Author Quest

Hannah at The Writer's Window tagged me in this fun meme. I'm answering the questions using Ice Roses, a retelling of "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Anderson.

1. There you are in the middle of writing one of your favorite stories. Suddenly, a portal materializes in front of you, and a note is tossed through. You read it and discover that it is a plea of aid from one of your favorite characters--you know, the comic relief one. You leap through the portal (Danger? Who cares about danger?) and meet your character! Your reaction? (Explain who this character is first.)

Hmmm, I don't know if there is really a comic relief character in this story--due to certain events, most of my characters are rather serious. But the one that is least serious is Riddick, the crown prince of the Autumn Kingdom. I would be really excited to meet him--he and I are a lot alike: we could talk about books, our shared love of crisp autumn walks, and how people react to the scars on our faces. I could help him get over his inclination towards being naive and show him how the real world really works, without breaking his sensitive heart.

 2. Wow. Things really are a disaster. The story is taking a life of its own. Worst of all, your awesome hero/heroine has fallen in love with the completely wrong character. How do you convince them that your match is really the best person for them?

Well, at the very beginning of the story, Gerda's in love with the wrong person from the outset. When this character is abducted by the villain, she sets out to rescue him. Along the way, she gets some help from a few faeries--one of which is a kind, sensitive, book-loving prince. He's everything she needs--and certain events will show her just how perfect he is for her. ;)

3. Oops. You just got captured by the villain. But you can handle this, right? After all, you created their nefarious mind. What's your plan? Do you exploit his weakness or do you take advantage of your knowledge of his lair to escape?

Well, the Snow Queen would be rather disappointed in capturing me, a pesky, 'powerless' human. So she'd probably put me to work as a slave in her icy palace. Her weakness is her pride and condescension towards humans; she doesn't realize they have a power of their own. So I would use that to trick her into thinking I can't do anything about my situation....and then use her own sense of control against her. Never underestimate a determined writer....

4. Unfortunately, your awesome hero/heroine just go captured too...and they're wounded. Rats. You can't just leave them now can you? And they're feeling pretty discouraged. What would you say to encourage them?

Actually, that's good! Because unbeknownst to the Snow Queen, Gerda has the one weapon that can kill the icy faerie queen: a snow dagger. So I would take the snow dagger from Gerda and use it against the Snow Queen. I would remind Gerda that the Lord of All Lands has given her this mission for a reason, even if it means she can't have her happily-ever-after with the boy she once loved.

5. Great job. You just practically promised your character a happy ending. But can you guarantee it? You're in the story now, and you might never have written your hero into such peril. But wait a second...you are the author! So what if the story isn't going how you thought? Make a new happy ending! Do you single-handedly  rescue your hero or do the other heroes come and save the day?

I pretty much took care of it, I guess. But despite that, though everything's ended 'happily', certain things will never be the same. The characters--especially Gerda--are forced to grow up a lot in this story. Friendships will stay strong but not the same. It's basically the journey from childhood to adulthood, and some people--and ideas--will be left behind in the past. I would definitely describe their ending as "bittersweet."

6. Whohoo! You're free! And things are shaping up. Maybe not the way you had written it, but hey, perhaps you got a new perspective on the story! Now...sniffle, sniffle...you have to say good-bye to your characters. Do you hug them good-bye? Give them something to remember you by? Give an inspirational speech, telling what you love about them and what hopes you have for their future?

I would give Gerda a huge hug. This girl has been through so much, including various versions of the same story! And each time, I put her through such torture and pain. Honestly, I would want to drag her into this world and be her best friend. She definitely deserves a break. I would tell her to take the life that's been given her and, even though things haven't turned out the way she wanted them to, to make the most of it. In earlier drafts I had plans for sequels, but right now I'm thinking these characters will be with me for only one novel. But perhaps a few short stories....? Either way, I will never forget them!

Tag! You're It!

Ysa Rivas
Amber Stokes

And anyone else who wants to join in! :)

Blog Tour: "Bleeding Heart" by Amber Stokes--Book Review

I am honoured to be part of the blog tour for Amber Stokes' debut novel, Bleeding Heart. Make sure to check out all the stops along the tour to learn more about this amazing young author and her wonderful novel! You can enter for chances to win her book as well. At any time, drop by the Blog Tour HQ to see the blog post schedule. Now, onward....

About the Book

Five bleeding hearts. One profound journey. 

  
Summer 1886

Sally Clay’s livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before.

But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound the hearts of others – and hers isn’t the only heart that’s broken. Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way and a place to heal?

