Battle of Lion Rock

Author: D.J. Williams
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Series: Beacon Hill #3
Pages: 512
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

A thrilling third installment in the Beacon Hill YA fantasy series which Ryan Steck* praised as “a blistering, high-stakes, fast-paced supernatural thriller that’s impossible to put down.”

Ladened with guilt over the innocent lives lost in the war, Jack Reynolds is more determined than ever to honor his sister’s promise. He must fulfill a quest to unite supernatural artifacts missing for centuries and hunted by the Cherub, followers of Elyon, and the Merikh, an evil group seeking world domination. With Eden’s Star as their guide, Jack and Emma journey from this world into other realms to uncover ancient secrets buried in a legendary battle. What they discover could alter the course of history.

Back at Beacon Hill, tensions are rising among the Cherub. Friendships and alliances are tested as great loss divides the followers of Elyon. While the thief of Dragon Soul seeks greater power, a dark force from centuries ago has awakened in a realm untouchable since the Mercy Covenant. Revenge rooted in the past collides with the present, forcing Jack to fight against his greatest fear as a legendary warrior’s unrelenting power threatens the destruction of everything and everyone he loves.

Battle of Lion Rock is the third novel in the Beacon Hill series, an epic young adult supernatural fantasy that launches you on an action-packed quest for ancient artifacts, secret realms, and true allies. This book is for readers who love fantasy, incredible world building, adventure, found family, loyal friendships, a taste of romance, and the ultimate gift: forgiveness.

---

Reviewer: Demetria Head

D.J. Williams’ Battle of Lion Rock, the third installment in the Beacon Hill series, is a thrilling and vivid tale that seamlessly blends supernatural intrigue, high-stakes adventure, and emotional depth. 

Laden with ancient mysteries and moral dilemmas, the story follows Jack Reynolds as he deals with the weight of loss and responsibility while taking on the task of uniting supernatural artifacts. Jack, accompanied by Emma and guided by Eden’s Star, travels through realms beyond imagination to uncover truths buried in a legendary battle that holds the potential to reshape history itself.  

Williams is a master of world-building. Showcasing a world teeming with vivid imagery, layered characters, and an engaging interplay of loyalty and betrayal. Tensions run high among the Cherub at Beacon Hill, where alliances are tested amidst rising losses and growing threats. The interplay between light and darkness is a recurring theme, with Jack facing his deepest fears and a resurrected warrior’s destructive power, making for a compelling narrative filled with both action and introspection.  

The book’s pacing is well-balanced, alternating between heart-pounding action sequences and quieter, reflective moments that deepen the emotional stakes. While the expansive cast of characters and multifaceted plot may be challenging for new readers unfamiliar with the previous books, Williams provides enough context to keep the story accessible. However, those who have followed the series will appreciate the intricate world-building and the continuation of long-standing threads.  

Battle of Lion Rock will resonate with fans of fantasy and supernatural adventure, particularly those who enjoy stories rich in mythology, complex moral conflicts, and a touch of epic scale. With its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and an ending that leaves readers eager for the next chapter, Williams’ latest entry solidifies the Beacon Hill series as a must-read for fans of the genre.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley.

---

---

Reviewer: Trinity Caver

Battle of Lion Rock by D.J. Williams is an excellent fantasy thriller. This book is recommended for young adults, but I believe adults of all ages can enjoy reading it too. It is a book filled with faith and adventure living out faith in the face of many dangerous and uncertain situations.

This is the third book in the series. I am late reading it, but I have been blessed with the first two books, so I will read those right away. I did not feel too badly lost and I do not think that reading the first two is necessary to enjoy this book and to get the hang of what is and has been going on in the series.

Jack Reynolds is the main male protagonist of this story. Boy, does he have a monumental task to live up to after his sister is killed. In this book, he embarks on many dangerous journeys to fulfill his promise to his sister and to try to listen to the voice of Elyon, who is clearly depicted as God. Jack is known as an outlier. He does not have any supernatural gifts as the cherub does, but he is chosen by Elyon to carry out his task of reuniting supernatural artifacts.

Jack is Joined by Emma who is the love of his life. She is a cherub and is said to be the true leader of the cherubs, even though another was chosen. She is super strong, and her abilities continue to grow over the course of the book. It appears she may be one of the strongest and most powerful cherubs, if not the strongest.

This book is an absolute stunner. It has such a big cast, but not too overwhelming that you cannot follow who is who. It has beautiful world imagery. Romance is present with Jack and Emma and a few others, but it is very tastefully shown. There is by no means anything that would remotely be explicit. It is super clean. I certainly recommend this book. Go grab your copy as soon as it comes out!

I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

---