Book review-The Skin Map

Just read a new book entitled The Skin Map by Stephen Lawhead. The title alone intrigued me and although I knew it was a fantasy type book which I normally steer away from this one looked like it might be easy enough to follow. I got into the book right away and was drawn into an interesting fantasy world that discusses ley lines (basically portals that people travel through one dimension or time into another) The characters in the book were well developed and the plot line was easy to follow for one that does not read fantasy too often. Ultimately the main characters are on a quest to find a "skin map" that reveals the secrets to ley line travel and the adventures they go on to achieve their goal are quite intriguing. Ultimately there is conflict over the map and the lead characters are in battle to find the map first. The writing was easy to follow, the characters were not too numerous that you could not keep track like some other fantasy books I have read, and it kept me interested throughout.
Two criticisms I would have for the book are the ending which was confusing and the marketing of it as a Christian book. It was definitely something that was not offensive in any way but I did find it hard to see parallels to Christian life. The ending simply left me empty as the book was an interesting read. With that being said, it is part of a series so I am assuming the next book(s) will certainly clear things up. It did not leave me wanting more like some other series though.
I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Venom and Song

Just finished reading Venom and Song which is Book Two of the Berinfell Prophesies, by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper. I received this book approximately two months ago and it took me quite awhile to get this book read and it is of my own accord as to why it took so long. I had not read the first in the series which made it very difficult to get into this book as I am guessing that the character development that took place in the first book would lend itself to easier reading.
With this being said I am intrigued by the 7 main characters that lead the adventure through Allrya. Throughout the adventure they learn more about their individual powers and there is certainly a lot of suspense.
The book is well written but I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of this type of literature as it becomes confusing to keep all the characters and adversaries straight. For the young adult that is looking for something to tide them over until the next Harry Potter type of series this would be one for their bookshelves though.
I did receive this book from Booksneeze.com for free in exchange for an honest review.