Sarah Holman's Blog, page 50

Adventure Between the Pages: Exlies

Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for violence, mildly scary scenes, and mild romance.
Best for Ages: 15 -25
Description:Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest. 
Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all. 
Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple. 
One small misstep could prove fatal for all. 

This is one of the few fantasy series that has completely captured my attention and imagination. Anyone who has been reading my reviews for long can guess that I am not really into fantasy. While I will occasionally dip my toes into it, it isn’t normally my thing. This series is different. It has the scope of an epic fantasy, but is so full of faith and lacks so many of the elements that normally make me shy away from the genre (dark feeling, battles every few pages, and magic) that make it amazing. This book was no different.

My favorite parts of the story? Getting to see more of this world. The land of the Cretes was my favorite. I so wish I could visit their city now, it sounded amazing and beautiful. The giants and their land also were interesting. As well as a couple other places that were visited that I won’t mention due to spoilers.

This book was a lot about Prince Daniel (don’t worry, it was a lot about the old gang too). I can’t say I have been one of Daniel’s biggest fans, but I also really did find his story intriguing. It took so many unexpected twists and turns. The ending of this book? It left me gasping and ready for the next.

Of course, Jace and Kyrin’s story continues to be my favorite. Jace continues to grow, and I loved, loved, loved what he discovers in this book. It made me want to jump up and cheer as well as give him a hug. I love how he and Kyrin continue to deepen their relationship and overcome obstacles.

I always feel blessed coming away from Knight’s books. Even her early works (published as Molly Evangeline) always left me blessed and thinking about God and His goodness. I think that she strikes a perfect balance between emotional, realistic, and hopeful. I can hardly wait for the next book.

I highly recommend this series to those who like stories of faith, non-magical fantasy, and adventure.

I recived a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

What I have been doing this August

While this blog has been busy, I haven’t posted much about my life since I told you that my sister was not getting married like we thought. I’m not going to lie, I have had a rough time the last month. Not only has there been a lot of emotional stuff related to Rose, I personally have had to deal with some people doing some hurtful things. August was one of those months that just as I think that I am going to be able to take a deep breath, something happened and it felt like I had been punched in the stomach again emotionally speaking.

However, one of the things that always amazes me is that, in the midst of difficult times, God gives us gifts if we are willing to look for them. I was able to go and spend a few days with my dear friend and fellow writer, J. Grace Pennington.

We hung out, watched Star Trek together, talked about dealing with hurt in a godly way, ate awesome food, caught up on each other’s lives, and talked writing. I also got to ride the Amtrak train to go see her. How cool is that?

I also met up with a couple of friends for lunch. God ordained this lunch because, that morning, we all had some difficult things happen and we were able to mutually encourage each other. It was amazing.

I can’t even begin to count all the texts from close friends that just blessed me. They ranged from just telling me how their work day went to saying kind things about me. It is amazing how those texts can turn my day around.

August Amazingness was so much fun to run. I really enjoyed all the enthusiasm, and it was pretty cool to see how many people downloaded things when I had them for free.



Finally, I am reading an incredibly moving book, and was blessed with a new Bible cover that makes it easier to move my quiet time wherever I want. This is one of those small things that end up being a huge thing.



So there are some of the highlights of my month. What were some of yours?

Holman Writing Adventure: August Recap

While August Amazingness was going on, I have been pounding away. This month has been a very productive month. Just look at how my WriteMind calendar has filled out!



Now the real question: what do all those consistent work days and good word counts equal? Several really awesome things.

There was Always Laughter in Our HouseEditing almost complete
Kate’s Case Files #3First draft completed
Two short storiesFirst drafts completed
Book about Austin Disaster Relief NetworkMoving into the fact checking phase
 I honestly didn’t expect to get this much done this month, but it has felt amazing. What projects do I hope to complete this month?

• Finish editing Laughter and ADRN book
• Publish the next Tales of Taelis short story
• Start editing Escape and Endurance
• Start writing Kate’s Case Files #4

What have you been up to this month?

The Final Day

In case you missed these they are free again today only.
Brothers and Betrayal
The Destiny of a Galaxy

Not over yet

We are almost done, but if you missed these two books while they were free... They are free again for today only.

The Destiny of One

Adventures and Adversities

You Choose

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Powerful words

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Who was the Rich Young Ruler?

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What if we lived like we believed

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A quick break for a really amazing book

I really, really adore this series. I personally don't like waiting for the next book. So what did I think of this installment?

My ReviewAnyone who read Reversal Zone will know that it left you desperate for the next book. I was so privileged to be part of the advanced reader team. This book was not a disappointment.

The first thing that people will find is that this takes place on Earth. It is a different feel from the other books, but we don’t lose sight of the space age technology, or forget the peril that we are in. Andi, after all, has a limited time to get what she needs to survive. It only takes one message to send her, August, and Crash on an adventure to save a little girl.

This book really focuses on August and Andi’s relationship. I really enjoyed seeing them discover more about each other outside the starship setting. As August is a much-beloved character in this series, many will be happy to learn more about him and see how the adventure affects them.
I love seeing how Andi is growing and changing. As she is being stretched and placed in new situations, you see her maturing and coming into her own. I look forward to seeing how the next book or two develops her character.

One of my favorite aspects is to watch how well Pennington wove the story. So many things are not as they appear and leave you second guessing everything. I know I was surprised by the twists in the story, which doesn’t happen a lot to me. However, this story once again left me in need of the next book. I hope it comes out soon!

I highly recommend this book and series to those who like stories of adventure, sci-fi, and young-adult fiction.

About the Book You never escape your pastAndi Lloyd is more comfortable than most with interstellar travel, but she's not prepared for the perils and peculiarities of a world she has all but forgotten—the planet Earth. As the Surveyor undergoes repairs, her brother August receives a message with news that will send both of them across the world to a place he never wanted to visit again.

Neither of them are prepared to be thrust into a world of political intrigue amid the tangled forests and crumbling ruins of Austria. They aren't prepared to encounter wild animals and endure cross-country hikes. And they definitely aren't prepared to face it all alone.

But despite the dangers they must press on into the unknown to find a way to save Andi's life, to decide the fate of Earth itself—and to rescue a lonely girl who just happens to be their little sister.
About the Author J. Grace Pennington has been telling stories since she could talk and writing them down since age five. Now she lives in the great state of Texas, where she writes as much as adult life permits. When she's not writing she enjoys reading good books, having adventures with her husband, and looking up at the stars.
Excerpt/Guest Post/Review ***DELETE THIS SECTION IF DOING ONLY A SPOTLIGHT!!***
Giveaway J. Grace Pennington is offering three great giveaways! One is the CD she listened to while she wrote Gestern. The other two are a signed paperback of the winner’s choice. You can enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule
August 25 Bookish Orchestrations-Intro postFrances Hoelsma – Excerptshout outs – Book SpotlightLaurel's Leaves – Guest PostThe Destiny of One – Review
August 26 The Music of a Story – ReviewJaye L. Knight– ExcerptLetters from Annie Douglass Lima – Excerpt
August 27 Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – ReviewKelsey's Notebook – Book SpotlightClaire Banschbach– Excerpt
August 28 Morgan Elizabeth Huneke – ReviewRachel Rossano's Words – Guest PostRebekah Lyn Books – Character Interview
August 29 Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner