A Time to Die (Out of Time, #1) in Out of Time Series

Oct 23, 2014 Nadine Brandes added it · (Review from the author)

I'm certainly not going to write a review for my own book. That kind of defeats the purpose of reviews. BUT...I thought I'd include a parental guide for those who like to know exactly what type of content is going to be in the book.

PARENT'S GUIDE

I recommend this book for ages 14 and up, though the maturity of the reader plays a big part. So, basically, if you're a parent...know your child's reading level.

Profanity: NONE

Intimacy: There is attraction between a boy and girl, but no kissing ...more

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Apr 05, 2016 Madelyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-fiction, science-fiction

FULL REVIEW HERE: http://literarycafe.weebly.com/home/a...

I finished this book approximately three weeks ago. It has taken me the entirety of that time to gather my incoherent fangirling thoughts and write this whirlwind of a review.

I'm sure everyone has a book that they can't stop seeing around. Wherever you go, wherever you look, it somehow always seems to pop up. For me, that was this book. Why I ignored it for so long I still do not know (Especially with that gorgeous cover. Ask anyone. I'm ...more

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May 29, 2015 Beth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: straight-off-the-page, young-adult, dystopia, 2015, favorites-2015

Living in a time when the day of your death is predicted at birth, seventeen year-old Parvin Blackwater feels she has wasted her life. According to her Clock, she will die by her 18th birthday. Determined to make a difference with the time she has left, she uses her last year privileges to request a meeting with famous biographer, Skelly Chase, hoping to find her purpose while writing her life story. Her meeting with Mr. Chase exceeds her expectations, but all is not as it seems. When government Living in a time when the day of your death is predicted at birth, seventeen year-old Parvin Blackwater feels she has wasted her life. According to her Clock, she will die by her 18th birthday. Determined to make a difference with the time she has left, she uses her last year privileges to request a meeting with famous biographer, Skelly Chase, hoping to find her purpose while writing her life story. Her meeting with Mr. Chase exceeds her expectations, but all is not as it seems. When government authorities find out about her illegal activities of helping Radicals escape the crooked justice system, she is banished over the Wall – which equates to a death sentence in her society. What happens once she is cast through the Wall changes her forever. With her days dwindling, can she find her purpose? More importantly, can the discoveries she makes over the Wall save Radicals from death?

The plot of A Time to Die is one of the most riveting that I’ve read in a long time. The first quarter of the book, I truly wasn’t sure what direction the story was going go, and, if I’m honest, I was losing steam and having trouble staying invested. I lost my Kindle charger and wasn’t able to read it for a few days. I ended up reading on my iPhone one day because I unexpectedly had the opportunity to do so – the very next chapter made me sit up and pay attention (and also track down my Kindle charger the moment I got home). I’m not sure what it was about getting to that point of the story; I think it was that the events were so unexpected to me, I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next.

Dystopia novels sometimes confuse me; I never feel like I have enough information about the world of the story, and that can be frustrating. I did feel that sometimes with this story, but it actually goes along well with Parvin’s character. The city she grew up in is considered a “Low City,” and therefore doesn’t have as much access to technology and resources like a “High City.” The idea of a clock connected to every person isn’t something I’ve read before; while it seems odd and something that may not translate well into a story, Nadine definitely pulls it off. It comes across as completely realistic, and although the science behind why this is possible is never truly explained, I didn’t really care because I was much more interested in the “what-if” than the “here’s-how.” The advanced technology that Parvin uses and then later discovers is very interesting and adds a lot to the story.

