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Recommend this book:
Fraught
DarkTrench Shadow Volume 2
Kerry Nietz
2019 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Fraught is a work of immersive Christian science fiction and fantasy penned by author Kerry Nietz and forms the second book in the DarkTrench Shadow series. Following on from the events of Frayed, we return to the world of the debuggers after ThreadBare has broken away from the implant that would have forced him to stay on the path of mindless obedience. Now ThreadBare has thoughts and feelings but he doesn’t know what to do with them: ideas of love for another person and setting out a path for future debuggers so that they don’t end up following the same route. But when the students he wants to teach face sudden danger, ThreadBare must look to the old ways to ensure their survival.
Author Kerry Nietz has created a highly conceptual and fascinating work which questions technology, religion, and philosophy in one very intelligent package. It takes a little while to get into the world of the debuggers and the cities and civilizations around them, but ThreadBare is a highly engaging guide because he is slightly broken and therefore no longer acquiescent to the idea that he is property with no mind of his own. This opens the door to the idea of rights, slavery, Sharia law and the nature of the human mind going too far in its connection to technology. The prose is fluid and engaging with plenty of detail and immersive character development that keeps you immersed in the plot. Overall, Fraught is a superbly atmospheric science fiction piece that leaves you with plenty to think about.
Fraught is a work of immersive Christian science fiction and fantasy penned by author Kerry Nietz and forms the second book in the DarkTrench Shadow series. Following on from the events of Frayed, we return to the world of the debuggers after ThreadBare has broken away from the implant that would have forced him to stay on the path of mindless obedience. Now ThreadBare has thoughts and feelings but he doesn’t know what to do with them: ideas of love for another person and setting out a path for future debuggers so that they don’t end up following the same route. But when the students he wants to teach face sudden danger, ThreadBare must look to the old ways to ensure their survival.
Author Kerry Nietz has created a highly conceptual and fascinating work which questions technology, religion, and philosophy in one very intelligent package. It takes a little while to get into the world of the debuggers and the cities and civilizations around them, but ThreadBare is a highly engaging guide because he is slightly broken and therefore no longer acquiescent to the idea that he is property with no mind of his own. This opens the door to the idea of rights, slavery, Sharia law and the nature of the human mind going too far in its connection to technology. The prose is fluid and engaging with plenty of detail and immersive character development that keeps you immersed in the plot. Overall, Fraught is a superbly atmospheric science fiction piece that leaves you with plenty to think about.
Recommend this book:
The Optical Lasso
Beware Of Neptune's Dark Side
Marc Corwin
2019 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Optical Lasso: Beware Of Neptune's Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a thrilling science fiction adventure story. A dying boy. A creature that has lain dormant for thousands of years. One of the best leaders in all of mankind. Commander Jason Cody has been taken prisoner and tortured by an alien enemy. His cellmate, Cat, is a lieutenant, leader of The Fighting Fury, an elite women's combat corps. She is beautiful – too beautiful – and Jason has a hard time trusting her. But trust each other they must even after she discovers he’s been missing for years in a wormhole on the other side of Neptune with his Optical Lasso, an invention of his own that allowed him to see the future and the past. A wormhole that is now avoided by all because of the deadly enemy that lurks within. Can they learn to trust one another long enough to face the battle ahead?
The Optical Lasso: Beware of Neptune’s Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a snappy and unique sci-fi tale that spans 40 years and two timelines – the past and the present. This is a thoroughly fascinating story, one in which I couldn’t help but become engrossed. There is plenty of action in the battles that are fought across the universe, in the incredible weapons, including the Optical Lasso, and in the creatures that Marc has created, showing a very active imagination. This is a story of good against bad but it is a unique take on the sci-fi genre. The descriptive nature of the story leaves you in no doubt as to what’s what and leads you through the story as though you are living it yourself. This is one journey you won’t want to miss; entertaining and a real page-turner!
