Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by 

Sarah J. Maas

Synopsis

 

She stole a life. Now she must pay with her heart.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Review

 

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales to be retold, so this book has been on my TBR for a while. When a reviewer said that fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses would like my book, it moved to the top of my list. Just for the record, if you like ACOTAR, you might like my book, but strictly speaking, ACOTAR is better. :)

This book had me from the first page and I couldn't put it down. It was the perfect setting for me, an old mystical world with magical secrets and lots of cottages and castles. The writing and narrative were top notch, revealing just enough information at just the right time.

The world building was fantastic. Right away you could tell that the more beautiful things were, the more dangerous they were. I absolutely love Maas's interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. She was able to provide the nostalgia of the classic fairytale, with a darkness appropriate for the adults fans have grown into. And she managed to do it while removing most of the Stockholm Syndrome vibe. To warn more conservative and sensitive readers, the book is steamy at times and I feel not appropriate for younger teens.

But can we talk about Feyre for a second? I went back and forth on her, not ever really deciding if I liked her or not. It was as if the author took Katniss out of the Hunger Games, gave her a bit more of an attitude, and dropped her in a fairytale. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a strong, independent female protagonist, but she just seemed really negative about a lot of stuff. One thing I didn't like about the plot is that she would make dumb decisions, or deliberately do what the other characters told her not to do, just so terrible things would happen that moved the story along. Despite the fact that I liked the story and the twists, that tactic felt cheap.

The other characters were very well rounded out. At times I didn't know who to love, and who to be afraid of. Especially Lucien. I heart Lucien. Stay away. He is mine.

I simply must read the next book. Trouble is, since I read this one in paperback, my mighty principles tell me I must wait until A Court of Mist and Fury is out in paperback next spring. This is truly a dilemma. 

4.5 stars

****'

Book Review: The Time Key by Melanie Bateman

The Time Key

By 

Melanie Bateman

Synopsis:

SHADOWS THAT MOVE ON THEIR own, a mysterious device that looks like a pocket watch, a man on the run from monsters that exist in dreams—all are connected to Stanley because he interrupted a mugging. Now Stanley holds the Time Key, an object that allows him to travel through time. With the extraordinary gift of being able to see both the past and the future, he may be the only one who can save his family.

  

Review:

I have to say this book was partially a cover buy. I love historical fiction, but the cover sealed the deal. In a way, I thought this story set in late 1800s London would fill my "Downton Abbey" void, but The Time Key was so surprising and took me in so many directions I did not expect. Not only is it historical fiction, but also a time traveling fantasy enriched with a wide spectrum of characters and emotional depth.

I don't like books that pull out all the stops to try to make me cry. But The Time Key didn't. The author simply presented the characters as they are and the hardships they deal with and I ended up crying on my own. I really felt connected to Stanley and his desperation to try anything to just get his family back. I felt all of his emotions right along with him and was determined to see him through to the end.


I also really appreciate the aspect of fantasy in this book. The Time Key is based in old London, but suggests the universe is much bigger than we imagine with different realms and races. I'm not sure what the author has planned for her next book but I hope she writes another book centered around Lena, a tiny tree dwelling, human like creature trapped far away from her enchanted home. I want to explore more of the world that Bateman only gives us glimpses of.

 Probably the only problem I had with this book, was a personal pet-peeve of mine. The book is written in third person, however, instead of staying silent and letting the reader soak in the story, the flow is periodically interrupted by the unidentified narrator directly addressing the reader. You don't know anything about the narrator until the very end of the story so it's very difficult to connect to "them". This drove me bonkers, as it always does. It's probably not a problem for most people, but its just a "no no" for me.

For those of you craving a certain level of romance in books, you won't find much of that here. Except for Stanley's enduring devotion for his wife even so many years after her death. Falling in love isn't what this book is about. Instead, it focuses more on regaining that love once it is lost forever. Definitely a recommended read from me.

4.5 Stars

* * * * * 

 

Hidden Series Review

Book One

Synopsis

  “The Chameleon is on the loose.” Despite the whispers that sprung up, the Speaker continued, “He’s stealing our masks and assuming the identities of the victims. It is our duty to warn you—do not trust the masks alone.”

In Venesia, your mask is your life. It is your face, your rank, and your identity. Without a mask, you are nothing.

Which makes the Chameleon the most dangerous criminal in the land.

When the Chameleon attacks the talented mask maker Evie, he not only strips away Evie’s mask, destroys her home, and kills her father, but he also brands her face with his own criminal mark that would incriminate her for his wrongdoings should it be discovered. Her only choice is to go into hiding—at the royal palace. But as she creates a new identity —and plans to exact revenge— Evie soon learns that masks hide more than just faces ...Unmask the secrets that Venesia holds in this unique and romantic spin on the classic tale of Cinderella. 

Review

This is one of those books that I just wanted to fall into. Such a beautiful world and fun concept! I didn't really catch the Cinderella theme until the closer to the end, but that was fine. There was enough going on and intrigue that I didn't really care. If allowed, I would give this 4.5 stars because it was soooo close to perfect. (for me)One solution seemed too easy and I think I figured out the twists before the reader was supposed to. But I'm not sure on one because the secret becomes pretty obvious as the book goes on. Perhaps my reader revelation was intentional, and the real suspense comes from the MC's reaction. But I should shut up now...

Gorgeous world, delightful voice, chemistry and bond between characters, frills and masquerades, everything I like in my YA fiction. :) I hope I get the next book for Christmas!

4 stars

* * * *

Book Two

 

 

Synopsis:

Angry at his failure to exact vengeance on the prince, mask maker Joch flees Venesia to find his lost love. When a red-cloaked assassin promises answers, he has little choice but to trust her-though he may be walking into a trap. Unravel the deception in this dazzling story of second chances that will keep you guessing to the last page.

Review:

What is Lost was surprisingly my favorite in the series. When I read the synopsis I wasn't too thrilled about reading an entire book about the antagonist of book one. But the author did a great job with What is Hidden, so I figured she knew what she was doing. Turns out, she's great at writing male POV. I was captivated from the first chapter. This book is full of page turning chases, intrigue, and daggers at the throat moments.

While Joch wasn't someone I added to my list of book boyfriends, he was a very complex character. He had a few more flaws than saving graces, but the author illustrated each aspect in a "This is who Joch is. He is not perfect. Take it as it is" kind of attitude and I really respected it. I loved following him along on his road to redemption and his interactions with the other characters were brilliant. Kit his perfect companion. I loved their bitter banter and the slow kinship that developed between them.

Unlike What is Hidden, I never saw the plot twists coming. I was completely shocked by the ending. So much so, that I just sat the book down for a second and laid there with my mouth open staring at the ceiling. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that kind of an ending in a book.

What is Hidden is great, but What is Lost is what makes the series worth the read. 

5 stars

* * * * *

Book Three

Synopsis

Princess Bianca returns to her court to find it poisoned from the inside out. Faced with mysterious sicknesses, power disputes, and whispers of impending death, Bianca turns to an unlikely ally—a former assassin—to find the antidote that will save her kingdom. But Bianca quickly realizes that she might not even be able to save her own life in this Snow White story.

Review

Upon seeing the cover for The Fairest Poison, I was confused as to whether or not it was a continuation in the Hidden Series, especially since it didn't follow the "What is" title theme. It definitely is, following Princess Bianca that was briefly mention in book one and introduced in book two. If you read my interview with Lauren Skidmore, you will find out that the publisher was intending to market The Fairest Poison as a standalone, therefore making the title and cover different from the rest of the series. Fun fact: The original title for book three was What is Found.

I went into this book with high hopes because I really enjoyed the first two. I'll admit, I was a little let down. On paper, The Fairest Poison had great stuff I love to see in books: castles and courts, royals, romance, scandals, and danger. But for me, it just didn't all come together like I expected it too. Maybe because Evie wasn't in it nearly as much as I had hoped. Bianca was nice enough but I just never felt a connection to her like I did in book two. There wasn't as much story driven action as the previous books and it felt a little slow moving. Perhaps that's partly because due to the title, I knew she was going to get poisoned eventually, also as this is a snow white theme. But there were few twists and less surprises than the first two.

It was a still a fun, quick read. I imagine that if I had read this in the days before I was married with a child, I could have finished the whole thing in one rainy afternoon. The ending was sweet and satisfying and I felt like I had said a proper goodbye to the characters. I think if I had just read The Fairest Poison as a stand alone I would have liked it a lot better, having not compared it to the first two. But that's not my recommendation at all. The characters and the history of this world are too rich to just skip to the ending. If you haven't already, definitely pick up What is Hidden.

3.5 stars

* * * * 

 

Author Spotlight: Lauren Skidmore

Lauren Skidmore

In honor of the release of Lauren Skidmore's third book, The Fairest Poison, we're sitting down to have a chat, reader to author. Watch out for a series review of her books later this month, and be sure to check them out. The Fairest Poison is the third in the series, but can be read standalone. (But don't be silly, read all the books! I loved them!)

Lauren Skidmore grew up in Kansas, with stints in Ohio and New York, and currently lives in Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned a BA in English Teaching with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese. She then spent a year in Japan teaching and travelling. She hasn’t made it to Europe yet, but it’s on the list and has been to 30 states in the U.S. so far. When she’s not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done.

You wrote What is Hidden as a Nano novel. Had you written anything before that?

What is Hidden was my first original novel, but I had written a few novel-length fanfics before. That kind of background lends itself really well to doing fairy tale retellings, since both are based on taking an already established story or characters and molding them into something new.

How did you find the inspiration for Venesia's culture? The masks, the hierarchy, ect. 

I find the masks of the real-word Venice so beautiful and inspiring that it didn't take much for me to create this whole culture that really surrounds them. I also liked the way I could play with literal and figurative masks because I enjoy wordplay and it makes me feel clever. The fashion industry also influenced my idea of the culture because we base our opinions of people by the way they dress in our own world all the time, and I thought it would be interesting if we could just look at a person and know everything about them based solely on what they wore, in the colors and designs or patterns.  

Have you ever written a character that was based on someone you knew?

Not really, though my three younger brothers have requested cameos. I almost used them as bodyguards in The Fairest Poison, but it didn’t work out the way I wanted, so I’m saving them for a future project. I do write characters inspired by other characters occasionally. Bianca was influenced by Kayley from Firefly, for example. They're both incredibly optimistic and look for the best in people, no matter what. 

What is Lost is centered around the antagonist of What is Hidden. Did you feel like you were taking a risk by writing a book about the person everyone hated by the end of book 1?

I never really thought of it in that way. I wrote what I wanted to, and I thought it would be interesting to see what happens to the villain after his plot fails, so to speak, and it's not something I've seen a lot of in other books. I had a lot of fun with the Chameleon’s character and how he developed throughout all three books.

The third book in the series is called The Fairest Poison. Why did you decide to ditch the "what is" theme?

Originally the title was going to be What Is Found, but my publisher wanted a title that hinted more at the fairy tale I was playing with, as well as make it more accessible as a stand-alone read. So we decided on The Fairest Poison. 

Will we get to catch up with Evie and Aiden in The Fairest Poison?

Oh yes. We get to see Aiden in a new way, and wherever he is, Evie is, too.

It's really interesting how each book takes on aspects of a fairy tale. Do you plan on writing anymore books like that?

Maybe. I have a lot of fun twisting fairy tales into new stories, but retellings also come with a lot of limitations. I have a couple more fairy tales I’d like to do, but I’d also like to branch out and do something new.

What's your favorite Disney/childhood movie?

Beauty and the Beast. I toyed with the idea of doing a retelling of that one set in the Venesia world, but ended up going a different route. I also love Mulan.

Are you working on anything new or taking a break?

I’m taking a little break, but I definitely have ideas for future novels. Right now I’m feeling out a few different ideas and haven’t settled on one yet.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Ask yourself: how badly do you really want it? Do you want it more than you want to catch up on a tv show, or more than spending time online? If you can answer yes, it’s a lot easier to make the time to write, and that’s often the most difficult part.

Thanks Lauren!

Be sure to come back for my review of What is Hidden, What is Lost, and The Fairest Poison. Coming soon!

What Makes a Dynamic Fictional Couple

This is something I found myself asking recently. Who are my favorite fictional couples? Why? Do the characters I write measure up to the same standards?

Friendship (or enemyship) First

Insta-love has never done it for me. Here's why: a good relationship is always based on a strong foundation. Sure, "love at first sight" can exist, IRL as well as fiction. But that instant attraction will soon wither away if it isn't cultivated with a reason to stay connected. Do your characters personality types fit well together so they form a friendship quickly with subtle flirtation? Or do they clash and form a bond of mutual resentment? Sometimes we cover up uncomfortable feelings like attraction with negative feelings, and that's okay for fiction. Think Lady Mary and Matthew Crawly from "Downton Abbey".

