Unraveling by Sara Ella

What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?

Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After defeating her grandfather and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.

Now that the Verity is intertwined with her soul and Joshua’s finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something—or someone—is missing?

When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her link to Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections—and keep herself from falling for him in the process?

Unraveling continues the whimsical journey of Eliyana, a young woman with an unusual mark on her cheek and a mirror world that has chosen her as their Queen.

But as El tries to adjust to the responsibilities of being a royal, she finds her thoughts are drawn far away to the mysterious Ky Rhyen. Posing as a double agent, Ky rescued El in her darkest moment, only to disappear—and may have stolen her heart in the process. As El fights to protect those within the enchanting world she is finally starting to call home, a new danger arrives. Before she knows it, Eliyana must journey off alone to find the one person who can help save her kingdom—and may hold the answers not only to why the magical Callings are disappearing, but why she can’t seem to unravel him from her heart. El must find Ky and convince him to help before its too late…and the magic is drained from her world.

Unraveling was by far my favorite book of this series.

It’s rare that a sequel, especially the middle book in a trilogy, outshines its predecessor—but Unraveling does just that. With higher stakes, new worlds at the reader’s fingertips, a plot with more unexpected twists, and characters that nestle especially deep in our hearts, Unraveling is a masterpiece of YA Fiction.

Not only is Sara Ella’s writing style especially lovely and engrossing in this well-written sequel, but I loved how Eliyana has continued to grow as a character, becoming a young woman rising into adulthood and fighting for her people.

Again, there is romance involved, but only a few light kisses.

There is some fantasy and adventure violence, but certainly nothing graphic.

At its core, Unraveling is a story about discovering who you are and what you are willing to sacrifice for those you love. This sequel elegantly blends soulful threads into a thrilling, whimsical triumph. Highly recommended.

This review was written by Kara Swanson, award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See and Peter Pan retelling/sequel Dust (Enclave Publishing, July 2020). She helps young writers explore their passions as a faculty member of the Young Writer’s Workshop and also offers her own author coaching services. You can find her online at https://www.karaswanson.com/.

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A Forgotten Past. A Terminal Future.

Earth has emerged from a cataclysmic dark age with little knowledge of its past. Aided by the discovery of advanced alien technology, humanity ventures into the stars, joining other sentient races in a sprawling, prosperous interstellar Confederacy.

That peace is soon shattered. Without warning, the Confederacy comes under attack by an unstoppable alien force from the unknown regions. With hopes for civilization’s survival dwindling, Commander Jared Carter is sent to pursue an unlikely lead: a collection of ancient alien religious fragments which may—or may not—hold the key to their salvation …

5 STARS 

Malum has come.

That is the only message transmitted by the dark planetoid cutting a swath of destruction across the worlds of the Confederacy. None have stood against it — and many more will fall.

Commander Jared Carter is pulled out of leave by Naval Special Operations. His assignment is an unusual one: gather the scattered pieces of a mysterious text that may hold the only hope for staving off Apocalypse.

Together, Carter and the crew of the Raetelus find themselves on a quest that will challenge everything they have ever known. And perhaps reveal the secrets of a long-forgotten truth…

Imagine if you took the plot of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, integrated a mythopoetic Christian allegory, and let David Weber rewrite it as a work of military sci-fi. It would look very much like Edge of Oblivion. The story takes place far in the future, 1300 years after the end of a Dark Age resulting in the loss of all prior human history. As a result, the humans of this time have a completely different culture – much of it borrowed from their alien neighbors in a galactic Confederacy.

THIS LOSS OF HISTORY SETS THE STAGE FOR A VERY INTERESTING FORM OF CHRISTIAN ALLEGORY.

This loss of history sets the stage for a very interesting form of Christian allegory. Those who have come across the term “exotheology” know that Christian Science fiction authors have several different approaches to addressing the question of extraterrestrial life as it pertains to Christ. That is, how would alien life forms fit in to the salvation plan given to Adam’s seed? This book features a highly original take on the idea that I had never come across before. I would still hesitate to accept it as literally true, but it works well within the book’s imaginary context.

In addition to its themes, the book has a taut storyline and excellent worldbuilding. The narrative keeps the reader’s interest with a constant note of suspense, utilizing a “quest” storyline involving a mystery with life or death implications and unexpected plot twists. The chapters are short and fast-paced, making the whole easily readable. The scenes with the “Malum” entity are also used to maintain a steadily building atmosphere of mystery and dread from the prologue onward. This could make the book seem scary to some while others will find it thrilling.

THE BOOK HAS A TAUT STORYLINE AND EXCELLENT WORLDBUILDING.

The rules governing this imagined universe are highly rational ones, and I could see shades of David Weber in the depth of the technical descriptions. While the science is clearly imaginary, it is portrayed in a fashion that highlights the author’s knowledge of true scientific principles. The sheer wealth of detail both aids and hinders the story in places (I found some of the “military report” sections a bit confusing), but largely imparts more plausible feel.

I would recommend Edge of Oblivion to fans of both classic military science fiction and Christian allegory. I found it a highly enjoyable read with a thought-provoking take on some familiar themes.

Content Ratings:

Heat: None

Profanity: None

Violence: Has action-oriented, non-graphic violence, but some may find the opening and the “suspense” elements that follow it somewhat scary.

Genre: Space Opera

Age recommendation: 13 and up.

This review originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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Her death was expected, but something more powerful kept her alive.

Lady Firebird was born to the royal family of Netaia. Because of her birthplace in the family, however, her life is expendable. Honorable suicide is the highest calling she could hope to attain. When she is chosen to lead an attack on the neighboring planet of Veroh her death is expected. Instead she is taken prisoner during the battle and is held by the enemy.

With her own people seeking her sacrifice, Firebird must choose between two worlds before she can carve out her new destiny. This is the story of Lady Firebird’s personal battle and its eternal consequences, not only for herself but for everyone around her, and especially the man who loves her.

4 1/2 Stars

Lady Firebird Angelo wants to live, and hates herself for it. Her culture has strict inheritance laws that require the death of surplus noble heirs, and Firebird, though born to the queen of Netaia, is expected to end her own life in a blaze of glory now that her older sister has delivered two healthy daughters. Firebird firmly believes her culture’s teachings that for her, suicide is the only way to spiritual redemption. When she is taken prisoner and prevented from fulfilling her “destiny”, the horrors of war force her to reconsider everything she has ever believed.

Federate Colonel Brennan Caldwell leads a life of separated excellence. As one of the most powerful of the Sentinels, the telekinetic religious minority of Thyrica, he is respected by most but close to no one. As a worshiper of the Eternal Speaker, he has deep convictions about only marrying within his faith. For years, he has prayed for the Holy One to send him a woman who is capable of telepathically bonding with him, only to be met with silence. When a woman who can do this finally appears, she doesn’t believe in the Speaker, and she wants to die. Is this a test?

One if the most interesting things about this novel is the world building. The small, dictatorial and ambitious Netaia proves a worthy match to the larger powerful and democratic congress of Federate worlds. There is an interesting galactic history component, and most interesting of all…this is an alternate universe, making it science fantasy rather than science fiction. I have seen plenty of fantastical Christian allegories, but very few in the science fiction or science fantasy realm.

THERE IS AN INTERESTING GALACTIC HISTORY COMPONENT, AND MOST INTERESTING OF ALL…THIS IS AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE, MAKING IT SCIENCE FANTASY RATHER THAN SCIENCE FICTION.

One of the things that surprised me was that even though I generally dislike romance in my science fiction (and make no mistake, romance is a major if not the major plot thread in this book),  I still found this book very enjoyable. There was possibly a little too much discussion of world building, and there were some other small complaints I noticed (but I won’t tell you what they are because they would be spoilers). If you like Christian fiction, and you liked Bujold’s Shards of Honor, I think you will love this book. There are compelling characters,  an interesting plot, and a new subculture to explore!

Content Ratings:

Heat: There are two brief enthusiastic kisses. Romance is a prominent part of the book, and the characters are often thinking of each other. The author is careful to focus these thoughts on mutual respect and non-physical admiration.  Much of the plot revolves around how plot events affect the main characters’ perceptions of each other.

Profanity: None. The author uses creative ways to avoid profanity.

Violence: There are some scenes of individual space ships blowing up and killing named characters in the book, and the threat of death to countless unnamed people, but there are no gratuitous and/or blood and gore scenes.

Genre: Clean Christian Space Opera Romance

Age recommendation: 16 and up, due to the romantic content.

This review  originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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Diverse Similarity – Sharon Rose

An enemy—or a friend? No way to know except the forbidden touch of an alien mind.

