The Conqueror

“What are you talking about, soldier?” Aratus hissed. “You said nothing on this wide earth could ever deter you from your mission!” Rex paused, gathering his resolve. He wrenched his arm from his commanding officer’s grip. The woman’s crisis had touched something primal within the soul of every man. I am one of the most proficient warriors in this empire! I can stop this travesty if I wish. And right here… right now… for this woman… I wish. At last he looked straight at Aratus. “I just found the one thing that can,” he declared.

Book: The Conqueror, Constantine’s Empire #1, by Bryan Litfin, Revell Publishers, 2020 Genre: Historical Fiction Target Audience: Upper Teens and Adults Subjects: Rule of Constantine, Persecution, Commitment Summary: He’s a fighting machine, one of the most well-trained warriors in the world. She’s a rich, spoiled daughter of a politician… and a stubborn, headstrong Christian. Amidst the struggles for power between Constantine and Maxentius to see who will rule the entire Roman Empire, Rex and Flavia’s cross. He’s on a mission for Constantine, she’s the victim of her father’s competition under Maxentius. Only Rex can save her, but he can only do so by questioning all he has ever believed! Notes: This is the first in the Constantine’s Empire series, by historian and a former professor of theology. He pays great attention to the details of the time period and historical figures. The story of a speculator who believes himself to be unstoppable, undefeatable and a young Christian woman who has always assumed her father is powerful enough to protect her from her own rebellion intermingles with the historical events of Constantine and Maxentius’ reigns. This book is quite different from Bryan Litfin’s earlier series, but equally detailed. It is rather violent at certain points – again, very realistic. The strongest spiritual theme would be Rex’s interaction with the Gospel message. Rex is looking for a god that is powerful – a god who will help him win battles against his enemies. Flavia attempts to explain how Jesus is the only true God and the One who was strong enough to conquer death. But Rex objects to a god that tells him to love instead of fight. Flavia has to wrestle with how to view the death of enemies as well. Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5 Reviewer: J:-)mi John 16:33 – "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

A Viscount's Proposal

“Never,” she whispered to herself. Never would she marry someone who barely even spoke to his wife and treated her like an acquaintance, the way he treated Mother. Never would Leorah enter into a cold, passionless marriage – a fate much worse than losing her reputation.

Book: A Viscount’s Proposal by Melanie Dickerson, Waterfall Press, 2017

Genre: Mystery, Romance

Target Audience: Girls 16+

Subjects: Marriage, Love, Judging, Crime

Summary: “His brows are very piratelike.” “The way they point straight up in the middle. I imagine the viscount with an enormous hat, a giant feather curled over the crown, and a cutlass in his teeth.” And therein lies Leorah’s picture of Lord Edward Withinghall – a fierce pirate who just so happens to have a title and wealth. But title and wealth are not enough to attract this feisty young man. She dreams of romance, of true love. An accident on her horse that leads to her being in the wrong place at the wrong time appears to be removing her choice though. She was caught in Lord Withinghall’s carriage, having spent the night there, unsupervised. That is more than enough for society to condemn. And the only way to redeem her reputation in society’s eyes is to marry the viscount. Being a gentleman, he reluctantly makes the offer to the girl he views as a wild hoyden, but Leorah is holding out for her dream. When Edward and Leorah are forced to get to know one another however, they each begin to realize that maybe their judgments of one another weren’t entirely accurate. Of course, none of that will matter if the one who caused the carriage accident has his way – Edward will soon be dead.

Notes: The Viscount’s Proposal is the second in The Regency Spies of London series. The series tells of independent, bold young women daring to do things society deems unfit for a woman and in the process assist in solving a mystery. The character who was such an encouragement and inspiration to the main character in the first book is the one driving the plot in book two. This book tells of two people making judgments on one another and dismissing one another . Leorah doesn’t like Edward, believing him to be rude and uptight. Edward doesn’t like Leorah, believing her to be reckless – to the point of danger – and irresponsible. It is a story of how truly getting to know someone can prove your initial judgments wrong. It is also the story of two young people seeking to overcome the hurt caused by their fathers. Leorah is looking for someone to truly care about her since her father has never shown caring or compassion for her. Edward is seeking someone to be above reproach in the eyes of society since his father greatly disgraced his family through seeking a mistress and engaging in a duel.

