Raphael and the Noble Task

Rating:
Summary: A Book Worth Reading
Review: A delightful book! The writing carries the flavor of a bygone age where things were done because they were worth doing. Yet it is contemporary and inspires the reader (or the listening child) with the motivation to begin looking for the "noble tasks" in their own lives.

The writing is accessible but not childlike. As an adult, I appreciate that it does not "talk down" to my children. Rather it helps lift them by opening new dimensions of ideas in an entertaining and engaging manner.

This book is an ideal vehicle for establishing a Christmas tradition. Start reading a chapter a day on December 1 and on December 24 both you and your children will have enjoyed a story that is worth the reading.

The book is thoroughly enjoyable and is strongly recommended. It stands head and shoulders above the standard "Christmas Books".

Rating:
Summary: A Book Worth Reading
Review: A delightful book! The writing carries the flavor of a bygone age where things were done because they were worth doing. Yet it is contemporary and inspires the reader (or the listening child) with the motivation to begin looking for the "noble tasks" in their own lives.

The writing is accessible but not childlike. As an adult, I appreciate that it does not "talk down" to my children. Rather it helps lift them by opening new dimensions of ideas in an entertaining and engaging manner.

This book is an ideal vehicle for establishing a Christmas tradition. Start reading a chapter a day on December 1 and on December 24 both you and your children will have enjoyed a story that is worth the reading.

The book is thoroughly enjoyable and is strongly recommended. It stands head and shoulders above the standard "Christmas Books".

Rating:
Summary: For all ages...
Review: For those of you who loved the Narnia Chronicles, this book is for you. The best parts of Tim Burton's Gothic taste, mixed in with Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods". This story avoids many mistakes Fairy Tales make. It balances on the line between the adult and child audience and never seems to insult the reader's intelligence.

I cannot remember the last time I was so taken in with a book so simple. And that is why the tale is told so well. It never strays from its path, and gently takes the reader along.

"Raphael & the Noble Task" holds all the magic of those bed time stories we loved when we were little, but now cannot remember.

And best of all the Gargoyles are not cute, nor silly, nor over-the-top ferocious. They're just gargoyles. Like God wanted them to be.

Rating:
Summary: A New Classic!
Review: It's been a long time since a book has so absorbed me. Ms. Salton's style of writing is completely refreshing-while this is a children's book, I did not find the language condescending at all. Her character development is rich and full; I was truly disappointed when the book ended and I had to say goodbye to these wonderful creatures!

My 9 year old was also enthralled with Raphael-he practically swallowed the book whole! And while some of the language was a bit of a stretch for him, he enjoyed and understood the book thoroughly.

How often do you find a book that you can truly enjoy reading with your children! Make Raphael and the Noble Task a traditional holiday (or anytime) read in your house and you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: A New Classic!
Review: It's been a long time since a book has so absorbed me. Ms. Salton's style of writing is completely refreshing-while this is a children's book, I did not find the language condescending at all. Her character development is rich and full; I was truly disappointed when the book ended and I had to say goodbye to these wonderful creatures!

My 9 year old was also enthralled with Raphael-he practically swallowed the book whole! And while some of the language was a bit of a stretch for him, he enjoyed and understood the book thoroughly.

How often do you find a book that you can truly enjoy reading with your children! Make Raphael and the Noble Task a traditional holiday (or anytime) read in your house and you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: A Hero at the Top of the Cathedral
Review: Raphael the Cathedral griffin is a most human character indeed. At the heart of this magical medieval fable lies, as the title suggests, Raphael's search for meaning in his life - for a "noble task" to lend purpose to his existence. His quest teaches him about his, and our own, frailties of ego, pride, and heedlessness, and, ultimately, about our need for humility and self-giving love. In the end, the story of Raphael's redemption is our own.

Author Catherine Salton's evocative writing brings Raphael's Middle Ages cathedral to life as memorably as any classical fabulist. I highly recommend this book for people of all ages. The story is as timeless as the human soul itself

Rating:
Summary: A classic fable, timeless and for readers young and old
Review: Raphael the Cathedral griffin is a most human character indeed. At the heart of this magical medieval fable lies, as the title suggests, Raphael's search for meaning in his life - for a "noble task" to lend purpose to his existence. His quest teaches him about his, and our own, frailties of ego, pride, and heedlessness, and, ultimately, about our need for humility and self-giving love. In the end, the story of Raphael's redemption is our own.

Author Catherine Salton's evocative writing brings Raphael's Middle Ages cathedral to life as memorably as any classical fabulist. I highly recommend this book for people of all ages. The story is as timeless as the human soul itself

Rating:
Summary: Cathedral Community at Christmas
Review: This is a great read! Salton's creation of the community living in, on and around a medieval cathedral is among the best worlds in fantasy writing (Salton has studied the Middle Ages extensively). I really enjoyed her characters, and the vignettes of cathedral life. "Noble Task" transcends the limited categories of children's books, fantasy books, and holiday books. It is the tale of Raphael's search for purpose in his life, and his noble quest to understand his own identity.

Salton's writing is engaging and a pleasure to read. Her book does not deliver its plot in a heavy-handed way, as some holiday books do. She tells a wonderful, magical story about love, faith, personal identity and community that will stand the test of time as a classic.

Rating:
Summary: Cathedral Community at Christmas
Review: This is a great read! Salton's creation of the community living in, on and around a medieval cathedral is among the best worlds in fantasy writing (Salton has studied the Middle Ages extensively). I really enjoyed her characters, and the vignettes of cathedral life. "Noble Task" transcends the limited categories of children's books, fantasy books, and holiday books. It is the tale of Raphael's search for purpose in his life, and his noble quest to understand his own identity.

Salton's writing is engaging and a pleasure to read. Her book does not deliver its plot in a heavy-handed way, as some holiday books do. She tells a wonderful, magical story about love, faith, personal identity and community that will stand the test of time as a classic.

Rating:
Summary: A Hero at the Top of the Cathedral
Review: This is a wonderful tale of a very personable chimere (who is not a gargoyle) who wants to find his way in the world - his Noble Task. I think that we are all looking for a Noble Task.

Raphael finds friendship and magic and love in his world even when he is confused and uncertain. I think that there is much to learn from this story and it is interesting to both kids and adults. Alot of the language is funny and quirky, which I liked alot.

Anyone who got interested in the Harry Potter books will also like this story because it has great characters and magic, too.