S. D. Howard

This book was offered to me by the author for an honest review. I read the blurb “…tackling difficult topics surrounding abuse, human trafficking…” and was unsure if I would be able to handle graphic scenes of this type, but decided to give it a read anyway.

First up, let me say one thing to make it perfectly clear…

There are no graphic scenes in this book that might keep you awake at night or upset you in any way. I have to say that although the message comes across, it is done in a gentle way to raise awareness but not traumatise the reader. The author has done an awesome job in this regard.

The book is a Christian Fantasy story and apart from the abuse and human trafficking themes, there is (of course) the religious theme as well. I was impressed by how the author tackled this theme too. It was subtle. I did not feel preached at, not even once, yet the messages were clear and concise. And because the words were part of the story flow, I heard them. One in particular stayed with me all day because it was something I needed to hear at that time.

The five main characters are diverse and fit well together. There are moments that you can’t help but smile, while at other places you feel the tension or the hurt or the confusion. You know what I mean. The emotions of everyday life. Their backstories are explored and we get a good idea where they are all coming from. At present, my favourite character is Jayden. I think he’s going to have a tough ride through the series, but he has a good heart despite his mischievous ways.

The world is vast and well described. I don’t think I have a good grasp on the world itself yet, but this is the first book, so it is setting up for what is going to come.

Fantasy readers will enjoy this book. It has all the ingredients for an exciting storyline over several books. I love fantasy and have read many series over the years that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and this book did not let me down. The characters drew me back. I wanted to know what would happen to them next in the book. But I also want to know what will happen in the next book, so I guess that confirms I would definitely read more from this author.

Recommended.

I received a review copy of this book, and this is an honest review.… (más)

The City of Snow and Stars isn't your typical fantasy, nor is it what you expect from a Christian book. It seamlessly blends the two genres together to form a story that parallels real life, the horrors and the struggles, while still creating a world different from our own.

Filled with magic and unique creatures, this book delivered everything you could expect from a fantasy book. The storyline grabs you from the beginning, dumping you right into the action, and then drags you along as the characters go on a journey and try to prevent a war. Some horrible things happen along the way, but sometimes the horrible things are necessary to shape you into who you are meant to be. I think that is the case in this story; the characters had to experience some horrors and decide if they were going to let those things destroy them, or drive them to take action.

The characters each had their own moral war to fight, even while they were fighting for their lives. The situations they were put into were tough. Sometimes you couldn't tell what the right thing to do was. Did I agree with all the decisions they made? No. But that is what makes the characters real. People make mistakes, they aren't perfect; they don't always do what is right. That's what is real and is what made me relate to the characters the most. They each had their personal struggles, don't we all, but they still had a sense of duty about what they should be doing. There was a purpose for everything they were going through, even if they couldn't understand it. Maybe they didn't want to know the reason...

God did have a part to play in the story, but it was done realistically, where not everyone instantly believes and agrees with those beliefs. There wasn't just one set of beliefs or religion, but multiple. The characters are introduced to Him and they are given the choice to follow Him or not. Some fight Him, some question Him, and some even reject Him. I think this was written well and done truthfully. In most books, especially fantasy, Christian themes feel forced and awkward; this book was written in such a way that it felt natural. I actually think it could have been included just a little bit more.

Most of the story focused on the trauma and abuse the characters have experienced. I could go on talking about them, but I think the author does a better job at handling the subjects. They are difficult to talk about and most people would avoid them. I think the harsh reality is that we rather not deal with these issues even though stuff like this is occurring all around us. Now, some people may not be able to handle those topics and I would recommend that they don't read this book. There isn't anything too graphic in the story, but sensitive readers might still struggle with it.

The ending of the story really set the stage for the next book in the series. I enjoyed the writing style, it was one that really engages you and keeps you reading. I got to the end of the book and wanted the next part of the story. I really don't know what is going to happen next, but I bet it's going to be good.

I received a review copy of this book for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this this honest review voluntarily.… (más)