A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her. 

All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.

Inspirational Historical Romance

Amazon  *  Book Website

About the Author

Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing her debut novel, Bleeding Heart.

My Review

Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes is self-published. There is huge stereotype against self-published works, but I want to go out there and say that Bleeding Heart's writing outshines many traditionally-published books in the world. Amber is a master of her craft, and each beautifully-worded sentence shows how much time and effort she has put into her novel. I loved her careful, vivid descriptions of the wild natural beauty of the setting, and how her characters related to it.

One thing I particularly loved was how she sprinkled allusions to actual historical events and people throughout the book. She didn't explain them, but left it to the readers to research it and discover for themselves. This book was told through the eyes of people who lived in that time; and realistically, what's history to us was life to them. Would they, in their thoughts, replay certain events that they would already know by heart and which would be as day-to-day to them as taking a shower is to us? So I enjoyed Amber's challenge to her readers to go out and explore history for themselves through the dropping of interesting name and hints at certain events.

Another aspect that was well done was the curve away from the usual historical romance novel in the Christian market. Many of those are humorous and lack any thought-provoking events. There are sweet moments in this novel, but it is definitely darker and more for those who realize and understand that life isn't one big cupcake. Christians love and lose and doubt. I can't tell you how many times I've wondered in real life why God would 'allow' a good Christian man to be ripped away from his wife, or a little girl to be murdered. These characters struggle with real-life challenges; and, while not necessarily finding answers, they find some sort of peace. And it is this peace that is integral to a relationship with God--the knowledge that, no matter what insanity happens here on earth, no matter how much injustice is done, "it is well with my soul". Because, as Amber shows in this novel, the one thing evil cannot rip away from you without your letting it is the condition of your soul.

This book ripped my heart to shreds for its characters, and sewed it up again. Certain ones I loved more than others, such as the immigrant Myghal and the quiet cook, Zachary Taylor. (Amber, PLEASE let them have their own stories!!!) At times I felt I knew them, and at others, I realized how little I knew them at all. While in other books this might be a cause to accuse the author of character inconsistency, one of the themes in this story is how little the characters know about EACH OTHER. They make assumptions and turn out surprised when they turn out wrong. As we, the readers, get into the heads of almost all the characters, why wouldn't their assumptions become our own, and therefore, their surprise as well?

However, this novel is very short, clocking in at just over 50,000 words, according to Amber's website. While the story is self-containing, there were times when huge time-skips of several months would go by. This did not allow for a lot of relationship-building in regards to the romance; everything went fairly quickly, at least in terms of reading it. I would have enjoyed more tender moments for me to become accustomed to the relationship that happens by the end of the book. As well, I think adding another couple-thousand words would have given readers the chance to dig even deeper into the heads of the characters and connect with them. I would have liked more time with Myghal and Zachary Taylor and Sally and Seth and Joe and even Rufus, who turned out to be quite the conflicting villain himself. I wanted to know MORE about them, to know all their likes and dislikes, outside of how they felt about love and heartbreak.

As well, in the copy I read, there were a few typos, and a mention of an "Annabelle" that Sally supposedly met and who was important to her, but whom I don't remember. Perhaps someone from an earlier draft?

All that being said, if you're looking for a fresh, original historical novel to sink your mind into, go for Bleeding Heart. If you're looking for a book that will make you think and ponder and cry and stare at your ceiling and think some more, get your hands on Bleeding Heart. And then promptly join me in a rally to get Amber to write more about Myghal and Zachary!

I received a free review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the opportunity, Amber, and best wishes on many successful novels to come!

Giveaway!!!

“Journey to the West” Giveaway! One U.S. resident (randomly drawn) will receive a signed copy of Bleeding Heart and a collection of items from the story’s settings, handpicked by the author.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Ever Queen

I haven't been using Pinterest for very long, but in the time I've been on it, I've created quite a few boards. One of my favourite things to do while writing is go on and search out pictures that match the characters, locations, and atmosphere of my stories.

But this past week, while scrolling a friend's Pinterest, I was struck with inspiration for a THIRD entry for Anne Elisabeth Stengl's Cinderella contest. I had sworn I would only write two stories for it, but this idea is by far my favourite of all the ideas I've come up with for submissions. It's been like a whirlwind romance so far; it combines so many of my favourite things--evil faeries, Celtic EVERYTHING, dynamic heroines, high stakes, balls and beautiful gowns, and a dash of romance. I'm absolutely in love with and delighted by this story.

