"GIANTS IN THE LAND, Book Three: The Cavern of Promise," by Clark Rich Burbidge, Deep River Books, $15.99, 253 (f) (ages 8-11)
"Giants in the Land, Book Three: The Cavern of Promise" by Clark Rich Burbidge brings his Giants in the Land trilogy to a conclusion.
Thomas Hopegiver begins his last adventure as a Forest Ward journeying with his giant companion, Herdsheperd, into the western lands, hoping for open communication with the inhabitants. Instead, his companion is brutally murdered and he is taken prisoner and held in a dark dungeon by Lawgiver, the giant king of the land.
How will Thomas be rescued? Will he find and enter the Cavern of Promise, which is zealously guarded by the Madogs? Or will peace be restored to the land that was divided so long ago in the Battle of Lost Brothers? These are among the questions answered as the threads of the trilogy are woven into a satisfying ending.
The heroes in this middle grade reader fantasy strive to live with the heart of a giant, which means living by seven principles that include serving and believing in others, choosing one's own path and maintaining hope.
Their beliefs also include an afterlife that allows those who have passed on to assist those still on Earth. They strive to be worthy to return to Worldmaker, a powerful, omniscient being, when they die.
There are references to events and characters in the first two books, but the story stands well on its own because the author has skillfully included bits of the back story.
Karl C. Hepworth’s gray-tone illustrations that include maps of the fictional land enhance the text.
The book concludes with “Aiden’s Letter to Big John,” which offers insight into an event that occurred in an earlier book. An author’s note and a helpful glossary of characters are also included.
Although there is no foul language or sexual innuendo in the book, there are some brief descriptions of violence that include the use of weapons as well as physical beatings.
“Cavern of Promise” is an engaging adventure that promotes positive life principles.
Burbidge, an award-winning author, also wrote “A Piece of Silver.” He and his wife, Leah, live in Utah.
Rosemarie Howard lives in a 100-year-old house on Main Street in Springville, Utah. She enjoys creating multimedia projects. Her website is at dramaticdimensions.com.