The writing style was rich and beautiful, but there was a lot of profanity and adult content. If I return to this book later—anDNF'd a little ways in.
The writing style was rich and beautiful, but there was a lot of profanity and adult content. If I return to this book later—and that's a big if , I'll update with further content warnings and thoughts. ;)...more
"I touch the page, and either I'm losing my mind, or she lost hers, because whatever grit dwelled within her, some must linger because I want to rise "I touch the page, and either I'm losing my mind, or she lost hers, because whatever grit dwelled within her, some must linger because I want to rise. I want to stand and tell this life that it will not defeat me.� ~Johnny, Page 125
This book is a masterpiece.
With beautiful prose, Bischof narrates a modern and historical tale, a reminder in the darkest of nights that there is hope because God is faithful—a message that I'm sure resonates with so many of us. I know it did for me.
While I don't read much adult historical fiction, or Christian fiction—I mainly read YA—I was able to immediately sympathize with the characters and their struggles. The way Bischof was able to weave their backstories and immense tragedies they both had gone through in a way that felt natural and flowed with the plot takes skill. I especially love how vivid all the characters were.
In many ways, this book was very character-driven. Unlike most historical fictions, THE GOLD IN THESE HILLS didn't have anything huge going on setting-wise. There were no explosions or bandits. Instead, this book had a very leisurely feel to it, strongly centering on the main characters and their journeys while not shying from the difficulties in life. But through the awful things that happened to these characters and the pain, they learn that God is always faithful. That there is always light on the other end of the tunnel. This message almost made me tear up at multiple parts in the story, it was so good.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was how it wasn't really centered on romance. There were two married couples in the historical setting, and a couple in the modern setting, but it was very well done, and the romance was more open-ended. All we know is that it ended with them being friends, with a hint of something more. And honestly, that's good enough for me. :P
So in all, I thoroughly enjoyed THE GOLD IN THESE HILLS, and because it's completely clean, I'd feel comfortable handing this to mature readers 12+.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review. All opinions are my own. Special thanks to the lovely author and publisher for providing me with a copy!*...more
Very thought-provoking and short. This book gave me a bit more empathy and understanding for children with disabilities. While there were some believaVery thought-provoking and short. This book gave me a bit more empathy and understanding for children with disabilities. While there were some believability aspects and characters I felt could have been more developed, overall, I enjoyed this read. Would recommend it to anyone ages 7+....more
A sweet YA contemporary romance that delves into family relationships and disabilities, as well as the themes of hope, courage, and perseverance.
In sA sweet YA contemporary romance that delves into family relationships and disabilities, as well as the themes of hope, courage, and perseverance.
In some ways, 100 DAYS OF SUNLIGHT is like a little droplet of sunlight capsulized in words. A fluffy story with themes lacing deep beneath the surface. It's a story of first love, but also not. It's a story about appreciating life and discovering what defines you.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with brokenness. Anyone who is struggling to discover what defines you, whether you have a disability or not. Because this book will show, slowly and gradually, that your brokenness does not define you. You HAVE brokenness. But you are not broken beyond repair. You are not broken beyond salvation.
Despite some parts I didn't exactly prefer (like how the romance didn't contribute much to the plot, the main character, the Christianity that confused me), this message is powerful. This message is for everyone.
I went into it expecting a story about loneliness and lots of romance. It had a lot of really cool elements—the MCThis book was ... quite interesting.
I went into it expecting a story about loneliness and lots of romance. It had a lot of really cool elements—the MC was born in space, realistic but yet not realistic worldbuilding, and a spaceship I wish I could live on. The writing style flowed well and Romy was ... semi-sympathetic (to me, at least).
But if only I had read the reviews earlier, I wouldn't have been as surprised about the content. It was about 3/4 into the way of the book that this took a terrifying thriller turn and never recovered.
Thoughts on the villain/twist (major spoilers ahead): (view spoiler)[ I love villains that are bad, but also sympathetic and HUMAN.
And J wasn't one of them. In the way that he didn't have any clear motives except to get revenge, which to me is just so cliche. I wish he was more HUMAN. I wish we were able to sympathize with him—and I did feel like there was some potential there with his backstory—but I guess that's kind of impossible if he was just running around chasing the MC with a knife all. the. time. Also the fact that he is just such a creep and was psychologicaly torturing Romy and then making her fall in love with him at the same time?? Definitely unsympathetic.