The Optical Lasso: Beware Of Neptune's Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a thrilling science fiction adventure story. A dying boy. A creature that has lain dormant for thousands of years. One of the best leaders in all of mankind. Commander Jason Cody has been taken prisoner and tortured by an alien enemy. His cellmate, Cat, is a lieutenant, leader of The Fighting Fury, an elite women's combat corps. She is beautiful – too beautiful – and Jason has a hard time trusting her. But trust each other they must even after she discovers he’s been missing for years in a wormhole on the other side of Neptune with his Optical Lasso, an invention of his own that allowed him to see the future and the past. A wormhole that is now avoided by all because of the deadly enemy that lurks within. Can they learn to trust one another long enough to face the battle ahead?
The Optical Lasso: Beware of Neptune’s Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a snappy and unique sci-fi tale that spans 40 years and two timelines – the past and the present. This is a thoroughly fascinating story, one in which I couldn’t help but become engrossed. There is plenty of action in the battles that are fought across the universe, in the incredible weapons, including the Optical Lasso, and in the creatures that Marc has created, showing a very active imagination. This is a story of good against bad but it is a unique take on the sci-fi genre. The descriptive nature of the story leaves you in no doubt as to what’s what and leads you through the story as though you are living it yourself. This is one journey you won’t want to miss; entertaining and a real page-turner!
Recommend this book:
Ashes Like Bread
A Biblical Novel of Lamech and His Two Wives
Jean Hoefling
2019 Bronze Medal
369 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Ashes Like Bread: A Biblical Novel of Lamech and His Two Wives by Jean Hoefling is an incredibly imagined Christian fiction tale with a strong anchor in ancient biblical times. A highly recommended rendering of the gift of prophecy and its perils. Set against the backdrop of ancient times, a period of religious intrigue and a time before the great flood, a powerful woman with the gift of seeing into the future is shunned by the elders of the clan. When Zyla prophesies about the impending flood and is exiled, she flees the mountain of Eden with her sister and settles among the descendants of Cain. What will she do to gain significance, to be respected, and where will she stand when the flood finally comes?
Lyrical, evocative, and filled with religious symbolism, Ashes Like Bread is a riveting read. It is told in a language that is atmospheric, rife with mystery and biblical references, deeply moving. The narrative is done in the compelling voice of Zyla and in the first person. It is light in tone, sometimes dark, highly descriptive with deep psychological and emotional levels. We meet Zyla, a character with sophisticated layers and, apart from the human and physical qualities she displays, she has an unfathomable spiritual depth. Even her name has something dark and mysterious about it: “The root of it was akin to an old word for the first shadow ever to fall over Eden on the day the forebears tasted forbidden food and were banished from that shimmering bower of delights.”
The atmospheric writing, the vivid setting, the deep spiritual underpinnings of the narrative and the exciting plot are among the qualities of the story that gripped me. You’ll fall in love with Zyla the moment you encounter her. Her voice will awaken your sense of curiosity and pull you in, holding you with its grace, and forcing you to stay connected with her until the very end of the narrative. The psychological as well as the physical levels of the conflict are well explored. This is a tale that both entertains and inspires; it transports readers into the ancient past and makes them witnesses to a spellbinding drama.
Ashes Like Bread: A Biblical Novel of Lamech and His Two Wives by Jean Hoefling is an incredibly imagined Christian fiction tale with a strong anchor in ancient biblical times. A highly recommended rendering of the gift of prophecy and its perils. Set against the backdrop of ancient times, a period of religious intrigue and a time before the great flood, a powerful woman with the gift of seeing into the future is shunned by the elders of the clan. When Zyla prophesies about the impending flood and is exiled, she flees the mountain of Eden with her sister and settles among the descendants of Cain. What will she do to gain significance, to be respected, and where will she stand when the flood finally comes?
Lyrical, evocative, and filled with religious symbolism, Ashes Like Bread is a riveting read. It is told in a language that is atmospheric, rife with mystery and biblical references, deeply moving. The narrative is done in the compelling voice of Zyla and in the first person. It is light in tone, sometimes dark, highly descriptive with deep psychological and emotional levels. We meet Zyla, a character with sophisticated layers and, apart from the human and physical qualities she displays, she has an unfathomable spiritual depth. Even her name has something dark and mysterious about it: “The root of it was akin to an old word for the first shadow ever to fall over Eden on the day the forebears tasted forbidden food and were banished from that shimmering bower of delights.”
The atmospheric writing, the vivid setting, the deep spiritual underpinnings of the narrative and the exciting plot are among the qualities of the story that gripped me. You’ll fall in love with Zyla the moment you encounter her. Her voice will awaken your sense of curiosity and pull you in, holding you with its grace, and forcing you to stay connected with her until the very end of the narrative. The psychological as well as the physical levels of the conflict are well explored. This is a tale that both entertains and inspires; it transports readers into the ancient past and makes them witnesses to a spellbinding drama.
Recommend this book:
Primeval Origins
Rise of Serpents
B.A. Vonsik
2019 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Primeval Origins: Rise of Serpents is a work of action-packed science fiction penned by author B. A. Vonsik, and is the third book in the Primeval Origins Saga. Continuing the exploration of the concept of hidden history, wherein all the myths and legends of humanity once had real origins and actually existed, we once again encounter Nikki, the paleo-archaeology graduate, on her journey to discover the creation of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In this instalment, the exploration turns to the deadly and dangerous snakes of ancient legends: the watchers of humanity who see the corruption and tyranny that is slowly choking the modern world.
Primeval Origins is a conceptually fascinating series which is certain to draw in readers who are interested in the world of mythology and its potential origins in ancient times. On top of this dramatic draw, author B. A. Vonsik writes with an epic atmosphere, calling up old echoing voices with their speeches, proverbs, and warnings as Nikki discovers the frightening reality of the Old Serpents. I found the plot as twisty and dangerous as the snakes themselves, with a well-balanced pace of thoughtful discovery and intense moments of adventure. What results is a superb story told with a cinematic eye for scope and detail, and a leading heroine ready to open her mind to all the possibilities that history has to offer. Overall, Primeval Origins: Rise of the Serpents comes very highly recommended for fantasy, science fiction and mythology fans of all ages.
Primeval Origins: Rise of Serpents is a work of action-packed science fiction penned by author B. A. Vonsik, and is the third book in the Primeval Origins Saga. Continuing the exploration of the concept of hidden history, wherein all the myths and legends of humanity once had real origins and actually existed, we once again encounter Nikki, the paleo-archaeology graduate, on her journey to discover the creation of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In this instalment, the exploration turns to the deadly and dangerous snakes of ancient legends: the watchers of humanity who see the corruption and tyranny that is slowly choking the modern world.
Primeval Origins is a conceptually fascinating series which is certain to draw in readers who are interested in the world of mythology and its potential origins in ancient times. On top of this dramatic draw, author B. A. Vonsik writes with an epic atmosphere, calling up old echoing voices with their speeches, proverbs, and warnings as Nikki discovers the frightening reality of the Old Serpents. I found the plot as twisty and dangerous as the snakes themselves, with a well-balanced pace of thoughtful discovery and intense moments of adventure. What results is a superb story told with a cinematic eye for scope and detail, and a leading heroine ready to open her mind to all the possibilities that history has to offer. Overall, Primeval Origins: Rise of the Serpents comes very highly recommended for fantasy, science fiction and mythology fans of all ages.
Recommend this book:
Devil's Dance
A Nephilim Thriller Book 2
Jeff Altabef
2019 Gold Medal
282 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
Devil's Dance by Jeff Altabef is the second book in his Nephilim Thriller series and features the first person account of Steven, a Nephilim, born of a fallen angel father and a human mother. Steven has chosen to side with the angels in a war against demons, a curious decision as he freely admits enjoying his avocation… killing. Still, an angel promised him redemption for even God needed warriors on his side. In a sleepy tourist town, gruesome murders are occurring and Steven has been asked to help solve the mystery. Somehow, they're connected to the war and an amazing new technology engineered to make people smarter… but does it make them smarter or deadly?