Spiritual Recommendation Scale: 3.5/5

Entertainment Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 2:12 – Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

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

King's Blood

WARNING: THE NOTES OF THIS REVIEW CONTAIN ONE PARTIAL

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Arman’s ways are beyond understanding.

Zeroah’s favorite verse came softly. Wilek could not recall the reference, but he pondered the words for a very long time. In the end the words did placate him some. He could not wallow in despair over the lost ships nor could he rail in anger. His father was bedridden aboard the Kaoday. Janek was dead. And Wilek would meet with the Wisean Council in a few hours to combat a potential mutiny. He must remain strong. What was left of the fleet looked to him. He must lead well, with confidence and strength. He would have to tell Miss Amala and Zeroah. Worse, he would have to tell Treven.

Book: King’s Blood by Jill Williamson, Bethany House Publishers, 2017

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience:

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16+

Subjects: Truth, Judgment, Love, Loss

Summary: With their homes completely destroyed in the woes, all the survivors of the five realms sail the seas in desperate hopes of finding a new land, one big enough to hold all of them. As the expedition continues, the evil that managed to make it’s way onto the ships with them continues fighting for control. Things disappear. Entire ships disappear. People disappear. Murderers appear. Yet, all is not lost as Wilek studies more and more of the ancient texts translated by Treven and gains a deeper understanding of Arman and His ways. And Arman is blessing them with a new gift of mind-speaking. But just as things start to look up, the enemy strikes again, and this tragedy will take even more to recover from than the last.

Notes: King’s Blood is actually three books combined into one volume. The three were originally released as separate e-books. Now Kingdom at Sea, Maelstrom, and Voices of blood make up the second book in the Kinsman Chronicles series.

This series would be classified as a mixture of fantasy and apocalyptic. The characters are facing the end of their world. There are strange beings and creatures that have supernatural abilities. It’s not really fantasy animals as much as it is two supernatural powers – one good and one evil. And these supernatural powers grant power to humans. The evil power indwells like a demon possession. The good increases an ability beyond what is natural.

The storyline is about the slow unveiling of a one true god who created their land and now brings judgment on it for turning its back on its Creator. It works out the story through two princes trying to survive their father’s impulsive decisions to elevate one son above another at any given time and worse still his willingness to offer as a sacrifice to the gods anyone he is currently displeased with – including a prince.

In this book the spiritual focus is much stronger. The characters know who the one true God is and have determined to follow Him. His words are what guide them. And when they receive the mind-speaking ability it is as a direct gift from Him.

Now, for the SPOILER ALERT: At the end of this book, the main character, the one driving the story all the way through the first two huge books is killed. So if you don’t like reading tragic endings, avoid this book. Or just stop reading at page 563 before all sorts of tragedy occurs.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 2:5 – But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed.

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

Beyond Corista

“You’ll know what to say.”

Oriannon nodded slowly, trying her best to understand. Tell them they’re being invaded by someone I’ve never heard about, she though, and the news comes from a man who was dead and now isn’t. I can’t do this.

Book: Beyond Corista by Robert Elmer, Zondervan Publishers, 2009

Genre: Science Fiction/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+

Subjects: Faith, Truth, Salvation, Jesus’ death and resurrection. Missions, Persecution

Summary: Guided by a supernatural powered stone, Oriannon, her friends, her dying father and unfortunately, the hateful Sola, are in a space ship traveling from way station to way station warning them of a coming attack from an enemy Oriannon knows nothing about. Sola is still breathing out threats and insults against Oriannon, her owling friend, her father, and pretty much anyone who disagrees with her in any area whatsoever. Her father is barely clinging to life. And the people Jesmet wants them to warn? They don’t want to believe the truth. Most outright reject it. Some turn violent at the news. None welcome it. Spreading the news of Jesmet is not going to be easy!

