Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom's Choice Awards.
We are happy to award deserving books like Light of Mine, Still Small Voice, Fear No Evil and Armor of God,” said Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom’s Choice Awards. “Our panel of judges really felt this book series merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly products that parents and educators can feel confident in using.”
Jenelle Leanne Schmidt - Realm Award Winning Author of An Echo of the Fae
Allen Brokken has a talent for weaving beautiful, heart-wrenching themes of family and friendship into a world full of peril and uncertainty. I was instantly captivated by this beautiful adventure. Young readers will especially love the sibling trio at the heart of this tale, as they struggle to hold fast against the Darkness and strain to keep their family together against all the foes bent on their destruction. The new friendships that were formed in this installment of the story were beautiful to behold. This epic adventure would be fantastic as a family read-aloud. Reminiscent of The Spirit Flyer series and The Wingfeather Saga, this up-and-coming series is a fun time for all ages.
Texas Book-a-holic
I am really enjoying this series. I didn’t care too much for this genre until I started reading books by this author. He brings excitement, adventure, danger and God’s truth in a story that will intrigue many young readers. This is the perfect book for young people to read. The author takes three children on an adventure to rescue their parents while fighting off the darkness. I was happy to see the return of Uncle and the Knight protector.
As Lauren , Aiden and Ethan set out to go to Blooming Glen, they will each encounter a dangerous situation. I liked how the author separated them and allowed them to each fight their own demons. God has given them light to overcome darkness. Now they must not fear but be courageous and trust Him. It was interesting to see how each child found the faith and strength they needed to fight darkness and those that stood in their way.
Even though it may have seemed hopeless each one fought their battle with the Holt Spirit to give them encouragement. I loved the obstacles they overcame and how they never backed down. A great lesson in overcoming fear and shining light where darkness dwelled. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
“When something important needs to happen, God sends us the Holy Spirit to shine brighter to push back the Darkness.”
Library Lady's Kit Lit
In Fear No Evil, Allen Brokken continues the story of Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan right where they left off in Still Small Voice. There is quite a bit of tension in the story and some violence as the kids fight for good against evil. As they are escaping evil, the three siblings are separated from each other and from all adults who care for them in an accident. Fortunately, they cling to God and are able to turn some of those they come in contact with to the true light.
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations
" Fear No Evil" by Allen Brokken is the third book in the" Towers of Light" series. I have enjoyed this series even through it is for children in the lower high school grades. But I recommend reading them in order because they a continuation of the book before. This book is a story of faith.
I can honesty say if I had read fantasy books like these when I was younger, I might not have such a hard time opening up a fantasy book now that I am older. I am glad I took the time to read these books. And on a side note I am thinking about giving these three books to my grandson who is 8, for one of his Christmas presents, who is like grandma and loves to read.
If you like stories that have children as the heroes and that are not all fluff and sweet , then these books are for you.
Inklings and Notions
The adventure continues in Fear No Evil, as the siblings continue on their quest to fight the darkness threatening their land. I enjoyed returning to the land of Zoura, since it is a unique place. I loved the message of faith this story has for middle school age (and older!) readers. I recommend reading the books in order, since this one is a continuation of the previous books. You won't be sorry for taking the time to read through this series!
Katie Clark - Author of the Enslaved Series
""Still Small Voice by Allen Brokken is an adventure of a lifetime! Filled with mystery, action, family bonds, and a healthy dose of animal friends this second book in the Tower of Light Series is a fantastic continuation of the journey of siblings Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan. Their quest to spread the Light as Darkness creeps across the land is a faith-filled adventure worth joining."
Samuel H - Age 12
Fear No Evil is the story of 3 children trying to raise the light to save their parents. They get separated, and meet strange people. Like the Iron Priestesses that show they are reborn in the light by being made of metal. The story has an amazing and interesting ending. I like that Fear No Evil from the Bible keeps coming back in the story. I'm pretty sure people will be entertained if they read this.I want to tell some friends about it. It's a pretty interesting story.
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations
"Once again, I am amazed that I have been blinded and prejudice to the genre of fantasy. I used to say that I didn't like and wouldn't try it, but thanks to Celebrate Lit and these tours, my eyes have been opened. It still isn't my favorite and I probably still won't pick a fantasy book in all the choices that the library and book store has but authors like Allen Brokken has broken my resolved to not read any at all.