Though part of the Nephilim Thriller series, Jeff Altabef's Devil's Dance is a stand-alone novel that combines action and adventure with aesthetic wordsmith skills equal to the literary masters of our time. "I'm lost in the moment—her eyes are an emerald sea—the sparkle, the life, and the pain she'd endured all swim in the water" is but one example of the expressive prose smoothly integrated into the fast-paced action. Altabef mixes a mystery thriller with a character-set right out of biblical lore, without a hint of religiosity, and makes it work to perfection. The protagonists are easily empathetic and familiar; the villains are exceptionally nasty and abhorrent. Readers of science fiction, fantasy, and action, with references to heaven and hell, will surely find Devil's Dance the first step into a growing love affair with the Nephilim Thriller series and the writing of Jeff Altabef.
Devil's Dance by Jeff Altabef is the second book in his Nephilim Thriller series and features the first person account of Steven, a Nephilim, born of a fallen angel father and a human mother. Steven has chosen to side with the angels in a war against demons, a curious decision as he freely admits enjoying his avocation… killing. Still, an angel promised him redemption for even God needed warriors on his side. In a sleepy tourist town, gruesome murders are occurring and Steven has been asked to help solve the mystery. Somehow, they're connected to the war and an amazing new technology engineered to make people smarter… but does it make them smarter or deadly?
Though part of the Nephilim Thriller series, Jeff Altabef's Devil's Dance is a stand-alone novel that combines action and adventure with aesthetic wordsmith skills equal to the literary masters of our time. "I'm lost in the moment—her eyes are an emerald sea—the sparkle, the life, and the pain she'd endured all swim in the water" is but one example of the expressive prose smoothly integrated into the fast-paced action. Altabef mixes a mystery thriller with a character-set right out of biblical lore, without a hint of religiosity, and makes it work to perfection. The protagonists are easily empathetic and familiar; the villains are exceptionally nasty and abhorrent. Readers of science fiction, fantasy, and action, with references to heaven and hell, will surely find Devil's Dance the first step into a growing love affair with the Nephilim Thriller series and the writing of Jeff Altabef.
Recommend this book:
An Inheritance of Hope
Larissa Self
2018 Finalist
337 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
In Larissa Self’s science fiction novel, An Inheritance of Hope, we are introduced to the inspiring story of a family that finds God in the direst of situations. A deadly virus is already claiming millions of lives, starting in China, and the best scientific minds are at a loss over what to make of it. It has spread to Europe and Australia. When a patient zero from China enters the United States, no one is aware he has released what would become the nation’s worst nightmare. Meet Riley Cooper and her children on their way to a month’s vacation, a trip to Park City. They had planned to have a wonderful time at her parents' place, but then things change dramatically when they reach Saint George. Life is no longer anything like they have always known, and they will have to find ways to survive in a world that is rapidly being torn apart. It is in this context that Riley discovers the powerful love of God and a connection with Him. But can their faith save them in a world cursed by such evil?
The author wastes no time introducing readers to the family, with children who are each gifted with a unique nature and character. For instance, Landon is described as “a pleaser,” and Sara, the youngest, is “the swan among the ducks.” Annie and Bram are also well-developed characters that readers will want to follow. Anderson and Ken and a host of other supporting characters are imbued with humanity. The writing is great and insightful and, as one reads on, there is a philosophy that takes form, the dynamics of faith, and a resilience that defies death. I enjoyed the way the theme of family is explored in this narrative, and how it intersects with religion and God. One of my favourite lines is a statement made by Riley as they contemplate their journey away from the dangerous city: “We’re quite capable at surviving out in the wild. We may look like we’ll die out in the wilderness, but we won’t.” An Inheritance of Hope is beautifully paced, and the reader can feel the sense of urgency at crisis point. The conflict is also introduced right off the bat and developed with unusual skill and intelligence. Larissa Self’s novel is captivating and inspiring. A very compelling read.
In Larissa Self’s science fiction novel, An Inheritance of Hope, we are introduced to the inspiring story of a family that finds God in the direst of situations. A deadly virus is already claiming millions of lives, starting in China, and the best scientific minds are at a loss over what to make of it. It has spread to Europe and Australia. When a patient zero from China enters the United States, no one is aware he has released what would become the nation’s worst nightmare. Meet Riley Cooper and her children on their way to a month’s vacation, a trip to Park City. They had planned to have a wonderful time at her parents' place, but then things change dramatically when they reach Saint George. Life is no longer anything like they have always known, and they will have to find ways to survive in a world that is rapidly being torn apart. It is in this context that Riley discovers the powerful love of God and a connection with Him. But can their faith save them in a world cursed by such evil?
The author wastes no time introducing readers to the family, with children who are each gifted with a unique nature and character. For instance, Landon is described as “a pleaser,” and Sara, the youngest, is “the swan among the ducks.” Annie and Bram are also well-developed characters that readers will want to follow. Anderson and Ken and a host of other supporting characters are imbued with humanity. The writing is great and insightful and, as one reads on, there is a philosophy that takes form, the dynamics of faith, and a resilience that defies death. I enjoyed the way the theme of family is explored in this narrative, and how it intersects with religion and God. One of my favourite lines is a statement made by Riley as they contemplate their journey away from the dangerous city: “We’re quite capable at surviving out in the wild. We may look like we’ll die out in the wilderness, but we won’t.” An Inheritance of Hope is beautifully paced, and the reader can feel the sense of urgency at crisis point. The conflict is also introduced right off the bat and developed with unusual skill and intelligence. Larissa Self’s novel is captivating and inspiring. A very compelling read.
Recommend this book:
The Heights of Perdition
A Science Fiction Romance Series (The Divine Space Pirates Book 1)
C. S. Johnson
2018 Honorable Mention
386 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jessica Jesinghaus for Readers' Favorite
What might become of our civilization after world-wide nuclear war? How might government and humanity react? What would the fallout be? The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson gives us a possible glimpse.
Aerie St. Cloud is a dutiful student, if not a tad willful, but is eager to prove to her family unit and her government that she can be a strong member of the State military. Growing up under the strict tutelage of the State in the underground capital New Hope, Aerie knows she can never ask the questions that tumble through her head. Instead, she must follow orders and become what everyone around her dictates. But when fate finds her inadvertently kidnapped by a notorious space pirate, Exton Shepherd, the opportunity to freely ask her multitude of questions and spread her wings is one she can't give up. Exton, meanwhile, must deal with the unexpected complications presented by the strange young woman and the way she affects his long-quiet heart.
The world created by C.S. Johnson is, eerily, one I had no difficulty picturing should nuclear world war occur. Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. The inner turmoil experienced by both Aerie and Exton were very understandable, and I particularly enjoyed their verbal sparring episodes. With themes of obedience, duty, revenge, forgiveness, love and redemption running throughout, The Heights of Perdition took me on a roller coaster ride and left me eager for the second book in the series.
What might become of our civilization after world-wide nuclear war? How might government and humanity react? What would the fallout be? The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson gives us a possible glimpse.
Aerie St. Cloud is a dutiful student, if not a tad willful, but is eager to prove to her family unit and her government that she can be a strong member of the State military. Growing up under the strict tutelage of the State in the underground capital New Hope, Aerie knows she can never ask the questions that tumble through her head. Instead, she must follow orders and become what everyone around her dictates. But when fate finds her inadvertently kidnapped by a notorious space pirate, Exton Shepherd, the opportunity to freely ask her multitude of questions and spread her wings is one she can't give up. Exton, meanwhile, must deal with the unexpected complications presented by the strange young woman and the way she affects his long-quiet heart.
The world created by C.S. Johnson is, eerily, one I had no difficulty picturing should nuclear world war occur. Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. The inner turmoil experienced by both Aerie and Exton were very understandable, and I particularly enjoyed their verbal sparring episodes. With themes of obedience, duty, revenge, forgiveness, love and redemption running throughout, The Heights of Perdition took me on a roller coaster ride and left me eager for the second book in the series.
Recommend this book:
Grimseeker 1
Book Three of The Dead Path Chronicles
Richard A. Valicek
2018 Bronze Medal
406 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Grimseeker 1 is a darkly paranormal fiction novel by multi-award-winning author Richard A. Valicek, and forms Book Three of The Dead Path Chronicles. This multi-layered, multi-genre novel begins on the planet of Alamptria, a high-concept world where a powerful formation of knights battle against vampires, Goncools and demons beyond belief. We follow the adventures of the knights Petoshine, Caprius, Andromin and Dragus as they travel to foreign climes, dispelling myths and fulfilling prophetic destinies wherever they go. Exciting travelogue aside, a deeper darkness is waiting to be unleashed. The demonic lord Makoor has a plot to release The Grim Seeker to destroy the knights’ home kingdom of Elysium, and this quest might just be a little too big for the terrific trio.
Richard A. Valicek packs an awful lot into this story. I would definitely recommend reading the previous novels in The Dead Path Chronicles, as I felt a little lost being thrown into such a highly detailed world and taking off at breakneck speed into adventure. That said, Grimseeker 1 is a wild ride that I couldn’t predict from paragraph to paragraph, let alone page to page. I felt most drawn to the very noble Andromin of the three knights, but every character in this chronicle felt as though it had been lifted out of mythology and given a lusciously dark new coat of paint. Valicek certainly knows his world and his classical literature influences shine through, mixing the excitement of modern vampiric dramas with old-school world-building and storytelling in the tradition of Tolkien.
Grimseeker 1 is a darkly paranormal fiction novel by multi-award-winning author Richard A. Valicek, and forms Book Three of The Dead Path Chronicles. This multi-layered, multi-genre novel begins on the planet of Alamptria, a high-concept world where a powerful formation of knights battle against vampires, Goncools and demons beyond belief. We follow the adventures of the knights Petoshine, Caprius, Andromin and Dragus as they travel to foreign climes, dispelling myths and fulfilling prophetic destinies wherever they go. Exciting travelogue aside, a deeper darkness is waiting to be unleashed. The demonic lord Makoor has a plot to release The Grim Seeker to destroy the knights’ home kingdom of Elysium, and this quest might just be a little too big for the terrific trio.
Richard A. Valicek packs an awful lot into this story. I would definitely recommend reading the previous novels in The Dead Path Chronicles, as I felt a little lost being thrown into such a highly detailed world and taking off at breakneck speed into adventure. That said, Grimseeker 1 is a wild ride that I couldn’t predict from paragraph to paragraph, let alone page to page. I felt most drawn to the very noble Andromin of the three knights, but every character in this chronicle felt as though it had been lifted out of mythology and given a lusciously dark new coat of paint. Valicek certainly knows his world and his classical literature influences shine through, mixing the excitement of modern vampiric dramas with old-school world-building and storytelling in the tradition of Tolkien.
Recommend this book:
 couple, found a lost orphan girl in Jerusalem and try to save her from the devastated city. From there, they embark on God’s pla...){kind=link}
Seventh Dimension - The Prescience
A Young Adult Fantasy
Lorilyn Roberts
2018 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Seventh Dimension - The Prescience: A Young Adult Fantasy by Lorilyn Roberts is the fifth book in the Seventh Dimension series that has a very unique take on time travel. Daniel and Shale, a recently engaged (betrothed) couple, found a lost orphan girl in Jerusalem and try to save her from the devastated city. From there, they embark on God’s plan and return to the first century and search for Daniel’s father who has gone missing. Finding his father could be the first step in unraveling the mystery of a tragedy that is waiting to happen. However, it is proving to be more dangerous and difficult than both of them ever thought. There are far too many enemies and dangers awaiting them, and all they can do is fight them together. But can they?