Notes: Beyond Corista is the third in the Shadowside Trilogy. The series is an allegorical tale of Jesus ministry on earth, death and resurrection and some of the events of Acts – the persecution of Christians and the spread of the Gospel. The story is set in a science-fiction world with spaceships traveling to various planets and scientific development being a main focus of the world.

In Beyond Corista, Oriannon has to learn how to rely on Jesmet and her friends rather than herself. She is forced into situations where she has no choice but to trust and follow. It seems to be representing the apostles attempts to spread the Gospel throughout the world in Acts. There is usually one person who accepts the truth, while most respond to it with violence. The series doesn’t quite seem to finish. It seems to leave it unsettled. It doesn’t wrap up details nice and neatly. However, the book of Acts doesn’t either! It just ends with the idea that the good news needs to continue to be told.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Owling

“Remember what they did to your scribe friend? So play dumb. Find out what she says, go to your banquets and your media things for now, but don’t let on that you know anything. You’ll be our insider. But whatever you do, don’t you dare tell her what we just saw. And once you find out more,” Brinnin added, “then we can uh… then we can, you know…”

Her voice trailed off, but Oriannon nodded. At least it was a start. One way or another they would find out the truth, and then they would help the Owlings.

They had to.

Book: The Owling by Robert Elmer, Zondervan Publishers, 2008

Genre: Science Fiction/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+

Subjects: Faith, Truth, Salvation, Jesus’ death and resurrection. Persecution, Racism

Summary: Named for their bigger eyes, the Owlings are the people who live on the shadowside of the planet. And they are friends of Oriannon’s. So when a new political figure arises with promises to help those poor pitiful people and targets Oriannon to be her assistant, her representative, Oriannon gladly joins in. Or at least she does until she finds out the truth. Sola has no intention of helping the Owlings. What she wants is to enslave them. In her mind, they are worthless creatures, good for nothing but manual labor. Soon the whole shadowside of the planet is destroyed and all of the people rounded up and put to slavery or killed. It’s up to Oriannon and her friends to save them… if they don’t become slaves or killed themselves first.

Notes: The Owlings is the second in the Shadowside Trilogy. The series is an allegorical tale of Jesus ministry on earth, death and resurrection and some of the events of Acts – the persecution of Christians and the spread of the Gospel. The story is set in a science-fiction world with spaceships traveling to various planets and scientific development being a main focus of the world.

In The Owlings, the good news that Jesmet (the Jesus figure) is alive is cautiously being told to a couple of people, but for the most part, those who follow Jesmet are hiding, waiting for the Numa (Holy Spirit figure) to come. The problem is that Oriannon doesn’t wait – she thinks maybe Sola is the Numa and starts helping Sola, thinking she is helping the Owlings, when really the only thing she’s helping is their destruction. The Owlilngs know and worship Jesmet and that’s a big reason they are under attack from Sola – who hates even hearing the name of Jesmet. Sola seems to represent Saul from the book of Acts. Oriannon seems to represent Peter with her impulsiveness and yet willingness to believe.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 8:1,3 – On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Trion Rising

“A faithbreaker is anyone who speaks with the spirits of animals and the dead, magicians and diviners, shamans. Someone who tears apart the faith and undermines what we believe. Which is, of course forbidden in the Codex. But come on, that’s just in the Codex. Stories. It’s not like there are any real people today who are as evil as a faithbreaker.”

“That’s what I used to think, Ori, but I think we just saw one in action.”

