Book Review: A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes

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Title: A Time to Speak

Author: Nadine Brandes

Series: Out of Time #2

Genre: Dystopian

Audience: Young Adult (to Adult)

Publisher: Enclave Publishing

Expected Publication: October 16th, 2015

About the Book:

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she’s being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow. 

The Council is using Jude’s Clock-matching invention to force “new-and-improved” Clocks on the public. Those who can’t afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council’s purposes. Parvin and Solomon team up to rescue the people. Instead, they find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

A gripping second book to the OUT OF TIME series by Nadine Brandes! I quite thoroughly enjoyed it … not left bored for a moment!

A Time to Speak starts off soon after where the first book left us hanging. Parvin Blackwater struggles to accept her brother’s death – struggles to accept the reality that the clock she always believed in was wrong. She’s still alive.
     So what will she do with the life she’d thought she didn’t have? Or will the wicked Council decide that for her?

After being left slightly stunned by the end of A Time to Die (Book One), I was really excited to dive into this book and see what would happen with Parvin, Solomon, Willow, Elm, Tawny, and the others. I was not disappointed! (Perhaps a bit shocked again, by the time I got the end, but definitely not disappointed! *grins*)
     With an engaging writing style, staggering, new trials, and our beloved characters, Nadine Brandes continues to unfold this harsh, riveting, heart-breaking, beautiful story. Shalom. My heart is caught up in this tale as I watch eighteen-year-old Parvin strive to bring that back to her people. To know God more. To do what He wants her to do with what life she has left. I watch her trust deepen. Her love deepen. I watch this broken, scared girl become a fearless leader. Leading people to Truth.

I loved this book even more than the first! I still haven’t decided … four point five stars or a solid five? Hmm, I think it deserves five. Never mind the ending. There’s a Book Three to come in 2016! ^__^

I don’t even know quite why I’m enjoying these books so much. Just to warn you, neither A Time to Die or A Time to Speak are light reads! There’s sorrow. Violence. Pain. Threats. Death. Wrong. Evil. But in the midst of all that, light shines bright! Hope pulses! The faith theme of this series is so vibrant and real. I just love it! It’s so meaningful. It challenges me, encourages me, helps me grow. And books that do that are just my favorite! <3 I so love journeying and growing with Parvin. Sometimes, I’m right with her. Sometimes, her faith astounds me. And I’m like: I want that! Go Parvin! Hallelujah, my God is amazing! *smiles* Even through the dark times, this book gives a beautiful message.

Adore seeing Parvin grow closer to a certain young man. So sweet … And I adored his description of love!! <3 <3 Now, that was just perfection! I want to see this relationship progress! Please! I’m still hoping … I’m not sure how foolishly …

Once again, there’s some violence and a bit of gruesomeness. Not too bad. There are some frightening or horrifying situations. Caution to younger readers. I myself felt it was all done in a pretty tasteful way – showing a harsh reality without getting into too much gory detail.

Oh my, did you notice the cover, by the way? Ice and snow? Yeah, well, prepare to freeze. I mean really. Nadine Brandes definitely knows how to make you feel what the characters are feeling! At one point, I felt like my bones were turning to ice. Shivering while I read, my one desire was to bury myself under three blankets and eat a hearty, steaming-hot meal; like, ahh, this is the life! *grins and winks* Seriously though, those were the thoughts going through my head. I could feel that cold. Oh yes, I could feel it. And now you know why this book is so gripping. You’re there. You’re feeling the bone-chilling cold. You’re seeing the ice and snow. Your heart is beating with adrenaline and the need for a plan …

Captivating. The story is coming more together. Mysteries are slowly unraveling. Secrets, unearthed here and there. Hope! It’s shining so brightly! Then it’s the end. I’m calmer than I was with the end of the first book (perhaps because Parvin is calmer); but now my mind is whirling. What if … ? Eek! Book Three, come soon, please!

This is an unforgettable Christian dystopian series … written with rawness and feeling … bringing across a beautiful message of faith in and nearness with God. You don’t want to miss this story! Meet Parvin and go on a life-changing adventure!

I received a copy of A Time to Speak from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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Check out the first book of this not-to-be-missed, dystopian series: A Time to Die! Read my review HERE.