Review of Venom & Song — Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of the CSFF Blog Tour where we are reviewing the young adult novel, VENOM AND SONG (book 2 of the Berinfell Prophecies) by co-authors Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper.

Book 1 Summary

(For those unfamiliar with the Berinfell Prophecies)

Book 1, CURSE OF THE SPIDER KING, is a fantasy inside-out. In most fantasies, the person from earth goes through a portal into another world and has adventures there. In this series, the fantasy world enters through a portal into our world, which is very creative.

The seven elf lords were captured by the Spider King. Unfortunately, due to an ancient curse, he could not kill them before they come of age without bringing doom upon himself.

So they were secretly hidden on Earth and disguised as humans. Now they have come of age, and the Spider King seeks to kill them before Elven sentinels can bring them back.

The Plot (From the back cover … no spoilers here)

Time is running out…

Trapped in the strange world of Allyra, the seven royal Elf lords struggle to control their new powers. With the Spider King chasing them and traitors in their midst, the young lords must unravel the mystery of hte legendary Rainsong before the Elven race is destroyed forever.

Standing in their way are peculiar and perilous creatures, a trap-filled fortress, and a dangerous secret.

Will the prophecies come true?

Or will the Spider King win again?

The Characters

• Jett Green (Hamandar)…has the gift of strength and healing
• Jimmy Gresham (Thorwin)…has the gift of foresight
• Kat Simonson (Alreenia)…is able to read minds
• Kiri Lee Yuen (Lothriel)…can walk on air
• Johnny Briarman (Albriand)…can light things on fire
• Autumn Briarman (Miarra)…able to run and act very fast
• Tommy Bowman (Felheart)…leadership and incredible marksmanship

The seven must learn to fight and work together as a team so that they can defeat the Spider King.

My Verdict (Some Spoilers Ahead)

Here are the positives of the novel:

• Wayne and Christopher have created some really fun visuals for young adults — riding an underground river at high speed, taking a zip line for miles, and an incredible battle at the end of the book!




• For those that like it, there is a touch of young romance, yes, but in a dignified, upright, and sacrificial manner




• We get to know the characters a lot more … so that their suffering is painful to read.




• Once the action gets going, the plot moves along at a fast pace, keeping readers on their toes




• Positive messages abound: Working together, Sacrificing for one another, Learning to trust God, Assuming the best, Giving your enemy a chance to repent and become your friend, Obedience and trust in the face of difficulty, etc.




• Bad guys … oooh … lots of nasty bad guys to loathe!




• An amazing plot twist at the end … you won’t see it coming!

The only negative is that the book just went too fast! I wanted more! Wayne and Christopher easily could have made this into two books and filled in more details. As it is, I will just have to eagerly await book 3 to see what new nefarious things the villains can plot up!

So … Venom and Song is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all young adults and young-at-hearts who love a great fantasy. Think of this as a cross between the movie GOONIES and THE LORD OF THE RINGS with a Christian basis.

Oh … and check out my daughter, Nessa’s short review of Venom and Song!

Make sure to check out the other participants on the Christian Scienc-Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour: