Book Launch: Why I Recommend the Out of Time series by Nadine Brandes

     I'm excited to be discussing the OUT OF TIME series by Nadine Brandes with you today! (Read my reviews of Book One, A Time to Die, and Book Two, A Time to Speak - releasing October 16th).

So, the OUT OF TIME series is a Christian, young-adult, dystopian series published by Enclave Publishing. Nadine Brandes combines faith, danger, suspense, drama, and a hint of romance; unfolding a rich and poignant tale amidst a unique futuristic world. 

     Her characters are incredible. Her setting, captivating. Her story,  raw and unforgettable. Her faith theme, beautiful.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy this series. Harsh and heart-rending though it may be at times, it was ultimately an absolutely beautiful journey! ^_^

"Tomorrow was never promised to us." - Parvin Blackwater

"We have to become uncomfortable in our lives to become comfortable in our faith." - Solomon Hawke [A Time to Speak (OUT OF TIME #2) by Nadine Brandes]

So what makes the OUT OF TIME series so amazing? Why do I recommend it? How is it different (and similar) to the mainstream, popular dystopian reads?

I have read THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and watched the first three movies. I've also watched Divergent [2014] (based on the DIVERGENT series by Veronica Roth); which largely introduced me to, and started my love for, the dystopain genre.

     Something about these strange and yet somehow realistic worlds and scenarios grabbed my attention. This idea of teens having to rise up with boldness and courage and fight against an evil, oppressive government intrigued me. So I started looking for more dystopian films and books. I watched The Hunger Games [2012]. Loved Catching Fire [2013]. Read the first two books. Nearly died at the end of Mockingjay: Part 1 [2014] ...

You see, there was a slight problem. The violence. And then an even bigger problem, the lack of hope - the dismal endings.

     I was so captivated by the worlds of Divergent and The Hunger Games ... so caught up in the story ... so happy about the heart-melting romances ... and then The End comes with depression instead of joy. I sit there feeling vaguely lost and a bit depressed, wondering why nobody warned me never to pick up Book One.

That's where A Time to Die and A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes differ. Yes, they do still have the fantastic dystopian world. The evil on free reign. The oppressive government. The horrific times. BUT, there is real hope.

     A vibrant message of faith, of hope, of love is woven into the fabric of this series. God's voice is heard. His power is real. Some days seem hopeless, but Parvin Blackwater (the main character) is still reaching out for Shalom. Striving on. And no matter what happens, you know that God is there and in control! There's a raw beauty and spectacular hope to this series that the THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT trilogies simply don't have.

     And not only that, it lacks the heights of violence and gore that The Hunger Games and Mockingjay, especially, display. There is still a strong theme of violence, and some disturbing happenings in the OUT OF TIME series, but it's definitely not nearly as bad or detailed. I felt Nadine Brandes did everything in a real, but tasteful way. Whereas The Hunger Games (book and movie) and Mockingjay were really hard for me to stomach at points.

SIMILARITIES: 

Strong Female Lead // Adventure and Action // Futuristic // Oppressive Government // Raw and Emotional // Romance Themes // Thrilling // Danger // Fighting //

DIFFERENCES: 

Hope // Christian-Based (beautiful themes of faith) // Heroine with Vulnerable and Soft Side // Less Violence and Gore // No Inappropriate Scenes // Meaningful and Thought-provoking //

"If my mind got destroyed and only my heart remained, would I still love God?" - Parvin Blackwater

So if you've enjoyed series like THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT, I urge you to try out Nadine Brandes's amazing books! If you don't enjoy mainstream dystopian, then I still recommend that you pick up A Time to Die. I like (but sometimes hate) mainstream dystopian novels ... and absolutely love the OUT OF TIME series. Because it's dystopian, but different than the norm. God and His awesome love and power make all the difference! ^_^

 "The Lord is arising. For us. Like a general for battle, and I want to fight as His soldier." - Parvin Blackwater

"My belief in God isn't just because He's my ticket to comfort. It's because He's ... God. He's shown Himself to me. I sense His voice." - Parvin Blackwater [A Time to Speak (OUT OF TIME #2) by Nadine Brandes]

Why else do I recommend this series? It's dystopian, *grins* It's intriguing and fun even while terrible and harsh. I don't know, dystopian is just cool to me. I love seeing how our world "changed" and what new traditions, rules, and quirks people have come up with.

Tally ho > Okay

Welks > You're Welcome

Good sunrise > Good morning

Good noon > Good afternoon

Good twilight > Good night

~ High City Talk ~

"They will be angry. You must be calm. They will have questions. You must be honest. They will watch you. You must be confident." - Mother

The OUT OF TIME series is just lovely. It challenges you. You find yourself growing alongside the main character, eighteen-year-old Parvin Blackwater. It's beautiful, warming my heart and bringing tears to my eyes. It's hopeful - but like I mentioned above, even if things don't end up good, you just have this lingering sense of peace and trust. God is in control. Wow. Now that's powerful. It makes you feel brave.

     If you're looking for dystopian that moves you, and means something, and touches your soul, look no further than the OUT OF TIME series by Nadine Brandes.

     I totally recommend ... especially urge Christian audiences to pick up these books! (The only caution I would insert, is this: there are frightening scenes, intense moments, and themes of violence. Younger or sensitive readers should beware.)

"I've finally learned how to live." - Parvin Blackwater

     So don't miss this epic series! I myself can hardly wait for Book Three, coming 2016!! *grins*

~ Author Nadine Brandes briefly explains what her debut novel, A Time to Die, is about. ~

How would you live if you knew the day you’d die?

Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government’s crooked justice system. 

But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall — her people’s death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out.

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 uses 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 Hawke 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?

Author Nadine Brandes

Nadine’s links:

• Nadine’s website, blog, NEWSLETTER
• Nadine’s Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google plus.

Book links:

• A Time to Die on Amazon (http://bit.ly/AmazonATtDpaperback)
• A Time to Die on Goodreads (http://bit.ly/ATtDGoodreads)
• A Time to Die on Barnes & Noble (http://bit.ly/ATtDBN)
• A Time to Speak on Amazon (http://bit.ly/AmazonATtSPaperback)
• A Time to Speak on Goodreads (http://bit.ly/ATtSGoodreads)

Book Review: Beyond the Valley of Thorns by Patrick Carman

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Title: Beyond the Valley of Thorns

Author: Patrick Carman

Series: The Land of Elyon #2

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Children

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3 stars**

So, after loving the first book in THE LAND OF ELYON series, I was really excited to read Beyond the Valley of Thorns.

In the second installment, it's been about a year since Alexa Daley discovered the secret stone, animals, and sinister plots. She's back where she was before ... awaiting another adventure. And one comes indeed. But this new escapade is far more darker and dangerous than the last.

... And you're probably wondering about my three-star rating. Well, it means I liked this book. I enjoyed it. I'm excited to continue this series! But it just wasn't everything that the first book was. Some parts dragged a little for me, personally. It was missing the charm, intricate-ness, and thrilling nature of The Dark Hills Divide. I don't know. It wasn't horrible; I still liked it!! But it was just different. Maybe it needed a bigger ending, which means I just need to go read the next (last) two books! *grins*

We see the Christian allegory coming to surface in this book. Which is exciting! ^_^ Some parts I wasn't exactly sure where the author was going ... but overall, it's good.

Ooh, and some really cool things happened at the end. More mysteries being unraveled! Intrigue. Wonder. Things falling into place! I'm excited to see what the next book brings forth! *grins*

Book Review: The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

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Title: The Choosing

Author: Rachelle Dekker

Series: Seer #1

Genre: Dystopian/Thriller

Audience: Young Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3 stars**

I'm really torn as I try to gather my thoughts together and write a review for The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker. My rating is uncertain. I sorta desire to give it four stars ... but just can't. Because some parts I hated enough that I can't wholly give it a "really liked". (Hint: if I would have known the author was Ted Dekker's daughter, I might not have read this book. Creepiness and sick-minded villains are NOT my thing).

Set in a dystopian world, this story is about a young woman, Carrington, who doesn't question what she's told. If she's told she's worthless - she's worthless. Nothing - she's nothing. Sent to live the future she spent her life working to avoid, Carrington is lower than she ever thought she'd be. But after meeting a bubbly fellow Lint, a kindhearted guard, and a rebellious but intriguing speaker, can she be convinced there's hope beyond what she's imagined? Or will she calmly resign herself to living a nightmare?

