Fiction Addict

Genre: Historical

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Publication Dates: March 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Elisabeth Kerr is a gentlewoman. She’s beautiful, gracious, and part of a long line of well known and highly regarded members of society in the family of her husband, Donald Kerr. But when Donald is killed fighting alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie in his bid for the throne, the Kerr family suddenly finds themselves on the wrong side of society all the way around. With no money, no home, and a loss of title, Elisabeth and her mother-in-law, Marjory, must return to Marjory’s hometown of Selkirk.

Though it seems like it would be a comfortable return, it is a sobering experience for both women. Marjory left Selkirk a wealthy and titled woman and has returned with nothing at all but her daughter-in-law and her name. Unfortunately, even her name causes her grief as the actions of her past and those of her sons (in supporting the interloper) come back to haunt her. Marjory, a woman humbled to her core, must deal with things she’d done that have previously caused harm and destruction in people’s lives.

As Elisabeth settles back into the life that she remembers from growing up poor, she becomes the mainstay for the small Kerr family, supporting both her mother-in-law and a relative from Selkirk who is also poor. Sleeping in a chair by the fire, cooking and cleaning without complaint, and working hours a day as a seamstress, Elisabeth’s faith shines through her daily tasks, showing Marjory all that she’d been missing when she had her title, wealth and her sons.

When a wealthy Admiral comes to Selkirk and employs nearly the entire town at his estate, Elisabeth finds her chance. She immediately finds a job and settles into a life that doesn’t require scraping and saving every penny just to survive.

But what happens when she catches the Admiral’s attention? And when a former friend who wants to be more shows up at the estate, is she safe? And what about the fact that she and her mother-in-law are both considered traitors to the crown? Will the British come to track them down and hang them as Prince Charlie’s sympathizers?

Liz Curtis Higgs builds this two part story into a beautiful climax with this, the sequel to Here Burns My Candle. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Historical

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Publication Dates: March 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Elisabeth Kerr is beautiful, charming, and she hails from the Highlands. This normally wouldn’t be an issue except that her husband is a very well known and highly placed Lowlander and loyalties are now being tested because Bonnie Prince Charlie is marching to claim his place as King.  The British Crown is the reason that the Kerr family holds their place in society and Elisabeth’s mother-in-law, Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr, is keenly aware of that fact.  This makes for a highly charged and passionate political debate running through the Kerr household which, unfortunately, has Elisabeth at its center.

On top of that, Elisabeth’s husband Donald (Marjory’s son) hasn’t been as upright and faithful as he could have been through the years of their marriage. Though his mother has no idea, his beautiful wife is beginning to discover that all has not been perfect in their marriage. Even through his indiscretions, Donald has always loved Elisabeth deeply and been plagued with guilt over his own failings. So when the opportunity comes to pledge his love and affection to her through a pledge to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Donald barely hesitates. He wants to win back his wife and show her the true depth of his devotion. His brother, always excited about war and potential glory, doesn’t hesitate at all.

With two sons fighting against everything she believes, Marjory makes a calculated decision to try and secure their safety and their future. Unfortunately, it’s a decision that nearly destroys them all.

With grace, style and beauty, famed author Liz Curtis Higgs puts her pen to the Biblical story of Naomi and Ruth, bringing it not into modern times, but into a beautiful setting full of political upheaval and danger. Read the rest of this entry »

We’re just a week away from the release of Travis Thrasher’s 40 (our review), and this week we have a special treat. Country music star Jimmy Wayne joins us to talk about Paper Angels, his upcoming collaboration with Travis Thrasher. Listen in as the guys answer fan questions about working together, the story behind the novel, and the possibility of a Paper Angels movie. A big thanks to Jimmy Wayne for taking time to join our podcast.

Jimmy Wayne is an American country music singer and songwriter. He released his self-titled debut album in 2003 on the DreamWorks Records label. Four singles were released from it, including “Stay Gone” and “I Love You This Much”, which both reached Top Ten on the Billboard country charts. A second album, Do You Believe Me Now, was released in August 2008 via Big Machine Records subsidiary Valory Music Group, and its title track became his first Number One hit in late 2008.

