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Out of Time #1 - 3
Out of Time: The Complete Trilogy
She has one year left to live—an award-winning epic YA dystopian adventure of a teenage girl’s quest to save her people from a government that controls time.Includes the complete 1,100-page Out of Time trilogy by Nadine Brandes in one ebook volume.
Book 1: A Time to Die
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.
Book 2: A Time to Speak
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?
Book 3: A Time to Rise
What more can you sacrifice than your life?
Parvin Blackwater is dead.
At least that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.
Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?
Book 1: A Time to Die
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.
Book 2: A Time to Speak
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?
Book 3: A Time to Rise
What more can you sacrifice than your life?
Parvin Blackwater is dead.
At least that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.
Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?
1139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2019
23 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Brandes
8 books3,251 followersNADINE BRANDES has been known to do wild things (like ride a sleeper train across Russia) in the name of book research. She is the 4-time Carol Award-winning author of seven Young Adult novels (ROMANOV, FAWKES, WISHTRESS, THE NIGHTMARE VIRUS, and The Out of Time Series.) While inventing worlds is fun, she is most passionate about Jesus, motherhood, and creating with the Creator. Nadine and her husband strive to live out Psalm 34:3 with their four exuberant children.
(Connect with her on her Instagram and her YouTube)
(Connect with her on her Instagram and her YouTube)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 13, 2025
Out of Time series by Nadine Brandes
LAYOUT
(OVERALL)
PERSONAL THOUGHTS
BASIC INFO
CONTENT INFO/TRIGGER WARNINGS
RANDOM INFO
SPOILERS!!
A BOOKWORMLEEA REVIEW
MY FULL AND HONEST REVEIW OF BTHE
OUT OF TIME SERIES
FULL REVIEW
Personal Thoughts (Overall)
Personal rate:
Stars (5)
Why?: I love the themes, plot, and characters. I love how
It all came together in the end. All of it was great
What I liked:
How central God is in the story and how
much He is talked about. The character development was amazing,
It was adventurous, emotional,
it was just so good
What I disliked:
I did and didn't like how tense and sad it was. The
end was so bittersweet cause I didn't want it to end.
Mood: Interested, on edge, Adventurous, Happy, sad,
Bittersweet, Emotional.
Describing the genre:
Dystopian, Fantasy, Futuristic,
Teen. Christian. Christian
Fiction.
My favorite character/s: soloman!! Parvin.
Basic Information
Title/S: A Time I Rise.
Series: out of Time
Author: Nadine Brandes
Age rating: 14+ (Teen/Young adult)
Genre/s: Dystopia, Fantasy, Christian Fiction,
Young Adult, Science Fiction, Christian Fantasy,
Adventure, Romance.
Tropes: N/A (I don't know what you'd call a
trope...)
Pace: Medium
POV: First person
Content/Trigger Warnings
Romance level: There's an attraction
between a girl and boy.
There are kisses,
Language: None
Gore/Violence: A lot but it spoils the story
Check out spoilers for more.
Magic: None. Just technology and speaks of
the works of God
Trigger Warnings: ('wilt well de eve till we for crescens
and that this book does have this stuff
Minor:
"suicidal thoughts" bullying, Concussion, Gunshot,
Medium: Vomit, Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury details
Animal Attack.
Graphic: Death, Blood, Injury/injury detail.
Random info
What drives it (characters or Plot.):
Mix. A lot of it is character driven
Character development:
A lot
Flaws of the characters was the main
focus: Yes and No
Lovable characters:
Yes! Most are very lovable.
Quotes:
"God doesn't make empty Numbers."
"Don't strive to belong, Parvin. Your effort
is much better placed elsewhere."
"But rest assured I'll win. Because I'm going to kill you.
with kindness. And it's going to feel really weird for
both of us."
Content
Triggers: Death, Blood, Vomit, Violence, Injury/ Injury details, Gore, Bullying, Firearms, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Mysterious Pills, Animal attack, Animal death, Fire. Someone dies of electricity, People get blown up, People fall of walls, etc
Magic: None
Romance: Kisses, Handholding, Hugs, All clean stuff.
Language: None
Characters
Parvin: In the beginning I didn't like her attitude. But her character development was amazing. Her growth with God was beautiful. She stopped letting her problems get to her and she knew people depended on her. She cared so so much for her people and she would do so much for them. Her relationship with Solomon is so good. She really killed them with kindness.
Solomon: He is such an amazing man! I love this man. He cares for everyone. He cares so much for Parvin. He cares so much that he didn't want to be left behind. He had self doubt but it was so sweet what happened. His relationship with God is great. And how he grows WITH Parvin is so sweet.
Skully Chase: He was so annoying. Blackmail! He seemed to want the best for people though. He just didn't do it right and he didn't understand some things.
Reid: He seemed nice enough. I hated his secrets but I don't know how he thought. He seemed to love Parvin but I don't know enough about him
Reid wife? I am not a fan... She was so annoying and rude for most of the time and then she just changes? like yeah I get it but why? This is your husbands sister!!! be nice! she is family now! Whatever, she changed but I didn't see enough of it to completely change my mind on some stuff.
Elm: Such a sweet boy!! He got his priorities straight. Didn't see a lot of him but he was so sweet.
Jude: I was kinda annoyed at Jude at some points. He was short tempered and he didn't seem to understand the world. He clearly cared for people but the way he showed it was a bit odd at points. He was so smart though.
Willow: Poor sweet girl. she was such a sweetheart and then they ruined her. They made her hate herself. It was heartbreaking.
LAYOUT
(OVERALL)
PERSONAL THOUGHTS
BASIC INFO
CONTENT INFO/TRIGGER WARNINGS
RANDOM INFO
SPOILERS!!
A BOOKWORMLEEA REVIEW
MY FULL AND HONEST REVEIW OF BTHE
OUT OF TIME SERIES
FULL REVIEW
Personal Thoughts (Overall)
Personal rate:
Stars (5)
Why?: I love the themes, plot, and characters. I love how
It all came together in the end. All of it was great
What I liked:
How central God is in the story and how
much He is talked about. The character development was amazing,
It was adventurous, emotional,
it was just so good
What I disliked:
I did and didn't like how tense and sad it was. The
end was so bittersweet cause I didn't want it to end.
Mood: Interested, on edge, Adventurous, Happy, sad,
Bittersweet, Emotional.
Describing the genre:
Dystopian, Fantasy, Futuristic,
Teen. Christian. Christian
Fiction.
My favorite character/s: soloman!! Parvin.
Basic Information
Title/S: A Time I Rise.
Series: out of Time
Author: Nadine Brandes
Age rating: 14+ (Teen/Young adult)
Genre/s: Dystopia, Fantasy, Christian Fiction,
Young Adult, Science Fiction, Christian Fantasy,
Adventure, Romance.
Tropes: N/A (I don't know what you'd call a
trope...)
Pace: Medium
POV: First person
Content/Trigger Warnings
Romance level: There's an attraction
between a girl and boy.
There are kisses,
Language: None
Gore/Violence: A lot but it spoils the story
Check out spoilers for more.
Magic: None. Just technology and speaks of
the works of God
Trigger Warnings: ('wilt well de eve till we for crescens
and that this book does have this stuff
Minor:
"suicidal thoughts" bullying, Concussion, Gunshot,
Medium: Vomit, Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury details
Animal Attack.
Graphic: Death, Blood, Injury/injury detail.
Random info
What drives it (characters or Plot.):
Mix. A lot of it is character driven
Character development:
A lot
Flaws of the characters was the main
focus: Yes and No
Lovable characters:
Yes! Most are very lovable.
Quotes:
"God doesn't make empty Numbers."
"Don't strive to belong, Parvin. Your effort
is much better placed elsewhere."
"But rest assured I'll win. Because I'm going to kill you.
with kindness. And it's going to feel really weird for
both of us."
Content
Triggers: Death, Blood, Vomit, Violence, Injury/ Injury details, Gore, Bullying, Firearms, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Mysterious Pills, Animal attack, Animal death, Fire. Someone dies of electricity, People get blown up, People fall of walls, etc
Magic: None
Romance: Kisses, Handholding, Hugs, All clean stuff.
Language: None
Characters
Parvin: In the beginning I didn't like her attitude. But her character development was amazing. Her growth with God was beautiful. She stopped letting her problems get to her and she knew people depended on her. She cared so so much for her people and she would do so much for them. Her relationship with Solomon is so good. She really killed them with kindness.
