Genre

Comic, Graphic Novel, Adventure, Historical Fiction

 

Audience

Ages 10 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2019

Themes

Catholic comic books, Protecting the innocent, Adventure, Quest, Shield-maiden, Irish monks, Sword, St Michael, Vikings,

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

In ninth century, Ireland and Britain, the most valuable possession is a map.

The second volume of Finnian and the Seven Mountains begins with a dream ¾a nightmare really. In the dream, Finnian sees his deceased parents and his village burning. The Vikings have come ashore, demanding an item the villagers don’t have. The price for the honesty of the villagers is death. Finnian awakens in a cold sweat determined to stop the Vikings from killing anyone else.

            Both coasts of Ireland and Britain are under constant threat of attacks from the Vikings. Finnian knows firsthand the damage caused by these vicious warriors. Finnian and his companion, Brendan are on a quest to find a mythical sword capable of defeating the Vikings and stopping the bloodshed. One problem: the Vikings want the sword too. Luckily, Finnian and Brendan have the map to the sword. The map leads the two men to the southern coast of Cornwall and the top of the deserted island of Karrek. Brendan tells Finnian that sailors try to avoid Karrek, but there are two ships beached there. Sadly, it looks like evidence of another raid with no survivors, until the men meet Merewyn. She too has tasted sorrow at the hands of the Vikings. Relieved that Finnian and Brendan are good men, she asks to join them in their search. Initially, they are reluctant, but she proves how valuable her skills are with a bow and arrow. Will the three reach the top of Karrek safely and find the mythical sword?

            At the end of Finnian and the Seven Mountains, (vol. 2), the authors share the sources of inspiration for this particular volume. The first is the island of Karrek, more commonly known as St. Michael’s Mount, off the coast of Cornwall. Legend has it, there’s a rock formation on the island, called St Michael’s chair, where the archangel sits and watches over England. The second influence is The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Maps play an important role in Middle-Earth, similar to the map in Finnian and the Seven Mountains. Character Merewyn may remind Middle-Earth fans of Eowyn, the Shield-Maiden of Rohan. And although this wasn’t mentioned by the writers, readers who are fans of the Vikings series will recognize the semi-mythical King Ragnar.

            Catholic and Protestant readers alike will appreciate the Christian values in this story. Finnian and Brendan are scared to go up the mountain in Karrek, but they put their trust in God. The map leads the men to the mountain, and they have faith that God will protect them and their search. Secular fans of the TV series Vikings as well as The Lord of the Rings trilogy will enjoy seeing the similarities in this comic.

            This comic was a delight to read. The inspirations felt organic. In fact, telling the readers what the history was made me, as a reader, want to learn more. Being of a traditional comic size, twenty-five pages, there is not much room for character development. My hope is that the authors will give the readers more information about these interesting characters as the series continues.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints

The Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers

Experience Christ through the eyes of Jotham, his disabled disciple.

Life Choices The Gift By Pat Wiedemer, Neil Thompson, Philip Kosloski

Casey’s birthday present to Josh is a little more than they bargained for.

Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley

Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!

The Bishop of 12th Avenue by Ray Lucit

A street kid gets ordained a Bishop in a post apocalyptic world. Talk about a shakeup in the priesthood.

Nephilim Corruption by Ann Margaret Lewis

Jedi Adventure meets Christian Epic

Saint Michael: Above the 38th Parallel by Shanti Guy

The true story of St. Michael, the original punch-communism-in-the-face superhero

Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable

A story of love and God’s providence in times of war.

Good to the Last Drop by Declan Finn

Marco thought his problems were over when he took on the vampire council, until he gets bit by a werewolf. Will this ruin things with his vampire girlfriend?

Breach! by Corinna Turner

Isaiah’s got a T-rex size problem, but this time, it’s not a dinosaur.

The King’s Prey by Susan Peek

When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.

Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard

A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.

My Name is Saul by Lin Wilder

How does a man become a monster? How does a monster become a saint?

Worth Dying For By Marie C. Keiser

In the shady corporate-ruled galaxy, a man can acknowledge no god. Yet having nothing worth dying for frightens Mark more than death itself.

A Truly Clawful Christmas By Corinna Turner

Father Benedict must learn to embrace the adrenaline rush if he’s going to survive being a rural priest living alongside dinosaurs.

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.

The River of Life by Diana González Tabbaa

The death of little Anthony’s father shakes his faith until a heaven-sent friend helps him find his way back to God.

Honor at Stake by Declan Finn

If you’re looking for a vampire-romance with a truly unique twist look no further.

Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

A political fantasy epic bildungsroman where Allia’s feminine heart becomes as powerful a force has her sword.

My Brother’s Keeper by Bill Kassel

What if you were Jesus’ protective older brother? Could you navigate the courts of Rome & Jerusalem to save him?