Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She's trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help.
Paige's husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige's husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals?
Amanda G. Stevens is the author of the Haven Seekers series and the No Less Days series. Her stories speculate on reality while her characters walk both an emotional journey and a Christian faith journey. She wrote her first story in first grade and can talk about her characters all day and all night; they're the children of her heart.
Amanda is a voluntarily transplanted Yankee who recently moved to South Carolina. She hasn't quit savoring the climate yet and probably never will. Research is one of her favorite things, and her go-to topics include high-control groups and trauma psychology. She also loves acoustic music, art museums, Golden Era films, birds and reptiles, time in nature, and of course books.
I didn't think anything could beat the first book, but the second came along, and I didn't know how to say it was better or how not to. Now I sit dumbfounded because Amanda G. Stevens has done it again.
This book combines so many elements, but one of the most unexpected was the suspense. It's strange how we can know that someone will be okay (after all, it says right on the cover of the book--Cady can't die!) but still not believe it as we read the story.
I found myself dragging out every second of reading the book, making myself put it down, hoping to make it last as long as possible. I didn't want to say goodbye to the series. I wasn't ready. When the final page came and I flipped to the back to find out the name of Stevens' other series, I found it. A promise... there's another book coming!
Seriously, when an author can hold my attention so soundly and make me love a book so much that I FORCE myself not to keep going, you know it's a brilliant book.
I'm rambling because I just don't know how to say how amazing and consistent Stevens' characterization is. How can I possibly express the delightful writing, the heartwrenching plots, the soul-nourishing infusion of faith on every page? How do you explain the inexplicable?
Drumming my fingers for the next however many months that'll seem like centuries. Just a reminder to the author. I am not a longevite nor am I elder folk. Just sayin'.
You met Cady Schuster in Book 2 (From Sky to Sky); now get to know her from the inside out. She's a "tough old woman" (her own description), born in 1870 but still appearing twenty-six (the age at which she quit aging). Not much can make her flinch. Her loyal heart is vast. She seeks understanding and isn't afraid to pepper you with questions when you know something she doesn't. She's been a fan of science fiction since before the term existed, back when, as a teen, she got her hands on a copy of Frankenstein.
Cady is a character who took some time to open up to her author. We stood eyeing each other from across the room while she decided whether the whole of her heart would be safe with my storytelling. At some point during the writing of this book, she decided she was all in, and she surprised me many times as she let me get to know her. I hope you'll enjoy knowing her too.
As of right now, Cady is my favorite character in this series. All the aspects of her character are so life-like. She's a very good example of what it should look like to function inside the Body if Christ and to both bare and share burdens with the other members. She fights fiercely for what is right. I want her on my team. Also, the ending is REALLY exciting :)
If you enjoy stories where the heroine and a number of characters are invisible, then this might be the story for you. This is not a Marvel or DC playoff story. The characters are different, but in a good and quiet way. The story begins with Cady wanting to talk about sci-fi and other geeky items in a chat room, then on a road home, she meets in person with the girl, Paige, that she has been connecting with. From the first encounter, dilemma hovers around the edges of the story. Cady tries to rescue Paige and twists and turns occur as the plot unfolds on the page. I have enjoyed this series, and this book did not disappoint. Stevens is a wonderful writer who crafts an original story with heart. I have enjoyed all her stories and can't wait for more by her.
It was so great to revisit the longevites and this time learn more about Cady and her family. I love all the characters in this series so much. Just living in the world with them is enjoyable. Cady is a great addition to the group. I loved her principles, her desire to help people, her interest in science fiction, her budding romance. The book touches on heavy topics, has slow but building tension, and deep and powerful emotions. I eagerly look forward to more books in this series so I can spend more time with these characters--and see where things go for Cady!
Reread 2024…waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Reread this within a month…and will continue to come back to this series. Perfect setting (northern MI!), family relationships, real pain and real hope.
I love this series and have commenced a reread from the beginning upon finishing this book. They’re so unique, well-written and perceptive.
*3.75 stars* A fatal injury. A lifesaving serum. Instant immortality. This is the reality of the primary characters in the ‘No Less Days’ series that follows a small group of individuals who, decades prior, became involuntarily immortal. The series regards these individuals as they navigate the modern world having lived for close to a century and confront past traumas that have significantly impacted their lives. All That’s Fair by Amanda G. Stevens is the third book in the series, in which matters of forgiveness and liberation are fused within the plot that created an engrossing story.
Cady Schuster is no stranger to death. Having lived for a century and witnessing the death of numerous family members over the years, as well as working as a combat nurse during the World War I, she has seen her share of death. However, a recent devastating loss has thrown her into the woes of grief and compels her to relocate to another city. She meets Paige, a mortal she unexpectedly befriends, whose controlling and abusive husband is a danger to Paige. In her desire to help her new friend, she is thrown into a risky situation that threatens her safety as well as the security of her fellow immortal friends. This tumultuous experience will help revive her faith in God and will spark her compassion to forgive and trust.
“She had lived nearly a century and a half and still sinned all the time, still failed people she loved, still chafed at God’s timing and tried to run on ahead of His plans” (All That’s Fair).
Considered speculative Christian fiction, All That’s Fair is a superb novel with a unique plot. Reemerging characters from the previous books in the series makes the story enjoyable and the touch of suspense in the storyline is entertaining. The Christian faith content within the plot was encouraging, with characters depicted praying and growing in their faith in Christ. Moreover, this is an enthralling series, and I look forward to reading more novels by the author.
Speculative fiction is not one of my favorite genres, but I have been fascinated with Stevens' No Less Days series. The Elderfolk or Longevites are a group of people who cannot die but instead have eternal life on earth. The third in the series focuses on Cady who who become friends with a mortal, Paige, on the internet due to their common interest in futuristic programs such as Star Trek and Star Wars. Little does Cady know that Paige is part of a Christiancult headed by her husband. When Paige attempts to leave the cult, the only person she can turn to is Cady. Will this bring danger to both of them and can Paige begin to understand the real truth of Christianity?
The plot in this particular book of the series really drew me in, and I loved how much Cady cared for Paige and wanted her to be safe and see the truth of the Bible. Strong Christian thread throughout the story and enough suspense that kept the plot moving. I look forward to reading book 4 and hope that it continues the story of Zac and Cady.
All That's Fair is the third book in the series and I think it is the best so far. You really get into the characters and their feelins and problems. If you can get through the first book, you will really like the series. Many of the people I know will not want to read because of the story line of not being able to die. Thinks happen in this broken world we live in and it is possible that something like this could happen if God would allow it. I really like the characters and their individual personalities and the way they work through things. They even took in Paige with all her problems. Not sure about Moria and Simon though. I will recommend this book to the readers I know.
Stevens has crafted an exquisite masterpiece! I was immediately drawn into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page. I so enjoyed this trilogy!
Recommend to readers who enjoy fantasy.
DISCLAIMER: I won a copy. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.