
I loved that when they spoke "The Verses" they were made stronger and were refreshed. That should be like us with the Bible and prayer and church and how we experience God on Earth. And just reading this Christian story and the faith they had with the Verses, renewed me to think of God more in my daily life and to pray more often. I found myself, even while I was on a hike, thinking about God and his presence there with me and feeling hopeful and faithful. I was more upbeat and positive and energized as I was thinking about God.
A well read. I am definitely eager to read the sequel! The ending made it where the story continues with their son.
December 22, 2016
Wow! A fantasy that is neither a romance nor a coming-of-age story. The protagonist is a grown woman like me, happily married, not falling in love with anyone in the alternate universe into which she has been thrust. When I saw the title, I assumed the restorer would be a messianic figure, but no, she is more like an Old Testament judge, sent to rescue the people from their oppressors and call them back to “the Verses,” much like our scriptures. I love the way Susan must rely on verses she memorized as a child (motivation for me to pay more attention to Scripture memory), and her faith is deepened by being thrust into a situation where God appears to have abandoned her. Rhusicans whisper lies that poison people’s thinking, but they cannot be entirely blamed because those lies build on doubts and evil the seeds of which are already in the person being poisoned.
Unbelievers will probably not enjoy this book; they simply won’t understand it; but I found it far more theologically astute than the average Christian fiction, and it’s a heck of a good story very well told.
Unbelievers will probably not enjoy this book; they simply won’t understand it; but I found it far more theologically astute than the average Christian fiction, and it’s a heck of a good story very well told.
December 26, 2011
Oh my goodness!! This book was so amazing. It had me captivated from the first chapter, wanting to know what would happen and how things would work out and it just grabbed me and pulled me into this world that Sharon Hinck created. This is seriously one of the best books I have read and I recommend it to everyone. I can't wait to read the second one and find out what happens. Sharon Hinck really knows how to write a wonderful story.
November 30, 2012
I was surprised at how much I liked this book. Christian fiction with a fantasy twist that didn't annoy the ever loving crap out of me. Definitely a great recommendation for someone who wants to get into the genre, but doesn't want to be bashed over the head with the Bible thumping.
August 8, 2015
Great story!
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started reading but I got more and more into the story as it unfolded. I really enjoyed this book and found it very thought provoking and inspirational as regards my own life and my own attitude towards God.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started reading but I got more and more into the story as it unfolded. I really enjoyed this book and found it very thought provoking and inspirational as regards my own life and my own attitude towards God.
August 21, 2008
Good effort. Sharon Hinck is no C. S. Lewis, but who is?
April 30, 2024
I just finished this book and am already reaching for the second in the series. It was THAT good! First, the world was fantastic! It was different than our own and had so many amazing elements to it without too much, causing the reader confusion. The reason this book earned 5 stars is due to the theme. If anyone has read Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, this book is basically a fiction tale about how to combat the lies presented in Nancy's book. The battle of the mind was just as real and vividly described as the physical battles in which the characters engage. Few Christian authors are willing to stand on the platform and show how to combat lies. They suggest that we have some inner strength to fight lies because we know Christ and are now immune to true lies, so whatever we believe now must instead be some form of a truth. And that is one of the biggest lies propogated today that I have ever heard. Sharon Hinck was not afraid to show that Christians are not sinless people and lies we believe play off our internal fears and faults that simply will not be perfected until heaven. But she also showed the answer to combattting lies: truth! We do not have the strength to fight, but God within us will fight for us. Our task is to quit wallowing in self-pity, listen to other Christians around us who are working to help us and fight alongside us, and preach truth to ourselves directly from God's Word. Highly recommend this book to any Christian woman out there for encouragement and a little conviction to keep fighting against the war for our mind.
March 21, 2017
Engaging, Illuminating
I began this series at the enthusiastic recommendation of my sister. I do like a good fantasy series, though I can grow annoyed with cliches that are not well delivered.
This book was not annoying at all. It used all of the fantasy cliches necessary for "fantasy" while adding a new twist. A soccer mom who is the "chosen one"? Never read that before.
I particularly loved how one people group, the Rhusicans, were portrayed. I won't spoil anything, but let me just say I learned a lot about spiritual warfare in this book that I might not have understood otherwise.
5 stars! I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to read the next one!
I began this series at the enthusiastic recommendation of my sister. I do like a good fantasy series, though I can grow annoyed with cliches that are not well delivered.
This book was not annoying at all. It used all of the fantasy cliches necessary for "fantasy" while adding a new twist. A soccer mom who is the "chosen one"? Never read that before.
I particularly loved how one people group, the Rhusicans, were portrayed. I won't spoil anything, but let me just say I learned a lot about spiritual warfare in this book that I might not have understood otherwise.
5 stars! I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to read the next one!
March 13, 2018
It took me a little bit to get into this book, but it just could have been because I wasn't able to read it on a consistent basis. However, when I finally did get into, it was EXCELLENT! And the author even surprised me with a twist I didn't see coming--not always easy to do, and I LOVE it when an author can pull it off! I also love that it's not a "romance" novel--just a good, solid story. Actually it's an allegory, and the message presented through it is quite clear, which I also love. I'd definitely recommend it! Definitely sets it up for the next book in the series at the end as well, so be prepared to want to read the next one. 😉
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