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The Tower of Geburah, the third book in the Archives of Anthropos, is a good introduction to a Christian fantasy series that will delight Narnia fans.
The Tower of Geburah (The Archives of Anthropos #3) by John White. IVP, 1978. 404 pages.
- Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12
- Recommended For: ages 10-12
“Maybe they shouldn’t have been there at all.”
It’s a good opening line for a book that furthered my girlhood introduction to Truth and Story long before I had any idea why I enjoyed this book so much after reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Wesley, Lisa, and Kurt are surprised to find that the usually locked door to the attic is open, so of course they go in to explore and discover five old television sets (keep in mind that this book was originally published in 1978, so let that inform your imagination!). They aren’t plugged in, but Lisa can’t help fiddling with the knobs while Wesley grows increasingly agitated. (“Consciences are funny things,” the author reminds us on the first page.)
One of the sets hums to life, delivering the text of a poetic riddle. Bewildered, the children watch the riddle repeat itself until Wesley can’t ignore his misgivings any longer and switches off the TV.
Then the other four sets awaken, showing strange motionless scenes in color. A moment later, curiosity draws Lisa to the first screen, reaching out her hand as if to touch the glass. Instead, she disappears into the scene and the TV goes black, leaving Wesley and Kurt alone in the attic during a snowstorm with the phone ringing downstairs.
Of course they have no choice but to pursue Lisa via one of the other sets and hope they can find her. Thus the three siblings find themselves in the country of Anthropos which has been overthown by Hocoino, an evil magician who deceived and imprisoned King Kardia in a dungeon (where Lisa found herself). Wesley and Kurt meet the gentle Lady Chocma who introduces them to various people, dwarves, and creatures who are loyal to Kardia and desire to defeat Hocoino. The boys learn of Gaal, the Shepherd, on Whom they must depend if Lisa is to be rescued, and Who alone is the hope of deliverance for Anthropos. The children must practice humility and repentance and learn to trust in Gaal before they can join the battle and finally return home to Canada.
Considerations: none.
Bottom Line: Full of memorable characters and Christian parallels, this is a good book to hand to fans of the Chronicles of Narnia and the Wingfeather Saga.
Related Reading From Redeemed Reader
- Reviews: As mentioned, readers who enjoy books like this should also check out the Wingfeather Saga! Another fantasy book with reminders of Narnia is Once A Castle by Sarah Arthur.
- Review: The Legend of Greyhallow is a thoroughly contemporary fantasy by a Christian author that also includes children using movie screens as portals.
- Review: You may also enjoy Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence.
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