Lapidius


Christian - Fiction
400 Pages
Reviewed on 02/28/2023
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Author Biography

Matthew Runals has a great imagination with great character development. I really enjoyed the positive aspects of teamwork, and the loyalty between the main characters. It's a wonderful story. I recommend it for 8+.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Lapidius by Matthew Runals is a Christian fantasy and the first book in the author's debut A Nation Found series. The story is set in the fictional realm of Novum Albion, a place struggling to uphold the righteous and principled foundation it was historically admired for with each passing generation. The prospect of stemming Novum Albion's decline comes by way of Lapidius, a military-style academy intent on the reformulation of young minds, bodies, and spirits. Among the newest crop of cadets, readers are able to follow friends Joey, Lucas, Kyle, and Brian as they embark on their training, narrated through an omniscient point of view that also allows readers into the thoughts of others both within and beyond the walls of Lapidius. Strength, perseverance, and teamwork are critical in all situations and for the rehabilitation and safety of Novum Albion, and are taught by action in a cranked-up, monster and fantasy-filled gauntlet known as The Game.

Lapidius is an ambitious undertaking for any author and I definitely have to take my hat off to Matthew Runals for putting this novel out there as his debut. It is a big, big story with a lot of moving parts, world-building, and a full cast of characters. The book is heavy in content and this is reflected in its length, a combination that will bode well for readers who like complete immersion. Christian readers with conservative political outlooks will relish the construct of what Novum Albion was and what it has become, as well as the drivers behind restoring her to exceptionalism. I did find the writing style to be rough around the edges and those who are accustomed to more polished prose will not find that here, but the beauty of a debut novel is that we are able to witness the maturation of an author and see their growth in near real-time, and I do believe that Runals has the potential to make his mark in the genre.

Steve

An engaging tale of the importance of building teamwork, loyalty, the importance of hard work and dedication to a just cause. Traces the development a group of young kids as they face a series of personal and team challenges with just the right mix of fantasy and monsters to make it truly interesting. Underscores the importance of individual skills and talents integrated into a team against a backdrop of self-centeredness and group think. A good read for any age.

J. Kidd

This book was refreshing in that it told a great story with wonderful characters, like Brian, Lucas, Maisie, Kyle, and others as they face the biggest challenges of their lives at Lapideus. The world-building is strong here and reminded me of a mix between Robert Jordan and Terry Brooks, with a little Harry Potter mixed in. Read it, already!!!

Simon Says

Nice story you can read to your kids during bed time. Interesting story. D pleasant to read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Dana

I read the book through the Kindle App and it was such an easy read! It kept my interest as the development of the relationships between the characters in the book were very relatable and well developed. Loved the ending and how it really leaves you wanting to read the next book. Highly recommend for probably older elementary school kids and above.

Lorna

This book was amazing and engaging! A society in decline with hope and action for renewal, while fighting evil and apathy....not only entertaining, but challenging. I am looking forward to the next one!

David Dickerson

Very well written story with compelling characters and a great message! Highly recommend!

Aliyah Golden

This book had some good character development and world building. This isn’t generally my genre but I really liked this book.

Cass

You get a humor with the kids, but also an adventurous story with several twists and turns. The characters were believable and three-dimensional. Joey was my favorite! Brian, eh but all the characters were amazingly put together. The novel is evocative and written with great detail. I was engrossed and finished 6 chapters in one night!

Cindy

Matthew Runals has a great imagination with great character development. I really enjoyed the positive aspects of teamwork, and the loyalty between the main characters. It's a wonderful story. I recommend it for 8+.