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Refugees: Mud, Rocks, and Trees (Book 1)

Refugees: Mud, Rocks, and Trees (Book 1)
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Last updated on May 14th, 2018

Refugees (Mud, Rocks, and Trees) is an interesting tale which brings to mind “Lord of the Rings” because of the seals which “bring power and prosperity.” Although the story does not hinge on these seals, I found myself wondering at what these seals really were for. For example, one of the characters had a thought on the seals and another character gave a different separate thought on the purpose of the seals. What are the cylinder seals really for?
Refugees: Mud, Rocks, and Trees, book 1, R. A. Denny, adventure

The Good

  • I liked the hidden Christian themes about a god named Adon. Prayers and songs which are often taken from the Bible with words changed to match the book.
    • “You must remember that you are called to rejoice, whatever your circumstances.”
    • “As I swam, I spoke in silent anger to Adon. I wrestled with him in the water until I could swim no more and headed back to the shore. I could not manipulate Adon to meet my needs.”
    • “There is a still deeper evil behind them. May Adon save us from that evil, for vengeance belongs to Adon.”
  • Interesting separate stories, which are easily differentiated through the use of distinct titles for each
    • Mud, Rocks, Trees, and Grass
  • The scenes and characters are explained in detail.
  • This is one of the few Christian fantasy novels I have read which caused be to question certain ideas, which I will mention below in the “Unsure” section.
  • I like the mystery of the cylinder seals.

The Bad

  • N/A

The Unsure*

  • I enjoyed the Christian themes in Refugees: Mud, Rocks, and Trees, but I disagree with what some of them. Therefore, I felt inclined to comment.
    • This is from the book, Refugees. “From here on out, if you do what is right, you will be accepted by the Great Creator. But if you do not do what is right, evil inclination is crouching at your door like a lion on the prowl. it desires to have you, but you must rule over it and be its master.”
    • So, I will only be accepted by the Great Creator if I do what is right? Is it only evil inclination desiring to have us or another “Lesser Creator” (aka: Satan) looking to devour? Since these two are theology taken from the Bible, but seem to be transcribed to fit the book, I have to question.
  • A few thoughts I considered
    • Although, maybe these words are referencing sanctification?
    • Maybe the wise tree dwellers are mistaken in their theology?
    • Maybe their theology is different than the Bible (or interpreted differently.)
    • Or maybe the explanation of this theology is understood in more detail in future books?
    • I use false Biblical theology in my books, especially in describing darkness, or the darkness (evil character) describing their self. To explain further, my characters(although not all) will often have wrong understanding and declare completely heretical statements. Maybe this is what is happening here?
    • It seems the saying the wise characters use in Refugee are spliced a bit from 1 Peter 5:8 into Genesis 4:7.
      •  And 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
      • The saying in the book comes from Genesis 4:7. “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”

*My opinion: what I didn’t care for or do not prefer. This will not lower a rating unless it overly distracts from the story.

Although I have a long explanation of why I am unsure with the theology, and I didn’t believe I would like this book as I began reading, but I really enjoyed the separate stories as they unfolded. Therefore, I would recommend this book.

Check out “Refugees: Mud, Rocks, and Trees” on Amazon.

 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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[…] But, if you have not read the first book of the series see my review, for Refugee, here. […]

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