Book Review: Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

I think I'll start this blog with a post about one of my favorite books. *smiles* Resistance actually just released a few days ago, but the author, Jaye L. Knight, gave me the privilege of reading and reviewing Resistance before it came out; (I even got to write a mini review for the inside)!

Anyway, here is the cover and description of the story inside:

Purchase HERE

“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

(Christian Fantasy/Clean New Adult/No Magic)

Title: Resistance

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Series: The Ilyon Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: New Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Oh my ... where to even start? It brought me to tears, made my skin tingle in delight, had my mind racing, and made my heart sigh.

Resistance tells the stories of a fascinating array of characters; the most prominent being Kyrin Altair and Jace. Kyrin, along with her twin brother Kaden, train in Tarvin Hall to serve the emperor. Jace is of a feared race, an outcast to society. Both of them have this in common: they serve King Elom; which is a dangerous thing to do in the darkening days of Ilyon. Believers of Elom labor to keep their faith a secret ... but evil is at work. In the end, who will bow, and who will resist?

The setting of Resistance is an unusual, captivating mix of Ancient Rome-like times, fantasy concepts, and a futuristic touch —with the Christian allegory ever present. The collection of different “fantasy” races was intriguing. From the ruthless, supposedly soulless ryriks, to the regal, peace-loving talcrins, I was delighted by this creativity! Can’t wait to meet more of the races, such as the cretes and the giants (dorlanders)!

This story was deep. Deep, emotionally-stirring, thought-provoking, and hitting very close to home. I often found myself thinking, "What would I do in that situation?" Because I have much in common with Kyrin and Jace. A faith that has faced persecution around the world and across the centuries, for one. And it’s a faith worth fighting for! Resistance displayed that ... with scenes that pierced my heart. No, I will not bow down to your gods; I serve King Elom, and Him alone! Yes, it was deep. It felt real.

The love story, well ... it’s not exactly a love story ... but, I believe it will be, later on! *smiles* Anyway, the relationship was so sweet. It came about with real compassion, selflessness, and care. –Truly beautiful to watch unfold.

Oh, and did I mention that I love Kaden? Really, he’s the epitome of “big brotherly-ness”. He definitely ranks as a favorite character, along with Kyrin and Jace. But I liked all the characters —the good ones, I mean. Rayad, Trev, Endathlorsam, Liam, William, Trask, Anne ... Ah, I just want to read more of them!

Resistance was surprising, with breathtaking twists and turns. It was bittersweet and love-filled, with scenes that made me want to cry and smile all at once. It was interesting, with its amazing settings and happenings. It was heart-rending. It was beautiful. It was worth it. Definitely not your fluffy romance story —but I loved it. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book to the Ilyon Chronicles!! And the next, and the next. I hear there is six books to the series, yay! *smiles*

There was some violence, in order to enhance the story. I would caution younger children (12 and under). But otherwise, it's definitely not all gruesome and gore, just a bit of violence to make the situation more real.

All in all, a stunning story. Even after the last page, the impact remains.

I received a copy of Resistance from the author in exchange for my honest review.