First off, the dystopian aspect. *sighs with pleasure* That is the sole reason I picked this book up, because I saw it was Christian dystopian. I have fallen in love with that genre for some reason or another; and I trust that it being written from a Christian perspective will give it hope and good endings (something the mainstream dystopian novels don't seem to favor). So. I loved the dystopian world of The Choosing almost as soon as I started reading. Some parts of it reminded me of the world of Divergent by Veronica Roth; but even so, it was uniquely its own. Very well done, I thought. I thoroughly enjoyed that.

And there was hope! I LOVED the book's ending sooo much! That was beautiful! ^_^ Now if only the next books (or at least the last book of the series) will end good too! *clasps hands together hopefully*

It wasn't very much focused on romance, although there was one involved. It turned out to be very sweet, and I was totally loving the couple by the end of the book. (Such a sweet guy, peoples! He's a gem. So protective and kind!) I did notice that some other reviewers were saying the romance was a little rushed, or the instant love type deal. I can see that. But, it was still really cute! I'm so wishing bunches of happiness on Carrington and her man! <3

Now to the more iffy stuff.

I want to touch on the faith aspect of The Choosing real quick. First off, it was really disturbing how a oppressive government (and not to mention, a demented bad guy) were so into talking about God, and His will, and even had this book that sounded something like the Bible. There were some discussion questions at the end of the book that talked about how some people will twist Scripture verses to suit their own evil agendas. So that helped it make sense to me. But still, it was disturbing. I was SO ANGRY at times how evil men would try to use the precious and holy name of our God and be like, "Oh yeah, this is his will!" when they were doing cruel or horrifying and evil things. *nearly boils over while reliving the emotions brought forth by such scenes*

     *Ahem* Now as for the good people. There were these secret meetings (which kind of made me think of the "scandalous" Revival meetings back in the 1600s or early 1700s perhaps). And there was this preacher sort of guy named Aaron. And, in the story, he's supposed to be speaking Truth. He never said 'God', but he did talk about the Father. Same difference; but it was just weird how the bad guys always went on and on about God. Anyway, the message of The Choosing is that of finding your true worth, overcoming insecurity. So Aaron often spoke of things like that. To be honest, some of it slightly confused me, when he was talking about the power within oneself and all that. Huh? But most times, he sort of brought it around to the fact that we are chosen by the Father, and that is why we are beautiful, loved, and chosen. It's a poignant and beautiful message overall; it's just that some parts of the book made it feel like a worldly pep talk rather than truly finding your worth in Jesus Christ. But once again, the discussion questions at the end of the book made me feel better about it all - understand more what Rachelle Dekker was trying to get across.

So all in all, that was fine. I'm curious to see how the next book will continue this. How Carrington will grow in her faith ...

My real issue concerning The Choosing is the creepy/violent/gruesome theme of it. Yes, it's probably something like what Ted Dekker writes. Yes, I know a lot of Christians are into thrillers. But I am not. It's made even worse when the sick, deranged lunatic is convinced he's on God's holy mission! Just to warn you guys, I could hardly stand it! The guy's obviously possessed by evil and darkness; and it's horrifying to see him try to justify his vile acts by saying it's God's will. *Shudder* And, the scenes of him are just ... yeah. Dark. Horrifying. Sick. Vile the deepest extent of the word. I guess I'm not used to reading suspense/thriller type novels, but I just don't see the need for that kind of yuckiness!! I ended up skimming whenever he was the POV character. Ick. Not into that at all. I'm still going to give The Calling (book two) a try, but if the extreme creepiness continues, I may have to give up this series. (Even though it's awesome dystopian!!)

Oh, did I mention the END? ^__^ Just so many feels!!! I loved it so much! <3 <3

We shall see. The Choosing definitely had some qualities I adored. Then there were a few things I'm still not sure about. Then there was the ugly. But I might be able to get over that if the next book in the series mellows a bit on that theme. Hoping for the best! I love finding new Christian dystopian series!

Book Review: Arrow by R.J. Anderson

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Title: Arrow

Author: R.J. Anderson

Series: Faery Rebels #3

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale

Audience: Teen

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3 stars**

A nice conclusion to the Faery Rebels series by R.J. Anderson! I perhaps didn't enjoy Arrow as much as the first two books ... I know Knife was definitely my favorite.

