The Agapèd Bearer, Book 1 Wishing Stars, by Hannah Lindsey
The Agapèd Bearer: Wishing Stars is an epic urban fantasy with a phenomenal magic system and world-building. It takes the reader on a magical journey through universes of different planets, strange creatures, and battles between Light and Dark.
Book Blurb The most powerful force in the universe falls out of the sky and into the hands of a magicless thirteen-year-old girl. Lisa Robbie, a freckled, soon-to-be-eight-grade girl from Keyport, New Jersey, happens upon a shooting star that isn’t merely space debris but is magic–the Agapéd Magic. This leads her to a whole new way of life where she learns she has the most powerful magic in all four galaxies, a power that the Guardians have waited 120 years for…and they are not too thrilled about it. The only person who sees her worthy enough to wield this magic is the 700-year-old brutish Wishing Star gardener, Gaius. Still, even he won’t tell her the Agapèd’s true purpose–the purpose for Lisa’s life. Why don’t they like me having this magic? What is so special about it? Why are they keeping me and this Agapèd Magic a secret? Curiosity takes Lisa down a path of nightmares as the Agapéd Magic begins to take a toll on her heart, and she must decide if this new way of life is worth all the pain and sorrow tagged along with it. The Agapéd Wishing Stars is the beginning of the epic light-versus-darkness saga, a fantasy adventure perfect for those who enjoy constant tugging at their heartstrings and plenty of magical encounters.
Review Some books you read and enjoy. Others, you wish to end. But then there are books like TAB that suck you in from the first sentence and capture your attention to the very last page. If you love epic fantasy and magic battles, adorable creatures and beasts of evil, lovable and relatable characters, found family, thrilling adventures, a father-daughter duo, and emotional rollercoasters, you will adore this book. I didn’t think my love for reading could deepen until I read this book. Not only that, as someone who loves fantasy, this book brought me so much joy! It contained all the things I go looking to read. The symbolism and profound concepts, along with the lack of secularism, provided a worry-free reading adventure I hoped would never end. We love clean fantasy that brings endless thrill and entertainment, with twists at every bend. The characters in this book are also some of my all-time favorites. I can’t help tearing up when I think about them and how precious they are. The father-daughter duo will overflow your heart with love, for it is so special and endearing.
I decided to read TAB because of the beautiful art Hannah posts on Instagram, and she did not disappoint with this book. Though the pace of book 1 is somewhat slow as Lisa transitions from an “Earthian” to having the most powerful magic in all the universes, there is so much to see and learn, and the world-building completely transports you until you don’t even realize you’re reading. I found my heart pounding in one chapter and tears pouring down my face in the next. I’ve had many books I couldn’t put down, and I’m so glad this delightful adventure is one of them!
I am swelling up with anticipation for the other books in this series and cannot wait to continue with this fantastic story.
Keyholder, The Wells of Power Book 1 by Danielle Harrington
“You have changed my mind.” –Keyholder
> Enemies-to-lovers > Thrilling and suspenseful > Powerful concepts > Unpredictable > Epic fantasy world-building
Need I say more?
*tremendous sigh*
This book. Ohhhhh this book. I struggled with how to review it. All I could do was stare at this blank page, wondering how to fully encapsulate such an incredible story. The best way to understand how marvelous this book is is to read it for yourself. And I’m not just saying that so you’ll read it (although you definitely should). When I first received an ARC copy from the lovely Danielle, I didn’t read it right away because I knew I’d want to binge it, and I had no time to do so *insert tears here.* Sure enough, I read this book in THREE DAYS. On. My. Phone. Mind you, it was nearly 500 pages long. I have no regrets, except now I don’t have this book to look forward to after work. AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR BOOK 2- It’s okay *deep breaths.* Bear with me as I try to capture the brilliance of this story in a six-minute review.
Briefing Beware of the darkness, and those who seek to conquer it… Octavia Fletcher, the daughter of Rustwick’s wealthy wheat overseer, finds herself bloodbound to a key that holds an ancient magic coveted by all the kingdoms of the land. The Well of Eternal Healing in Hritza has been shrouded by a veil of impenetrable darkness for a millennium, its precious waters cut off by the gods of old. But now, Octavia possesses the key that can unlock it. Captured by a bounty hunter with a mysterious past, Octavia must fight to survive a slew of enemies who are keen to steal her–and the key’s power–for themselves. But danger lurks not only in the evils of men. The darkness surrounding the fallen Kingdom of Hritza is creeping past its boundaries for the first time since its creation, and anyone caught in its clutches perishes. Time is running out–not only for Octavia, but for all the Wells of Power gifted to humanity. Only the Keyholder can walk through the darkness and reverse its destruction, but can Octavia endure long enough to do so? And can she survive her own heart when it comes to the bounty hunter who has proven time and time again that he will do anything to save her?
First Impression 5/5 Chapter one leads with Octavia’s fierce personality. Not only do we get a glimpse of who our main character is, but we also meet her heartwarming family and the devastating situations they face. Danielle had the waterworks going within the first couple of pages. In addition, we have a beautiful world of intrigue that seems vast and unending. The unique lands and the purposes they uphold are slowly revealed with each chapter in the most enticing ways.
Character Development 5/5 *slams hand on table* Let’s talk about the characters in Keyholder, starting with the heroine, Octavia. She is an absolute beast, taking the conflicts thrown at her with strength and fearlessness. I can’t say too much about the character growth without spoiling anything…but let’s just say these characters bloom through the darkness they’re surrounded by, including Azariah, the bounty hunter *swoons.* A man chained by his past, adamant on not trusting or loving again. Talk about ripping my heart out. Then…we have…the VILLAINS. I think Danielle is now notorious for evil villains. They are despicable in every way, yet the perfect ingredients for suspenseful storytelling.
World-Building 5/5 Where to even begin with the world of Keyholder? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a LOT of fantasy). Each land is magical in its own way, alive with beauty, intrigue, and an underlying ominous layer. We have the Wells of Power that amplify each land in fertility, bountifulness, euphoria, beauty, prophecy, costly metals, and healing. As the story goes on, we see Octavia experience each land and the wonders they hold. You can tell, without a doubt, how much precision, time, and effort Danielle put into creating this world to make it the best it can be. The settings were effortlessly imagined. I couldn’t look away. Keyholder has some of the most fantastic world-building I have ever encountered in fantasy.
Emotions 5/5 *covers eyes* Tears. That is all there is to say. So many tears and emotions, so much frustration and heartache. This story is woven with brutal circumstances that bring the characters through outstanding refinement. Keyholder is formulated to wound one to the core, and yet, beautiful in the way Danielle manages to show how darkness doesn’t stand a chance when paired against a hopeful heart and determined spirit. Octavia and Azariah experience a whirlwind of turmoil. But through the shambles of their heartbreak, light pierces through in the most unique and unexpected ways. These characters feel deeply, and as a result, so will the reader.
