What do you think?
Rate this book
Ilyon Chronicles #0.5
Half-Blood
The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place. For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. Yet, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed. Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery? See where Jace’s story all began . . .
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
About the author
Jaye L. Knight
10 books561 followersJaye L. Knight is an award-winning author and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She writes from her home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where she lives with her three furbaby kitties, Arthur (as in King Arthur), Timothy, and Lucy. When not writing fantasy, she can also be found dabbling in contemporary romance novels under the pen name Jaye Elliot.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 16, 2016
Half-Blood by Jaye L. Knight is a prequel novella to tie in with the ILYON CHRONICLES. Though heart-wrenching at points, it’s a great read overall.
Jace, who this story is about, quickly became dear to me as I read Resistance (book 1) and The King’s Scrolls (book 2). We saw glimpses of the dark past of our sweet but brooding hero, but never really got the chance to explore it. Half-Blood gives us that chance …revealing some of the most terrible moments of Jace’s life. *sniffle* Poor, dear, sweet Jace!! *hugs him*
We meet the cruelest of masters. Survey the bloody arena. See how Jace’s black struggle with feeling soulless came about. Watch hope get crushed ...
I think after reading Half-Blood, we empathize with Jace even more, and it sets the perfect stage to read Samara’s Peril (book 3). ... Because I have an inkling that Jace is going to have some momentous moments in that book.
So ... an interesting read. I was glad to get to go into Jace’s past for a little while and see why he is the way he is. Why he struggles with the things he struggles with. But now I’m ready to have him back with his dear friends from Resistance and The King’s Scrolls. Samara’s Peril, are you ready yet?? *winks*
Oh, and I must mention, I loved the ending of Half-Blood! It was just ... I don’t know, you have to read it. It left me with warm feelings of hope in any case. ^_^
I received a copy of Half-Blood from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Jace, who this story is about, quickly became dear to me as I read Resistance (book 1) and The King’s Scrolls (book 2). We saw glimpses of the dark past of our sweet but brooding hero, but never really got the chance to explore it. Half-Blood gives us that chance …revealing some of the most terrible moments of Jace’s life. *sniffle* Poor, dear, sweet Jace!! *hugs him*
We meet the cruelest of masters. Survey the bloody arena. See how Jace’s black struggle with feeling soulless came about. Watch hope get crushed ...
I think after reading Half-Blood, we empathize with Jace even more, and it sets the perfect stage to read Samara’s Peril (book 3). ... Because I have an inkling that Jace is going to have some momentous moments in that book.
So ... an interesting read. I was glad to get to go into Jace’s past for a little while and see why he is the way he is. Why he struggles with the things he struggles with. But now I’m ready to have him back with his dear friends from Resistance and The King’s Scrolls. Samara’s Peril, are you ready yet?? *winks*
Oh, and I must mention, I loved the ending of Half-Blood! It was just ... I don’t know, you have to read it. It left me with warm feelings of hope in any case. ^_^
I received a copy of Half-Blood from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 13, 2015
Ah.....well, as to be expected this story is tough. But it is also a very important step into understanding our hero, Jace. This story fully reveals the raw pain he went through that shaped him into the man he is in the following books.
I wouldn't recommend this as a starting place for the series. Without knowing the future, I imagine it would be very tough to get through. If you don't handle stories of cruelty, then you should know the first 70% is almost non-stop cruelty. The sad thing is that it's actually accurate, thanks to similar accounts of slaves throughout history. I would have liked to see a few more people be kind to Jace, but that comes in the rest of the series. ;)
All that said, this is a great story for the fans. We love Jace, and though it may shred our hearts up to read this, we also highly appreciate his courage and gentleness!
Jaye writes with a deep understanding of pain and depression, and she leads the reader through the darkness into a new dawn. For indeed, happily, the last 30% of the book details the beginning redemption of Jace's life, and it is very sweet and touching.
I can't wait for Book 3 and the continuation of Jace's story!
I wouldn't recommend this as a starting place for the series. Without knowing the future, I imagine it would be very tough to get through. If you don't handle stories of cruelty, then you should know the first 70% is almost non-stop cruelty. The sad thing is that it's actually accurate, thanks to similar accounts of slaves throughout history. I would have liked to see a few more people be kind to Jace, but that comes in the rest of the series. ;)
All that said, this is a great story for the fans. We love Jace, and though it may shred our hearts up to read this, we also highly appreciate his courage and gentleness!
Jaye writes with a deep understanding of pain and depression, and she leads the reader through the darkness into a new dawn. For indeed, happily, the last 30% of the book details the beginning redemption of Jace's life, and it is very sweet and touching.
I can't wait for Book 3 and the continuation of Jace's story!
September 2, 2015
**UPDATED**
FULL REVIEW:
All his life, Jace has been a slave. He has been forced to become a gladiator, and treated so harshly, lower than an animal. Little does anyone know, Jace - as half ryrik and half human - has a heart, a soul, and he is not truly defined by his ryrik blood. He is not an angry killer; he is only thought to be one. And he is treated for the first 17-20 (or so) years of his life as though he is less than worthless.
Oh my. I can't really in good conscience say that I loved or enjoyed this book. I can say, however, that I'm glad that I read it. I'm glad that I know Jace's backstory, even though it tore my soul to shreds.
Jace's life broke me. For real. He had but two things that made him happy, and both those things were torn away from him. (Such injustice! Are you kidding me?!)
It shredded my heart into a million tiny fractals.
It tore my soul to unrepairable shreds.
It emptied my being of hope.
It made my heart scream, and cry, and panic out of desperation.
I was Jace.
I was treated lower than an animal.
I was abused for the love of money.
I was alone. Forsaken. Rejected. Forgotten. Betrayed. Sold. Broken. Hopeless.