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Touchstone/Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Anne Barnhill

Priya Parmar’s debut novel, Exit the Actress, is a frothy tale of romance and life in the theater during the English Restoration, when King Charles II, a renowned philanderer, falls for Nell Gwyn, comedienne and actress.  Ellen, as she is called in the book, comes from a poor family whose main support, the father, has died, leaving the mother distraught and unable to cope with the demands of raising two daughters with no money.  So, she turns to the “oldest profession” and to drink as a way of numbing herself to the pain in her life.  Her girls, Rose (the elder) and Ellen, make do the best they can.  Eventually, the mother uses Rose as one of her “girls” and Rose’s life is cast in one direction.  Ellen, on the other hand, refuses to become a prostitute and gets a job selling oranges at one of the local theaters.

While selling her wares, Ellen catches the attention of several of the theater people and when they see  her dance, she wins a place among the actors.  Over time and with training, she learns to sing and dance and act, becoming something of a sensation.  This helps her support her mother, her dear grandfather who has come to visit, and her sister. Read the rest of this entry »

Listen in as Tim George talks with novelist Mike Dellosso about his new book, Darkness Follows.

Mike Dellosso authors fast-paced, gripping thrillers that keep readers turning pages. He is also a columnist, feature writer, and instructor at writing conferences. He lives in southcentral PA with his wife and four daughters. When he’s not writing he’s usually home with his family, his favorite place to be.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

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Gather round Thrasher fans! It’s time for Part 2 of our 40 Questions with Travis Thrasher podcast. This time around we are tackling all of the personal questions Travis Thrasher fans are curious about. Stay tuned to the end to find out who this week’s winner of an autographed copy of 40 is and to hear a big announcement about next week’s special guest. Enjoy!

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

Read our review of 40 here.

This podcast can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

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Genre: Mystery, Romance

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Publication Dates: April 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Rowan Tripp is a woman in a man’s world. She’s a “Zulie.” That’s a fire jumper from Missoula Montana. She’s one of the best in her field and she knows it. She spends her entire life being ready for whatever comes around the corner. At least she thinks she is. The last thing she expects is to lose her own partner, Jim, in a jump.

The next season after Jim’s death is a tough one for Rowan. With the new recruits coming in, it’s her job to help make sure they’re ready for the field and the fire. Literally. One of the men, Gulliver Curry, has his eye on Rowan. Even though she doesn’t consort with other firefighters, there’s something about Gulliver and he recognizes something amazing about her immediately as well.

Into Rowan’s chaos comes an angry cook (Dolly) who’d dated Jim on several occasions. Now burdened as a single mother and insisting that the child is Jim’s, she’s certain that Jim’s death sits on Rowan’s shoulders. So when people start dying around them and accidents start happening in the gear before and during jumps, everyone assumes it’s Dolly. But is that really the case?

Nora Roberts is obviously a brilliant author. With a bajillion books under her belt (Hey, look it up! That’s a fact!) there has to be a sour note every now and then. It’s the law of averages. Thankfully, Chasing Fire is not it. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Historical

Publisher: Summerside Press

Publication Dates: March 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Elisa Lindheim Murphy is a world famous violinist who is also married to a famous American journalist. She and her husband, John Murphy, make their home in London after leaving the terrifying life she lived in Germany and Austria behind.

Now Elisa’s had to face even more fear and terror. London’s being bombed. It’s no longer a safe place. She and Murphy are required to make a decision that wrenches every parent’s heart. Do they keep their children close and try to make them safe or should they send them on to America with Murphy’s family? When the bombs begin to fall she knows what they have to do. So it is with a heavy heart that she says goodbye to her children, not knowing when she’ll see them again.

And thus begins their journey through another harrowing adventure. Their home in London is bombed, destroying everything and causing agonizing loss in her family. She and Murphy find a new place, and it too is destroyed. Soon Elisa is encouraged to go to the United States on a mission helping other people’s children get to safety in the United States. But the journey is dangerous and she’s going on her own without Murphy. How will she make it?

For fans of Thoenes’ beloved Zion series, the names Elisa and Murphy are not only well known, but well loved. Having met them first in Vienna Prelude, we were able to follow their journey through romance, love and danger. The Thoenes have revisited these much cherished characters and wrapped their stories around new characters that we met in their most recent outing, The Gathering Storm.  It’s hard for the Thoenes to go wrong when they bring us new adventures in this time period and setting.

Though the story is based on characters that we’ve already met, the Thoenes include new glimpses into the tales we’d already experienced in their previous books and they don’t leave new readers confused. Intermingled in the timeline they have included diary entries so that even if this is your first Thoene book, you can understand the past history.

At times it feels like the story moves faster than you’d like. I miss the days of rich depth and description that the Thoenes used to infuse in their tales. The books were heavy, solid, and the storylines spanned every detail you could ever want. These books move more quickly than those classics but thankfully with no less heart. Emotion rolls through you with the incredible situations that Elisa, Murphy, and those around them experience.

Once again, the Thoenes have made a war that happened generations ago and oceans away relevant to here and now. Today isn’t so far removed from then. If you’re a Thoene fan, you’ll love this book. If you’ve never read their work, this is a great place to begin.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Audiobook

Publisher: Brilliance Audio & Random House Press

Publication Date:  2004, Random House  2009, Brilliance Audio

Reviewed by P.J. Coldren

Kale, an orphan slave from Orant (all names are a guess, because I listened to this in audio form) is a Dragonkeeper and drawn to the eggs of dragons.  She is sent by her village to be a servant of Paladin.  On her way to the city, she is abducted and escapes.  She is found by other servants of Paladin, and informed that she is now on a quest.  She is to find the Meech egg and bring it to Paladin.  The evil Risto has the Meech egg in his castle, and his minions guard it well.

Kale is accompanied on her quest by the Wizard Fenworth, a Daneel named Dar (that’s the short version), and her mentor LeeTwo.  Along the way this core group acquires some other servants of Paladin, all there to help Kale find and keep the Meech egg.  As with all quests, there are adventures, mysterious happenings, set-backs.  Kale finds out that she knows nothing (as her village mayor told her), and that she has powers she must learn to control.   Her companions help her learn what she must know, as best they can, and work with her on how to control her powers.

This is the first book in a series.  While listening to it, I was reminded of C. S. Lewis’s CHRONICLES OF NARNIA.  Both are fantasies, both are allegories dealing with faith and the pursuit of faith, both can speak to both adults and children old enough to read the books.  ON Kale’s world, Waldur is the supreme authority and Paladin knows what Waldur knows – he is a physical connection to Waldur.  One can communicate with Waldur without knowing Paladin, and Waldur can protect one even if Paladin is not there.  DRAGONSPELL can be enjoyed even if one doesn’t make any connection to the faith aspects of the book; Paul is a very good writer.

Ellen Grafton does a good job reading this unabridged version.  Her voice brings a young girl to mind, although she has no difficulty making Paladin and some of the other older characters seem their age.  I think having someone with a “young” voice makes the story more accessible to young listeners.

Audiobook purchased by reviewer.

Pssst. Guess what? Travis Thrasher has a new book coming out! Yup, that’s right…Thrasher fans rejoice!! We’ve had a sneak peak at 40, and trust us….you don’t want to miss this novel!  To gear up for the big release we are kicking off a 4 part podcast series in which Travis will answer 40 (see a theme here?) fan submitted questions. In Part 1 Travis answers questions geared towards aspiring writers and a few about his own writing process. Everyone who submits a question will automatically have a chance to win an autographed copy of 40. We hope you enjoy this first episode and be sure to stick around to the end to find out who this week’s winner is and how to submit your own questions.

Read our review of 40 here.

