Thursday, January 12, 2012

Book Review: The Skin Map by Stephen Lawhead

I will begin by giving you the book description from Thomas Nelson Publishers:

"I need your help with a project. It will be the adventure of a lifetime—of several lifetimes. But it will change you forever."
Kit Livingston's great-grandfather appears in a deserted alley during a tumultuous storm. He reveals an unbelievable story: ley lines throughout Britain are not merely the stuff of legend or the weekend hobby of deluded cranks—they're pathways to other worlds. To those who know how to use them, ley lines grant the ability to travel the multi-layered universe of which we ordinarily inhabit only a tiny part.
One explorer knew more than most. Braving every danger, he toured both time and space on voyages of heroic discovery. Ever on his guard, and fearful of becoming lost in the cosmos, he developed an intricate code—a roadmap of symbols—that he tattooed onto his own body. This Skin Map has since been lost in time. Now the race is on to recover all the pieces and discover its secrets.
The Bright Empires series is a unique blend of epic treasure hunt, ancient history, alternate realities, cutting-edge physics, philosophy, and mystery.

My husband is a fan of Stephen Lawhead. For years, when I have been looking for something to read, he has suggested I pick up one of Lawhead's books. When "The Skin Map" was given as a choice for a review, I figured if anything my husband would be glad to have it.

After one book, I believe I have become a fan.

About the author: Stephen Lawhead is a master storyteller. The way he uses words in his descriptions, dialogue and action are superb. I found myself reading some of his sentences twice, just for the pleasure of a well written sentence.

About the book: I don't think I could make this book enough justice, so here is a short, general overview.The story in itself is an engaging adventure. It takes place across time and dimensions. It offers nuggets of history and customs that are fascinating. More specifically, the good guys and bad guys are after the skin map in order to understand the intricacies of ley travel. While we see their stories unfold, we also learn about the man who was map and his journey.

About the characters: Ah! This is my favorite part about books, the characters! Our man, Kit, is not a hero. He is an insecure, directionless, bored young man trying to figure out what to do about life. When his great-grandfather, Cosimo, offers the adventure of a lifetime, Kit joins in yet continues to be a stand-bier. Kit's girlfriend, Mina, is a depressed, tired, unattractive woman who works as a baker. In Kit's desperate attempt to get Mina to believe his story of ley travel, Kit takes Mina to a ley line, where unfortunately, they are separated and land in different times and places. Contrary to Kit, Mina rises above her circumstances and well...I will not spoil the story for you. Kit and his companions are trying to find the skin map in order to find Mina, and what unfolds in between is an energizing adventure.

Lastly, I do believe this book would make a great movie! The story is strong, and the characters are simply outstanding!

So if you are looking for a fantasy/adventure book to read, grab "The Skin Map." It will not disappoint!

I received this book for free by Thomas Nelson publishing through the Booksneeze team in exchange for my honest review.

2 comments:

  1. I like Stephen Lawhead. I just read this one too and want to read the others. The first Lawhead I read was the Song of Albion trilogy...really good!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tom Nesler2:27 PM

    Fortunately, this book is also in the Hedberg (Janesville) Public library. I will have to check it out some day...:-)

    ReplyDelete

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