Kena is the only human in a multi-racial starship crew. She’s admired for her navigational skills, but her race is viewed as problematic. Cultural differences abound, seasoned by unexpected similarities. Those lacking telepathic abilities have another disadvantage. Kena presents the crew with a paradox. She cannot be a telepath, and yet she is.

Their challenging mission strains every limit and claims lives. When an enemy discovers their presence, Kena is captured. As both guest and prisoner, she finds the PitKreelaundun race much harder to comprehend than any she has known. They entwine kindness with cruelty. Worst of all, their telepathic practices are intolerable to a human, threatening Kena’s sanity and life. Mutiny is forming among her captors, rescue is impossible, and diplomacy fails. There is only one way out—something that Kena must never do.

Diverse Similarity is the first novel in a compelling science fiction series by Sharon Rose. If you are intrigued by alien cultures, rich characters, and dangerous adventures among the stars, this book is for you. Read it today and explore not only outer space, but the spirit within.

4 stars 

Kena Talgarth, a human telepath, has been assigned to pilot a ship with mostly alien, mostly telepathic crew members to investigate a disturbing astronomical event. During this investigation, and its surprising consequences, a murder mystery plays out against the backdrop of a volatile alien courtship. Kena’s empathic nature helps her to overcome frequent human/alien misunderstandings, even with the species that have been most antagonistic to humans. While the word “Christian” is never actually used in the story, the main character is shown reading her Bible and communicating with God’s Spirit living in her (using words), who she refers to as “my beloved”.  The main character shows an alien her Bible and at one point wonders if aliens can be saved, but the question is never explored further in this book.

THE MAIN CHARACTER SHOWS AN ALIEN HER BIBLE AND AT ONE POINT WONDERS IF ALIENS CAN BE SAVED, BUT THE QUESTION IS NEVER EXPLORED FURTHER IN THIS BOOK.

This book’s strength is definitely its world building. There are more than a few distinct alien cultures, rendered in sharp detail. I would have preferred more physical description of the aliens, but the descriptions that are given are fascinating. More than once my husband told me to put it down and go to sleep. The alien romance, and the many cultural traditions and taboos associated with it, are a fascinating subplot.

This book was also strong on character development. I particularly loved the characters of Captain Ghent, the alien female Hrndl, and too many more to name. I did wish that the main character had more negative character traits.

I did have trouble at first discerning what the main objective of the book was: was it the mission, or was the real objective something else? The dialogue was smooth and flowed well, but at times I had trouble following who was speaking. There was also a minor plot hole, but it was small and did not detract at all from my enjoyment of the book. The ending was satisfying but left some things unsolved, presumably to be addressed in the sequel.

I enjoyed this book. The world building was intoxicating, and the style reminded me somewhat of books by Anne McCaffrey and Kathy Tyers. Even though I’m not someone who enjoys romances, I thought that the alien romance was one of the highlights of the book. I’m looking forward to the sequel!

Content Ratings:

Heat: Two of the aliens are attracted to each other and intend to mate for life. One quick, romantic embrace. A couple of romantic backrubs.

Profanity: None. The side characters do occasionally use what seems to be alien profanity, but the meanings of the words are left unexplained. The heroine does not use profanity.

Violence: Very little shown. There are a few fistfights. There are several questions of whether certain characters intend more serious violence toward others, but none of it is shown.

Genre: Christian Science Fiction (Space Opera)

Age recommendation: 15 and up due to romantic content.

This review was originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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Renegade Skyfarer – R. J. Metcalf

The airship crew saved Ben’s life from a dragon, of all things.When Ben wakes up, he has no memory of his family, his home, or how he got to this strange world. All he knows is what his new crew members tell him: the magical Barrier that protects their land is weakening. Unless they find the artifact that can repair it, all of Terrene will be destroyed and enslaved by the enemies beyond.But when Ben suspects that danger may lurk closer than dragons or sky pirates, he has to decide: stay and fight with the airship crew, or focus on regaining his lost memory? If he leaves, he risks losing his newfound friends–but if he stays, he might never return home.Welcome to Terrene–where dragons exist, the past haunts, and magic is no myth.Welcome aboard the Sapphire.

Nearly twenty years have passed since the attack that eradicated the royal family of Doldra and permanently damaged the keystone. Now the Void barrier is slowly fading. When it falls, nothing will stand between the southern kingdoms and the invading Elph hordes to the north.

