A moving read: My review of The Lion Cubs By Chrissy M. Dennis

Looking for an entertaining, moving read? Read on for my review of "The Lion Cubs"...

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kristen was slicing at her wrists again.

But that was no surprise, at least not to 15-year-old Lexi.

She was slouched over a table, alone as usual, fanning a worn out book back and forth, her dark brown eyes focused on the blood bath three tables over.

15-year-old loner, Lexi Vogan, has had enough: four foster families in two years is enough to make anybody run away! Alone in the world, she flees to Jacksonville where a group of runaway teens live in abandoned tunnels hidden below the city. It seems like the perfect place for a forgotten face.

Liz Swavier, 36, became a widow two years ago when her husband succumbed to cancer, but she’s doing okay, at least that’s what she tells herself. Working long hours as a doctor in the ER department, Liz's friends and family grow concerned that she’s hurled herself into work to numb her grief.

Then, on a typical Friday afternoon, an appointment with Divine intervention causes these two very different lives to collide beginning a journey towards restoration that only an all-knowing, loving God could weave together.

MY REVIEW

It is hard to believe that Chrissy Dennis is a debut author! The Lion Cubs is a well-crafted novel, delving into deep issues with a unique plot line and with characters you quickly come to care for. Dennis brings a unique voice to the world of Christian fiction that is a pleasure to read, and it is easy to see why she won the Word Alive Publishing contest. That said, I found that some of the scenes in the middle of the novel, while well-written, were a bit too detailed for me and dragged a little, and I wonder if the book could have been shortened someone to result in a more taut story. However, the latter part sped along and had me gripping the book tightly as I raced to find out what would happen! I loved the unique plot elements of the story, such as Lexi living in abandoned tunnels with other runaway youth. Reading about the horrible abuse and neglect that Lexi suffered was difficult, as I never like to imagine children in such situations, and yet it made the beautiful conclusion all the more poignant.

The Lion Cubs is guaranteed to move you and bring tears to your eyes. It is a beautiful story of grace, of the sweeping power of love to embrace the unlovable. I give this book a solid recommendation of 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to what the future holds for Chrissy Dennis!

Book has been provided courtesy of Word Alive Press and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now from your favourite bookseller.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chrissy Dennis is finishing up her last year at Briercrest College and Seminary in Saskatchewan, Canada, where she is completing a Masters of Divinity in Youth and Family Ministry. She is excited to pursue a career in youth ministry, as God has called her to minister to the needs of youth in this culture. She hopes to continue writing, specifically regarding issues relevant to today’s teens, offering a message of salvation and hope. She loves the world of fiction and the potential it has to draw the reader into a world where anything is possible. 

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