Our Thoughts

The best thing about this book, and presumably the series, is that it takes something common today (kids heading off to visit the past in a blend of storytelling and education) and does it in a very uncommon way (shining light on the impact of Christianity in real history). This short and easy read will reward kids and parents who make it through a relatively slow start. The idea of kids getting to imagine going back in time is a really exciting one. Add in that it is not only safe and educational, but also faith-building and you have a great recipe for success (something we hope continues and builds in the rest of the series). The best way to picture this book is to think of the Magic Treehouse books, but without the secular approach today of filtering out the positive impact of Christianity. It also has parallels to the Secrets of the Lost Scrolls (a series whose first entry we also reviewed), but in this case the attention is applied to post-Biblical history. Series like this do a nice job helping kids get an initial glimpse into life in other times and places. ---- In this first book, we see a glimpse of the impact of Erik the Red’s son becoming a Christian through the eyes of two young children. Erik (not a believer) sees the two children who have traveled to this time of the Vikings and immediately believes they are spies. His son Leif, who has become a Christian on a recent voyage, defends them. He is especially intrigued after seeing the crosses on each of their outfits. Leif then prevents his father from stealing the young boy’s cape, causing his father to complain that Leif went off to trade and came back with “a new God! The God of the Cross.” to which Leif replies “Jesus the Christ.” Erik complains about this “God of peace”. Later the children are taken to a small community Viking church where they will be safe from Erik. The children pray before eating and Leif explains he now knows that the Norse god worship outside is a form of idol worship. At the climax, Erik is ready to kill the young boy Patrick. He says, “I will send you to your gods.” to which Patrick replies boldly, risking his life, “God… there is only one true God.” He immediately starts praying for help, a prayer that is answered. Erik is injured giving Patrick the perfect chance to escape, but instead he risks never being able to return home and his own safety to show amazing undeserved grace to the one who wanted to kill him by staying to help. Erik is shocked. Patrick explains that God wants him to love his enemies. What a great conversation starter for how God treats us! While a book this short can only tell so much, it could be a solid interest sparker as a part of a homeschool curriculum, a study in a Christian classroom or in conversation within a Christian family. The illustrations are also quite good, adding to the experience for the target audience. The final part of the story sets up excitement for the sequel in a series with several books.