Ben awakens with no memory of his past save for his own name and glimpses of a strange, alien world far different from Terrene. He finds a new home and life among the crew of the airship Sapphire. But his mysterious past may not stay buried forever…

Captain Slate Stohner failed to protect the royal family twenty years ago. Now he seeks atonement in the search for ancient relic with the power to restore the keystone and stabilize the barrier.

Jade Stohner feels stifled by her father’s over-protectiveness and rejected by the man she thought she loved. Little does she know of the destiny and choice that await her as the Sapphire’s crew find themselves at the center of a deadly plot for the control of Terrene…

RENEGADE SKYFARER TAKES PLACE WITHIN AN IMAGINED WORLD THAT EQUALLY INCORPORATES FANTASY, HIGH ADVENTURE AND STEAMPUNK.

Renegade Skyfarer take place within an imagined world that will equally incorporates fantasy, high adventure, and steampunk. It’s a fairly long book, but the short chapters make for easy reading. The prologue also contains a key “hook” of unanswered questions to pique the reader’s curiosity, and several ongoing mysteries are maintained throughout the story. I was especially intrigued by what is essentially a reversed “Narnia” subplot: the book begins and takes place within an imaginary world while dropping tantalizing hints about our own real world, setting it up to play a significant role as the story continues.

The book introduces a richly detailed universe with mostly organic world-building. The reader is shown a significant portion of Terrene while still leaving much to be explored in further installments of the series. The use of a character with memory loss, in particular, allows the reader to learn about this naturally as other characters must explain things to him. The story takes place within what is clearly a theistic universe (references to a divine “Author” abound), though the people inside it carry a variety of religious beliefs. I found the various cultures and political dynamics of Terrene quite interesting as well as the multiple sub-species of its dragon population. The “magic system” is also quite original—we see an older technology based on magical stones gradually giving way to steam power. This, in turn, is utilized in ways that go beyond what we’ve seen in actual history—personal vehicle propulsion, weaponry, etc.

The characters themselves are given a similarly vivid rendering, and their personal relationships play just as large a role in the story as the action elements. They also provide a stage to explore interwoven themes of love, loyalty, duty, sacrifice, etc, (these three in particular come up in the character arcs of Jade and her father). The narrative takes place from multiple points of view, which can be jarring at times, but offers an enlarged perspective. The juxtaposition of action with romance also gives the book significant crossover potential with both male and female audiences. These two strands actually complement each other—the opportunity to fall in love with the characters as people makes their actions and sacrifices all the more powerful and significant.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS AS PEOPLE MAKES THEIR ACTIONS AND SACRIFICES ALL THE MORE POWERFUL AND SIGNIFICANT.

The narrative remains reasonably strong throughout, but one pitfall is that the book veers into over-explaining at times. There were also some instances where I would have preferred more direct language as well as a tightened focus on the story’s central plot. This became far less of an issue as the book got closer to its central climax, which was quite riveting and deeply significant. The driving theme of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice is brought to its final conclusion, and there are several unexpected revelations (I’ll say no more at this point lest I wander into spoiler territory). All in all, if you enjoy nautical-style (or in this case, aerial-style) high adventure, romance, and action, this book is definitely for you.

Content Ratings:

Heat: A love triangle—with all its attendant emotions—plays a significant role in the plot, and there are a few non-graphic hints of offscreen sex (one instance between a married couple, the other between the antagonist and his mistress).

Profanity: Minimal; also, a few uses of fictional expletives within the story’s imagined universe.

Violence: Has action-oriented violence that can become quite bloody at times but largely non-graphic.

Genre: Fantasy/Steampunk

Age recommendation: 15 and up due to violence and minor sexual elements.

This review originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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Conviction: The Legacy Chronicles Book 1.5 – Lauren H Salisbury

Can two people with opposing principles overcome their differences to be together?

Than has spent his life ostensibly having fun while secretly fighting for his people’s freedom. A member of the underground resistance, he is only ever serious around his comrades and his family. When an injury forces him to step down from active duty and his reluctant nurse sparks his interest, Than finds himself in uncharted territory. The fascinating woman will have nothing to do with him.

Menali’s past has taught her to keep her head down and trust that God has a reason for allowing the human race to suffer on U’du. When Than explodes into her life, he refuses to take no for an answer and challenges all of her preconceptions. He soon has her re-evaluating her priorities and wondering what life with someone like him would be like.