And I never believed I could ever be loved, or even treated like I was even half-human. I never believed I could ever have a soul.
*cries* Oh yes, I cried. Out of anger, pain, and more injustice.
(And, um, yeah, I finished it in one day. The day it was sent to me.)
Throughout this book, we dig deep into Jace's past. We see his loneliness, heartbreak, struggle, and his (yes) humanity. We see that he is not heartless, and isn't completely overcome by his ryrik blood. Though he has many challenges, he does not give up.
The thing I admire most about Jace is that he refuses to kill in cold blood. He struggles with fiery anger, coming from his ryrik blood, but he doesn't let it overcome him easily. He fights for justice, and I love that. He pays attention to his conscience even when he does not know Elôm. (More proof that you have a soul, Jace.) He's such a respectable character, and my favorite (of course!). *happy sigh*
Seriously though, Half-Blood is really hard to read. I cried a few times over the intense cruelty of Jace's treatment. It’s not a fluffy, snuggle-up-by-the-fire kind of book. It’s one of those books that makes you want to throw it out the window, but it’s still so good that you can’t bring yourself to do it. (Jaye’s writing is amazing. That’s not the problem at all. The problem is that she writes so well that you're there, and you feel every little ounce of pain and agony. And so I felt it, and was actually depressed for a few days.)
My favorite part of the book was the second half, of course. It was so amazingly full of hope. The horrible hopelessness of Jace's life of slavery made hope - when it came - so much brighter, in contrast. It was so beautiful. I won't give too much away, but the end of the book overlaps with the beginning of Resistance, from Jace's point of view. It's like reading an awesome book for the first time - twice. Because even though I knew what would happen, it was totally new, with the same dialogue and scenery. That was amazing.
So yeah, I'm glad I read it. Was it hard to read? Oh, you’d better believe it. But seeing Jace's past helped to give me a glimpse of who Jace is and who he is becoming.
Though this is a prequel novella, I don’t think I would recommend it as a starting point for the series. Although it is written extremely well, it's tough to read and perhaps not as enjoyable until you've read Resistance. It is heartbreaking, and not as "lovely" as the other books, but it is definitely a worthwhile read when wanting to know even more about Jace's past.
It’s a Five-Star book.
I received an eARC for my honest and unbiased review. Thank you, Jaye!
(With publication, this review will be up on my blog, http://www.scatteredjournalpages.com.)
FULL REVIEW:
All his life, Jace has been a slave. He has been forced to become a gladiator, and treated so harshly, lower than an animal. Little does anyone know, Jace - as half ryrik and half human - has a heart, a soul, and he is not truly defined by his ryrik blood. He is not an angry killer; he is only thought to be one. And he is treated for the first 17-20 (or so) years of his life as though he is less than worthless.
Oh my. I can't really in good conscience say that I loved or enjoyed this book. I can say, however, that I'm glad that I read it. I'm glad that I know Jace's backstory, even though it tore my soul to shreds.
Jace's life broke me. For real. He had but two things that made him happy, and both those things were torn away from him. (Such injustice! Are you kidding me?!)
It shredded my heart into a million tiny fractals.
It tore my soul to unrepairable shreds.
It emptied my being of hope.
It made my heart scream, and cry, and panic out of desperation.
I was Jace.
I was treated lower than an animal.
I was abused for the love of money.
I was alone. Forsaken. Rejected. Forgotten. Betrayed. Sold. Broken. Hopeless.
And I never believed I could ever be loved, or even treated like I was even half-human. I never believed I could ever have a soul.
*cries* Oh yes, I cried. Out of anger, pain, and more injustice.
(And, um, yeah, I finished it in one day. The day it was sent to me.)
Throughout this book, we dig deep into Jace's past. We see his loneliness, heartbreak, struggle, and his (yes) humanity. We see that he is not heartless, and isn't completely overcome by his ryrik blood. Though he has many challenges, he does not give up.
The thing I admire most about Jace is that he refuses to kill in cold blood. He struggles with fiery anger, coming from his ryrik blood, but he doesn't let it overcome him easily. He fights for justice, and I love that. He pays attention to his conscience even when he does not know Elôm. (More proof that you have a soul, Jace.) He's such a respectable character, and my favorite (of course!). *happy sigh*
Seriously though, Half-Blood is really hard to read. I cried a few times over the intense cruelty of Jace's treatment. It’s not a fluffy, snuggle-up-by-the-fire kind of book. It’s one of those books that makes you want to throw it out the window, but it’s still so good that you can’t bring yourself to do it. (Jaye’s writing is amazing. That’s not the problem at all. The problem is that she writes so well that you're there, and you feel every little ounce of pain and agony. And so I felt it, and was actually depressed for a few days.)
My favorite part of the book was the second half, of course. It was so amazingly full of hope. The horrible hopelessness of Jace's life of slavery made hope - when it came - so much brighter, in contrast. It was so beautiful. I won't give too much away, but the end of the book overlaps with the beginning of Resistance, from Jace's point of view. It's like reading an awesome book for the first time - twice. Because even though I knew what would happen, it was totally new, with the same dialogue and scenery. That was amazing.
So yeah, I'm glad I read it. Was it hard to read? Oh, you’d better believe it. But seeing Jace's past helped to give me a glimpse of who Jace is and who he is becoming.
Though this is a prequel novella, I don’t think I would recommend it as a starting point for the series. Although it is written extremely well, it's tough to read and perhaps not as enjoyable until you've read Resistance. It is heartbreaking, and not as "lovely" as the other books, but it is definitely a worthwhile read when wanting to know even more about Jace's past.
It’s a Five-Star book.
I received an eARC for my honest and unbiased review. Thank you, Jaye!
(With publication, this review will be up on my blog, http://www.scatteredjournalpages.com.)
July 15, 2015
There are only two books that I can claim to have read within twenty-four hours of their release. Trust, and now this one. Both written by the same author, though under different names. The only reason I haven't read any of her other books within twenty-four hours of their release is that they were released before I discovered Molly/Jaye, or I got to read them early for review purposes.
For some reason, I didn't join the blog tour for Half-Blood, partially because I didn't realize there WAS a sign-up form, and partially because I was scared of this book. It promised a very dark story, and I don't like dark stories very much.
However, here I am, not even twenty-four hours into its releasedness (I totally just made that word up, thank you), and am reviewing it.
It WAS a dark story, weighing especially heavy since slavery has been on my mind this week. Jace went from one master to another, each situation worse than the one before it. Since Jace is half ryrik, only the worst of the worst is willing to take him, and then they give him up again quickly. The chain is broken when what began as a simple standing up to a bully turns violent, and he's sold into the Gladiator arena.
And yet, even at the darkest moments, I didn't feel the darkness, because I knew the light that was quickly coming. Having just reread the first few chapters of Resistance aloud to my cousins the other night, I found the last few chapters of Half-Blood were especially poignant, for we now see the thoughts that went through Jace's head when Rayad rescues him.
Jace is such a broken man, and while I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to the series, it is a must read if you've read at least Resistance.
Honestly, I have nothing negative to say, unless it's the fact that the first chapter was a bit stilted, as it's written from the perspective of a six-year-old Jace. He was adorable, but I'm not sure Jaye quite captured the mind of a child. But that's my ONLY issue with this book! Me, who can't read a book without finding a flaw (especially since I'm currently editing). This is an amazing little story.
For some reason, I didn't join the blog tour for Half-Blood, partially because I didn't realize there WAS a sign-up form, and partially because I was scared of this book. It promised a very dark story, and I don't like dark stories very much.
However, here I am, not even twenty-four hours into its releasedness (I totally just made that word up, thank you), and am reviewing it.
It WAS a dark story, weighing especially heavy since slavery has been on my mind this week. Jace went from one master to another, each situation worse than the one before it. Since Jace is half ryrik, only the worst of the worst is willing to take him, and then they give him up again quickly. The chain is broken when what began as a simple standing up to a bully turns violent, and he's sold into the Gladiator arena.
And yet, even at the darkest moments, I didn't feel the darkness, because I knew the light that was quickly coming. Having just reread the first few chapters of Resistance aloud to my cousins the other night, I found the last few chapters of Half-Blood were especially poignant, for we now see the thoughts that went through Jace's head when Rayad rescues him.
Jace is such a broken man, and while I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to the series, it is a must read if you've read at least Resistance.
Honestly, I have nothing negative to say, unless it's the fact that the first chapter was a bit stilted, as it's written from the perspective of a six-year-old Jace. He was adorable, but I'm not sure Jaye quite captured the mind of a child. But that's my ONLY issue with this book! Me, who can't read a book without finding a flaw (especially since I'm currently editing). This is an amazing little story.
August 25, 2022
4 Stars ✨
“Like an ember fighting for life, sparks of hope floated among the cries to give up—hope that, just maybe, somehow there could be a life beyond the pain—that, if he held on just a little longer, he would find it. That he could somehow leave his past behind.”
Half-Blood is a novella about Jace. Half human half Ryrik, to most, he is considered a monster. The blood in his veins speaks for itself. Born a slave and traded and sold multiple times, as well as being a Gladiator forced to fight to the death - his story was tragic. But HOPE! It is one that ends with the spark of hope and a new beginning.
It was so heartbreaking to read his story, after getting to know him over the last two books, but it brings such a different perspective. We get to see where he came from and why he battles with some of the things he has so far in this series. This ripped my heart out. Jace has been my favorite character so far and I have a feeling after reading this, that in the next book we are going to see a major character arc. Can’t wait to see him shine ✨!
“Like an ember fighting for life, sparks of hope floated among the cries to give up—hope that, just maybe, somehow there could be a life beyond the pain—that, if he held on just a little longer, he would find it. That he could somehow leave his past behind.”
Half-Blood is a novella about Jace. Half human half Ryrik, to most, he is considered a monster. The blood in his veins speaks for itself. Born a slave and traded and sold multiple times, as well as being a Gladiator forced to fight to the death - his story was tragic. But HOPE! It is one that ends with the spark of hope and a new beginning.
It was so heartbreaking to read his story, after getting to know him over the last two books, but it brings such a different perspective. We get to see where he came from and why he battles with some of the things he has so far in this series. This ripped my heart out. Jace has been my favorite character so far and I have a feeling after reading this, that in the next book we are going to see a major character arc. Can’t wait to see him shine ✨!
December 3, 2015
Let me just blurt out: oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!! There isn’t enough I could say to tell you how much I loved this book. And hated it. But let’s get on to what it is about.
This is a prequel book to the first book in the the Ilyon Chronicles: Resistance. It is a backstory of the life of Jace, one of the two main characters. Starting when he is six years old, Jace is a slave. He’s also half ryrik. That, supposedly, makes him dangerous. He has no memory of his parents. Sold from one slave owner to another all who look at him have hatred and fear in their eyes. They call him an animal, a monster who has no soul. He lives through it all, but then he loses control and something terrible happens. Forced to be a gladiator, he lives to kill. Jace fears that he is becoming the monster that everyone thinks he is. Or that maybe, he already is.
It’s been awhile since I have read one of Jaye L. Knight’s books fresh for the first time. I was really excited to get my hands on this and read it (long before it came out). Jace is my favorite character in the Ilyon Chronicles, so what could go wrong with a book just about him? It was small, but that didn’t make it any less amazing.
This book tore my heart into a million pieces. I hardly ever cry in book. I mean, that never happens. Throughout this whole book my eyes got watery one time. If I really think about what happened in the book, I do think I will cry. But over all the excitement and thrill of the experience, I did deeply feel this book. You know what I mean? There was an unknown depth to the book that touched my heart.
Now, you’re probably still wondering why earlier I said I hated it. Well, I didn’t hate the book. But I did hate what happened to Jace. It was terrible. Though it totally fitted the character and I wouldn’t change any of it, it was still just horrible. Poor Jace. I feel so bad for him.
So I loved loved loved this book, while at the same time hating what happened in it for the most part. But the darkness and bitterness of how the story was, for most of the book, made the light at the end so much brighter. Through all that darkness and despair, there was hope in the end that things would turn out better. So it doesn’t leave you feeling depressed, but happy and sad at the same time.
This was a beautiful tale that was perfect for a day’s reading. So don’t miss it. No matter how heartbreaking it is, you’ll still be glad you read it.
I wouldn’t recommend this to people until they had at least read Resistance. But this is for any lover of fantasy and Christian fiction. Or anyone who likes to read. It is so so good.
You can check out this review on my blog too, at: https://aheartredeemed.wordpress.com/... Thanks!
By the way, I only read this in about five hours including the breaks I took to eat and stuff.
This is a prequel book to the first book in the the Ilyon Chronicles: Resistance. It is a backstory of the life of Jace, one of the two main characters. Starting when he is six years old, Jace is a slave. He’s also half ryrik. That, supposedly, makes him dangerous. He has no memory of his parents. Sold from one slave owner to another all who look at him have hatred and fear in their eyes. They call him an animal, a monster who has no soul. He lives through it all, but then he loses control and something terrible happens. Forced to be a gladiator, he lives to kill. Jace fears that he is becoming the monster that everyone thinks he is. Or that maybe, he already is.
It’s been awhile since I have read one of Jaye L. Knight’s books fresh for the first time. I was really excited to get my hands on this and read it (long before it came out). Jace is my favorite character in the Ilyon Chronicles, so what could go wrong with a book just about him? It was small, but that didn’t make it any less amazing.
This book tore my heart into a million pieces. I hardly ever cry in book. I mean, that never happens. Throughout this whole book my eyes got watery one time. If I really think about what happened in the book, I do think I will cry. But over all the excitement and thrill of the experience, I did deeply feel this book. You know what I mean? There was an unknown depth to the book that touched my heart.
Now, you’re probably still wondering why earlier I said I hated it. Well, I didn’t hate the book. But I did hate what happened to Jace. It was terrible. Though it totally fitted the character and I wouldn’t change any of it, it was still just horrible. Poor Jace. I feel so bad for him.
So I loved loved loved this book, while at the same time hating what happened in it for the most part. But the darkness and bitterness of how the story was, for most of the book, made the light at the end so much brighter. Through all that darkness and despair, there was hope in the end that things would turn out better. So it doesn’t leave you feeling depressed, but happy and sad at the same time.
This was a beautiful tale that was perfect for a day’s reading. So don’t miss it. No matter how heartbreaking it is, you’ll still be glad you read it.
I wouldn’t recommend this to people until they had at least read Resistance. But this is for any lover of fantasy and Christian fiction. Or anyone who likes to read. It is so so good.
You can check out this review on my blog too, at: https://aheartredeemed.wordpress.com/... Thanks!
By the way, I only read this in about five hours including the breaks I took to eat and stuff.
January 26, 2023
Honestly, I liked Jace after reading Resistance, but a part of me found him somewhat annoying. In Half-blood he's first introduced as a six-year-old and that was all it took to fall in love with his precious self. I just wanted to climb inside this book and give him all the hugs and caring and love he needs😭❤️ I can't wait to read The King's Scrolls!!!!
February 22, 2023
Oh, this was both heartbreaking and amazing! I've been wanting learn more about Jace since I read Resistance this time least year and I'm so happy I finally able to continue his story!
Characters:
Jace is so loveable and his struggles and fears and just....yes. I just want to hug him the poor thing!
Plot:
This shows us Jace's early years right up to when he meets Rayad. I really enjoyed seeing this part of the story and learning some more of Jace's back story was nice...albeit sad.
Romance:
N/A
Language:
N/A
Overall:
This was a enjoyable read...as long as you know Jace had a rough life...beatings, gladiator games, and slavery...so just be warned. But if you've always wanted to know more about this loveable character here's where to find that info!
Characters:
Jace is so loveable and his struggles and fears and just....yes. I just want to hug him the poor thing!
Plot:
This shows us Jace's early years right up to when he meets Rayad. I really enjoyed seeing this part of the story and learning some more of Jace's back story was nice...albeit sad.
Romance:
N/A
Language:
N/A
Overall:
This was a enjoyable read...as long as you know Jace had a rough life...beatings, gladiator games, and slavery...so just be warned. But if you've always wanted to know more about this loveable character here's where to find that info!
February 2, 2016
Holy cow. HOLY COW.
So many things going through my mind, and I've had some time to recover... If reading A Time to Die counts as recovering. :P Anyway, this was the very last book I finished in 2015, and... I don't think I can do a normal review.
*SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!!*
2 (things I adored) - Seeing Rayad, and Jace helping Strune
0 (things I loved about Jasper) - .... *SCREECH* *grabs pitchfork*
1 (thing I didn't like) - Seeing Kali and Aldor again BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEM!!!!
5 (things that made me sad) - Jace's childhood, Jace killing Dane, the gladiator fights, Jasper beating Jace, and, most of all... Strune's death. I STILL TEAR UP THINKING ABOUT THAT. :(
Content review:
Language: None
Romance: None!
Violence: Major (Gladiator scenes and many deaths, described mildly)
This book packs such an emotional punch, and if you've read Resistance, you HAVE to read this. This is one of my absolute favorite series, and I'm so glad I got to read it this year. Well done, Jaye. You are a master.
