Torsils in Time by William D. Burt - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from the author's website)
Book II in the "King of the Trees" fantasy series by William D. Burt.
WINEPRESS PUBLISHING: JUNE, 2001. (Softcover; 288 pages. Ill. by Terri L. Lahr and Rebecca J. Burt.) Includes glossary and pronunciation guide at the back for easier reading and for reading aloud.

In this sequel to The King of the Trees, Rolin and Marlis are enjoying a carefree autumn picnic when they are trapped between worlds. Too late they learn the connections among a silver starglass, a handful of pearls and five ravens. Cut off from friends, family and each other by a mysterious malady, they learn to survive in a savage land where unwary travelers fall prey to strange and terrifying creatures. To save Lucambra and many other worlds from a devouring darkness, they must join forces with some unlikely allies. Only in losing all they have ever known and loved do they discover the faithfulness of Gaelathane.

Ideal for ages eight and older, Torsils in Time is an inspirational fantasy tale filled with adventure, riddles and mystery.

My Thoughts:

“From ‘here-and-where’ to ‘there and then’…”

This is the explanation of the terms “wherren” and “therren”, and best describes the scope of  William D. Burt’s novel Torrsils In Time.  The concept  of torrsils and time travel were introduced in Burt’s first novel, King of Trees, and expands in scope and depth in the second novel of the series.  

 The characters that were introduced in King of Trees find themselves in dire circumstances rather suddenly.  However, what they learn as they linger in an in-between state of being is the deep truth of God’s Word, “Behold, I am turning all things hurtful in your lives to the good, weaving the dark threads among the light into a living fabric of grace and glory.”

Rolin and Marlis experience a very trying adventure in this novel.  Over and over again they must choose to trust the King of Trees in the midst of very uncertain and dangerous circumstances.  They meet a very isolated family during their ventures, and are allowed to share sacrificially with them and bring them to a point of truth.  The results?  Well, you’ll have to read the story to find out!  Believe me, you won’t be disappointed!!

This is my second novel experience from Burt’s series, and it is a very exciting, very applicable teaching tool for young adults.  I firmly believe that many young people will be ministered to very powerfully through this series!  I’ve enjoyed my time wherren and therren!!

About the Author:

William D. Burt is best known as the author of the "King of the Trees" Christian fantasy series. Having spent most of his teenage years adventuring in Middle Earth, the author is an avid fantasy fan. His first allegorical fantasy title, The King of the Trees, came out in 1998 (WinePress). Bowing to reader demand, he has expanded the series to include a total of seven titles to date, with more to follow. He has also embarked upon a new young-adult adventure series featuring prehistoric creatures in a modern setting.

While still in high school, Burt began his writing career editing his father's popular identification guides, Edible and Poisonous Plants of the Western/Eastern States. As an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Western Oregon University, he served as a successful grant-writer and program coordinator. 

Burt holds a B.S. in English from Lewis and Clark College and an M.S. from Western Oregon University in Deaf Education. In addition to writing novels, he works as an RID-certified American Sign Language interpreter with over thirty years' experience. His interests include reading, foreign languages and mycology. He is married with two grown children.