James R. Hannibal: Lion Warrior

By Kelly Bridgewater

About the Book

Book: Lion Warrior

Author: James R. Hannibal

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 23, 2024

The dragon war has breached the barrier.

The forces of the Liberated Land are near to breaking. Without a heavy and rapid shift in the Assembly’s strategy, a dragon invasion will be unstoppable.

Connor and Kara have kept the full knowledge of the Red Dagger’s location secret for almost a year. A chance to destroy Heleyor and end the war is within the Lightraider Order’s grasp. They must now reveal what they know and call for action.

With time running out, Connor, Teegan, and Aaron attempt to recover the dagger, and Kara helps the Airguard train a new corps of soldiers—windfighters—in their own bid to change the war’s tide. Meanwhile, Lee and Zel search for Heleyor’s army of tortured Aladoth. This force, thousands strong, has vanished. They're heading for a hidden portal, and may emerge at the heart of Keledev at any moment.

Every path that lies before the cadets seems a great risk. The slightest misstep may cost them their lives, their loved ones, and their homeland. But to do nothing means certain failure. To succeed, they must charge ahead into dark uncertainty and trust the Rescuer.

 

My Thoughts:

Lion Warrior by James R. Hannibal is a unique and unpredictable young adult fantasy novel. As a word of caution, if readers are not familiar with the two previous novels in this series, I highly suggest readers those novels before reading this one. Also, if it has been a while since you have read the first two, then it would probably be a good idea to read them again to familiarize yourself with the plot. This edition featured much more dark magic and the effects that it can have on any of the characters. I liked seeing the redemption of some of the people they met as they were on the journey to finish the quest. The parallel between the overarching movement of the Bible vs. the overarching plot of this story is pretty obvious to readers who are familiar with the Bible as a whole. Stories with familiar characters are a huge plus because readers will come to know the characters and what to expect from them every time they start a new book. Plenty of action, heading toward the climactic moment at the end of the story. Overall, Lion Warrior and the other two previous novels by James R. Hannibal were a delightful story for young adults. I believe young men would love the adventure of the story and the quest for spiritual understanding as well as knowledge and magic.

I received a complimentary copy of Lion Warrior by James R. Hannibal from Enclave Escape  Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Lion Warrior

About the Author

As a former fighter pilot, stealth pilot, and tactical deception officer, James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He is the award-winning author of thrillers, mysteries, and fantasies for adults and children, and he is the developer of Lightraider Academy games. As a pastor’s kid in Colorado Springs, he guinea-pigged every youth discipleship program of the 1980s, but the one that engaged him and shaped him most as a Christ-follower and Kingdom warrior was DragonRaid, by Dick Wulf—the genesis of the Lightraider world.

 

 

More from James

There and Back Again: A Game?

The transition from book to game and back again is no easy thing. I’ve been on a steep learning curve since the day I started writing Wolf Soldier, the first book in the Lightraider Academy trilogy. Lion Warrior is the third.

I should walk back a step. Lightraiders is a game. Did you know that? It began as DragonRaid, a 1980s fantasy adventure game designed for teaching Biblical learning and discipleship. DragonRaid had a huge influence on my Christian walk in my teens. I now have the honor of carrying the concepts designed by the game’s original creator, Dick Wulf, to a new generation through games and stories. Before he went on to be with the Lord, Dick was kind enough to write a foreword for Wolf Soldier.

The task, when it came to me, was monumental: take a highly allegorical game with isolated location details and expand it into a full-realm book series while also building a new version of the game designed for today’s teens and families. By His grace, God placed men and women in my path who came alongside me to help—fellow believers who are creators from the realms of Tolkien, Star Wars, DC Comics, and Disney. Without them, it could not have been done.

We’ve been building the game in the background for three years. At the same time, the books have served as a transition from the old to the new. Lion Warrior completes that transition, and the book and the new Lightraiders Adventure Bible System game for teens will release almost simultaneously.

