Review of To Best The Boys by Mary Weber

About the Book ~

The task is simple:

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

For more information about Mary Weber and her books, check out her Goodreads' page here!

My Thoughts ~

OHMYGOODNESS, THIS WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!

I don't know where to start gushing...

Let's start with this fantasy world! The little village where Rhen lives is know for being green...and for all the different things that can kill you! The mythological creatures had the awesomeness of a Tolkien story, while still feeling fresh and new! And then there's a plague spreading and killing people, including Rhen's mother. On top of that, the deadly labyrinth had my heart racing from the moment they entered until the victor stepped out!

Despite all of this, I found myself laughing a lot at Rhen's dry wit and unique view of the world! I absolutely loved her character, and I'm going to pretend she's really real! I could emphasis with her because I've been there. Her heartache was genuine, and her anger at the broken system in her world is relevant. But I loved how the author didn't make this story a war on men or the family unit. It is truly a narrative that every woman knows and understands -- and it gives us a voice. I loved how the author made it clear that it's okay for a woman to have a career, it's okay for a woman to have a family, and it's okay to do both! That the choice of being a wife and mother is just as valid as being a scientist! While the hopes and dreams of one woman may not be the dreams of another woman, each path is beautiful because it. is. ours! Watching Rhen discover that it wasn't about fitting her life into a particular mold but rather staying true to who she was as a woman and a person was beautiful! The author portrayed this empowering truth so wonderfully!

The author wrapped the story up in a way that I had closure even though some things were not fully resolved. One thing that is resolved? Lute is also my new favorite sailor! And there's a twist that I did NOT see coming, but that is absolutely PERFECT!

Five Stars ~ Phenomenal! There should be more books like To Best The Boys, and I'm hoping Mary Weber will write them! To Best The Boys is a standalone YA fantasy written for the general market, but it holds subtle Biblical truths between its pages. It's like Lord of the Rings meets The Hunger Games!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

About the Book ~

Dreamwalker. Nightwatcher. Lady of Ravenwood.

Lady Selene Has Come into Her Family's Power.

But Has She Inherited a Gift or a Curse?

Lady Selene is heir to the House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. Soon after the gifting, however, Selene discovers that the Ravenwood women have been secretly using their gift to gather information or to assassinate those responsible for the fall of House Ravenwood to the Dominia Empire hundreds of years ago.

As she becomes more entrenched in Ravenwood's dark past, Selene longs to find out the true reason behind her family's gift, believing that its original intent could not have been for such evil purposes, but she is torn about upholding her family's legacy - a legacy that supports her people. Selene's dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations - but who is also prophesied to bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and likely death. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

For more information about Morgan L. Busse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Since finishing Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, all I want to do is scream and fangirl at its awesomeness!!!

CAUSE IT IS AWESOME!!!

I'll say that again before this review is done. Just warning you guys. Hehe.

Mark of the Raven has it all! Assassins. Secret powers. A fascinating world. Political intrigue. A slow-burn romance that is sure to be among my favorites. And a Light so pure and holy that it makes your heart dance!

When Selene's power arrives in all its fury and glory, her preordained life begins. But as haunting secrets and powerful hatred are uncovered, Selene starts to question whether she can really take up her family's mantle. The push and pull of her heart felt so REAL! She wanted to save her sisters and help her people, but she questioned whether she could do it at the expense of her own soul. She hungered for something more, for Light. When her own brokenness and darkness seemed to proclaim that she was too much of a monster to save, I felt chills. Who hasn't struggled with this very question? Selene's narrative was powerful, but I also loved Damien! His love for the Light sprung from the pages, and just like Selene, readers will feel it pulling them in for more!

The world building felt organic, making me ask questions and giving me answers in all the right places. I want to know everything about the Great Houses and the gifts, and I have a feeling even more game-changing secrets will come to light in the next book. But more than anything, Mark of the Raven asks the question, Am I worth saving? I believe readers will discover God's heart for them on Selene's journey to discover the Light.

Five Stars ~ Mark of the Raven is a spellbinding start to The Ravenwood Saga! I will be marking off the days on the calendar until Flight of the Raven releases on April 30th, 2019. I would definitely recommend reading the series in order due to spoilers and the fact that it is AWESOME!!!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Review of The Crescent Stone by Matt Mikalatos

About the Book ~

A girl with a deadly lung disease . . .

A boy with a tragic past . . .

A land where the sun never sets but darkness still creeps in . . .

Madeline Oliver has never wanted for anything, but now she would give anything just to breathe. Jason Wu skates through life on jokes, but when a tragedy leaves him guilt-stricken, he promises to tell only the truth, no matter the price. When a mysterious stranger named Hanali appears to Madeline and offers to heal her in exchange for one year of service to his people, Madeline and Jason are swept into a strange land where they don’t know the rules and where their decisions carry consequences that reach farther than they could ever guess.

For more information about Matt Mikalatos and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Crescent Stone is one of those books where all the awesome things you hear about it is totally and completely true.

SOOO GOOD!!!

The Crescent Stone had such a Narnia vibe while still professing its own unique identity. There's even extra content that will make the bookish giddy - at least I was giddy! New worlds. New magic. New races.

But circumstances that are achingly relevant to life today.

Madeline and Jason/Wu Song are more than just relatable, they are you and me and everyone around us. They represent the mix of millions of people who don't know, who are being pushed down, who are searching for truth, who are fighting for justice. Madeline's  journey of discovery was both enlightening and empowering. While her tale seems to have a hefty dose of heartbreak, I love this character for the way she looked at the truth she didn't want to be real and fought for a change of heart. Jason/Wu Song might be my favorite part of this story! His blunt snark had me laughing through each page, but his story was just as eye-opening. And his romance with Baileya will be one of my very favorites, I know this to be true!

Racial, class, and justice issues are the big themes of this novel, and God's loving heart shines on these issues through The Peasant King, the representation of God in the story. I loved this!I can't even tell you how much I loved this! So powerful!

Five Stars ~ The Crescent Stone is fantastical journey with a relevance that will pierce hearts! The Crescent Stone is the first book in The Sunlit Lands Series. The next book, The Heartwood Crown, releases Summer 2019, and I am so excited to continue this journey!!!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
 

Review of Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

 

About the Book ~

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father's plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th-century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn't do something soon, he'll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot--claiming it will put an end to the plague--Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas's choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there's no turning back.

For more information about Nadine Brandes and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

"Fawkes rocks! Fawkes rocks! Fawkes rocks!"

Sorry, that's the multitude in my head cheering for Fawkes by Nadine Brandes. They're good people, but they must have overtaken my fingers for a moment. ;-)

But seriously, Fawkes does rock!

The author did an amazing job of creating a new world within the confines of history. The era felt so vivid but not stilted. And I loved the magical color system!! I also loved how representative of God it was, God's playful and loving side that craves a relationship with us!!
 

Did I mention that Fawkes was written for the general market? That's right! This story has a huge crossover appeal, but that God stuff is still ingrained into the story in a subtle way that is sure to leave readers hungry for more.

There are so many amazingly layered truths in Fawkes! Nadine Brandes truly wrote a story that showed the reader that there are multiple points of view on any given subject - especially the difficult subjects! Thomas was so relatable to me. He wanted his father's love, but he needed to discover what truth was for himself. Emma was one of my favorite parts, and I loved the truth she represented. I also loved the natural way the main characters were convicted. Even Emma realized that she had been looking at something with a skewed viewpoint, and that is so powerful. Seeking the truth by going to the source rings loud and clear throughout the story!
 

I sobbed so hard through the entire last chapter - and not just because the book was ending! It didn't take a lot of wondering (or a lengthy Google search) to determine what would happen to Thomas' father, Guy Fawkes. But the story ended with a hope so profound that my only option was to cry it out. Powerful!!!

Five Stars ~ Fawkes reaches a new level of awesome that needs its own awesome name because saying "awesome" doesn't do it justice. Highly recommended!!! Fawkes is a standalone novel. I am sooo looking forward to reading Nadine Brandes' next historical fantasy, Romanov - a retelling of Anastasia! But what am I going to do with my life until May 2019??? *wails and gnashes teeth*

 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
 

Review of Unbreakable by Sara Ella

About the Book ~

Eliyana Ember is a reluctant queen. As vessel of the Verity—the purest of souls—only she can lead the fight against the wicked magnetism of the Void. If she fails, the paths between Reflections will cease to exist, and those she loves will remain plagued by darkness.

After falling through a draining Threshold and suffering near-death, Eliyana awakens to a Shadowalker-ridden Venice, Italy. From there, she must learn to navigate mysteries of time and space. Traveling across the seven Reflections, Eliyana seeks one thing: the demise of the Void.

But something else is at stake—the fate of her heart. Kyaphus Rhyen and Joshua David, brothers in arms, duel to win her hand. Ky remains ensnared and tortured by the Void. Joshua, though well-meaning, harbors dark secrets. Meanwhile, Eliyana finds herself torn, her mind and memories leading her in one direction, but her heart pulling her toward a man she knows she shouldn’t trust.

How can she discern whom to believe when she cannot even depend on her own fragmented memories?

Traversing the realms of fantasy and reality through a labyrinth of plot twists, Unbreakable delivers a thrilling conclusion to Sara Ella’s Unblemished Trilogy

For more information about Sara Ella and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

So many words could be used to describe Unbreakable. Stunning. Amazing. Devastating. Healing. Big, beautiful words that don't even begin to describe this epic tale.

So go read the book and we can stutter like fools together. ;-)

Unbreakable almost broke me, guys. Like I cried for hours and I couldn't write this review for several days because I just couldn't process all the awesome in this final *wails* book. The places... The discovers... The devastation... You should have a little recording of Janice from Friends to add a little background vocal to the shocking reveals. The characters, the story, the subplots, everything comes so full circle, even the circles have circle. Am I rambling? Well, go read the book and you'll understand why I ramble!

My heart ached for Eliyana, Ky, and Joshua. I kept wanting to tell Eliyana what was true and false, but alas she couldn't hear me. *sigh* I longed for El and Ky to be reunited, and when that sweet moment finally arrived, all. the. feels. I also loved the additional perspective of Ebony! A character I originally hated became one of my favorites.

And I'm still #TeamKy for Eliyana, but I'm also for a #happyendingforjoshua. Always. <3 So I'm #TeamJoshua, too. I love both boys. LOL! My heart ached doubly for Joshua. However, I understand why Sara Ella took the direction she did, and I applaud her for it. I would not have been strong enough to do it.

Five Stars ~ Unbreakable was nothing like I expected and more that I ever could have hoped for this final *moans* book. Unbreakable is a powerful story about the triumphant power of love and the choice within all of us to choose the good or the bad. If you haven't read Unblemished and Unraveling respectively, then you MUST read them before diving into Unbreakable. I can't stress this enough. (Also, why haven't you read them??? Go! Binge read!)

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclaimers Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.