More about Travis:

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

You can download this interview via iTunes or stream the audio below:

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Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the land of the midnight sun, and she could stay up and read by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. But in the winter, there was nothing better to do than daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer. Her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won an EPIC Award, a Christy Award, A Carol Award nomination, and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novels of 2009 byVOYA magazine. Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past twelve years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. She gives writing workshops at libraries, schools, and churches. Learn more on Jill’s website: www.jillwilliamson.com.

My story began when I Photoshopped a half-living/half-dead tree. I had seen such a tree in front of a house that had burned down. It inspired me. It is the header image on my author website (www.jillwilliamson.com).

When I was ready to start writing the book that became By Darkness Hid, the first thing I did was draw a map. And this map was way too big and looked a little bit like Africa, but I went with it. I knew then that I wanted half my land cursed in Darkness, so I shaded the western half of the land gray. I liked the idea of barriers that separated Darkness from Light, so I added some mountains, and a manmade wall in the south. I added a lot of dots to depict cities.

Way too may dots.

It overwhelmed me to think about naming all of these places! So I erased a few. But I still had a bunch to name.

So I stole a trick that J. K. Rowling used in the Harry Potter books. Read the rest of this entry »

Jake Chism and Josh Olds chat with NY Times Bestselling Author Ted Dekker about his new book The Priest’s Graveyard. Listen in as we discuss why this is Ted’s favorite novel to date, details surrounding The Blood Book, and a sneak peek at Ted’s upcoming collaboration with Tosca Lee.

Read our reviews of The Priest’s Graveyard here.

More about Ted Dekker:

Ted Dekker is a New York Times bestselling author with more than five million books in print. He is known for stories that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between unforgettable characters. You can find him online at Teddekker.com and Facebook.com/teddekker.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

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Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Center Street

Publication Date: April 2011

Jake Chism’s Review:

The world looks at Danny Hansen’s collar and sees a devout man of God. What the world doesn’t see are the deep scars from his past. Those who glance in passing do not know of the pain and suffering that has shaped him into judge, jury, and executioner for the deviants of society.

Renee Gilmore is the epitome of broken. As she wallows in despair on the streets she is rescued by a knight in shining armor. Lamont is too good to be true and everything she could ever want in a man. While some would say his habits and ideals are a bit strange, Renee only sees compassion and acceptance. Their life is perfect until one day Lamont doesn’t come home. Renee begins to fear the worst and becomes consumed with vengeance towards those she believes responsible for his disappearance.

Renee soon finds solace in an unlikely friendship with Danny, while Danny himself finds himself torn between the vengeance that has always driven him and the new found feelings developing for Renee. This powerful collision of love and hate will challenge them both to the core as they explore the depths of vengeance and mercy.

This might look like just a vigilante story on the surface, but Ted Dekker wastes no time in pulling the rug out from under our expectations.  And why not? This is what Dekker fans have come to know and love, and once again he doesn’t disappoint with this clever twist on the thriller genre. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

The Alarmists begins in a most non- alarming way for Brent Michaels: sociology professor with a day off, sitting in a boat and hoping for a trophy bass from his favorite fishing spot. The time is 2:33 in the afternoon, December 3^rd 2012. And the last thing on Dr. Michaels’ mind is that 18 days hence marks the infamous supposed end of the ancient Mayan calendar and to some conspiracy types, the end of the world. With his mind far from his class and still focused on his quarry, Michaels receives a phone call from his assistant with a message that will change everything about the way he views life and his certainties.

“You got a call from the Pentagon. They want you for a consult.”

That call transports Brent Michaels to a world he hasn’t visited for several years, the world of consulting about sociological probabilities for the military. And a lot has changed! Within hours Michael is introduced to Colonel Jameson Richardson, Captain Amy Madigan and the rest of the Colonel’s eclectic assortment of military scientific investigators. This is a unit assigned to investigate and seek to explain the connections between some of the oddest and most unexplainable occurrences on earth. In short, they are racing against time to clarify why the human race seems to be on accelerated course of coming apart at the seams. Read the rest of this entry »

Rob Stennett is the author of two novels, The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher and The End is Now. He’s the creative director of New Life Church and an accomplished film and theater director. He lives in Colorado. Learn more about Stennett at www.robstennett.com.