Good-bye, 2015. What a way to end the year. <3
So many things going through my mind, and I've had some time to recover... If reading A Time to Die counts as recovering. :P Anyway, this was the very last book I finished in 2015, and... I don't think I can do a normal review.
*SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!!*
2 (things I adored) - Seeing Rayad, and Jace helping Strune
0 (things I loved about Jasper) - .... *SCREECH* *grabs pitchfork*
1 (thing I didn't like) - Seeing Kali and Aldor again BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEM!!!!
5 (things that made me sad) - Jace's childhood, Jace killing Dane, the gladiator fights, Jasper beating Jace, and, most of all... Strune's death. I STILL TEAR UP THINKING ABOUT THAT. :(
Content review:
Language: None
Romance: None!
Violence: Major (Gladiator scenes and many deaths, described mildly)
This book packs such an emotional punch, and if you've read Resistance, you HAVE to read this. This is one of my absolute favorite series, and I'm so glad I got to read it this year. Well done, Jaye. You are a master.
Good-bye, 2015. What a way to end the year. <3
November 13, 2022
How is it possible for a short novella to break my heart so many different times?
I first read Half-Blood a few years ago, but somehow the (super short) review on my blog never made it over here. And, let's face it, that review really didn't do this novella justice, so I happily reread this book so I could write a better review.
Ahem. Yes, I'm still suffering from that emotional roller-coaster. Please send sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies ;) ). Yes, I'll be fine...eventually. One of these days I'll recover.
Okay, if you couldn't already tell, Half-Blood is one intense ride of a story. You will want to cry, laugh in relief, sob in relief, and cry some more. It's a great introduction to Jace and how he was formed before Resistance's events. And he needs hugs. Lots of hugs.
In the midst of such a heavy plot, Knight expertly weaves in threads of hope that all point to One. I love how the darkness, though deep and dark and stifling, does not overcome. How can it when the war has already been won? The themes of hope, surrender, and God's unconditional love are present in this emotional story.
CONTENT WARNING:
For being so short, there is plenty of bloodshed. Tertiary characters are murdered, a man is forced to spill blood, a character is beaten numerous times through various methods, there's slavery, and the culture revels in the arena, where men are forced to fight--often to the death.
CONCLUSION:
Half-Blood is not a book for younger or more sensitive readers, but there is nothing gratuitous and there's no content I'd feel uncomfortable with my younger sibling reading. It doesn't matter if you read it before or after Resistance...you just need to read it. In short, I highly recommend this novella.
I first read Half-Blood a few years ago, but somehow the (super short) review on my blog never made it over here. And, let's face it, that review really didn't do this novella justice, so I happily reread this book so I could write a better review.
Ahem. Yes, I'm still suffering from that emotional roller-coaster. Please send sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies ;) ). Yes, I'll be fine...eventually. One of these days I'll recover.
Okay, if you couldn't already tell, Half-Blood is one intense ride of a story. You will want to cry, laugh in relief, sob in relief, and cry some more. It's a great introduction to Jace and how he was formed before Resistance's events. And he needs hugs. Lots of hugs.
In the midst of such a heavy plot, Knight expertly weaves in threads of hope that all point to One. I love how the darkness, though deep and dark and stifling, does not overcome. How can it when the war has already been won? The themes of hope, surrender, and God's unconditional love are present in this emotional story.
CONTENT WARNING:
For being so short, there is plenty of bloodshed. Tertiary characters are murdered, a man is forced to spill blood, a character is beaten numerous times through various methods, there's slavery, and the culture revels in the arena, where men are forced to fight--often to the death.
CONCLUSION:
Half-Blood is not a book for younger or more sensitive readers, but there is nothing gratuitous and there's no content I'd feel uncomfortable with my younger sibling reading. It doesn't matter if you read it before or after Resistance...you just need to read it. In short, I highly recommend this novella.
May 8, 2015
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for violence and thematic elements
Best for Ages: 13 and up
A story just about Jace? One where I finally get to hear about his background? Yes please! *ahem* Yes, I was very eager to read this book when I was offered an advanced reader copy.
The first thing, have a box of tissues with you. This story was heart-wrenching. I knew it wasn’t going to be lighthearted, but I was not prepared for the emotional punch this story packed. Knight didn’t spare the readers of the hurt that made Jace into the person he was.
Knight’s writing gets stronger with each story and books she writes. The words painted a harsh world in which Jace lived and brought it to life. I could see everything in my mind so perfectly. Talent must be her middle name.
The message of the power of words and the power of acts of kindness were a part of the story, though I am not sure if the author even concisely thought about it. However, both were very powerful.
This powerful novella will answer many of the questions that readers have about Jace, as well as give them a deeper glimpse into his character. I highly recommend it for those who like the Ilyon Chronicles, want to understand Jace better, or like stories that tug on your emotions.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Best for Ages: 13 and up
A story just about Jace? One where I finally get to hear about his background? Yes please! *ahem* Yes, I was very eager to read this book when I was offered an advanced reader copy.
The first thing, have a box of tissues with you. This story was heart-wrenching. I knew it wasn’t going to be lighthearted, but I was not prepared for the emotional punch this story packed. Knight didn’t spare the readers of the hurt that made Jace into the person he was.
Knight’s writing gets stronger with each story and books she writes. The words painted a harsh world in which Jace lived and brought it to life. I could see everything in my mind so perfectly. Talent must be her middle name.
The message of the power of words and the power of acts of kindness were a part of the story, though I am not sure if the author even concisely thought about it. However, both were very powerful.
This powerful novella will answer many of the questions that readers have about Jace, as well as give them a deeper glimpse into his character. I highly recommend it for those who like the Ilyon Chronicles, want to understand Jace better, or like stories that tug on your emotions.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
July 18, 2021
Half-Blood?
Why does that title break my heart so much?
It’s because of what the words represent; a half-blood boy, outcast, slave, gladiator, and the character that needs a hug. And cookies, but that is beside the point. This novella is a heartbreaker. It is the most painful back story of any fantasy I’ve read. The hopelessness, the pain, the torture in Half-Blood followed by the ending is just so much pain. Really, pain! Pain is what this novella is… And yet there’s the redemption, the care, the story’s end and the series’ beginning.
I’m not sure that I have read any other novellas as many times as I’ve read this one which is proof it’s good.
Why does that title break my heart so much?
It’s because of what the words represent; a half-blood boy, outcast, slave, gladiator, and the character that needs a hug. And cookies, but that is beside the point. This novella is a heartbreaker. It is the most painful back story of any fantasy I’ve read. The hopelessness, the pain, the torture in Half-Blood followed by the ending is just so much pain. Really, pain! Pain is what this novella is… And yet there’s the redemption, the care, the story’s end and the series’ beginning.
I’m not sure that I have read any other novellas as many times as I’ve read this one which is proof it’s good.
July 21, 2015
I must admit, I had very high expectations for this book. Jace has been my favorite character in Ilyon pretty much since chapter 1 of Resistance. Jaye told us that he had a tragic past a little in Resistance, but this is where we get the full story. This book fully met my expectations. I cried. Oh did I cry. Sometimes I forced myself to put it down and wait until I was in private so I could cry. The beginning of the book features a 6-year-old Jace that makes me want to give him a big hug even more.
Like Jaye's other books, Half-blood is fantastically written with well thought out plot and characters.
Like Jaye's other books, Half-blood is fantastically written with well thought out plot and characters.
July 11, 2015
I all but sobbed all through the last half of this book. Usually when I say, "I cried at a book," I mean gently misting eyes. I have to wipe my eyes a couple of times... but with this, I couldn't keep my face dry for more than ten minutes and the words started to blur before my eyes.
August 21, 2015
Jace!! *cries forever* I'll always love you! You're nowhere near a monster or animal everyone says you are!!
I REALLY enjoyed learning more about Jace's backstory. I just wonder who his parents are! Hopefully we'll find out in the rest of the series, maybe?! I can't wait to read more about Jace!
I REALLY enjoyed learning more about Jace's backstory. I just wonder who his parents are! Hopefully we'll find out in the rest of the series, maybe?! I can't wait to read more about Jace!
October 12, 2016
What I thought:
Let’s see if I can make this review not all just squeals and SPOILERS, and actually a readable review.
Can I say, I NEARLY CRIED AT THIS BOOK?! Okay, so I didn’t actually cry, but I felt like I should be. It was really sad and depressing, but at the end there is a glimmer of hope, and it is so BEAUTIFUL.
And Jace. Oooh, I wish he were real! So. badly. He is just so amazing!
Writing/Plot:
This plot. This. plot. Oh, why, Jaye? She tore my heart into a million pieces. A million. It was so good, and sad, and hopeful, and torturous, and, and, and, yeah.
Jaye’s writing is amazing! I only found a few writing flaws, and (as is required to be one of my favorite authors) I love her writing style! It really tugs at you and keeps you engaged and the such.
Characters:
Jace is the MC, and, may I say, HE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOK CHARACTERS. Ever. He’s such a tortured little soul, and it is so sad, but his character is brilliant!
Then you have Rayad, Kalli, and Aldor. These are the first nice people that Jace meets, and they are so amazing towards him!
Jasper and Zar are both so mean to Jace to the point of nearly making me cry super mean. It’s not even fair.
Problems:
So … here we are. I guess that I should say something.
Um.
Jaye is mean! She had to torture Jace right. in. front. of. me.
Haha, okay, seriously. There were only a couple (literally) writing mistakes, but that was it, there. And some of the villains felt a little cliche, but honestly, not too bad (and not just because it’s my favorite book).
Other:
May I say something real quick?
Despite taking place before book 1, DO NOT, MAY I REPEAT, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK FIRST.
Sorry to scare you all like that, but, though story-wise you don’t need to read the others, CHARACTER-WISE you do. This is a kinda depressing book, and it makes it even more so after reading book 1, and then you get a glimmer of hope, as well. So, just keep that in mind.
Things this book contains violence-wise: Beatings; gladiator fights; depressingness (totally a word); fist-fights; murder. Though nothing is too describe, so that’s good.
Romance-wise: Romance free!
Language-wise: Nothing!
Recommending this wise, I TOTALLY do! But, this book is a little depressing, so maybe teenagers? It’s not all ultra-detailed or the such, but still. So, yes, teens sounds good.
Let’s see if I can make this review not all just squeals and SPOILERS, and actually a readable review.
Can I say, I NEARLY CRIED AT THIS BOOK?! Okay, so I didn’t actually cry, but I felt like I should be. It was really sad and depressing, but at the end there is a glimmer of hope, and it is so BEAUTIFUL.
And Jace. Oooh, I wish he were real! So. badly. He is just so amazing!
Writing/Plot:
This plot. This. plot. Oh, why, Jaye? She tore my heart into a million pieces. A million. It was so good, and sad, and hopeful, and torturous, and, and, and, yeah.
Jaye’s writing is amazing! I only found a few writing flaws, and (as is required to be one of my favorite authors) I love her writing style! It really tugs at you and keeps you engaged and the such.
Characters:
Jace is the MC, and, may I say, HE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOK CHARACTERS. Ever. He’s such a tortured little soul, and it is so sad, but his character is brilliant!
Then you have Rayad, Kalli, and Aldor. These are the first nice people that Jace meets, and they are so amazing towards him!
Jasper and Zar are both so mean to Jace to the point of nearly making me cry super mean. It’s not even fair.
