Nine by Rachelle Dekker



MY REVIEW:

An intense beginning greeted me when I opened the cover of Nine by Rachelle Dekker and the action and danger persisted almost constantly until the very end. Evil forces behind a clandestine government project would stop at nothing to protect their secrets and that included killing everyone who posed a threat to them. Little did Zoe realize exactly what she was getting herself into when she decided to help Lucy, a young, seemingly innocent girl who had very little recall of her past.

Once again Rachelle Dekker has proven that she inherited her storyteller genes from her now famous dad. Nine is a tale that holds the reader captive and often wondering exactly which characters are to be trusted. A few surprises along the way prove that nothing is always as it seems.

It has been awhile since I read The Girl Behind the Red Rope and it took me awhile to grasp the connection between it and Nine. One thing I took away from this story is that no matter your past and who you think you are because of it, ultimately it is your choice to be who you want to be.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Some secrets can’t stay hidden Zoe Johnson has spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn’t seem to have any past at all. With little warning, they must follow the only sure thing they know: a woman hundreds of miles away, will either save them . . . or be the last person to see them alive.

Read an excerpt HERE.

Purchase a copy HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachelle Dekker is the Christy Award-winning author of The Choosing, The Calling, and The Returning in the Seer series. The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker and coauthor with him of The Girl behind the Red Rope, Rachelle was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full-time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their son, Jack. Connect with Rachelle at www.rachelledekker.com.



 

The Returning by Rachelle Dekker



MY REVIEW:

Rachelle Dekker’s final book in her Seer series has recently arrived and what a conclusion it is. Taking place twenty years after the end of the second novel “The Choosing”, “The Returning” depicts the final confrontation between the Seers and Authority City. Darkness and evil have grown within the city threatening to overtake the surrounding area but the Seers have a secret weapon within the walls of the city but even they are unaware of the power that is waiting for her obedience.

As expected, the plot moved along at a pretty good clip with plenty of action tempered with wise and uplifting dialogue as well as intimate views into the minds of several characters. This novel has a very strong yet subtle spiritual message from beginning to end. The theme of light against darkness was vividly portrayed in a way that just made me say “WOW!”

I have read and enjoyed this entire series but I found “The Returning” to be most meaningful to me. Perhaps it was Aaron’s frequent reminders to Elise to remember who she is to the Father. I found that to be very encouraging as a reminder to myself to remember who I am in Christ and that although I may feel abandoned at times, He is always with me.

I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of “The Returning” For your best reading experience I suggest that you read the entire series in order. I eagerly anticipate seeing what Rachelle will offer readers next!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Tyndale Blog Network.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

They say the Awakening is coming.
That she’s the key.

But can she find her identity in the light
Before she perishes in the dark?

“She will risk everything to lead them out of Darkness.”

Twenty years have passed since Carrington and Remko Brant’s baby, Elise, was kidnapped and they were forced to leave her captive in the Authority City. Though they fled with the Seers far from Authority reach, they’ve never given up hope of rescuing their daughter from the man who betrayed them. Now Authority President, he’s ushered the city into a new era of “peace” — one where the Scientist Roth Reynard’s Genesis Serum has eradicated all memory of emotion or rebellion.

But the mysterious Aaron and his Seers are once again on the move, threatening the illusion the Authority has worked so hard to build. As the Seers send seven chosen warriors to rescue Elise and bring restoration to the Authority City, the lines are drawn for a final battle between light and darkness. The key to ultimate victory may rest within the strangely powerful girl who has felt forgotten but was never abandoned – a truth she’ll need to wage war against the powerful forces of evil.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

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Storm by Bonnie Calhoun



MY REVIEW:

It has been awhile and many books in between since I read the previous books in Bonnie’s Stone Braide Chronicles so it took me just a bit to reacclimate myself to Selah’s world. It didn’t take too long to catch back up somewhat and jump into the action along with Selah and her crew in their quest to complete the Third Protocol and potentially save not only Selah but other inhabitants of their world.

In this fast-paced and action-packed story, Selah, along with her friends and family are racing against time to complete their mission and they seem to run into roadblocks everywhere they turn. It seems that the very ones who should want to help Selah do not trust her and wish to destroy her. Meanwhile Selah’s abilities have advanced but she also can tell her strength is ebbing away. Time is running out and it looks like all they have been through could be in vain.

Although I am not a huge dystopian fiction fan, I did mostly enjoy “Storm” and the rest of the Stone Braide Chronicles. The main characters are strong and I was happy with the way Selah matured over the course of the series and grew in her compassion toward others. I believe this series would be a good one for those who enjoy dystopian fiction and might be looking for a less secular series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Selah’s mind and life are beginning to fracture. Can she complete the Third Protocol before it’s too late?

As Selah and her companions mourn the loss of those who died in the Mountain, they are faced with a new threat. Selah must complete the Third Protocol before she fractures and loses herself completely. All clues lead to the West, but what will they find when they get there? The other side of the mountains holds unknown perils–volcanic ash, dangerous storms, and strange new settlements that could hold the keys to Selah’s quest . . . or lead to her destruction.

The clock is ticking and Selah’s abilities are growing–along with the list of those out for her blood. Selah must find the strength within herself to keep going and complete the mission for which so many have sacrificed so much.

But have she and her companions pinned their hopes on nothing more than a legend?

Read an excerpt from “Storm” Here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bonnie S. Calhoun is the author of Thunder and Lightning, the first two books in the Stone Braide Chronicles. She loves to write, but it doesn’t make her happy unless there are the three Bs: body count, blood, and blowing things up. She also has mad skills at coding HTML and website design. Bonnie lives in a log cabin in the woods with fifteen acres and a pond full of bass. But she’d rather buy fish, ready to eat and under plastic, at the grocery store. She shares her domain with a husband, a dog, and two cats, all of whom think she is waitstaff. Learn more at www.bonniescalhoun.com.

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The Calling by Rachelle Dekker

The Calling



MY REVIEW:

“The Calling” is a powerful sequel to Rachelle Dekker’s debut novel “The Choosing”. This futuristic story is told this time from Remko’s viewpoint and takes place approximately two years after the end of the first book. Leadership of The Authority has changed and public executions have become more frequent as a means to discourage rebellion among the citizens. Remko has become the acknowledged leader of the rebellion but the freedom he gained has not turned out exactly as expected.

“The Calling” is a dynamic story with a fast-paced plot and constantly developing characters. Plenty of danger and suspense, loyalty and betrayal, and more than one surprise kept me turning the pages late into the night. Themes within the story were thought provoking and led me to question the direction our own society might be heading. I thought the author handled the character development well, especially Remko’s anger born of fear as well as his eventual realization of the importance of his faith in himself and in God’s plan for his life.

Thus far I have enjoyed both books in the series and look forward to the next installment.

This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Remko Brant had never been so sure of anything as escaping the Authority City with Carrington Hale. But bravado comes easy when you have nothing to lose. Now a husband, father, and the tactical leader of the Seers, Remko has never had so much at risk.

As he and his team execute increasingly dangerous rescue missions inside the city, they face growing peril from a new enemy. Recently appointed Authority President Damien Gold claims to be guiding a city shaken by rebellion into a peaceful, harmonious future. But appearances can be deceiving. In order to achieve his dangerous ambitions, Gold knows he must do more than catch the rebels—he must destroy the hope their message represents . . . from the inside out.

With dissension in his own camp—and the CityWatch soldiers closing in—Remko feels control slipping through his fingers. To protect those he loves, he must conquer his fears and defeat Gold . . . before one of them becomes his undoing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachelle DekkerThe oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full – time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at rachelledekker.com.

 

 

 

Q & A WITH RACHELLE: 

In the book you talk a lot about surrendering to fear. What does this look like and how does this help us to not be afraid?

I think sometimes the natural reaction to fear is to hide from it, or try and push it away. It’s the idea that if we can’t see it then it must not be there, but we all know that unless dealt with the unseen things often come back to bite us. The only way to face fear is to walk through it; surrendering to Father God and letting Him reminder us of our true identity. Only then do we really see that the light within us is always greater than the fear we face.

Carrington struggles with the pain that comes from watching Remko miss the Truth that was so clear to her. What encouragement would you give to others that have loved ones who do not yet share their faith?

Everyone needs to take the journey. For some, truth comes more easily, and others have to struggle to see it. It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love miss the truth right in
front of them, but don’t forget that the Father is still God, and He holds them in His hand. So love those that struggle restlessly and trust that the Father is ever – present, even in the darkness.

The theme of identity from The Choosing continues in The Calling. Carrington reminds herself, “When you know who you truly are, you realize there is no war left to fight at all.” How does this statement apply to our Christian faith?

For me this is simply a reminder that God is still God. Regardless of my circumstance or how I view the world, the Father is constant and hasn’t changed. He has already won the fight, already conquered death, already set me free. It’s only when I forget who He calls me and who He is that I feel the need to fight against life instead of surrendering to Him and letting Him be God.

Lightning by Bonnie S. Calhoun

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Lightning
Revell (October 6, 2015)
by
Bonnie S. Calhoun
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year.”

She loves to write with body count, blood, or blowing things up. She also has mad skills at coding HTML, and website design. And she lives in a log cabin in the woods with fifteen acres and a pond full of bass, though she’d rather buy fish at the grocery store. Bonnie shares her domain with a husband and two cats, all of whom think she’s waitstaff!

Her latest series is a YA dystopian with Revell titled Stone Braide Chronicles. The first book Thunder published in 2014. The second book Lightning published Oct 2015. There are also two FREE e-book short stories. Tremors is the prequel to Thunder, and Aftershock (short story) comes before Lightning.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After she found her real father, life for Selah should have felt settled. But the horrors have just begun. In her broken world of toxic earth and tribal clashes, Selah must battle the forces of nature alongside those in the Mountain who are calling for her blood. Haunted by the pain of mounting losses, she forges on, seeking her lost family and
uncovering new mysteries. But the ultimate betrayal of her own body may soon make her quest impossible as it becomes apparent that what has made her new could also drive her to a life of madness.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Lightning, go HERE.

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

The Choosing



MY REVIEW:

 “Not to be chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making”

Little girls spent years preparing for their Choosing ceremony as well as preparing for the devastating possibility that they might not be chosen by enforcing the idea that not to be chosen was their own fault. In a world of authoritarian religious control, Carrington Hale is still unprepared for rejection yet accepts it as most do. Yet once she has been initiated into life as a Lint, it does not take her very long to begin to question the Authority that rules. Offered an unusual second chance, her longtime dream of a superior marriage quickly deteriorates into a nightmare.

“The Choosing” is the debut novel by Rachelle Dekker, daughter of best-selling author Ted Dekker. His influence is obvious but Rachelle’s novel is anything but a copycat of her father’s work. The plot is well paced with a good balance between action and contemplation. Dekker’s characters are strong and it was very easy to identify with some and abhor others. The cover is gorgeous with its subtle metallic sheen.

Although a dystopian novel, “The Choosing” is not as dark and depressing as some of that genre can be but offers genuine hope for Carrington by its end. There are a few somewhat violent scenes that serve to illustrate the evil madness behind one particular character but none are overly graphic in nature. Actual Christian faith is not portrayed but is insinuated through the character of Aaron who teaches Carrington what it really means to be chosen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its theme of self-worth and how we are all chosen by the Lord. I look forward to the next novel of The Seer series so I can continue the adventure with Carrington and Remko.

This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

Read an excerpt from “The Choosing” HERE.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachelle DekkerThe oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair. Visit her online at www.rachelledekker.com.