Very good allegorical content. Quite violent in some bits, but never too graphic.
Plot
Johnis, a small, skinny sixteen year old who can think on his feet, is told he is the chosen one who will find the seven lost books of History which will save his world and ours.
Together with his friends Darsal, Silvie, and Billos, he struggles to compete Teeleh to find the lost books.
Morality
Morality is very good. Billos struggles with anger and attitude, but Johnis tries to return it with friendship.
Spiritual Content
The spiritual content is very high - it is a bona fide allegory (Elyon is the allegorical Christ, The Dark One is the allegorical Satan, Elyon has not been seen in years and The Dark One is closing in) and very well done.
Violence
Quite a bit of violence.
There are battles, skirmishes between the four teenagers and the Horde.
They are captured by Teeleh and threatened with torture, and Billos and Darsal are tortured (though not in a graphic way - being poked in the back by the needle of a Shaitiki bat).
Drug and Alcohol Content
None.
Sexual Content
Romance is encouraged between teenagers 16+ in the forests, because they believe that is marrying age.
There is a kiss between Silvie and Johnis, and they have a 'thing' going - boyfriend/girlfriend relationship - but it is in no way inappropriate.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None. The Horde are nasty, but they are never inappropriate.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this book. It is an excellent read, sure to keep you on edge and hooked until the end.
Unlike many of Mr. Dekker's books, this series is not overly dark. Mysterious, and the evil is well written, but that is as dark as it gets. This series is less dark than Frank Peretti's young adult series, the Veritas.
