Into the Fire

The fifth book’s title in the YA Dreamhouse King Series implies the intensity turns up another notch in this leg of the minute-by-minute journey through time portals and dangerous civilizations and circumstances. Xander and David King, literal brothers and often brothers-in-arms, continue to travel into unknown situations in hopes of finding and rescuing their captured mother.

Each book picks up where the previous one finished so in spite of the six month intervals between them, the dire circumstances come roaring back to mind as one or all of the King family contends with the evil Taksidian and his lurching destroyer the family calls Phemus. David is stuck in a narrow chamber filled with dead people’s bones somewhere in Taksidian’s house. Xander must listen to Taksidian describe how he plans to murder the young man, and Dad plots how to rescue his sons. Toria hears faint screams and alerts Keal who was once in Special Forces but is now their aged great-great uncle’s caretaker.

In Whirlwind David and Xander visit Uncle Jesse in the hospital, and though he is weak, his eyes come alive when he describes the meaning of visiting the historic times and places offered by the portals in their house. His connection with David gives him the ability to convey how vital their purpose is in restoring or completing history as it should be. It gives new meaning to their dubious travels and what they can accomplish if they just pay attention. Of course that’s easier said than done since most of the time they’re running or fighting for their lives.

This particular segment of the story leads into more of an overall spiritual purpose which David begins to ponder. Xander also considers who Taksidian might be.

I’ve said it multiple times before, and I’ll say it again: Robert is the master of pacing. These stories invite the younger crowd to zoom from one historic timeframe to another in a matter of minutes and hours all the while experiencing one startling and often hapless event after another. Robert’s marketing tactics for these books have included multiple visits to schools across the country to discuss these stories, writing and reading, a website which invites readers to contribute (and receive credit for) plot elements, enter contests for great gifts including autographed copies of all the books and other great prizes, and book signings which have turned out to be major events for fans of all ages.

As with each book, Whirlwind ends in another crisis for the two boys and leaves readers eager for the final sixth book in the series titled Frenzy which promises more of the same. There is some discussion about continuing this series, but the six books conclude the initial run for the King family. Kids of all ages—make that readers who don’t easily scare—and who enjoy the thoughts of time travel and thrill to action rides will take great pleasure in the harrowing adventures of this ordinary family in this strange house.

Father, you know how much I appreciate Robert for his heart, his talent, and his genuine and generous spirit. Bless him as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.