Arrow had more magic than Book 1 at least. It made me a bit uncomfortable; not sure what to think. There are some good and poignant sort of allegories and themes to this book, but I still wasn't sure about some elements. Hmm. It's hard to know. There was some seemingly unresolved issues of revenge/bitterness too.

I don't think these books are Christian, but there is the 'Great Gardener' who could almost be a being who represents God. I don't know. And there's a white 'naming stone', which is strikingly similar to a white stone mentioned in Revelation. It's kind of funny; I'm not sure if the author was at all trying for that comparison, but I was reading Revelation, Chapter 2, and it was speaking about a stone that reminded me so much of the one in this book! *grin*

Anyway. A sweet, clean, and subtle romance. That was pleasant. And cute, <3

We interact with characters from the other books, such as Paul, Peri (Knife), Linden, Rob, Timothy, and others. And we have a new character (or at least I don't remember her from before): Rosemari, who belongs to a peaceful faery group, secluded from the rest. We continue the battle against the evil Jasmine, who's determined to take every faery captive by stealing their true names.

I usually really enjoy novels about faeries. And I did enjoy this one! Some of the magic just bothered me a bit. It was interesting and kept me reading ... and I may have to pick up Swift and Nomad sometime! *smiles*

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

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Title: Scarlet

Author: Marissa Meyer

Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian

Audience: Young Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

I don't know what to rate this one. First off, who ever knew I could enjoy sci-fi so much? Hehe. Usually I'm not into this genre. But I decided to give Cinder a try, because I had gotten it as a free audiobook. I ended up quite enjoying it. Then I noticed Scarlet at the library ... well ... I just have to see what happens. So I picked it up and was swept up into a wild and fantastic ride!

A science-fiction/dystopian retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Book 2 in THE LUNAR CHRONICLES introduces us to Scarlet, the girl in the red hoodie who has lost her grandma. The authorities say suicide and give up the case. But Scarlet is having none of it. Then she meets the handsome street fighter, who appears gentle and shy, but in some instances, dark and mysterious. Meanwhile, Cinder is locked away in the palace jails ...

So I was loving this book. I enjoy the new character, Scarlet, and was intrigued by her search for her grandma. When I first met the gentle street fighter, I quite adored him. I was excited as Cinder's story continued, and watching that unfold was grand. And Thorne, *grin and shakes head* What a humorous, (slightly arrogant) guy. He cracked me up. As much as his charming, silly self was entertaining, I'm hoping for a deeper story for him! That he'll meet some sweet girl and fall in love, but she'll reject him because of his attitude. Then he will learn to truly love someone more than himself ... ^_^ *Ahem* Or something like that. But anyway. I just loved these characters. Loved! Oh, and even Prince Kai. He's coming around ... I think! I just want to read more and see what happens. Relatable and so fun to journey along with!

Yep. Loving it. The adventure. The mystery. The wild escapades. The humor. The blossoming romances. The astounding revelations being explored. The impossible "Cinderella" love story that still wants to come around! It was all so thrilling. And it had a lot of a dystopian feel too. Even though it's probably more so defined as sci-fi, it had the dystopian feel ... and it was just epic ... and I learned to sort of, kind of, enjoy the metal hands, and wires, and Iko-sort-of-people-that-aren't-really-humans, and the whole Lunar race scenario. Yeah, despite my usual aversion to sci-fi, it was all kind of intriguing.

Then ... about half way to three-fourths through Scarlet. Somewhere around there. Chaos erupts. I should have knew it was coming - there were hints - but I just wasn't quite expecting the violence that ensued. Ghastly violence. I mean, it was like taking some of the ideas touched on in The Hunger Games and bringing them to whole new levels! I was slightly appalled. Okay. Really appalled. Nowhere in Cinder (Book 1) do we see this kind of gruesomeness/violence. So it's a shock. But not only that, it's just not necessary! I mean, really! What's the point of describing such disturbing violence? I know some people like to go to horror movies and get some sort of sickening thrill; but why put some ghastly scenarios in a thrilling, action sci-fi/dystopian geared toward a YA audience? I mean, yes, maybe there needs to be some violence, and some harsh, terrible happenings, but let's not go to far! So caution, peoples! This is a not a book for younger readers. And if you are in any way sensitive, beware! I'm pretty sensitive myself, and I could handle it, but it still bothered me. I'm just like, ick. I don't appreciate the depth of darkness of it at all.