Solomon: He is such an amazing man! I love this man. He cares for everyone. He cares so much for Parvin. He cares so much that he didn't want to be left behind. He had self doubt but it was so sweet what happened. His relationship with God is great. And how he grows WITH Parvin is so sweet.
Skully Chase: He was so annoying. Blackmail! He seemed to want the best for people though. He just didn't do it right and he didn't understand some things.
Reid: He seemed nice enough. I hated his secrets but I don't know how he thought. He seemed to love Parvin but I don't know enough about him
Reid wife? I am not a fan... She was so annoying and rude for most of the time and then she just changes? like yeah I get it but why? This is your husbands sister!!! be nice! she is family now! Whatever, she changed but I didn't see enough of it to completely change my mind on some stuff.
Elm: Such a sweet boy!! He got his priorities straight. Didn't see a lot of him but he was so sweet.
Jude: I was kinda annoyed at Jude at some points. He was short tempered and he didn't seem to understand the world. He clearly cared for people but the way he showed it was a bit odd at points. He was so smart though.
Willow: Poor sweet girl. she was such a sweetheart and then they ruined her. They made her hate herself. It was heartbreaking.
January 17, 2022
I liked the story, but there is indeed a reason for this low rating.
1) Parvin gets
2) Dystopians are just not really my Thing I guess
3) I have a big problem with the fact that Solomon actually starts the riots at the end. I don't believe Christians are supposed to destroy structures like that. We're actually supposed to obey the government as much as possible without overriding our conscience. I don't believe instigating violence is a good thing to do.
Nice things:
1) I read this just when QR-codes became a thing so yup
2) Those cameras that record your emotions? Amazing not even kidding that's the best invention I've ever read about.
1) Parvin gets
2) Dystopians are just not really my Thing I guess
3) I have a big problem with the fact that Solomon actually starts the riots at the end. I don't believe Christians are supposed to destroy structures like that. We're actually supposed to obey the government as much as possible without overriding our conscience. I don't believe instigating violence is a good thing to do.
Nice things:
1) I read this just when QR-codes became a thing so yup
2) Those cameras that record your emotions? Amazing not even kidding that's the best invention I've ever read about.
March 13, 2025
I had no idea this series would make such an impact.
I don’t even really like dystopian stories. They’re somewhat depressing, tending to focus on all the negative aspects of humanity/society. But this was the most redemptive dystopia I’ve read, offering hope in the face of devastation—hope that only comes from Christ.
Characters:
Parvin was a great character. She’s annoying at the beginning, but she’s kind of supposed to be. Once she’s shoved (quite literally) into the story, her growth launches, and she becomes an incredible heroine. I loved watching her faith journey and how she grows into a humble, faithful servant of God.
I wasn’t too sure about the love interest at first (no names because #spoilers). He was nice, but… I liked the other guy better. He grew on me, though, and I really appreciated him by the end! I love the purity of his and Parvin’s relationship.
Content:
There’s a lot of violence. Characters are attacked numerous times (by humans, wolves, bombs… the list goes on). People are mistreated in horrific ways (though with minimal details). It’s never graphic, but it could be disturbing for more sensitive readers.
There’s a sweet romance woven throughout the series. It never goes beyond kissing, and even those are used sparingly (which just makes it all the sweeter!). It’s quite refreshing compared to the usual YA dystopian fare.
Writing:
This was beautifully written. The story is paced so well, holding my attention and keeping me up past my bedtime. I was shocked by the end of the second book and had to pick up the third one immediately. The characters are well developed, the themes are powerful, there’s just the right amount of humor… Wow. I have no more words.
Summary:
Read this series! Even if dystopia’s not your thing, give it a go anyway. This powerful story serves not as a warning to not waste your life but also as a testament to what God can do with a life fully surrendered to Him. I highly recommend for readers aged 14+.
I don’t even really like dystopian stories. They’re somewhat depressing, tending to focus on all the negative aspects of humanity/society. But this was the most redemptive dystopia I’ve read, offering hope in the face of devastation—hope that only comes from Christ.
Characters:
Parvin was a great character. She’s annoying at the beginning, but she’s kind of supposed to be. Once she’s shoved (quite literally) into the story, her growth launches, and she becomes an incredible heroine. I loved watching her faith journey and how she grows into a humble, faithful servant of God.
I wasn’t too sure about the love interest at first (no names because #spoilers). He was nice, but… I liked the other guy better. He grew on me, though, and I really appreciated him by the end! I love the purity of his and Parvin’s relationship.
Content:
There’s a lot of violence. Characters are attacked numerous times (by humans, wolves, bombs… the list goes on). People are mistreated in horrific ways (though with minimal details). It’s never graphic, but it could be disturbing for more sensitive readers.
There’s a sweet romance woven throughout the series. It never goes beyond kissing, and even those are used sparingly (which just makes it all the sweeter!). It’s quite refreshing compared to the usual YA dystopian fare.
Writing:
This was beautifully written. The story is paced so well, holding my attention and keeping me up past my bedtime. I was shocked by the end of the second book and had to pick up the third one immediately. The characters are well developed, the themes are powerful, there’s just the right amount of humor… Wow. I have no more words.
Summary:
Read this series! Even if dystopia’s not your thing, give it a go anyway. This powerful story serves not as a warning to not waste your life but also as a testament to what God can do with a life fully surrendered to Him. I highly recommend for readers aged 14+.
June 21, 2023
This series was epic and so well-written. It’s possibly my favorite dystopian series because while it is heavy and dark at times, hope shines through. What I love about this series is that unlike many dystopian series I’ve read, this one offers hope into a story that would otherwise seem hopeless. The faith throughout these books offers hope into the lives of these characters and I found that so inspiring and beautiful!
The characters were so well-written. Every one of them had depth, personality, and originality. I felt all the feels along with them.
Like with most dystopian books, there is some violence and gruesome/gory parts but thankfully they were usually brief and not described to the point where I felt too squeamish or sick. Also, I believe it showed just how broken everything is in this world in a raw, real way. But while there is darkness, the light shines through all the brighter because of it.
In conclusion, this was a really good series. Nadine Brandes definitely knows how to write a good, gripping story. I had a really hard time putting any of these books down.
If you’re looking for an epic series that’s emotional, gripping, and inspiring, this one was really good!
The characters were so well-written. Every one of them had depth, personality, and originality. I felt all the feels along with them.
Like with most dystopian books, there is some violence and gruesome/gory parts but thankfully they were usually brief and not described to the point where I felt too squeamish or sick. Also, I believe it showed just how broken everything is in this world in a raw, real way. But while there is darkness, the light shines through all the brighter because of it.
In conclusion, this was a really good series. Nadine Brandes definitely knows how to write a good, gripping story. I had a really hard time putting any of these books down.
If you’re looking for an epic series that’s emotional, gripping, and inspiring, this one was really good!
August 28, 2023
There aren't words but I will say... absolutely incredible. 👏
January 11, 2022
This series pleasantly surprised me with its depth. It was so much more than a simple dystopian novel. It was a journey of a girl finding who she is and what her purpose is in life.
There were many times events in the story paralleled my own life minus the life threatening situations, clocks telling you when you will die, and dystopian setting :P
I could not put the books down. There were some editing issues in the beginning that tripped me up in the first book, but by the last book, I was so enthralled with the story and invested in the characters that I didn't care if the writing was terrible (it wasn't, in fact by the third book, the writing was well done.)
One thing that really impressed me is how far across the world the author had her characters go. It was a bold move, but you learn in the acknowledgments that she researched her stuff and was knowledgeable about what she wrote.
What I liked:
- characters were well developed and had great character growth and not just the main character.
- romance was not instant, but very sweet and believable.
- action was well done and just thrilling enough to keep you reading
- biblical content was accurate (loved that she included the correct definition of shalom and not just peace)
- Plot was engaging and not boring.
What I didn't like:
- can't share, spoilers
It wasn't so much I didn't like it, but it seemed a little farfetched at times even with being a dystopian novel.
- Sometimes it was hard to picture the setting.
My favorite part of this series was how much I can relate to Parvin and how she hears and talks to God. He really used this book to tell me to go for it. And that's the message of this series. Parvin starts out with no life and purpose. Then she is given a great one and you'll just have to read the book to find out what she does.
4.5 out of 5 stars
There were many times events in the story paralleled my own life minus the life threatening situations, clocks telling you when you will die, and dystopian setting :P
I could not put the books down. There were some editing issues in the beginning that tripped me up in the first book, but by the last book, I was so enthralled with the story and invested in the characters that I didn't care if the writing was terrible (it wasn't, in fact by the third book, the writing was well done.)
One thing that really impressed me is how far across the world the author had her characters go. It was a bold move, but you learn in the acknowledgments that she researched her stuff and was knowledgeable about what she wrote.
What I liked:
- characters were well developed and had great character growth and not just the main character.
- romance was not instant, but very sweet and believable.
- action was well done and just thrilling enough to keep you reading
- biblical content was accurate (loved that she included the correct definition of shalom and not just peace)
- Plot was engaging and not boring.
What I didn't like:
- can't share, spoilers
It wasn't so much I didn't like it, but it seemed a little farfetched at times even with being a dystopian novel.
- Sometimes it was hard to picture the setting.
My favorite part of this series was how much I can relate to Parvin and how she hears and talks to God. He really used this book to tell me to go for it. And that's the message of this series. Parvin starts out with no life and purpose. Then she is given a great one and you'll just have to read the book to find out what she does.
4.5 out of 5 stars
November 25, 2025
WOW! What can I even say? I am always on a search for new books that glorify God and capture my imagination, and boy was this series doing that! The character building in the out of time books was fantastic, they feel like such dear friends! I had to take a break from the books to focus on finals in my courses because the whole world and plot was so immersive 😅
A side note about relationships, I so appreciated that romance wasn't the main point of the book, and yet Parvin and Solomon complimented and strengthened each other to accomplish goals. They learned, supported, and encouraged each other, and never put their relationship before obedience to God. I think that is so unusual in a book! So often when a couple fall in love, they lose all other will or personality. But Solomon loves Parvin in a Christ centered, self sacrificing, honest and mature way!! I wish I could keep following their growth and journey. Thank you for this incredible story, Nadine!!!
My only note would be that you went through a bit of immaturity and growth in Parvin during the first book, but it is very realistic not cringy. Also I would have liked the ending of the last book to have been longer! after everything I've walked through with Parvin I'm not ready to say goodbye!! I'm clinging to the hope that Nadine will add some short stories or novellas to the series someday soon!! Maybe some continued journal entries as Parvin discovers life, or adventures around the west? Please Mrs Brandes, we need to hear more from these friends!!
A side note about relationships, I so appreciated that romance wasn't the main point of the book, and yet Parvin and Solomon complimented and strengthened each other to accomplish goals. They learned, supported, and encouraged each other, and never put their relationship before obedience to God. I think that is so unusual in a book! So often when a couple fall in love, they lose all other will or personality. But Solomon loves Parvin in a Christ centered, self sacrificing, honest and mature way!! I wish I could keep following their growth and journey. Thank you for this incredible story, Nadine!!!
My only note would be that you went through a bit of immaturity and growth in Parvin during the first book, but it is very realistic not cringy. Also I would have liked the ending of the last book to have been longer! after everything I've walked through with Parvin I'm not ready to say goodbye!! I'm clinging to the hope that Nadine will add some short stories or novellas to the series someday soon!! Maybe some continued journal entries as Parvin discovers life, or adventures around the west? Please Mrs Brandes, we need to hear more from these friends!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
"There once was a time when only God knew the day you'd die." 🕰️
There are good stories. There are great stories. And then there are stories that were written to transform their readers.
Nadine Brandes's Out of Time trilogy is one of those.
Part quest, part survival, part pilgrimage, and part adventure, the three books in this series--A Time to Die, A Time to Speak, and A Time to Rise--seek to answer the question of what it means to truly live. They guide the reader on a journey that demonstrates that suffering and brokenness are real, but trust and shalom are equally so.
The protagonist, Parvin Blackwater, is utterly real and relatable with the same sass I love in all of Nadine's heroes and heroines. The side characters are compelling and unique (though I'm still not over one particular character death 😭), and I loved that all of them--not only the heroine--experienced growth. The variety of settings and cultures Parvin witnesses over the course of the trilogy combine to create a unique dystopian world that insightfully echoes our modern one.
Nadine's stories always seem to hit me deeply, and this trilogy was no exception. It reminded me of what truly matters in this life and prompted me to take a couple of faith steps that I've shied away from before. I'll definitely be coming back to these books 🤍
There are good stories. There are great stories. And then there are stories that were written to transform their readers.
Nadine Brandes's Out of Time trilogy is one of those.
Part quest, part survival, part pilgrimage, and part adventure, the three books in this series--A Time to Die, A Time to Speak, and A Time to Rise--seek to answer the question of what it means to truly live. They guide the reader on a journey that demonstrates that suffering and brokenness are real, but trust and shalom are equally so.
The protagonist, Parvin Blackwater, is utterly real and relatable with the same sass I love in all of Nadine's heroes and heroines. The side characters are compelling and unique (though I'm still not over one particular character death 😭), and I loved that all of them--not only the heroine--experienced growth. The variety of settings and cultures Parvin witnesses over the course of the trilogy combine to create a unique dystopian world that insightfully echoes our modern one.
Nadine's stories always seem to hit me deeply, and this trilogy was no exception. It reminded me of what truly matters in this life and prompted me to take a couple of faith steps that I've shied away from before. I'll definitely be coming back to these books 🤍
March 24, 2021
My new favorite series
Wow.
There are no words to say how much I loved this series. I never wanted it to end, so it took me such a long time to finish the last book. I genuinely feel like a part of my life has changed because of these books. Parvin, Jude, Reid, Solomon, Willow, Skelley, and all of the other characters have helped me have a better perspective on what time really means. Time is all about living in the moment and having purpose, not being focused and worried about the future. The character development in this series was absolutely amazing, and the plot was also incredible. Books often do great in one area and lack in the other, but this series kept me on the edge of my seat from every perspective.
From now on when someone asks me for a book recommendation, I'm going to tell them about this series. It's so incredibly good and I would highly recommend to anyone.
Wow.
There are no words to say how much I loved this series. I never wanted it to end, so it took me such a long time to finish the last book. I genuinely feel like a part of my life has changed because of these books. Parvin, Jude, Reid, Solomon, Willow, Skelley, and all of the other characters have helped me have a better perspective on what time really means. Time is all about living in the moment and having purpose, not being focused and worried about the future. The character development in this series was absolutely amazing, and the plot was also incredible. Books often do great in one area and lack in the other, but this series kept me on the edge of my seat from every perspective.
From now on when someone asks me for a book recommendation, I'm going to tell them about this series. It's so incredibly good and I would highly recommend to anyone.
November 12, 2024
Such a great series! I love the characters development through all the books and how relatable their struggles were through the story even being a YA book it never felt juvenile. A lot of books with a presence of Christianity can feel forced taking away from the story but this worked beautifully , helping to guide the plot line , really giving it depth. Love the overall writing style mixing fun lighthearted banter while also perfectly executing the more emotional scenes of pain anger and loss. Can’t wait to read more from the author.
April 5, 2025
I loved these books so much. I got the first one while recovering from surgery, and being SUPER picky with my books, I was very skeptical that I would like it. I ended up absolutely loving it and reading the other books as soon as I got them. If you are anything like me don't read in bed, or at night because these books are impossible to put down and I ended up staying up all night because of them. Absolutely would recommend for 14+
April 9, 2025
this series was so cool and interesting! i’ve never read a book where God is incorporated like that. there was times i wanted to cry and then there were times i was giggling while kicking my feet ahaha. this series was so refreshing and i’m so sad ill never be able to read it again for the first time!!
January 20, 2020
A unique dystopian series that continually raises the stakes over the course of the story. I enjoyed seeing Parvin's faith grow over the course of the story, and how she still wrestled with her faith and fear in a realistic way. (My favorite installment was A Time to Speak!)
May 16, 2020
Couldn’t put down
Wow I love this series and I couldn’t put it down. I’m not good at reviews but just had to say I loved these books and the story kept me on my toes. Wonderful characters and story lines. So worth the read!!
Wow I love this series and I couldn’t put it down. I’m not good at reviews but just had to say I loved these books and the story kept me on my toes. Wonderful characters and story lines. So worth the read!!
September 18, 2023
great trilogy!
OK, this is for the whole trilogy! What a roller coaster. I liked most of it, and the ending was great. A nicely done YA dystopian with faith weaved in through the whole thing.
OK, this is for the whole trilogy! What a roller coaster. I liked most of it, and the ending was great. A nicely done YA dystopian with faith weaved in through the whole thing.