I recommend this series ""Towers of Light "" it is based on the children's song ""This little light of Mine"" but I think it should be read in order that they were written. I was kept reading ""Still Small Voice"" by Allen Brokken because I was really traveling the journey with the children and wanted to know if they kept to the true path and followed the still small voice or if they followed the easy path which so many believers do. I had to keep reading to see who or if either the Knight Protector or the Uncle was evil. I hope you pick up the book and see for yourself.
Yes, this is for children in the middle grades but I am sixty and am enjoying this series.
There are even some laughs out loud scenes with a frog and a duck, there is even a kitten named Meow,Meow.
I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
"
For Him and My Family
"This is a middle-grade fantasy type Christian fiction novel. It is the second book in a series. We were fortunate to be able to review the first book in the series as well. They are best read as a series in the order they were written for the most understanding and enjoyment.
As school starts back up we tend to add an extra read aloud to our daily schedule. The Towers of Light series has been amazing. My kids sit still to listen to it and are totally enthralled. The older ones also have read it on their own but they still sit to listen.
Book two takes you further and expands on what happens in book one. You can read my review of book one Light of Mine to find out about it.
This is a great series about the power of light versus darkness. In this book, the children’s uncle shows up and tries to lead them off their path. He thinks they should go to safety and stay out of the fight. Their faith wavers and they leave their path because they allow his voice to draw them from where they know they should be.
The allegories in this book are wonderful! I love that even adults can glean something from the book and it’s a wonderful way of telling and showing how things can apply to the Bible and our faith as well as the modern world when really children think they’re just reading a riveting fiction book.
I am very picky of what books I allow to stay on our shelves. We have limited shelf space in our small home. This series will remain on our shelves for all of my children to read. Also, even if I don’t get the chance to review the rest of the series we will be adding them to our collection. Grab a copy of this series and read it! You won’t regret this decision.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations."
A Reader's Brain
"What a treasure of a book for families to read together! This book is perfect for upper grade school through upper middle school ages and honestly, I had a lot of fun reading it too as an adult. The book came across like an allegory with the darkness being evil and the light being God's presence. The children have adult helpers like Uncle and a knight, but ultimately they must show great bravery trying to fend off the evil and follow the vision to get to Blooming Glen and to the light. The ride is an exciting one, and yet the children are very innocent and honest (and their pets and their names are adorable). I love how their child-like faith reminds us of how the Lord calls us to be when trusting Him, which we forget all too often as adults. Overall, the plot, character development, and fantastical world really flow together to give us a book that makes us want more. Don't miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own."
Library Lady's Kid Lit
"Whether you are talking about the real world or the fantasy world portrayed in The Towers of Light series, there is much darkness in the world. Sometimes the Darkness masquerades as Light. Allen Brokken continues the story he started in Light of Mine. Aiden, Ethan and Lauren struggle to fight the Darkness with the knowledge they have from their parents and wise adults who have mentored them. When their parents both disappear and are assumed to have been captured by the Darkness, their Uncle comes to “rescue” them. He is not a follower of the Light and the children struggle with following the “still small voice” and obeying their elders as taught by their parents. The story is well-thought out and will appeal to children.
Still Small Voice is a fantasy in that there are made-up creatures that talk as well as a make-believe world. The struggle the children face is a real one. Each one of us has to daily make decisions which ultimately lead us down the path of Light or the path of Darkness.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
Still Small Voice and the other books in The Towers of Light series would be appropriate for a K-12 Christian school library. It would appeal to third through sixth graders.
I want to thank Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of Still Small Voice. This is my honest review."
Debs Book Review
"This is book 2 of the Tower of Light series. In this it is all about the journey of the kids getting to their grandmothers place, while fighting off evil. Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan are left to travel with their Uncle to get them safe to their grandmothers and they come across people that make them wonder to trust or is this evil attacking them.
I would recommend this to young readers and anyone that has read book 1. If you haven't read book 1 of the series you will not understand about the darkness and evil the children are running from. The book might be read as a stand alone, however, you will not get the whole story line and what the kids are running from. I enjoy this series and can't wait for book 3 to see if the children can bring light back into the world.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, ""Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.
Blogging with Carol
"Book two picks right up where the first book left off. I love how the author did that, it was like finally watching the second episode of a favorite TV series. Now, let's get to the crux of the matter. What voice are you hearing and what voice do you follow? The children's uncle is not a believer. So how much of his voice can they head? Being a fantasy read, the creatures that are included are simply fantastic. You have to hear the voice of the Light if you are to follow the Light and not be deceived by Darkness. Going through this struggle with these kids was a read well worth reading. I love this series even more than I did before.
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is left freely, a positive review was not required."
For the Love of Literature
"Growing up, I was an avid reader, devouring as many books as I could and blazing through series after series. Among my favorites were “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Younguns of Mansfield.” The nineteenth-century has always held a special place in my heart, and slipping into that bygone world through literature was and continues to be a great joy for me. I read almost exclusively Christian works, and my favorite genre is, unsurprisingly, historical fiction, while fantasy has rarely found a place on my shelves over the years. However, over the past year, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and taken advantage of the opportunity to review books from the fantasy genre, which has proven to be a blessing and has introduced me to many wonderful authors and their books.
One of these is Allen Brokken, author of the Towers of Light middle-grade fantasy adventure series. As much as I love discovering quality adult fiction, finding the same for children is a double blessing because it is so needed these days. “Still Small Voice” is book two in the series, which should be read in order because the story continues seamlessly from one book to the next. This second book deals mainly with transitions, setting the scene for what I predict may be a showdown in book three. However, this is not to say that “Still Small Voice” is unexciting or merely a placeholder. Far from it! Rather, we see Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan facing difficult decisions and learning that these decisions have consequences. In order to keep the Light burning, they need to remain strong in faith, but that isn’t always easy to do, particularly when their Uncle is not a believer and they are confronted with negative feelings.
“Still Small Voice” immerses readers further into the world of Zoura while gently teaching Biblical truths along the way. I love that Brokken does this so naturally, without making his stories seem preachy and sententious. Although I am quite beyond the target audience age range, I love the inclusion of special animals and the humor that the author infuses into the narrative despite the overall serious tone resulting from the threat of danger. Brokken demonstrates skillful insight into children’s behavior by the way in which he writes the story mostly from their viewpoint, highlighting their concerns and uncertainties. Also, it is very refreshing to read about children who are respectful and God-honoring and who are trying to follow the Holy Spirit’s still, small voice to conquer the darkness threatening Zoura and their own family. Another thought-provoking, heart-stirring story in the Towers of Light series that leaves readers anxiously awaiting the third book and hopefully learning to listen to the still, small voice within.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own."
Inklings and Notions
"This story is an excellent one to pick up and enjoy as a family! I thought that the premise was interesting and I am enjoying getting to know the characters as they seek to listen to the Still Small Voice. I loved that they are kind hearted children who are concerned about their Uncle's welfare, even when the reader might be feeling like there are warning signs for them not to be so trusting of him. I also love the setting. This is a delightful fantasy style series that will delight readers of all ages.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review. "
Texas Book-aholic
"I have been waiting for this book to come out since reading the first in the series. The author immediately captured my attention with his epic details and fantasy like creatures. How many times have you heard a voice tell you to do something and you ignored it? In this story we find three children trying to understand who they should listen to. The darkness is out there and they must defeat it and rescue their parents.
I was uncertain if I trusted their uncle. He comes to take them somewhere but they have been told to go elsewhere. Oh that small voice is loud as they try to be obedient, but they are battling against their uncle who is an unbeliever. When we don’t listen to God and His warnings, we find ourselves taking a path that could be harmful. The children are very gifted and I didn’t sense any swaying of their beliefs at all. They so wanted their uncle to trust them, but he is determined to take them where the unknown waits for them.
It is a race against darkness to reach their destination in this adventure filled with creatures that are ready to attack and darkness that wants to destroy them. The author gives great illustrations in the story that reference biblical times. Darkness is around us and we need to always listen to that still small voice that warns us against evil. The ending is good and I will be waiting for the next book to see if the children can find their way to let their light shine.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion."
Blogging with Carol
I was hooked when I saw the title, as I grew up singing a song like it. "This little light of mine" is the song. Would this book live up to my expectations? Actually, it surpassed them. It's full of scripture, faith. and a good storyline too! So much scripture is included in this book, I could read it again, and again.
It focuses on knowing God and obedience. Any age can enjoy this book, but I'd say ages 6 and up. Books like this one should be in libraries and churches so more people can read it. I like how light fights the darkness in this book, and how much these three children worked their way into my heart.