But for the sake of honor and his country, he knows that he has to fight.
Even if to fight means to die.
Danae has fallen in love with the prince, though godless he may be. For Vartan does not believe in Danae’s God, or any other God, save his own wit and will and pride. If he does accept Athan and His Son Eisa…will Vartan be able to defeat not only a man…but the very Spirit of Darkness?
Giver of Roses was an excellent Christian allegory/fantasy. The teachings of the Bible and Jesus were clearly depicted in the novel. But it also had fantasy elements that enhanced the beauty of the land of Gadiel. My favorite part of Giver of Roses was the dragons and their dragonmaids. I found it fascinating how the author gave her own definition of a dragon and what one would be like in the land of Gadiel. She also used descriptive, beautiful language which made the book all that more enjoyable. I am always looking for that kind of writing in books, especially in fantasy books.
Danae was a sweet, selfless character whom I enjoyed. She was faithful to Vartan no matter what happened to him or what he did. Vartan, on the other hand, was prideful but exactly what a prince ought to be. He was handsome and willing to give his life for his country and family. They were both well-developed characters with flaws and virtues.
One complaint I have would be how the book ended. (spoiler alert) Vartan and Danae do not get married and were kept apart by circumstances that they could not help. But since this is the first book in a trilogy, there will be time for them to get together some way. By the way, for anybody who is looking, the other two books in the trilogy are not written yet.
I also thought that there was too much description of how the war was proceeding and where the guards should go to fight. I found myself bored by that. In a movie, it would be fine. But in a book…I just don’t believe that it’s necessary. I would have liked to learn more about the dragons and their dragonmaids than anything.
I give Giver of Roses 4 out of 5 stars. A good Christian fantasy, but not amazing.