Amazon links are in the book title and Goodreads links are in the title, book's series, and title under the original title placing.
Fantasy, a huge deal in the reading community, right? Well, I personally am quite picky in my fantasy choices
first book in the Ilyon Chronicles Series by Jaye L. Knight
About Resistance
“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”
Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.
Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.
Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.
(Christian Fantasy/Clean New Adult/No Magic)
Review
Well, my latest review, I've done a few updates over time, and I might just do a blog post series about the series when the last book releases, we'll see... Anyhow, here's my review!
Rereading Resistance by Jaye L. Knight? Yes, please! I’ve read this book from cover to cover twice, and reread favorite parts too many times to count. So, you know what that means? A review is NEEDED. Right? Yes! The reason I have yet to review this? Because I don’t think I can do justice to this wonderful piece of writing. It is heartbreakingly good, Jace. Oh, Jace!
Of all the characters I have read about Jace is one of my favorites. And that is saying very little for him, I don’t know how to get across the reasons to love Jace other than say that. It. Is. Jace. Jace; the slave; the boy; the gladiator; the broken boy; the heartbroken man; and the need to be redeemed character that sees no hope. You can’t understand the depth of character that Jaye L. Knight has woven into the character of Jace, doesn’t make sense but we’re going with it, all right? All right.
Now, the twins. Kaden and Kryin. Goodness, these two are my favorite fictional brother-sister duo. They have each others’ backs, they love God (Elom), seek His will, and defy the bad guy. Yeah, they have weird abilities of reading people’s feelings and yet not in a way that bothers me. They seriously are the most lifelike siblings in any book.
Tyra, sweet thing, Jace wouldn’t be Jace without her.
Rayad, the whole reason we even get to read this book, because Resistance wouldn’t be what it is without him. That would be impossible. I’ve liked dads, dad-like characters in books but Rayad takes the mentor/dad place with such wonderful perfection. He’s the wise mentor that you wish you had in your life sometimes. Okay, that may just be me but whatever.
Whatever you think of this weird review do me a favor … Read Resistance! That’s all I want you to do right now.
book #1 in the Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith | Goodreads
About Green Ember
My place beside you, my blood for yours. Till the Green Ember rises, or the end of the world.
Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. They discover that their own story is bound up in the tumult threatening to overwhelm the wider world.
Kings fall and kingdoms totter. Tyrants ascend and terrors threaten. Betrayal beckons, and loyalty is a broken road with peril around every bend.
Where will Heather and Picket land? How will they make their stand?
Review
So, it's been a long time since I reread S.D. Smith's books and I am about three or four books behind on his current published books, but these books are some of the best family reads with a vivid imagination, some seriously awesome rabbits with swords, and a tale that's sure to thrill every reader.
I personally enjoy them even now though they are written for younger readers but not young, young readers, if that makes sense. Perfect for all ages really and I highly suggest that readers of any genre give S.D. Smith a shot.
About Decree
The Adventure Continues.
Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories.
The Blades as They Should’ve Been
A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family?
The First Mission
When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help?
To the Far Great Mountains
A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves?
From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.
Review
Decree is a collection of shorter stories that is just a lot of fun, some sad and some happy tales with hope, and healing, and each of the stories are good by themselves but not long enough to publish itself which is why I'm so glad that Miss Mingerink published the collection.
The Blades as They Should Have Been is just so so good and I love it so much.
About The Heart of Arcrea
“He who discovers the heart of Arcrea and joins the hands of the seven regions will be king.”
Hoping to free his father from an unjust imprisonment, Druet the blacksmith sets out on a quest that will solve an ancient riddle and crown a man as Arcrea’s first king. As a host of memorable characters join Druet on his mission of justice, opposition quickly rises to test their level of commitment and their faith in God. With the kingdom’s seven oppressive lords intent on bringing an end to his quest, can Druet survive the dangerous wilds of Arcrea long enough to inspire a people without hope, and conquer the doubts that plague his own heart?
What is this heart of Arcrea and where is it to be found? “You must discover it for yourself.”
Review
This is not your usual fantasy... This is so much more. Nicole Sager took a lesson and spun a tale with such skill that it makes me come back time and again to reread.
Content wise The Heart of Arcrea is so well written and is clean and has such a good faith element woven throughout with enough adventure to keep readers on the edge of their seat.
I happily handed this series to my younger siblings and am glad to be confident in the fact that they are reading a good and edifying fantasy series.
book three in the Once Upon a Duchy Series by Rachel Rossano
About Reclaiming Ryda
Rydaria lives as a prisoner in a tower library. Captured as a child, her past is a mystery. Maintaining the literary treasures within her care, she studies the world through books that give her a glimpse of the freedom she craves.
A scribe by trade, Crispin has devoted the last three years of his life seeking the lost heir of Avalene. He travels to Worthenave’s famed library in hopes of finding the key. Instead, he discovers a new mystery, a beautiful librarian who is locked in with her books every night.
As the days pass, Crispin must choose. Rydaria’s precarious situation is deteriorating. Meanwhile, his duty demands he leave before the Duke of Worthenave uncovers his quest. Still, the scribe can’t bring himself to abandon the captive in the library tower, even if it costs him his mission.
Inspired by Rapunzel and East of the Sun West of the Moon
Review
I love this so much!
The second book in the Once Upon A Duchy series is my favorite book from Rachel Rossano if only for the library described in the pages. 😉 Okay, okay, that doesn’t count you say? How about the fact that the most unlikely of heroes is a new favorite hero and I just fell in love with the characters.
I loved how there was a blend of romance, mystery, and the search for a lost heir and that there was never a dull moment, and the plot was perfectly written into a fairy tale retelling I am looking forward to rereading again and again.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
And as in past years, there is a giveaway! I am so excited to share that with you because it just has such cool prizes!
That's all for today folks! I hope you'll head to Kate's blog here to see the other lovely posts from today and make sure to enter the giveaway!
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