Odds Are Stacked Against Them

A good love story, whether the center of your writing, or in the background, could always use a dash of angst. Give your characters a reason they have to stay apart, at least for a time. Is one trapped in a not so great relationship? Is one going to move to a third world country for two years to give medical attention to sick orphans? One of the reasons I loved Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell from The Sword of Truth is because they loved each other deeply and stayed faithful despite the fact that Kahlan's magical gift prevented them from being intimate. When a problem insists on keeping characters from being truly happy, you feel their pain and want them to be together even more.

Overcoming Crisis Together

Okay. Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games weren't exactly friends at first, but they still had somewhat of a history before being thrown into the Games together. If they were going to make it out alive, they had to work together. Give your characters something to work towards. Easy. In fantasy, have them save the world together despite outrageous odds. If you like more contemporary, have them fight a terminal disease together. Nothing defines and tests the bounds of a relationship like adversity and hardship. Give your readers something to root for.

Banter (but don't over do it)

Obviously, a good couple has chemistry. That chemistry should always be reflected in your dialogue. It's not just about the narrative of oh he's so hot with his pressed white shirt and stubble on his chin. What is their tone when they speak to each other? Sarcastic? Flirty? Is one character kind of awkward? What emotions are evoked by what the other just said? Kingdom From Ashes is a great example of good couple banter with Bennua and Zahid.

Also with banter, make sure you have the right amount. Too much back-and-forth can get awkward and boring. Like when you're hanging out with friends and two of them will just not stop flirting and openly admit they like each other already. You know it. Everyone else knows it. Let's move on. 

 

Realistic Characters

One of my all-time favorite fictional couples is Jim and Pam from "The Office". Why? They're nothing special. They don't have magical powers and they aren't royalty. They flirt over a reception desk and get caught up in office shenanigans. They are good, well meaning, everyday people. Anyone could be Jim and Pam and that's why everyone likes them as a couple.

Just so we're clear: magical powers and secret royal heritage are great in the right concept. I truly love it. Even if you write fantasy. you can still make sure your characters are well rounded. What are their flaws? What's holding them back? What do the other characters not about them? Have believable characters and you'll have a believable romance.  

Love and War

Couples fight. Everyone does it. And if Romeo and Juliet had lived long enough, they would have fought eventually, too. No matter how compatible two people are, they are not the same, and sometimes their differences will cause problems. Think about what would cause a rift in your characters' relationship. How do each of them react to the fight(s)? Does it affect the overall goal they are trying to accomplish? How do they resolve it?

Give and Take

It's important to understand what each character gets out of they relationship, and for your readers to understand the motivation as well. One reason I never liked a very popular couple was because I could never pin-point what it was that attracted them to each other. Besides of course their smokin' good looks. But a real relationship is more than just looks. What is the glue that holds the couple together? Without it, you don't have a couple. You have a fling.

If you're having a hard time with this, think about your own current or past relationships. Why are you with the person you are now? What do they do for you? If you're currently between relationships, think about someone from the past that didn't work out. What more did you need from that person in order to have made the relationship work? To get a little personal, one of the reasons I ended up with my husband (besides his smokin' hot good looks) is because I need his positive energy in my life. Seriously, I can't live without it. He is usually always upbeat and making me laugh and we have so much fun together, even if we are just cutting his hair or getting the oil changed in the car. He is the perfect balance to me, who battles depression and constantly worries about everything. What does he get out of the relationship? Well, I have my guesses, but really you'd have to ask him. ;)

..........

I hope this helps someone. I am a Lover of Loving Love and an advocate for healthy relationships. If you have any other points as to what makes a dynamic fictional couple, I'd love to read them in the comments!

 Happy Valentines Day!

Book Basket Giveaway!

Gryfyn Publishing is giving away an autographed copy of 

Kingdom From Ashes! 

This was one of my favorite books last year so I wanted to share the opportunity with everyone. In addition to winning a fantastic book, you'll also get a basket of goodies. 

*** Sign up for Gryfyn Publishing's VIP list to enter!***

(psst...That's how I got all the books in the Kingdom Saga for free!)

Good Luck!

 

Book Review: Hidden Deep by Amy Patrick

Hidden Deep

(The Hidden Trilogy #1)

by 

Amy Patrick 

 

 

Synopsis 

 

He isn't supposed to even talk to a human, much less fall in love with one...

Sixteen-year-old Ryann Carroll has just run into the guy who saved her life ten years ago. You might think she'd be happy to see him again. Not exactly. She's a bit underdressed (as in skinny-dipping) and he's not supposed to exist.

After her father's affair, all Ryann wants is to escape the family implosion fallout and find a little peace. She also wouldn't mind a first date that didn't suck, but she's determined not to end up like her mom: vulnerable, betrayed, destroyed. Ryann's just moved into her grandma's house in rural Mississippi, the same place where ten years earlier she became lost in the woods overnight and nearly died.

She's still irresistibly drawn to those woods. There she encounters the boy who kept her from freezing to death that long ago winter night and was nowhere to be seen when rescuers arrived. He's still mysterious, but now all grown-up and gorgeous, too. And the more she's with him, the greater the threat he poses to Ryann's strict policy-- never want someone more than he wants you.

Seventeen-year-old Lad knows the law of his people all too well: Don't get careless and Don't get caught.
It's allowed his race to live undetected in this world for thousands of years, mentioned only in flawed and fading folklore. Lad's never been able to forget about Ryann since that night ten years ago. When he sees her again, his fascination re-ignites and becomes a growing desire that tempts him to break all the rules. He's not even supposed to talk to a human, much less fall in love with one.

And the timing is atrocious. The Assemblage is coming, the rift between the Light and Dark is widening. Lad may have to trade his own chance at happiness to keep the humans, especially Ryann, blissfully ignorant and safe. 

Review

 

 

I'd seen this book around a few times so when I found out it had gone perma-free I decided to take a chance on it. 

I'm glad I did. I was very surprised by how much I got into the secret world that the author develops. I can't say much without giving away a huge reveal, but the way she wraps fantasy with reality, and even human history and today's fame crazed culture, was extremely clever. There was always something pulling me through the pages. I had to know this boy's secrets. I think I was as curious as Ryann was! And when the truth finally came out, I was blown away! (Why didn't I think of that?)

The first 1/4 of the book dragged a bit as it set up the characters and the love triangle. Let me get something straight. I don't hate love triangles. In fact, I don't know why they are so widely hated. I want a good romance as much as anyone. But I wasn't convinced by this romantic standoff. I didn't particularly like either of the beaus and one just completely infuriated me. Ryann and one guy seemed to just be destined for each other, while the other just seemed to get in the way. That aspect of the story is not what did it for me.

The twists were interesting, though I called them pretty quickly. (I never used to do that. I think I'm just developing a talent.) Despite that, it was well crafted story that had a lot of originality. The writing flowed very well, keeping me interested and making it a quick read. As I said before, I loved the culture put into the secret world, and the mythos behind everything was pure genius. I want more of that world and I have to find out what happens next, so I definitely added this series to my list.

4 stars

   * * * *   

Sword and Shield

I found this fantastic Facebook group dedicated to YA fantasy authors and readers. It's following has been growing a lot and I thought I would help spread the word. (I am not the admin or creator.)

Authors can promote and post giveaways, but it's main focuses are discussions about the industry and supporting one another. It's a great place to vent, inquire, find out about release parties, and get insights to what readers want. We swap reviews, trade marketing secrets, play games, and blab about what we are reading. Since I joined two months ago, I've won free books, and scored a few ARCs!

Both traditionally published authors as well as self-published are encouraged to join, as long as their main genre is YA fantasy. Readers, bloggers, and aspiring writers are also welcome. It's a great group with some fun, genuine people.   

Don't miss out!

Check out

Sword and Shield  

on Facebook.



 

Book Review: The Black Mage: Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter

The Black Mage:

Apprentice

(Book 2)

 

by 

Rachel E. Carter

 

 

Synopsis

 

  She survived a trial year at the Academy, but that was just the easy part…

Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction of magic. When she finishes she will be a mage, but in order to do so she has to survive four years with a training master she hates and her old nemesis, Priscilla. To make matters worse the unwanted attraction Ry feels for her sometimes-friend-sometimes-rival Prince Darren is at an all time high –even though he is betrothed to the very girl she can’t stand.

Really, the only bright spot to Ryiah’s new life is the time she spends with her friends, including an older apprentice named Ian, who she finds herself thinking about quite often.

Just when things start to get comfortable they take a turn for the worse. An apprentice is killed in a rebel attack and several mages end up dead. Unwittingly, the apprentices find themselves in the midst of a budding unrest between Jerar and its northern neighbor, Caltoth. For Ryiah the impending conflict means many things, but as her apprenticeship draws to a close she finds her biggest problem at home.

Unfortunately for her, Darren’s not going anywhere.

Review

 

Since reading First Year, the opening book in the The Black Mage Series, I've been anxious to get back to Ryiah and her struggle to move up the ranks at the mage academy. Apprentice does not disappoint. All the little snags and hang ups that I complained about with the first one are gone, and replaced with characters you love to hate and ones you relentlessly root for.

I was pleasantly surprised from the very beginning. The story opens in a refreshing setting not often used in fantasy stories. Instead of spending the entire year at the Academy, the apprentices travel back and forth all over Jerar. There's not much filler to the story, like I found in First Year. Hardcore action, which includes exciting mock battles and dangerous ambushes, is only interrupted for key plot points and heart wrenching angst.

There's no way around it. Ryiah is an angsty girl. A tough, resilient, pain casting, blade wielding girl, but a girl who often lets her heart over rule her head, nonetheless. It's easy to love Ryiah like you would a close friend, but I found myself "arguing" with her a lot. - Just as Ella, her actual best friend does, so I feel like my opinions have some merit. ;) But Ryiah is her own woman and has to make her own mistake. Lucky for you, you have a front row seat through all the drama with Darren. I told her many times, "Girl, if you don't get your head on straight, you're going to be singing along to a lot of Adele in your future. Trust me." Needless to say, Ella and I are anxious to see how things turn out.

You can tell when an author pours their entire self into a story. As a reader, I have no choice but to really feel for the main character, even if I don't always agree with her. Rachel E. Carter has such a voice that she puts you right in the story and makes you feel as if you're decked out in training gear with weapons right next to the other characters. Among all the action and heartache of Apprentice, something dark was brewing up for book three, Candidate, (now available) and I'm definitely not going to miss it!  

 

 5 stars

* * * * *

Book Review: Redemption From Ashes by Megan Linski

Redemption From Ashes

(The Kingdom Saga #3)

by

Megan Linski

Synopsis

Her destiny will cost her everything.

It has been three years since Queen Bennua last saw the devil himself flee her borders, and her kingdom warily stands watch. Sahrahn has fallen into chaos, with rumors of countries being flattened at the wrath of Akshalad, the great eagle who seeks to devour the souls of men. Cities burn, entire communities are slaughtered, and Bennua’s faith in Alshams’ is shaken to its core as she witnesses cruelties beyond all imagining. Guided only by blind faith, Bennua finds that she is to play a crucial role in a great battle between djinn, men, and angels, a fight that will determine the fate of the world. Carrying the future of Sahrahn, Bennua’s only hope is not revenge...but redemption.

Review

I was really excited to get the third book in the Kingdom Saga. I couldn't read it fast enough. Seriously, so many annoying day to day interruptions! The end of each chapter made me sigh and say, "How am I supposed to go back to work/cook dinner/reenter society now? This story, especially the epic ending, kept me up at night wondering what was next for our brave queen.

That said, DO NOT READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS.

*~*~*~*~* SPOILERS *~*~*~*~*

Everything seemed golden in Sahrahn when we last saw Bennua and Zahid, except for the ever present threat of Rukuh's revenge on the sizzling horizon. Redemption opens after three quiet years have passed without so much as a dark cloud. When a devastating curse is uncovered, Bennua realizes that darkness is quickly closing in on all she holds dear.

I really appreciated the depth of this story. Bennua is pretty much stripped of everything except her faith, and that is all she has to guide her through the third book. The internal dilemmas Bennua faces mirror those of modern times; things her readers can definitely relate to. Linski also gives a new twist on spiritual warfare with magic, monsters, and djinn.

The plot unfolds quickly with one surprise after another. One thing that I really liked, was that when the characters had to get from one place to another, there wasn't a whole chapter on the journey there. I think that really kept the pace going. 

Bennua, Zahid, Shadi, and Nuri are so fleshed out, I sometimes catch myself thinking about them as if they are real people. I love Bennua. I don't always agree with her decisions and the way she handles situations, but I find myself "counsoling" her as I would a friend. And Zahid. Oh, Zahid! Ladies, as if we didn't have enough of a reason to swoon over him! In this installment, he will put all of your other fictional crushes to shame. I promise. By the third book, Linski's characters are like old friends, the kind you wish you could take out and go with on vacation.

Redemption From Ashes is the best in this ground breaking series, and you would be a fool to miss it. Keep an eye out for #4, Prince of Fire coming early next year. From what I hear, it's a game changer. Can't wait!  

5 stars

* * * * *

 

Author Spotlight: B.I. Woolet

Guess what! I joined a blog tour group! My first post will be featuring B. I. Woolet. A husband and wife team who authored the World of Arcus series.

1.   Tell us about your series and Arrows of Darkness.

Arrows of Darkness is the newly-released second book the World of Arcas series. The series battles amid realms and rulers who disagree with whether they should reunite an ancient pathway severed long ago between Earth and Arcas. In The Hunter, the Bear, and the Seventh Sister, Jackson is sent on a mission to insure peace by cutting the last ties between the two worlds, but lines quickly get blurred between friend and foe in this traveling adventure full of beasts and beauties. In Arrows of Darkness, Jackson returns to Arcas to escape troubles at home, but the peace he expects to find has been consumed by a violent new ruler that the teen unknowingly helped bring to power.

2.   You're a husband and wife team. What made you decide to join forces and write together?

Though I (Ila) studied and taught English, I never ever considered writing and publishing books. But Benji had this idea for a story brewing in him, and he wasn’t going to give up until I at least wrote the first chapter from his notes. I finally caved, but once I wrote the first chapter with him, we never stopped. J

3. What was the hardest thing about co-authoring a book together?

Finding the right rhythm of life is always a struggle. Like many authors today, we are trying to balance writing time, family time, recharging time, job time, and church/community time. We want don’t want to be overly consumed by any one area, but all of these are important to us!  We also have to compromise over plot-lines to find a balance that we both are happy with.

4. What was the best thing?

While it’s often difficult for busy couples to find time to connect, writing as a team gives us opportunities to enter another world where we can just escape everything else and create together.  

5. What makes your book stand out from the others in it's genre?

Though many tales have borrowed names from the stars, our connections intertwine within almost every fiber of the World of Arcas. We studied both the mythology the science behind the stars before we connected a character or place to them. Readers can enjoy quite the scavenger hunt of deep space objects, nebulae, and wonders in the world of astronomy if they want to while reading our books.

6. What's something you both enjoy together when you're not writing?

We love playing music and singing together (show tunes, gospel, jazz, pop, oldies), taking walks through wooded trails, and playing games like Carcassonne or Settlers of Catan. 

7. Who designs your gorgeous covers?

Regina Wamba is the amazing artist who designs our covers. Though we didn’t use live models on the World of Arcas books, she also does beautiful work using custom photography, make-up, and costumes for cover designs. Check out her other covers at www.maeidesing.com !

8. What advice do you have for other aspiring writers?

Though many people think of writing as a solo sport, that definitely has not been our experience! Besides writing as a duo, we also reached out to a close group of friends and family throughout the process. Some helped us with editing; some just encouraged us to continue to writing and would ask us frequently about our progress. It’s a powerful thing to surround yourself with people who support you, challenge you, and encourage you. Find those people in your life and hold on to them!

9. If you could double date with any couple, alive or dead, who would it be?

We would love to have a double date with C.S. Lewis and his wife Joy. He was an amazing writer of fantasy and theology, and Joy published a book of poetry. We would love to hear their writing advice and learn more about their experiences and passions.

10. What's next for B. I. Woolet?

Though we know we have a least one more book to write in the World of Arcas, we aren’t completely sure how long the series will go. We have book ideas outside of fantasy, but we are definitely going to finish Jackson’s current escapades before we tackle any new realms! Nevertheless, the star-studded world of Arcas will probably always be beckoning us back for just one more adventure…