The Poet of the Leawold eBook by H. R. Hess | Christian Novel UK (Paperback) by H R Hess

Thrilling fantasy tale for teens with gospel glimmers

Aderyn pushed through the press of people, searching for her brother and finding him at last in their dwelling, ransacking his chests and filling a leather bag with his things. He meant to defy their father, then.

Despite an invading threat from the south and his father’s refusal to let him go, Leif abandons his twin sister in search of the mysterious lights that fell from the sky one snow-covered night. As Leif’s desperate longing for answers drives him on, back at home Aderyn grows increasingly close to an injured prisoner of war, but can this stranger really be trusted?

Why you'll love The Poet of the Leawold by H.R. Hess:

Fantastic for first-timers: Set long before the others in the series, this novel is a great starting point if it's your first time in Callenlas.
Gospel glimmers: With themes like the brokenness of the world and the quiet arrival of a Redeemer, The Poet of Leawold nudges young people towards Christ through beauty - not force.
Easy to share: With no explicit mentions of God, this novel is a great gift for friends and family.
Fantastical world-building: Think majestic dragons, Stars who walk among humans, mind powers, and more...

Available now from 10ofthose – quality Christian fiction at affordable prices.

Read a q&a with the author on the 10ofthose.com blog!

Great for:

Teens new to Callenlas
Fans of Christian fiction like The Chronicles of Narnia
Summer camps or book clubs

Title

The Poet of the Leawold
Author(s)

H R Hess
Series

Callenlas Chronicles
ISBN

9781916669222
Format

Paperback
Publisher

Reformation Lightning
Age Range

12-14s, 15-18s
Audience

Children, Youth
Pages

384
Published

01/09/2025

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H R Hess

H R Hess is married to Steffan, and mum to three children. Having enjoyed many adventures from her armchair (and many a bus-stop, waiting room, and home-made den) she decided to write her own. She is the author of The Callenlas Chronicles.

See other titles by this author

""Hess exhibits a care with words that is too rarely seen – her writing is simply beautiful.”"

- Tama Fortner, ECPA award-winning and bestselling writer

""The air of Callenlas carries echoes of Narnia...”"

- Nate Morgan Locke, Creative Director, Speak Life

""What I love most is that, as you are drawn in to the journey of each character– their joys and struggles, fears and bravery, mistakes and growth – you realise that it is the same journey you are travelling under the tender, guiding hand of God.”"

- Michael J Tinker, Songwriter

Overall rating

4.0 based on 1 review

H.R. Hess has done it again!

Continuing in her strong vein of brilliantly drawn characters and gripping storytelling, Hess’s latest installment in the Callenlas Chronicles doesn’t disappoint. The helpful timeline at the beginning of the book tells the reader that this story is set before any of the other books in the series, and describes a time of darkness in the kingdom. The narrative and characters have a kind of ‘vikingy’ vs. anglo-saxon feel about them – there are Reifs and dragons, and also potions, witches, spirit shadows and seers. Consequently, it has a darker feel to it in places, as Hess explores more of the supernatural in the world she has created. As ever, though Elior’s goodness and light are shown to be more than enough to overcome the darkness that abounds. With this comes a lot more theology woven through the story as the battle between the forces of good and evil is framed and explained by Elior (who is clearly and beautifully portrayed as the Messiah figure in the Chronicles). This does mean that, whereas other books in the series might be more easy to put in the hands of teen who doesn’t know Jesus, this book doesn’t lend itself so easily to that – but for parents who want to find books for their teens that champion characters of great courage and integrity and kindness, and help them fall more in love with Jesus as they read a rip-roaring adventure, Hess has done it again!