A Time to Die Blog Tour, Review + Author Interview

                                                        
Summary:
How would you live if you knew the day you'd die?

Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government's crooked justice system.

But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out.
                                                                    
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So, I had this great and amazing review I had written for A Time to Die, but... I lost it. :( Oh well *sigh*.  So while I quickly scramble for a new post, that is unfortunately a day late, (I do apologize) I'll talk about Nadine. She is awesome. I've never met her personally, but I've been following her on her blog for a while, and joined the Ninja team a few months ago. Most of that was before I read her first book, which may seem strange, but I really enjoyed it. I like getting to know authors separate from their books, because authors are really awesome people. And I have favorite authors whose books may not be a bestseller, but because I enjoy the author. So while I was a fan of Nadine for what feels like forever, I hadn't read any of her books until this summer.
I enjoyed the characters a lot. I loved the Hawke's, Reid, Willow, Parvin, and others. One thing I really loved about the book was how Nadine had a modern day message- that applies to any of us- and has it in a dystopian society.

               ~Parvin thought she knew when she was going to die, but when the unexpected happens she realizes how much of her life has wasted. What will she do now that she has life?~

Why should you read it? Because the second is even better!  If you are a fan of dystopian, super cool inventions, and cultures, then you should read A Time to Die.

                                                     How will you live?

                                                              ~~~~






Author Interview:

Now that you've finished A Time to Rise, what is your next process?

It’s so weird being done with the Out of Time Series! I miss it already. But I’ve been exploring some fantasy ideas and haven’t settled on one yet—I just love them ALL! I hope to start on a draft very soon and then I’ll have more info!

How surprised are you with your fans? What do you enjoy about them?

I love this question! MY FANS ARE AMAZING. I just remember being certain that the entire world would hate my book (A Time to Die) when it first came out and my jaw’s been on the floor ever since. They show constant enthusiasm over my stories, and connections with my characters. I love when fans contact me and tell me what my books made them feel or think about. I love their fan art and their commitment to being encouraging and awesome. Just…so much. They probably make me cry more than anyone else does. But they’re always happy tears. :'D

Which character that you've written do you wish you were like?

I wish I was more like Solomon. He’s so patient. Holy cow. I don’t know how he does it. (That aspect of his character is taken from my husband — the kindest and most patient man in existence.) I would love to be more kind and more patient and more humble

Have you considered writing other genre's (with your own touch of course) like sic-fi, and steampunk? Or even creating a new genre?

I’d love to explore all the genres!! But my heart is currently turning to fantasy. Dystopian will always have its own special chamber in my heart, but that was a one-time visit, I think.

What was your favorite book to write?
My favorite book to write was probably A Time to Die because that one felt the most like a journey of discovering myself. It came solely from passion—not deadlines or plotting or over-thinking. :)

Thank you so much for stopping by! Thank you so much for having me! I loved these questions. Are we done already? ;-)

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Don't forget to sign up for the Facebook party in October!

https://www.facebook.com/events/183601465406699/


I received an e-copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
4 out of 5 stars

Hidden Gems: R. J. Larson

                

Today's Hidden Gem is author R J Larson. I came across her books a while ago, and was able to get ahold of Prophet soon after. I really loved the style of her writing, and also loved how she made it a Biblical retelling in a fantasy land. I love retellings, but especially if they are from the Bible! I haven't been able to read all of her books (unfortunately) but I hope you will give her books a try. Her stories are taken from the Old Testament, and are woven into a new way to look on scripture.  R J Larson does an excellent job bringing you into a familiar tale that will often surprise you, and keep you glued to the pages.

Don't forget to check out Shantelle's blog for an author interview and giveaway!

About the author:  R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals and is suspected of eating chocolate and potato chips for lunch while writing. She lives in Colorado with her husband and their two sons. The Books of the Infinite series marks her debut in the fantasy genre.





Books of the Infinite series:

 


Prophet:
Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to hear the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. There she meets a young ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela battles how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.


Judge:
The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs to the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne?

Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has been corrupted by her enemies and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading and hope He will reunite them again soon.


King:
Against his wishes and desires, Akabe of Siphra has been chosen by his people to be King. But what does a warrior know of ruling during peacetime? Guided by the Infinite, Akabe seeks to rebuild the Temple in the city of Munra to give the sacred books of Parne a home. But dangerous factions are forming in the background. To gain the land he needs, Akabe must forsake the yearnings of his heart and instead align himself through marriage to the Thaenfall family.

Meanwhile, Kien Lantec and Ela Roeh are drawn still closer together...while becoming pawns in a quest to gain power over the region. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies and murderous plots, each must seek the Infinite to guide them through an ever more tangled web of intrigue and danger.