Parvin is such a relatable character. She’s sometimes irritable, she asks a lot of questions, and generally doesn’t know what she is doing. But she’s also brave and a realistic combination of weak and strong, as real people tend to be. I always admire an author that isn’t afraid to put their characters through realistic struggles, and that realism is found in this story. While I wished for things to be easy and was even surprised to the extent of suffering that Parvin has to endure, thinking back, I don’t think the story would have held the same gravity had things just miraculously resolved themselves. Since the story is told from Parvin’s point of view, the other characters are somewhat mysterious. Sweet Willow is a pleasant character that is a lot stronger than she appears. Jude is a bit of a mystery, but his character broke this reader’s heart. Parvin’s trials mature her and the development that she undergoes is of both a personal and spiritual nature. On the spiritual side, she desires to have a purpose, but has trouble trusting that God will bring her to it. Her life is severely shaken, and she has to rely on her faith, even when things look bleak. On the personal side, she gains a confidence and strength than she ever had need of in her old life.

There is a considerable section of the story where Parvin and her companions are simply trying to survive. In this post-war world, the land is uncertain. What starts as a vast, grave-like desert land might soon turn into a hodge-podge city. I wasn’t expecting the survivalist nature of the story, but I could hardly put the book down during these scenes because of their intensity. The excellent first-person narration that Nadine chose to use really amplifies the heightened tension throughout the story. The tension builds gradually at first, but then doesn’t let up until the end. The ending packs a huge emotional punch – I won’t go into any of those details to avoid spoilers, but I was really shocked at the way some plot points turned out. I’m hoping that the next book will reveal even more about the worlds on both sides of the Wall.

I’m so pleased that I had the opportunity to read A Time to Die. I am really eager to read book 2, A Time to Speak and see what happens to Parvin next. I feel confident that Nadine will bring about an end result that produces both faith and hope through her characters. While this is classified as a young adult novel, I think adults can enjoy this as well. I highly recommend this novel for readers of both age groups who like dystopian stories with well-developed characters, exciting journeys and daring adventures. ...more

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Jan 05, 2018 Hope rated it it was amazing

Shelves: action-and-adventure, christian, young-adult, favorites, sci-fi

I . . . don't know how to feel.

Review to come ...more

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Nov 13, 2014 Tricia Mingerink rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-fantasy-and-spec-fic

This book grabs your heart and twists it the whole way through! This book isn't afraid to take the main character, Parvin Blackwater, through some dark times in this Christian dystopian fiction. Just when I couldn't think things couldn't get worse, they did. Yet, Parvin comes out stronger and holds on through hope. This book is a great addition for readers looking for good dystopian fiction. ...more

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Feb 27, 2016 Gabrielle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian, sci-fi-dystopian, favorites

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

A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes is one of the few books that I consider to have rocked my world. The first time I read it, I was in a book coma for the rest of the day. Powerful, moving, and heartbreaking beyond words.

Parvin Brielle Blackwater is an inspiration. She is an amazing character who endured so much for what she felt was worth fighting for. Nadine Brandes does a stellar job of telling the story through Parvin's eyes-giving the reader the ...more

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Aug 11, 2014 Adam Collings rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian, speculative-fiction, enlave-kickstarter, dystopian

How would you live your life if you had a clock that told you exactly when you would die? This is the question posed by the book A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes. Parvin Blackwater has just entered her final year on Earth. At only 17 years of age she is preparing for the end. She handles it better than most of us would as she’d been preparing for it all her life.

Nadine Brandes has created a fascinating world that is ruled by the clock. Everybody has one. Those who destroy their clocks are conside How would you live your life if you had a clock that told you exactly when you would die? This is the question posed by the book A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes. Parvin Blackwater has just entered her final year on Earth. At only 17 years of age she is preparing for the end. She handles it better than most of us would as she’d been preparing for it all her life.

Nadine Brandes has created a fascinating world that is ruled by the clock. Everybody has one. Those who destroy their clocks are considered radicals and cast to the other side of the great wall to die, but what actually lies on the other side of that wall?

When Parvin is unjustly thrown to the other side, she finds herself on a pilgrimage – a quest to find meaning in her last days on earth.
You might think that knowing exactly when the protagonist is going to die would rob the book of suspense. On the contrary, we feel Parvin’s growing desperation as the seconds tick away. That said, the author introduces an interesting twist that adds uncertainly into the equation. This aspect is handled very well and adds a sense of mystery to the tale.

Parvin is joined by various companions as her story progresses. Each brings something unique to her experience. Along the way Parvin wrestles with her Christian faith. Her journey is as much spiritual as it is physical.

I was impressed with the various different cultures that the author created. They are detailed and believable. I was fascinated and chilled by the albino culture.

A lot of mysteries are introduced during the course of the book. Some of them are resolved but many remain for the two planned sequels. The end of the book brings resolution but at the same time opens a gut-wrenching wound that will leave you hanging out for book two.

This book evoked powerful emotions in me. You know an author has done their job when you find yourself angry at fictional characters, and protective of others.

If you want a unique dystopian that goes beyond the clichés and creates a fascinating world populated by flesh and blood characters then you need to read A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes. This is not just a book that entertains. This is a book that forces you to think about your life and perhaps even make some changes.

Watch my interview with the author at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8gqU... ...more

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Jan 25, 2015 E.A. rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copy, ya-dystopian

Would you live differently if you knew the day you were going to die?

For Parvin Blackwater, and those living in the dystopian world created by Nadine Brandes, this is reality. A life where your Clock tells you how much time you have to live--and the day you'll die.

Up until her eighteenth year Parvin has played it safe. Her life has been vanilla when she was hoping for cinnamon. With thoughts of her final days on the horizon, she begins stepping out in a feeble attempt to save Radicals from unjus Would you live differently if you knew the day you were going to die?

For Parvin Blackwater, and those living in the dystopian world created by Nadine Brandes, this is reality. A life where your Clock tells you how much time you have to live--and the day you'll die.

Up until her eighteenth year Parvin has played it safe. Her life has been vanilla when she was hoping for cinnamon. With thoughts of her final days on the horizon, she begins stepping out in a feeble attempt to save Radicals from unjust governmental rule. Her actions fall sort, but spark something inside of her. A desire for her life to stand for something. Being forced through the Wall, as is the form of justice, Parvin finds more than she ever could have imagined.

What can I say about this book? It was an emotional roller coaster for me (in the best way). I really felt carried along by Parvin and her ideals, thoughts, and actions. There were times when I was excited for her, frustrated at her, angry with her, sad about the circumstances, and oh so happy for her. I think, as is the case with a lot of first person books, there were times when I was a bit fed up with Parvin, yet I was able to see a truth about humanity in her. We make our decisions, but we're often faced with the reality that our convictions waiver. We falter, even when we're passionate about something. That's what made Parvin real to me.

I enjoyed the discovery of the world of A Time To Die. This first book left me wanting more of the world and more information on certain characters. I'll also say that the ending was...wow, awesome as well as tough and yet right. It sets you up perfectly for book two (which I'll likely be starting tonight ha!).

I definitely recommend this book to YA fans and those who enjoy a great dystopian novel. Fans of Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner will find similar themes and a story they can sink their teeth into. Be prepared to be pulled in, emotions and all!

My Rating: 4.5*
Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2015/10...
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own. ...more

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Aug 22, 2014 Camilla Cruz rated it it was amazing

It took me a while to process what I wanted to say regarding this book. Shortly after I finished reading the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy which I was given in exchange for an honest review) version of A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes, my 12 year old son asked me about the pile of notes I had written on the backs of old calendar pages. I responded that they were quotes and thoughts that I'd jotted down while reading the book. "Tell me about it, mom." And... I couldn't. I mean, at the time, a rush of It took me a while to process what I wanted to say regarding this book. Shortly after I finished reading the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy which I was given in exchange for an honest review) version of A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes, my 12 year old son asked me about the pile of notes I had written on the backs of old calendar pages. I responded that they were quotes and thoughts that I'd jotted down while reading the book. "Tell me about it, mom." And... I couldn't. I mean, at the time, a rush of words and feelings dammed up in my brain and lodged in my mouth, and I struggled for a few words to describe what I had encountered in these pages.

