Landon Snow and his two sisters find themselves thrust back once again into the magical land of Wonderwood - along with a strange and unpleasant boy named Max - but this time they find the peaceful valley folk have been enslaved by the Arcans and the evil Volucer Dragon. Will a few verses from an antique Bible and the courage of the Snow children be enough to overcome the dragon, or will the Dragon's evil win the day?
Morality
The lines between right and wrong are clearly drawn. Landon struggles to do the right thing at times, but in the end usually shows good judgment.
Spiritual Content
Once again the author employs clear representations of God and the Devil and his servants, in the form of the unseen Auctor, the Volucer Dragon, and the evil Arcans. There may be a slight theological inconsistency, in that the Arcans seem to have been created by the Dragon, unlike demons who were created by God and then fell. A number of Bible verses are referenced and faith and God's miraculous power are explored.
Violence
Two boys attempt to kill the Snow family. Animals living in captivity are released now and then only to be subjected to cruel hunting and grisly death. At one point, the evil dragon drinks blood.
Drug and Alcohol Content
None.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
Spitting, boogers, burping, wolf marking territory by urinating. One character is nicknamed after gas by a rude boy.
Conclusion
This series keeps getting better and better. While book two, Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam, grew tedious by being too abstract (Well, they were fighting shadows...), books three and four have grown progressively more interesting. I might add that something about the Volucer Dragon seems slightly less terrifying it ought to be, considering he's a representation of Satan. But I can't quite pin my finger on what's missing. All in all, an enjoyable and engaging read, with good values.
This review is brought to you by Kristi.
