Storm

At this point, Connor thought, it might be appropriate to worry…

The sky is falling. The world as Connor knew it had left him behind.

Book: Storm (Swipe Series) by Evan Angler, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2013

 

Genre: Futuristic

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Loss, Relationship with family, friendship, fear, government conspiracy theories

Summary: A chemically manufactured plague that is killing Erin as well as many others, government controlled drought, and confusion about who to trust makes for continued adventures for the Markless. Meanwhile amongst the IMPS, Lily has some plans of her own. Loyalties are changing around left and right, but in the midst of everything Peck and Logan seek something they can rely on, something that’s for sure.

Notes: This is a government conspiracy theory story. The government forces everyone to take the mark in order to survive. In this, the third book in the series, much more of the government conspiracies is revealed and the bigger picture is seen a lot more. The spiritual elements in the story are hinted at even more in this one than in the second. Peck outright says that he found Jesus and became a Christian. And he is off searching for truth. But it still does not portray God or Scriptures as having the answer. The answer is just to be on the good guy’s side, defy the authorities and hope to be smart enough or fast enough to survive.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 1/5

Overall Quality of Book: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Timothy 4:1 - The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free review copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Here’s a link to the YouTube book trailer for Storm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=78DHtGhR3Rw 

Here is a link to Evan Angler’s website: http://www.evanangler.com/

Here is a link to the Swipe Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/swipeseries

   Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Storm by Evan Angler by clicking on the links below, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.

ADD Librarian • http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Blooming with Books • http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/
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Book Nook 4 You • http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/
Bookworm Reading • http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/
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Christian Bookshelf Reviews • http://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/
CTF Devourer • http://www.ctfdevourer.com/
Jill Williamson • http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8624
Labor Not in Vain • http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/
The Life of a Teenage Writer • http://katelynthekreative.blogspot.com
The Maniacal Bookworm • http://themaniacalbookworm.blogspot.com/
Oh, Restless Bird • http://www.ohrestlessbird.com/
The Ramblings of a Young Author • http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com
Realm of Hearts • http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews.html
Shadow Writer World • http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com
A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm • http://sierrasbooklist.blogspot.com
Who YA Reading? • http://christianteenbooksandreviews.blogspot.com/
Worthy2Read •  http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/

Sweet Mercy

Had I known what was waiting for me in Mercy, Ohio, I might not have been so eager to leave Minnesota.

Book: Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock, Bethany House Publishers, 2013

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 17+

Subjects: Crime, Prohibition, Judging others

Summary: She may not have known what awaited her in Ohio but she knew what she was leaving behind. Crime, violence, a man being shot and killed right in front of her, poverty. She had not problem leaving all that behind to go to her uncle’s home where he would provide a job for her dad and a safe, stable environment for the family. Or so she thought anyway. A frantic phone call from a friend late one night and the accidental discovery of some moonshine hidden in a peach crate changed everything though. Suddenly she’s not only doubting her safety, she’s doubting her very belief system!

Notes: This is a “coming of age” story of a seventeen year old girl, who while used to seeing crime, has never had to personally face what drives people to make the choices they do. She considers herself very righteous and practically sinless until she is faced with a very hard choice herself. The story does a good job showing her heart changes throughout the process of the story. The verse quoted often is 1 Peter 4:8 – Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. The theme really is choosing love over legalism.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 7:1-2 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This review is part of a blog tour. And as such, the author has included extra content. Here is a trivia question from her research:

15 – Launch!

16 – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer -  What was Prohibition?

17 – JoJo’s Corner – Review

18 – Letters to the Cosmos – Review

19 – The Broke Book Bank – Guest Post Meet the Lawmen

21 – The Wonderings of One Person –  Molls and other Dolls

 - Books Mystify – Review

22 – Tressa’s Wishful Endings –  Review, The Setting behind the Setting

-  Momma Bear’s Book Blog –  Review, Meet the Cast

23 – CTF Devourer – Review

 - Christy’s Cozy Corner – Fun Facts About 1931   

24 – ADD Librarian - Review

25 – Worthy 2 Read – Review

26 – Green Mountain Couple – Just a Taste (to wet your whistle)

28 – Backing Books – Review

29 – Celtic Lady’s Reviews –  Four Famous Gangsters

30 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews – Review

1 – The Jack’s Junk Drawer – Review

2 – Living a Goddess Life – Review, Recipe

3 – Grand Finale

The Fairest Beauty

Tomorrow he’d be gone. But Sophie would be safe and God would help him discover the truth about Sophie’s identity. He hadn’t wanted to seek God’s will, had been afraid that God truly didn’t intend for them to be together. But now he knew he needed God’s favor. “You said all things work together for the good of those who love you. I wasn’t listening to you before, but I know I need You now. Please let it work out, God, for me to marry Sophie. God, I will follow you, no matter what You ask me to do.”

Book: The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson, Zondervan Publishers, 2013

 

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale

Target Audience: Girls 15-20

Subjects: Jealousy, Love

Summary: All her life everyone has loved her. All but one. The one with all the power, unfortunately. A few simple deceptions and Sophie is left to be raised by the one who hates her. Now she’s grown and the truth of her existence has been leaked to her betrothed… who doesn’t take off to rescue her. Instead, his brother sneaks off to rescue her, determined to best his brother in something. The trouble is that the wrong brother is falling in love with her! And he’s not exactly accompanied by an army. He’s on his own. So neither guarding his heart or rescuing her is an easy task! Jealous, her stepmother will stop at nothing to destroy her. How can Gabe keep her safe?

Notes: This is a Snow White story. A beautiful young girl, a wicked stepmother who is jealous of her beauty and wants to see her killed. A handsome young man (not a prince, but close enough – a lord) loves her and tries to save her from the wicked stepmother. She flees to a cottage where seven men live (in this story, they are outcast, each with some kind of deformity) in secret. It’s a story of love and commitment. Sophie was betrothed at birth to Gabe’s brother, and so both try to avoid falling in love with one another and at least half heartedly seek to do the right thing. Gabe in particular gets very challenged and convinced about the selfishness in his motives. It does a really good job of conveying the importance of following Christ completely, not just half heartedly.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Song of Solomon 8:6 – Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.

Dog Jack

With an impatient look of disgust, the man announced, “My job is to mend soldiers.”

He is a solider, sir”, Matt argued, “one of the best the Union has. He saved my life twice.”

Book: Dog Jack by Florence W. Boris, Sonrise Publications, 1988

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 12-18

Subjects: Slavery, Animals, Faith in God

Summary: Who could imagine two injured soldiers in the war insisting the surgeon care for a dog before them? Yet, that’s exactly what happens. Dog Jack came to the firehouse as a stray, just like young Jed, an escaped slave boy. The two strays grew to be best friends and Dog Jack was adored by all in the firehouse. When the time came to go to war, they brought the dog with them. Quickly learning to respond to calls, he became a huge assistant, as well as a moral booster to all the men in the company. And this is his story.

Notes: This is based on a true story of a dog that was a companion to a group of soldiers in the Civil War. His story was recorded by a chaplain and in 1988, turned into a fictional book designed to tell his story. It also focuses a lot on Jed’s story, what led to his escape from slavery and his faith in God. He just assumed God did not care much for him until the Chaplain showed him, time and time again, just how much God loved him.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 John 4:11-12 – Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Rock Harbor Search And Rescue

Emily pressed her lips together. She needed to figure out what really happened to the necklace. Soon. Before her reputation was trashed.

Book: Rock Harbor Search and Rescue by Colleen Coble and Robin Caroll, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2013

 

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 12-16

Subjects: Fear, Superstition, Family Relationships

Summary: It’s a beautiful necklace. That’s why Emily made an imitation of it. But she would never dream of stealing it! Unfortunately that’s what everyone thinks. Someone obviously did steal it and they are allowing the blame to be placed on Emily. Even her own dad doesn’t isn’t entirely confident of her innocence. The consequences of it are terrible too. She had to take the money she was saving to purchase a search-and-rescue dog and use it to pay the owner of the necklace. And kids at school are making fun of her. Emily has learned a bit about searching from going with her stepmother, Naomi on searches. It’s up to her to use searching skills to rescue her reputation!

Notes: This is the first in a new series by an author of many adult books. Rock Harbor is a series about people in a community who make up the K-9 search and rescue team. This is a spin off of that series focusing on the teenagers in the community.

One of the issues dealt with in this book is superstition. A friend of Emily’s believes in the Windigo, a mysterious being that lives in the woods, causing harm to those it comes into contact with. Emily has to wrestle with her own beliefs about it and about God. Another issue dealt with is relationships with parents. Emily knows her dad is keeping a secret and is terrified it means something awful. She has a hard time trusting her dad. In return, he has a hard time trusting her innocence when the necklace is stolen. A resolution is come to by the end, but we see the characters, particularly Emily struggle to maintain a proper relationship with one another.

Overall, this book does a good job with spiritual elements. Emily’s beliefs are rooted in the truth of Scripture. She doubts, but openly prays, asking God for help or understanding and comes back to the truths she knows.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Timothy 4:7 – Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

This book was given to me for free through Team Novel Teen in exchange for my honest review.
To see other opinions on this book check out the other Team Novel Team members here:
Book Nook 4 You • http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/
Blooming with Books • http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/
Christian Bookshelf Reviews • http://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/
CTF Devourer • http://www.ctfdevourer.com/
Jill Williamson • http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8624
The Ramblings of a Young Author • http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com
Realm of Hearts • http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews.html
Terri Harr • http://terriharr.blogspot.com/
Worthy2Read • http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/

Be Still My Soul

He flashed Lonnie a warning as he took in a slow breath, then turned to his guests. “Now that my daughter is no longer…desirable for a bride.” He looked at Lonnie. “I have spoken with Gideon, and he has agreed to do right by you.” “Now wait just a minute,” Gideon rose. “Son.” Bill’s voice boomed. “Enough. You will do what needs to be done.” Lonnie’s voice slipped out in a faint whisper. “Right by me?” Her hands shook at her side. Fire flashed in her pa’s eyes. “This is the end of the discussion, Lonnie. You will marry this young man. If there is a child, it will be born in wedlock.” He cut the last word off sharp. Rain clicked against the roof. So he wanted to get rid of her after all. And it couldn’t be by her own plans and dreams. She should have known.

Book: Be Still My Soul: The Cadence of Grace, Book 1 by Joanne Bischof, Waterbrook Press, 2012

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 17+

Subjects: Forgiveness, Marriage, Family Relationships

Summary: She lives a hard life with a dad who seems to want nothing more than to hurt her or get rid of her. But this time he’s gone too far. It was just a kiss. One kiss. But her dad claims she went all the way with Gideon and is forcing him to marry her. There’s no choice but to go along with it. She hopes that maybe they can make a good life together anyway. And when they take off on their own and find themselves staying with an older couple who is helping and supporting them, there is even more reason to hope. At least she thinks so. Until he’s gone when she needs him the most. Can she ever find it in herself to forgive him? Or will they remain apart forever?

Notes: The first in the Cadence of Grace series, this is a story of a seventeen year old girl living in a small mountain community with a father who chooses to always believe the worst of her. It’s more of an adult novel, but with the character being a teenager I thought it might appeal to some younger readers as well. The spiritual theme running through the book is forgiveness – God’s forgiveness of us and our forgiveness of others. Gideon is weighed down by his sin and needs to repent and turn to God. Lonnie is weighed down by her anger at Gideon and needs to repent and forgive him. Until they do that, they are trapped, unable to grow their marriage.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Temptation

I don’t want something serious, something real. What I want is the fantasy – something that won’t end in heart break and tragedy. I want something that will feel good. And that will make me forgot about all the other things that are so stinking bad.

Book: Temptation: A Novel (Solitary Tales Series) by Travis Thrasher, David C. Cook Publishing, 2012

 

Genre: Suspense/Horror

Target Audience: Boys 17+

Subjects: Occult, Dating Relationships, Family Relationship, Spirit world (demons, etc.)

Summary: He’s tried denial. He’s tried being the hero. He’s tried being the investigator. He’s tried trust. None of that has worked. So now he’s going to try escape. Oh, not literal escape. There’s not much chance of getting out of this town. But distraction will do in the absence of real escape. And there’s definitely distraction available in the form of the gorgeous new girl in school. The question is, will it work? Can ignoring the problems, the horror, the death, actually make them go away?

Notes: This series is for those who like horror and suspense. The spiritual element is that in each book there is one character that knows at least some of the truth of the Gospel and shares it with the main character. In this book they come the closest. Someone outright tells the main character that the only answers are to be found in putting his trust in Christ. But once again, evil is prevailing. The bad guys tell him the answer is found in learning to control fear – his and the fear of others. They want him to officially reject the Christ he has not yet put his trust in and become the leader of the evil. At the end of the book it seems as though the main character does finally put his trust in Christ, but it’s not extremely clear. Also of note is that, like the others in the series, at the end of the book there is “recommended playlist” of secular music the reader is encouraged to listen to.

Recommendation Scale: 1

 Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 6:1 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Gravestone:

I want a new story, a different installment, a new character, a change of scenery and score. How about a new producter and director as well? That night after Sheriff Wells takes me home with a good-ole-boy threat, I try to figure out my options. I torched option A, which was remaining quiet. I burt optioni B, which was telling someone I trust. Option C, the New option, is gathering my things and running away. Option D is doing nothing. Doing pretty much what everybody’s been telling me to do from my very first step into this tiny town.

Book: Gravestone: A Novel (Solitary Tales Series) by Travis Thrasher, David C. Cook Publishing, 2011

Genre: Suspense/Horror

Target Audience: Boys 17+

Subjects: Occult, Dating Relationships, Family Relationship, Spirit world (demons, etc.)

Summary: After her death he promises he will find the truth. But how can you find answers when you don’t know who, if anyone, can be trusted? Obviously not the pastor, the sheriff, the deputy, and probably not anyone related to him or working for those related to him, not even a friend. There are some answers out there; it’s just that they aren’t going to be to his liking.

Notes: This series is for those who like horror and suspense. The spiritual element is that in each book there is one character that knows at least some of the truth of the Gospel and shares it with the main character. But thus far into the series, real answers are not given. In this book the main character begins to “see” into the “spirit world”. He sees or hears things that no one else does. He starts getting told that not only is this town different from anywhere else, but he, himself, is different from anyone else. He has special powers/abilities to see into this spirit world and do unexplainable things. In this book the evil still prevails and appears to be more powerful than the truth of the Gospel. Also, of note is that at the end of this book there is a recommended playlist of a bunch of secular music songs.

Recommendation Scale: 1

 Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 6:1 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Prophet

The Infinite’s voice was compelling beyond any she’d ever heard. As it should be. Could she expect anything less from the Creator? No. And yet. And yet… Why should she expect anything from Him at all? She yanked the edge of her mantle over her hose and mouth again, then whispered, “Infinite? I’m no one special. Why are you telling me this?” “Because I know you will listen.”

Book: Prophet (Books of the Infinite) by R. J. Larson, Bethany House Publishers, 2012

 

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 16+

Subjects: Salvation, Trusting God, Faith, God’s judgment

Summary: She and her family and friends may think she’s no one special but the Infinite, the Creator, has big plans for her – plans that include people obeying her commands and cowering in fear of her – or rather the Infinite working through her. Ela is going about her life as normal the day the Infinite speaks to her, gives her a vision of the suffering of His people and invites her to become His prophet. Being His prophet comes with a guarantee of pain, loneliness and an early death, but once she has heard His voice she cannot go back. She is determined to follow her Creator, no matter what He asks of her. In the meantime, someone from a nearby nation dares to protest the suffering Ela saw in her vision and is thrown in prison for it. As he waits for his death, Ela’s path intersects with his and she brings the knowledge to him that will change his life.

Notes: The first in a series retelling Old Testament stories in an allegorical story, Prophet focuses on a young girl asked by the Infinite (God) to become a prophet. It shows a number of Bible stories such as Namaan being healed of leprosy, Elijah and the prophets of Baal and I suspect Elijah anointing Jehu as king. The author doesn’t note anywhere what stories these represent, this is just my guess. Throughout the story a number of subjects are covered but one of the most striking and most unique is God’s judgment. Ela mourns over those who refuse to turn to Infinite but He challenges her, asking “Child of dust, can you make their decisions for them?”  and  “Even now, I will save them if they repent. As I would save Tek An. Yet, in his pride, he will prefer death.” and “Why do you plead for him? He refuses to hear. Look at his counselors. They are unwilling to hear My warnings, therefore I have given their power to others and will turn them to dust.” Most Christian fiction books don’t focus on God’s righteous judgment, only His love and mercy. But God IS just and He does keep His promises and He does promise that those who reject Him will receive the punishment they have chosen. This book shows that aspect of His character. It also shows how great our God really is. Near the beginning, there is a scene where Ela is given a chance to choose not to be His prophet. He withdraws His presence from her and she begs for death, recognizing that even the very dust of the ground exists because of Him. After this, even when questioned about being a prophet she determinedly states that she chose this, that she would not want a life with hearing His voice. I highly recommend this book.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Genesis 18:25 – Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Thank you R.J. Larson for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chasing Jupiter

“What is it that you want, Scarlett?”

My shoulders slumped. “I want peace. Peace from bickering and arguments and stress.” I took a breath. It was awkward to talk about. I couldn’t imagine Mrs. Greene knew anything about what we went through, day in and day out. With Grandpop Barley and Cliff and Juli and all the money problems.

Book: Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker, Zondervan Publishers, 2013

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-20

Subjects: Family relationships, disabilities/mental illness, salvation, friendship

Summary: A rocket to Jupiter. Cliff has a list of quite a few things he wants for his birthday but this is the one item he really wants. And Scarlett wants him to have it. It represents all they dream of – dreams themselves, a hope that there’s something more than the stress their family deals with every day. So she, Cliff and the boy she likes (who likes her wild, rebellious older sister) determine to spend the summer raising the money for the rocket. Before their goal can be reached a series of tragedies occur, each one worse than the other until Scarlett believes dreams can not come true and all hope is gone. Soon it’s down to one last chance, one last person who might have answers for Scarlett and she’s not even sure she can see this person again.

Notes: This is a coming of age kind of story, telling the story of the summer one young girl grew up. Scarlett always had to be mature for her age, taking on the role of mothering her brother and grandfather, but when tragedy hits their family Scarlett has to find out if dreams really can come true or if that’s just a childish fantasy in storybooks. When the local minister’s wife talks with Scarlett they discuss how having God in one’s life can be of any benefit when tragedies still exist. The woman explains to Scarlett that “the beauty of salvation and God’s grace isn’t in Him solving all of our problems instantly, like a magic genie. Its beauty comes in the assurance that He has a greater plan for you.”

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review as a part of the Team Novel Team Blog group.

To see others’ thoughts on this book please check out any of the following blogs:

ADD Librarian • http://addlibrarian.wordpress.com/

Becoming More Like You • http://becomingmorelikeyou.tumblr.com/

Book Nook 4 You • http://booknook4you.blogspot.com/

Blooming with Books • http://www.bloomingwithbooks.webs.com/

Bookworm Reading • http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/

Christian Book Review Blog • http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/

Gillian Adams • http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/

Jessica Laurie • http://www.jessicalaurie.com/

Jill Williamson • http://www.jillwilliamson.com/?p=8624 

Labor Not in Vain • http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/

Rachelle Rea • http://www.rachellerea.com/

The Ramblings of a Young Author • http://www.ramblingsbybethany.blogspot.com/

A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm • http://sierrasbooklist.blogspot.com/

Shadow Writer World • http://shadowwriterworld.blogspot.com/

Surrendering All of Me • http://surrenderingallofme.blogspot.com/

Worthy2Read • http://worthy2read.wordpress.com/

Broken Wings

Being back here is strange. It feels very disconnected to me, and yet if I’m to believe Virture, all this turmoil was caused because the grave was empty. Because my dad his emptiness below the ground. All this because I wanted truth.

Book: Broken Wings (An Angel Eyes Novel) by Shannon Dittermore, Thomas Nelson Publishers 2013

 

Genre: Speculative Fiction/Supernatural

Target Audience: Girls 15+

Subjects: Faith, Loss, Angels, Fear

Summary: The fear is growing. Damien is back, truth is being revealed, new enemies are moving in and the fear is pouring off of them all. With her gift of sight, Brielle can literally see it. What she doesn’t see is all the reasons for the fear. Jake is afraid they won’t have a future together after all, now that the ring from the Throne has disappeared. Why has the Throne taken it back? And replaced it with Damien’s dagger? She doesn’t see her father recalling the last time he heard angelic music – the day her mother vanished – not died as Brielle has been told all her life – vanished right out of her sick bed she lay dying in. She just see the past that Marco and Oliva have had to wrestle with. But she sees the fear in all of them. And she feels it in herself. Evil has targeted her and has no intention of letting her go.

Notes: The second in the Angel Eyes Trilogy, Shannon Dittemore speculates on what a halo might be and what kind of experience someone would have if they could see the spiritual realm. The story began in book one with a retelling of the story of Elisha praying that the eyes of his servant would be opened to see the angelic warriors surrounding the enemy army and how the servant saw the spiritual realm (Found in 2 Kings 6:8-23). Then it introduced the story of two eighteen year olds, ordinary humans who are given a special gift from God. When wearing the halo of his angel guardian, Jake was given the gift of healing. When wearing the halo after Jake gave it to her, Brielle is given the gift of seeing the spiritual realm – the angels and demons and the physical manifestation of feelings such as fear and love. In this book their story continues. The demons desperately want to get their hands on these gifted teens and will stop at nothing to do so. In the midst of fighting that battle, the grave of Brielle’s mother is uncovered and discovered to be empty, forcing her dad to reveal the truth to her. The ring that appeared to Jake’s guardian from the Throne that represented Jake and Brielle’s future together has vanished and been replaced with the sword Damien used to stab Brielle in the last book.

 The application/lesson focus in the story is actually the same as the first book - fear and the power it holds over its victims in contrast to the freedom from fear that is found in Christ. In this one Brielle has to learn the power believers hold over the powers of darkness. A powerful angel tells Brielle that it’s the song of the redeemed that causes darkness to tremble. Jake and Brielle recite Psalm 91 when battling the enemy.

Overall – this series is speculative, but in it’s speculation it does not contradict Scripture in any way, but rather supports and even quotes it. I highly recommend this one!

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:37-39 – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson (Book Sneeze) for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.