The book is really good. I read the entire trilogy to my sons years ago and had the urge to read again. Was not disappointed. Fiction yet speaks to true life as we persevere and meet the challenges ahead of us with faith in the Most High God.

Summary:

Carrying a sealed message from the war-hero Dragon King to the queen, Quentin and his outlaw companion, Theido, plunge headlong into a fantastic odyssey and mystic quest. Danger lurks everywhere in the brutal terrain, and particularly in the threats from merciless creatures, both human and not-so-human.

While at the castle, the wicked Prince Jaspin schemes to secure the crown for himself, and an evil sorcerer concocts his own monstrous plan. A plan that Quentin and Theido could never imagine. In the youth's valiant efforts to save the kingdom and fulfill his unique destiny, he will cross strange and wondrous lands; encounter brave knights, beautiful maidens, and a mysterious hermit; and battle a giant, deadly serpent.

Positive Elements:

Toli points out that serving is not weakness; Durwin remarks that "Even in war, we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of men"; characters show loyalty.

Cons:

The necromancer's plans and power are extremely creepy, and might frighten younger readers.

Violence:

A character is ambushed and wounded; it is mentioned that an enemy's comrades were beheaded; characters are taken captive, and one is beaten; battle and carnage are semi-described; a character battles a snake.

Spiritual Elements:

Omens are mentioned; several different gods are referred to (and eventually proved to be false); the antagonist dabbles in the occult; the nameless god is referred to as the Most High and Creator of Life; a character summons the antagonist through a pyramid-like structure; one character observes, in reference to Matthew 6:24, that a man cannot serve two masters; a character meets and places his faith in the Most High; the antagonist puts himself in a trance; another character speaks of two paths, seemingly in reference to Matthew 7:13-14.

Other:

Wine is used to revive an injured knight. There is one reference each of "Jackass" and "Shut up."

Conclusion:

In the first of three books, Lawhead introduces us to several characters you will find yourself immediately rooting for. Subtly showing how fake the gods of men are, Lawhead paints a story filled with suspense, faith, and action. While I would suggest this book for readers thirteen and up due to some of the spiritual elements and violence, In the Hall of the Dragon King is a book that will keep you reading to the end.

Nice light and "clean" fantasy fiction. I purchased all three in the trilogy and enjoyed reading them. Any fiction I've read by this author has been good.