If you read through the series starting with Wolf Soldier, you may get a feel for this transition. The first book is more allegorical and tightly focused, much like the original DragonRaid game. Fantasy terms used in that story draw from the original game, with only a few new terms introduced. Bear Knight begins to broaden that perspective. It stretches past allegory and introduces several new ideas that you’ll find in the new Lightraiders game. In Lion Warrior, my hope is that you’ll finally have a picture of the fully developed realm from the Liberated Land in the south to the frozen islands in the far north of the Dragon Lands. And that story is fully steeped in the new game with terms and game mechanics slipped in for astute readers to find.

So, we’ve come full circle. DragonRaid became the story world in Wolf Solder. Then, as I and the team God sent to me rebuilt the game for a new generation, new elements found their way into Bear Knight. And now we have Lion Warrior, fully based on the new Lightraiders discipleship game. If you read the full trilogy and check out the game, I hope you’ll see it all growing together.

I do love the idea of game to story or vice versa. Are there other game/story combinations you love?

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 26

Artistic Nobody, April 27 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 27 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

Texas Book-aholic, April 29

Fiction Book Lover, April 30 (Author Interview)

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 2

By the Book, May 3

For the Love of Literature, May 4 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, May 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

By The Book, May 7 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 8

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away the grand prize package of a signed hardcover copy of the book, three Starlots acrylic gem dice (diamond, sunfire, and ruby), a postcard with character art on the front and a map of Talania on the back, and Amazon $100 gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b145/lion-warrior-celebration-tour-giveaway

James R. Hannibal: Bear Knight

By Kelly Bridgewater

About the Book

Book: Bear Knight

Author: James R. Hannibal

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: Febraury 14, 2023 

Darkness Looms in the Dragon Lands
 
War is brewing. New threats have emerged in Keledev. The watchmen of Thousand Falls and the Windhold find goblin tunnels in the slopes of the mountain barrier that may hold many dangerous creatures. At the same time, scouting missions into the Dragon Lands confirm that the dragons are building an army of tortured Aladoth villagers to destroy the Liberated Land.
 
To protect Kara Orso, the young woman Connor and Lee rescued, the headmaster sends them to the Second Hall to face the intrigues of the Assembly in her place. Far to the south, the two cadets learn of an old weapon designed to end the war between the dragons and the Liberated Land forever. To restore the honor of his family and renew the hope of his people, Connor believes he must find the weapon and use it to destroy the dragon leader.
 
While Connor, Lee, and an assemblyman’s daughter scour the Dragon Lands for the weapon, Kara and Tiran are drawn north into the Forest of Horrors on a mission of their own—to find and save one tortured man. To succeed, both parties must face their fears and lean on the peace and strength of the Rescuer.

 

My Thoughts:

Bear Knight by James R. Hannibal needs to be read after Wolf Soldier since this is a fantasy series, and this is the second book in the series. Plenty of description to keep readers actively involved in the happenings inside Keldedev and the other places that the magical portals take the lightraiders to. Being a fantasy novel, readers will want to see skills, animals, and places that defy everything our world stands for. Hannibal did a wonderful job at crafting a world with similar elements, but weird enough for readers to completely believe in. While reading the story, there are plenty of moments of downtime and high action. Tunnels exploding. Goblins chasing. Quests that need to be overcome. If readers had read Wolf Soldier, then the characters are familiar. Even some new characters that make the story more interesting. A touch of romance that MAY occur, but nothing close to a sappy romance. Thank goodness! If readers enjoy allegorical stories about the cross, then this is a good book right up their alley. I thoroughly enjoyed both novels of this series that I have read currently.

I received a complimentary copy of Bear Knight by James R. Hannibal published by Enclave Publishing through Celebrate Lit Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Bear Knight 

About the Author

As a former fighter pilot, stealth pilot, and tactical deception officer, James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He is the award-winning author of thrillers, mysteries, and fantasies for adults and children, and he is the developer of Lightraider Academy games. As a pastor’s kid in Colorado Springs, he guinea-pigged every youth discipleship program of the 1980s, but the one that engaged him and shaped him most as a Christ-follower and Kingdom warrior was DragonRaid, by Dick Wulf—the genesis of the Lightraider world.

 

Read an Excerpt from the Book

Sireth held up a palm to stop Aaron’s next swings and inspected their work, then waved. “Swap sides. We must keep the cuts even, and yours are not quite as deep.” 

Not quite as deep was a generous evaluation, and Aaron knew it, but this did not deter his next question. Chopping trees was one thing. Fighting was quite another. “Are you not concerned about keeping up with the younger watchmen in training and combat?” 

“Older. Younger. My age and yours are not so different when you consider eternity. And as to combat”—the axe spun in each of Sireth’s hands before he landed his next blow—“I have some training. You forget, most in my generation had not yet come of age when the Assembly disbanded the Order. Many of us had planned to join—had played and practiced at it from the day we could hold a wooden sword. We spent our strongest years still practicing, in hopes it would reopen.” 

“But it didn’t. Not until you had households and children of your own—grown children, at that.”

 “I’m well aware.” 

Right. His children. “When did your sehna and behlna take on the initiate’s quest?”

“The very first class.” 

The power went out of Aaron’s swing. Sireth Yar. Teegan and Tiran. How had he failed to put those names together? “They helped close the dragon’s portal. They stopped the invasion.”

“For now.” 

“I take it you share the Order’s concern. If the dragons can open one portal, they can open others.” 

Sireth shot a look at Aaron’s idle axe, and did not answer until Aaron had taken the cue and started chopping again. “That is why we are here, is it not? Last year, one dragon moved ore creatures and goblins to our side of the barrier. A host of dragons might send an army. The Lightraider Order believes that is their plan. My own sehna and behlna saw the preparations.”

 An army. The preparations. Aaron let the words settle into his thoughts. He’d come to the barrier for adventure and because the old men of his village had spoken of honor and need. But had he truly considered the cost of his calling? Looking north, he pictured orcs, trolls, and all manner of dragon corruptions rushing down the slopes. 

“You all right?” 

“Hm? Oh yes.” Aaron resumed his swings. “Do you worry? About your sehna and behlna, I mean.” He looked northeast toward the Order’s fortress at Ras Telesar. “Up there, at the academy.” 

“They’re in the Maker’s hands.” Sireth raised two fingers to signal Aaron to still his axe. “Ras Telesar may be higher up the barrier, but it’s still here, in Keledev, under the Rescuer’s protection.”

 With a sharp crack, the trunk gave. Aaron found himself yanked over to Sireth’s side. The heaviest part of the pine smashed down right where he’d been standing. Sireth released him and patted his chest. “I’d say my children are as safe as you are.”

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 1

deb’s Book Review, March 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 3

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Blogging With Carol, March 7

Rebecca Tews, March 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 8

Guild Master, March 9

Artistic Nobody, March 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away the grand prize package of a signed Bear Knight Hardcover, Starlots Gem Dice 7-Color Set, Hand-Inked, First Watch Bible Memory Card Game, and a $100 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24706/bear-knight-celebration-tour-giveaway

James R. Hannibal: The Paris Betrayal

 By Kelly Bridgewater

After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed. A sniper attack. An ambush. A call for help that brings French SWAT forces down on his head. Ben is out. This is a severance--reserved for incompetents and traitors.

Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must travel across Europe to find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team. More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company's plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him--and he struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory within his own body.

Award-winning author James R. Hannibal rachets up the tension on every page of this suspenseful new thriller.

 

My Thoughts:

I really wanted to like this book. Thrillers, suspense, and mysteries are some of my favorite genres to read. A good book to me will have the suspense with moments of doubting myself as I try to figure out who the bad person who is and the motive is. Usually I can figure out the person and watch the clues pile up before the end of the story. But in The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal, the novel does start with an exciting mission and incident, which I really liked. A good thriller novel should capture my attention within the first moments, or my attention can wander away. But from this moment, the main hero, Ben, is on the run. Bullets are flying. People dying. Which normally, I would praise and be happy to see. BUT I had a hard time staying focused. Ben was always on the run. Not that many moments to breathe. Too many other characters to account for. What were they there for? Why were they there? Are they important to the solution to the story? In those moments, I read the story and followed what happened, but I needed more depth. I do not feel like I grew a connection with Ben. I didn’t really care what happened to him. What was the issue that Ben was running from? This was not shown until almost the end of the novel. The scenery was nice since I have never traveled to Europe, but I can’t wait to visit. Hopefully, sometime. Overall, The Paris Betrayal did not really capture my attention like I wanted it to. The story needs more personal connection to the reader.