Style 5/5 The first books I read by Danielle were those from The Hollis Timewire Series, and they were phenomenally written. But Keyholder…it was like I took a dive into the pages, for I quite literally watched everything happen from the sidelines, as if I were in the story myself, wholly transported into another word. The pace was breakneck, keeping the reader hungry for more and balanced with the perfect suspense and plot twists. There was a mystery in each sentence and questions in every chapter. I would’ve read this book in one sitting if I didn’t have a job! To put it simply, I couldn’t stop reading, and I adore it when that happens. Keyholder is fabricated like the waves of the sea: consistent, powerful, strong, unpredictable, and beautiful. Not once did I falter while reading with such smooth readability. The story had me captured from beginning to end. Danielle’s growth as a writer is unmistakable in this book, and it’s a lovely thing to see.
Cleanliness 4/5 The “cleanliness” level of this book is the only area I would say needs to be approached with caution; however, the things included I know were written specifically for the story that needed to be told and for the hope that needed to be unleashed. As mentioned in the synopsis above, Octavia is hunted at every turn. Cruel, horrible people provide many violent situations. There is brutality, gore, depictions of torture, and death. These things do become a bit intense, but I wouldn’t say they’re unbearable (although it depends on the reader. For reference, I’m personally sensitive to the mentioned elements and was able to read this book without any major issues). I’d also like to note there is talk of sexual assault and an attempted sexual assault scene, though it doesn’t expand further than that. The author was sweet enough to tell me exactly when the scene occurs, knowing I can’t particularly handle these details, and I am so grateful to her! Even though I skipped that part, it wasn’t long, and nothing above an attempt happened (as voiced by the author). There is also mild profanity, but hardly noticeable. I include these details to help readers triggered by specific things like I am. But I read this book in full and saw the beauty within the darkness, just as Danielle intended. Yes, Keyholder was heartbreaking and tear prompting, but it was also an astounding story with a robust layer of truth and hope.
Conclusion 5/5 If I could type out the frustrated scream I gave while reading the final chapters of Keyholder, it would be in all caps, like this: AGGHHGHHGHHGHHGH. The ending was phenomenal and unexplainably thrilling. The way things tie together. The revelations and discoveries. The tears shed. *sigh* When I was close to the end, I had to keep checking how many pages I had left because there truly wasn’t enough time for everything that needed to happen to happen. I utterly devoured this book with no choice, for I HAD to know what would happen. Only to be betrayed by a cliffhanger. It gets a pass, though, since Danielle gave SOME conclusive details. I don’t know if I can physically wait for book two. But I will try because I MUST know the end of this story. Questions were answered only to be replaced with even more. *cries* Danielle Harrington knows exactly what I want to read and writes it. Not only that, she writes it well and with so much love and passion. I am so grateful to be a part of her author journey, and I look forward to reading more of her books (regardless of how terrified I will be of the ending).
Final Rating: 5 stars
Recommended Age Group: 16-18+
!Trigger Warnings! Death, violence, gore, mild profanity, depictions of torture, mentioned sexual assault, attempted sexual assault
Genres: fantasy, romance, new adult
Thank you, Danielle, for loving your readers and giving us stories worth reading. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Keyholder journey. This book will take flight (it already has, to be honest), and I can’t wait to see it soar!
Follow the author on Instagram: @djharrigtonwriter
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 ESV
“What could be his malady, do you think?” “Call it the ailment of modernism.” -Forever Lovely
A classic story with a twist of time-travel.
I am not a big fan of time-travel or classics, and this book seemed to combine both. Therefore, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Forever Lovely, but I love to give new books a chance. I’m delighted to say this book was not only poetically written but humorous and adventurous. I’ve never read Jane Austen, but Forever Lovely contains similar themes, as mentioned throughout the story. Linore did an excellent job combining modern and historical, not only in world-building but also in dialogue.
Briefing When Miss Margaret Andrews travels to the future to find her missing sister, she never expected to find true love. In 1819 England, Margaret is a bluestocking with dreams of becoming an inventress, but when the Tallit, a magical time-travel shawl, goes awry she finds herself stranded in 21st Century Manhattan. At a Jane Austen conference, she meets Stewart Russell, a grad student studying early British female writers. Stewart is immediately taken with Margaret and her effortless use of the speech and manners of Jane’s day–until she claims to be FROM Jane’s day! Worse, due to a mix-up, he is a wanted man and the clock is ticking. Margaret must find a way to get them both back to 1819–before the unthinkable happens. If you enjoyed the time-travel romance of Outlander, then you’ll love Margaret and Stewart’s story in Forever Lovely.
First Impression 4/5 Chapter one started right in the action, which I loved, with the characters trapped in the 21st Century. Immediately, it was evident how much research and precision was put into creating the differences in each time period. The author did a wonderful job keeping true to the historical and modern-day aspects.
Character Development 4.5/5 This book, I would say, is straight to the point and doesn’t leave much room for character growth, but each character is unique and interesting. Margaret probably changed the most in this book–finally becoming comfortable in her skin instead of always thinking less of herself. Her sister also transformed, though we see more of her “new self” than her old, bitter character, which is only mentioned in memory.
World-Building 5/5 The setting in this story was phenomenal. It went back and forth between the 21st Century and the early 1800s. I felt transported into each period at every turn. Everything was so vivid and delightful to read. The characters reflected the different periods wonderfully in their dialect, mannerisms, and tendencies. We also have the unique idea of a time-travel shawl, a hidden gem I never knew I wanted to find. It added a thrilling element to the plot and left room for endless questions and twists.
Emotions 3.5/5 Forever Lovely didn’t make me feel much apart from laughter and joy. There were a few precarious moments that would make one teary-eyed, but other than that, emotions weren’t a significant factor in this story, not that there were zero feelings. I’m not sure if it was because of the writing style, or perhaps the quick pace, or maybe just me being unable to connect to the emotions themselves. Whatever it was, something kept me from emotionally diving into this book. But I had no problem with this since the plot was fascinating enough!
Style 2.5/5 I don’t think I’ll ever like omniscient POVs. It makes things too difficult to follow, and I never know whose perspective I’m reading from. Although, I suppose it’d be EVERYONE’S. However, I read this book from start to finish, and it wasn’t unbearable, considering it was a combination of things I don’t particularly search for in a book. The humor, faith, and mystery kept me turning the page. Though the readability, perspectives, and story structure placed many ruts in the flow, it was still unlike anything I’ve read, and I enjoyed it to the end.
Cleanliness 5/5 For a Christian-categorized book, it was essentially clean. There were many kissing scenes and mild implications, but nothing more than sweet romance. Some violence takes place, and murder is mentioned, though the details are vague and slight. Forever Lovely is perfect for all ages, but I believe an older age group would be more inclined to pick it up since there are more classical elements than modern.
Conclusion 5/5 This book ended wonderfully. We see some more character growth and story completion. I adored how things concluded. It left room for imagination, knowing the characters still had their whole lives to live. I love when books end this way, as if the story continues even if the pages don’t.
Final Rating: 4 stars
Recommended Age Group: all age groups
!Trigger Warnings! Mild violence
Genres: historical, romance, time-travel, regency
Thank you, Linore, for contacting me via my blog and sharing your book with me! I enjoyed stepping out of my usual reading genres into something new. You provided a delightful adventure, and I’m grateful to have experienced it.
Follow the author on Instagram: @linoreburkard
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; all your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV
“The knowledge that we belong to each other comes over me so strongly tears come to my eyes.” -Eternal, Everywhere, With You
This book was a mysteriously humorous and delightful story that exceeded my expectations. I wasn’t sure what was happening half the time, but I loved it!
Briefing An ordinary town. A group of friends on the fringe. A house full of extraordinary secrets. High School grads Dovie and Silas begin their summer with a shortcut and a wish. But what happens before they arrive home turns their world upside down. That same night, a stranger shows up at Dovie’s summer home, adding more questions to the mix. Supplied with a few peculiar clues to piece together, they quickly learn one very important thing: never wish upon a falling star. Travel through time, suspicion and romance, as Dovie and Silas discover what lies beneath their own identities, and in the very dust of the earth.
First Impression 5/5 From the first scene, we get a glimpse of the characters through Dovie’s eyes, and instantly, I fell in love with them. The beautiful imagery and creative narrative shrouded in mystery could not be resisted. Dovie was immediately relatable, and I loved seeing everything from her perspective. Not only this, but a dozen questions flooded my head after chapter one, and they only accumulated as I read on. Then suddenly, I finished the book! Sherry did a fantastic job of making the reader want to read for answers and the adventurous journey.
Character Development 4/5 These characters were real and hilarious, regardless of them being caught up in a tangling web of time. Through this story’s ominous demeanor, a joke never failed to arise, and I could not contain my laughter. I wasn’t expecting to laugh as much as I did, but this book brought joy in various ways. The author did a stunning job with the deep relationships and friendships. The co-op is now one of my favorite family dynamics. One could easily see how much these characters loved one another. It was interesting to read about them solving the mysteries of time together and growing even closer as a family. We also see the very essence that makes up a person and how no child of God is ever ordinary, but extraordinary through Him. I adored the way humans were compared to dust and how light lives within all of us.
World-Building 4/5 With the concept of this book centered heavily on time travel, there were vast opportunities for new and unusual settings. Everything was so vibrant in this world Sherry created and easy to picture. The unique imagery brought life to the story in a new way, and I loved it. As an avid fantasy reader, I’m delighted this book had me on the edge of my seat with its marvelous world-building. I will say I got lost a few times in the geographical aspects of the setting, not knowing where or when one person was–which may be intentional. The book is categorized under “fantasy,” which could refer to various things. I detected a more urban fantasy setting; however, there was never a specific time and place mentioned, apart from when the characters traveled to different periods. I assumed they were in a more modern time, considering the technology and mentions of everyday activities. It was difficult in this sense to fully connect to what I was reading, but not too much of an upset in flow. With the constant going back and forth and traveling to new places, the setting seemed, at times, all over the place, which confused me. But it was poetic in a way, and there was a uniqueness to this story that I’ve never encountered before.
Emotion 4/5 I found this book not connected to emotions in a way that made me cry but instead enthralled me with its suspense, thrill, and mystery. The romantic aspects were sweet and subtle, and the humor balanced all the chilling encounters out. Other than the above, I didn’t connect much emotionally to this story. I will admit I teared up near the end, and I fumed at some other scenes, but this book ran more on imagination and mystery, which was perfect for the story that needed to be told. It had more to it than “feelings.” This book was light, entwined with a beautiful plot, and sealed with truth.
Style 3.5/5 There were a few questionable grammar errors and typos that somewhat disrupted the flow, but not to the point where I was deterred from reading. Apart from slight confusion, it was hard to stop reading this book. Near the end, I became a bit frustrated because it felt like the story came full circle, only to loop around once more. However, the way Sherry writes reminds me of the poetic books of the Bible: mysterious, astounding, with underlying layers of light and truth. The mystery and intrigue were kept up to the end, which gave me no choice but to finish the book or otherwise suffer from a lack of answered questions. I loved the Biblical truths woven between the lines, such as fallen stars and our essence being of dust and light. This book was one of the most unique ways I’ve seen Biblical elements portrayed.
Cleanliness 4.5/5 There were only a few insinuations, whether sexual or other, but they were very vague. I will say various “handsy” scenes occurred, but nothing ever escalated above this. Eternal, Everywhere, With You has “Christian” and “fantasy” as its main genres, so there was nothing that made this book overly secular or inappropriate. The romance was little to none, and there was no profanity. The only thing, however, that may trigger some readers are the implications of abuse and domestic violence.
Conclusion 4.5/5 This book was a mind-boggling, fantastical journey that was impossible to predict. Each page was woven with a pleasant narrative and doused in vibrant light and suspense. The mystery held firm to the very end, and when one question was answered, another fell right into place, trapping me in an inevitable “binge-read.” As the story came to a close and things fell into place, my eyes were opened to the hidden meanings between the lines. When the questions were answered, it was evident that this book held far more meaning than I had first believed. I have never read anything like this. It was completely unexpected and entirely original. The ending itself was thrilling and could not be read fast enough. Although I feel as though I still have some questions left unanswered, perhaps that’s okay. Eternal, Everywhere, With You picks at the deepest parts of the mind and prompts one to think about that which is above.
Thank you, Book Sirens, for this copy of Eternal, Everywhere, With You. This is an honest review and entirely voluntary.
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”Genesis 3:19 ESV
How often, as modern-day Christians, do we hear the phrase, “Come as you are”? Or perhaps, “God loves you just the way you are.” I’ve listened to both on various occasions and in all different settings, whether in a worship song, on social media, or even in church. When the idea for this blog post came to mind, I searched for the verse that correlated with the above phrase. But I discovered something. There is no Bible verse with these words, “Come as you are.” None. Am I the only one shocked by this? Because I thought I most definitely read those words somewhere in the Bible. I didn’t even question the phrase until now. I just assumed it was a word-by-word quote.
The most astonishing thing about this phrase is how beautifully it describes the true meaning of who Jesus Christ is. A Redeemer, a Friend. An invitation to freedom. The fact that this phrase isn’t found in Scripture doesn’t necessarily mean it’s false. However, I do fear it’s become greatly distorted by the jagged snares of Satan’s lies. The phrase is an “almost-truth”–a lie so close to the truth, a deceptive “angel” hidden in the shadows–that one can easily overlook, which makes the lie all the more dangerous.
“Come as you are.” What, exactly, does this mean, and how is it possibly true? There may not be a Bible verse that flat out says these words, but the meaning is implied in various Scriptures, although the verse that most likely sparked this phrase is Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” I believe the proclamation that we can come to Jesus, no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been, to be true. Over and over again in the Gospels, we see Jesus eating with the outcasts, rescuing the lost, and freeing the enslaved. Even before Jesus’ life, dating back to Genesis, we see how Jesus didn’t come to save the healthy but to heal the sick (Luke 5:31-32). What we do and have done doesn’t determine the authenticity of the power of Jesus’ blood. He knew what we would do in the shadows and all we would try to keep hidden from seeing eyes. But regardless of this, He became the Mediator between us and God, providing us a pathway to ultimate freedom.
Unfortunately, an important detail is often left out of this phrase, “Come as you are.” In this world and society, things have become twisted to fit within humanity’s desires. All truth is truth. Whatever is, goes. You believe what you want, and I’ll believe what I want. All religions are pathways to Heaven. Truth has been completely thrown out the window, and the results are “almost-truths” that are perhaps more dangerous than glaringly obvious lies. There’s no doubt an unbeliever can come to Jesus no matter what their past may look like. But an error we often make is this act being the end. “Come as you are,” period. That’s it. There’s nothing left for us to do. We’ve made the right decision. Now, we can go back to living how we were. We often think that because we’ve “given” our lives to Jesus, because we believe He died and rose from the dead, we can live however we want without any consequences. After all, He defeated sin and death. Others may bring up Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” If Christ does all the work, if our salvation is through grace alone, if there’s nothing we, as humans, can do, why should we have to do anything at all?
Dear reader, it’s because of this fact, because of the truth found in Ephesians 2:8-9, that we want to do good, though not by our power but through His. Along with this, in the book of James it says, “Faith without works is dead.” We don’t pursue righteous living or strive to do good things because we’re trying to gain salvation and prove ourselves to God. It’s because we already have salvation through Christ that we are given a new desire to do right instead of wrong. But to be frank, we can’t even do that. As humans, we are quite literally incapable of doing any good by ourselves. It’s because of Jesus that we can do any good at all. It’s God working through us. He is merciful and so loving that He calls the broken and lost to bring glory to His name. Thinking we need only to claim belief in God and continue to live in sin contradicts the very character of God. It brings to mind James 2:19, for even the demons believe, and they tremble. It takes more than belief. It takes relationship, obedience, and consistency. Claiming to be a Christian and believing in God is one thing, but it’s a whole other journey when one lives that proclamation out and fully submits to this confession by becoming more like Christ.
When we, as Christians, say, “Come as you are,” what do we mean? Because it shouldn’t be to influence people into believing God will love them no matter what. Indeed, nothing will separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39), not even our human failures. But there’s an act of obedience in our relationship with Jesus, one we must cling to even when we fail. Instead of telling non-believers that God will love them just as they are, we should say, “Come as you are, because God loves you regardless of what you’ve done and who you were. Now, transform into whoHe designed you to be.” Regardless. That’s the keyword in this phrase, or at least it should be. God loves you, but not as you are. He says to come as you are, but He loves you regardless of who you are (a sinner, a liar, a thief, a killer, an adulterer, a deceiver). Is this not even more beautiful of a reality? God invites us into His arms regardless of what we’ve done and who we’ve become under the influence of the world and the lies of the Enemy. Yet—and don’t miss this—He also calls us to be transformed as we step into who He is. Our new identity.
There is so much more to our walk with Jesus than simply coming as we are. The moment we come and accept Him into our hearts is the moment we invite change to take place in our very souls until the shift in our attitude, character, heart, and actions is uncontainable and leaking out into everything we come in contact with. So, yes, do come as you are, but don’t stay as you are. God didn’t invite you to come to Him so you could remain unsatisfied, hopeless, lost, and broken. He called you to be transformed, redeemed, forgiven, and freed. This doesn’t go to say that once you begin a life with Jesus, nothing complicated will ever happen to you ever again—quite the contrary. Tribulation is promised, even more so for the Christian, but so is Jesus. Don’t let these words deter you from diving deeper into your relationship with Him today. Let them bolster you closer to Him until all you desire is more of His unending love, miraculous peace, and everlasting hope. Coming to Jesus as broken, lost, and defeated souls was never meant to be the end of our walk with Him, but the beginning of a beautiful adventure in a life filled with good and evil and a Creator ever present by our sides. A relationship with Jesus is a lifelong journey where we are reformed and redeemed by the wonder-working power of our God. This is something to shout for joy over because our relationship with Jesus was designed to be and go deeper than we could’ve ever thought possible. The Creator of the universe, of the mountains and the seas, galaxies and stars, chose you as an individual to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. A Friend like no other. We were never meant to stay as we were but to become more like Christ and share that truth with the world.
I challenge you, as well as myself, to take a leap of faith after coming to God as broken, destroyed sinners and invite Him into every area of our lives; to keep nothing hidden. Then you and I will watch as we transform from the inside out, and see how our circumstances around us shift in tandem with our heart and soul. We will breathe in that redemptive peace and those around us will see this new light inside of us and begin to hunger for it as well. God is known for His transformative power, and it is not limited to the flaws and failures of humanity.
Come as you are, but refuse to stay as you are. Leave the old behind, for behold, the new has come.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
“I love you. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to say it, but I’ve loved you for a while now.”
“Little did I know that I had just met the person who would change the world for us.”
“It’s what you choose to do now that will define who you become.”
Oh my gosh, I’d quote the entire series if I could.
I don’t usually write reviews on book series because that’s a lot of ground to cover. Alas, I felt The Hollis Timewire Series deserved a review of its own because (1) Danielle Harrington is an independent author, and I want to assist my fellow Indies in any way, and (2) this series was truly remarkable and more people need to know about it. I am so honored to have been a part of the beta reading team for this series. A huge thank you to Danielle for providing a copy of The Empowered Ones, as well as the other three books in this series!
>No Spoilers<
Briefing She was raised to be the perfect society member in a world where emotion was eradicated. She was raised to hate the Diseased Ones. They were murderers and monsters, after all, weren’t they? She couldn’t possibly be one of them, could she? Hollis Timewire has her entire world flipped on its head when her perception of the government is threatened by those deemed dangerous. When she finds herself at the mercy of an unknown power right at her fingertips, Hollis must determine which side to take and which truth to believe. As she pursues truth and justice, Hollis creates friendships she never thought possible, experiences emotions ruled to be foolish, and discovers the world was never what she believed it was. But one thing is for certain: the truth will always win in the end. The question is, will she live long enough to see this truth finally revealed for all to witness?
First Impression 5/5 I had no idea what to expect with this series. I didn’t know what it was about. I didn’t even know the genre. NOTHING. And when I tell you I was pleasantly surprised with the creativity and storytelling in these books, that is an understatement. Book 1, The Diseased Ones, was a brilliant introduction to this heart-wrenching and suspenseful story. It was fast-paced, actionable, and unpredictable right from the very beginning.
The Unseen Ones, book 2, was filled with even more plot twists and frustrating scenarios, and these twists were continuously elevated in books 3 and 4. The overall concept of The Hollis Timewire Series was infinitely unpredictable and clever. It reminded me of the Divergent Series by Veronica Roth, yet wonderfully original. The powers Danielle created, the character qualities and conflicts, were so imaginative and nothing like I’ve ever read. Although we see some classic powers, like fire, speed, and flight, even these were made with originality through the lovable characters Danielle created. Out of all these incredible powers, the main character, Hollis, had one of the most unique abilities that never failed to manifest conflict–both with others and within herself as she wrestled with her mentality and the lingering darkness beneath her skin. To find out what her power is, you’ll have to read this series for yourself.
As for the action, it was astounding, which is to be expected with so many strange powers and the unusual environment, although this series exceeded my expectations in every way. The action was constantly upped in each book, with heart-pounding, near-death experiences and plot twists that had me literally sobbing.
Character Development 5/5 The character arcs in this series were some of the best I’ve ever read; they’re right up there with Caraval, The Maze Runner, Throne of Glass, and other fantastic characters that make their stories come alive. First and foremost, we have our main character, Hollis. She went through so many hardships, but these trials transformed her from a brainwashed and untrusting girl into a leader filled with compassion and a desire to bring justice to those who had been wronged. She truly grew into such a powerful and fierce fighter, and it was a beautiful thing to read. Then we have Ashton, once a horrible and unlikable character, completely changed into a hero with a fiery determination to fight for the good of the world. I hated him in book 1, but after reading TEO, he is now a favorite character. Many authors can make a reader love the antagonist, but few can transform an antagonist into a heroic companion. But it doesn’t end with Hollis and Ashton. Each character, whether critical to the plot or supportive of it, all had a depth to them that made them so real I often forgot I was reading a fictional story.
If I listed all the characters I loved, Keith, Maddy, and Jonah, to name a few, along with the depth they individually gave to the story, this review would have to be turned into a book. The realistic qualities, flaws, and overall growth of each character brought life to the story in a whole new way. And let’s not forget the unique powers of the Diseased Ones, which added a magical feel to the narrative. Like being able to put emotion into food, placing a thought in a person’s mind and having them think it’s their own, or being able to replicate another’s power. The possibilities were endless, as were the plot twists. But the best part about these powers was that they didn’t define who the characters were. What defined them was their actions and what they chose to do with that power to better the world and achieve freedom. What defined them was their hearts and how they loved one another (except for the villains, of course).
Along with the lovable characters, we have the deeply hated ones. I honestly did not know I could hate an antagonist as much as I hated Arthur Evandrum. Danielle formulated superb conflicting characters, and there was never a dull moment. They were vicious and horrifying and never failed to provide utter shocking twists to the story. The villains in this series were some of the best representations of evil I’ve ever encountered.
World-Building 5/5 In many fantasy and dystopian settings, the world descriptions can sometimes become too much. However, the world Danielle created was as natural to me as Earth and yet so very different. Every detail, big and small, poured out of the pages and into my mind to create a vibrant, fear-filled, emotional, and broken but hopeful world. The setting itself was effortless to imagine, with the twisted society and corrupt government, as well as the fractured state of Earth as we know it. It was inevitable that I’d get lost in the physical and worldly details of this story. The setting blended perfectly with the characters and plot.
Emotions 5/5 *releases enormous sigh* From the start of this series, there’s an emphasis on the importance of emotions. They are, frankly, portrayed in such a stunning way. In this new society Danielle developed, emotions were outlawed and considered foolish–a perfect foundation to illuminate the power and influence of emotions, as well as their importance. There’s a reason why we feel, and it should never be suppressed but exposed and confronted, yet also embraced. This series showed the dangers of what would happen should emotion overcome a person, and the beauty of these emotions if they were guided by love and compassion. This series was a perilous rollercoaster of emotions, starting with excitement and anticipation, spiraling to frustration and sadness, then twisting toward anger and pain, and soon coming to the peak of absolute sorrow and grief that had me choking on my own tears. It’s been a while since a book impacted me so powerfully. This series made me feel in a way not many books have. It’s relatively easy to make me cry, but it can be difficult to get me to sob uncontrollably. Danielle accomplished all of the above.
Style 5/5 I will say the pace was a bit too fast for me at the start of The Diseased Ones, particularly where the romance was concerned, but it was still well-balanced and fitting for the dystopian setting and the story itself. The way things begin, fast and diving right into the action and suspense, was the perfect strategy for getting a reader caught up in the plot and wanting more to the point where one could not put the book down (until Danielle slashed our hearts in two and we could no longer read with our eyes blurred with tears. *sighs* You’re still one of my favorite authors though, Danielle). There was a lovely consistency with the pace throughout the entire series. I never felt like Danielle’s writing shifted in style or direction. Each book held a new element of surprise and profound twists and turns that had my heart racing and fists clenching.
Cleanliness 4/5 This young adult dystopian was refreshingly clean. The reason I rated the cleanliness 4/5 is because of small details that don’t produce a huge negative impact but are there all the same. There’s minor profanity throughout the series, but nothing like most YA books these days (the cursing isn’t frequent or profuse and only used sporadically; however, there is one F-word near the end of The Empowered Ones). As for the romance…
*extreme squeal of overwhelming and utter delight*
…It was lovable and enjoyable in every way. The romantic relationships between characters were kept clean and steady, free of explicit and sexual insinuations. Instead of the characters focusing on the physical and sexual activities of a romantic relationship, they focused more on their love for each other as individuals and who they made one another when they were together. It was beautiful to read about relationships based on the foundational and lifelong details that make those romantic connections unbreakable.
The level of gore in this series isn’t too overwhelming, but with the action and battles that take place, blood and brutality aren’t out of the question. As one who isn’t a fan of violence or disturbing details, I’m here to tell you it wasn’t unbearable, but it was also very intense at times. It was thrill and heartbreak rolled into one emotion-infused story. There is much death, grief, and portrayal of anxiety and panic attacks, as well as a few scenes depicting torture. The way Danielle tackled these heavy and intense topics threw an entirely new realness to the story. Though it was painful and difficult to read at some points, it was powerful.
Conclusion 5/5 I have nothing bad to say about this series, except maybe: “WHY HAVE YOU DESTROYED ME EMOTIONALLY?!” But, in all honesty, I would read this series again. It was an adventure I wasn’t expecting to take, and I am so grateful to have found it. To describe this series more simply, I’d use these words: betrayal, love, found family, thrilling, emotional, grief, hope, and breathtaking. The conclusion to this series alone was one of the best finales I have ever read. It was incredible–and heartbreaking in every way–and could not have been better articulated in emotion and action. If you love dystopian, clean romance, action, and adventure, look no further. This series will take you on a transformative and emotional journey.
Follow the author on Instagram: @djharringtonwriter Follow Acorn Publishing on Instagram: @acornpublishing
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Yes, you read that correctly. I wrote a poetry book!
I am beyond excited to announce that He Is Faithful In Every Season is finished and so close to being released to the public. While I work out the publishing details/last edits, I’ll be emailing ARC copies to beta readers on January 19th. If you’d like to join the team (or just want to help with the cover reveal and release date stuff), email me at juliarosebooks2016@gmail.com. I’ll be accepting new beta readers until the end of February 2024.
>Keep Reading If You Want To Beta Read<
>Keep Reading for A Poem<
You don’t need any experience in beta reading, and I won’t ask much of you! I simply want your thoughts and feedback on this book to help aid in the editing process. There’s no deadline to finish, and I encourage each beta reader to read at their own pace. More information and details will be emailed to my beta team on January 18th, followed by a complimentary ARC copy of my poetry book on January 19th.(Disclaimer: all ARC copies will be electronic).
Book Summary Fifty poems intricately woven together with the truth of God’s Word and faithfulness. He Is Faithful In Every Season is a book of worship, love, redemption, freedom, and dependency. It touches on topics such as anxiety, fear, loneliness, insecurity, and grief. It brings to light the abounding hope of a Savior regardless of the darkness in this world. The raw and emotional prose written is solely to glorify God in the highest and to give hope to those who are lost.
Below, you will find one of the fifty poems I’ve written, all thanks to God for the words inspired and used. You are some of the first people to read it. I hope you enjoy!
Without You (A poem from He Is Faithful In Every Season, by Julia Rose)
I have nowhere else left to turn Except to You, my Jesus. You are the only real peace; You are the only real love.
Without You, my life would be void Of the sunlight and blue sky. I fix my eyes on You, Jesus, Because You are the strength Of my life.
You are my shield, You are my hope and peace. Without You, I’d be lost in this storm, My soul deceased.
Without You, I’d be trampled By the weight of my sin; Drowned by the shadows of life. Without You, I’d have no light.
Oh God, what would I do Without You? Who would I be, where would I go, if I didn’t have You grounding This hope in my soul?
Without You, I’d be thrashed In a sea of lies and false dreams; Twisted at the seams as The world swallows me whole.
Yet, You’ve taken hold of my heart And I know You won’t let go; You guide my life and restore my soul. You transform my being and You renew my perspective.
I see a new life before my eyes, One You’ve perfected. Every day I battle against the Forces of evil, and every day You stand beside me.
Already in victory, You reign, Constantly giving me strength To walk through the fire, Again and again.
Without You, I’d be lost Without You, I’d be chained Without You, I’d be searching Without You, I’d feel useless pain.
But with me, You are; Never leaving my side. You’ve called me, Lord. Use me to reflect Your light!
Without You, I’d have no hope; Thank You for never letting go. Because with You, my life is full.
“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 ESV
Thank you so much for reading!! Follow my Instagram @julia_rose_books for more updates on this project and future ones!
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Are you an “always on time” person or a “has five minutes to get ready and just woke up” person? I think I fall somewhere in between, but traffic no doubt favors anyone running late. Yet, I’ve found that commute is one of the best ways to mediate with God and take advantage of some quiet time and worship time. Anyway, back to the point of this post. I have an analogy for you today. Inspired by, yes, you guessed it: driving! Yay.
The story begins like this,
One morning, I was on my to work—generally a 30-minute drive. However, if we factor in red lights and the insane Florida rush hour, one must expect to drive at least 40 minutes. I try my best to leave early every morning to arrive on time, but on this particular morning, I found myself running late. There I was, going just a bit over the speed limit, eating my chocolate Belvita (safely, I promise), and listening to worship music. Apple Maps was up, and I searched for the fastest route (again, safely, at a red light). I chose a different way than my usual, for it was supposedly the quickest route on that said morning. As I was driving, nearing the 10-minute late mark—not too bad—and hitting almost every red light, I attempted to pass traffic by switching lanes *insert cry of despair*. Alas, the lane I was now in happened to be turn-only. With the hundreds of cars speeding by me, I didn’t stand a chance of returning to the lane I needed to be in. I was trapped. As soon as that curving arrow appeared, the dread and panic settled in. I had no choice but to turn away from my directory. Apple Maps, of course, redirected me, and I pretty much went full circle only to get stuck in traffic again. Because I decided to rush my trip to work, I was now even tardier. In that moment, I laughed at the irony and couldn’t help but notice how similar this driving decision was to life.
How often do we rush things?
How often do we switch lanes away from the path God has set for us in hopes of getting to the destination sooner, only to find ourselves lost? In this life, many things vie for our attention, traps set to lead us astray from the correct path. But there is only one proper direction, and we can either choose to go against it or comply with the work of the Lord in us and follow that guidance. Our ultimate guide and destination is Him. One of the many things I’ve been learning is this: satan can’t make us do anything, but he will try with all his power to tempt and lead us into doing something. But get this, he’s limited.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians1o:13
I often find myself in the wrong lane and fail to return to the right lane until God opens another path for me during the confusion (and just an FYI, God is way more reliable than Apple Maps). I sometimes forget that the waiting is also a part of the journey, an unavoidable aspect in this grand adventure I’m partaking on with God, one He already has planned out. In the long run, we can’t see the big picture God has painted, but He does. How untrusting and doubtful can we be to think that, by switching lanes, we can reach the place He is guiding us to sooner? Do we have so little faith in God that we believe He won’t lead us to the place He has called us to, whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally? If God is guiding us, He is also preparing us. (Phil. 1:6)
God has given us the objective to further His kingdom (Matt. 6:33), and nothing can change His sovereignty. Nothing can redirect the plan He has for our lives. God will equip us with what we need to fulfill the purpose He has called us to (Heb. 13:21). And that purpose, no matter who we are, is to live for Jesus and give Him all the glory in everything; it’s to follow Him in a relationship of obedience and love, dedication, and faithfulness. So wherever God may lead us to further His kingdom and our relationship with Him, we can have faith and confidence, knowing He will get us there. It doesn’t matter how long the wait feels; it doesn’t matter if we feel like we’re falling behind everyone else or running out of time. God never runs out of time because His timing is perfect (Ecc. 3:11). Nothing we do can change that, and nothing can speed up God’s process or slow Him down. The moment we say yes to Jesus, the moment we take up our cross and deny ourselves, the moment we hand over our lives to Him, we have every reason to believe what God has in store for us is far greater than anything we could’ve conjured. I know this is difficult to believe sometimes, especially with the hurried nature of culture and society looming behind us. But I pray God opens our eyes to the truth of His incredible power. It’s okay to wait, just as much as it’s okay to take a leap of faith into a decision you know God has inspired inside of you.
The next time we decide to switch lanes and choose a path that diverts us away from His, perhaps we should remember God is in control, and we will arrive at whatever destination He wants us to reach when the timing is right. And it will be. Instead of rushing ahead and worrying about the future or even slowing down to dwell despairingly on the past, let us focus on the present circumstances around us and search for the work God is doing right now(Matt. 6:34). Because He is always working, whether we see it or not. We don’t have to get stuck in a turning lane to find out if the path God has planned for us is better. It is.
When we get stuck in a turning lane, and we will, I pray we have a peaceful reassurance that God will provide a way out. He will guide us back towards the correct path, even if we choose the wrong one. Our hope isn’t in what we can do but in the faithfulness of our God. And that faithfulness will withstand all generations!
We simply need to enjoy the journey and trust that we’ll get there when we get there.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
“The cross is where we see the proof of God’s love for us. Jesus’ death on the cross is really convincing evidence that God is for us, not against us—that He loves us deeply—even when our circumstances appear to contradict that.” -My Refuge
My Refuge is a beautiful example of how God is with us in all circumstances. It also revealed the importance of good friendships and how we should surround ourselves with reliable people to hold us accountable as we pursue a relationship with Christ.
4.5/5 Stars
(SPOILER-FREE ZONE)
(Briefing) Four stories. Four girls. All pursued by hope. Eden, a young musician suddenly hospitalized with heart failure, awaits the day when she can lead a normal life. Will she overcome the anger and confusion inside of her as she waits for a heart transplant? Zahra, an aspiring engineer trapped in a refugee camp, desperately tries to further her education with limited resources. Will she finally find something that no one can take away from her? Mei, a girl experiencing the effects of quarantine, battles the onslaught of insecurities and self-worth as she finds ways to impact the world from the safety of her home. Will she learn to see herself the way God does? Katya, a victim of war, longs to be reunited with her mom while waiting beneath the protection of a bomb shelter. Will she overcome her growing fear and anxiety as a war rages above her?
(First Impression 4/5) The story begins with Eden, a girl hospitalized with heart problems. Her anger and frustrations, as well as sorrow for her predicament, leaped out of the pages. Tears were brought to my eyes as Eden watched the days go by from the hospital window and saw her friends living the life she once lived on social media. What a drastic change to happen in a young girl’s life, yet a beautiful opportunity for God to reveal His glory. Ashley introduced Eden and her story with precision, filling me with anticipation for the next three stories to come.
(Character Development 5/5) All four girls were vastly different, just like the storylines. They grew in so many ways, from fear to hope, despair to joy, insecurity to confidence, from feeling trapped to being free. Eden, Zahra, Mei, and Katya transformed and took flight. Yet, I know there’s so much growth left to come, and I cannot wait to continue walking alongside these girls on their journeys through life and as they are brought closer to Christ.
(World-Building 5/5) The circumstantial world-building was exquisite. I say “circumstantial” because of the four unique concepts brought to life. Each story focused on an important issue that inspired and brought forth the floodgates of tears. The imagery and settings were easy to fall into. Ashley made each story powerful and impactful in their own way. We see Eden struggling with anger, Zahra with desperation for more, Mei with self-worth, and Katya with anxiety. Though their lives and circumstances differ, each girl is brought closer to Jesus. I thought this was a lovely concept. No matter the difficulties worldwide, God offers hope to all.
(Emotions 5/5) There was a point when I was reading this book in public, and let me say it was a challenge to keep the tears from falling. Many heavy and sorrowful topics were tackled in My Refuge, ones that teenagers, girls specifically, battle with daily. This world needs more books like this; the younger generation needs books like this. Ashley did a phenomenal job reaching out to young girls and touching on issues I’m sure many are familiar with. I believe even adults would be able to relate and feel inspired by this book. My Refuge is a tear-jerker and will make your heart ache, but it will also bring a smile to your face to see how God is faithful no matter the situation.
(Style 4/5) My Refuge was written well, with plots and emotional situations that were easy to get lost in. The only issue I had was with the two POVs that would clash from time to time. It changed from third to first person, enabling the characters to share their thoughts instead of being referred to in third person. I loved reading what they were thinking, but the clarity was a bit fuzzy and didn’t separate the two POVs all the time, apart from a few thoughts being in the classic italics. Even so, I barely noticed this because the story was so intriguing and held my attention in a firm grasp. I’m only mentioning this because it did cause a bit of confusion. Other than the POVs, this book was excellent, and I quickly absorbed the captivating points Ashley aimed to get across.
(Cleanliness 5/5) This book was almost entirely clean, apart from a brief indication of inappropriate photos. These photos, however, were not detailed at all. War is mentioned, as well as some dramatic scenes that may be sensitive to some readers, but still PG. Ashley tackles anxiety, despair, and loneliness in the most lovely way. My Refuge is undoubtedly the perfect atmosphere for the age group it’s geared towards.
(Conclusion 4/5) I didn’t think I’d cry as much as I did while reading My Refuge. The best word to describe this book is powerful. Ashley excelled at handling daunting and challenging situations, and she did a wonderful job of keeping each story intriguing. I’m a little bummed with how it ended because there’s still so much left to be told of all four stories. However, I saw the mention of a possible second book in the future, so I’m thrilled about that. I was sad when it ended because I didn’t want to stop reading. My Refuge was an incredible read and makes you think about other people’s sufferings and how even the most minor acts of kindness and compassion can make a huge difference. We may not always see this difference, but God certainly does, and I believe He uses our small acts of love to further His kingdom in so many ways. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially teenagers and young adults.
