Tag Archives: Blink YA

Review: Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Clean Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , ,

Shades of Doon by Corp and LangdonShades of Doon
Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon
Blink YA/Zondervan
Published: September 1, 2015

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As Vee embraces her role as Doon’s Queen, she looks forward to the day she and Jamie will be able to rule together. Her best friend Kenna still searches for her own place in the kingdom. Just as Kenna begins to feel she’s found her niche, a dark force boots both girls from their beloved land and drops them back in the real world. As if facing the shock of their old, broken lives wasn’t enough, all signs indicate that this is just the beginning of a new threat. Together with the MacCrae boys, they’ll have to face an old enemy once again, one who’s determined to have the rule of Doon for herself.

Vee and Kenna are very different, but their friendship makes them each stronger. I liked the dynamics between them, where Kenna kept Vee from taking herself too seriously and Vee kept Kenna from losing faith in herself. The circle of friends and advisers added interest, too. I definitely wanted to know more about each of them. I haven’t read either of the earlier books in this series, so I may have to do that in the hopes that some of these other characters get a little more stage time.

I also really enjoyed the references to musicals and theater that were sprinkled throughout the story. Though I’m far from a theater buff, I picked up on several of them, and it felt like being in on a joke or something. I thought it was a nice touch.

While I found myself captured by the idyllic landscape of the story, I felt like it lost tension in a couple of places. One is after the girls are booted out of Doon, which is resolved in a snap once the boys arrive. The other is following an attack by an unknown enemy. The attack ends and everyone kind of dusts themselves off and moves on. I was like, wait, what?! Is the enemy still out there? What’s going on?? But… no one else really seemed too worried. So that was a little confusing.

There was also quite a bit of kissing in this story. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for a bit of smooching, especially when I’ve been rooting for the romance to finally blossom for the entire story. This was more like, the couple has already fallen in love and it’s kind of just happily ever after on rinse and repeat. I would have liked to see more tension or conflict between the couples to keep me guessing and hoping. However, if I’d been a reader from the very beginning of the series, I might still be happy-sighing every time a well-earned lip-smack happens. So it could just be me. And the authors take things up a notch toward the end, definitely creating some anticipation for the next book.

Language Content
No profanity.

Sexual Content
Lots of scenes that include kissing. There’s one moment where it gets pretty intense and the characters stop themselves from taking things further, wanting to respect the boundaries they’ve set for their relationship which include waiting to have sex until marriage.

Spiritual Content
The Protector seems to be the name the Doonians use to refer to God. They believe that some have a calling to live out their lives in the kingdom of Doon, and that calling involves being joined with a soul mate.

Violence
A witch threatens the Doonian people. No graphic details beyond an admiring description of Duncan or Jamie’s rippling muscles.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Summer by Summer by Heather Burch

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Clean Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

Summer by Summer by Heather Burch
Blink YA/Zondervan

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After tragedy turns Summer’s life upside down, a summer in Belize caring for a charming young boy seems like the perfect escape. Then she meets her charge’s older brother, Bray. His smooth talk and good looks only remind her of everything she wanted to leave behind.

Bray doesn’t get Summer. He doesn’t understand why she hides herself beneath miles of ugly flower print dresses and avoids fun like it will bite. He resents her assumptions about him, even if some of them may be true.

When a boat tour and a terrible storm leave the two stranded on an uninhabited island, they have only each other to lean on for survival. Summer must learn to trust Bray and depend on his strength. As they grow closer, Bray must decide the kind of man he wants to be. When hope for rescue fades, the island give up a dangerous secret. Summer and Bray risk their lives to find a way home.

This book is every bit a romantic fantasy. A handsome guy and a heart-wounded girl trapped alone on an island. Let the romantic tension begin! While Summer and Bray keep boundaries on the physical part of their relationship, the struggle is pretty plain, especially for Bray. Despite the romance being decidedly in the forefront, some unexpected twists in the plot keep the pages turning.

The emotional journeys of the characters are a bit juvenile, which is probably okay since it’s YA… still, I wanted more depth from the characters. Sometimes it seemed as if I was getting the prettied up version of things rather than a deeper, realistic expression. I tend to enjoy grittier stories, so it could just be that personal preference rather than any flaw in the story. Either way it’s a great, light, summer read. Perfect for the beach, reading poolside or curled up next to a sunny window.

Language Content
No profanity.

Sexual Content
Bray has a history of hooking up with girls at parties, but he doesn’t mention details other than not being a virgin. Things between him and Summer get pretty steamy. There’s a lot of tension between them, but they commit to waiting until they are married to have sex.

Spiritual Content
Summer wrestles with some major doubts about her faith since the death of her best friend. Bray doesn’t seem to have a spiritual background but they do discuss what she believes and how important it is to her.

Violence
A man is shot, and it appears a woman may be held against her will.

Drug Content
Bray and his friends drink alcohol at a party. The legal drinking age in Belize is 18. Summer reflects on how drinking alcohol destroyed the life of someone she loved.

Review: Season of Fire by Lisa T. Bergren

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , ,

Season of Fire
Lisa T. Bergren
Zondervan

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Andriana and her knight, Ronan, join a team of others set on rescuing the emperor’s twin brother from exile. A surprise attack places Andriana in the hands of her enemies: Sethos, a powerful sorcerer and Keallach, the emperor responsible for imprisoning the man Dri intends to rescue. When Dri witnesses Keallach’s powerful gift and his hunger for companionship with others of her kind, she becomes convinced he can be saved. She blames Sethos’ vile influence for Keallach’s treacherous actions and begins using her abilities as an empath to draw him toward the Maker and the Ailith ways. Her attempt risks everything. To underestimate Keallach could leave Andriana lost to her people forever.

Christian values and beliefs run clearly throughout this tale. Dri agonizes over instances in which her own desires appear to conflict with the Maker’s plans. She receives counsel and prayer from mentors when her thoughts and motives become clouded by anger and frustration.

She and Ronan continue to explore their feelings for one another, but they aren’t able to spend much time together as story events keep them often apart. The rest of the team does discover the relationship and react with fierce condemnation that isn’t really well-resolved. At first the other Ailith and knights are upset and then the issue largely gets forgotten. Other than that, the romantic thread definitely pulls readers through the story. Ronan’s chapters read less smoothly than Andriana’s sections, but the tension between Dri and Keallach will definitely keep readers turning pages.

Though this is the second book in the Remnants series, new readers should be able to follow this story with little trouble. Bergren does a great job filling readers in on past events without slowing the story down too much. Fans of Jill Williamson’s Safe Lands series will enjoy the fast-paced action and revolutionary themes of Bergren’s story.

Language Content
No profanity.

Sexual Content
Keallach uses his ability to manipulate Andrianna into kissing him. It’s clear there’s a strong pull between them that’s got some darkness to it. At one point he seems like he might take advantage of her, but nothing beyond kissing happens.

Spiritual Content
Andrianna and her friends are part of an elite group called Ailith. Each bears a birthmark and a unique gift bestowed on them by the Maker (God.) Characters pray throughout the story, for protection, guidance, etc. Andrianna learns she can’t depend on her own strength in battle, but that when she calls upon the Maker, she’s protected from sorcery and dark powers of her enemies, the Sheolites.

Violence
Battle scenes. Some detailed descriptions of battle injuries.

Drug Content
Keallach gives Andrianna alcoholic drinks that incapacitate her.

Review: Rebels by Jill Williamson

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Clean Fiction, Dystopian or Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , ,

Rebels (The Safe Lands #3)
Jill Williamson
Blink – Zondervan
Published January 1, 2014

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Mason and Omar’s friends helplessly watch from their hiding places as the brothers face liberation, a process which remains a mystery to all Safe Landers. Once the boys learn what it is to be liberated, they begin plotting to bring the truth to all the people of the Safe Lands. After all, the only way to bring freedom to the Safe Lands is to expose the horrible secrets that fuel the leadership’s power.

From his place in hiding, Levi continues to pursue his one goal: getting his people free of the Safe Lands. Before he can make his move, though, his wife Jemma is captured and forced to serve as a Queen, a woman carrying a child for the Safe Lands. Levi vows to rescue her, but each day’s broadcasts seem to show Jemma slipping further into the ways of the Safe Landers.

Series readers will not be disappointed in this thrilling conclusion to a fascinating series. As her readers have come to expect, Williamson delivers an immersive story world. Each major character faces a great challenge to his or her beliefs or expectations about life and really wrestles through the disappointment. Romances are kindled and fears conquered.

Some of the drug content and concern about the thin plague, which is often transmitted sexually (experiences are not described) make this series a bit too heavy for younger readers. This is a novel more suited to readers ages fourteen and up.

Profanity and Crude Language Content
None.

Sexual Content
A few kisses. Brief, vague references to sex.

Spiritual Content
Many characters wrestle with bitter disappointments which threaten to damage or destroy their faith in God. Though the threads of faith are a little more subtle in this story, there are some really deeply spiritual moments. My favorite moment is when Shaylinn attempts to explain the mystery of faith versus the law to a group of highly disciplined and judgmental people. The conversation doesn’t roll as perfectly in the scene as it did in her mind, which is just so true to the experience so many of us have had in trying to explain the deeper things of faith. Her courage despite the difficulty is heartwarming.

Violence
Mason and Omar face multiple opponents. Both are severely beaten. Details are minimal.

Drug Content
Omar continues to use drugs and alcohol as an attempt to relieve emotional pain.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

Merlin’s Shadow (The Merlin Spiral #2)
Robert Treskillard
Blink YA
Published October 1, 2013

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After vowing to protect young Arthur at all costs, Merlin and his companions flee from the army of Vortigern, the new self-proclaimed king of Briton. Merlin’s faith falters along the difficult road, as does his confidence in the love of the fair Natalenya. Now that his sight has been restored to him, he can’t help but despise the terrible scars that mar his face. He decides to ask Natalenya to break her vow to marry him and return to her family. Heartbroken, Natalenya fears the mysterious illness that plagues her has driven away Merlin’s love for her. A vicious tribe of Picts corners Merlin and his companions and forces them to choose between death and slavery. Desperate to save Arthur, Merlin chooses slavery and endures cruel treatment at the hands of his master and tribal leaders. When help finally comes, Merlin fears the price may be too great, and all the sacrifices he’s made may prove worthless.

This second novel in the Merlin Spiral picks up immediately following the first installment. Unfamiliar readers (or those who’ve lost track of some of the finer plot points since reading the first book) will be thrilled to find a brief synopsis of the series’ debut in the opening pages of this tale. In addition, Treskillard also provides a character glossary with pronunciation notes, which is a great help to readers who struggle to remember the roles for each character in the large cast.

While some stories seem to lose steam in the second book, the Merlin Spiral only ratchets up the action and intensity, propelling readers through action and danger. Characters continue to grow as they face new threats and challenges. Fans of the classic story of Arthur and Merlin will continue to enjoy the fresh, imaginative twists to the tale and find themselves eager for the third installment.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Beneath the familiar story of King Arthur and Merlin lies a raging war between Christianity and Druidism for the Isle of Briton. Some Druidic rituals are referenced, including human sacrifice and use of powerful artifacts. A young girl falls into a burial pit and sinks to the bottom where she encounters a Druid deity. Merlin sees God-gifted visions and finds the Sangraal (Holy Grail.)

Violence
Battles between Merlin’s companions and Druids or soldiers following the self-proclaimed British king Vortigern are described with moderate detail.

A savage tribe of Picts carries Merlin, the young Arthur and their band of companions off into slavery and treats them cruelly. A Druid ritual nearly costs a young boy his life.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Merlin’s Blade by Robert Treskillard

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Clean Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

Merlin’s Blade
Robert Treskillard
Blink YA
Published April 16, 2013

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Scars from a wolf attack leave young Merlin’s eyesight damaged almost to the point of blindness, making it difficult for him to assist his father the blacksmith or find his way around the small village alone and leaves him an easy victim to trickery. When two druid leaders bring a glowing stone into the village, Merlin’s blindness saves him from falling into the stone’s enchantment. As the druids whisper sweet lies to the townsfolk, further bewitching them, Merlin must find his courage and stand up to the powerful men, even if he is forced to stand alone.

The druids’ plans are far more nefarious than to distract a few poor farmers, however. Merlin uncovers a terrible plot meant to murder and betray Arthur, the future king. As Merlin braces for battle, he is faced with a terrible choice: with the lives of his love, family and the king in jeopardy, he must choose whom to save.

The story of Merlin and Arthur is retold as a tale of battle between druid and Christian. Instead of the mighty sorcerer, Merlin emerges as a Christian prophet, one voice shouting against a bewitched and angry crowd. In this first book in The Merlin Spiral, Merlin meets Arthur as a very young child and only begins his journey as a part of Arthur’s life. Treskillard weaves a fascinating tale and leaves the reader piqued for the next installment in the series. The last hundred pages moved especially quickly, pulling the reader through the tale with scarcely time for a breath. Readers who enjoy Christian fantasy will likely enjoy the fresh retelling of this familiar story.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
A powerful druid leader uses a magical stone to enchant the people and turn them away from Christianity. Several scenes describe various druid rituals or sacrifices. Merlin passionately opposes the power of the stone and clings to his Christian beliefs in the face of threats and injury from the druids. Angels visit and speak with one character. Another character reveals prophecies.

Violence
Wolf attacks and battle scenes appear throughout the story, sometimes told in detail. Descriptions are not overly gory, but the scenes are important to the story, so they are not usually brief.

Drug Content
A man betrays another by placing poison in his mead.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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