"Bright Empires Book 1: The Skin Map" by Stephen Lawhead

The writing of Stephen Lawhead has always impressed me. He is a true master of the craft. He has the rare gift of being able to approach familiar subjects (like time travel and parallel dimensions) and to introduce them in new and engaging ways. And, I must say, that this story is very engaging.
The summary of the plot doesn't quite do it justice: two modern-day people are magically transported to a different world, where they must race against the evil men to get the ultimate prize. That is the gist of the story, but there is SO much more to it!
Mister Lawhead is able to lead you along, following several different characters - and only give you enough information to know their stories are crucially connected, but never enough information to have you guess the outcome. That is the mark of a great writer. His version of time travel possibility is one of the more complete (and clearly stated) that I've ever read, which gives the story a certain credibility. And the idea of the map being made of human skin is certainly realistic (as it has been done by real people), but wonderfully creative nonetheless.
There were a few times where the story focused on one person for so long that, when the next chapter re-visited another character, it took me a moment to remember what was going on the last time I read about them - but this is not a criticism of the writing as much as it is a criticism of my memory! Other than that, I can think of no negative comments to make of this book. The characters are believable, the emotions are tangible, and the mystery is tantalizing. In short, I can hardly wait to read the second story in the series!
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers as part of the Booksneeze bloggers' program. I was not required to write a positive review.

"Scarlet" by Stephen Lawhead

This is the second book in Lawhead's "King Raven Trilogy." I must say, it is one of the most unique books I have ever read! The author jumps seamlessy between writing in first person (from the viewpoint of Will Scarlet, who is relating his tale in prison) and writing in third person (the events going on outside the prison). It was a most enjoyable way to read a story. It also helped to bear along the interest in the series - since the second book in a continuing trilogy is usually the least engaging.
The characters that Lawhead creates are so real and personable... He has the extraordinary gift of giving each character a complete and consistent personality. Tuck is always positive, Bran is hot-tempered - and the male and female genders are distinguished in quite realistic ways (as far as personalities go). This gives the reader the illusion that they really know the characters.
The fight scenes are masterfully composed and electrified with suspense. (The violence is described, but in very discreet ways). The villains are evil and ruthless - but no so much that they do not seem human. As with the other two books in the series, there are some archaic words used that some people would now consider to be swear words...
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! By the way, even though this is book 2 in the trilogy, there is enough background given that you can read this book by itself and follow the story easily. (But why would you skip "Hood", which was also excellent?)

"Tuck" by Stephen Lawhead

"Tuck" is the third book of Stephen Lawhead's "King Raven Trilogy." In this book, Bran and his "Grellon" (the forest-dwelling people) make their final efforts to restore the kingdom to its rightful ruler - Bran himself. The fighting becomes more desperate, the Grellon suffer a division, and Friar Tuck has the heavy burden of responsibility placed on his shoulders. Of course, all turns out well in the end - but in a very unexpected and climactic way.
In my opinion, this was the best book in this excellent trilogy. In fact, I believe the books got increasingly better. Parents should be warned that there is a good deal of violence and descriptions of gruesome deaths in this book, as well as some "crude" words that are not quite considered curses (but most Christian parents would not let their kids say them)! In addition, some Christians may find it difficult to reconcile the "righteousness" of Bran with the lying, drinking, stealing, and killing... However, if you do not let the moral and theological questions distract you, then you will find an engaging story in a wonderfully historical context. (We should not get our morals and theology from novels anyway...)
There are some lovable new characters introduced, and some old characters do not survive to the end of the book (but you'll have to read it to find out who it is). I give it a whole-hearted 5 out of 5 stars!

"Hood" by Stephen Lawhead

"Hood" is the first book in a trilogy by Stephen Lawhead. This book was so much fun to read! I've always enjoyed the story of Robin Hood (not just the cartoon, although I liked that as well). This is the first Stephen Lawhead book I ever read - and I immediately finished purchasing this trilogy as well as the Song of Albion trilogy. The author does a masterful job of providing us details of the life and culture (as well as the political machinations) of the time period. However, even though he provides a helpful pronunciation guide in the front, I still had to make up my own way of pronouncing the names of places and people! I guess I should work on my linguistic skills... How would YOU pronounce Coed Cadw?
This book tells the story of Bran, who (predictably) becomes the persona we know as Robin Hood. The way that Bran becomes Robin Hood is a fantastically weaved tale. This is one book that is sure to set your imagination on fire!
There is plenty of romance, action, humor, and drama in this story - and the book has an easy flowing pace. The author does use some outdated vocabulary that a few readers may find offensive, but all of the words can be found in the KJV Bible.
I loved reading this book! Highly recommended!