Tales of the Restoration is the conclusion of David and Karen Mains’ allegorical story of Hero, his brother Little Child, and their community in Great Park and the Enchanted City. (You can read about the first two books in the series here and here.)
Although he is only mentioned once or twice in the other books, several stories in Tales of the Restoration focus on the journey of Little Child, Hero’s younger brother. L.C. has grown up in the care of Mercie in Great Park and is now ready to make Crossing alone to the Enchanted City (now renamed Bright City) and join his brother in the work of the Restoration. The Crossing through the garbage dump where minions of the Enchanter still lurk is dangerous, but Little Child overcomes the trials and makes it to Bright City. He is welcomed by Hero, and given a tour of what is going on in the city now that the Enchanter is gone. Empty lots are being turned into Play Plazas, Song Studios and Safe Places are being created; but, there is still work to be done. Following along with Amanda one day, Little Child finds himself drawn to helping the Lost Children who still dwell in the run-down parts of Bright City and don’t know that they belong to someone. As a Taxi Corps trainee, Little Child gets to know the city inside and out and takes on a new name—Hunter, the one who goes looking for Lost Children, welcomes them home, and teaches them Kingsways.
Aside from Little Child, readers are given glimpses of some other familiar faces; Carny, now a ballerina in the Dance Studio Company, and Benji and Eddie, the orphans who the King rescued from forced labor in the sewers, now in charge of keeping the lights on in Bright City using solar power. New faces and stories are introduced as well: Grandma Vigilantes who keep their neighborhoods safe at night, and Agatha Ann, the girl with the Very Loud Outside Voice who learns how her gifts are best used in the service of the King.
The rest of the action in this final volume is a short love story. Hint: it involves Hero, but I won’t give you any spoilers about who the bride is in the wedding that takes place in the last chapter. Great Park and Bright City join together in a final Great Celebration, and even the heavens are happy to be there. We are left with a clear picture: the work of the Restoration continues, and still, the Kingdom comes.
“Listen to me,” said the King again. “Though I have many things to do in many places, I am always near.
“In battle, I am at your hindside.
“In duty, I am at your working hand.
“In slumber, I bend to protect you.
“In loving, I am your heartsong.
“In Great Celebration, I am always, always with you.”
You can find her on Instagram @bookishredreads, sharing more books that are lovely, fun, or interesting.
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We read this in homeschool (we use My Father’s World). So good! My son loved it!