Problems:
So … here we are. I guess that I should say something.
Um.
Jaye is mean! She had to torture Jace right. in. front. of. me.
Haha, okay, seriously. There were only a couple (literally) writing mistakes, but that was it, there. And some of the villains felt a little cliche, but honestly, not too bad (and not just because it’s my favorite book).
Other:
May I say something real quick?
Despite taking place before book 1, DO NOT, MAY I REPEAT, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK FIRST.
Sorry to scare you all like that, but, though story-wise you don’t need to read the others, CHARACTER-WISE you do. This is a kinda depressing book, and it makes it even more so after reading book 1, and then you get a glimmer of hope, as well. So, just keep that in mind.
Things this book contains violence-wise: Beatings; gladiator fights; depressingness (totally a word); fist-fights; murder. Though nothing is too describe, so that’s good.
Romance-wise: Romance free!
Language-wise: Nothing!
Recommending this wise, I TOTALLY do! But, this book is a little depressing, so maybe teenagers? It’s not all ultra-detailed or the such, but still. So, yes, teens sounds good.
July 28, 2015
I hope I didn't alarm our neighbors at my abundant delighted screams. I ran all the way up and down Our lane (its pretty long and I hate running) because I was so happy! but enough about that, moving on...I'm still pretty shocked I didn't cry, nor did my eyes get watery! Like really how I did that I have no idea! This book was amazing, sad, but so amazing! I stayed up till 12 in the morning and finished it and then went right up to my sisters face (while she was trying to sleep) and said " don't you just love happy endings!" Surprisingly she did not get annoyed;) lol. but I loved it most when he met Rayad and what he almost did left me in shock! (*Says through teeth* In the woods after meeting Rayad that night) But I think I would have been more sad at a *cough* certain part but um I read a spoiler (naughty me) tip to new readers NEVER READ SPOILERS!;)
November 20, 2018
4,25 stars - English Ebook - I don’t, but I trust Elom..... - A former slave meets people who look at the future and what you do with it. The fist part of the book let my heart kreeg, but the second part I saw hope. 🦋🌹🦋
August 25, 2016
Jace. My sister jokingly says that Ilyon should be called the "Poor Jace Series" and nowhere is that more true than in Half-Blood. This is the story of Jace's past. Not where he comes from, that's in yet unpublished books, but Jace's recollected past. His growing up years. His years as a slave and a gladiator. The cruelty he received. How it shaped him into the Jace we all know and love.
We see him as a little boy trying to be kind, to stand up for defenseless animals, we watch him have his first struggle with his ryrik blood when standing up to a bully, we feel his brokenness as he goes through life friendless and alone, called a soulless monster, we cry over Jasper's treatment of him, we hold our breath as he goes into the arena. And then...
The end of the book overlaps the beginning of Resistance. And we see, more than ever, how much simple kindness means. How hard it is to accept after a lifetime full of nothing but cruelty and mistrust. How great a light it shines.
This book is a tough read. While not overly graphic, Jaye does not shy away from painting a picture of the true bleakness of Jace's previous existence. For it really is more of an existence than a life. But as horrible as it is, it only makes the good mean so, so much more.
Even though it is a prequel, I recommend reading at least Resistance prior to Half-Blood. But once you have entered Ilyon, pick up Half-Blood. More Jace is always good, and...it makes his story mean more than it possibly could have before.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
We see him as a little boy trying to be kind, to stand up for defenseless animals, we watch him have his first struggle with his ryrik blood when standing up to a bully, we feel his brokenness as he goes through life friendless and alone, called a soulless monster, we cry over Jasper's treatment of him, we hold our breath as he goes into the arena. And then...
The end of the book overlaps the beginning of Resistance. And we see, more than ever, how much simple kindness means. How hard it is to accept after a lifetime full of nothing but cruelty and mistrust. How great a light it shines.
This book is a tough read. While not overly graphic, Jaye does not shy away from painting a picture of the true bleakness of Jace's previous existence. For it really is more of an existence than a life. But as horrible as it is, it only makes the good mean so, so much more.
Even though it is a prequel, I recommend reading at least Resistance prior to Half-Blood. But once you have entered Ilyon, pick up Half-Blood. More Jace is always good, and...it makes his story mean more than it possibly could have before.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 24, 2015
Half Blood has more violence and more intense scenes than Resistance and The King’s Scrolls, though even the tear-jerking scene in this book can’t compare with the heart-destroying scene in The King’s Scrolls. The violence is not gratuitous, and Jaye dwells more on its effects on Jace than on what is physically happening. While reading it, I sometimes got the sense that Jace didn’t want to dwell on or see what was happening or what he was doing, and thus the reader didn’t either. It was a technique that worked really well for showing how Jace clung to his humanity even when everyone else was doing their best to strip him of it.
The hardest part in this book is when Jace fears they may succeed.
Since this is a novella, the book is much, much shorter than Resistance or The King’s Scrolls. While I probably would’ve kept reading had this novella been a tome, I think the shorter length worked for this book. Too much more details of the violence would’ve been overwhelming, and too much of the hope and happiness at the end would’ve dragged and taken away from the beginning of Resistance.
I’d recommend reading this book after reading Resistance. Half Blood is a book written to satisfy the curiosity of fans and deepen their knowledge of one of the characters, and doesn’t serve as the sweeping introduction to the world of Ilyon the way that Resistance does.
*I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review*
The hardest part in this book is when Jace fears they may succeed.
Since this is a novella, the book is much, much shorter than Resistance or The King’s Scrolls. While I probably would’ve kept reading had this novella been a tome, I think the shorter length worked for this book. Too much more details of the violence would’ve been overwhelming, and too much of the hope and happiness at the end would’ve dragged and taken away from the beginning of Resistance.