Over the course of 3 days' time, I wheedled minutes from chores, meal times, and life; and I was presented with what I can most certainly describe as "an allegorical adventure of life and faith." It's like Pilgrim's Progress meets The Hunger Games!!! It's a dystopian book with touches of humour, drama, and romance; but it's also a call to something greater- inspiration to live out life with purpose and intention.

The story line is a finely woven web of words, action, and creativity. The spectacular cover art is a PERFECT representation of the words and phrases within the pages. It all worked to draw me in from the beginning and left me desperate to know what would come next. There were twists and turns I NEVER suspected! While it was Parvin's adventure, it also became my own.

The characters are unique from one another, and most interesting. I can definitely say that I have never met these characters before, and I don't believe I ever shall in another work of literature. They each had their little quirky particularities that were solely "them".

I was especially amazed by Parvin Blackwater, the main character. It is like her coming-of-age story butting heads with rushing-to-the-end Time. I admire her tenacity in trying to make life better for OTHERS, even in the midst of her warring questions, concerns, and struggles. She was tangible to me.

Two other characters, Reid and Jude, two young men with strong characters, empathy, and integrity, wound me and pulled me deeper into the throes of this story. I was able to get to know Jude a little better as he spent more time in the story. You have got to read about his tune chip, his nanobook, and the unsual thing on his arm! ;-D And, then there was Skelley Chase. What can I say about him? I still feel conflicted, but it is a certain and solid sort of feeling. He's like that flavored marmalade that is so unusual you are not sure if you love it or hate it, you just know that it NEEDS to exist because it's essential to somebody, even if it's not to you.

A Time to Die addresses some of our toughest doubts and fears head on, through Parvin's experiences. It wound me tight and stirred things deep, even to my soul. I knew it would, even after reading just the first chapter on Nadine Brandes' blog. But, for every moment I felt of shock, amusement, or grief, Hope shone so much stronger. There were nuggets of truth scattered throughout the paragraphs, quotes that I shall continue to refer to for a long time to come; but more than anything, it made my soul yearn to do great things right where I am and with what I have at my disposal.

For me, this book was, and is, life-changing. Even though it is fiction, it served as a confirmation of things I've already been feeling in my heart. It was a reminder to make Life's pilgrimages and quests and journey count for something greater, but always in the Light and Presence of the One called Shalom. I love this book!!!

Apparently, A Time to Die is meant for readers 16 years and up. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone I can. Even if you don't normally like dystopian or fiction, please DO consider reading this book. I really do think that it will surprise you. I give A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes a resounding 5 Stars!!! I would give more if I could. :-)

p.s. Anyone who has or works with youth/young people should definitely consider reading this book. It would make a wonderful book study.

...more

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Sep 25, 2014 Rebekah Gyger rated it really liked it

It has been a while since a book has made me this angry... or had me this interested. The world Brandes has created is amazing. Every moment had me wondering what else I could learn about this place and the people who live there. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Parvin, and so I read it in two days when I should have been writing my essays (oops).

The reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that there were somethings that I felt were not explained enough for me to believe. The Albinos' cu ...more

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Jan 07, 2017 Morgan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-ve-read-in-2017, favorites

Wow. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, which is good because I couldn't possibly have predicted it. It was very good, and now I'm kind of in a daze. I need the next book. Why did they have to die?! ...more

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Aug 26, 2014 Rosalie rated it it was amazing

Lol, remember that time I wrote a 750 word review for this when it first released? I was like 16 and trying to be coherent and professional?

Now all I have to say about this book is ALSJFHIEWJABNSDJFJCJKDOKWWLKASMSNCJISKTBTHBEJSJZKCJSLAOAOEJNEDBDBCHCJDKSKXJCHNWKSXJCJDNNSJAALLWODIDHBFJDJXJXUAKHDHZHWHSJDJDBDBBSBZJDKEKBDKFLDKHSGXBDJSKXUXHSBSSJZJDJ READ IT

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Oct 10, 2014 Megan Besing rated it really liked it

Just—Wow! At first glance, it might seem like this plot has been done before, but no. A big fat, nope! Sure, at times a few scenes may sound familiar, but before you can finish that thought, they morph into something all their own. Honestly, this story knocked my socks off. I haven’t been so emotionally invested in a book in…well, it’s been too long!

