The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

This is the first Jocelyn Green novel that I have read, and it won't be the last. Green writes a very moving story, filled with sadness, humor, mystery, love, and grace. 
Julianne Chevalier has lost much in life, and when her time as a midwife is cut short, she again wrestles with despair and hopelessness. Branded by the king and sent to a new colony, she is forced into a marriage she doesn't want, and tasked with helping care for new mothers and soldiers in Louisiana. This all comes with a price, though she doesn't know it yet, and despite her frustration with her status in the colony, she does her job to the best of her ability.

Green's writing is at times gritty, and more than once I shuddered at her vivid descriptions, but it is necessary to the novel. Without experiencing the pain and suffering Julianne and others go through, it's hard to become attached to the story or its characters. The backdrop for the story is, at times, as bleak as Julianne's life, but at other times, it comes alive through Green's pen. 

Multiple characters are introduced throughout the novel. At times, it was difficult to remember who belonged to whom; however, as the story progressed, I was able to keep better track of this. Despite how other novels set in this time period may portray women, Julianne is not a weakling. She faces some incredibly horrifying situations (that I felt to my core), but each time she experiences a measure of grace. She even pays it forward, though at times she truly struggled. I appreciated the "humanness" of her character. and so many others.  

Overall, I think this book is a must-read for fans of Christian and historical fiction, romance, and mystery. You won't be disappointed.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

I was given the opportunity to read this from NetGalley. The following review is my honest opinion.

I am not sure I can use the correct words to describe "The Bear and the Nightingale." I am a huge Russian history nerd, so the book and its premise immediately appealed to me. I was familiar with the endearments and other terminology in the book that might throw the casual reader for a loop, but this style of writing only added to my enjoyment. In short, the story was magical. The backstory of Marina and Dunya might seem like fluff, but it was a necessary component of the novel. Getting to watch Vasya as she grows and learns helped me become more attached to her character, and I appreciated the relationships she had with her family. It is not the typical family dynamic, however, there is no denying the love they have for each other. 

Russian lore is fascinating to me, and I felt like Arden did the culture justice. I understood the priest's need to "redeem" the "heathens," but I also understood the villagers' deep longing to remain true to traditions by worshipping gods of hearth and home. I'll be honest, I had to look a few things up during my reading, and I encourage others to do so as well. 

If I could change one thing about the story it would be that I wanted more Vasya and Morozko. I am hoping for a sequel!

In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse

I was given the opportunity to read this book before its release. The review is my honest opinion.

 I love Tracie Peterson's novels, so I was very excited to read this collaboration with Kimberly Woodhouse. The setting is one of my favorites: the Alaskan frontier. Peterson and Woodhouse stuck true to the traditional Christian historical fiction storyline in this book. A girl of marriageable age lives in the wilderness. A city boy comes to town and finds that the girl is lovely, and so is her home. He embarks on a dangerous mission, leaving feelings unresolved and unspoken. If you are looking for a feel-good, clean, light-hearted novel, this is it. I don't write this to be a negative review. I enjoyed the story, but it isn't for someone looking to branch out in their reading.

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The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

Barbour Publishing gave me the opportunity to read this book after its release, and even though I read it quite quickly, I had to wait a few days before posting my review. The first reason for this is because I felt the book was too good for the typical stock photo, and I wanted to showcase the novel, so I ordered it from Amazon. The second reason is because I was deeply invested in the story, and I needed time to process, think, and draft before a deserving review could be written.

I enjoy Christian fiction mainly because it is clean. In the past, authors tended to associate clean with cheesiness, rainbows, and happiness for all, but lately, I am reading more and more Christian fiction that deals with deeper topics. I'll admit, the premise for Griep's book has been used before, however, these characters and setting are much more complex and interesting than other novels like this. Griep doesn't just skim the surface. I felt Samuel's anger, Eleanor's insecurities, and laughed at the antics of Biz and Grace.

Too many times, I find that Christian fiction feels rushed. Griep has written a wonderfully moving novel that is neither rushed nor contrived. I appreciate that her characters did not experience "insta-love," but rather grew to know each other while the reader got to know them. Biblically, the novel is sound, and readers who have had struggles with their faith will find a kindred spirit in Eleanor.

My rating is 5 of 5 stars. I highly recommend this book!

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires

"She'll be back. Maybe even tomorrow. After all, Lou loves an adventure."

LOVE this. The author gets many things right in this sweet story. First: the excuses. How many kids to we know that come up with off-the-wall reasons as to why they can't accomplish something? Second: the illustrations.  These illustrations are child-friendly and completely fit the story. They are playful, colorful, and just plain fun. Third: the ending. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I won't give too many details, but let me just tell you, IT IS PERFECT. I highly recommend this to parents, teachers, librarians, and kids (whether in age or in heart) all over.

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King of Mist by Jordan Rivet

King of Mist by Jordan Rivet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second installment of the series did not disappoint. We know Dara is strong from reading the first story, but in this novel, her character is developed thoroughly. She has found a purpose apart from dueling, and we see her struggle with duty and matters of the heart.

Siv also has growth in this book, and we see him mature from an impulsive, somewhat obnoxious character, into a young man who is doing his best to be kingly. I believe I liked his portrayal more in this story than the first, mainly because there is some angst when Siv realizes his heart and head do not agree on the right course of action.

I enjoyed the first novel, however, there is a more definite sense of urgency and danger in this book that sets it apart from its predecessor. The villains have a name, face, and motive in "King of Mist," making it highly addictive. I recommend this series to fans of GoT, Eragon, and Percy Jackson.



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Duel of Fire by Jordan Rivet

Duel of Fire by Jordan Rivet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 STARS
I want to do this novel justice in my review, because I think it is a wonderful story. It's unique not only in its setting, but in the character development as well.

Dara Ruminor has no magic. She is a trained female duelist, which we come to understand isn't exactly rare; however, Dara is better than the women and some men in this sport. She has honed her skills because of dedication to her passion, against the wishes of her parents. Dara has an iffy relationship with her mom and dad, and even though she wishes to please them, she can't imagine a life where she isn't doing what she loves.

The perimeter characters are also fairly well-developed. Prince Siv is quite likable in that he has more than just good looks. He is witty, caring, and a little sneaky, and the big brother to two of the most diverse princesses I have read about lately. Sola has a head for politics, and Selivia is your typical young teen: giddy, boy-crazy, and lots of fun.

The plot is also well-developed. Fire magic isn't new to the fantasy world, but Rivet deviates from the norm, and if I told you how, it would RUIN the story. So, you're just going to have to read the book! Best part is that this novel and its sequel are FREE on Kindle Unlimited!!! If you aren't a subscriber to Kindle Unlimited, they are only $3.99. It's well worth that, trust me! :)

The only reason I dropped my review from 5 stars to 4.5 is that I didn't quite understand some of the figurative language. There were similes I had difficulty with, only because I didn't have enough of a backstory to base them on. This in no way affected my reading the book, it just is something the author may need to consider in her next novels.



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