So without further ado, here's a sneak peek at:

The Ever Queen

One dark day, Aednat is stolen from her quiet life to serve as a slave in the realm of the Everen, a place full of dark beauty and monsters hidden behind sweet smiles. Her one hope is to escape, and when the new faerie king holds a ball to choose his queen, Aednat seizes on her one chance at freedom--even if that one chance may cost her life.

Meet the Characters

Aednat

Stolen from her family to serve the Everen, Aednat has only one goal: escape. When the old Ever King dies and a ball is held to find a new queen, she concocts a plan to finally gain her freedom. But it is a plan that risks her life--and her heart. By the time all is said and done, Aednat will have to ask herself if she truly wants to leave--and what she's willing to risk to have everything she desires.

Faolan

When his father dies, Faolan is crowned the new Ever King. To fit into this role and protect his people, Faolan must hide his true self behind a mask of cool aloofness. When Aednat unintentionally shows her true self in the midst of his father's funeral, Faolan sees someone other than just a slave: someone who might accept him as he truly is. But as his love for her deepens, so do the consequences. 

Orla

One of the beauties of the Everen court, Orla knows it is her destiny to be the Ever Queen. She is one of Faolan's closest companions, and, she thinks, closest friends. But what is about to come will turn her world upside down, and betrayal will come from the one person she always took for granted--her own sister.

Laisar

Ashamed of the mortal blood that runs in her family, Laisar detests the presence of humans in her beloved realm. But when Aednat approaches her with a plan to free herself and rid Everen of humans forever, Laisar is forced to choose between her own dreams and that of her sister's. The choice she makes will change Everen forever.

Other Characters

Einin

Aednat's younger sister, left behind to mourn her beloved sister's disappearance for seven long years. During that time, she marries the chief of another tribe and has a child of her own, named Aednat. She goes on to become one of Irela's most celebrated women warriors--but she never forgets the sister she bickered with so often and loved so dearly.

Oonagh

A cranky, reclusive Everen faery who also detests the mortal presence in the faery realm, Oonagh is more likely to try to kill Aednat than help her. But when Aednat and Laisar come to her for help with Aednat's plan, she finds herself playing faery godmother--with interesting results.

(All images are from Pinterest--I do not own any of them, nor did I create any of them. I wish I were so talented!)

A Tiny Excerpt

This is first draft only, so forgive any off-kilter stuff. :)

Raising her head, Aednat looked across the stream to the woods beyond. The trees went ever on, moss creeping up their trunks and vines trailing like dead, dangling limbs to brush the forest floor. Beside her, Nessa went still, tilting her head, as though listening to birdsong Aednat could not hear.

No birdsong. Aednat shot to her feet, dropping the water bucket.

Nessa glanced at her, puzzled. "What's the matter?"

"No birds," Aednat whispered. The water had gone still and silent, and even the sunlight was smothered by the mist that now swirled, clinging to Aednat's legs. She skittered backwards, while Nessa shook her head.

"There's nothing to fear," Nessa said. She stepped into the river.

"No," Aednat squeaked.

Nessa cocked a brow at her.

"Nobody crosses the river!" Aednat whispered, her voice hushed in the suffocating quiet. "The Everen live there." How many stories had the elders told of those who passed over--and never returned?

Nessa snorted, placing her hands on her hips and tossing her thick black braid. "Where I come from, such cowardice is frowned upon," she said. "The great lairds of my land would never allow the Everen to dictate their choices." She sniffed. "If they even exist." With that, she waded through the water, her skirts flaring out behind her. She scrambled up the bank, stood, and held out her hands as though to show Aednat all was well.

Heat swept through Aednat, flaring in her fingers and toes, setting the back of her neck on fire. She wanted to sink through the soft earth, swallowed by green.

But more than that, she wanted Nessa to love her, to be proud of her. And what if Nessa was right? What if the Everen were no more than mist and shadows, the reflection of her own nightmares?

Tucking in her chin, she set her foot into the stream. Chill spiked through her toes, jolting along her leg until it touched her spine. She shivered, but kept going.

When she set foot upon the opposite bank, the noise like the thud of a door closing echoed through the wood. She whirled around, squinting into the distance. Nothing but serene green trees, moss growing like soft stubble across their trunks.

Hands snatched her arms, yanking her backwards. Fingers clawed her dress, gripped her legs. She shrieked, thrashing, while voices hissed all around her.

Don't hurt her.

Oh, she's lovely. Look at that hair. Niamh picked a good one this time.

