Oceane McAllister Interview (+Book Spotlight)

Oceane McAllister Interview (+Book Spotlight)

Everyone, give a big welcome to debut author Ocean McAllister. šŸ˜€ Oceane, tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a speculative fiction writer from New England. I love thunderstorms, black olives, and sad endings. I also hate love triangles with a passion and avoid watching rom-coms. (There’s literally NO point to them) I’m also the oldest of eight, which is pretty cool!

Agreed on the love triangles. XD

May we also have an introduction to Rose’s Wrath?

Well, it’s a fairytale retelling combining Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty’s stories. The idea first came to me when I wondered how cool it would be to have fairytale characters have magical capabilities that corresponded to key elements from their story. For example, Verre (Cinderella) being able to manipulate glass.

Wow, that sounds like a really cool concept. What first made you decide you wanted to be an author?

I’ve loved to write for most of my life and I can barely remember a time where I didn’t. It was when I finished writing my first full-length novel that I realized I could pursue publishing at some point. And so from then on, I did!

Congratulations! And for one last question… what is your favorite aspect of the ordinary life God has blessed you with?

The little things, I think. Like writing, coffee, siblings, and having the privilege to read my Bible without fear of persecution. It’s things like that which make my life enjoyable, even though they’re rather mundane. It’s definitely a gift from God. 

Thank you so much for coming!

About the Book

“Have you ever heard Red Riding Hood howl at the moon?”

When Cerise, Verre, Blanca, and Aura are captured and forced to complete a near-impossible task, it seems certain that their loved ones’ lives are as good as over.

“Or seen Cinderella kill a man with just a shard of glass?”

And despite meeting a dragon, internal disputes, and the fact that they’re all most likely going to die, they grow close. Too close.

“Snow White has vanquished more with her poisoned breath than her beauty.”

For secrets will come to light that have the power to change everything. There is a traitor in their midst; one who could potentially save or destroy them all.

“And Sleeping Beauty? She will bring slumber with but a touch of her hand.”

Add on Goodreads

Buy on Amazon

Book Review: The Beast of Talesend

Book Review: The Beast of Talesend

Fairy tales aren’t real. Private detective Nick Beasley knows that. This is 1922 E.A. (Ever After), an age of big cities, automobiles, and airships. Nobody in the Afterlands believes in magic and monsters anymore. Especially not Nick, who’s made a name for himself in the city of Talesend by debunking fraudulent ā€œmagicalā€ phenomena.

But when a misadventure with alleged enchantress Lady Cordelia Beaumont goes awry, leaving Nick with claws, a tail, and quite a lot of fur, he begins to rethink his stance on magic.

There’s only one way for Nick to regain his humanity. He and Cordelia will have to retrieve a powerful magical artifact from a ruthless crime lord—who happens to be Cordelia’s father. Otherwise, Nick won’t be the only monster roaming through Talesend.

The fate of the Afterlands lies in the hands of a renegade enchantress and an extremely hairy detective. What could possibly go wrong?” (from Goodreads)

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened this book. The C.S. Lewis quote was definitely a good sign. Follow that up with a fantastic blend of Sherlock Holmes and fairytales, Doctor Who-esque rash decisions (that somehow half worked out), and downright perfect humor, and it was a winner. (Please don’t let me comparing it to many other things fool you–this book is really unlike anything else.)

I loved the setting, and Nick’s general outlook/personality. He and Crispin were hilarious, and I laughed aloud at their brotherly arguments. (Also, I pictured him as a monster to be a lot like Kitty from Monsters, Inc. I knew he was supposed to be scarier than that, but still…) Cordelia was delightfully unpredictable as well, and the three of them made for a delightful adventure. 

I didn’t prefer the scenes with the wraith or the techniques of the charmbloods, but I appreciated the portrayal of magical things being double-edged and dangerous. 

Just a note, there was one used of ā€œblastedā€ and some descriptions of blood. 

Best quotes: I crossed my arms and gave him a disapproving look. ā€œRemember the stern discussion you and I had yesterday?ā€ He gave me a puzzled frown. ā€œWhich one? We have so many.ā€ I pointed to his patent-leather shoes. ā€œFeet. Desk. Off. Forever.ā€

ā€œThanks, but I’ve already been shot once today. It didn’t take.ā€

Altogether, I’d take another one of these in a heartbeat. So much fun. XD

Also, who else SCREAMED internally at the epilogue??