Which just made me so annoyed with Romy for being so naive, but hey, she's born in space ... so maybe that's realistic? I don't know. (hide spoiler)]
In all honesty, I didn't really like the twist. Yes, the author DEFINITELY surprised me, but I didn't really like it. It also completely flipped the genre from light sci-fi romance to creepy thriller. I also felt like the twist was definitely unexpected and could've happened earlier in the novel, to allow more room for proper closure at the end.
There was also some questionable content that was not only unnecessary but also uncomfortable. Now I know the author isn't a Christian, which is probably why I had issues with some of the content. There were some genuinely unbiblical things that were portrayed as good and inserted almost casually. Which I'm sure is more common in secular YA, but it STILL didn't sit right with me.
Overall, my thoughts are all over the place. I'm not even sure HOW to rate this book because of the content and how obviously secular it is, so I'll just leave it blank for now. But if you like creepy thrillers with a killer twist set in space and don't mind some questionable content, I guess you could read this? ...more
A summery middle-grade book for fans of Libraries, codes, and puzzles that's slightly reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. While I'm not A summery middle-grade book for fans of Libraries, codes, and puzzles that's slightly reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. While I'm not a fan of every aspect of the story—mainly some of the characters—it's a fast-paced read that I really enjoyed growing up....more
While this book had an intriguing premise and many quote-worthy lines, the characters weren't my favorite and there was a bit too much adult content fWhile this book had an intriguing premise and many quote-worthy lines, the characters weren't my favorite and there was a bit too much adult content for my taste. So if you are considering reading this book, be warned ... there is a lot of sensual content (including attempted rape), and profanity (frequent f-bombs)....more
*Disclaimer: I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review. All opinions are my own.*
Anddd ... Amanda Dykes delivers yet ag *Disclaimer: I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review. All opinions are my own.*
Anddd ... Amanda Dykes delivers yet again. Books like these are the reason why she's my favorite historical fiction author. ;)
YOURS IS THE NIGHT is filled to the brim with all her usual specialties—beautiful prose that lends an otherworldly feel to ordinary places, deep characters with relatable personal journeys, God-honoring romance, and the signature bit of humor thrown into the mix. = A masterpiece.
It took a bit for me to get into this book—I was slightly confused, which may have to do with the fact that I read it on the computer—but around the halfway mark, I was intrigued. So, in all, so glad I read all the way through.
The characters were definitely original—George was one of my absolute favorites. And Matthew. I really enjoyed how all the side characters weren't just cookie-cutter stereotypes—they were real, with areas to grow in throughout the story. I especially sympathized with Henry and how he had to learn to stop trying to be someone he wasn't and be honest no matter the costs.
So in all, another solid, beautiful read from Dykes. ...more
I've been curious about this book for a while, and while it wasn't my favorite, there were some generally humorous scenes that made me laugh out loud.I've been curious about this book for a while, and while it wasn't my favorite, there were some generally humorous scenes that made me laugh out loud. There's nothing quite like a lighthearted contemporary middle-grade novel that's been around for a while.
The main problem I had with this book is the mystery was. so. confusing. By confusing I mean that long after reading this book, I still am confused. :P The whole book felt contemporary, but apparently it had to do with time travel? *confusedly sips tea*
Anyway. I may be re-reading this again to see if my very confused brain makes sense of this one, but I do have to give this book three stars for the fact that this story is quite unique and doesn't fit into the overused (in my opinion) "depressed-middle-schooler-copes-with-grief-and/or-death-while-her-parents-divorce" trope. ...more
First thoughts after finishing: WOW, was that good.
I launched fantasy month (for me, at least) with this read, and while I was skeptical, it turned First thoughts after finishing: WOW, was that good.
I launched fantasy month (for me, at least) with this read, and while I was skeptical, it turned out to be so beautiful. Guys, I think I literally just found a new favorite fantasy author. ...more
This book has such an intriguing premise. As one who doesn't read much sci-fi or books featuring a parallel universe, I was pleasantly surprised at hoThis book has such an intriguing premise. As one who doesn't read much sci-fi or books featuring a parallel universe, I was pleasantly surprised at how much this book drew me in. Despite the fact that I couldn't really relate to the main character, the world that Prosek built - a unique blend of sci-fi and dystopian - intrigued me and kept me going.
However, I found the writing style pretty hard to get into. For one, while the story is definitely fast-paced, the writing style made me feel like I was someone watching on the sidelines rather than actually experiencing the action. As a result, I didn't really FEEL any of the characters' emotions, which is slightly problematic because the emotions led a lot of the story - from Serenity's desperation at saving her family to her love for Shawn. I may be a heartless little bundle of angst, but reading some of the reviews, I found I'm not the only one who thinks this.
