The Machine

“SIZZLE-FLASH”

He’d practically disappeared. “big…happy… family…”

And then he was gone.

I looked back to Jenny. She took a deep breath and let it out. And then another. The good news was everything in her room had turned back to normal. The bad news was it would be the last normal either of us would experience for a long long time.

Book: The Machine: A Truth Seekers Novel by Bill Myers, B and H Publishing Group, 2013

Genre: Adventure/Humor

Target Audience: Boys 11-16

Subjects: Spiritual Warfare, Family Relationships, Love

Summary: “Your tickets are purchased and your passports are in the mail.” With that one sentence, twins Jake and Jen’s whole life changed. Their dad has barely spent any time with them. He’s been overseas doing his scientific projects while their mom raises them. But their mom has died and all of a sudden their dad has decided they should be together. So off they go to Israel, to a dad they don’t really know, his sort of time machine project, his rather odd crew (including a troublesome monkey), and his enemy who is determined to steal his project. Normal is now a thing of the past and crazy insanity is now their life!

Notes: This is the first in the Truth Seekers, a series about twin seventh graders, their dad and the machine he invented to allow people to see and experience events from the Bible as if the person were really there. There are some strong elements focused on the family relationship since the twins’ dad hasn’t ever really known them. It isn’t until the climax of the book that they realize he actually does love them. The strongest element is the spiritual warfare. Whenever the machine runs, Jen experience horrid visions and someone says an evil being is actually terrorizing her but that as a Christian she has authority over the evil ones. She has to go through a couple more trials before her faith grows enough for her to try to confront it though. Through the aid of the machine, the characters do get to witness a Bible event as well.

This book is strongly aimed at those wanting humor in their stories. Lots of comical disasters occur, providing plenty of adventure and entertainment in the story.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids

“Secret photo shoot?”

“Yeah, the one on the river. Riley you are so lucky! I don’t blame you for wanting to be a shoe model instead of playing softball. Oh, and my dad showed me the Ready Eddys. They’re so cute! I’m gonna save up to buy some.”

WHAT was this girl talking about? Secret photo shoot? Ready Eddys?

Book: Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids by Jill Osborne, Zondervan (Zonderkidz) Publishers, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Adventure

Target Audience: Girls 11-14

Subjects: Friendship, Evangelism, Truth

Summary: What on earth is going on here? No one is telling Riley Mae anything! This running for your life business is not all it’s cracked up to be. As near as she can figure they’re somewhere in Montana hiding from their enemies. And apparently while here Riley Mae is going to do a series of photos promoting a new sandal – a series of photos going do the rapids – including over a waterfall! That’s not all though. All sorts of crazy adventures are happening – a run in with a hungry bear, a missing person search, a mysterious e-mail and a little boy with Leukemia. It’s enough to make Riley Mae quite glad she’s got the right shoes for each adventure!

Notes: The Good News Shoes series introduces a twelve year old girl who really likes softball and cool shoes. So when she gets an offer to be a spokesgirl for a company marketing athletic shoes for girls, she jumps in headfirst, not knowing she just signed up for some serious adventures. The theme verse for the series is Ephesians 6:15 - and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In this second book the focus is on the Gospel. Riley Mae meets a young boy who shares his faith with all those around him. Her friend hears more about the Gospel and makes a choice to put her trust in Christ for her salvation. She gets to attend a baptism and hear the testimony of others. It also continues the theme of peace from the last book as Riley Mae faces more dangers and challenges.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 1:16 – I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

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

Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek

The thing about contacts is that once you sign them you have to do what they say or you get in trouble with…I dunno…someone important somewhere. Anyway, my contract with Swiftriver said that I had to appear at “the agreed-upon-shceduled photo shoots.” That was the schedule my mom had written on her Bible calendar. So you can imagine my surprise when instead of “Softball signups” on January 12^th, the calendar said, “Swiftriver photo shoot – Fresno State University track.”

Book:Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek by Jill Osborne, Zondervan (Zonderkidz) Publishers, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Adventure

Target Audience: Girls 11-14

Subjects: Friendship, Evangelism, Truth

Summary: Shoes! Tons and tons of shoes! Pinks, purples, yellows, flowers, butterflies, swirls and best of all her name! Riley Mae is gonna be famous! She just signed a contract to be the spokesgirl for a shoe company promoting a brand new line of shoes for girls. What could possibly go wrong? Well, other than missing softball season, making her best friend furious at her, having an intruder spy on her family, and finding out that the leaders of the company are not who they claim to be, that is. It’s not long before Riley Mae is finding out exactly why the Bible says you’ll need to be ready with the right shoes when trials come!

Notes: The first in the Good News Shoes series, Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek introduces a twelve year old girl who really likes softball and cool shoes. So when she gets an offer to be a spokesgirl for a company marketing athletic shoes for girls, she jumps in headfirst, not knowing she just signed up for some serious adventures. The theme verse for the series is Ephesians 6:15 - and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In this first book the focus is on the peace and the Gospel. Riley Mae faces some very serious challenges and has to find the peace God’s Word promises. She also learns that some of her friends are not Christians and gets chances to reach out to them a little bit. The focus in this one is mainly on the adventure but Riley Mae and her family are Christians so as they go about their life, there are spiritual elements woven in.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

One Realm Beyond

Since arriving in Effram, Cantor’s thoughts had skittered from one surprising idea to another. With so much information to process, he hadn’t latched on to this wordless communication with him at the farm was not so extraordinary. Perhaps it meant nothing. He hoped it meant nothing. It didn’t mean he would be stuck with this buffoon of a dragon. As soon as they finished this rescue, he’d make some excuse and detach himself from this motely crew, the whimsical girl, the know-it-all healer, and the boorish dragon. Their adventure invigorated his heartbeat, and this realm walker was nothing like he’d expected. Ahma and Odem had never mentioned daring rescues perpetrated under the noses of a region’s lawful, albeit corrupt, authorities.

Book:One Realm Beyond, Realm Walkers Series, Volume 1 by Donita K. Paul, Zondervan Publishers, 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13+

Subjects:

Summary: Cantor’s been training to be a realm walker his whole life and the day has finally come! He can’t wait! He’s been attempting to sneak in to portals on his own for a while now. His two mentors have spent hours giving him all kinds of lessons. From the first moment he sets foot into a new realm though nothing goes as he expected! The first dragon he meets is determined to be his constant but he’s clumsy, has a pet cat and is a bit strange. The first realm walker he meets is a young girl with a flair for fashion, a head full of knowledge, and a fascination for all kinds of skills. If all these odd companions weren’t enough, it seems the council itself is corrupt and can’t be trusted! So what on earth is Cantor supposed to do now? Everything he thought he knew is now in question and the ones he would normally turn to for answers are missing!

Notes: The first in the Realm Walkers series, One Realm Beyond introduces a new world with Primen representing the Ultimate Being, Primen Warriors as angel type figures, realm walkers as the ones supposed to protect and help the people and the council as the ones supposed to lead and guide the realm walkers in protecting the people. This story deals with the young realm walkers seeking to figure out what Primen expects of them and how they can learn to serve and trust Him. It also deals a bit with judging by mere appearance. Not all the characters are what they first seem.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 37:4-9 – Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

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

The Garden Gate

The guards could not touch him, but their words made him wish he could stopper his ears. Feral boasts. Foul predictions. Furtive suggestions. The former Protector cared only for violence. The fallen Messenger loved rumors and half truths. But worst was the Fallen watching him from the shadows in the corner. His ears came to telltale points and his eyes missed nothing. More than the others, this demon frightened him. He stood as proof that even an Observer could Fall. Book: The Garden Gate, Threshold Series #4 by Christa Kinde, Zondervan Publishers, 2014

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 11-15

Subjects: Angels, Family Relationships, Friendship, Spiritual Warfare, Trust in God

Summary: Prissie is so thankful for the angels around. They have truly become her closest friends. So when they are threatened or hurt she hurts with them. The battle with the evil ones is intensifying. The ones she loves are in danger. Her family is struggling to recover from the destruction wreaked on them the last time the evil ones went on an all out attack. She has to figure out what on earth to do with Ransome and his determination to make friends with her. And if all that isn’t hard enough, she is being asked to give up what has become most precious to her. It’s time for Prissie’s faith to turn into action.

Notes: The Garden Gate is the fourth in a kid-friendly series dealing with serious issues such as spiritual warfare. In this second book, Prissy, a fifteen year old girl has become familiar with being able to see the angels all around her and be friends with them. The focus on this book is on faith, trusting God when it seems impossible. Like other speculative fiction, it speculates “what if”, in this case, “what if someone could see all the angels around them and could interact with them”. But it does a good job carefully not doing anything to contradict Scripture in its speculations, but rather teaches and enforces Biblical concepts. I highly recommend this to upper elementary and young teens.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 11:1,6 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

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

The Redcoats Are Coming

“Have a nice trip,” Whit said. “And don’t forget. Ask for ink if someone offers you a quill.”

“What does that mean?” Beth asked. But the doors to the Imagination Station slid closed. White didn’t hear her.

Beth looked at Patrick. He shrugged and said, “I guess we’ll find out.”

Beth reached to push the red button.

Book:Adventures in Odyssey, Imagination Stations: Book #13 - The Redcoats Are Coming! by Marianne Hering and Nancy Sanders, Focus on the Family and Tyndale House Publishing, 2014

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and girls 8-13

Subjects: American Revolution

Summary: Ink? A quill? What is that all about? Patrick and Beth are about to find out as they take a trip in the Imagination Station back to the time of the American Revolution, specifically the time of Paul Revere’s ride. When they arrive Concord it’s not long before they are assisting the Patriots, running from angry men and trying to prove they are not Loyalist spies!

Notes: This book did not contain as much for spiritual elements as I had hoped. This series is much like the secular Magic Tree House books but instead of wizards and magic it’s imagination and inventions giving them the different place/different time experiences. The radio show the concept is taken from is very solid – full of great spiritual elements and lessons and challenges as well as fun and excitement. But this book lacked a lot of that. It mostly contained suspense and some history lessons. It did have some a character taking note that there wasn’t any separation of church and state – the pastor preached his political views right in the midst of his sermon. But that was all for spiritual elements. Its biggest value is probably generating an interest in historical events for the reader.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 1/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 31:4 – Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Grandpa’s Box

“Do you have war stories for the whole Bible?”

“Oh yes,” Grandpa replied. “In fact, in one sense, you could say that’s just what the Bible is: the story of this war between God and Satan. It’s the story of whether Satan would win and there wouldn’t be.”

Book:Grandpa's Box: Retelling the Biblical Story of Redemption by Starr Meade, P and R Publishing, 2005

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 10-14

Subjects: Bible Stories

Summary: Grandpa’s secondhand shop was always a fun place to be. Marc and Amy were thrilled to be able to explore all the treasures and hear Grandpa’s stories. The day he got out his wooden box though, the stories he began to tell were important stories. Real stories. Stories of things that had happened thousands of years ago and yet still impacted their lives today. Each item in that wooden box represented some part of the story. Read along as Grandpa tells Marc and Amy each of the stories that go with the items in his wooden box.

Notes: Written in the form of a dialogue between a grandpa and his two grandchildren, Grandpa’s box retells Bible stories, showing how they fit together. He describes it in terms of a huge war between God and satan. Each chapter is another story, another battle in the war. Each chapter begins with a reference to show where in the Bible the story is taken from and each chapter ends with another passage that’s actually written out, often taken from another place in the Bible showing God’s character or a summary of the issue at the heart of the story. Therefore this book can be used as merely an enjoyable book to read or as an actual devotional.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 35:1-3 – Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

Take Flight! A Sisterchicks Devotional

Yes this blog is focused exclusively on teen fiction, but when one of your most favorite CTF authors writes a devotional on a subject close to your own heart, how can you resist getting a review copy of it and recommending it to your followers?

By definition, a Sisterchick is “a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and gives you a reality check when you’re being a brat.” Whether you meet regularly with a gaggle of Sisterchicks or don’t have a Sisterchick in your life at the moment, this book is for you.

Book: Take Flight! A Sisterchicks Devotional by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan, Multnomah Publishers, 2013

Genre: Devotional

Target Audience: Girls 18+

Subjects: Friendship, Trust/Faith in God

Summary: Think about birds. What comes to mind? Their small size? Their colors? Their song? Or their flight? Birds can be kept as pets, trapped in a cage. But birds were meant to fly. Sometimes women are small and helpless, powerless. Sometimes they don’t have anything in their physical appearance to attract others to them. Sometimes beauty comes forth when they open their mouths and sometimes it doesn’t. But we weren’t designed to be caged, trapped in lies of doubt and uncertainty. This devotional encourages us to trust God, let go of the things holding us back and take flight!

Notes: Divided into four major sections with 3-4 devotions in each section, Take Flight contains fourteen devotions. It’s primary purpose is to be done with a close friend/s who can encourage one another to “dig deep into God’s boundless grace and take flight”. However, as mentioned in the quote above, it can also be done on your own as the goal of it is to draw you closer to Christ. Each devotion begins with a story, then the devotion part which includes looking up passages of Scripture to see for yourself what the Bible says about the topic. Then there is a section for journaling your thoughts. Then a page of quotes – from the Bible and other sources. It ends with a suggestion for an activity friends can do together to act on what the devotion taught.

Unlike many devotionals, this one is more than just one small verse printed on a page and then someone else’s opinions about that one verse. This one truly encourages getting into God’s Word for yourself. The other strength of it is that it is intended to have friends hold each other accountable to spiritual growth. I highly recommend this book.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ecclesiastes 4:12 – Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

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

A Road Unknown

She winced at the word. Home. She was leaving everything and everybody she knew to go to a place she’d never visited in her life. It was exciting. It was terrifying.

Book: A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron, Abington Press, 2014

Genre: Amish Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 17-25

Subjects: Amish Culture, Selfishness, Trust in God, Dating Relationships, God’s Will

Summary: It feels so wrong, but she is to the point of not knowing how to do anything else. Life has just gotten to be too much at home. Being the oldest of nine children Elizabeth spends all of her time and focus helping mother her siblings. It’s not that she doesn’t love her siblings, she does. It’s just that she wants more out of life. She has hopes and dreams just like every other young girl. So she sets off for another world, the world of the English. She moves in with a pen pal and finds a job working for other Amish, including a very good looking single boss her age! But there’s still a tug back towards home, a tug towards finding peace, being sure of who she is and where she is supposed to be. It’s time for Elizabeth to figure out just what God wants of her.

Notes: Like many Amish stories, part of the focus of this one is on the comparison between the two cultures and the rigid rules of some of the Amish communities. This one has a strong focus on the personal element, Elizabeth figuring out for herself who she is supposed to be rather than the church leader telling her who to be. And it’s not a decision of whether or not to remain Amish, simply a decision of whether or not to grow up, fall in love, get married, move out, etc. instead of stay at home and continue raising her siblings.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 6:26 – Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Thank you to Litfuse for sending me a free review copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.    

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bcameron

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Barbara Cameron is celebrating the release of A Road Unknown with a $200 Visa cash card giveaway and a fun "Amish Roads" Facebook party.

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 27th. Winner will be announced at Barbara's "Amish Roads" Facebook Party on February 27th. Connect with Barbara for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!

So grab your copy of A Road Unknown and join Barbara and friends on the evening of February 27th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

The Sword, The Garden and the King

"What DO I have to do?” asked Matthew.

“Just save the Forest from the evil people who are trying to destroy it,” replied Ginger. “I am still not sure why the King wants a boy. Why doesn’t he just save us Himself? But that is what the old legend says – The wolf shall dwell with the lamb. And a little child shall lead them. – So the King must know best.”

“I’m hardly a little child.”

“Neither are you anywhere close to a man.”

“But I can’t save the Forest,” objected Matthew. “Even if I’m not a little kid, I’m still only here on a holiday I’ll just be here three weeks.”

“We shall see about that. The King always knows what he is doing. I am certain that will be time enough. For now, make yourself comfortable on those branches. And listen carefully.”

Book: The Sword, The Garden and the King by Michael Phillips, Sunrise Books, 2013

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Boys 12+

Subjects: Faith in God, Selfishness/Rebellion/Dissatisfaction, Family Relationships

Summary: He thought he was just going for a visit to his grandparents’ house, a nice, relaxing, fun vacation. Sure he imagined adventure – adventures playing in the yard and maybe exploring, but nothing like this! When he is visited by two prairie dogs who inform him he is to go on a mission for the King he has his doubts. But the next day he is visited again, this time by a crow. In his ignorance, he fails to realize the crow is working for the King’s enemy. Soon he is taken in by the lies that he is better than everyone else, that his parents don’t love him at all or they wouldn’t deny him the things he wants. Soon the lies of rebellion are so deep within him, the only hope left is for Matthew to use the Sword of Ainran to slay the evil inside of him. Only then can he fulfill his purpose for the King.

Notes: For years, Michael Phillips has been writing books about surrendering our self, our independence, our determination to have things our way instead of God’s. Now he is sending his message to a new market, teens and those who enjoy fantasy, fairy tale and allegory. This story is very well written, filled with all the talking animals and good vs. evil battles that make fantasy so delightful. And it is filled with Scriptural truth, making the story not just entertaining, but powerful as well! I highly recommend this one!

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:5 – Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

The Sands of Ethryn

I fled him, down the nights, and down the days; I fled him, down the arches of years; I fled him, down the labyrinthine ways, of my own mind; and in the midst of tears, I hid from him

Book:The Sands of Ethryn, Gates of Heaven Series #6 by C. S. Lakin, Living Ink Books, 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12+

Subjects: Faith

Summary: Water, the land must have water! In desperation, King Kael sends workers out to the desert in hopes of finding a source of water. What they find instead is a tower, a huge tower, buried under the sand. Suddenly King Kael is unconscious, a hole in the ground suddenly starts sucking all the sand into it, growing larger and larger as the king sleeps, a scroll more ancient than any discovered so far, yet with modern language on it, is being interpreted, some are hearing footsteps that seem to be following and pursuing them, and the king’s viser has taken over rule of the kingdom – along with the evil being that now lives within him. The kingdom needs a savior, but where can one powerful enough to defeat the evil be found?

Notes: Fifth it the Gates of Heaven series, a series that constantly reminds us that Heaven exists, that personifies Heaven, almost takes on the role of God Himself. “Heaven favors the honest and valiant” is an example of one of these.  This series is designed to be fairy tales that teach Scriptural truths in fantasy settings. The biggest spiritual elements in this book are God’s relentless love and His justice on the wicked. Most of the books in this series are at least loosely modeled after a classic fairy tale. This one is based off of a concept found in a poem instead: The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson. The idea is that the footsteps the characters keep hearing are those of a God of love chasing and pursuing them, wanting to claim them as His own beloved. The main character is very aware of what he is hearing and fights hard against it. So all through the story you have someone trying to run from love and being pursued by the sound of footsteps. The second element comes from the story of the Tower of Babel, a story recreated in this book. An evil character boldly shakes his fist in defiance at God, determined to build a tower to show the whole world there is no need to worship and follow God or any deity for that matter. Mankind is the true power source and can rule themselves. God casts His judgment on these characters and their tower of defiance and sends justice. Then comes the part of the story that ties all of the other books together. In the others you couldn’t really tell they were a series, but this one really brings them together and shows how each of them tells about a place and a person: a Keeper of a “Gate of Heaven”, seven sacred sites that are set up to protect the world from evil completely taking it over.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Deuteronomy 7:9 – Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Psalm 23:6 – Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Outcasts

“That left only one option that Shaylinn could see. “So we give Bender the three recruitment letters that that’s it. But we also have to go to Levi right away and hope he can come up with a plan before Bender betrays us all. Book:Outcasts, Safe Lands Series #2 by Jill Williamson, Blink (Zondervan) Publishers, 2014

Genre: Futuristic/Science Fiction

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 18+

Subject: Euthanasia, Sex, Jealousy, Selective Genetics, Freedom, Forgiveness

Summary: Living in the Safe Lands is anything but safe for the captives taken from the village of Glenrock. They’ve chosen to not join the community and are therefore in hiding. It seems they’re not the only ones though. Some of those in the Safe Lands don’t feel safe anymore either. The trouble is figuring out who you can trust. Some of the rebels seem to be on both sides. And there are various factions of the rebel groups. And even within the Glenrock brothers there is a lot of division. Levi just wants to grab the rest of his people and get out. Mason wants to discover a cure for the virus inflicting every one in the Safe Lands. And Omar is perhaps the most desperate of all. He feels he needs to do something to make up for all the harm he has caused. With everyone divided and everyone hurting and everyone in danger, how can they ever hope to succeed?

Notes:  This is the second in the Safe Lands series, a futuristic series on the issue of freedom – whether or not a person should deny themselves any desire and whether or not anyone has the right to force someone to help them. This second book has a lot more spiritual elements than the first book did. Basically, the two main female characters have a very strong faith and are encouraging the three main male characters who have not yet made the faith of their fathers, their own. The following quote says it best: “’They’re bored,’ Jemma said. ’And spoiled and lazy. They have no serious responsibilities to give them purpose in life. It leaves them aching for meaning. So they fill themselves with pleasure. It won’t ever satisfy in the long run.’ The Lord. Levi had always assumed he’d have time to read the Bible when he was older. And was village elder it was his responsibility to train the next generation in their faith. But how was he supposed to do that when he barely understood it himself?”

Also, due to the issues dealt with in this book, it is not written as a light-hearted, entertaining reading, but rather than an intense, graphic look at a serious issue. If you would like more on this topic, check out The Center For Bioethics And Human Dignity - http://cbhd.org/, a Christian organization that helps people figure out how to respond to these sorts of subjects. 

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3.5/5

Overall Quality Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 1:16-17 – I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 10:12-13 – For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

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