The Anasius Trilogy by Rich Castro

The Anasius Trilogy by Rich Castro follows 8 teenagers who are mysteriously “extracted” to another world at random times when they are using personal technology or devices. In each book, they are extracted into a different year in this world and each time that world is facing either a physical or political war. The teenagers discover that they have been called for a specific purpose to help save this new world and are faced with many challenges in the world of Anasius as well as their own.

The first in the series titled, Extracted begins with Trey; an American teenager whose family moves to London. As a new international transfer student, Trey starts to experience bullying from others. At some point, Trey gets extracted into Anasius in the year 316 along with 7 other teenagers. Before discovering that each of them has been extracted into this new world, Trey, Zac, Joe Jason, Kia, Max, Marcia and Zika go through different training for their own skill sets and gifts. They later find out that they are training for a war to save Anasius from being conquered. They are also introduced to the Scrolls; an old ancient text that most of the people of Anasius have forgotten. Later they meet several royal “Xci” leaders in Anasius who serve Xcion the Sovereign.

In Defiance, it is the year 381 in Anasius. A fire has taken the Xci royal family at the Summer Palace with the exception of Prince Arlon who is nine years old. A man by the name of Harkness and his daughter, Ella wake up Prince Arlon and his nurse, Jenny to escape out of the royal castle and go into hiding for many years. During this time, Anasius’ leadership has elected The Elders and are led by the Elder of Defense. She later makes herself Chief Elder and secretly tries to take control so she can rule.

It’s the year 561 in the final book, Goldensun. A twelve-year-old girl named Hera is in a tournament in Turonia called the Order of the Dragon. Selected teens are brought to the tournament with the intent to fight and battle each other until there is a sole winner. Hera then takes cover as a homeless beggar and takes her orders to assassinate the Elders and the Xci leadership. Back in London, the teens struggle with personal problems.

Reading Level: Ages 15+
Read-aloud Age: 15+

Although the publisher recommends ages 12-16, I would personally recommend this trilogy for mature teens around 15+ because of its theme of bullying, grief, self-harm, war, abortion, and romance. This series was a very exciting read; however, I felt the pacing of book one was a tad slow and the battle scene a bit wordy. I enjoyed the last 2 books in the series far better for pacing. However, I certainly enjoyed reading them as a whole.

Xion the Sovereign is a character you never meet, but he seems to be the equivalent of God in our world. As for the figure of Christ and the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t seem to be exactly clear. There is one character who sacrifices himself and could be a Christ figure, but it’s not overt. The Scrolls also seem to be representative of the Scriptures.

This series is said to be Christian Fiction but is not overly packed with verses that are taken out of context. I was comforted by the scenes specifically where their youth leader, Tim, encourages them when they have suffered a great loss. He cares for them and is present with them. He does not offer quick Bible references but sits in the pain with them.

I was encouraged by several of the teens having moments of integrity and a biblical view of humanity. When they saw Zika retreating from everyone else and behaving strangely, some of them ignored it, but Marcia came to visit and help. There is also a moment when there is an “it’s my body” argument when referring to the abortion. One of the friends says, “Because now it’s not only your body, is it.” Jason listens to the Christmas story and is convicted when he hears that Jesus was considered a baby in Mary’s belly before He was born and was not considered an “It.”

Overall, The Anasius Trilogy is an engaging story that asks meaningful questions about courage, sacrifice, grief, leadership, and faith. While I would recommend it for older teens because of several mature themes, I appreciate the way difficult issues were handled with hope and biblical truth. Readers who enjoy fantasy adventures with strong character development and subtle Christian symbolism will likely enjoy this series.

Language:
stupid, idiot, heck, shut-up, darn

“shedload” might be slang for “sh*tload”

Taking leader’s name lightly, “How in the name of Xion”

Questionable Behaviors:
Trey is bullied as the new kid in school. There is taunting and laughter when the incident where his clothes are taken from the bathroom and towel is grabbed from him so he is naked. In Anasius, the devices were taken away from the people because of their excessive internet use and “worse” it describes. Parents are not involved much in the teens’ decisions, the teens often lie to them or not tell them all that is going on. While in Anasius, Kia gets an operation for an implant in her ear without parental permission. Zika deals with his grief by cutting himself and drawing disturbing images. Marcia drinks some kind of drink that is not described as alcohol but we don’t know what it is. Marcia explains that she just tells her parents what she’s planning and they just go along with it. Teens are put in battle and kill enemies. Two of the teens pretend to be drunk to distract the enemy. A 12-year old assassin who kills multiples. An abortion is considered.

Sexual Content:
Book 1: Trey’s clothes are taken away in the bathroom. Kia shares her infatuation with Jason to Marcia. One of the trainers in Anasius is wearing a tight bodice. Emotional comments between Jason and Kia as they go into battle. A memory is shared of a guy dressing up as a girl for a prank at school. It’s mentioned that Kia looked stunning.

Book 2: Ella worries about Arlon and he teases back. Harkness and Jenny get married but it’s not legal. A man calls Marcia Zika’s girlfriend. Jason says “Be careful” to Kia and friend looks at him funny. Jason gets kicked in the private area.

Book 3: Describes Hera with a slim figure and well-toned muscle. Describes 5-year old Hera with a damp pink nightgown. Talks about her “not dry body” and “body hugging top” in the tournament. Her opponent was described as having muscles and being sweaty. Hera’s heart twisting when she sees Kayton. Jason and Kia have a deep conversation, holding hands and intense dating remarks by Marcia. Kia and Jason want to go camping alone and lie to their parents. While camping, Jason asks Kia if she wants to “warm up in the tent”. It’s revealed that Kia is pregnant and wants to get an abortion. Kia gives Jason a kiss on the cheek.

Other Things to Know:
There is a lot of war scenes as well as torture scenes that might be a tad graphic for some younger teens.

This review was written by Good Book Mom contributor, Sarah Estelle. To find out more about Sarah, click HERE.

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