I received a complimentary copy of  The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal from Revell Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Paris Betrayal

James R. Hannibal: Chasing the White Lion

By Kelly Bridgewater

Young CIA officer Talia Inger has reconciled with the man who assassinated her father, but that doesn't mean she wants him hovering over her every move and unearthing the painful past she's trying to put behind her. Still, she'll need him--and the help of his star grifter, Valkyrie--if she hopes to infiltrate the Jungle, the first ever crowdsourced crime syndicate, to rescue a group of kidnapped refugee children.

But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she'll run right up against the ragged edge of her family's dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it's win . . . or die. And in times like that, it's always good to have someone watching your back.

Former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James Hannibal takes you deep undercover into the criminal underworld where everyone has an angle and no one escapes unscathed.

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Suspense is a great way to spend a couple of hours. With James R. Hannibal's second novel in the Talia Inger's series, Chasing the White Lion, Hannibal definitely delivers. With fast chasing across the globe to hunt for missing children, Talia and her troop of misfits sweep up the mischief and mayhem. With th first novel, The Gryphon Heist, I really loved how he crafted together the least likely bunch of criminals to create a family who seeks for justice. Hannibal throws in a little bit of spiritual lesson too for the fans of redemptive stories, but nothing to preachy. Only one litte scene. But boy, does it make an impact. The final climactic moment in the last twenty percent of the novel has a Hunger Games feel to it. A chase through mazes against some of the worst criminals in the market. Overall, Chasing the White Lion is a memorizing addition to the series, and I honestly can't wait to see what tasks Hannibal allows Talia to venture into next.

I received a complimentary copy of Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Chasing the White Lion

James R. Hannibal: The Gryphon Heist

By Kelly Bridgewater

Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe--a department only known as "Other." When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she'll be back in DC within a few days. But that's before she knows where the designs are stored--and who's after them. With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where only criminal minds and unlikely strategies will keep the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault, hovering in the mesosphere.

Even Tyler is more than he seems, and Talia begins to wonder: Is he helping her? Or using her access to CIA resources to pull off an epic heist for his own dark purposes?

In this Ocean's Eleven-meets-Mission Impossible thriller, former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James R. Hannibal offers you a nonstop thrill ride through the most daring heist ever conceived.

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal is labeled as a suspense novel and the synopsis sounded promising, so I picked up the book to read. The idea of a rookie CIA agent named Talia Inger who has never been on an assignment but as passed all her skills and knowledge test was a different take on a heroine. Especially being a woman. For some weird reason, I thought the story would be told from a male's point of view, but it wasn't. Not that it cheapen the story; Just thought that would work better. Anyways, Talia is shown to have flaws and that makes her a more reliable character. There is no romance in the novel, which I really enjoyed. The plot definitely has its moments of high action, but there were many different occasions of Talia waking up and coming in the gathering room sometimes for breakfast, sometimes alone, sometimes to see the dawn. Really awkward. I did enjoy the danger of trying to free the Gryphon data vault in the mesosphere. It was a unique and not done yet cast of characters. All past thieves or assassins. Enjoyed watching them use their skills for good. There really isn't much spiritual elements to chew on. The mention of God comes from Tyler, Talia's partner, and readers are still left in the dark about how much it changes him. Overall, The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal has its moments of uniqueness, but filled with repetitive scenes, the story became okay. I'm not writing off Hannibal yet as a suspense novelist; he could surprise me with the second one.

I received a complimentary copy of The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Gryphon Heist

About the Author:

From Amazon

As a former stealth pilot, James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up with surface to air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a two-time Silver Falchion award-winner for his Section 13 mysteries for kids and a Thriller Award nominee for his Nick Baron covert ops series for adults. His first Christian thriller, the Grypyhon Heist, releases Fall 2019 from Revell. James is a rare multi-sense synesthete, meaning all of his senses intersect. He sees and feels sounds and smells and hears flashes of light. If he tells you the chocolate cake you offered smells blue and sticky, take it as a compliment. (Taken from Amazon.)