In the first book of The Sword of Lyric series, The Restorer, we meet Susan, burned out wife and mother of four. After retreating to a small attic room her husband Mark has created for her, she accidentally travels through a portal to another world. 

After waking up in a foreign place and time, she tries to make some sense of her journey. Soon she finds that she is the promised Restorer for the People of the Verses. She attempts to follow the One in a battle for her life and hundreds of innocents to save their country from evil. 

At the opening of The Restorer’s Son, Susan returns home to the attic only to discover her teenage son Jake has passed through the portal into the same alternate universe she has just left. She and husband Mark go back to Lyric in a frantic search for Jake. 

But things have changed for Susan—she no longer has Restorer powers—they have been passed on to Kieran of Braide Wood. While Susan and Mark look for Jake, Kieran wrestles with his own destiny. He is now the Restorer, but until he surrenders to the One and His plan, he will remain frustrated and confused. 

Surprises are in store for Kieran as people from his past resurface and he embarks on a mission from the One. What sacrifice will he have to make in order to fulfill his purpose as the Restorer? Will Susan be able to trust the One for Jake’s safe return? 

Kieran and Susan learn to trust His hand in their lives—the reader sees both journeys firsthand as both points of view are presented, told in first person for each character. I enjoyed getting into Kieran’s head this time, as Hinck revealed his troubles as a man called to be something he wishes to reject at first. 

In some ways, Linette and Jake’s circumstances mirror one another. They must accept what has been thrust upon them in order to keep the faith. Both go through a difficult period of loss and confusion that could threaten their closeness to the One. 

Everyone struggles in their relationship with God. Many times, we must overcome our hesitation to obey, fully trusting that God will work all things according to His plan, the best plan. Rarely do events turn out the way we wish, but a lesson can always be learned and God never ceases to amaze. 

There are many intricacies of plot, interesting relationships between characters, and interwoven themes that make this novel a joy to read. I’ve read it twice, savoring more meaning the second time around. I highly recommend this book. If you like Sharon’s other work, fantasy, or alternate universe-type novels, The Restorer’s Son will not disappoint.