Blood of Kings: From Darkness Won

"Darkness Trembles"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Achan and his army are finally marching to take back the kingdom. But, it is a bit of a distraction when Sparrow gets stormed and doesn't remember who she is. With battles and learning family secrets, Achan has his hands full without having to worry how he is going to turn back Darkness or how he and Sparrow could end up together. But in Caan's hands, anything is possible.

Author - Jill Williamson

Publisher - Marcher Lord Press

Age Group - 16 and up

Content - Achan learns some touchy family secrets and is tempted by a louse woman. Sparrow faces what she is afraid of and does what she can to help those injured or in danger. The way Darkness is faced is original and makes great sense.

Personal Opinion - It was good but I had trouble getting into the story for a while and have no idea why (would like to say it was because my mom read it first so I had to wait for the copy but that might not be what it is. Or is it?). The message within was wonderful but I am having trouble putting it into words at the moment. How the characters grew and fought for what the believed in was an example many of us needs to remember. I thought Achan would learn more about Caan than what was presented in the book and I had hoped for more on Gren but I still enjoyed the journey. A fantastic series. The worst part is it is now over. Pig snout.

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Links - Learn more about the series and author at: http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/the-blood-of-kings/

Special Notes - Book 1 Review: http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/2011/05/blood-of-kings.html
                         Book 2 Review:  http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/blood-of-kings-to-darkness-fled.html

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/

The Merchant's Daughter

"An Unthinkable Danger. An Unexpected Choice."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Annabel's family has shirked their duty for three years and now have to pay the price. When it is required that one member of her family has to work as a servant for the new lord, Ranulf le Wyse, for three years, she volunteers not just to make up for her families laziness but also to escape the bailiff's proposal. Ranulf is hoping to start again and escape his dead wife's betrayal. Never thinking he could ever love again, he is surprised when a servant girl begins to find her way into his guarded heart. Annabel also is surprised by feelings she thought she would never have for a man after being repulsed by the bailiff's advances. But when disaster strikes, will they be able to over come the obstacles and say "I love you"?

Author - Melanie Dickerson

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - Annabel always wanted to read the Bible and learns how much God loves his children. Haunted by his scares and the betrayal of his first wife, Ranulf comes to find God's peace. The bailiff makes unwanted advances towards Annabel and tries to attack her but the descriptions are never graphic.

Personal Opinion - This was a good story but, for some reason, I didn't connect with the story and characters that much. You could see how the Beauty and the Beast is portrayed in the book and characters. Very well done. Annabel and Ranulf grew within God and learned how they could move past their hurt, being able to be happy and trust again.  I do wish the only priest in the book hadn't been someone that the characters didn't look up to but they did mention that there were other kinds who weren't so negative about women. Definitely would recommend and will read the next book by this author, which, unfortunately, will be next year.
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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Zondervan through the Z Street Team.

Links - Learn more about the book and author at: http://melaniedickerson.com/

Special Notes - Read the review of the previous book by this author, The Healer's Apprentice, go here: http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/healers-apprentice.html

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com

Hiding the Stranger Trilogy

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Books 1-3 - When a young farm girl and her older siblings discover a boy who can't remember anything, not even his own name, they take him on to care for him and discover who he is. But things get strange when strange men come around looking for him. Fortunately, the boy has a few tricks up his sleeve too. To keep him safe, he goes to their cousin's home, where he starts to remember things, including his name Ben, but also is discovered again, making him flee. When he finally remembers, it will take all his ingenuity to get away from the kidnappers. But he can't do it alone.

Author - Joan L. Kelly

Publisher - Bezalel Books

Age Group - 13 or 14 and up

Content - The characters believe and talk about God on occasion. They make it clear that they trust and rely on Him. The boy, Ben, gives of himself without asking anything back and is willing to put himself in danger for others. Ben and a girl share a quick kiss.

Personal Opinion - I found myself pulled into this story right away and thought the descriptions and character development wonderful. A couple of technical things I would have liked to change but they weren't that bad. Also, I thought the characters and situations could have been built upon to lengthen and deepen the story and adventure. But you could make the argument that it is a good quality quick read, which would be good for some people. This is a great book and I don't know many Catholic books that are around so highly recommended.

Awards - Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval (not sure this would technically fall under award but oh well)

Links - Learn more about the story and author at: http://jlkellyshamrockstories.com/Home_Page.html

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/