And, all the while, she watched the forest from which she'd come fade away and reappear, this time seeming as distant as the stars. For when she managed to break from her captors and run to the stream, her feet glided over the water as though she were mist. And when she reached the other side, the branches that would once have snagged her curls now slid through them. She was no more than fog to the world she had once known.

She was trapped.

***

Hope you enjoyed this little peek into The Ever Queen! I'm always looking for people to proofread my stories and offer constructive feedback. If you have the time and are interested in this story, just leave me a comment and a way to get into contact with you. I appreciate all the feedback I can get--the more, the merrier! And if you're a writer too, I can proofread one of your stories in return. There's nothing I like better than making new writer friends!

Favourite Movies

Clara tagged me in this fun meme about one's favourite movies. So I'm going to pick the ones that aren't as obvious (like Lord of the Rings or Narnia). In no particular order:

1.) Beauty and the Beast

I love this movie so much that when the latest 2-DVD special edition came out, I bought it right away, without waiting for its price to drop. I've seen it so many times. I love this fairy tale--the music, the characters, the hope, the love that truly conquers all. It's a bonus that one of the principal animators--Glen Keane--is a Christian.

2.) Tangled

What can I say? This was a hit when it came out, and continues to be. I can't count how many times I've seen this movie. It was the go-to movie for Friday and Saturday nights in my dorm at university. The music, the humour, Eugene/Flynn--everything about the story rocked. And I just learned today that Zachary Levi, the voice of Flynn, is a Christian. Whoop!

3.) The Princess Bride

Need I say more? I think this movie is the most quotable movie of all time. It takes everything I like about fairy tales and subverts them. This movie is satire at its best--fun, light, and frothy. Something sweet to buoy your spirits when you're down--to make you believe in love while laughing along the way.

4.) Stardust

This movie is so epic. The music gives me chills, and Tristan and Yvaine's love story makes me sigh. While it's definitely NOT for a younger audience and has some things I could do without, it's the story's central theme--that love can conquer the most evil of magic--that makes this movie worth it for me every single time.  *sigh* It takes the magic of fairy tales and combines it with the grit of real life. The journey to love is never easy, and Tristan's journey from annoying little man to a hero willing to die to save his beloved.... *sigh* (I've got to stop doing that!)

5.) Shrek

These movies are what I watch when I want to laugh. While some of the jokes and language in the first two movies made me frown every now and then, this is a series where each movie gets better and becomes even more family-friendly. You watch this snappish, isolated ogre grow from a selfish beast to an ogre in love to a father. Shrek's journey is so complete and relatable--and this series is supposed to 'simply' be subverted fairy tales! There is so much depth and nuance to these characters--LOVE.

6.) Anastasia

I have a Russian/Ukrainian background, and when I was younger I always used to daydream that I was somehow descended from Anastasia--that she truly had survived and I was part of her legacy. I laugh at myself now, but this movie still holds a deep place in my heart. For a cartoon, the romance is so well developed, the music is chilling, and the story full of emotion. Anya is one of my favourite movie heroines ever--tough, sassy, but with a heart of gold and a longing to belong. And it isn't magic that wins the day against the villain--it's her love for her family and a certain someone who has stolen her heart along the way. ;) I have this on DVD and am planning on watching it until it falls apart.

7.) The Sound of Music

"....and whiskers on kittens; brown paper packages tied up with string--these are a few of my favourite things! When the dog bites! When the bee stings! When I'm feeling sad.... I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don't feel.... soooo baaaddd!!!"


I TAG:

Ysa Rivas

Amber Stokes

Grace M.

Hannah W.

And anyone else who reads this and wants to join in, consider yourself TAGGED! :D

Where I'm At and Where I'm Heading

Summer's almost over. In just over two weeks, I leave to return to university. That means I may be a little neglectful of this blog, though I promise to try as hard as I can to keep at least weekly posts going.

So what have I been up to?

Lots of things!

1) Sent first submission to Anne Elisabeth Stengl's Cinderella Writing Contest.

Until Midnight 

When Elle's father dies, she is left with nothing, forced into servitude by her stepmother in order to pay off his debt. She dares not hope for a happy ending. But she finds an unexpected friend and ally in Eloise, her eldest stepsister. Eloise wants nothing more than to wed the man she loves, but her mother forbids her from marrying a mere coachman.

But a royal ball is approaching, a night when the dreams of ugly stepsisters and sweethearted servants can come true. And Eloise is determined that dreams will come true--even if she has to help them along.

This was actually the second idea I had for this contest. When I sent it to my proofreaders, both found it to be more sound than the first idea I had. So I finished it up this week and sent it in.