So yeah. That aspect is what has me floundering on what to rate Scarlet. Before I reached that part, I was like, "Yeah, five stars, I think!" And then ... not so much. I gave it four for now, because I did want to rate it five, if not for the extreme yuckiness. Sometimes I feel like I should give it a lower rating. Ah. I don't know. Decide for yourselves. Just beware. *wrinkles nose*

The romance had a few iffy moments. It could be perhaps a bit shallow. I don't know. I hope for renewed and deepening true love for Scarlet and her man in the books to come!! ^_^

Overall, I quite enjoyed this story. It was a thrilling read. And the epic story, along with its grand characters, just pulls you in!! I'm looking forward to reading Cress at some point, and seeing what happens next! Hopefully it won't be as violent as Scarlet ... If it's good, can't wait to read Winter! *smiles* As for Fairest, the novella about evil Queen Levena ... yeah, not gonna read that.

But overall, readers, if you're into sci-fi, (or even if you not, like me, haha, but into dystopian), and epic adventures, unique fairytale retellings, thrilling journeys, and sweet romances ... you might want to give THE LUNAR CHRONICLES by Marissa Meyer a try!

Book Review: The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman

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Title: The Dark Hills Divide

Author: Patrick Carman

Series: The Land of Elyon #1

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Children

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

What a delightful and charming tale! I can hardly believe I've been missing out on this splendid, little series all this time!

The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman brings us into the intriguing Land of Elyon, where we meet sweet Alexa Daley, who is quite smart and courageous. She's been trying for quite a while to learn of what lies beyond the walls that at times seem to imprison her. Meanwhile, her father and his fellow advisers and friends try to keep her out of trouble. But upon old Warvold's sudden death, a chance is opened up to Alexa to explore deep mysteries and dark places. What will she discover? Does danger await her?

I think only two of my friends on Goodreads, (that I've noticed), have read this book. They had nothing but good to say about it; and after surveying the intriguing and utterly charming cover, I had to add this book to my to-read list. Just in case. Recently, I scrolled through my TR list, looking for a book to read next ... and decided to try out The Dark Hills Divide. Am I ever glad I did! *smiles*

It's a short-ish, small book, perhaps geared toward a bit younger audience than myself, but nevermind! *grins* It has the potential to please many. I am thinking of recommending this book to my eleven-year-old brother, and twelve-year-old sister. I think my fourteen-year-old sister would enjoy it as well. And I loved it! I'm so excited to read the next stories in the series! It's just one of those timeless tales that for some reason or another absolutely enthralls you. Like The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Adventure. Brave children. Mystery. Fun. Sweetness. Magic. It a story that thrills the soul and tells one there's more to life than just purposeless, day-to-day, "going through the motions". There's meaning and lost magic, but you must go on an adventure to find it! **I hate using the word magic, because it can mean such a wide variety of things. But in this case, it all felt like Narnia "magic". Not really magic, just a world of things and possibilities you didn't think existed.**

It seems there could be some allegories going on here. Perhaps a Christian-allegory? I'm not sure. But it altogether quite simply a beautiful, though at times harsh, story. The epilogue promised much more to come, more mystery, and more discovery! I'm excited to continue this journey! ^_^

The Dark Hills Divide was written in first person, but had a little different feel than most books like that. It was more of a old-ish feel. Deep. A little slow at points; but all in all, very delicious! *grins* I'm not sure if I'm explaining it right ... but if everything turns out nicely in this series, I would absolutely adore to see it on my bookshelf!! It has a classical feel and a heart-warming story that just makes you want to give it a squeeze and recommend to fellow book-lovers!

Once again, very akin to Narnia. A lot of the feelings I got from reading this tale were kind of the same feelings I get from watching The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Classic!

There were a few scary or slightly violent moments. But not much at all. When you look at the cover, you might expect a darker tale, but it didn't turn out to be quite like that. It had a solemn tone at times, but a lot of fun and intrigue involved as well. That being said, there is one scene toward the end that might frighten younger readers ... so caution.

The animals. I'm not sure how much I should say ... trying to avoid being spoiler-ish ... but they were so much fun. *grins*

Ah. What else can I say? I enjoyed it thoroughly! I'm looking forward to reading more! I'm captivated! *huggles book* Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, you definitely must give The Dark Hills Divide a try. Also, those who like adventure and intriguing worlds beyond the normal, you'll probably love this tale!