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The Retrievers
A race of miniature humans called to a faith of tremendous size. When the royal family of the Roden tribe of Minatchi vanishes without a trace, only Delia is left to wear the crown. Deaf since the age of three the princess prepares for a difficult reign, only to watch as her coronation day is turned into one of catastrophe. When the tribe of Minatchi disappears like their royals before, Fetch - a Bengal Retriever - faces a choice that will confront everything he knows and force him to evaluate a faith he never truly embraced. When matters quickly escalate beyond their control, the joined forces of a few will be stretched beyond their limitations, tribal loyalties, and even the border of the valley they call home. What lies beyond is more than a land of giants and untested danger...Destiny awaits the called.
- GenresFantasy
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2020
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Sager
16Ìýbooks144ÌýfollowersNicole Sager is an avid reader and coffee drinker who enjoys writing Inspirational Fantasy set in a medieval-like era.
"I hope my books will encourage families to read together. If read by children, I hope the books broaden your vocabulary just a bit and introduce you to a life of endless possibilities in Christ. If read by adults, I hope you're inspired and encouraged to deepen your relationship with our Savior.
In writing each book, I pray that it will bring honor and glory to God, and that He will use it as a tool to bring at least one person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for stopping by!"
Favorite Authors: Joanna Davidson Politano, Lori Benton, Kristy Cambron, MaryAnn Minatra.
"I hope my books will encourage families to read together. If read by children, I hope the books broaden your vocabulary just a bit and introduce you to a life of endless possibilities in Christ. If read by adults, I hope you're inspired and encouraged to deepen your relationship with our Savior.
In writing each book, I pray that it will bring honor and glory to God, and that He will use it as a tool to bring at least one person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for stopping by!"
Favorite Authors: Joanna Davidson Politano, Lori Benton, Kristy Cambron, MaryAnn Minatra.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 20, 2021
So, I have to admit that I was a little uncertain going into this one. The one thing I tend to stay away from in non-magical fantasy is the idea of different "races," just because it tends to feel weird to me, and my brain can't keep up with all the mental gymnastics involved in restructuring the world to that degree. But I really enjoyed Nicole Sager's Arcrea books, so I decided to give this one a try. And I'm honestly glad I did. :)
On the topic that was of most concern to me, I really appreciated that the Roden were never portrayed as anything other than human--just a "race" of humans whose most distinctive difference was their tiny size. I didn't have to struggle quite so much mentally to accept their very existence or wrestle with theological underpinnings because they weren't a separate species unto themselves--they were humans, just smaller. That said, I didn't completely overcome the unsettled feeling that I usually get when trying to work a totally new concept like this into my understanding of the world, but I also didn't feel any qualms of conscience that I might be pushing my boundaries too far. So take from that what you will... The only other issue I had with the Roden world in general is that I'm really bad with numbers and measurements, so I had a tough time imagining the sizes of everything and had a tendency to think of things and people as smaller than they were. I loved the bit in the back where the author mentioned that the average Roden was about the size of an 8-inch book--now that's a comparison I can see! If I could have made that connection before I started reading, it would probably have really helped. :D I also had a tendency to shrink down the size of things like trees or hills or raindrops, forgetting that the natural part of their world had not conformed itself to Roden sizes, so even though the author was great at describing things in a way that reminded me, I still had to yank myself back into the correct mindset at various times. But that's completely on me and my limited imagination when it comes to fantasy-ish worlds. ;)
So, okay, on to the characters! The idea of having the heroine deaf in a society that didn't know how to deal with it was a really great concept and added some great challenges and twists. Delia herself was a lovable character, and I enjoyed her journey from sheltered princess to capable leader--especially since all the changes didn't make her less feminine or change her care for the people around her. Fetch was a bit more complicated--or at least, my reaction to him was. :) He was the kind of person where you knew he was making wrong choices but still couldn't help liking him overall and rooting for him to learn his lesson and put his talents to use for good. And the relationship between him and Nel--I have no words for how much I adored it. <3<3<3 Tons of other great characters as well, and none of them really felt stock or flat. The peek we got into a portion of the regular human world hurt my heart, and I'm really hoping for future redemption for some of those characters, even if we just caught glimpses of them. 3
As to plot, I started to put together some of the pieces early on and had figured out large pieces (although not quite all) of what was really going on before the characters got close. But since the mystery of what was happening wasn't as important to the story as how they were ever going to stop it, that didn't affect my enjoyment in the least. And I loved the way the author worked with the idea of the Retrievers--making it an accepted part of the culture but still not condoning the aspects of their actions (or their work in general) that were clearly wrong. She really made me feel along with the characters in some of their moral dilemmas: How do you choose to do right when you know others will be hurt by your choice? But as understandable as their struggles were, she never shied away from the truth, and the Christian message was woven in in a way that was both natural and powerful. <3
Overall, in spite of my initial misgivings and continued readjustments as I tried to acclimate to the world, I enjoyed this book a lot and definitely plan to continue the series. :)
Content--numerous instances of stealing (addressed); battles, wounds, and blood (not graphic); people threatened; animal attacks and deaths;
On the topic that was of most concern to me, I really appreciated that the Roden were never portrayed as anything other than human--just a "race" of humans whose most distinctive difference was their tiny size. I didn't have to struggle quite so much mentally to accept their very existence or wrestle with theological underpinnings because they weren't a separate species unto themselves--they were humans, just smaller. That said, I didn't completely overcome the unsettled feeling that I usually get when trying to work a totally new concept like this into my understanding of the world, but I also didn't feel any qualms of conscience that I might be pushing my boundaries too far. So take from that what you will... The only other issue I had with the Roden world in general is that I'm really bad with numbers and measurements, so I had a tough time imagining the sizes of everything and had a tendency to think of things and people as smaller than they were. I loved the bit in the back where the author mentioned that the average Roden was about the size of an 8-inch book--now that's a comparison I can see! If I could have made that connection before I started reading, it would probably have really helped. :D I also had a tendency to shrink down the size of things like trees or hills or raindrops, forgetting that the natural part of their world had not conformed itself to Roden sizes, so even though the author was great at describing things in a way that reminded me, I still had to yank myself back into the correct mindset at various times. But that's completely on me and my limited imagination when it comes to fantasy-ish worlds. ;)
So, okay, on to the characters! The idea of having the heroine deaf in a society that didn't know how to deal with it was a really great concept and added some great challenges and twists. Delia herself was a lovable character, and I enjoyed her journey from sheltered princess to capable leader--especially since all the changes didn't make her less feminine or change her care for the people around her. Fetch was a bit more complicated--or at least, my reaction to him was. :) He was the kind of person where you knew he was making wrong choices but still couldn't help liking him overall and rooting for him to learn his lesson and put his talents to use for good. And the relationship between him and Nel--I have no words for how much I adored it. <3<3<3 Tons of other great characters as well, and none of them really felt stock or flat. The peek we got into a portion of the regular human world hurt my heart, and I'm really hoping for future redemption for some of those characters, even if we just caught glimpses of them. 3
As to plot, I started to put together some of the pieces early on and had figured out large pieces (although not quite all) of what was really going on before the characters got close. But since the mystery of what was happening wasn't as important to the story as how they were ever going to stop it, that didn't affect my enjoyment in the least. And I loved the way the author worked with the idea of the Retrievers--making it an accepted part of the culture but still not condoning the aspects of their actions (or their work in general) that were clearly wrong. She really made me feel along with the characters in some of their moral dilemmas: How do you choose to do right when you know others will be hurt by your choice? But as understandable as their struggles were, she never shied away from the truth, and the Christian message was woven in in a way that was both natural and powerful. <3
Overall, in spite of my initial misgivings and continued readjustments as I tried to acclimate to the world, I enjoyed this book a lot and definitely plan to continue the series. :)
Content--numerous instances of stealing (addressed); battles, wounds, and blood (not graphic); people threatened; animal attacks and deaths;
June 13, 2020
This book presented a number of new challenges for me - building a new world and social system from the ground up (and seeing it from a height of 8 inches), writing a character in first person, that character being deaf, having a hero who is ultimately a thief... I was constantly amazed to see the Lord working through the process when I felt like I was inferior to the task. I hope this book encourages you to spread your wings of faith and take flight!
November 26, 2023
2023 reread: Scott and I listened through the audiobook. If anything I enjoyed it more this time through. Scott loved it.
Age Appropriate For: 14 and up for mild violence and mild scary scenes
Best for Ages: 14 � 25
When I saw one of my favorite authors had realized a new book, just before my birthday, I was so excited. I went and bought it right away. I’m so glad I did. It was worth every penny.
While almost of Sagar’s other books are in the same fictional world (she writes non-magical fantasy). This is a new world with a new race of people � people who only stand on average eight to nine inches tall.
As someone who was fascinated by the idea of tiny people when I was a kid, I ate this story up. Unlike the few books and movies I had seen/read on the subject that was a little creepy, this story was full of fun, adventure, and great morals. Sager took this very fun idea and used it not only to tell a great story but also teach some great lessons.
The story itself had so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to not only know what was going to happen next but also to see if the various characters would realize their God-given potential.
As with Sager’s other books, the gospel and faith were not changed, even though it is a fantasy world. It’s one of the things that keeps me coming back.
I loved both the main characters. Fetch is a likable roughish character who I cheered for and hoped he would learn a lesson. Delia was just the best. She is deaf and goes through a lot of hard stuff and grand adventures. Her faith was the best and I loved seeing her grow into maturity.
I could go on and on about this story. I love it so much! But I’ll just end this review by saying you need to read it!
I highly recommend this book for those who love kingdom (non-magical) fantasy, adventure stories, and books that have a solid spiritual foundation.
Age Appropriate For: 14 and up for mild violence and mild scary scenes
Best for Ages: 14 � 25
When I saw one of my favorite authors had realized a new book, just before my birthday, I was so excited. I went and bought it right away. I’m so glad I did. It was worth every penny.
While almost of Sagar’s other books are in the same fictional world (she writes non-magical fantasy). This is a new world with a new race of people � people who only stand on average eight to nine inches tall.
As someone who was fascinated by the idea of tiny people when I was a kid, I ate this story up. Unlike the few books and movies I had seen/read on the subject that was a little creepy, this story was full of fun, adventure, and great morals. Sager took this very fun idea and used it not only to tell a great story but also teach some great lessons.
The story itself had so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to not only know what was going to happen next but also to see if the various characters would realize their God-given potential.
As with Sager’s other books, the gospel and faith were not changed, even though it is a fantasy world. It’s one of the things that keeps me coming back.
I loved both the main characters. Fetch is a likable roughish character who I cheered for and hoped he would learn a lesson. Delia was just the best. She is deaf and goes through a lot of hard stuff and grand adventures. Her faith was the best and I loved seeing her grow into maturity.
I could go on and on about this story. I love it so much! But I’ll just end this review by saying you need to read it!
I highly recommend this book for those who love kingdom (non-magical) fantasy, adventure stories, and books that have a solid spiritual foundation.
September 11, 2020
It's been a while since I read this, so I'll do a proper review when I re-read it. But I wanted to say this book was amazing. The characters were amazing, and I was pulled into their world from the first page. It was done so well and was one of the first books with a concept so foreign (8-inch people) that was actually easy for me to keep straight in my head. The Christian themes were fantastic.
I look forward to more in this series!
I look forward to more in this series!
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July 9, 2020The Retrievers: Valley of The Roden by Nicole Sager was a heartfelt adventure about faith, friendship, and learning how to become who The Creator made you to be.
Upon reading the first chapter of this non-magical fantasy novel, my initial thought was that the story was reminiscent of The Borrowers by Mary Norton. The book revolved around little people known as Roden, of whom only grew to be 8� tall. Sager’s main stars were an orphan deaf princess, a thief who struggled to understand the difference between being crafty and being wise, and a former royal who was forced into the bondage of the black market.
In my honest opinion, The Retrievers could easily transition into an animated TV show, one that both young and old could enjoy.
Sager’s writing was very, VERY clean, which I appreciated while reading, and her faith content was a breath of crisp air. I loved how all of the characters were at differing stages in their walks with God, and that their unique paces both encouraged and exhorted one another.
The style of this book was also extremely interesting. With the female protagonist, Delia, being deaf, her part of the story was shown through first person. Fetch, or Gavin, the Roden retriever, his piece of the tale was told through third person along with Philipp, the other male main character. I typically don’t like alternating POV’s within separate styles, but for Sager’s story, it really fit.
Though the overall pacing of this novel was slow, the book wasn’t boring in the least. I typically read relatively fast, but with The Retrievers I took my time soaking in the fresh new literary world and the cast of fascinating individuals.
Out of all the characters, Delia was my personal favorite (though Fetch/Gavin was a close second). It’s incredibly rare to find MC's that are deaf, and I was thoroughly pleased to experience Delia’s journey from believing to be and being treated as incompetent, to blossoming into a leader who’s courage inspired many to also take great leaps of faith.
Overall, Nicole Sager’s The Retrievers: Valley of The Roden was a sweet, well-written novel and would be perfect for anyone looking for a clean, non-magical fantasy with a dash of faith and a daring chronicle that teaches both character and reader alike to spread their wings and fly.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Upon reading the first chapter of this non-magical fantasy novel, my initial thought was that the story was reminiscent of The Borrowers by Mary Norton. The book revolved around little people known as Roden, of whom only grew to be 8� tall. Sager’s main stars were an orphan deaf princess, a thief who struggled to understand the difference between being crafty and being wise, and a former royal who was forced into the bondage of the black market.
In my honest opinion, The Retrievers could easily transition into an animated TV show, one that both young and old could enjoy.
Sager’s writing was very, VERY clean, which I appreciated while reading, and her faith content was a breath of crisp air. I loved how all of the characters were at differing stages in their walks with God, and that their unique paces both encouraged and exhorted one another.
The style of this book was also extremely interesting. With the female protagonist, Delia, being deaf, her part of the story was shown through first person. Fetch, or Gavin, the Roden retriever, his piece of the tale was told through third person along with Philipp, the other male main character. I typically don’t like alternating POV’s within separate styles, but for Sager’s story, it really fit.
Though the overall pacing of this novel was slow, the book wasn’t boring in the least. I typically read relatively fast, but with The Retrievers I took my time soaking in the fresh new literary world and the cast of fascinating individuals.
Out of all the characters, Delia was my personal favorite (though Fetch/Gavin was a close second). It’s incredibly rare to find MC's that are deaf, and I was thoroughly pleased to experience Delia’s journey from believing to be and being treated as incompetent, to blossoming into a leader who’s courage inspired many to also take great leaps of faith.
Overall, Nicole Sager’s The Retrievers: Valley of The Roden was a sweet, well-written novel and would be perfect for anyone looking for a clean, non-magical fantasy with a dash of faith and a daring chronicle that teaches both character and reader alike to spread their wings and fly.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 26, 2022
Deliah is a princess, she's also deaf and been locked in a castle for her whole life. She is in stark contrast to Fetch and Nel, two wild retrievers. So when she finds herself reeling from a painful betrayal and thrown in with them, she isn't too happy. But perhaps there is a bigger plan. For more than meets the eye is going on.
Reasons I liked this:
It's clean
It's such a cool concept.
The characters are super cool and likeable.
Reasons I didn't like this:
It was confusing at times.
The ending was a bit of a let-down. I just felt like it could have been quite a bit more epic.
Overall it was a good, but not amazing book. If you're bored and want a clean fantasy check this out though!
Reasons I liked this:
It's clean
It's such a cool concept.
The characters are super cool and likeable.
Reasons I didn't like this:
It was confusing at times.
The ending was a bit of a let-down. I just felt like it could have been quite a bit more epic.
Overall it was a good, but not amazing book. If you're bored and want a clean fantasy check this out though!
June 30, 2022
awesome writer
Nicole keeps you interested with her wonderful writing style. The twists and turns kept me engaged. I would recommend this book to teens and up.
Nicole keeps you interested with her wonderful writing style. The twists and turns kept me engaged. I would recommend this book to teens and up.
May 11, 2024
Surprisingly I found this a very good book to read� I had my doubts, but I did enjoy the story and the characters� recommended read�
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