2) Super-Fun Fanfiction Project

Along with Hannah, I've been working on a project for Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Will let you know when it goes live. Can't wait to share it with all of you!

3) Mentoring with Anne Elisabeth. 

It's been so interesting to go over sections of Ice Roses and realize what will or will not work. Anne Elisabeth challenges me to look at my story from a different perspective. It's even gotten to the point where a lot of what I didn't like from the first draft may actually end up in the second draft. Right now Ice Roses is a bit of a hot mess as I try to figure out exactly where I want this story to go, but I appreciate the opportunity to look at this novel from a different angle and fall in love with it all over again.

4) Agonizing over my first and favourite idea for the Cinderella writing contest. It combines the story of Cinderella with the events of Moses and the Burning Bush. Throw in lots of political intrigue, beautiful dresses, and a dash of romance, and this story has a deep place in my heart. It just needs a lot of work, and with the deadline at the end of December and a full semester of university coming up.... Yeah, it's going to be a struggle.

The Voice in the Laurel Tree

After her father's execution as a traitor to their country, Katrine is sold into slavery. She loses everything: the man she loves, her name, and her freedom. But not everything is set in stone--her father might have been innocent. To prove his innocence, Katrine will do anything--even flirt with death. But when a different Voice calls her, one leading to life, will she listen?

Prince Thomin failed Katrine the day she was sold into slavery. Since then, he has wallowed in his own misery. When the ball his father holds brings Katrine back into his life, he's given another chance to prove himself. But the secrets Katrine uncovers threaten those closest to Thomin. Is he willing to risk his reputation--and his life--to protect the girl he failed?

Suffice to say, I am VERY excited about this story. But there's a lot to stuff into a 20,000-word novella. I would appreciate your prayers as I head into a very hectic time of packing, reading, and writing.

So what projects are you working on, dear readers? For those of you working on submissions for this contest, any specific struggles you've run into, and how did you--or will you--overcome them?

Book Review: "The Perilous Gard"

In 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle known as Perilous Gard, young Kate Sutton becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead her to an underground world peopled by Fairy Folk—whose customs are even older than the Druids’ and include human sacrifice.
-image and summary from Goodreads.com

NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS NOT SPOILER-FREE

I've heard rave reviews from many friends and authors about The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, and it's been on my to-read list for a while. Finally, this summer, I got my greedy, grubby reader hands on it.

And what can I say? I understand the raves (and I might join them sometime).

The Perilous Gard captures the atmosphere of England's forests and countryside in an eerie, rain-soaked setting full of lush green whispering trees and servants at a mysterious castle who know more than they let on. I was drawn in by the circumstances revolving around a child's disappearance and Kate's determination to bring justice.

What I particularly enjoyed was that Kate's journey was far from easy. She doesn't get answers by drawing them out of people who, true to their characters, stubbornly remain silent, but by making connections between events. She uses her smarts to find a way out of dangerous situations. There needs to be more heroines like Kate nowadays.

Another aspect I loved was that while Pope deals with subject matter that could get weird and occult, she keeps the story grounded in reality. The "Fairy Folk" are actually people whose customs have merely been around for many years, whose abilities seem to be more magical than those of mere mortals but who are actually just as human as Kate. While not all about them is explained and certain threads are left to the eerie conclusions of our imaginations, I was really happy that Pope went in this direction. Pope makes a point that much of what we deem to be 'magic' is actually easily explained--or simply the product of we as humans giving a certain object more power than it has. A lot of it is in the mind.

One thing about this story is that it's very short. Other than Kate, readers really only get to know Christopher, the brother of the lord of the castle Perilous Gard and the main suspect in the disappearance of Cecily, his niece. But, surprisingly, this works for the story. After finishing it, I was satisfied with its length. This is not a fast-paced novel by any means, and ends with a complete story, having made its point. I think its length suits its purpose.

I loved the writing--lush, lyrical, like poetry. I loved the characters and the feeling that this story might be a legend you hear of if you visit England.

However, the one drawback that kept this from a five-star rating was Christopher's continuous use of the Lord's name in vain. While I understand that many of that time period used God's name in a way that they did not see to be in vain, my 'modern sensibilities' couldn't help but shudder. It was used quite a bit, which disappointed me because it was so avoidable.

On the other hand, this book portrays Kate's strong faith and sense, which she uses to block the tempting words of the main villain. I wanted to cheer when I read that scene, and I finished it with a huge smile on my face and the strong urge to pump a fist into the air.

