Foundlings: The Peleg Chronicles, book one Paperback – September 1, 2009

This review is for the e-book, offered free at the time I downloaded it.Summary: A book I almost stopped reading for a number of reasons (see below), which, in the end, was enjoyable and I'm glad I read it. Also, the free e-version of volume 1 fulfilled its marketing purpose. I will be buying hard copies of all volumes in the series.The positive aspects of this book have already been well-covered by the other reviewers. It is a clean, clever, honorable adventure story set in Christian-biblical context. Many thanks to Mr. Harding for writing it! May he write more and inspire other talented believers to do the same.As another reviewer said, it would have been helpful to have a timeline of when these events take place. As mentioned above, I almost gave up on the book in the first few chapters because of the odd associations of the characters & plot to chronology (assuming Bishop Ussher's work as a basic framework, whether you agree with his every detail or not).I came to the book with my own impression that a series called "The Peleg Chronicles" would be set in the era of the dispersion from Babel or immediately after. Upon reading the prologue, I gathered it would be a few generations after that based on the line "And in the process of time they once again began to multiply upon the face of the earth." That would seem to place things in the days of Abraham if we have time for people to "multiply" after the dispersion. Possibly into the days of Israel's sojourn? The fact that the book of Job has already been written in the story would suggest the same time period or even later (as most put Job as a contemporary of Abraham, although some put him earlier and others have suggested much later after Moses).The greater uncertainty came when the characters began being introduced in chapter 1. McDougal and Fergus don't sound like Shem, Ham, Japheth, Nimrod, and Abraham. These names ring of western European cultures well after the time of Christ. So too, references to plate armor, crossbows, castles and people named Diego and Suzie. While I know new languages instantly sprung up after Babel, I don't think any of them had branched out into Spanish or Scottish/Celtic sounding tongues yet. I was expecting Sumerian/Akkadian/Hittite types of names & places. Maybe some proto-Germanic names at the most. Add to this all the quoting from Scripture done by the characters using words that haven't been written yet (assuming we are in an Abrahamic time frame after Peleg) and everything felt very disjointed. Partial fragmentary quotes from the Psalms would seem passable if we assume/pretend they were first in the oral traditions before being finalized into the Psalter generations later. Still, when one of the characters quotes directly from Jesus, my historic orientation went out the window. All of these odd confluences from totally divergent time periods made me feel like I was experiencing chronological schizophrenia or reading a Christian version of the movie Time Bandits.It bothered me so much, I almost stopped reading. Instead, I resolved in my mind that the story was taking place in the early centuries after Christ when the early Germanic peoples were already spread across Europe and would have had time to build castles and sprawling underground networks of caverns, etc. This of course caused other problems with the real setting when the book mentioned people like Mizraim, etc.; however, I didn't get so mentally ruffled by the Scripture quotes and could enjoy them in the context of the story. My own setting change was enough to keep me reading and soon I was 40% of the way through the book and had been captured by the compelling and honorable characters as well as the developing plot threads. In the end, I'm quite glad I pressed on as the story is a good read and a wonderful tale. I look forward to finding out how the cliff hanger resolves in volume two.

This book series was obviously written from an absolutely biblical perspective to inspire the reader to trust and cling to the promises of God in every situation. And to stand and boldly proclaim the gospel with compassion and humility to a lost world. God's saturating love and redemptive power drips from every page of this gripping biblical fiction story. Loaded with quotations from scripture strategically placed in such a way that you almost don't even realize you are reading the bible.The chivalry, bravery and moral virtues set forth by the heroes and heroines of the story will inspire young and old alike to not only be bold about their faith in God but to go the extra mile to serve and protect those who are most in need.I would recommend this book series to anyone who desires to go deeper in their walk with the Lord or who simply wants to learn what the Bible teaches about trusting Him no matter what! A thrilling adventure suitable for almost all ages.

I have the kindle edition, which is excellent (save for a few typos). The book is set after the flood and the tower of Babel. It follows excellently with the "earth divided," and I was very happy my mom found this because I've been wanting to write something similar! Though I do have to say I can't take a few characters seriously, which isn't a bad thing. But...how are you supposed to not laugh every time you hear of a serious dude named "Fergus Leatherhead"(or Nimrod, for that matter)? The names overall went wonderfully with the characters, and the characters themselves were realistic; none were "perfect." I love this because, as a teen, it is very hard to find good, clean literature these days. Not too long ago I saw a historical fiction book that sounded interesting, I began reading, and then I almost puked on the fifth page...no warning or anything...This book doesn't hide the vileness of evil, but it isn't overtly descriptive about it, either. It just mentions the facts, lets the characters speak for themselves, then leaves you to decide: do you view this as good, or evil? And why?I'm afraid this review has become rather long, but I have a few more things to say. One: Comparing this book to Harry Potter is like comparing the Golden Compass to Narnia. (Research it, please, if you see no difference :) )Two: Again I say, it was very refreshing to find a great piece of literature that was God-centered. Something that caught my eye while reading were the New Testament verses. Because, since this is during the Old Testament times, they wouldn't have access to an actual Bible. But it also shows that their understanding of God didn't require written words: they knew Him. Heck, Adam and Eve walked with Him every day in Eden. Also, they caught my eye because of a fresh understanding of the Creation theory.Part of the theory is that there was an ice canopy above the atmosphere (see Genesis 1; speaks of firmaments). This means that Adam and Eve would have heard the stars at night. And as the Bible says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." (Psalms 19:1) So, Adam and Eve would have been hearing the Word of God every minute! Just thought that would be something someone might be interested in.

An imaginative rollick through early earth with dungeons and dragons, knights who are bold and have faith in "the God of Noah". Keen to read book 2. I am not entirely convinced that Job pre-dated the patriarchs but this doesn't detract from the story.

My children rally enjoyed this book and have now read it several times. Very easy to read and would be enjoyed by adults too.

well written, engaging story, flits around a little too much for my taste but all in all a good read

This book is great especially for guys, lots of good principles and encouragement. While the plot will keep you hookes