Take a detour from the main series to follow Than and Menali through the aftermath of the culling and explore what happens when others see beneath the masks we wear. NOTE: For maximum enjoyment, The Legacy Chronicles are best read in order, starting with Courage.

Four Stars

Than has problems. His shoulder still isn’t healed from the time not long ago when he participated in the slave uprising. His brother in law has been taken by his planet’s alien overlords for an almost invariably fatal job.  His sister, who he promised to protect, and her baby are missing, and he can’t go look for them because his niece Mirami has been left in his care. He’s getting a crash course in parenting. The rebellion has lost many of its best leaders. Most painful of all, the woman he loves can’t make up her mind whether or not she loves him back.

MOST PAINFUL OF ALL, THE WOMAN HE LOVES CAN’T MAKE UP HER MIND WHETHER SHE LOVES HIM BACK.

Menali’s life is changing, and not in a good way.  Love was not a part of her plan. And if she did by chance fall for someone, it would be someone reasonable, not the handsome guy that flirts with everything in a skirt. That’s the way to get hurt, and Menali has organized her life very carefully to avoid pain. You never know… someone who is that adventurous might even be a member of the Rebellion, and that would never do…

Gilla’s life is filled with uncertainty. Her newborn son is safe, for now, even though she must call him by the alien name Mahsan.  Her mysterious alien benefactor has provided safety for her and her husband, but for now they must hide in a cave, able to care for Mahsan but separate from their beloved Mirami. The cave isn’t ideal, but what is coming next might be unthinkable.

THIS SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THIS ALLEGORY OF THE LIFE OF MOSES.

This science fiction romance is the second book in this allegory of the life of Moses. I’m not usually a fan of romances, but I found the main characters compelling, and I especially enjoyed the spiritual growth that each of them displayed throughout the book. I also found some other characters compelling,  most notably Halarni, Menali’s kind, wise adoptive mother, and Reemah, the alien princess whose heart is drawn to a human baby. I’m hoping to see more of them in future books.

This review originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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Starfire by Stuart Vaughn Stockton

“Let the fire of the stars rain down.”

On an alien planet far removed from Earth, Rathe of Yanguch seeks to rise from lowly origins and achieve greatness in the Karn Empire.

His chance comes on a military mission when he is imprinted as the protector for a childlike artificial intelligence from an all-but-forgotten civilization.

Soon Rathe finds himself in the center of a war that threatens to tear his empire apart and in search of a weapon that could save his nation but doom his world.

Rathe must navigate treachery and prophecy to make a decision that will change his planet forever.

4 ½  stars 

In Stockton’s Galactic Lore world, the planet in question is inhabited by various species of sapient dinosaurs. In fact, they are the only sapient species group on the planet. Rathe, born into the Karn Empire, is low hatched but has propelled himself into a desirable military spot by ferocity and cunning. He is eager for action as his unit is sent to its first military assignment.

…THE PLANET IN QUESTION IS INHABITED BY VARIOUS SPECIES OF SAPIENT DINOSAURS.

While at that assignment, one of the civilian females they are guarding ventures alone into a new archaeological dig. When they find her, her brain has been overpowered by a cybernetic device. She now calls herself Karey Orr and states that her goal is to activate the Starfire, a powerful weapon. She clings to Rathe and calls him her protector.

Rathe’s superiors are thrilled. Finally, a device with which to defeat the Empire’s mortal enemy the Herians! Rathe is sure this is his ticket to promotion. His path to singlehandedly defeat the Herians has a few stones in the road. Why do some of his friends believe in the deity VorTolKo, and why are they deceived about the nature of the Herians? Why do this VorTolKo’s saurian adherents seem to have taken a personal interest in him? Are they lying about the legendary destructive powers of the Starfire to protect the Herians? Can the saur overpowered by Karey Orr be saved? And why are all saurs afraid of the stars?

WHY ARE ALL SAURS AFRAID OF THE STARS?

I loved this book! I ordered it in paperback to read on a plane trip, and I’m not sorry I did, even though I hate paying paperback prices. The world building was exquisite, and while the premise seemed to be a little farfetched, it was so well rendered that I forgot my objections. My only complaint is that there seemed to be a little too much description, which eventually made the book longer than I thought it needed to be.

This book would be a great gift for a teenager. Young men especially will relate to the adventurous feel of the book.