I rejoiced with Parvin, laughed out loud at her blunt remarks, and was forced to hold back some tears because of her, as well. There were several ti ...more

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Sep 17, 2014 Emily rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, christian-speculative

Everyone has a clock counting down the time, to the second, until their deaths. Or at least, everyone is supposed to have one. Some people’s clocks are broken accidentally; other people willfully break their own clocks; and still others, like Parvin Blackwater, are not sure whether their clock belongs to them or one of their twins or triplets. It’s illegal to not have a clock, and the punishment is being sent over The Wall in the unknown wasteland beyond. So far, Parvin has survived by sharing h Everyone has a clock counting down the time, to the second, until their deaths. Or at least, everyone is supposed to have one. Some people’s clocks are broken accidentally; other people willfully break their own clocks; and still others, like Parvin Blackwater, are not sure whether their clock belongs to them or one of their twins or triplets. It’s illegal to not have a clock, and the punishment is being sent over The Wall in the unknown wasteland beyond. So far, Parvin has survived by sharing her clock with her only surviving triplet, Reid. But there is only one year left and neither of them know which of them is going to die. Is it too late for Parvin to make a difference in the world before her death or banishment?

A Time to Die is epic, awesome, amazing, fantastic, and so much more! I love it so much! It has a little bit of everything that makes a story great – adventure, high stakes, romance, fantastic world-building, interesting characters, plot twists, and deep questions. Let’s call it my favorite book of 2015!

How do I tell you about this book without giving everything away? For her last year, Parvin determines to write a “biography” of herself, determined to show people that life can still be lived when you don’t know your death date. But she doesn’t consider all the consequences – in doing so, she has to reveal her secret – that she and her brother have been illegally sharing a clock. When a famous, mysterious man named Skelley Chase, who can “do anything,” gets involved, things get interesting. He pressures her follow her brave words with actions and go over The Wall.

Oh, Skelley. Do we love him or hate him? He’s a pretty epic villain, that’s for sure. Throw in an accident, secrets kept hidden for years, a kind enforcer, the unknown, and an epic adventure and you have A Time to Die. I loved the spiritual depth of the story as Parvin seeks out the meaning of life; after all, what is the point when you only have 18 years and you haven’t done anything with them? The story takes advice, a character, and a name right out of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs in Parvin’s search for meaning.

The world is also very well researched, for a futuristic, dystopian setting, that is. Ever heard of classical conditioning? And then there’s the albino village. It sheds a whole new light on honoring Mother Nature (and racial prejudice?) and the extent to which it can progress. Humans are worth more than plants, after all.

The whole story is fascinating and amazing and I couldn’t put it down. It was better than I’d predicted, and I just had to by the print copy as well as the eBook.

But, I forewarn you. The author, Nadine Brandes, is most definitely not afraid of hurting her characters. **moans in frustration** And be prepared for an epic cliffhanger. Be prepared to read book two directly afterward so you’re not stuck waiting in stressful anticipation.

I highly recommend this New Adult, Dystopian Fiction!!!
...more

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Sep 19, 2016 Tess rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, christian-fiction, reviewed

This book. . .
Where to begin? I received a free copy of this book as a reviewer for Nadine Brandes' "A Time To Rise" tour. And I loved it.
The Albino tribe, the strange concept of Clocks, Ivanhoe, the Preacher, Parvin, Jude, Solomon, Willow, Elm. I could go on forever.
There are no words that could correctly define this book. Sure, it's inspirational. It's exciting, thrilling, intriguing all meshed together with the desire to pursue Shalom. How things should be. How they ought to be.
Anyway, ...more