But overall, this is an intriguing story in a dynamic world with a mature main character. If you like that type of thing, I'd recommend this book as a clean and adventurous story....more
Daylight is a story filled with potent beauty and sunlight. A story that doesn’t shy from the horrors of 9/11, but yet gives hope to the aftermath of Daylight is a story filled with potent beauty and sunlight. A story that doesn’t shy from the horrors of 9/11, but yet gives hope to the aftermath of anything terrible, a distant reminder that there is always hope. A reminder that we can rise from our ashes and embrace every sunrise God has given us.
Johnson twists together beautiful prose, and potent imagery to create a story that, while short, is enough to pack a solid punch and remain in the confines of your mind for moments long after that. It’s a story featuring characters who have such depth, even though it’s only hinted at.
In other words, this short story is beautiful and deep. And sad too, but that’s to be expected. In this short story, Johnson gives us developed characters that feel both memorable and realistic.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a clean, quick read that takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, seeped in beautiful prose and strong Christian themes.
Content warnings: Mentions of an abusive father, mentions of 9/11, not super detailed description of wounds, romantic attraction...more
I was pleasantly surprised with HUSH in some ways and thoroughly confused in others.
Let me explain.
HUSH has an intriguing premise. It's half dystopiI was pleasantly surprised with HUSH in some ways and thoroughly confused in others.
Let me explain.
HUSH has an intriguing premise. It's half dystopian, half fantasy, with intriguing surrounding-manipulation powers and a unique plague from ink. The main character is strong without being unrealistically tough and her pursuit of the truth is quite admirable.
Knowing this to be published by a secular publishing company (Wednesday Books), I was expecting it to be filled with content that I, as a Christian, don't prefer. However, I found this book very clean—language, content, and romance-wise.
The author's writing style flows smoothly, pulling the reader in with her selective wordplay without being forced or confusing.
I also really liked how the author set up Mads and Shae's relationship ... how they both had feelings for each other, but they remained still friends (for the most part) and didn't want to move too quickly with their relationship. It's really clean, which is rare in most YAs, so I really appreciated this. :)
Now. For what I didn't like so much.
Maybe it's just me and my overall confusion with most fantasy novels, but this book seemed very ... confusing in terms of the magic system. It was never fully explained, and neither was the plague and its effects. So I would have loved to have more time spent explaining the magic system and the worldbuilding. Also, the world came across as a bit ... unoriginal in some aspects? Feel-wise, it seemed to be faintly reminiscent of Shannon Hale's THE GOOSE GIRL and Princess Academy books or Gail Carson Levine's ELLA ENCHANTED. So if you like those types of worlds, you'll probably like this book.
That was the biggest thing. Along with some of the characters doing a complete 360 and changing their ways, as well as reconciling their friendships at the end. The twists also weren't incredibly twisty and didn't seem to connect very well to me. Maybe that's just me, though, because after the middle mark or so I started to lose interest because of all the fantasy elements and quite possibly could've missed something.
But in all, I do want to say, this book held such potential and there were a lot of aspects that were well done. My rating is purely a preference thing, though. So if you like mysterious plagues, clean romance, and a twisty tale, this book is for you.
� � � �
RECOMMENDED TO: Ages 11+
CONTENT WARNINGS: A few not-described kisses, mild violence, potentially creepy scenes involving the MC finding a dead body
Okay. So. Before I start this review, I want to state plainly that I am NOT a romance reader at all. Actually, I pretty much despise all kinds of romaOkay. So. Before I start this review, I want to state plainly that I am NOT a romance reader at all. Actually, I pretty much despise all kinds of romance in fiction. And while I know this book isn't actually in the romance genre, I knew it contained romance before I even opened it. I actually tend to stray away from Christian historical novels because a lot of them contain heavy romance.
Secondly, though I'm a good friend of the author and I support her wholeheartedly, I've always thought her novels just weren't my thing (sorry, Kell :P). But when I saw she was opening her launch team, I decided to go ahead and support her by signing up.
I wasn't quite sure what I'd think of AT HER FINGERTIPS. But I'm SO SO glad I gave it a try.
WHAT I LOVED - The characters. Can we just give a huge round of applause for the way Kell weaves these amazing, SO lifelike characters?? I genuinely want them in my life. While I wasn't a fan of Alice at first (she seemed too stiff and proud) I loved her care for the children and gradually began to sympathize with her as the story went on. And Peter. I loved his awkwardness and his maturity and obedience to Christ. Truly amazing to read about. After reading BECOMING MISS KNIGHT, I already loved Nettie, and I was thrilled to find out that she was in this book, too! She continues to be so full of wisdom and insight. - The authentic, historical feel of this book. You can tell Kell put so much research into this novel. The characters weren't like other "historical" novels I've read—where they use modern language and borrow other aspects of modern life. - The Christian themes and the romance (yes, I said that. XD). I love how Christ-focused a lot of the relationships were, especially (view spoiler)[ Peter and Alice's (hide spoiler)] romance. It was really clean—there wasn't even a described kiss.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE - The plot seemed a tiny bit slow at times, and there were some time jumps that were a little difficult to keep up with. But I do see how most of them were necessary, as a writer! It just wasn't my favorite as a reader. - I can't really think of anything else!! It was REALLY good.
Overall, I highly recommend this book! It's really clean, the romance and relationships are (mostly ...more
That was probably my favorite book in The Giver Quartet. I think I did like it better than THE GIVER (though yes, THE GIVER has a higher Okay, so wow.
That was probably my favorite book in The Giver Quartet. I think I did like it better than THE GIVER (though yes, THE GIVER has a higher rating, and that's what I'll get to later).
Lois Lowry delivers brilliant worldbuilding once again, and a memorable new main character named Claire. Claire is probably my favorite main character in this series ... she's sensitive and sweet, but also strong and determined. When she's described in the story, I immediately think of the cover of Adrienne Young's FABLE.
The themes Lowry manages to thread into this narrative are not only compelling, but thought-provoking. Her descriptions are timeless as always—I especially loved being able to picture the beauty of the village Claire ended up at around the middle of the book.
And best of all—our main characters from the other books all (well, mostly *great sadness*) unite in the end. Including Jonas. And Gabe. And Kira. They unite in this battle against evil and a terrifying enemy.
I was honestly scared as the ending loomed close. I didn't want The Giver Quartet to end. I was also afraid this wrap-up wouldn't tie up all the loose threads the last three books left open properly, that I would still be left without answers even at the end of the series.
So the big question is: Did it?
Personally, I'm not sure. The theological point the author was trying to make�"when we stop being afraid, our enemies disappear" was what I interpreted it as—seemed vague to me. I also wasn't sure how defeating the main villain changed anything about the world, and there was potential for the stakes to be a whole lot higher if his powers had somehow affected the whole village and community where Jonas first lived in THE GIVER.
So in some ways, from a storyteller's standpoint, this book could have been done better. From a reader standpoint too, I wasn't entirely satisfied (I mean, I did go into this book expecting the world to explode or something ...more
While the worldbuilding wasn't exactly unique or compelling, and the writing style was mediocre in my opinion, I really loved the author's way of weavWhile the worldbuilding wasn't exactly unique or compelling, and the writing style was mediocre in my opinion, I really loved the author's way of weaving a main character who's pretty much a complete opposite of the stereotypical "tough female MC" into this story. Hale does it in a beautiful and compelling way that made me root for Ani (despite being more of an Enna, personality-wise AND hair-color-wise).
So in all, if you enjoyed the fairytale of The Goose Girl, you'll probably enjoy this read. It's clean and the romance isn't overdone, which I really appreciated.
While this isn’t my favorite in The Giver Quartet, it’s definitely a memorable read with intriguing worldbuilding roots and a sweet main character.
I While this isn’t my favorite in The Giver Quartet, it’s definitely a memorable read with intriguing worldbuilding roots and a sweet main character.
I loved being able to see the characters from the other two books in this one and their magical abilities. But the ending was truly heartbreaking.
An intriguing historical fantasy read with a hint of mystery and memorable characters.
Personally, I wasn't as big a fan of the first 1/3 of the storyAn intriguing historical fantasy read with a hint of mystery and memorable characters.
Personally, I wasn't as big a fan of the first 1/3 of the story, but around the middle of it did things really start to happen. ;) The themes of friendship, courage, and the truth all shone beautifully in this novel, and while I didn't like it as much as THE DISAPPEARANCES, the author delivers yet again with her remarkable style and unique twist on stories.
THINGS I LOVED - The appearance of Hans Christian Andersen and references to THE SNOW QUEEN. - Characters whom you just can't quite figure out (like Helene ;)). - Relatable villains ... WHO ACTUALLY HAVE MOTIVES!! xD - Liljan and her love of gruesome trivia. - The amazing magical abilities that are unique to each character (am I the only person who thinks Brock having plant-growing powers considering he's so tough is ... kind of ironic, but also insanely cool!?) - The historical-y feel to it. - IVYYY ...more
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