Remnants: Season of Fire {Review and Giveaway}

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Blink
Release Date: (March 3, 2015)

 Blurb

 After tackling her first mission and coming to terms with her power of empathy, Andriana discovers her first battles were only a taste of what is to come. She and her knight, Ronan, have admitted their feelings for each other, but their bonds are tested when Dri is captured by their mortal and spiritual enemy—Sethos—and his master, Keallach, emperor of Pacifica. Andriana is certain Keallach can be convinced to follow the Maker's plan and join the other Remnants … but in time, she must decide whether she really can pull him back to the Way, or if Sethos's web of darkness has slowly and thoroughly trapped them both

forever.

 *5 stars out of 5 stars*

   Review  

Lisa T. Bergren blows my feelers out of proportion. Every single time.

Somehow she takes a normal Dystopian plotline (Haha, just kidding, normal is not a thing in Dystopian) and makes it into a crazy, romantic, spiritual roller-coaster of emotion.

This is the second installment, and I strongly recommend reading the previous book first!

Season of Fire brings us back to a war-torn world, tormented by the powers of darkness.

 The Remnants are stronger, more sure of themselves now. But still, darkness fights against the goodness in them. Very similar to how the darkness is pulling against this generation.

 OMYGOODNESS. These books are so good. Bergren always hits upon things tugging at my heart. She has expertly created a world in which I gladly stayed up all night to explore. Season of Fire has warfare, romance, and a good share of suspense (Plus that amazing plotline). If you feel overwhelmed with changes and battles, this book is for you. In fact, even if you're not, this book is still for you. Plus, Ronan is my favorite. At least read it for Ronan.

{This giveaway has closed}

Dauntless by Dina Sleiman (Review)

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
•  Release Date: (March 3, 2015)

Blurb

Where Legend and History Collide,
One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent

Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known.

*Five Crowns out of Five Crowns*

Review  

From the moment I first saw the description of this book, I was ready to read it. In fact, the review copy came in after Dauntless had released on ebook. So, of course, I jumped the gun and bought it on kindle..Because patience isn't exactly my cup of chamomile. 

This book is amazing! For real, guys! These Young Adult novels just keep getting better and better. Dauntless is a fabulous addition to the medieval-era shelf. This makes it an automatic on some peoples list (any obsessive medieval readers besides me?), but even if medieval isn't really your thing, I strongly recommend you give this book a try!

I loved the storyline, and the wonderfully well-written characters, and the spiritual theme. Admittedly, Allen (one of the young men in the "Ghosts") ended up being my favorite. However, I still loved Merry and Timothy as the main characters, and enjoyed their story immensely. Dauntless was a fantastic tale filled with adventures of young people finding their own story. Sleiman has certainly exceeded my expectations with this YA, and I can't wait to read her next adventure. 

   *I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

Blurb

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice--if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the convent is the best place after all. If only one of the knights--the one who appears the most guilty--had not already captured her heart.

• Pages: 252 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: March 3, 2015

              Review

Lets just take a moment to appreciate that cover. And maybe another moment to acknowledge the awesomeness that is Jody Hedlund writing a Medieval YA. Not only does she have some amazing Historical's under her belt, but An Uncertain Choice promises to be a smashing success as well. 

Once again, Hedlund strikes a literary homerun! 

Rosemarie is an innocent and dreamy eyed-heroine. Living her life with her parents vow hanging over her head has sheltered her in ways, and made her stronger in others. She's not completely prepared to deal with three overzealous suitors. Although they are very charming suitors...Each man has a certain likeability to him, and I was a tiny bit afraid I would end up liking the wrong one. But Hedlund handled the love triangle (love square?) with grace. I especially enjoyed the historical aspects that were interwoven through out the story, adding just enough backstory to make it intriguing without bogging the storyline down.

A tale of love and honor set against the 1300's, but with just enough of the whimsical to make it sweet and sigh-worthy. An Uncertain Choice was a fantastic read, and I really recommend you go pre-order it right now. Aren't you happy to have plans for Tuesday now? ;)

The Vow by Jody Hedlund

 Need something to read before An Uncertain Choice releases Tuesday? The Vow is a prequel, and sheds some light on Rosemarie's past. I definitely recommend reading this short, sweet novella! Go here to buy it!