Realms of the Infinite series:

Exiles:
For daring to trust their Creator, Araine and Nikaros are swept from their homes into a foreign land…slaves to their enemies

Araine Khalome of ToronSea follows the goddess Atea. But Araine secretly questions Atea’s power as a goddess. Wrestling with her spiritual doubts, Araine finds old scrolls containing verses that come alive, beckoning her soul. Within those words, Araine senses the presence of the Infinite, the despised Most Ancient God, enemy to all Ateans, and she’s captivated—secretly risking her life to read the Books of the Infinite.

You are forever in My sight…

Betrayed and condemned, Araine is swept away to the kingdom of Belaal, where she is swiftly apprehended and marked as a slave. Caught up in the lethal political and religious struggles within Balaal, Araine joins forces with another slave, Nikaros, a hostage and exiled son of an Eosyth Lord. As they fight to survive the antagonistic royal court, Nik and Araine soon realize that they must also protect the despotic god-king who has enslaved them.

But the god-king, Bel-Tygeon, has plans of his own.

Child of Dust, are you My servant?


Queen:  My review of Queen

Bel-Tygeon, the fallen god-king of Belaal, has bowed to the Infinite and accepted life as a mortal. Now he is desperate to return to his kingdom. Hunted by his enemies, he accepts refuge among the Eosyths, at the bidding of Serena of Clan Darom. But Serena and her family are also Bel-Tygeon’s enemies, and he must conceal his true name and royal rank from them—even when he realizes that Serena is the woman he has sought for years. The woman he loves. The woman he longs to proclaim as his queen.
Yet she can never be his.
Serena of Clan Darom wants nothing more than to protect her family and to save her people, the Eosyths, from their many enemies. She cannot afford to fall in love with a madman. A stranger. Yet honor dictates that she must shelter Ty and protect him with her life. Will one act of kindness destroy everything she’s worked for and believed?
And how can the unknowable Infinite, worshiped by her lord-father, ever help her in their struggle to survive?
Child of Dust, are you My servant?


Downfallen:
Corban Thaenfall is a nobleman, a murderer, and a traitor, with no hope of redemption...until he joins the fight to save a royal Dynasty.

Matteo of Darzeq, lastborn son of King Jonatan, has never imagined becoming king of Darzeq--least of all when the path to Darzeq's throne has been stained with his own family's blood. Driven by the desire for justice, Matteo recognizes an unwilling ally in Lord Corban Thaenfall, whose thirst for redemption matches Matteo's longing for vengeance against his enemies.

But will the price of victory be more than either man intends to pay?


*Valor:
An Agocii warrior seizes the chance to escape his outcast status and begin a new life...

Vsevold, outcast warrior of the Agocii, finds hope in the defeat of his people at the devastating siege of Parne. Determined to begin a new life, he turns to the Infinite of Parne, shunning Utzaii, the sun god of the Agocii.

Longing to escape an isolated existence, Aniya, daughter of Vsevold, accepts her lord-father's new beliefs and carves out a daring life for herself, finding hope for a future beyond all her dreams.

But one fateful bargain will destroy their world and return them to the shadows.

Child of dust, are you My servant?

*not pictured

Hidden Gems Tour: Chuck Black

                                       
                              
Today's author is featuring Chuck Black- one of my favorite authors. I have read his books ever since I can remember. I think I first read one when I borrowed a friend's copy, and since then have read his books multiple times. (As kids, my friends and I would just go to their shelf, pick a Chuck Black book, and then read for till I left). His Kingdom Series are allegorical, and Biblical retellings set in a land full of knights, the Prince, and covers Old and New Testament stories. The Knights of Arrethtrae series is set in that same land, and is full of lessons that apply to our lives. Chuck Black recently came out with a trilogy that is full of spiritual warfare, angels, demons, and an exciting story. The Wars of the Realm series reminded me of Lord Foulgrin's Letters, and I really enjoyed reading a series based off of the unseen.
All of his books are amazing, and I definitely suggest you read them!

               




 
Chuck Black is the author of nine novels including the popular Kingdom Series and The Knights of Arrethtrae series. He spent eight years in the Air Force traveling the world as a communications engineer and an F-16 fighter pilot. Today, Chuck is a product design engineer and has invented or coinvented eleven patented construction products now being sold internationally. His passion in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to love his wife, Andrea, and their six children. The Blacks take their family music ministry on the road, singing Christian gospel, contemporary, and traditional songs. Chuck and his family live in North Dakota.         












My reviews I've posted for the Wars of the Realm series:
Cloak of the Light
Rise of the Fallen
The Light of the Last


Don't forget to check out Shantelle's blog for a giveaway!

      

A Just Man

Summary: Farmers, preachers, and shipbuilders, generations of the Matthews family struggle to live according to God's will. Through the Revolutionary War, droughts, and floods, they strive to hold firm to their belief in the love and forgiveness of their Creator, but will the outsiders they take into their homes and hearts reaffirm or destroy their faith?

A book that goes through different generations in a family during trying times. Filled with many lessons shown through the characters lives.
                             ~~~~

-Thomas doubts that God exists, and with his father away in the war he hardly has a reason to thank God for the things that have happened. When he makes a journey to bring his father supplies, not only will he be tested, but it may just be the start of his faith. This is only the start of a collection of lives in one book.-

Hidden Gems: Jaye L. Knight

                    

I'm taking part of Shantelle's Hidden Gems Tour, and today is featuring author Jaye L. Knight.
I don't fully remember how I came across Jaye L. Knight's books. I think I was browsing Kindle deals and found out about her books there. (You can get them for free on Kindle Unlimited). The Ilyon Chronicles are some really fun books. It's set in a medieval time period- a bit like Middle Earth. The author's books are similar to Chuck Black's books, where she takes the Bible and brings it into a new world full of a cruel leader, a rebellion, battles, dragons, and betrayal.

In the Ilyon Chronicles, you are transported into a new world and set off on an amazing adventure. My favorite characters: Jace, Kyrin, Kaden, Rayad, and Trask, are all so amazing, and each have something to teach you.

-Jace is a half-blood, neither welcomed by either race that are a part of him. But when a small group of rebels starts to except him, he begins to wonder if God might actually love him.

-Kyrin has gone through many things, including the death of a loved one. Raised in a city that refuses God, she and her brother, Kaden, have to keep their faith a secret from those hunting them.

-Kaden is the life of the group. Bringing smiles and cracking jokes to lighten the mood. He supports his sister and is by her side when things go wrong.

-Rayad took Jace in when he saw him years ago. He has been a mentor for Jace, and has tried to help when Jace doubts.

-Trask is the leader for the resistance that is fighting the king, and those who are trying to snuff out those who believe. He also helps form alliances with the Crete's and those with Samaria. When he struggles, his sweetheart Anne encourages him and offers support.

(I rate this series 4.5 out of 5 stars)

                       

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that, even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.



About the Series
Ilyon Chronicles is a six book, non-magical Christian fantasy series geared toward new adults (ages 18-25+).




"Don't you know? Animals like you have no soul."

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he's ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he's tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor's declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.
                                                           
  








Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor's persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance--not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia's last surviving copies of the King's Scrolls--the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican's men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy's triumph?

The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace's ears--dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood--one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. Yet, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master's harsh punishment, Jace's world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace's life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

See where Jace's story all began . . .

When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen.

Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles--one on the walls of Samara's great stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace's heart, where victory might only be achievable through great sacrifice.
                                                                     ***

Don't forget to check out Shantelle's post for an interview and giveaway!

3 Day Quote Tag (DAY 3)

Hope you enjoy the final quotes!


I love this psalm. It is really a prayer we need to say everyday. A reminder to go to God first, and to do all for him.



I saw this the other day and had to share. We had the Son of the King give his life for us, because he loves us. Isn't that the best love story?


God's word is always there. It is always true. We may not understand all that is in it, but that is what God wants us to know. The Bible is full of poetry, history, prophecy, laws, and stories for us to learn from.


*notices that there are only two writing related quotes in the whole 3 posts, but doesn't care* :) I always seem to have characters, or a scene or two WAY before the story appears. But I enjoy it, and I am so thankful for Pinterest so I do not lose the inspirations.

(all photos from Pinterest.)

Anne E. Stengl

Hello everyone! I'm taking party of Shantelle's Hidden Gem Tour and today is featuring authoress Anne E. Stengl. I had discovered her a little while ago, but never read any of her books until this year. She has written multiple books based off of fairytale retellings, and though I haven't read all of them, I really enjoy her writing.




















(Here is her bio from her website:) ANNE ELISABETH STENGL makes her home in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. Her novel Starflower was awarded the 2013 Clive Staples Award, and her novels Heartless, Veiled Rose, and Dragonwitch have each been honored with a Christy Award.




























Summary: Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon marry. She dreams of a charming prince, but when her first suitor arrives, he's not what she'd hoped. Prince Aethelbald of mysterious Farthestshore has travelled a great distance to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be on the hunt and blazing a path of terror.

Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his cautions with dire consequences. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in his sights. Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.


Heartless is the first book I've read by her. It was well written, and i couldn't put it down. The characters were great, and the story overall was amazing. I really enjoyed it, and am excited to read her other books. Defintly a must read for fairytale lovers.
If you're interested in checking her out, here is her website: http://www.anneelisabethstengl.com/
Also, check out Shantelle's blog for an interview and other great stuff!