I’m just going to cut to the chase: I am person of faith. I have been for most of my life, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve had Ann Rice moments where I wanted to write a grand Facebook posts explaining everything wrong with Christianity. Instead I’ve stayed an active member seeing everyday the good my faith has done in my life and the lives others. The problem is my most public contribution to Christianity is writing satires about a variety of juicy spiritual subjects: The rapture, angels, demons and megachurches to name a few.

Because of these writings I have been called an atheist/agnostic, a blasphemer, and a heretic. Some critics have said something to the effect of: I don’t see anything funny about this. I can see if an atheist wrote it, but you’re a Christian. You should be writing things that build us up not tear us down. Read the rest of this entry »

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with thriller novelist Jeremy Robinson. Listen in as Jake Chism talks to the author about his new book, Threshold, his new YA series, and his upcoming projects. Jeremy was also kind enough to answer some questions about fellow novelist, and good friend, Jeremy Bishop.

Read our review of Threshold here.

More about Jeremy Robinson:

JEREMY ROBINSON is the author of seven previous thrillers including Pulse and Instinct, the first two installments of the Chess Team series. His novels have been translated into eight languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Publication Date: March 2011

Jack Sigler (aka “King”) has always been beyond tough, never letting anything come before his duty to his country. As the leader of Chess Team special ops task force, King has distanced himself from all attachments and meaningful relationships believing this was the only way to stay strong and focused. All of that goes out the window when fourteen year old Fiona Lane comes into his life. The lone survivor of a terrorist attack on the Siletz reservation in Oregon, Fiona is suddenly left with no family or home. The Chess Team has been tasked to protect and care for her until the terrorists can be brought down. Over time King and Fiona grow closer, forming an inseparable father/daughter bond.

King is suddenly called away for a family emergency, only to find out later that Fiona has disappeared amidst a terror filled onslaught at Fort Bragg. Meanwhile, innocent people all over the world are being wiped out, all of them being the last speakers of ancient languages. King and The Chess Team will now have to split up in order to both rescue Fiona and put a stop to a madman’s evil plans for mankind. King has faced his share of horrors and atrocities, but this time it’s personal and nothing will get in his way.

If you thought Pulse and Instinct were fun, just hold on tight my fellow thriller lovers. Jeremy Robinson pulls out all the stops in Threshold making this the most electrifying installment in the series so far. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Philomel

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Anthony Horowitz has led readers on incredible journeys — across continents, through city streets and beneath them, from the stale halls of MI6 headquarters to the greasy oil rigs of the Pacific. And now, he brings us to the final chapter in Alex Rider’s story: Scorpia Rising.

Twice before Alex has foiled the criminal organization known as Scorpia. And now they want revenge. They want to take Alex Rider down and make sure he never has another chance to spy for MI6 again. And this time, they will stop at absolutely nothing to make sure Rider comes back to England in a body bag. And Alex has no idea the incredible amount of evil that has joined forces with Scorpia to make sure it happens — enemies from the past join with new ones. Old friends come to help, but will it be enough to keep Alex alive?

From the very beginning, Scorpia Rising felt like the end. Horowitz pulls out a style that ends up being very final in every sense. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

“She shuddered and laid the book aside. Memoirs of Captivity among the Indians of North America turned out to be a poor choice of reading material while seated alone in Father’s den in the dead of night. How horrid to watch the murder of your parents, the pillage of your home. Then to be bound against your will and carted off to a strange place? Another shudder took her, mostly from the terrible thought but partly because of the draft blowing under the partially open window.”

When Dawsey Wilkes entered her father’s den, she didn’t expect a blanket to be tossed over her head nor being shoved through the window. Her captors flee with her into the night. They take her to a world very different from her own. This place that at first repulses her holds secrets that change her life forever.

Hooper McRae had only wanted to catch a glimpse of the treasure he’d heard so much about. He hadn’t expected Dawsey to interrupt and in his panic he kidnapped her. But it’s done and there is no turning back. Now he’s taken her to his family’s home. She’s seen their faces and knows their name. Letting her go isn’t an option, but he is not a killer. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by P.J. Coldren

Paula Halliday is managing an exhibit at The Big Apple Flower Show for her friend who does large metal sculptures.  She hopes to pick up some gardening tips at the show, and have a good time in New York City.  She doesn’t bargain for a couple of murders and a whole lot of chaos.  Oh sure, there’s always chaos at some point when one is working a large convention – that’s part of the deal.  The Javits Curse is not.  Exhibits are vandalized.  Sprinkles go off at the wrong time.  So do all the lights.  Or the power.  And people are getting killed.  Not quite what Paula had in mind.

Neither is becoming a suspect.  The police think she knows where the major suspect is and/or that she is a suspect.  In order to clear her name, Paula decides to investigate.  She thinks she can find out things from attendees and other exhibitors that the police can’t, or that they won’t recognize as being important.  Plus she wants to find the guy who left his bag in her exhibit, so she can tell him it was stolen. Read the rest of this entry »

We’re big fans of C.J. Darlington here at Fiction Addict and we recently spent some time talking to her about her latest novel, Bound by Guilt. Listen in as Lori Twichell and C.J. discuss writing, books, and everything in between.

More about C.J.:

C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web sitewww.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Okay, let’s get this out of the way right up front. I’m the cranky old guy in this Fiction Addict gang. You know – the guy who’s seen it all before and is quick to remind you of it. When everyone starts crying about how the sky is falling I’m the one who replies, “Get over it; I was there back in ’62 when Castro was ready to throw nukes at us and we made it.” In truth, I’m not exactly over the hill though I’m looking at the other side a whole lot more up close and personal than guys like Josh and James.  And, while Lori is bragging about her kids I’m pulling out pictures of my grandkids.

The point is I’ve been through a lot of stages in life and many stages in reading. The stories of my childhood are still with me. When I was in third grade my parents bought me a subscription to Readers Digest Condensed Books. Through them I met Captain Horatio Hornblower, Robinson Crusoe, the wonderful stories of Jack London, and now that I am secure in my manhood I can even admit, the Bronte sisters. Sprinkled in was the complete Hardy Boys and Tom Swift Jr. series as well as Danny Orlis: Missionary Bush Pilot. Read the rest of this entry »

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Achan Cham has fully embraced Arman’s will and is ready to take the throne once and for all. As war stirs around him he faces an enemy that is as mysterious as he is dark. To make matters worse, rumors abound that Esek has survived and is still planning to steal the crown. Amidst the turmoil Achan is broken hearted and tossed and turned by his emotions. Even though he is engaged to Lady Averella of Carmine, his heart still lies with Vrell Sparrow. While he questions Arman’s will in regards to his heart, he still has no idea that Lady Averella and Vrell Sparrow are one in the same.

Vrell wants to give her heart to Achan and reveal her true identity, but she refuses to fall in love with a man who does not follow Arman. Seeking to both distance herself from her complicated love life and find a way to serve Arman, Vrell sneaks away to serve as a healer in the upcoming war. Things quickly spin out of control and Vrell finds herself lost in the Veil.

Now Achan and Vrell find themselves in over their heads as darkness is spreading and threatens to overtake all of Er’Rets. They’ve always known that without Arman all would be hopeless, but the sacrifices are greater than they ever imagined and the odds are seemingly stacked against them. Can they find the strength to submit fully to Arman’s will and put an end to the reign of darkness?

From Darkness Won is exactly what I wanted it to be. Throughout this trilogy Jill Williamson has kept us churning the pages with anticipation that answers and closure were coming. Fans of the series get a huge payoff here and not only that, but Williamson also saved the best story for last. Read the rest of this entry »