- Title: Three from the Valley
- Author: Marilyn Yoakum
- Publisher: Tate Publishing
- Form: Paperback
- Illustrated: ---
- Number of Pages: 230
- ISBN: 1-5988640-4-1
- Price: : $13.95 + $2.50 (Shipping) = $16.45
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REVIEW:
When his small, peaceful country is ruthlessly invaded by giants and loses the first battle, Connelach finds his secure world turned upside down. He knows his people cannot resist another attack and will not long survive if they have to remain hidden in the rugged range of hills surrounding the valley they have been forced to flee. In Three from the Valley, author Marilyn Yoakum follows the quest of Connelach and his two companions as they desperately try to find the help they need to protect their land. Not knowing what they will find or what dangers they might encounter, the three men venture far beyond their borders realizing that failure will ring a death knell for their families. An adventure story with a dash of fantasy, Three from the Valley demonstrates that heroism is often made up of perseverance and the resolve to do what is right no matter what the cost.
“A neatly plotted and suspenseful novel concerning the sudden and unexpected loss of FREEDOM. It is more than the intricacies and difficulties of regaining freedom once lost, but the dynamic interpersonal relationships of those set on overcoming the great odds against them. A novel for the family ... a good read.”
Rev. William J. Davis, Pastor, Briarwood Baptist Church, St. Robert, MO.
Author Marilyn Yoakum is a teacher in Dixon, Missouri, located in the Missouri Ozarks on the Interstate 44 corridor between Rolla and Fort Leonard Wood. She lives on a small farm with her husband, Rodney. Rodney is her best help and kindest critic. They share many interests including the outdoors, animals, gardening and history. Their two sons, their daughters-in-law and five grandchildren along with many other friends provide much of their enjoyment. She and Rodney are active in a small country church near their home.
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (7/07)
"Three from the Valley" is the first book in "Freedom's Common Ground" series. After their land is invaded by giants, its residents must remain hidden in the hills in order to stay safe. Realizing that they cannot hide forever and will be unable to tend their livestock and crops, three people challenge the council of elders to permit them to travel in search of possible allies to help them defeat their enemy. Connelach and Cadelan were two men who had always stayed in one area because the council forbade traveling beyond the borders. Along with Kinnoch, a teenaged boy who had just escaped from slavery in the land of the giants, they joined together to see what other lands and other peoples were out there. In hopes of finding the Mountain People, some of whose residents were enslaved with Kinnoch, they determinedly endured a treacherous journey on foot.
The author's main point is that people who seemingly have nothing in common (including language, customs, etc) are still able to unite to reach a common goal, in this case finding a way to defeat their much-superior enemy. Barriers and differences can be overcome if each side is willing to make an effort to consider and respect the ideas each side contributes. Another important focus is that people need to take action instead of living in fear. The three main characters gave up being with their families in order to try to defeat the giants and free their slaves. They chose to act for the good of others instead of selfishly sitting back and waiting for someone else to take charge.
This book will appeal to a general audience, but it will be especially enjoyed by those who love adventures. I found the initial travel sequence to be a little monotonous (i.e., travel, make camp, eat, sleep) but the pace picked up greatly once they reached their destination.
After reading this first book, "Three from the Valley," I am looking forward to learning more about the likable characters that set out to make their land safe and their people free. It will be interesting to see what further adventures they will experience as well as to see how they grow and change as a result of their endeavors
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