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Dec 07, 2015 Emily Fisher rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-absoulute-favorites, christian-fiction-fantasy

As my second time through this book, I think I loved it even more!!!! It's so full of passion and the characters and the plot are just the best!!!!!! *fangirls in a corner* the ending.... Well... Lets not go there. *glares at Nadine Brandes* I felt like I really connected more with Parvin then my first time reading it, and I seriously sobbed when the albinos did the thing to her! (No spoilers!!) seriously, this is my favorite book of all time and you all NEED to read it!!!! I'm SO excited to sta ...more

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Sep 03, 2015 (Jen) The Artist Librarian rated it really liked it

Shelves: my-books, christian-fic-fantasy-and-sci-fi, e-books, arcs-or-reviews, young-adult-fic, outread-aubrey-2015

(Review originally posted on The Artist Librarian)

The concept of a society in which you knew when you would die (often represented by a ticking clock or counter) has been tackled by several speculative fiction authors and in Hollywood. In Time, a 2011 dystopian film starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried comes to my mind first. However, in A Time to Die, Nadine Brandes gives her own unique take on the concept in a dystopian that kept my e-reader on up until the wee hours of the morning! (Review originally posted on The Artist Librarian)

The concept of a society in which you knew when you would die (often represented by a ticking clock or counter) has been tackled by several speculative fiction authors and in Hollywood. In Time, a 2011 dystopian film starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried comes to my mind first. However, in A Time to Die, Nadine Brandes gives her own unique take on the concept in a dystopian that kept my e-reader on up until the wee hours of the morning!

One of the most important parts of a dystopian novel is the world-building. Brandes' vision of a post-apocalyptic North American society (in Missouri, to be specific) and their technology and government is fascinating. While I was still left with questions on how exactly the Clocks are matched at conception and why with all the technology seemingly required for these Clocks, they wouldn't be able to ultrasound or determine how many children a pregnant mother was carry (perhaps it will be expanded upon in future books), I was able to accept the idea of the Clocks existence for the story's sake (plus, it's just a really neat concept).

However, A Time to Die goes beyond your typical dystopian. Perhaps a bit reminiscent of YA survival stories that began with Gary Paulsen's classic Hatchet, our teenage protagonist fights to survive the wilds: fending for herself outside the Wall. Some of this portion of the story seems to stretch credibility: Parvin's described multiple times in the story as thin and not very strong, yet the amount of physical injuries she is able to sustain with a bare minimum of sustenance (not to mention a later handicap) ... I don't know how accurate that would be, but I also understand you can't underestimate human tenacity and the will to survive, so I employed literary suspension of disbelief. ;-)

Regardless, it's definitely intense and Brandes has no qualms about pushing her protagonist into huge, life-changing situations that have permanent effects ... dare I say, shocking? There's lot of things for readers unpack, think about, and discuss, for sure! Fortunately, Parvin is a character that I think teens and other YA fiction readers will be able to relate to. She makes mistakes, learns from them, and struggles with those big "Who am I?" questions:

"I consider my own question. Am I supposed to make decisions? Or should I wait until I know God has told me something? Have I ever known? No. So then how do I find out God's plan for me?"

And wow. The ending. Let's just say I'm just glad the sequel will be releasing later next month in October ...

Part dystopian, part survival story, along with a dash of romance and some crazy plot twists --Brandes' Out of Time series is off to a unforgettable start!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author for review purposes.] ...more

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Aug 27, 2014 J.L. Mbewe rated it it was amazing

A Time to Die is a Christian Dystopian novel. About a young girl, figuring out how to make her last year count and discovering that God has something much bigger, deeper than she could ever imagine.

This is not an easy book to review. Not that it wasn’t written well, because it was. And not because it lacked in any way either. But because I am still walking around with a hole in my heart.

Parvin Blackwater knows when she will die, and she’s only got one year left.

The story swept me away, before I A Time to Die is a Christian Dystopian novel. About a young girl, figuring out how to make her last year count and discovering that God has something much bigger, deeper than she could ever imagine.

This is not an easy book to review. Not that it wasn’t written well, because it was. And not because it lacked in any way either. But because I am still walking around with a hole in my heart.

Parvin Blackwater knows when she will die, and she’s only got one year left.

The story swept me away, before I had even realized it was written in present tense. Something I’m not that fond of, so that is saying something! The characters were so real, each with their own quirks, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. I was pulled into their struggles, confusion, uncertainties, and heartache. Emotions were so raw and many times, I was left wondering what exactly had transpired between characters, because we only get Parvin’s perspective on everything.

The world building is awesome. There’s a mix of new technology and old, which made me more curious. Rope courses mixed with high rises, clothing that messes with the mind, a camera that captures not only an image, but emotions as well that anyone can experience. Aside from some familiar names, it did not feel like it was set in the future of our world, but rather a completely different world altogether. The varying governing bodies seemed extreme in their contrast of each other. I don’t feel like we got to be immersed in it enough. I felt we just skimmed the top of the iceberg, leaving us with questions and the desire for more. I’m sure we will learn more in the books to come.

It’s a story, I think, needs the next two books in the series to understand completely. At the end, we’re left hanging with so many questions and bottled up emotion, that I didn’t feel any sense of closure. Like a deep wound in need of stitches, what bandages there were had been ripped off, and now it sits exposed indefinitely. Until of course the next book comes out. Ack!

How do you recommend a novel that will put a hole in your heart? Ha! Read with a box of tissues handy!

Nadine Brandes’ debut novel, A Time to Die, is a solid start to an amazing journey that will transform readers as they grapple with Parvin’s questions, struggles, choices, and how they would respond if they had only one year left to live.

Because, you know, we are not guaranteed tomorrow, so how can we not think of our limited mortality?

I received an advanced reader copy to review. ...more

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Oct 30, 2014 Clare S-B rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-necessary-to-living, christian-fiction

I almost gave this book five stars but two scenes held me back from that. I it more personal preference than anything else but I just really dislike reading scenes where the character is in massive physical pain. Especially if that involves a lot of blood, which these did. I think this book could have still worked without the, there was quite enough emotional pain. Emotional pain connects at a deeper level and I really feel for the characters experiencing that but when the physical pain gets as I almost gave this book five stars but two scenes held me back from that. I it more personal preference than anything else but I just really dislike reading scenes where the character is in massive physical pain. Especially if that involves a lot of blood, which these did. I think this book could have still worked without the, there was quite enough emotional pain. Emotional pain connects at a deeper level and I really feel for the characters experiencing that but when the physical pain gets as bad as it did in here I just want to put the book down and stop reading. But apart from that this book is so amazing!

This is a book you have to read at some time, the MC is 18, but I think younger people would enjoy this book too, though that would depend on their ability to handle book characters almost being shredded to pieces and having to sew themselves up and such (I will say no more than that otherwise it would spoil the story).

I really enjoyed watching Parvin's faith grow, her walk with God, it is a very refreshing book in comparison to a lot of other books out there. She and other characters really drive the story. It is full of surprises. Things that as reader I was fairly sure would happen at one point in the book, in another point in the book I changed my mind and had no idea because the story had taken yet another unexpected turn.

A Time to Die is really thought provoking. It's a fast paced adventure that I could not put down (except for about 5 minuets twice). The world building was very well done two, as I turned the white and black pages all I saw was another world unfolding before me and Parvin journeying through it, somehow surviving. I almost felt Parvins emotions radiating from the pages as I opened them.

The writing is just beautiful. The story is so interesting. The plot full of the unexpected, and all the time there is literally a ticking clock (well digital, but anyway) counting down the time she has left to live, the time she must complete her calling in. I did wonder at first if there would be some Deus ex machina (meaning God comes in and solves conflicts and problems) but the characters of this story do it all, in the strength of the Lord. ...more

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