SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
Alexa thought that her troubles were over, but it turns out she was wrong. After receiving a letter that Warvold left for her, she heads to the Dark Hills to find a hidden object. After finding it, she must venture beyond the valley of thorns, to where Warvold previously traveled.
NEW CHARACTERS
John Christopher is one of the convicts who has previously lived in the caves of the dark hills. He was a petty criminal and Warvold and him became close. Although Alexa is hesitant to trust him, she eventually learns that he is willing to protect her no matter the cost.
Armon is one of the last race of the giants. He hasn't yet been turned into the ogres that the bats create by attacking them. He once lived and took care of two girls named Catherine and Laura. It has been his job to protect the stones of Elyon.
Victor Grindall is the tenth of all of the Grindalls that works with Abaddon. It is discovered to have been behind the trouble that Sebastian and the convicts planned. He commands an army of ogres and swarming bats.
Odessa, Darius' wife joins Alexa on her travels. She seems alittle stoic, and lacking in character, although she does make a few sarcastic remarks.
Balmoral, is the wife of a woman who helps Alexa and John. He knows a lot about Elyon and shares a lot of information about the deity. He also has knowledge of the ogres that hunt them, and is a very useful guide.
PACING
The pacing in this story is much better than the first. The story is put into motion almost right away, when Alexa hears knocking in the secret passage, then travels through it. By chapter four, we have been presented with what the book will be about.
ARMON & JOHN
Both characters were presented as mentors and protectors of Alexa. And both were not exactly what she expected, John being an ex-convict and Armon being from a race of giants. And both are crucial members of the team, Armon with his knowledge of the land and John with his knowledge from Warvold. Although most of this book focuses on Alexa's relationship with John, for reasons that will be obvious to the reader.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Alexa Daley is now a year older, and ready for an adventure. She doesn't hesitate to search out an item left for her by Warvold. But traveling beyond home still feels daunting. Only with the reassurance of John Christopher does she decide to venture out. Alexa is honest, admitting when she is scared and hesitating more than once. She learns more about Elyon and her faith in him grows.
STRATEGY & MATURITY
Alexa and her group have to defeat a huge number of ogres in order to get to Grindall, in his tower. A large amount of strategy goes into the plan with a complexity that was missing from the first book. I thought that, and the death of a character, as well as the kidnapping of another, added a maturity to Alexa and a forced development of her character.
EXPLICIT CONTENT
Many ogres are killed. But nothing is too graphic.
CONCLUSION
Carmen creates a sequel that is actually superior to its predecessor. The story is not only faster paced, with a more complex plot, but also deals with deeper issues, like sacrifice, and faith in God, even when you don't understand his plans. I give “Beyond the Valley of Thorns” four stars.
What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with any of my points? Please let me know!
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