Review: Searching for Refuge: Book One of the Search Series by Britney Farr

About the Book (From the author's website)
“In a world where the government deems anyone without the mark an enemy, Amina and her community of Notzrim live each day hoping they won’t be found. But after nine years, their time is up. Amina’s only hope is to find a new refuge. Can she prove to everyone else the threat is real and get them to leave before it’s too late?”

For nine years twins Amina and Aiden survived, hidden in the underground tunnels. But when a mysterious newcomer appears, Amina realizes they are on the verge of being discovered. Now, they must make an impossible decision: stay and fight: risking their lives along with hundreds of others. Or escape to a new refuge that may hold more enemies than before.

Either way, the clock is ticking.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this faith-based dystopian novel. I was completely absorbed from the first page until the last. Filled with great characters, fascinating world-building, exciting twists and turns, and a strong message of faith, it's exactly the kind of book I crave.

I loved Amina's determination. Was she impulsive and abrasive at times? Yes. But she had a big heart for helping others and did what she thought was right. I admired her courage and persistence. She never gave up. When she set her mind to something, she did it. No matter what obstacles stood in her way.

This was a really interesting take on Biblical end times. It reminded me of some of my favorites in the genre, like The Uncloaked Trilogy by J. Rodes and Swipe by Evan Angler. I highly recommend it and can't wait to find out what happens next!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Searching for Refuge: Book One of the Search Series by Britney Farr

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Searching for Refuge by Britney Farr. I really enjoyed this faith-based dystopian novel. It was exciting and had some twists I didn't expect. I'll have my review up Monday.

About the Book (From the author's website)

“In a world where the government deems anyone without the mark an enemy, Amina and her community of Notzrim live each day hoping they won’t be found. But after nine years, their time is up. Amina’s only hope is to find a new refuge. Can she prove to everyone else the threat is real and get them to leave before it’s too late?”

For nine years twins Amina and Aiden survived, hidden in the underground tunnels. But when a mysterious newcomer appears, Amina realizes they are on the verge of being discovered. Now, they must make an impossible decision: stay and fight: risking their lives along with hundreds of others. Or escape to a new refuge that may hold more enemies than before.

Either way, the clock is ticking.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"Run, keep moving."

"I'm moving as fast as I can."

"Shhh! They'll find us if we're not quiet."

Friday 56

Adrenaline surged through her body giving her new found strength. With the dagger drawn, Amina pulled herself up. Who brings a knife to a gunfight?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Calor (The Nightingale Trilogy #1) by J.J. Fischer

About the Book

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

The world-that-was is gone, lost to everything except living memory . . . but remembering comes at a terrible price. Sixty-two years after the apocalypse, a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old world where highly valued memories are traded and nostalgia is worth dying—and even killing—for.

Enslaved by a cruel master, Sephone Winter is forced to use her rare ability to manipulate memories to numb the darkest secrets of the ruling aristocracy.

Then Lord Adamo appears, speaking of a powerful relic capable of permanently erasing memories and recovering Sephone’s own lost childhood. But not everything about the young lord is as it seems, and soon Sephone must choose between helping Lord Adamo forget his past or journeying deep into the land of Lethe, where the truth about who she really is might finally be revealed . . . and a long desired future restored.

The Nightingale Trilogy is a fantasy transformation of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved 1843 tale The Nightingale, with echoes of the myths of Hades and Persephone.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book was fantastic. I was captivated from the first sentence. The world building was fascinating. It felt wholly unique and, yet, there was something familiar about it, too. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere was harsh, cold, and unforgiving, but there were strong undercurrents of hope, love, and freedom, too.

I was incredibly intrigued by Sephone's gift of memory manipulation, not to mention all the other alters' powers too. The vast array of different powers, what they could do, and how they affected others was very interesting. There were plenty of characters to root for, many villains, as well. Of course, I liked Sephone and Dorian, Bear and Bas, even Cass, but my favorite character had to be Lady Jewel. She was just flat-out awesome.

This story was constantly on my mind. I was thinking about it even when I had to set it aside to do real-life things. It even invaded my dreams. If you're a fantasy fan, this book is a must-read. The next book can't come out soon enough.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith releasing February 14.

About the Book

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on One whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to one like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. But her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Until everything changes. With one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the one home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling a story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

The Sound of Light was another stellar WWII romance from Sarah Sundin. I was glued to the pages and reading as fast as possible. I didn't want it to end. This is right up there near the top as one of my favorites from her. I wasn't very familiar with the history surrounding Denmark during the war, so I found all that fascinating.

Henrik and Else were such great characters. So likable and easy to root for. Henrik was a Baron who goes undercover as a manual laborer at a shipyard to help the resistance. He also had another secret, and I loved the tie-in to the Little Mermaid. There were a lot of mentions to that story that I really enjoyed. Else's work as a physicist was fascinating. And it was really cool that she worked with Niels Bohr. It was so inspiring watching her courage grow, and I loved how she learned to speak up for herself.

This story gets a huge recommendation from me. I loved it so much. Anyone who enjoys historical romance is sure to love it too.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2) by Dani Pettrey

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2) by Dani Pettrey. I enjoyed the first book, so I was eager to dive into the sequel. It's just as good, maybe even a little better. 

About the Book

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it'll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they're cut off from any rescue--and right where the killer wants them. It's a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Greg Barnes clinked along the grated metal steps, his boot heels rasping with each shuffle as he headed topside for a much-needed breath of smoke.

Friday 56

"All right. Everyone is here," Noah said. "Grab your coffees, and let's hit the case board. We've got some major updates."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians Book #1) by Dani Pettrey

About the Book

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

It took me a little bit to really get into this book. There are a lot of names and a lot going on, so it was hard to keep things straight at first. And while I usually appreciate shorter chapters, I think they might've been a bit of a hindrance here, especially in the beginning. They kept switching between different characters and settings, and it felt like I hardly got a grasp of things before it moved on to something else.

But don't let all that sway you away from this book. Once I got my bearings, I ended up REALLY enjoying it. The characters were great. Likable and authentic in a realistically flawed way. The mystery kept me on my toes. I was reading as fast as I could, trying to figure out what was really going on and who was involved. It was compelling, to say the least. An action-packed thrill ride to the very end. And I'm excited for the next one!

FOUR STARS