Genres: fiction, Christian, young adult, contemporary
!Trigger Warnings! War, violence, emotional, anxiety, despair, loneliness, mentions of inappropriate content online
Thank you, Ashley, for sharing a copy of your book with me. I feel so blessed to have been able to read and review your book. It will no doubt impact the lives of the teenage girls you are aiming to reach. I will look forward to reading your next book!
Follow Ashley on Instagram!: @ashleyalsalibywrites
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
“What was living life without giving part of it to another?”
“Hope can conquer more than any army can.”-Children of the Forgotten
We have two quotes today because I couldn’t choose just one.
What a magnificent story of faith, hope, courage, and perseverance. Children of the Forgotten excelled past my expectations. It no doubt lived up to the Christian, post-apocalyptic genres!
4/5 Stars
(Spoiler-Free Zone)
(Briefing) In a post-apocalyptic world, most people by the age thirty have succumbed to the Sickness, a mysterious illness. But the Sickness is not the only enemy for Collin Mann’s city. Hordes of deranged killers live in the hills around it. With few trained protectors, the future of the little city looks bleak. Collin, fifteen years old, buries those the Sickness consumes. Slight and awkward, he shuns warrior training, avoiding the example of his big brother and guardian. When killers attack at the watering hole, he’s called to step forward and defend. Instead, he freezes. He’s ashamed. His people need him to fight. But can he do it? Or would a clumsy person like himself make any difference in the battle of existence?
(First Impression 4/5) Charles did a great job introducing this dystopian world in the first couple of chapters. A few battles took place that were action-packed and thrilling to read. The descriptions of these fights and the actions taken by the knights were wonderfully detailed and believable. The beginning was a little slow, but it intrigued me. From the first line, it was evident how hopeless the people were. I instantly loved the somewhat medieval vibes. Post-apocalyptic stories that revert to older traditions and societies are always interesting to read.
(Character Development 5/5) I loved these characters. Each one had a story to tell, and they all performed and added to the plot perfectly. The growth was unmistakable, especially with Collin: from being a boy who hid from conflict, soon becoming a man who stood for justice. So many characters faced various horrors and trials, and the depth of their wounds made them so real. It was beautiful to see people grow stronger from their pain, yet heartbreaking when others became forever changed by the horrific things that happened to them. Whether it was the main character, side characters, or antagonists, each person was written with a personified structure and personality. It was inspiring to see the reason for the conflicts and how each difficulty prepared the characters and aided them in future battles. The setting of the world no doubt added a layer of complexity to each character, and it had me wondering about the hundreds of stories untold in this book. Another favorite character was Felicia. Reading about her finding confidence more so in her Creator than herself was a beautiful thing. Then we have Ty, the perfect comedy relief, and much more: a loyal friend, a beloved protector, and a fierce warrior. With jokes ;). I did confuse Arik and Ethan a few times, as their personalities and character traits were similar, along with their luscious hair. But other than that, the character development was phenomenal.
(World-Building 4/5) There was beautiful imagery within this society and broken world. It was effortless to imagine the small city consumed with fear, the mystery of what awaited them past the mountains, and the vast cultural changes. I loved the return of swords and arrows as the regular weapons, and the farmers, villagers, knights, etc. Even the history and backstories explaining the world’s destructive state, the Sickness, and barbaric criminals threatening all who lived nearby made Children of the Forgotten a thrilling and intriguing read. Charles created a fantastic new society and economy from the fallen world.
(Emotions 5/5) The loss of hope and peace was the perfect foundation for strong emotions. The concept of faith, God, and the Bible being banned, yet not wholly forgotten, introduced powerful moments of change. There was heartbreak, grief, potent fear, sadness, brokenness, and yet…an underlying hope. I loved the many moments of God’s power being revealed, the truth of Him never leaving us, and an undeniable hope and perseverance that flooded the pages. Charles created such realistic fear and hopelessness. Looking at today’s society, the downfall of humanity in this story and the overall darkness wasn’t hard to imagine. I cried, laughed, and hoped with these people.
(Style 4/5) I enjoyed the way Charles wrote. The plot itself was a bit drawn out, and it took me a chapter or two to fully immerse myself, but Children of the Forgotten was a remarkable adventure. I could not stop reading. It was also multiple point-of-view, which I think Charles performed wonderfully. The POV created the perfect amount of suspense and clarity, being able to read from all different angles. The inclusion of Biblical principles was incredible. Every time that sprinkling of Christianity came up, I’d jump in excitement. It was subtle initially and then grew, just like one’s relationship with the Lord—a constant journey of growth and obedience. The Christian aspects weren’t preachy—not that I have issues with “preachy”—as in, they weren’t forced but flowed naturally with the plot. This isn’t easy to do, not only because of today’s culture but also in the post-apocalyptic setting the author chose. Charles did a lovely job inserting Scripture and breathtaking moments at just the right time.
(Cleanliness 4/5) With Children of the Forgotten being a Christian read, cleanliness wasn’t much of an issue. Little romance was included, but not entirely out of the picture. It was sweet and more subtle. I actually enjoyed there being little romance, which isn’t always the case. Sometimes…I finish a book partly because I just want to see my ship sail. But in this story, I read literally for the plot! *applause* There was a big issue with sexual harassment that appeared in written scenes—mostly foreshadowing and not highly detailed—and mentions or insinuations. With the state of the world and the new society, an unfortunate normalcy to sexual harassment was created, along with violence and gore. It was heartbreaking and frustrating. The many battles were filled with brutal actions, and when added to the Sickness, death was common. A short scene hinting at suicide does come up, but nothing too severe, though tragic all the same. Ritualistic practices were included—inevitably so with all those whacko killers on the loose—but nothing obtrusive and more so near the end. In light of all this, however, God’s presence and power shone through the darkness.
(Conclusion 5/5) I am amazed I haven’t gone broke from all the books I’ve purchased this year, and now, I must buy the second book in this series because of the ending. It couldn’t have concluded in a better way, my goodness. I didn’t sob as I thought I would but was more in shock and freakin excited to buy the next book. There was great resolve, breathtaking battles my eyes could not keep up with, and powerful moments where God proved time and time again that He was always there. And He always is. Nevertheless, there are still many unanswered questions that I must know the answers to! Children of the Forgotten was an inspiring story and better than I anticipated. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reads that are Christian, dystopian, apocalyptic, action-packed, adventuresome, and filled with epic battles.
Thank you to Book Sirens for this free copy of Children of the Forgotten. This review is in my honest opinion and voluntary. (Follow Book Sirens on Instagram: @booksirens & @booksirens_crew)
Julia Rose Books 