The Stealthmaster’s Shadow Cover Reveal!

The Stealthmaster’s Shadow Cover Reveal!

Do you hear me screaming happily all the way from here??!! I mean, if you live all the way in Antarctica and you can hear me, either I’m really loud or penguins are really quiet. #deepthoughts

Back to why I was screaming… Today I get to share the cover of Hope Ann’s upcoming book, The Stealthmaster’s Shadow, fourth in the Legends of Light series. šŸ˜€ šŸ˜€ I’ve loved all the previous books I’ve read, so I’m super excited to read the next installment.

Here are three reasons why…

1. The Blurb

It’s ten confounded years since the war ended.

Ten years since the Prince won the war and pardoned the rebels.

And left.

The Prince left, but lasting peace never had a chance to begin.

As a Stealthmaster, Verus is determined to complete the task the Prince left, whatever the cost. Traitors, needlessly vague governors, and threatening rumors are all part of a standard mission. Verus will bring peace to what is left of the world, one city and village at a time. According to the governor’s daughter, the war was never about a physical peace in the first place, but what does she or any of the other Followers know? They weren’t there during the war.

They didn’t see the horrors Tauscher spread over the land or the scars that will never fade.

Commandeering the task of a former soldier, Verus presents himself to the governor of Nerva. Eventually he’ll need to undermine the man, but even Stealthmasters need money, and a mission to discover the owner of a misshapen slipper shouldn’t be difficult.

Until the ambassador from Zahavia appears.

Suddenly face to face with nightmares from the past, Verus struggles to help those plunged into danger, from the governor’s newest prisoner to a serving lad to an infuriating woman he’s taken to calling princess. Fleeing will only make the enemy stronger. But staying…

Staying could doom them all.

2. Some Quotes

I haven’t read this book yet, but I can already tell from the quotes that this is going to be a hilarious and heartfelt read.

TSS quote 1

What a rogue! XD

TSS quote 2

Ominous and snarky. šŸ˜€

TSS quote 3

Oh, dear!! šŸ˜‰

3. The Cover šŸ˜‰

Lights, camera, gorgeousness!

TheStealthmaster'sShadowFINALlr

(This fantastic cover was designed by Kate Flournoy.)

So now all we have left to do is stare at this lovely cover until June 1st when the book releases. *sighs happily* (Apparently, you can preorder it HERE.)

About the Author

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Hope Ann uses chocolate to bribe a wide ring of spies, from the realm leapers of Aslaria to the double agents of Elkbend, for their stories. Based in Indiana, she is the self-published author of the Legends of Light series, personal writing coach, and the Communications Coordinator for Story Embers. You can find out more about her at authorhopeann.com.

 

 

 

Book Review: Snow & Rose

Book Review: Snow & Rose

33972789“Snow and Rose didn’t know they were in a fairy tale. People never do….

Once, they lived in a big house with spectacular gardens and an army of servants.

Once, they had a father and mother who loved them more than the sun and moon.

But that was before their father disappeared into the woods and their mother disappeared into sorrow.

This is the story of two sisters and the enchanted woods that have been waiting for them to break a set of terrible spells.”Ā (from Goodreads)

The kids’ section at my library has this ā€œnew arrivalsā€ shelf where all the books are facing out so you can see their covers. It’s really dangerous. I’m blaming it for the huge stack of books I took home. šŸ˜€

The first thing that drew me to this book was the aesthetically pleasing cover. Two sisters, their hair blowing in the wind and the trees creating an inviting circle into the woods. Turns out, this is based on one of my all-time favorite fairy tales, Snow White and Rose Red. ā¤ As I read, I discovered elements of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast as well, which was sweet.

The illustrations were AMAZING!! Little elements here and there on the pages or sometimes a full-page painting. We never get those now as adults, so I loved the experience. The author did a good job describing the dark forest, and it connected in my mind with the rainy days I’ve been hiking. šŸ˜‰ The entire book was a feast of descriptions, actually.

Ivo and the library were both new elements to the old classic, and I loved them. Ivo reminded me a lot of Dickon fromĀ The Secret Garden. He knew his way around the woods and was really kind without asking for anything in return. The library was quirky, for sure, but it ended up working into the story in a big way.

My favorite part was the emphasis on familial love. It put a spin on the story that was more meaningful and heartwarming than I was expecting. ā¤

Just a note, that the evil thing behind all the tragedies got a little dark. I made the mistake of reading a certain part too close to dark and was a little creeped. I don’t think it would be a huge problem for some younger readers, actually, but since I know what ā€œlittle menā€ are actually based on, I was a little scared. šŸ˜‰

Best quote: ā€œIn March, the days inched a little longer. The sun, which seemed as if it were never coming back, returned. The snow melted. The wind died down, and the air began to warm. Outside, everything that grows began to awaken and unfurl, tender leaves on black branches and green tendrils pushing up through the blanket of dark earth.ā€

Altogether, thank you, thank you, author for doing such beautiful justice to my favorite fairy tale!

Short Story Review: Poison Kiss

Short Story Review: Poison Kiss

34854999“Everyone knows that Sleeping Beauty’s curse is triggered when she pricks her finger on a spindle and that she is awakened by true love’s kiss … but what happens when the wicked fairy decides to switch things up?

Edmund didn’t mean to put Auralea to sleep, but now it’s up to him and the famous Puss in Boots to figure out how, exactly, a spinning wheel is supposed to wake her up.” (from Goodreads)

I enjoy clever fairytale retellings, but this one was even more fun since it was a mashup. New tales kept being brought in and woven together beautifully. šŸ˜‰ I wasn’t sure at first where the story was going, but I ended up loving the message (and the banter)! I can’t tell what it is without giving too much away, but it was really important and more meaningful than I would expect from a fairytale. šŸ˜‰ Just a note, it is a bit magical but really no more than would be expected of a classic fairytale.

Best quote: “What is it with putting princesses in towers?” asked Puss. “It’s…fashionable?” suggested the Enchanter.

Altogether, this was sweet, clever, and surprisingly meaningful! A great short read. šŸ˜‰

Book Review: Rose of the Oath!

Book Review: Rose of the Oath!

35211470“They were coming. They never stopped coming.

A wolf howled, the call rising to an eerie pitch before dropping, hurtling downward. The echo barely faded when another howl replied. Always… Always, forever, and yet again, they would come.

His breath slipped between his teeth and he finally lifted his gaze from the crimson rose as the wind hurtled off, whistling through the narrow pass that led outward. Out into the forest. Out into Aslaria.

And so he waited.

Meanwhile, war clouds the horizon and rebels gather under a mysterious leader. Alone, with her two younger sisters, Elissa watches the mountain road desperately for her brother’s return. Instead, she receives news of his capture by a strange figure covered in scars and cloaked in wolf skins.
With rebels drawing nearer, she sets off to find her brother. To save him. There is no one else who can.

Yet she soon finds the rose that granted her warning now holds her captive in safety. Outside the valley, war threatens those she loves most. Though her strange host claims the ancient promises of the Prince’s return and victory over the rebels, Elissa knows the blood-drenched truth. She is on her own. Elissa will do anything to keep her family safe, but more than one kind of wolf stalks the Blackwood and danger lurks closer than she could ever imagine.”Ā (from Goodreads)

A darling Beast who has to communicate through writing and just got himself a new fighting buddy? All. The. Cuteness. ā¤ I had half-decided not to like this book for the sole reason it is replacing Rose of Prophecy. After reading it and the prequel leading into it, my mind is very much changed. I LOVE them. They start the series off so much better, setting the tone and filling us in on the Separation, the Stieg Der, and the King’s Oath. And they told me again the beautiful message of redemption and true love and never letting go of hope even when we can’t see how God is good during such an evil time. The part that really struck me though was how the Prince took the very people who had caused so much pain and gave them new purpose in Him to spread new hope. SPOILER ALERT!Ā (I also nearly cry about the matching scars.)Ā End of Spoiler! This book definitely wasn’t all serious–the cuteness between Elissa and the Beast was in there–and the library did make it in. šŸ˜‰ Just a note that there are some very intense scenes including children in danger from wolf attacks and one very descriptive fight with a wolf.

Best quotes: Dust motes floated through the air, dancing along golden beams sliced between the books–rows of books, arching upward. Rolling ladders leaned against several shelves. I traced my fingers along the spines of ancient tomes as I wound my way inward.

ā€œThe Legends do not tell the half of what the King did for us. They are true, Beauty. True and much more besides. Don’t you ever doubt them.ā€

Altogether–time to reread the whole series. And then read it again. šŸ˜‰

Book Review: Rose of the Night

Book Review: Rose of the Night

35180534“Behind every beast, there is a curse.
Behind every curse, there is a promise.
Behind every promise, there is a sacrifice.

Over two hundred years before the one he’d know as Beauty was born, Adrian risks all in an attempt to win the heart of the one he loves. Instead, he dooms himself and the rest of Aslaria. Blood and tears weave a legend of hope and sorrow, love and betrayal. Alive only because of the mercy granted by the King, Adrian dedicates himself to the only task that now matters. A mission to undo the night he has caused.

A prequel to Rose of the Oath, this is a timeless tale of a forbidden rose and the smooth voice of a masked stranger. A story of rebellion and despair and love. A story of a promise given and of a hope received.

The story of the Oathkeeper.”Ā (from Goodreads)

Good news–I officially have another favorite author! šŸ˜‰ This is Hope Ann’s best book yet. (Which I usually think about the most recent one, because they seem to just get better and better.) This allegorical novelette is about the rebellion of mankind and the promise of the King. Somehow despite the very sad theme, it was still so full of hope and light, causing me to love and wonder at the mercy of God. With the rich allegory and lush descriptions characteristic to this series, it was such a beautiful book to read. šŸ˜‰ Just a note that there are a couple scenes including death by wolf attacks and stabbingĀ that get a little descriptive.

Best quotes: MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!Ā “Adrian.” The King shook His head. His fingers lifted my chin, forcing me to stare into His eyes. “I love you yet, My son.” END OF SPOILER!

Altogether, I loved this so much, but my poor dear Adrian deserves more story. I’m very happy that this leads directly into Rose of the Oath. Excuse me while I go read… šŸ˜€

The Secret Slipper Review & Amanda Tero Interview!

The Secret Slipper Review & Amanda Tero Interview!

Tour banner

A series of non-magical fairytale retellings with strong Christian values?! Sign me up! šŸ˜€ I’ve enjoyed other books by author Amanda Tero, so I’ve been keeping an eye on this series for a while. šŸ˜‰ I’m so excited to introduce you to this author and her gorgeous new release The Secret Slipper!

About the Book

The Secret Slipper 02 smallBeing a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?

Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?

As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn’t even know is searching for her?

BuyĀ on AmazonĀ or get a signed copy here. The first book Befriending the Beast is also available on Amazon.

My Review

This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and I really love her writing style and strong Christian themes. From the cover onward, this book was charming and very unique. (Even just the chapter headings were adorable.) šŸ˜‰ I enjoyed every minute of Dumphey and Noel, but it was really sad how Lia misunderstood their helpfulness.

The Raoul, Jolin, Galien team was very dynamic, which made for some fun exchanges and good lessons. Bioti? She made my blood boil. I thought she was horrid when she was first introduced, but she just got worse and worse. I knew exactly what she meant to do when she told Lia to keep driving. Poor girl. *sniffs*

When everything went wrong (even sweet Dumphey’s loyalty), it went really, really wrong. I wasn’t sure for a while if a happy ending was even possible! But I loved how everything turned out and Zuzarene’s words to Lia. (I want to be her when I grow up!) šŸ˜‰ The Cinderella elements weren’t extremely obvious, but they were there! And I LOVED the way this author did the slippers.

Best quotes:

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Slipper2

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Altogether, I loved this book and can’t wait to share it with my sisters! (In fact, one of them started reading it the same day I finished.) šŸ˜‰

Also, Jolin should be real. šŸ˜€

The Giveaway šŸ˜‰

And now that you need your own copy to hug, it’s giveaway time!!!

Giveaway

Click here to enter the US giveaway or here to enter the international one.