She had to ponder for a moment before she realized what he was trying to say. Could he really mean…

“I’m telling you Ori, he’s a faithbreaker and if he is…”

Book: Trion Rising

by Robert Elmer, Zondervan Publishers, 2008

Genre: Science Fiction/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+

Subjects: Faith, Truth, Salvation, Jesus’ death and resurrection

Summary: The new music teacher at school is rather different. But in a good way. He seems to know what the kids are thinking and treats them with love and gentleness, but at the same time pulls their very best out of them. He challenges their thinking and opens their minds to music they’ve never dared to play before. Many of the students are completely embracing him, including Oriannon. The adults don’t seem to agree though, especially the council… including her own father who wants her to use her special powers of memory to spy on Jesmet and report to the council anything suspicious that happens. Jesmet completely earns Oriannon’s trust though when he brings her dead friend back to life after a sudden accident and then risks his life to save hers when a wild animal nearly attacks her. The same events that convinces her to put her trust in him, convince the council to carry out the full penalty of punishment against this faithbreaker as they believe him to be and Jesmet is executed. In her despair, Oriannon finds herself in the last place she would have expected to be and finds more hope than she ever thought possible.

Notes: Trion Rising is the first in the Shadowside Trilogy. The series is an allegorical tale of Jesus ministry on earth, death and resurrection and some of the events of Acts – the persecution of Christians and the spread of the Gospel. The story is set in a science-fiction world with spaceships traveling to various planets and scientific development being a main focus of the world.

In Trion Rising, the main characters are introduced, the Jesus figure arrives on the scene, develops followers, brings a dead person back to life, teaches following the truth over man-made rules, is betrayed, killed and rises from the dead. Oriannon is introduced to the people on the other side of the planet who are different from the lies she has been told about them. She finds what it means to place her faith and trust in the Jesus figure.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Wishing Upon A Star

B.T.’s presence brought such a funny feeling inside. Kind of like peace dancing. China paused at the doorway and whispered, “Dear God, would it be okay if B.T. and I got to be good friends? I don’t know if I’ve ever found such contentment with anyone before.”

Book: Wishing Upon A Star by Lissa Halls Johnson, Focus On The Family Publishers, 1995

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-18

Subjects: Pride, Popularity, Servanthood, Friendship

Summary: A movie star? Here at camp? China and DeeDee don’t watch tv so they didn’t know that the camper who arrived early was actually a famous star from a tv sitcom. The friendship began naturally. Now though, now things are different. China starts to wonder if maybe it’s a sign from God. Maybe her friendship with B.T. is meant to take her places, big place, far away places, places quite different than camp or her parents’ mission field. Maybe it’s meant to catapult her into the life of the rich and famous that despite all her experiences this summer, she still somewhat envies. Pursuing that kind of fame isn’t free though. And China is going to figure out just how high of a cost it really is.

Notes: Project Black Bear is the third in the seven book China Tate series about a tenth grade girl whose parents are missionaries in Guatemala. She has returned to the states to spend a summer with an aunt, hoping to find a place to fit in. She finds her place at Camp Crazy Bear and winds up staying and working in the kitchen for the summer. The series tells of the adventures she has in friendship and learning responsibility.

In this fourth book, China continues learning the lesson about what outside trappings really mean. From the beginning, she admired and envied Heather for her beauty and popularity. Then she misjudged Rick because he didn’t look attractive. Now she’s caught up yet again in the idea that being rich and popular means you’re better than others. She remembers her grandma telling “There’s no one so different in this world that you are better than they are. And even more important, there’s no one so different in this world that they are better or more special than you.” But she disagrees. She sees the crowds of people following B.T. and the money he has and decides that “special was proven by your volume of friends and the importance of your work.” She finds out just how wrong she is when she loses both DeeDee and B.T.’s friendship and almost Magda’s in her pursuit of fame and fortune. A chapel lesson on servanthood that has campers washing people’s feet makes her realize just how wrong she has been about what really matters and who is truly important.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 20:26-28 – Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Project Black Bear

“What does your job consist of, Dr. Hamilton?”