I’d recommend reading this book after reading Resistance. Half Blood is a book written to satisfy the curiosity of fans and deepen their knowledge of one of the characters, and doesn’t serve as the sweeping introduction to the world of Ilyon the way that Resistance does.
*I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review*
February 10, 2017
So. . . Where to begin? I. Love. This. Book.
Half Blood is such a small, cute little book, with lots of darkness, action, Jace, and light. I mean, a whole (admittedly small) book ALL ABOUT JACE? What can go wrong? For him: everything, poor thing, but for the reader: nothing! Because Jace. It's fantastic.
Jace. Poor, dear, darling, dark, epic, beat-up, abused, cool, awesome, half ryrik half human Jace. I love him. He's the best. He also needs a hug, and lots of shortbread cookies.
The end!! I loved the end! When Rayad showed up I was just like YES. He showed up in the nick of time, too! Phew. It was AWESOME seeing those first chapters of Resistance from Jace's point of view. Loved that so much. Rayad's epic. I love him.
I was grinning as I read the last few pages, and when I finished, I hugged the book.
I also feel that Jaye really got across the “light in the darkness” message. Most of the book was darkness, darkness, deeper darkness, and then all of a sudden, when it was darkest, there was suddenly . . . LIGHT. And it was beautiful. Truly beautiful. And true. And I loved it.
I'll just finish up by saying: Read this book. If you like action, lovable tortured characters, gladiators, and seeing light in the darkness, this book is for you. And it won't disappoint.
Half Blood is such a small, cute little book, with lots of darkness, action, Jace, and light. I mean, a whole (admittedly small) book ALL ABOUT JACE? What can go wrong? For him: everything, poor thing, but for the reader: nothing! Because Jace. It's fantastic.
Jace. Poor, dear, darling, dark, epic, beat-up, abused, cool, awesome, half ryrik half human Jace. I love him. He's the best. He also needs a hug, and lots of shortbread cookies.
The end!! I loved the end! When Rayad showed up I was just like YES. He showed up in the nick of time, too! Phew. It was AWESOME seeing those first chapters of Resistance from Jace's point of view. Loved that so much. Rayad's epic. I love him.
I was grinning as I read the last few pages, and when I finished, I hugged the book.
I also feel that Jaye really got across the “light in the darkness” message. Most of the book was darkness, darkness, deeper darkness, and then all of a sudden, when it was darkest, there was suddenly . . . LIGHT. And it was beautiful. Truly beautiful. And true. And I loved it.
I'll just finish up by saying: Read this book. If you like action, lovable tortured characters, gladiators, and seeing light in the darkness, this book is for you. And it won't disappoint.
October 20, 2016
This is the back story of Jace from 'Resistance' (Ilyon Chronicles Book 1). If you like Jace, as I do, it is a must-read. Do read 'Resistance' first though. Jace's story is essentially sad, except for the end. I was expecting a harrowing story and it was, but some scenes were cut short and the cruelty was not as detailed as it could have been for which I was grateful. Most of the material in this is not new, in the sense that it tallies from what we know in Resistance but it is from Jace's point of view and fleshed out. I haven't liked a character as much as him in a long time, and I think he's worth his own book.
June 13, 2015
Jace's story! *drooling*
UPDATE 06-12-15:
*sniff* That was so sad. I just want to give Jace a big hug!
UPDATE 06-12-15:
*sniff* That was so sad. I just want to give Jace a big hug!
September 1, 2015
This book almost made me cry......poor Strune! :'(
May 11, 2016
Well that was heartbreaking!
May 22, 2016
Everyone and their cousin seems to be after me to read this series, so I finally sat down and read the prequel novella in an attempt to get me hooked enough to not be too daunted by the length of the later books… It’s kinda dark and likely not everyone’s cup of tea, but I didn’t mind it so much since I’ve read similar tales before. Jace is awesome (naturally) and I love Rayad too, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series. :) (Ya know, once I get over the length… >.> *cough* I’m sorry, long books tend to get postponed by this skittish reader…)
I actually originally rated it 5 stars, but it just felt a little small/incomplete like there could have been more and there were a few things I thought "Eh, I don't know if that's realistic" about, so it lost a star for that. (I didn't actually mind the darkness which is what it seems to lose a star for among other people. XD)
I actually originally rated it 5 stars, but it just felt a little small/incomplete like there could have been more and there were a few things I thought "Eh, I don't know if that's realistic" about, so it lost a star for that. (I didn't actually mind the darkness which is what it seems to lose a star for among other people. XD)
July 17, 2015
Having read Resistance and King's Scrolls, I was super interested in Jace's back story. Half-Blood starts us with Jace at the age of six and takes us through until he is removed from slavery. If you are familiar with Jace's point of mind in Resistance, you know that he starts that book with a very low opinion of himself. In Half-Blood, instead of being like Resistance, where he gradually begins to see himself in a better light, we have the opposite, where he starts to see the worst of himself.
Half-Blood is not a light read. It is a story of the abuse Jace suffered before he came to be with the followers of the King. It is far from being a stand alone story, as it can only be appreciated after having experienced Resistance.
Half-Blood is not a light read. It is a story of the abuse Jace suffered before he came to be with the followers of the King. It is far from being a stand alone story, as it can only be appreciated after having experienced Resistance.
July 16, 2015
Like every other fan of The Ilyon Chronicles, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this prequel novella. While this was not in any way an upbeat story, I still liked getting to see bits of Jace's past. Knowing what his character has been through makes me appreciate just how far he's come in the series and bump him higher up in the favorites column. I just wish it would have been a tad longer so we could see more of Jace with Kalli, Aldor, and Rayad.
Recommended for any fan of the Ilyon Chronicles of course!
Recommended for any fan of the Ilyon Chronicles of course!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews