Category: Fantasy/Sci-Fi

About

Arise now, guardian…

The war in the north is over, but the war for all the Lands has just begun. As the Shadonae solidify their hold on the city of Thyra, Rowen Mar, the last Eldaran and savior of the White City, awakens to find herself hunted by those she has saved.

Meanwhile, the assassin Caleb Tala finds himself in the presence of the Word. The time of reckoning has come, and he must pay the price for all the lives he has taken. But in his moment of judgment, Caleb is given a second chance to change his life.

These two hold the power to save the Lands from the Shadonae. One must escape slavery, and one must choose to forsake everything before the world is consumed in darkness.

Review

I so enjoyed book two! It picked up right where Daughter of Light left off and in spite of the fact that I hadn’t read book one in a while, I never felt lost. I loved the chemistry between Lore and Rowan and every time they were together I wanted the novel to just pause for a moment. Often times, in book two, the hero and heroine are separated (and they are in this one for some time) and in my opinion, this detracts from the novel. However, in this case it worked. I never felt like the story was lacking because one or the other wasn’t there. We also get to see Caleb change and develop and while I found his character fascinating in the previous novel, he has now become one of my favorite characters. Niernen gets a lot of time in this novel and let’s just say, I’m interested in seeing what happens between her and Caleb. Spiritually, I love the idea that forgiveness is for everyone and to trust God even when it seems like you’ve jumped out the pan and into the fire. If I have anything negative to say about this novel, it was that it was not long enough! I wanted more! Great sequel. Highly Recommended!

About

DESTINED by prophecy. GUARDED by deception. PURSUED by Love.

Centuries ago, an oracle foretold of the young woman who would defeat E’veria’s most ancient enemy, the Cobelds. But after two centuries of relative peace, both the prophecy and the Cobelds have been relegated to lore—and only a few remain watchful for the promised Ryn.

Finally, a child is born who matches the oracle’s description, but a Cobeld curse accompanies her birth. Led to believe they succeeded in killing the prophesied child, the Cobelds emerge from hiding with plans to overtake the Kingdom.

But the child survived.

Secreted away and called “Rose” for the first nineteen years of her life, Rynnaia E’veri has no idea of her true identity until a chance meeting with an injured knight reveals not only her parentage and true name, but the task assigned her by the oracle: discover the Remedy that will destroy the Cobelds’ power.

Now, her time has come.

Offered the assistance of pirates, scribes, storytellers, a young woman who died centuries ago, and the knight who is quickly working his way into her heart, Rynnaia is fortified with friends. But if the Ryn is to complete her task, she must come to terms with not only who she is, but for whom she must be willing to die. For the kingdom’s survival depends on her.

Review

I really enjoyed this sweeping, epic-like novel. It has aspects of fantasy and fairy tale mixed with medieval times that is quite simply a great combination. I also enjoyed how there is romance and yet the whole novel is not centered around the romance. I found Rose to be  likeable and a character that one could relate to. You also can’t help but like the hero in this novel who is truly a knight in shining armor. I didn’t find this novel to be too complex or complicated and it was easy to get the feel of the land. If there was anything that I didn’t like, it was that once Rose discovers who she is and what she can do, she can pretty much do anything, though the author tries to balance this a bit. Spiritually, like most christian fantasy novels God is usually given a different name, but is still highly recognizable and you get to see Rose fall in love with him. Good Book and looking forward to the next one!

About

Review

First, can I just say I LOVED this book! This book introduces you to Errol Stone, a young man who doesn’t recognize his own value. Yet, the reader knows from the start that there is something special about this guy. I loved his wit and his character. I especially liked the fact that the whole novel is from Errol’s point of view. He is definitely the kind of person you want to hang out with if there is an adventure and I love his interactions with those around him.  As you embark on this adventure with Errol, though, there are mysteries, scary creatures, and people with supernatural powers. Spiritually, Errol begins to learn more about God and I am excited to see his development over the series. I so enjoyed this novel and when I finished it…I picked it right back up and reread my favorite parts! Highly Recommended!

**I recieved this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

About
Charis’ latest time paradox has left me staggering. The history of Meric is being unraveled right before my eyes. While some unimaginable questions are being answered, even more start to creep up. Will we make it out of this place alive? Will we make it back to Meric in time to stop Leticia and save our friends? Will I ever marry Shaw, the man of my dreams?

I guess only time holds the answers to these questions. Considering I’m not even in my own time, I’m not so sure anymore. One thing I do know is I never would have thought Meric’s origins would have been in this place.

Review
The long awaited book 4 is out! And it was good. In this novel comrades are lost and friends made. I loved diving back into Meric with Christina and Shaw, and in spite of the time since I read the third novel, I didn’t feel like I had left. I really enjoyed learning about the past in this novel and frankly, I take my hat off to Ms. Hartz for writing such a layered novel. The pages turned quickly and before I knew it, the novel was finished (September of next year?! Sigh). What I loved about this book? The way everything is explained. I’m never lost through Christina’s eyes and each revelation for the way things are in Meric makes since. I really like how there is more than one love story besides Christina and that they are not hastily thrown together. The only drawback? I did feel that sometimes the characters got very romantic at odd moments. Spiritually, I love Timothy’s desire to know His Creator and how Shaw explains that God has never changed and never will and that He puts rules in place to protect us. I am also enjoying watching Christina develop as a believer. Fun book. I recommend you read the series in order and you won’t want to put this one down!

About

Review
For those who love time-travel, this was a fun read. One of the things that drew me to the novel was that Analiese and Adam were from the 21st century and both went back in time. I personally think it would be hard to fall for a guy in the old days. What I really liked about this book? It was so realistic. I liked how when Adam and Analiese first arrived, the people smelled really bad and women just didn’t play a role (ok that’s not a good thing, but the novel was true to the times). The only drawback to this novel? It was realistic. I felt that the ending was a bit awkward as I imagine it would have been in real life. Spiritually, I like the way Analiese witnesses to Adam and the effect salvation has on his life. Not cheesy at all. Good Book. Recommended

About
The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don’t involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien’s frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs to the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

But why Kien? Isn’t this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne?

Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has been corrupted by her enemies and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite’s leading and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Review
In reading Christian fiction, there are some authors you read and you just know they’ve been with God, Ms. Larson is one of them. With shades of Old Testament prophets Jonah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel (and maybe others), Kien and Ela embark on some trips that lead to joy and heartache. When I first started the novel, I kept hoping that Kien and Ela would be together the whole time, to add a deeper level to the romance. But they each had individual tasks, and still there was an element of romance to the novel that just worked. In spite of them not being together most of the novel, my pages were flipping as I saw both of them develop even more into people that the Infinite (or God) could use. I so enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait until the third one comes out. I continually love Kien’s character who brings much needed humor to tense situations, and Ela’s spirit because she is so committed to the Infinite. Spiritually, this novel reads again like the Old Testament, but points out the importance of just being obedient. Great Novel. Highly Recommended!

**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in any way**