Content Ratings:

Heat: None. There is no romance storyline in this book.

Profanity: None. The author uses creative ways to avoid profanity.

Violence: There is action movie style violence, but the author takes care to avoid gory or gratuitous violence.

Genre: Christian Science Fiction (allegory). Soft science fiction (no long technology descriptions)

Age recommendation: 13 and up

This review was written by Heather Halverstadt and originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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Keeper of Shadows – Bridgett Powers

A light-bearer with limited vision. A prisoner with wings. Can two cursed souls defeat the forces of darkness?

Noire hates the magic that cursed his family and trapped him in the form of a raven. But to break the spell, he’s willing to do anything, even if it means striking a bargain with the cruel sorceress Venefica. After agreeing to destroy the one person who threatens Venefica’s dark power, he seeks out the key ingredient for a curse of life-altering pain…

Lyssanne has never let diminished vision interfere with her teaching or storytelling. But when mind-numbing pain robs her of the strength to continue, some townsfolk question her usefulness to the village. Unsure where to turn, Lyssanne witnesses a terrifying sight: a shadowy mist, which only she can see, sending a beloved student into a frightful rage. When she tries to warn her people of a sinister force on the prowl, the villagers cast her out into the wilds…

As Lyssanne struggles to survive the elements, Noire plans his deadly attack. Stalking her every move, the raven has second thoughts about ending her life, even though failure would doom his people. But every moment he delays brings Lyssanne one step closer to wielding her gift of light. Can she discover her destiny before the entire realm falls to dark magic?

Keeper of Shadows is the riveting first novel in the Light-wielder Chronicles, a series of inspirational fantasy novels with Christian themes. If you like life-and-death adventures, classic fairy tales, and clean romance, then you’ll love Bridgett Powers’ enchanting epic.

Content Ratings:

• Heat: There is a romance subplot. The two characters embrace gently a few times, sometimes by accident. A couple of times the man catches the woman as she falls. They kiss two or three times. One of those times is quite enthusiastic, but only the emotions are described.
• Profanity: None.
• Violence: There is some sword fighting, and a few people are injured and die, but an obvious effort has been made to reduce violence. Much of the violence happens off screen. The most potent weapon in the book is prayer.
• Genre: Christian Fantasy (Sword and Sorcery variety)
• Age recommendation: 16 and up, due to the heat rating and significance of the romance subplot.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book with a request for an unbiased review.

Keeper of Shadows is an overt Christian allegory. Noire, a human man cursed to live as a raven by day, has made an unholy alliance with the sorceress Venefica, in an attempt to break the curse. She sends him to spy on and ruin the beautiful and faithful Lysanne, who is all that stands between Venefica and the power she desires. Noire doesn’t believe in the King of All Lands, but the King isn’t finished with him yet, and a fierce battle ensues for his soul.

Lysanne has no power of her own, but her strong faith in the King keeps Venefica’s Shadow Mist (which she gets from the Thief of Souls) at bay. She doesn’t blame the King for the low vision she has had since birth, and trusts him even when she is afflicted with chronic illness, but she struggles with self-doubt and self-worth.

This book overflows with spiritual themes. Redemption, self worth, and trusting God when bad things happen are major themes, as are trusting in God rather than yourself, true faith vs religiosity, and the idea that no one is so evil that they are beyond repentance. Believers in the King are not portrayed as perfect- they struggle with faith and sometimes sin against each other. There are magical creatures like unicorns, fairies and other amazing creatures, but they are all portrayed as agents of the King or the Thief of Souls. More than anything else, this book examines whether people who have chronic illnesses or have done terrible things can still be heroes of the faith.

This Beauty and the Beast style fairy tale is set in a medieval world, so there are plenty of medieval words like cloister and fealty. I know what these words mean, but they made it difficult for me to immerse myself in the story at first, and I was not fully “hooked” until around the midpoint. Noire’s backstory is enthralling, and I wish there had been more time spent on that and less on romance. There were a few other objections I had concerning tropes, but telling you about them would require spoilers.

My recommendation: I think this book would appeal most to women 16 and over who enjoy King Arthur type medieval romances and Beauty and the Beast style fairy tales. Chronic illness is a burden borne by many Christians, and this gift would be a great encouragement to them in particular. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

This review was written by Heather Halverstadt and originally appeared on H. Halverstadt Books.

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