Book Review--Burdney by Nicole Sager

After reading Hebbros, I knew I would be on the lookout for anything more the author had to offer. Thus I was thrilled for the continuing story in Burdney. I would recommend reading Hebbros first, but I don’t feel reading the author’s original trilogy, The Heart of Arcrea, is entirely necessary to enjoying the Companions of Arcrea series, as her older series doesn’t carry quite the same skill and style as her newest releases (though they’re still good stories). This tale can stand well on its own, but it carries on questions left unanswered from Hebbros and focuses on an easily overlooked character—the jilted bride of Bradley.

I do believe Burdney may be the best book she’s written yet. Its plot has pace slower than Hebbros, but it’s by no means boring. It’s a story of political intrigue, monarchy greed, government intrusion, and layers of conspiracy. Each scene, each move is precisely planned by the author, each piece falling into place to reveal the full picture. For a little while, one certain storyline seems a tad unnecessary. Yes, it is cute and funny, but it’s seems to just be taking up time when we want to go back to the real plot on hand. But as it turns out, that little side story is absolutely vital to the main one. Really, this is expert plotting, something you don’t always see in self-published authors.


And the characters. Oh my, the characters. There are a lot of them. And that doesn’t matter, not for an instant, because each character is so individual and unique that the reader cannot easily mix them up or forget them. Each character is firmly woven into the plot and with each other. Cunning queens, cooks with swords, slaves as lords. Lathan, a blind warrior, is simply too cool for words. But my favorite was probably Dain, the Dragon Slayer. His attitude. Oh my, oh my, oh my. It was nice to see a young man of faith still be full of personality, rashness, and attitude, because it’s so realistic. Really, I want more of his story please. Like another book about him.

Fans of Hebbros will be glad to see more of Epic, sit on the edge of their seats for Warin, and sigh at prevalent mentions of Bradley. Also, the charming minstrel Blunt from The Heart of Arcrea is a very important character.

When I first read Hebbros, the spiritual truth of the story threw me off because the characters were speaking of Jesus Christ and the death and the resurrection, and that feels strange to me in a fantasy world. But one thing that helped me is to consider this series as an alternate reality, dealing with countries that could have existed. The world doesn’t have any magic or rules to be different from ours, so it can easily be pretended to have existed in days long ago.

Too often in Christian fantasy, when the author starts dealing with the religion of the characters, I start feeling preached to. I start feeling like the characters are only people who would exist in a book. I got a little of that feeling in Hebbros, but that changed to something else that I also found in Burdney. The faith of the characters is genuine and real. It is so real, these people might as well be around you, and I want them to be my best friends. There’s nothing contrived about it, nothing written by the author just to get their point across. The people’s faith truly comes to life, their walk complete with doubts, stumbling, and imperfection. I don’t know how to explain it…many Christian authors try to make their character’s faith real, but Nicole Sager succeeds in a way I don’t often come across. Burdney doesn’t deal with the persecution of the church as Hebbros did, but the need for faith in God is still very potent and beautiful.

So looking for an exciting tale of excellent quality? Here’s one. :)

Book Review--Out of Darkness Rising by Gillian Bronte Adams

Darkness reigns unchallenged.

For the villagers on the accursed Island, life has only one meaning - death. Bound to the Island by the curse, the villagers suffer beneath the iron claw of the Serpent, daily breathing the poison of his breath and dying to appease his insatiable appetite.

When Marya’s parents are slain by the serpent for their belief in a legendary king, she becomes an outcast. Struggling to survive and avoid the vengeance of the Tribunal, Marya is torn between legend and the harsh reality of the Island. Yet when a forgotten promise springs to life, she cannot help wondering if the old stories might in fact be true. And if they are, will the promise prove stronger than the curse?

Through My Window

Gillian Bronte Adams has proven herself able to stand amongst the greats of Christian fantasy authors.

This stand alone fantasy novella displays the incredible beauty and power of allegory. The prologue alone is the best representative of Lucifer's fall that I've ever read in fantasy. Gillian is a master of epic prose that grabs you tight and steals your breath.

Alas, I lament that the story is rather short. I would have loved to see Gillian expand Marya's original plot-line in order to drive up suspense and mystery.

Nonetheless, this is a wonderful example of quality writing and convicting truth that will capture any reader, especially those wishing to rediscover the epicness in the story of our fall and redemption.

Book Review--The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

Through My Window

Jaye L. Knight's second book in The Illyon Chronicles begins with a crisp, intriguing pace, picking up shortly where the first book left off. So as a warning to any new reader, go back and read Resistance before The King's Scrolls.

No doubt Jaye's greatest strength is knowing her characters. Nearly each character she writes, even some of the villains, possess some quality that makes you feel as if you like you know them in real life. This story focuses mostly on the Altair family, especially Kyrin. As such, Kyrin blooms into an even more admirable yet relatable heroine, and her heart is truly one to aspire to. Fans of Jace, do not worry, he is a prominent character, learning his true strengths. Kaden continues to amuse, all brother characters must. We also receive some new favorites, my most adored among them being the irrepressible Talas.

But as characters are Jaye's greatest strength, they're also probably her greatest weakness. While she keeps admirable focus and balance of the main characters, so many of the minor characters, even those much beloved, are lost in the bustle. But while this might be a sad thing for readers hoping to see more of fellows like Trev and Trask, it doesn't cheapen the excellence of the book.

The world of Illyon expands in this book as well, introducing one of its most exotic races, the cretes. I was expecting a bit more otherness to their people then what was given, but that was my own notion. Despite not being what I'd expected, they were quite interesting and cool, as were their dragons!

This story is more emotional than the first since we deal with terrible loss, even more insecurities, betrayal, and intense family conflict.

I can't say I've encountered anything this author's written for younger fantasy fans to be warned away from. There is violence, yes, but it's mild in description. And the romances are all so very sweet and chaste. 

Jaye has built a strong setting, characters, plot, and fanbase, and there is little doubt that it will only grow stronger. I eagerly look forward to the next book, especially since I hear it will focus more on Jace. 

The King's Scrolls Blog Tour--Talas Interview

The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight is releasing!!! And I'm doing an interview with a minor but very fun character named Talas! So come enjoy the fun!

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

Available on Amazon!

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Welcome to my blog, Talas! It is such an honor to meet you! I really can't believe I have a crete here at my very own blog. Could you tell my readers a bit about yourself, your kind, and your culture?

Thanks for having me! I hear you’re probably my biggest fan. *grins* Let’s see, where to start? I’m right in the middle of seven children. I have two older brothers, an older sister, and three younger sisters. It can get a little crazy around our place, especially back before my brothers got married and moved out. *laughs* But cretes like big families and all the commotion. My grandfather also lives with us. He’s fun to have around. My people must seem pretty elusive to outsiders. We’re not exactly known for being trusting or open with others. And I have to warn you, if you ever come in contact with others from my race, we are very blunt. We don’t hesitate to say what’s on our minds. You get used to it, but at first, it can seem really rude. I think the biggest difference between us and Ilyon’s other races is that we build our homes and cities in the trees. You won’t find us living or sleeping on the ground if we can help it. We’re also the only ones who can train dragons. They say it’s because we’re the only ones skilled enough. I tend to think it’s because we’re the only ones foolhardy enough.

Unlike more cretes, you are much more open and friendly with the outside world and people. What makes you different? 

You can thank my grandfather for that . . . or blame him, if you happen to be a crete. He’s always been that way, and I guess it passed down to me . . . and my youngest sister. He’s also had more dealings with people outside of our cities. He used to tell me stories of where he’s traveled when I was young. From that, I think I developed a fascination with the outside world that most cretes just don’t have any interest in. Especially younger cretes like me.

Dragons are very important to the cretes. You're quite skilled with them, I understand. How old were you when you flew your first dragon and what was the experience like?

*laughs* I’ve been on dragons since I was born. All cretes have. It’s the only way to get from city to city. As for when I first flew a dragon alone? That would be five years old. That might seem young, but cretes mature faster than humans or other races. I was still pretty small though, but I had an old, well-trained dragon. I learned everything I know about flying from working with him. Once we retired him, I got my current dragon, Storm. She’s only a couple of years old, so I should have her for the rest of my life. Since I grew up flying, I can’t say the experience was as grand as it would be for someone who has never flown before, but I do love it. Flying is in a crete’s blood. It would probably drive us crazy not to be able to get off the ground like that.

Not all cretes are believers in Elôm, but you are. Could you tell us how you came to believe in him and how it affects your life?

My family has a strong faith in Elôm, so that is how I was raised. My parents were very dedicated about teaching and guiding us to believe in Him and follow our faith consistently. For me, it gives me strength I know I wouldn’t have otherwise. We cretes have a problem with pride and stubbornness. We tend to rely too heavily on ourselves and who we are as a race. But, thankfully, through good teaching and experience, I’ve learned the dangers of such thinking.

You have a cousin named Leetra, and you two are polar opposites. Could you tell us a bit about your relationship with her? 

Ah, Leetra. *chuckles* Our families have always hung out a lot. She’s more like a younger sister to me than a cousin. She’s always liked to hang out with the guys, rather than the girls, so she would follow me and my brothers around and do what we did. I kind of hate to admit it, but she’s probably even better than me at most things we do. But I don’t really mind. She can be frustrating, but she would probably say the same thing about me. The hard part is trying to get her to lighten up sometimes.

Is there an area in the world that you've always wanted to visit? Or something you've always dreamed of visiting?

I’ve actually been around quite a bit—the perks of having a dragon. But the one place I haven’t seen at all is the talcrins’ island country, Arda. I’d really like to see it. I hear it has a very different feel from the rest of Ilyon.

Persecution is growing heavier in your world. If you were captured and pushed to recant your faith, what would keep you strong? 

I think the influence my family has had on me would play a big part. As I mentioned, my parents raised my siblings and me to keep our faith at the center of our lives. I know without it, I really have nothing, so even if it meant death, I would cling to it.

* * *

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Etsy.

* * *

Resistance Kindle Sale

Haven’t begun the adventure into Ilyon? From February 17th - 23rd, get Resistance , the award-winning first book of Ilyon Chronicles for your Kindle on sale for only 99 cents! Check it out on Amazon!

Giveaway

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed Epic Winter giveaway! Prize pack includes an autographed copy of The King’s Scrolls, a CD by Future World Music (some of Jaye’s favorite writing music), a dragon bookmark, a stone hawk pendant (much like the ones mentioned in the book), and a few packages of Twining’s Winter Spice tea to sip while you read! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

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Tuesday, February 17

·         Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight

·         Author Interview at Crafty Booksheeps

·         Review at Musings of a Middle Age Author

·         Author Interview at Seasons of Humility

·         Author Interview and Book Spotlight at A Brighter Destiny

·         Review and Author Interview at A Writer’s Heart

Wednesday, February 18

·         Review at To Be A Person

·         Author Interview at Leah’s Bookshelf

·         Review at The Destiny of One

·         Author Interview and Book Spotlight at Reflection

·         Author Interview and Character Spotlight (Liam) at Thilly Little Nothings

·         Author Interview at Dreams and Dragons

·         Book Spotlight at One Servant's Heart

·         Book Spotlight at Venturing to Other Worlds

Thursday, February 19

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review and Author Interview at Crumpets 'n' Cream

·         Character Interview (Marcus) at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

·         Review and Author Interview at Spreading the Word

·         Character Spotlight (Marcus) at Reflection

·         Author Interview at Rivershore Books

·         Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering

·         Review at Written Rest

Friday, February 20

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review at Melody Jackson, Author

·         Review at Anything, Everything

·         Author Interview at Guns and Roses

·         Character Interview (Talas) at The Writer’s Window

·         Review at O. Scarlett! Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom

·         Review at Leah’s Bookshelf

Saturday, February 21

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review at The American Anglophile

·         Review and Book Spotlight at Vic's Media Room

·         Author Interview at Butterflies of the Imagination

·         Review and Author Interview at Tialla’s Tellings

·         Review and Character Interview (Liam) at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

·         Character Spotlight and Character Interview (Timothy) at Written Rest

Sunday, February 22

·         Review and Author Interview at Claire M. Banschbach- Thoughts and Rants

·         Character Spotlight (Aaron) at The Art of Storytelling

·         Book and Character Spotlight (General Veshiron) at Tell Tale Book Reviews

·         Review at Reality Calling

·         Character Spotlight (Leetra) at Zerina Blossom

Monday, February 23

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Character Interview (Captain Darq) at Knitted By God's Plan

·         Review at Backing Books

·         Realm Explorers post at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima

·         Character Interview (Aaron) at However Improbable

·         Character Spotlight (Daniel) at Finding the True Fairy Tale

·         Author Interview at Pencils Can Change the World

Tuesday, February 24

·         Q&A Session at Ilyon Chronicles - Behind the Scenes

·         Review at Shire Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

·         Review and Author Interview at The Pen of a Ready Writer

·         Character Interview (Leetra) at A Writer’s Faith

Wednesday, February 25

·         Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight

Book Review: A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

A sweeping epic set in the harsh deserts of Arabia and ancient Palestine.

A war that rages between kingdoms on the earth and in the heart.

The harrowing journey of the woman at the center of it all.

Step back in time to the year of our Lord...A.D. 30.


The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father's warriors--Saba who speaks more with is sword than his voice and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.

But Maviah's path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life which offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people--and herself.

Through My Window

This is one of the best historical novel of this time era that I have read, on par with Ben-Hur and The Bronze Bow.

I've never read Ted Dekker before. Indeed, he is famous for quite a different genre! I'm not going to dash off to read his other books. But whenever he wants to write more biblical historical fiction, I will be right there, thank you.

This novel brings you straight into the harsh and fascinating culture of the Bedu and surrounding tribes. The writing style is more classic than I'm used to, but this fit the type of story perfectly.

And the emotion! Oh, the emotion of these characters. What characters. Maviah is truly compelling and sympathetic and strong. It's always a delight to see a male author portray a heroine with such conviction and respect. As for our heroes, they also are wonderful. Judah, ah, Judah. So classic in all the best ways and yet also unique and fun! And then there's a character who might have fallen into the typical, despicable, flirtatious woman with no moral compass...but instead I quite adored her.

Yeshua. Like the tagline promises, this is indeed a special look at the mystery and wonder of God. I felt like I was there. For me, an aspiring author who hopes to one day write a fantastical allegory on this time period without being repetitive and preachy...this was an incredible inspiration.

I was also pleasantly surprised by how clean this book was. Granted, younger readers might still be cautious for there is harsh violence, including the murder of an infant, but nothing is disturbing in detail. Also, some readers might be surprised by how carelessly some characters deem sexual morality and yet are not villains. Yet everything stayed very mild.

I thought that this was an entire story. Imagine my horror when I discovered the story ends off on an unresolved note. Where's the sequel? There has to be the sequel! *begin to panic...* Oh. There is a sequel. A.D. 33. Coming out 2015. I need it now.