Malchus

Upward Way Chronicles, Book 2

By: Madeline Brock

Narrated by: Stephen Rockwell Black

In a world where everyone has something to say, Malchus Hemmings is silent. His alcoholic father has no patience for his mute son and throws Malchus out. The lad adapts to life on the streets of 19th-century Philadelphia - and survives by scrounging and begging...and neither seeks nor welcomes companionship.

That is...until he stumbles into the crude living quarters of two orphan boys during a storm. When he is offered a bed for the night, the young Hemmings is drawn to the charismatic "Darby", who is two years older and takes his inability to speak in stride. Jim, a sullen 10-year-old, grudgingly accepts the newcomer into their partnership.

Life is a series of ups and downs as Hemmings learns the art of thievery from his companions. He suffers abuse from street urchins, murderous gang leaders, and his own father, who seems to lurk in every shadow. Malchus longs to know God, but when the chilling hand of death strikes a severe blow, his fragile faith falters. With both his soul and life on the line, Malchus at last reaches out in desperation.

©2015 Rosway Press (P)2018 Rosway Audio

Abandoned Boy Saved from Death, Finds Love

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

The mute boy in this story is thrown out of the house by his cruel father at a young age. He takes up with two other orphan boys who live by their wits and thievery, and the rare handout by a kindhearted person. As the mute boy cannot speak, he cannot tell his new comrades his name, so they name him Topper.

As Topper grows, at times through the years he is exposed to someone who prays for him or shows him kindness in Jesus' name. But he also experiences rough and hateful treatment and does not feel worthy of God's love. At times Topper's progress seems to be two steps forward and one step back. When he is cleaned up and living with a family, people still do not trust him because of his background. This disheartens him so much he runs away, back to his old life.

At another point, we think Topper has finally conquered his demons, and the next thing we know he is on death row. This aspect of the book is very realistic: to affect real lasting change in an individual who has not grown up with consistent love and positive influence requires patience and a determination not to give up.

This audiobook is clean with a positive message. I recommend it!