Return to Exile (a Review)

About the book:  

Return to Exile (Howard Books, January 2015)

How far would you go to save the ones you love?

Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl helps alleviate the pain, but at night when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save.

Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this spell-binding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in this electric continuation of The Carthage Chronicles.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1wSugdd 

Review 

            

Thanks to a long standing love of YA (hello love triangles and happy endings), this book was a bit tough on my sensibilities. Lisbeth has hardened even farther in this second book, and is even more grown up- if that's possible. Yet, even with the fact that I relate with her character very little, this book drew me in just like the first book. At first, I was a little wary. I knew with Gentry's writing style, I would probably end up mad at the characters or crying for the characters (yep, you will too). But I just had to know. It was so worth it. Because even though I prefer something much more fantastical with a magical ending, this book was hard. Not bad hard, but good hard. Because sometimes stuff happens in life that messes up your plans, and messes up your life. And you move forward, with God's help and some chocolate. This book made me mad and sad and all sorts of crazy, but it exuded one message. God is greater than the mess Lisbeth, Cyprian, or me and you can ever get in. He's got it. Even if your in the midst of some serious early-church persecution...

Favorites of 2014

Happy 12th day of 2015, reader's!

2014 was really good. So many things fell into place, and I'm expecting 2015 to be even more amazing. On the personal side of things, I got a baby niece, a new best friend, a college, and so many opportunities that have God's signature all over them. On the bookshelf side of things, everything was pretty swell. There were some AMAZING releases last year, and I'm so happy to have been able to read these beauties!
This is a just a taste, really, of my favorites of 2014.

Fantasy:

•  Storm Siren by Mary Weber

 I adored this book. As in full on fangirl love. I'm pretty sure you can now officially call me one of Mary Weber's biggest fans. I might have even gotten a Storm Siren tattoo...Okay, maybe not (I hate needles, thank you) but this book is all kinds of AMAZING. Please, please, please read it! Then, when you read it and realize you just fell head over heels for Weber's story, we can grab some coffee and chat it up.

• Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover 

 Despite some discussion and murmuring I overheard about this book, I loved it. It was undoubtedly different, but sometimes the different books takes the cake (for me, that's usually the case)! This book showed how unique Grover's voice is, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

• Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

Because duh. This is one of my absolute favorite of all series, and the conclusion did not disappoint. Make me cry? Yes. Disappoint? Definitely not.(I'm actually getting teary just thinking about the ending.) LTB is a master storyteller.

•  Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

Mermaids and pirates. That's basically a must have for winter, right? Check out my review for this lovely gem here. Because this book is wonderful!

• Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Wow. This series sort of exploded on the Internet. I've been feeling very "Hey, I knew about this book before all these super super cool people did." There is a really good reason this book is well on its way to stardom. This series is captivating, and it appears to be here to stay (yayy!). Another testament to my opinion that Blink is the coolest imprint on the planet.


 

Dysatopian: 

• Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Oh, you loved Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi? But you have to admit that maybe the secular undertones were a bit too strong? You should read this fantastic book!
This book is the bomb. I loved it, and I am so ready for the sequel. I gave my mom a whole rant about how proud I was that the CBA was branching out into story's like these. Hey, I'm all about this YA-Christian hybrid trend.

• Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren

Lisa T. Bergren knows how to write YA. She's awesome, and her books just validate it. This was one of my absolute faves from earlier last year. I'm so excited to see where she takes this story in the sequel!

     Contemporary:

•  Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

Sometimes, I even crack open a contemporary. Its rare, but when I do venture into this genre, you better bet its either funny or its Katherine Reay. This is for the Austen gals, waving our hanky's in the air at the passing soldiers. Chivalry is not dead, my friends, and it is well alive in Reay's stunning contemporary (another book that made me cry, in fact).

