BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION – Book Review {& Giveaway!}

If you enjoyed my review of BRITFIELD: THE LOST CROWN, then you may want to check out this review of C.R. Stewart’s latest book, BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION. (photo courtesy: Devonfield Publishing)

Perhaps you know a tween or teen who relishes stories of adventure and suspense. If so, then you may want to inspect the details for the giveaway of this book as well.

Packed inside this 474-page book is a dizzying amount of fascinating facts about art, geography, and architecture. When accompanied by a few historical facts, readers who are caught up in the fast-paced adventure, may forget it is a tale of fiction.

The Author

As a child, C.R. “Chad” Stewart favored the writings of Beverly Cleary and Roald Dahl. When he grew older, The Hardy Boys captured his attention. Also, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, and C.S. Lewis influenced Stewart’s growing appreciation for literature and creativity.  

Today, Chad Stewart’s talents lie in writing, film and media production, global strategy, and international marketing. Among other degrees, he has earned a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature and European History. His extensive knowledge of European history is evident in his writing.

The Britfield Series

England serves as the setting for Stewart’s first book in the Britfield series. This book, BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION, is set primarily in France. Stewart plans to feature different countries in his future books.

If the Britfield series is new to readers, most likely, they’ll be able to capture the essence of past events if they choose to read the second book before the first one. However, I recommend reading the first book prior to the second, if possible, in order to fully appreciate the characters and their relationships.

Britfield is the newly discovered last name of the main character, Tom. It’s not an ordinary name, but one with claims to the English throne! Wicked villains have suppressed this information for decades and want to keep it that way. The first book brimmed with adventure. However, the escapades intensify in BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION.

Inside BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION

Stewart eases readers into the story by picking up where the last book ended. Tom, and his friend Sarah, have successfully escaped from the bondage of a wicked orphanage and the capture of conspirators in England. However, on their way to France to search for Tom’s true identity and family, their ferry meets its demise in an unexplained explosion. Once again, Tom and Sarah are on their own.

Danger and deception are lurking in every chapter. But, so too, is an education in art, geography, and history!

Multiple descriptions of paintings, geographical areas, and even the outfits people are wearing may distract some readers from the plot. Others will relish the details!

It’s interesting. Sarah continually tries to introduce Tom to new things such as art, literature, as well as languages and cultures different than what he knew growing up as a prisoner in the orphanage.

Likewise, the author may be introducing students around the world to cultures different than their own. Even so, if the author doesn’t hook a student in with the educational elements of the book, he’s sure to propel their imaginations and delight with the intense action scenes.

Book two carries far more fire power than book one! Tracking devices, stashes of massive weaponry, secret tunnels, and enhanced technology will keep teens zipping through the pages. Not to mention the constant captures, escapes, and wondering who is a friend or foe.

To note, there are a few passages about the surveillance and violence of a clandestine group which may concern readers who are sensitive about such issues.  

While there are some exciting shoot-outs and a few deaths, there are no graphic descriptions of blood and gore.

In fact, this book is what is termed as a “clean-read.” No foul language or lewd acts are found between this book’s covers.

The war between good and evil wages on in the Britfield story.

Tom, Sarah, and their friends discover the battles are not easy. Strength, courage, and a lot of miracles along the way are their only hope.

Recommendation

I recommend this book for ages twelve and up. For younger ages, it might be fun to use as a family read-aloud. Librarians and teachers, in all forms of school settings, will find this book a delight to add to their shelves. This book explodes with rich vocabulary and educational elements just waiting to be explored.

The first Britfield book had several free resources to access online at Britfield.com. I’m hoping the author will be able to do the same for this book.

Giveaway

Who would love to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of this exciting adventure novel?

The way we do most giveaways here is by randomly selecting a name from our email subscriber list. Plus, for this giveaway, if someone leaves a comment below, we’ll put their name in the basket as well–email subscriber or not.

We’ll select a name from the basket on September 17, 2021 as the winner of BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION.

A big thank you to Devonfield Publishing for donating the book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a FREE copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

A freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, Practical Homeschooling, and The Old Schoolhouse. As a writer, blogger, and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things. Connect with her on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.