As well, this book boasts one of the most romantic speeches ever:

“I've never thought of you like that [....] How could I? If you were any other woman, I could tell you I loved you, easily enough, but not you--because you've always seemed to me like a part of myself, and it would be like saying I loved my own eyes or my own mind. But have you ever thought of what it would be to have to live without your mind or your eyes, Kate? To be mad? Or blind?” 

Excuse me while I faint.

Okay, I'm revived. 

Four stars!

King Tour Grand Finale Blast!

Grand Finale! 

See the entire tour at a glance...

King

by RJ Larson

Paperback, 352 pages

Published July 1, 2013 by Bethany House

Akabe of Siphra is certain his people are insane. 

Why have they made him a king? 
What, in the name of peacetime boredom do kings do?

Frustrated by a lengthy silence from his Creator, the Infinite, Akabe decides to prove himself as king by undertaking a monumental task, his own lifelong dream: Rebuild the Infinite’s temple in Siphra. 

But Akabe’s impulsive decision sweeps him into a storm of controversy. The Infinite’s enemies join forces in Siphra, and beyond, conspiring to destroy the emerging temple—and to kill their king and his mysterious new queen.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Bethany House

R.J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Map Puzzle Tour... Follow the tour to reveal the entire map!

22 - Launch!

  Kien (Judge cover) is the original owner of the map... the scrolling mimics his sword...

23 – ADDLibrarian - Review

 My own perceptions of God as portrayed by the Old Testament have been challenged.

-         

Rose & Beps Blog  - "Compass: The Dream" RJ Larson

"...if anyone had told me that I would be writing Inspirational fantasy I would have laughed, shaken my head, and offered them chocolate..."

24 – TheWonderings of One Person - Review

This last book in her series is simply amazing in its passionate pursuit of wholeness through obedience.

25 – TheOther World  "Beginnings" RJ Larson

"King’s main character, Akabe of Siphra, first appeared in book one, Prophet, as an honorable rebel-hunter roaming wild in the mountains east of Parne." 

26 – Pieces of Whimsy - "Romance & Action: The Balancing Act"

"This symmetry between lovely gowns, awesome weaponry, and pondering the eternal Word..."

28 – The(Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl 

"Mythical-seeming beasts and monsters from Earth’s own ancient legends'

29 – JoJo’sCorner 

I give KING by RJ Larson *****5/5 STARS*****

-         

Christy’s Cozy Corner - Ela's Griddle Bread

30 – Proud Book Nerd 

"Akabe’s task, which threatens to be thankless indeed, is to unify his country, restore peace to his people, and reestablish Siphra’s reputation among neighboring countries."

31 – KellyP’s Blog 

 "Belaal’s ruler is a god-king named Bel-Tygeon who believes that his own will supersedes all others, including his Creator, The Infinite."

-         

JL Mbewe

Prophet is such an interesting read... the author has created this awesome world that springs to life with great characters from Ela’s little sister Tzana to Kien to the destroyer called Pet.

1 – Worthy 2Read - Reviews of Prophet, Judge & King

Larson creates a believable world inspired by the Old Testament. The narration is rich and the characters are well-developed. The plot is suspenseful, drawing the reader in as Ela grows as the Infinite’s prophet.

2 –

Mommasez…

4 –  Backing Books

Can we follow God in faith even when he seems silent to our prayers? This is something that we often struggle with and that Larson approaches in her newest novel, King.

5 – Shannon’sBlog 

With likable characters, a fresh world, and a powerful measure of spirituality, King is a fine addition to Christian fantasy.

-         

Mel’s Shelves  Review

This is a well written book with lots of great quotes and thoughts. I found myself stopping a lot to digest the words I had just read. I loved the ending and this is a book that I highly recommend!!

6  - A Year of Jubilee Reviews 

7 – Tressa’sWishful Thinking - Review

You can see a lot of similarities or situations based off of different Bible stories. The circumstances and resolutions are not the same though. This is a different world with different characters and other factors, 

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A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner - What's Next?

Exiles

Two tribes will close the map’s circle in two spin-offs now underway in my imagination and in my computer. Working titles...

Queen

8 – TellTale Book Reviews 

I sincerely hope that R.J. Larson continues writing more of this style of book, either continuing the series or possible writing another one. Fantasy isn't my top choice in genres but R.J.'s books have been and will continue to be at the top of my wishlist!

9 – Grand

Finale

The map... complete!

Giveaway:

Print copy of Prophet, Judge & King.  USA, Canada, UK only.

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