“Most of the time, I clean up messes other people make through foolish decisions.”

China flashed DeeDee an ugly look. “What is it with man and dumb decisions?”

DeeDee learned and whispered in her ear. “Maybe it’s because he’s never made any.”

Kemper’s brows pulled together. “I’m not sure I follow you.”

Dr. Hamilton looked out across the sea of kids, then directly into Kemper’s eyes.. “I would be out of a job if people, especially teenagers made better decisions.”

Book: Project Black Bear

by Lissa Halls Johnson, Focus On The Family Publishers, 1994

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-18

Subjects: Obedience, Authority, Wisdom, Pride

Summary: They’re so cute! And the poor things are hungry! Just look at how desperate they are! Why else would they dare to break into Magda’s kitchen? So China and DeeDee decide to leave scraps out in the woods for the bears. If they are fed well – and away from the campers, surely they’ll leave the camp alone, right? Now if only they could solve their problems with Dr. Hamilton as easily! The man is rude and arrogant and a downright jerk! He seems to look down on them merely because of their age. And the girls are getting really sick of his insults! There has to be a way to show him that teenagers can be responsible and make good decisions! But how?

Notes: Project Black Bear is the third in the seven book China Tate series about a tenth grade girl whose parents are missionaries in Guatemala. She has returned to the states to spend a summer with an aunt, hoping to find a place to fit in. She finds her place at Camp Crazy Bear and winds up staying and working in the kitchen for the summer. The series tells of the adventures she has in friendship and learning responsibility.

In this third book China and DeeDee learn the hard way the importance of obedience. In chapel, they hear a message about the importance of obeying God – even when they don’t understand why the command is there. But they fail to apply it to the “Obey your parents and those in authority over you” commands. So they feed the bears they have been specifically commanded to not feed and the bears get used to human food and seek it out and someone gets hurt because of their actions. They get all mad at Dr. Hamilton for viewing them as irresponsible and yet prove him right through their disobedience. They get excellent advice at the end from Kemper who tells them to take responsibility for their mistake, confess it and let it go instead of accepting the idea that they have to be stupid and worthless because they messed up. He quotes Romans 8:28 to them  (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) and challenges them to look for how God can use this tragedy for good. He also explains that good doesn’t mean happy. They don’t have to be happy about the tragedy, just be able to move on from it to see how God can work in it.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Samuel 15:22 – But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

John 14:23 - Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

The Secret In The Kitchen

Just as she raised her hand to strike the door again, she remembered, Rick locks the walk-in as the last thing he does before he leaves. He never, ever does anything else first.

China leaned her head against the door, her heart pounding inside her chest.

I’m stuck. Trapped. There’s no way out.

Book: The Secret In The Kitchen by Lissa Halls Johnson, Focus On The Family Publishers, 1994

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-18

Subjects: Identity, Friendship, Family Relationships, Revenge

Summary: There are a couple new workers in the kitchen this week. Magda is thrilled to have them here, they are young men she’s been close to for a long time. China isn’t quite sure how to feel about them. Rick seems kind of strange, and his appearance… well, he’s just not exactly the most attractive male on the planet. But he does seem to enjoy playing around with the girls and is kind to them. John on the other hand has no problems in the looks department but China doesn’t know what to make of him either. He’s nice sometimes, but other times he seems downright cruel, as if China has done something to offend him. She’d ask Magda for advice, but something has Magda sick and out of commission. She also knows she has to be careful – she’s breaking rules by sneaking a stray dog she and DeeDee found into the kitchen with her. When China is seriously threatened, she knows things have gone too far and somehow, she has to figure out who wants to hurt her.

Notes: The Secret In The Kitchen is the second in the seven book China Tate series about a tenth grade girl whose parents are missionaries in Guatemala. She has returned to the states to spend a summer with an aunt, hoping to find a place to fit in. She finds her place at Camp Crazy Bear and winds up staying and working in the kitchen for the summer. The series tells of the adventures she has in friendship and learning responsibility.

In this second book China is settling into a routine working in the kitchen with Magda and living with DeeDee and her family. But she has to adjust to some changes when the new summer kitchen workers arrive and one doesn’t seem to like her very much. She learns a lesson about appearances – what you see on the outside has no bearing on what is on the inside. She judges both of the boys who work in the kitchen by the outside and gets proved very wrong. The dog she and DeeDee find helps reinforce the lesson as the dog is deaf and appears on the outside to be “not okay”, but is of great comfort to both girls and quickly becomes very important to them. The other approach the book takes is to simply not be too hasty in making conclusions – there might be more going on than what you realize. When China hears the story of one of the boys’ pasts she understands a lot better why he does some of the things he does.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Samuel 16:7 –  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Ambushed

Clearly my dad has the money to help me out. But would he? The man might have murdered my mother in cold blood. And here I was in his house. You’d think I’d have learned my lesson about walking into traps. I just didn’t think I’d have much of a life without basketball. Maybe that was melodramatic of me, but it was how I felt. I needed to get the best surgery possible.

Book: Ambushed by Jill Williamson, Novel Teen Press, 2014

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 13-18

Subjects: Visions/Prophecy, Prayer, Friendship, Betrayal, Purity, Salvation, Injury

Summary: Unthinkable. Out of the question. Basketball is what Spencer lives for. Risking losing that is not an option. Yet, a mission league training activity gone wrong leaves him with a torn ACL. His grandma can’t afford much – just the cheap surgeon the insurance offers – the rude one who acts completely apathetic to Spencer and his injury. Spencer isn’t willing to risk something so vital on a man like that! Which would be why he finds himself standing at the entrance to a mansion, prepared to ask his father for help… the father who betrayed the Mission League, caused his mother’s death and abandoned Spencer… the father who may be out to kill Spencer as well. As if all of this isn’t enough, Spencer can’t stop thinking about the blond beauty in his visions who is clearly being abused… and who has disappeared from school. Things are building up and Spencer is in way over his head yet again.

Notes: Ambushed is the fourth in the Mission League Chronicles, a series about an unsaved boy who joins a Christian Spy Group for teens just to keep out of the military school his grandmother is threatening him with.

As the series progresses he learns of his parents’ history with the league, develops some friends, gets introduced to spiritual gifts – including the gift of prophecy – which he has, and discovers that he may be the fulfillment of a prophecy himself and therefore a key target for the enemy. In this series there are good and bad examples set by all of the characters but it is pointed out clearly which are which most of the time so the teenage reader isn’t left doubting which is right and which is wrong. Purity is a common resounding theme as Spencer learns how to treat girls with respect and decency.

In this book, Spencer has sworn off girls. He doesn’t want anything distracting him from his goal of getting a basketball scholarship. That focus causes him to do other dangerous things though. He openly acknowledges that is taking stupid risks just to achieve his dream. However, a betrayal from a close friend pushes him to a point where he is finally ready to give God his attention.

A huge spiritual element that is key in this book comes when Spencer attends a birthday party that Gabe’s dad hosts for him, focusing on helping Gabe figure out what it takes to become a man. Spencer can’t stop thinking about evaluating everything he sees according to those terms. Is he really living life in a way that is respectful, responsible and righteous? Are those around him?

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Philippians 1:9-11 – And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Project Gemini

“Let her go. Please?” I say. My hands are trapped. I’m trapped.

Anya Vseveloda steps into my vision. She’s dressed all in white. A fancy suit of some kind. Her hair is down and wild. Her lips are blood red. They twist into a smile as she raises a knife to my face. She’s enjoying this. “Just seeing how much you wan this delights me. I think she will help us get information from you. Yes, I think she will be very helpful. I glance over and see two girls in a restaurant booth; one is the Asian swimmer I’ve dreamed of before, the other is slumped over the table, curly brown hair in a ponytail.

Book: Project Gemini by Jill Williamson, Marcher Lord Press, 2013

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 13-18

Subjects: Visions/Prophecy, Prayer, Betrayal, Dating Relationships, Friendship

Summary:  A trip to a Japanese paradise with gorgeous foreign girls, one of whom is throwing herself at Spencer? What could go wrong? Well a teammate who utterly despises him for one. Spencer had never met Grace before she joined the Mission League so he can’t figure out why on earth she hates him so much and she refuses to tell him. Secondly, a betrayer in disguise is ready to lead Spencer straight to his enemy. Thirdly – a series of accidents leave Spencer visiting Japanese hospitals and clinics – three separate times. And lastly… well, an enemy that wants him dead is there waiting for him. Yeah, that can ruin a trip – even a trip to a paradise.

Notes: Project Gemini is the third in the Mission League Chronicles, a series about an unsaved boy who joins a Christian Spy Group for teens just to keep out of the military school his grandmother is threatening him with.

As the series progresses he learns of his parents’ history with the league, develops some friends, gets introduced to spiritual gifts – including the gift of prophecy – which he has, and discovers that he may be the fulfillment of a prophecy himself and therefore a key target for the enemy. In this series there are good and bad examples set by all of the characters but it is pointed out clearly which are which most of the time so the teenage reader isn’t left doubting which is right and which is wrong. Purity is a common resounding theme as Spencer learns how to treat girls with respect and decency.

In this book, Spencer finds himself falling hard for a Japanese girl and has to start questioning how far he is willing to go physically.

There is the continuing question of his salvation – he actually finally tells off one of the other characters who keeps pressuring him to make the decision to put his trust in Christ for his salvation. He acknowledges that God has specifically answered one of his prayers, but admits he is continuing to put off the decision to surrender his life.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Philippians 1:9-11 – And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Chokepoint

I was going to have to provoke him and see what he did. I turned and sized him up. He looked about five ten and weighed close to two-twenty. Had a bit of a gut. But he was wearing a holster holding two guns that I could see and who knew what else. This might backfire in a big way. Even if he was guilty he could still deny everything. He could also kill me.

Book: Chokepoint by Jill Williamson, Novel Teen Press, 2012

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 13-18

Subjects: Visions/Prophecy, Prayer, Betrayal, Dating Relationships, Friendship

Summary:  Trying to mo on and be a normal teenage boy isn’t easy with bodyguards trailing you everywhere, friends who betray you, pests and antagonists who care more about you than you guessed. Throw in intense workouts for both basketball and LCT – the martial arts training taught by the Mission League along with normal school stuff and Spencer is in deep. The real chokepoint comes when the bad guys get around Spencer’s bodyguards though. They are willing to destroy anything – or anyone – in their way.

Notes: Chokepoint is the second in the Mission League Chronicles, a series about an unsaved boy who joins a Christian Spy Group for teens just to keep out of the military school his grandmother is threatening him with.

As the series progresses he learns of his parents’ history with the league, develops some friends, gets introduced to spiritual gifts – including the gift of prophecy – which he has, and discovers that he may be the fulfillment of a prophecy himself and therefore a key target for the enemy. In this series there are good and bad examples set by all of the characters but it is pointed out clearly which are which most of the time so the teenage reader isn’t left doubting which is right and which is wrong. Purity is a common resounding theme as Spencer learns how to treat girls with respect and decency.

In this book, Spencer pursues a girl from the Mission League who tells him she has no intention of kissing anyone until marriage. His friend Gabe challenges him to not “treat girls like meat” and to be careful not to lead them on.

There is also the continuing element of Spencer’s need for salvation. He has not made the choice to put his trust in Christ yet. His doesn’t yet believe prayer will accomplish anything for him.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Light Up New York

Mia couldn’t have been more surprised if Jennifer had reached down and pulled the rug out from under their feet. Did Jennifer know? She couldn’t. But then why was she asking them this question? Mia’s heart thumped in her chest, and the silent words, “Don’t do it, Lulu. Don’t do it!” beat in her ears. But how could she expect her little sister to keep the secret at a moment like this, with the eyes of… everyone… watching? Mia knew she should say something, but she wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t lie on national television? No, of course she couldn’t. But what could she do?