•  Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones

I was a die-hard Jenny B. Jones fan when I was a tween. Reading about the adult Katie Parker was like re-visiting the past, but at the same time making me realize how old I'm getting. I loved getting to dive back in, and I'm hoping (really, really hoping) that a new Bella book (The Charmed Life series) is in the works.

• What a Girl Needs by Kristin Billerbeck

 This is another continuation of a much loved series . I was thrilled when I heard about Billerbeck's new Ashley book! It did not disappoint at all! Billerbeck made me giggle, in usual fashion, and love Ashley even more.

 

 

  Historical:

• The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance

UM. THIS BOOK. This book is so amazing. It's probably one of my favorite historicals of ever. Its like someone smashed Indiana Jones and Pride and Prejudice together (okay, not exactly, but you get my point), and created a super-novel. Plus, Bianca is like a carbon copy of myself. A much, much wittier carbon copy...    

• Lady at Arms by Tamara Leigh

Really, everything Tamara Leigh released (or re-released) this year was superb! The medieval setting paired with Leigh's writing makes a beautiful combination! I can't wait to see what will be released by this author in 2015! 

There were so many other great releases this year that I loved! I hope y'all had a great year! :)

What were some of your favorites from 2014?

Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

Blurb

Doomed by the evil warlock Forwin to wander the ancient seas as a mermaid for all eternity, Perdita longs for the release death would bring. Every ten years she has a chance to break the curse when she emerges from the sea fully human for one month. The catch? She must find a man willing to die for her. After 300 years, her failures have left her heartbroken and alone.

Savion Ryne wants nothing to do with beautiful women. It was one such woman whose betrayal sent him far away to battle Natas’ rebellion. He longs to return to his father’s kingdom in Nevaeh but must first complete an unknown mission. 

After Savion falls off his ship during a storm, he wakes on the shores of an island with visions of a dark haired mermaid tending his wounds. When a woman similar in appearance begs for his protection, he is suspicious.

Perdita has never met anyone as honorable as Savion. Even though he shuns her every advance, she falls for him. But as the end of her time on land approaches, she faces the hardest decision of all, save Savion and remain cursed for all eternity or break the curse and watch the man she loves die.

Review 

5 crowns out of 5

 

MaryLu Tyndall is amazing, guys. Really. I've read her books for years and loved all of them (pirates, anyone?), but this one was different from her typical novel. This one was so amazing! It had a MERMAID. A beautiful, lonely mermaid with a death-wish, and a pirate who is slightly reminiscent of a knight. Harsher than Tyndall's other books, Tears of the Sea is full of underlying message. Tyndall still has an awesome writing style, and you will be sucked into this story of sacrifice and unconditional love.
 And it has a mermaid. So this story is basically brimming with awesomeness and beauty. 
And that cover? WOW.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, but also jumps at the chance to read Fantasy and YA. Its a win-win, and an absolute fantastic read!

 *I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*

Frank Peretti meets a modern day Treasure Island! {And Kindle Giveaway!}

Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx's Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.

J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2. 

  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 12/2. Winner will be announced at the Destiny Defied Facebook author chat party on December 2nd. RSVP for a chance to connect with J.A. Marx, to chat about the book, as well as to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 2nd!

  About the book:

Destiny Defied | Book One in The Destiny series.

A dramatic shipwreck emancipates Riki Hammad, but the island where she finds refuge is compromised. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to defeat her dark past, she will choose death over returning to captivity. Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim their chosen one. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her four self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life . . . something she has never known.

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/DZjrR

 My Review 

Destined Defied by J. A. Marx was quite the intriguing read. The premise is set around four boys out to have a good time, and one mysterious girl that will change their lives. Just like they will change her's. Its a hardcore spiritual warfare, with an emphasis on faith even in the most trying situations. I had a hard time with the story at first. It was confusing, and I was pretty easily distracted. But with patience comes reward! I truly enjoyed the thrill ride that is Destiny Defied. Even if it was a touch scary. Just a touch. But then again, whats a good thriller without the scare factor? Sign me up for book two!!

  *I received a copy of this book from the Litfuse Publicity for review. All opinions expressed are mine and were not influenced by the author or publishing house.*