Book Review: Defy by Tricia Mingerink

The war for Acktar has begun.

With his betrayal revealed, former Blade Leith Torren flees into the Sheered Rock Hills, pursued by King Respen’s vengeful Blades.

Left behind at Nalgar Castle, Renna Faythe tries to find her purpose, yet that purpose isn’t what she expected.

Brandi Faythe has been torn from her sister, and that isn’t all right. If Leith can’t rescue Renna, Brandi will take matters into her own hands.

War demands sacrifice. Courage falters. Who will find the strength to defy King Respen?

Acktar rests on one hope:

The Leader is ready.

 Through My Window

The Blades of Acktar series comes to a close....but as it turns out, that does not mean its the end of the story, expect more sequels or stories. However, this book is a very nice and well rounded close to the tense trilogy.

The idea of the story is great....an assassin in a special force under an evil king goes rogue after being saved by his enemies and must learn to walk the way of redemption.

Unfortunately, I really wish each book had gone through more drafts and a stricter editor, especially the last two. Some of the writing feels inconsistent with the time and setting, and the style is just a bit younger in feel than the subject.

That being said, Tricia clearly knows the way of a good story, and as this is her first series, her writing will only improve from here.

Throughout the series, the storyline is fairly predictable, and in most ways, that continues. But really, its predictable in ways you want it to be. And this time, there were also some twists or refreshing takes that I was not expecting. For example, The Leader does not follow the standard of his archetype, but has a personality and behavior fitting to his past.  And Renna, who always seemed like your basic Christian good girl ended up wiser and more mature than I expected.

I'd recommend it to tweens and young teens who don't mind some violence, readers looking for a good Christian fantasy who don't have a evil editor living inside them, or anybody who loves everything Assassin and wishes there were more stories about them of redemption, rather than revenge. 

About the Author

 

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.
You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

Blog Tour

May 26

• Author Interview & Book Review – Soleil Bourdon
• Book Review – Claire Banschbach
• Author Interview & Book Review – Hope Brockway
• Book Spotlight – Gabrielle Nadig

May 27

• Book Review – Rachael Steele
• Book Spotlight – Mandy Fender
• Book Spotlight & Review – Jesseca Wheaton
• Book Spotlight – Micailah Cialella

May 30

• Author Interview & Book Review – Gabriela Paige
• Author Interview & Book Review – Alyssa Van Fossen

May 31 – Release Day!

• Book Release Announcement – Tricia Mingerink

June 1

• Author Interview & Book Review – Jessica Dowell
• Book Review – Hannah M. Rodes
• Author Interview & Book Review – Ivy Rose
• Book Review – Hannah Williams

June 2

• Book Review – Jaye L. Knight
• Book Review – Abby Cashen
• Book Spotlight – Faith Potts
• Facebook Party! 

June 3

• Book Review – Shantelle Hannu
• Book Review – Bethany Reinstedt
• Book Review & Spotlight – Jonathan Trout

Book Spotlight: Samara's Peril by Jaye L. Knight

Samara's Peril, the third book in the Ilyon Chronicles has released! Zip around this blog tour to get excited, and you haven't been following the series, zip back and start at book 1: Resistance.

About the Book

When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen.

Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles—one on the walls of Samara’s great stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace’s heart, where victory might only be achievable through great sacrifice.

Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks!

Add to Goodreads

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!

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About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. 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.

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Giveaway

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Samara’s Peril, a John 3:16 necklace by FaithWearDesigns, and a green wire dragon bookmark by Wirelings! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

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Schedule

(Please include the schedule in your post or link to the tour page (http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/p/samaras-peril-blog-tour.html) so that readers can find the other posts.)

Friday, May 13

·         Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight

·         Review at Pencils Can Change the World

·         Book Spotlight at Fictionally

·         Review and Author Interview at Written Rest

·         Review at However Improbable

·         Review at Meagan Davenport

·         Review and Excerpt at Gabrielle-Soli Deo Gloria

Saturday, May 14

·         Author Interview and Excerpt at And Then There Were Three

·         Review and Author Interview at Lakeside Publications

·         Review and Author Interview at Reviews by Soleil

·         Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering

·         Author Interview at alivemasterpiece

·         Review at Sutori no Hana

·         Book Spotlight at Fishing For Ideas

Sunday, May 15

·         Review and Excerpt at Melody Jackson, Author

·         Book Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae

·         Review at The World Of The Writer

·         Review and Author Interview at Running In His Reign

·         Review and Excerpt at Inklings and Notions

·         Review at My Bookcase and I

Monday, May 16

·         Review at Reality Calling

·         Review at Backing Books

·         Review and Excerpt at Haddie's Haven

·         Book Spotlight and Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words

·         Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

·         Review and Author Interview at A Heart Redeemed

Tuesday, May 17

·         Review and Author Interview at Reading Anyone

·         Review and Author Interview at Honey Rock Hills

·         Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

·         Review at Shire Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview at 26CountlessPossibilities

·         Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination

Wednesday, May 18

·         Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope

·         Book Spotlight at The Destiny of One

·         Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima

·         Book Spotlight at The Writer's Window

·         Review at To Be A Person

·         Author Interview at Leah's Bookshelf

Thursday, May 19

·         Review at A Writer's Heart

·         Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages

·         Review and Excerpt at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

·         Review and Author Interview at Tricia Mingerink

·         Review and Author Interview at The Book Hound

·         Review at O. Scarlett! Reviews

·         Author Interview at Knitted By God's Plan

Friday, May 20

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

·         Book Spotlight at ♦ A Sapphire Chamber ♦

·         Review at Leah's Bookshelf

·         Review at Looking Through My Lens

·         Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom's Books

·         Review and Author Interview at The Warrior and the Writer

·         Review and Author Interview at Thoughts of Anna S. Brie

Saturday, May 21

·         Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight

Book Review: A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

A GHOSTLY RETELLING OF

"THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES"

For six hundred years I have dwelt in this prison. Trapped. Helpless.

Unliving and undying.

For six hundred years I have watched as cursebreakers come and go. Brave young women all, gifted with powers beyond mortal understanding.

I have watched them die. I have watched them wish to die.

Once again the Family of Night invades this country to claim its dues, and this generation’s cursebreaker has her chance to break the endless chain of torment. To save me. To save her sisters.

But how can a peasant child scarcely fourteen years of age discover the three-part key and liberate the captives? Will she too be doomed to join the Death Dance binding us all to the Family of Night?

 Through My Window

Before there can be a beginning, there must first be an end.

It was a sad day for fans when Anne Elisabeth declared she must pause the Tales of Goldstone Wood series for a few years….it seemed new journeys into the Between were at an end, at least for a time. But lo and behold, a new beginning awaited! The first book of a four part series set WITHIN Goldstone Wood….not part of the series itself, but part of the very same world. So what joy, what excitement!

For me, it did not disappoint. True, the style of writing is a shade different…the plot takes its own sweet time in building up pace, and description can feel a bit repetitive at times. When I say the description is repetitive, I do not mean that it uses the same descriptions over and over, but that she finds a new and unique way to depict something. And that is a power all of its own as it creates a reality of mortal worlds and faerie horrors with high skill and grounded knowledge.

As always with Anne Elisabeth’s writings, if you know history or culture, you may recognize the inspired genius….apparently a certain important element in this book is directly inspired from a freakish ballet called “Le Sacre du primtempts." Who knew? I sure wouldn’t have without being told by a friend. But even if you don’t know what Anne Elisabeth may be using as reference, you can just feel the authenticity.

I think, perhaps, this plot is more confusing than previous Goldstone novels…both the cause and cure of the faerie curse are very complex, but really, what else can we expect from the fey kind? Don’t worry, if you are patient, your questions will be answered when all is said and done. This book is an excellent example of the art of withholding information from the reader to create mystery and suspense.

And the characters! Oh the characters! Heloise may be a little difficult at first for some people, being a headstrong young teenage girl (much like Meirda from Brave, actually), but she truly has development through this book. And Benedict! My! He starts off seemingly simple, and oh, how much he hides! *excuse me as I go sniffle, snork, and blow my nose* Such a sweetheart, such a knight, such a tragedy. Then there is a sylph. We’ve had sylph in the tales before, but this sylph is the BEST EVER. Cutest little stinker, I would hug it if sylphs could be hugged.

Then there is the Family of Night. Very. Interesting. And disturbing. And more complicated than at first impressions. And above all, readers of Goldstone Wood have heard of them before. Or at least of one member or two.

This is the beginning of a great thing for fantasy or fairytale readers. There are at least, three or four books more for this series, so take heart and prepare to continue the journey! If you are have wandered the Wood before, prepare to be swept off on a sylph wind as you return to the Between you love and encounter loved ones and new faces alike! If you are new, perhaps seeking a retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses…you will find a beautiful and unique version…and so. much. more.

Cover Reveal!!!

Well I am a bit late to the party, but better late than never!

Some of you may know Emmaryn Redding from Writing In Rivendell, or you may know her as Rayne Spyrll. She is releasing a new book, a collection of fairy tales!

And I was the cover artist, so here is the reveal of my first offical cover art!! (Font by another artist)

The release date for this book will be coming soon, and I can tell you that the stories sound like a lot of fun and there are interior illustrations by Emmarayn! Please skip over to her blog, so you can learn more!

Many Sights Out the Window

Good morning, dear readers of mine! (If um, any of you are still around after my prolonged absence.) I hope all of you have been well and blessed in your life and endeavors!

So many wonderful things are in motion right now, and I thought I might share some of my favorites in case you hadn't heard of them...

First of all, some of you may know I am a BIG fan of The Wingfeather Saga. Like big. If you haven't read my review, here you are....So imagine how THRILLED I am when I hear it is being turned into an animated series! This isn't just a happy little dream, Andrew Peterson has some truly talented people on this team who can make it happen. But of course they need support, which is why they have the project on Kickstarter for funding. If any of you wish there was more quality animated series around, this is a great project to get behind! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/478789344/bring-the-wingfeather-saga-to-the-screen


Now I'm sure most of you have heard this....but the tragic parting from Goldstone Wood is not so terrible long as we thought! Anne Elisabeth is starting a new spin-off series this MAY!!! BUT---if you sign up for her newsletter, you will have a chance to buy the ebook version for $.99 this March 18-20. Which is CRAZY!!!!  So um, yes. All is well with the world for the Imps.

The winners for Five Magic Spindles were announced, and oh, they sound so interesting!

Also, The Goldstone Wood Fan Art Contest is open for entries this month and it is being hosted over at Dame Imraldera's Library, so go over there for the rules and details...! Please enter, I love seeing all the art and creativity! 

So there you have it, dear readers! Some of my favorite exciting new things! Anything that has you bouncing up and down this month? Do share! :)

Blogger Book Awards--Cover Winner!!!

Such wonderful book titles this year, yes? And thanks to you, dear readers, I was given a great selection to choose our finalists from. But at the final three....it is almost impossible to choose. So I'm going to give you my thoughts on what makes each title special, and then announce the one that succeeded the most! :)

Walk On Earth A Stranger

The moment you read this title, you realize one thing. The subject of the story does not belong to earth...physically, spiritually? There's such a haunting poetry to this.....


Neverseen

Again, mystery is tingled at the hearing of this title. WHAT is neverseen? The ring of this word alone just sends little shivers across the skin, begging to search after that elusive neverseen....

A Wish Made of Glass

...And so it is fragile and ready to shatter. I love how perfectly this title explains itself! Though simple, the words used are so lovely.

But alas...one winner...(WHY)...of course, each of these titles are a winner, and the one that just KEPT returning to my mind, begging to be repeated was.....

Walk on Earth A Stranger

This decision took me by surprise really....multiple worded titles are usually not my thing. I like short and very attention-grabbing ones....but again, there is such an ethereal lilt to this line.


Here's the rest of the winners to review and keep an eye on as the days count down to Christmas!!! May you all have a Merry Christmas and a bountiful new year!!!

Best Cover- Schuyler--Winner announced Dec. 19

Best Title- Hannah (myself)--Dec. 20

Best Short Fiction- Ghosty--Dec. 21

Best Character- Annie--Dec. 22

Best Book- Sarah--Dec. 23

Best Author- Allison--Dec. 24