May 2, 2025
I really enjoyed it! I liked the themes of faith and hope woven throughout and fealt able to connect with the main character. The reason I didn't rate it higher is mearly because it does feel a bit cheesy at times, but it's hard to make this type of story not. Still recommend! 4.5
October 31, 2025
My primary issue with this series is that it is too long. I think many unnecessary events and characters could have been cut out and we would have been left with a less exhausting, but still exciting, story. While the plot is interesting and the characters excellent due to Brandes’ amazing writing, there was a main part in each book that I didn’t enjoy. Particularly I felt that the third book was too long and drawn out. It felt like half of the book was filler, and no reader wants to waste time on filler.
That being said, Parvin’s character development during the series is impeccable. Brandes, through time and patience and much trial, turns Parvin, a bland, uninteresting girl, into a passionate and loveable heroine. In Parvin, Brandes has crafted a character that girls can relate to, which is not an easy task. Parvin is not a model, not perfectly moral, flawed, and emotional. Aside from a few things I dislike about the plot, I’m sure I’ll be coming back to re-read this series again in future years.
There is a strong Christian element that grows throughout the series, which I initially thought would be extremely cheesy. Somehow, Brandes has managed to intertwine young adult fantasy with Christianity in a way that feels real, relatable, and truly meaningful. Definitely a series worth reading.
That being said, Parvin’s character development during the series is impeccable. Brandes, through time and patience and much trial, turns Parvin, a bland, uninteresting girl, into a passionate and loveable heroine. In Parvin, Brandes has crafted a character that girls can relate to, which is not an easy task. Parvin is not a model, not perfectly moral, flawed, and emotional. Aside from a few things I dislike about the plot, I’m sure I’ll be coming back to re-read this series again in future years.
There is a strong Christian element that grows throughout the series, which I initially thought would be extremely cheesy. Somehow, Brandes has managed to intertwine young adult fantasy with Christianity in a way that feels real, relatable, and truly meaningful. Definitely a series worth reading.
October 12, 2022
In my top 3 favorite trilogies.
December 24, 2022
The whole series was great. It was full of all sorts of plot twist and everything you can think of. Great character development and moves with a nice pace. Definitely worth reading.
June 17, 2023
This was a recommendation by a friend. I was so glad to finish one book after another. I ended up buying more of her books shortly after finishing
January 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this series. Loved to read a series that is not afraid to glorify God. Great YA series
December 15, 2024
I love this series!!! I own it now
August 15, 2019
A series of hope, growth and shalom
This series just worked its way up into my list of favorites that I will recommend often. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when starting the first book.
How many ways do I relate with Parvin Blackwater? Before she crossed the wall she was a chronic time waster. Ummmm guilty. The number of times she questioned God when He was always there for her was so relatable. Asking Him how in the world is she achieving her mission while stuck in a place that seems unproductive in her human eyes- yeah I’ve done that too. Of course Parvins story is a million times more insane and exciting than my own, but it was such an incredible story that taught relatable faith lessons throughout.
I’m pretty certain this series is amazing whether you are a Jesus follower or not, but if you are a follower of Jesus it will hit much deeper than just being a great story
This series just worked its way up into my list of favorites that I will recommend often. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when starting the first book.
How many ways do I relate with Parvin Blackwater? Before she crossed the wall she was a chronic time waster. Ummmm guilty. The number of times she questioned God when He was always there for her was so relatable. Asking Him how in the world is she achieving her mission while stuck in a place that seems unproductive in her human eyes- yeah I’ve done that too. Of course Parvins story is a million times more insane and exciting than my own, but it was such an incredible story that taught relatable faith lessons throughout.
I’m pretty certain this series is amazing whether you are a Jesus follower or not, but if you are a follower of Jesus it will hit much deeper than just being a great story
July 19, 2019
Beautiful!
This trilogy is everything I could want it hope for. I truly loved the non-cheesy way we got to follow Pravin in her journey with God. It renewed a sense of simplicity in my heart! Thank you, Nadine Brandes for taking us on this journey.
This trilogy is everything I could want it hope for. I truly loved the non-cheesy way we got to follow Pravin in her journey with God. It renewed a sense of simplicity in my heart! Thank you, Nadine Brandes for taking us on this journey.
August 3, 2019
This is one of the new favorite series. I love the journey that Parvin goes on and how her faith in God is the thing that keeps her strong and helps her make the right decisions. I find myself falling away from my faith more than I would like, so her strength is incredibly inspiring to me.
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