About the Author

It’s time you met the author behind the book. šŸ˜‰

Amanda bio picAmanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written drawsĀ anĀ individual into a deeper relationship withĀ Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

ā€œTrust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean notĀ unto thine own understanding.ā€ (Proverbs 3:5)

Interview time!

Amanda, tell us a bit about yourself.

Hey Kate! Wow, where to start? I’ll start with general about me…most people view me as primarily author, but in actuality, writing is usually what I do least in a week. I’m child #5 of 12, piano/violin teacher, and music arranger…all of which takes up a good portion of my time. Finding the perfect balance is a daily struggle.

What first made you decide you wanted to be an author?

Probably my love for reading, which began at a very young age. I remember jotting down little stories almost as early as I remember reading the Little House series. I didn’t really have a dream to ā€œbecome an author.ā€ I just enjoyed writing. But God has led me to become published almost before I realized it was a possibility.

May we have an introduction to The Tales of Faith series and The Secret Slipper specifically?

For sure! I’ll confess, Tales of Faith was totally not in my viewfinder when I wrote Befriending the Beast. But at the encouragement of an author friend, I explored yet another popular fairytale with my own unique twist. As of now, I do not know how many books will end up in the Tales of Faith series, but two things will be common in every story: it will be a tale inspired by a tale of old, and it will be strong in the faith.

Now, The Secret Slipper. It began with the question about a father/daughter Cinderella retelling. I mulled over a lot of ideas and prayed a ton about how to tell this story with my original tweak and a solid, Christian message. I think one of the very first ideas was to give my ā€œCinderellaā€ (Lia) a deformed foot for her slipper tweak, while Raoul totally takes the part of the searching prince as he discovers the daughter he thought was dead ten years ago is really alive. The story follows both of them as they learn applicable lessons about God.

What is your favorite aspect of the ordinary life God has blessed you with?

Well…first of all…it sometimes seems that my life is very unordinary! ;P The obvious would be my family (which, like I said, it’s not ordinary that every girl has eleven siblings). Second would be music. There’s just something about music that I’m not sure I could live without.

Any plans for further projects?

Oh yes indeed, always! Currently on my desk is “Journey of Choice”, a Civil War story that I’ve been tampering with for over a year now. Did I mention this is also my first full-length novel? I also have a few stories simmering but I try to keep tight-lipped until I know something’s coming into reality.

Thanks so much for coming, Amanda!

Connect with Amanda by email (amandaterobooks@gmail.com), on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, blog, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Jump on the rest of the blog tour and don’t forget to enter that giveaway!

May 25, 2017

Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway

Leila @ Leila Tualla’s Bookshelf | Spotlight

Faith @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway

Leona @ Great Books for God’s Girls | Review, Interview

May 26

Emily @ Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview

Kendra @ Knitted By God’s Plan (Spotlight) and O’Scarlett Reviews (Review) | Spotlight, Review

Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

May 27

Anika @ This Journey Called Life | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Katie @ His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway

Sarah @ The Destiny of One | Spotlight

Heather @ Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

May 29

Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview

Sarah @ Penumbra Reviews | Review

Dary @ Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview

Julia @ My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

May 30

Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway

Anita @ Christian Author: A.M. Heath | Review

Judith @ JudithWNicholson | Interview

May 31

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His glory | Spotlight, Review

Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae | Spotlight, Review

Esther @ Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

June 1

Kellyn @ Reveries Reviews | Review

Victoria @ Victoria Minks Blog | Spotlight, Review

Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight

June 2

Hanne @ RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Erica @ Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight

Janell @ Views from the Window Friend | Review

Crystal @ Crystal’s Adventures for Christ | Spotlight, Review, Interview

June 3

Alexa @ Verbosity Reviews | Spotlight

Faith @ Chosen Vessels | Review

Melissa @ Clothed with Scarlet | Review, Interview, Giveaway

Book Review: The Reluctant Godfather

Book Review: The Reluctant Godfather

33387751“Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather, who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care…a cinder girl and a charming prince.

A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.

A humorous and magical re-telling of Cinderella from a unique perspective.” (from Goodreads)

Warning: Drooling over the cover is inevitable, so all readers are advised to have paper towels nearby so they don’t ruin their paperback or Kindle.

Another warning: Readers will end up loving a grumpy, sarcastic character nearly against their will.

Also be warned that you will find yourself first hungry then amused, frustrated, and maybe even a little bit surprised.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Allison Tebo! There was just enough of the same old charming tale to keep it recognizable with a ton of twists throw in to freshen things up. šŸ˜€ I enjoyed all of the characters (although Burndee was really the best, and since he’s a baker I love it that his name has ā€œburnā€ in it); and the way things went ā€œhorribly wrongā€ was fantastic. Although I did suspect the outcome earlier than I was supposed to, I think.Ā It was also really special to find a content Cinderella. That never happens, and I’ve always wanted it to. And the dancing part! Ha, ha!!! Talk about shaking up the ball!!! It was also fun how Prince Colin was always handling Burndee. šŸ˜‰ My favorite part was definitely SPOILER ALERT!Ā the recurring theme of the word ā€œneatā€ and how Burndee used it later. That was pretty sweet. ā¤Ā END OF SPOILER! Just a note that there is a slight romantic element and the use of one minor British swear word.

Best quotes: ā€œMy fatherā€¦ā€ Colin hesitated a moment, his jaw working over the words. ā€œMy father says… it’s high time I…produced an heir.ā€ ā€œOh.ā€ Burndee said blankly, pausing in mid bite. ā€œI’m good, but I’m not that good. Unless we steal a baby–ā€ Colin gave him a disgusted look. ā€œHe means marriage, you fool.ā€

Burndee gave her the dirtiest look he possessed and hissed between his teeth. ā€œCake’s don’t psychoanalyze you.ā€

Altogether, charming and hilarious! Something to memorize and quote for eternity. šŸ˜‰ I’m looking forward to more from this author!

Book Review: Shadows of the Hersweald

Book Review: Shadows of the Hersweald

34206334“They would have to come that afternoon. Haydn glared at the rutted road twisted away from the gate beneath him, slithering into the shadows of the Hersweald. And what was the flaming idea behind leaving him in charge? Nerthach in the hands of a criminal… that would put them all in the good graces of the province governor, no questions asked. A battered soldier from a defeated army, Haydn knows there is only one end to the arrival of the Prince’s governor. Except he hasn’t counted on the Prince himself. Or the pardon which his recent foe has declared to acquit all those who fought against him. A pardon Haydn detests. A pardon that refuses to punish the rebels now threatening his own village. And his sister. Guilt-ridden from his own actions during the war, Haydn knows there are others who have no conscience at all. Others who are using the freedom of the pardon to forward their own desperate schemes.

With enemies closing in on all sides, a pardon that refuses punishment, and nightmares of murder and fire haunting his every thought, will Haydn recognize the truth or will his fear condemn everything he loves to destruction?”Ā (from Goodreads)

I was more than excited to revisit the world of Aslaria in what has become one of my all time favorite series. This book is gorgeous inside and out! Best. poetic. prose. ever. Haydn’s struggles were a perfect example of how things go when we try to gain peace on our own. Even though he was a confident veteran with a deadly reputation, good intentions, and a fierce loyalty to family and village, the medallion was proof that he couldn’t conquer everything. Gorawen and Traveon were neat side characters, and I alternated between hating Mathias’ guts and wondering if I misunderstood him. SPOILER ALERT!Ā I misunderstood him. One thing (besides the world’s best prose) I always appreciate about this allegorical series is the respectful portrayal of God, and I was very blessed by the featuring of a Holy Spirit character in this one. There were also some pretty great plot twists (though that last one was horrible in its ramifications!), and all the sneaking around was awesome. SPOILER ALERT!Ā Just make sure you have those moonstones! END OF SPOILER!Ā Just a note that this book is slightly darker than the first two, and one character frequently uses fake curse words. There are also violent memories of war, mention of SPOILER ALERT!Ā murder in the past END OF SPOILER, and theoretical danger SPOILER ALERT!Ā to a woman from a very evil man END OF SPOILER.

Best quote: ā€œI tore it up, but not because I rejected the Prince. I tore it up because men such as you and I ought not to walk free.ā€

Altogether, I’m pretty happy with this book. I need another. šŸ˜€ (And is anyone else off the walls happy they are coming out in paperback??!!)

I beta-read this book and received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.