Secret of the Swamp King - Jonathan Rogers

Once again Rogers invites us to romp through the world of Corenwald alongside Aidain Errolson. Several years have passed and now we meet up with a triumphant teenager who has been accepted into the house of King Darrow and won the favoritism of the courtiers. A deep abiding friendship has sprung up in the hearts of Aidain and the King’s son Stern, and all seems right in the world. However, Aidain’s popularity does not reach to every heart in the kingdom. Jealousies and vice twist deep within King Darrow’s dark heart as his insecurity and hatred grows for the young man who has rescued his kingdom. Darrow soon plots an impossible mission that he hopes will bring the loyal-hearted hero to his demise.

Aidain’s love for his King causes him to take up this homicide journey in an effort to dispel the King’s radical spiral of ever darkening moods, and prove once and for all that he is a loyal subject who would never harm his king. Our young friend’s journey in search of this melancholy cure sends him deep into the darkest recesses of the Feechiefen Swamp, places where no Corenwalder has ever returned. Yet Aidain carries the faith that his friendship with the secretive Feechie will assist him in his travels and grant him safe passage through their lands. That is, until he is kidnapped by a renegade tribe and held prisoner by… the Wilderking?

Our characters are still getting into, and out of, scrapes in hilarious ways, all the while reminding us by their actions that God is merciful, and that serving him is our greatest reward. We still have some of those throw your head back and laugh moments, but this tale has a sadder, more mature tone, than the first. As Aidain is growing up and maturing he is learning that facing the world nobly is a hard thing, and life is not a bed of roses, even when you are the savior of a kingdom. As Aidain endures heartaches and trials we are yet again reminded of why we loved the boy from the first story. His strength and resolve to do what is good and true shows that the young boy is ever developing into a heroic young man.

The sequel to Bark of the Bog Owl is less derivative than its predecessor, however it still holds symbolic reminders of David’s life, especially in regards to his relations with the royal family (I.e. Saul and Jonathan).

Bravo Jonathan Rogers for delivering another fascinating read that delves us deeper into the simplistic, honorable society of the Feechiefen.