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Recommend this book:
Seed
Judgment - Science Fantasy of Biblical Proportions.
Joshua David
2020 Honorable Mention
324 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Seed: Judgment is a work of fiction in the science fiction, fantasy, and Christian sub-genres, and was penned by author Joshua David. In this opening book to a continuing series, we find ourselves in a desolate world that has been torn apart by a war with a cosmic demon. We meet protagonist Sal, who mans one of the final outposts left on Earth where few survivors remain, and embark with him on a covert mission to find a special target in the wasteland. Believing deeply that his target holds the spirit to rid his world of darkness, Sal begins an epic quest against the conquerors to see if the prophecy holds true.
Author Joshua David has crafted a truly epic tale that lives up to its grand opening and sensational concept. From the off, the worldbuilding is convincing, atmospheric, and immersive, an essential for any fantasy setting. The post-apocalyptic land we find ourselves in seems hopeless, which makes it all the more exciting when little rays of light begin to shine through the darkness. It is a truly emotional journey, one empowered all the more by its Christian themes, and one which makes us root for the characters despite the odds stacked against them. Sal is a well-developed protagonist with a clear family history, legacy, and something to prove to the world. I really enjoyed his battle against the alien oppressors, and what it represents in the wider themes. Overall, I would certainly recommend Seed: Judgment to fans of science fiction and dystopian fantasy everywhere.
Seed: Judgment is a work of fiction in the science fiction, fantasy, and Christian sub-genres, and was penned by author Joshua David. In this opening book to a continuing series, we find ourselves in a desolate world that has been torn apart by a war with a cosmic demon. We meet protagonist Sal, who mans one of the final outposts left on Earth where few survivors remain, and embark with him on a covert mission to find a special target in the wasteland. Believing deeply that his target holds the spirit to rid his world of darkness, Sal begins an epic quest against the conquerors to see if the prophecy holds true.
Author Joshua David has crafted a truly epic tale that lives up to its grand opening and sensational concept. From the off, the worldbuilding is convincing, atmospheric, and immersive, an essential for any fantasy setting. The post-apocalyptic land we find ourselves in seems hopeless, which makes it all the more exciting when little rays of light begin to shine through the darkness. It is a truly emotional journey, one empowered all the more by its Christian themes, and one which makes us root for the characters despite the odds stacked against them. Sal is a well-developed protagonist with a clear family history, legacy, and something to prove to the world. I really enjoyed his battle against the alien oppressors, and what it represents in the wider themes. Overall, I would certainly recommend Seed: Judgment to fans of science fiction and dystopian fantasy everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart. Abridged Edition
Part I of The Windflower Saga Trilogy
Aleksandra Layland
2020 Bronze Medal
268 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
Ansgar - The Struggle of a People, The Triumph of the Heart is written by Aleksandra Layland. Over a century after explorers conquered and settled in Kimbria, King Bogumil finally managed to unite all its regions, appointing each of his sons a leader of one of the four regions. Ansgar, the king's youngest son, was given the Southlands where the Kimbrii, the indigenous people, now resided under very unfair colonial laws. Ansgar had never met the Kimbrii but he was keen to find them. He did not expect his first journey to the Southlands to be an easy one but it was much more challenging than he could have imagined. It was while on this quest that he woke from his second near-death accident to find himself staring into the face that he could only describe as that of an angel. This accidental meeting started a union between two people so different and yet so alike, with its effects spiraling far beyond the two of them.
Ansgar by Aleksandra Layland is a beautiful story with a heartwarming sense of love, family, and community. Although set in an unknown place and time, it carries an important message on many issues that our society still struggles with. It delivers a message about race and social injustices and a hopeful reminder that love conquers all. It also shows us the true meaning of civilization; beyond power and status. I absolutely loved this story and as Ansgar began to learn and understand the ways and traditions of the Kimbrii so did I; falling completely in love with the beauty and simplicity of their ways. Aleksandra Layland did an amazing job bringing this incredible tale to life.
Ansgar - The Struggle of a People, The Triumph of the Heart is written by Aleksandra Layland. Over a century after explorers conquered and settled in Kimbria, King Bogumil finally managed to unite all its regions, appointing each of his sons a leader of one of the four regions. Ansgar, the king's youngest son, was given the Southlands where the Kimbrii, the indigenous people, now resided under very unfair colonial laws. Ansgar had never met the Kimbrii but he was keen to find them. He did not expect his first journey to the Southlands to be an easy one but it was much more challenging than he could have imagined. It was while on this quest that he woke from his second near-death accident to find himself staring into the face that he could only describe as that of an angel. This accidental meeting started a union between two people so different and yet so alike, with its effects spiraling far beyond the two of them.
Ansgar by Aleksandra Layland is a beautiful story with a heartwarming sense of love, family, and community. Although set in an unknown place and time, it carries an important message on many issues that our society still struggles with. It delivers a message about race and social injustices and a hopeful reminder that love conquers all. It also shows us the true meaning of civilization; beyond power and status. I absolutely loved this story and as Ansgar began to learn and understand the ways and traditions of the Kimbrii so did I; falling completely in love with the beauty and simplicity of their ways. Aleksandra Layland did an amazing job bringing this incredible tale to life.
Recommend this book:
Stolen Shroud
Daniel Westlund
2020 Silver Medal
333 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
Stolen Shroud by Daniel Westlund is a fast-paced thriller with Christian and science fiction overtones. As the book’s title promises, the story is about the stealing of the famous Shroud of Turin that many believe to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ. An average guy named Mark is the sole witness to the stealing of the shroud. He and a beautiful reporter named Cora try to recover the shroud but it isn’t long before they end up in all kinds of trouble at the hands of some very powerful people. The story is told by alternating scenes from the modern-day effort to recover the shroud to flashbacks that reveal how Mark, Cora, and a few other key characters got mixed up in the whole circus of events.
The Stolen Shroud works extremely well on several levels. I’ve never been a big fan of flashbacks in a story, especially when they are used as extensively as they are in Stolen Shroud. However, Daniel Westlund is a master at making each scene from the past interesting enough to stand on its own. As the book goes on, the flashbacks build on each other and add a crucial understanding of the present-day story. I was also thrilled to see the Christian faith of the main character handled with such honesty and truth. The shroud, after all, is a relic that potentially has great meaning for Christians. It seemed natural to me when the main characters grappled with what it all means. The discussions between Mark and the non-believing Cora surrounding the validity of Christianity were interesting and real, and never felt tacked on to support one side or the other. I also liked the addition of some science fiction elements that helped to keep the story fun and unpredictable. Stolen Shroud will appeal to Christian readers and atheists, shroud believers, and shroud doubters. I found it to be a solid thriller with strong characters and a wild and crazy plot. I highly recommend Stolen Shroud.
Stolen Shroud by Daniel Westlund is a fast-paced thriller with Christian and science fiction overtones. As the book’s title promises, the story is about the stealing of the famous Shroud of Turin that many believe to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ. An average guy named Mark is the sole witness to the stealing of the shroud. He and a beautiful reporter named Cora try to recover the shroud but it isn’t long before they end up in all kinds of trouble at the hands of some very powerful people. The story is told by alternating scenes from the modern-day effort to recover the shroud to flashbacks that reveal how Mark, Cora, and a few other key characters got mixed up in the whole circus of events.
The Stolen Shroud works extremely well on several levels. I’ve never been a big fan of flashbacks in a story, especially when they are used as extensively as they are in Stolen Shroud. However, Daniel Westlund is a master at making each scene from the past interesting enough to stand on its own. As the book goes on, the flashbacks build on each other and add a crucial understanding of the present-day story. I was also thrilled to see the Christian faith of the main character handled with such honesty and truth. The shroud, after all, is a relic that potentially has great meaning for Christians. It seemed natural to me when the main characters grappled with what it all means. The discussions between Mark and the non-believing Cora surrounding the validity of Christianity were interesting and real, and never felt tacked on to support one side or the other. I also liked the addition of some science fiction elements that helped to keep the story fun and unpredictable. Stolen Shroud will appeal to Christian readers and atheists, shroud believers, and shroud doubters. I found it to be a solid thriller with strong characters and a wild and crazy plot. I highly recommend Stolen Shroud.
Recommend this book:
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
Ellen C Maze
2020 Gold Medal
292 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C Maze is perhaps the only original novel I have come across after reading the Harry Potter series. The thrill, the mystery and the suspense of the chase had my heart racing and wanting more. I enjoyed how Beth is hard-headed enough to stand her ground but intelligent enough to know when she should run away. The story itself is brilliantly constructed and developed, which kept my attention and had me literally begging for more.
This is the story of Beth Rider, an author who struck gold when her vampire novel reached number one. She was happy, even ecstatic, but during one fateful book signing event, she comes across a stranger who threatens her. Now she finds herself the target of an ancient vampiric race called the Rakum who will not stop until they get their hands on her and kill her. It is literally a race against time and a race for her life. If she slows down, she will die, but how far can she run?
The story is absolutely genius. I was literally biting my nails and wanting to know what would happen next. I was rooting for Beth and needed her to survive this race against time. She is the perfect protagonist. She is humble, intelligent, headstrong and simply a genuine person that I could meet in real life. This made me relate to her and enjoy reading about her even more. Her growth was tremendous, which added more to the story. I loved it!
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C Maze is perhaps the only original novel I have come across after reading the Harry Potter series. The thrill, the mystery and the suspense of the chase had my heart racing and wanting more. I enjoyed how Beth is hard-headed enough to stand her ground but intelligent enough to know when she should run away. The story itself is brilliantly constructed and developed, which kept my attention and had me literally begging for more.
This is the story of Beth Rider, an author who struck gold when her vampire novel reached number one. She was happy, even ecstatic, but during one fateful book signing event, she comes across a stranger who threatens her. Now she finds herself the target of an ancient vampiric race called the Rakum who will not stop until they get their hands on her and kill her. It is literally a race against time and a race for her life. If she slows down, she will die, but how far can she run?
The story is absolutely genius. I was literally biting my nails and wanting to know what would happen next. I was rooting for Beth and needed her to survive this race against time. She is the perfect protagonist. She is humble, intelligent, headstrong and simply a genuine person that I could meet in real life. This made me relate to her and enjoy reading about her even more. Her growth was tremendous, which added more to the story. I loved it!
Recommend this book:
Fraught
DarkTrench Shadow Volume 2
Kerry Nietz
2019 Finalist
395 Pages
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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
328 Pages
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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:
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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