Book: Light Up New York by Natalie Grant, Zonderkidz, 2017

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 10-14

Subjects: Sibling Relationships, Truth, Helping the needy, Showing love to others

Summary: The whole city is to be lit up! Candles everywhere! But not just with lights, with love too! A week has been declared to reach out to the hurting and needy in the city of New York and the Glimmer family has a role to play in it. Mom will put on a concert and the girls will do a part of a concert too in an effort to promote their own album – the one they created with their friend who had been homeless. They are raising money to meet the needs of the homeless too, just like the adults are. As soon as they arrive in New York City though, a mystery greets them. Some mysterious person is leaving gifts all over the city with a snowflake attached. The gifts are always personal, just the perfect thing for the receiver. Yet they are all over the place, with seemingly no connection to each other. A pair of wool socks, a birthday cake, a blanket of their favorite color. How does one person know all these different people? The Glimmer Girls are determined to find this mysterious Snow Angel, as the city is calling it. But in the meantime, Maddie and Mia have some lessons to learn about how to handle an annoying little sister!

Notes: Light Up New York is the fourth in the Glimmer Girls series – a series by music artist, Natalie Grant. She writes a story comparable to her own life – 3 daughters, the oldest two twins, a singer mom, a producer dad. The strength of the story is in the way the family lives out their faith, making it a party of everything they do. It shows young girls asking the kinds of questions girls do at that age and parents giving them the answers they need, directing them to the right source.

In this fourth book, the twins, are wrestling with how to show love to their little sister. Lulu is first of all, just simply being annoying, being whiny and getting her way, being embarrassing, being irresponsible and once, just plain spiteful! Maddie and Mia learn a lesson about how to return meanness with kindness and about how to tell the truth in a way that encourages forgiveness and builds trust rather than brushing things over and claiming they are ok while really harboring bitterness. They learn to be honest, not just with their sister, but with their parents. Here’s an example: “Mia nodded, trying to reframe what she needed to say from an accusation into words that felt more truthful.” “Plus, you’d be doing what big sisters should do, model a way to be. You’re showing Lulu that it’s okay to talk about being upset. Maybe after a while, she will try it herself. You never know. Maybe she’ll start talking to you about her feelings rather than acting out. Or crying.”

There is also the spiritual element of giving to the needy. The Light Up New York event the Glimmer Girls are participating in encourages everyone in New York City to reach out to others. People are sleeping outside on a cold winter night to raise awareness for the homeless. Talented people are raising money to donate to charities or education. And the Snow Angel (SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!) winds up being people who have decided to listen to those around them and find unique ways to secretly meet the small needs they become aware of.

Interestingly, in contrast, the book also seems to promote a materialistic mindset. The Glimmer Girls are apparently very wealthy. They are staying in what is portrayed as a very nice hotel for days, renting 2 rooms of it, visiting numerous tourist spots, eating out at restaurants for every meal, and the girls keep getting toys and money to spend on souvenirs. It’s an interesting contrast – supposedly they are in the city to help the poor, but they are clearly quite comfortable living with a very materialistic mindset. Some might find it offensive the way the girls are given so many toys and souvenirs merely upon the asking for it.

It also shows the girls turning to prayer and at one point, it says, “Breathe, she told herself. Then she realized she was trying to do things on her own again. She wondered why her first impulse when she was worried wasn’t to pray. It was so easy to forget that God was right there, waiting for her to reach out.”

I highly highly recommend this book and the others in the series! They are very well done books that challenge young girls to grow in their faith.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 19:21 - Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Thank you to the publishers for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion! I greatly enjoyed it!