I am very tardy with my book reviews. Between getting ready for a trip to China, the trip itself, and holiday preparations, I have neglected the blog. For this I apologize. I shall attempt to remedy the lack of literary synopsis with a few rapid fire reviews of the books I have read lately.

The first on the block is Byzantium by Stephan Lawhead. This book was once in the upper echelon of favored books. I first read it in college 10 years ago or more. It’s a rousing tale of adventure, loss, and finding one’s calling. I particularly enjoyed the simple way that the Danish Vikings viewed the world in contrast with the scheming and moral ambiguity of the Byzantium court and the righteousness and guilt of the Cele De monks.

The story follows Aidan, a monk from Ireland, as he attempts to make a pilgrimage to Byzantium. Along the way he is captured and made a slave a couple of times, loses his faith, and struggles to find it again.

If you have not read Byzantium before, and enjoy historical fiction with a hint of religious fervor, this book is for you.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. (What’s this?)