Some Really Great Questions and Comments From the Last Two Weeks [Part I]

Over the last two weeks the mail box here at BTB has been filling up. I thought that today I would post a couple of the thoughts and questions that have been coming in, along with my answers. Here is part one:

Hi. I enjoy your website. I have just finished my third Ballantyne, Hunted and Harried. I enjoyed this one exceedingly well. It's so inspiring and thought provoking to read about all the sufferings and sacrifices the Scottish Covenanters had to endure. This book taught me that no matter where or what we are doing we must always be strong in the Lord and ready to face persecution for believing and trusting in our Lord Jesus Christ. It also teaches us that men must always protect their families and even lay down their lives if need be. When Will Wallace fights his fellow trooper (when Jean is about to be insulted) it teaches young men and boys to always protect woman when they are in danger. Hunted and Harried also tells us that we should always be loyal to our friends even if threatened by thumbscrews or boots. I really benefit from the encouragement in manliness, godliness, and good Christian character that Ballantyne brings to his readers. May God bless you and your website, - In Christ, Joseph B.

Thank you Joseph, That is very encouraging. I definitely think that Hunted and Harried is one of Ballantyne's best works because of his strong support of the Bible and the truth. -JT

I have a quick question... Does the Island Queen have a sequel? 'Cuz I loved the book and the characters and I would love to read more about them. -Julie D.

No, as far as I know The Island Queen does not have a sequel. That is too bad because it really is a fun book. As with any book we have to make sure that when reading it we don't just open our brains (we have to look for both flaws and strong points) but it is a great read.

I really enjoyed reading both Hunted and Harried and Blue lights recently. They were my first Ballantyne books to ever read. I was very impressed with the facts filled throughout all both books and yet it also had a very good storyline. I also liked the fact that Blue Lights was written soon after the story happened and was based on so much fact! Hunted and Harried put in to perspective a lot of Scottish history I hadn't been able to sort. I saw that the places and happenings in the Crown and Covenant series intertwine with it. Which books would you recommend next to read? I really enjoy Scottish history, but I like the style of Blue Lights. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Ballantyne adventure so far, I only wish I had started earlier! Thanks and God bless, - Melinda P.

Melinda, If you liked Blue Lights I would recommend you read Post haste or even The Pioneers. Two very different books, but each of them follow his "based-on-fact" style of writing. Hunted and Harried is unique because he took the trials of the Covenanters and turned it into a fairly well written story. As far as I know this may be his only book like this. A.G.B. -JT