Trilogy
10/26/19
Right now I am reading a trilogy by Erika Johansen, about the perils of governing.
It seems to be science fiction, but is really a fantasy involving immigrants, dictators, Queens, and magic stones.
There may be other forms of magic that come out of talented people without the use of sapphires, but magic stones are a handy bit of supportive items to enhance the plot.
I skimmed through the first two books, because they were not in large print.
The last one ties the plot all together, and in it I take exception to the fact that the author mixes magic with modern technology.
No one has television, cell phones, radios, or high tech medical machinery, but there are references to wrist watches, antibiotics, birth control and steel making.
Mixing swords, fighting knives, torches, horse drawn carts, and hand harvesting with place names like New London, New World, New York, Petaluma, and modern things just does not sit well.
There is child porn, slavery, corruption, wars, kidnapping, and treachery, all the ingredients needed for a rousing tale of magic and fantasy.
The item that surprised me the most was the mockery of the Catholic Church, with atheism being the major accepted philosophy.
Jesus is mocked, praying is shouted down, and the author seems to be saying that religions have damaged society in a major way.
For this point alone, I will trudge through to the end, even though the plot has way too many characters being woven in and out of dire situations.
Starting this set of books may be disappointing to Christian readers, so be advised.
The three starts out with The Queen of the Tearling trying to be like a modern Game of Thrones, but not succeeding.
Proceed at your own risk .
knightsengirl 