With religious themes mixed with coming of age, the novel is definitely very different and the author seems to be in her element here. I enjoyed the time travel, how the two main characters fought the odds together and came out victorious at the end. Although I have not read the previous novels in the series, I still enjoyed it and caught up with the story really quickly. The story was fast paced and entertaining. Right from the beginning, the story gripped my attention. The chemistry between Shale and Daniel was perfect; they respected each other with an intensity and worked together as a team. The element of time travel was spot on; the author ensured that the characters, the dialogues and even the environment were time appropriate. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the novel! A really entertaining coming of age story.
Seventh Dimension - The Prescience: A Young Adult Fantasy by Lorilyn Roberts is the fifth book in the Seventh Dimension series that has a very unique take on time travel. Daniel and Shale, a recently engaged (betrothed) couple, found a lost orphan girl in Jerusalem and try to save her from the devastated city. From there, they embark on God’s plan and return to the first century and search for Daniel’s father who has gone missing. Finding his father could be the first step in unraveling the mystery of a tragedy that is waiting to happen. However, it is proving to be more dangerous and difficult than both of them ever thought. There are far too many enemies and dangers awaiting them, and all they can do is fight them together. But can they?
With religious themes mixed with coming of age, the novel is definitely very different and the author seems to be in her element here. I enjoyed the time travel, how the two main characters fought the odds together and came out victorious at the end. Although I have not read the previous novels in the series, I still enjoyed it and caught up with the story really quickly. The story was fast paced and entertaining. Right from the beginning, the story gripped my attention. The chemistry between Shale and Daniel was perfect; they respected each other with an intensity and worked together as a team. The element of time travel was spot on; the author ensured that the characters, the dialogues and even the environment were time appropriate. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the novel! A really entertaining coming of age story.
Recommend this book:
Exiles
Ilyon Chronicles - Book 4
Jaye L. Knight
2018 Gold Medal
533 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
Exiles is the fourth book in the Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight and even though I hadn’t read any other books in the series, it wasn’t difficult to get into the story. And this is because of the author’s excellent use of backstory. This is an inspiring and historical tale with powerful religious undertones, conflicts between kingdoms, intrigue, and the game of power. The quest to restore King Balan continues after the defeat in Samara. Readers meet a cast of compelling characters from the resistance, poised to bring back the glories of old. The intrigue is developed, with betrayal coming from different corners. We are thrust into a world when kings were kings and when people paid real homage, but it was a turbulent period too, where brother betrayed brother for power.
Characters like Balan, Anne and Prince Daniel take the story to an electrifying level. The conflict between Daniel and his father, the king, got me rooting for this author and it is very interesting how Jaye L. Knight uses this conflict to build minor characters and propel the story forward. The characters are three-dimensional and they force the reader to pay them attention. Exiles is a gritty story of people who have known defeat and who are fighting to restore their kingdom, seeking allies, and standing up against their foes. The setting comes out clearly, and the cultural and social tenets prevalent at the time are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The prose flows gracefully, an offering of a tale that is emotionally rich and deeply satisfying. One of those books not to start if you haven’t much time on your hands.
Exiles is the fourth book in the Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight and even though I hadn’t read any other books in the series, it wasn’t difficult to get into the story. And this is because of the author’s excellent use of backstory. This is an inspiring and historical tale with powerful religious undertones, conflicts between kingdoms, intrigue, and the game of power. The quest to restore King Balan continues after the defeat in Samara. Readers meet a cast of compelling characters from the resistance, poised to bring back the glories of old. The intrigue is developed, with betrayal coming from different corners. We are thrust into a world when kings were kings and when people paid real homage, but it was a turbulent period too, where brother betrayed brother for power.
Characters like Balan, Anne and Prince Daniel take the story to an electrifying level. The conflict between Daniel and his father, the king, got me rooting for this author and it is very interesting how Jaye L. Knight uses this conflict to build minor characters and propel the story forward. The characters are three-dimensional and they force the reader to pay them attention. Exiles is a gritty story of people who have known defeat and who are fighting to restore their kingdom, seeking allies, and standing up against their foes. The setting comes out clearly, and the cultural and social tenets prevalent at the time are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The prose flows gracefully, an offering of a tale that is emotionally rich and deeply satisfying. One of those books not to start if you haven’t much time on your hands.
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