Tuck by Stephen Lawhead - CSFF Feature

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This Month CSFF is spotlighting Tuck by Stephen Lawhead. This culmination of his King Raven trilogy was well worth the wait and all three were more than worth the time to read their massive stack of pages. This epic series blends medieval history, Welsh legend and mythology, adventure, action and a dash of romance with the familiarity of the Robin Hood stories most of us have been entranced by in one form or another since childhood. Read more below and find my full reviews as well. Don't forget to drop by the author's website

Use the links below to read my review of this book and Scarlet (Book 2), use the bookcover to purchase a copy of Tuck and see more reviews. Also don’t forget to start reading at the beginning with Hood. I’ve read it but didn’t review that one.

Scarlet (Book 2)
Tuck (Book 3)

Also drop by these other CSFF blogs for more about Tuck and perhaps the series through Wed.
Brandon Barr, Jim Black, Keanan Brand, Rachel Briard, Grace Bridges, Valerie Comer, Amy Cruson, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Alex Field, Beth Goddard , Todd Michael Greene, Ryan Heart, Timothy Hicks, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Becky Jesse, Cris Jesse, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Krystine Kercher, Dawn King, Terri Main, Margaret, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Caleb Newell, Eve Nielsen, Nissa, John W. Otte, John Ottinger, Epic Rat, Steve Rice, Crista Richey, Hanna Sandvig, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Robert Treskillard, Rachel Starr Thomson, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Fred Warren, Phyllis Wheeler, Jill Williamson.

Blaggard's Moon by George Bryan Polivka - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2009)
In my first foray to the world of Nearing Vast and the Warm Climes, I was transported to foreign yet entrancing locales and treated to a taste of flowing prose I will not soon forget. Needless to say I am now quite anxious to sink my teeth into the Trophy Chase Trilogy for more adventures in this new world I have just discovered while meeting more new friends and the pirates that plague the seas of the land. Polivka stages many a battle that is choreographed on the page in the exquisite detail of an intricate dance. While these battles are either a pitched sea battle involving cannons and hand weapons from a ships deck against the same on an opposing ship or face to face firefights, the lack of hand to hand combat or sword duels was not missing any elegance in the descriptions. Polivka’s story not only transports readers to times, places and events that would not otherwise be experienced at all, his prose carries an intrinsic sense of mystery and adventure that is only heightened by the actual events transcribed for the readers eyes in this narrative.

The Jom Perhoo, Onka Din Botlay and other creatures have been penned with such detail I can nearly see them as if I were in the place of those actually there to see. Even the key players. Pirates, Gatemen and others are such realistic characters I still question if perhaps this strange world of yesteryear could truly exist in the here and now rather than just in fertile imaginations of a talented writer and then those of his readers riveted by a tale of adventure, love, faith and discovery for all involved. Pick up a copy today and meet Jenta, Autumn, Damrick, a few boatloads of Pirates and their nemeses, the Gatemen, our guide for this journey, Ham Drumbone (a pirate storyteller), and the second narrator as well as a captured sailor turned pirate, Smith Delaney as you visit their world and live the adventure through their eyes. (ISBN#9780736925372, 384pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit the Nearing Vast website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Don’t forget to read his Trophy Chase Trilogy as well: The Legend of the Firefish (Book One), The Hand That Bears the Sword (Book Two), and The Battle For Vast Dominion (Book Three). Also vist my friend Deena to read a review of The Legend of the Firefish and an interview with the author.

CSFF - Blaggard's Moon Tour

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2009)
For more adventures and info visit the Nearing Vast website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Stop back tomorrow for my review of this riveting fantastical pirate adventure. (ISBN#9780736925372, 384pp, $13.99)

Don’t forget to read his Trophy Chase Trilogy as well: The Legend of the Firefish (Book One), The Hand That Bears the Sword (Book Two), and The Battle For Vast Dominion (Book Three). Also vist my friend Deena to read a review of The Legend of the Firefish and an interview with the author.

Last but not least drop by and see some of the other Bloggers posting for this tour:
Brandon Barr, Jennifer Bogart, Keanan Brand, Melissa Carswell, Amy Cruson, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Alex Field, Marcus Goodyear, Todd Michael Greene, Ryan Heart, Timothy Hicks,Cris Jesse, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Magma, Margaret, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Nissa, John W. Otte, Steve Rice, Crista Richey, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Rachel Starr Thomson, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Jason Waguespack, Fred Warren, Phyllis Wheeler, Jill Williamson.

Shade by John Olson - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

B&H Fiction (October 1, 2008)
If I rated books based on my sleepless nights this one would be off the charts. While that does come into play simply because for me, a non-thriller person, it proves one of a number of accurate gauges for the quality of the book and how believable it is. This is however not the only measure of a book's success in my world though in the case of this book it once again proved its worth as a measuring tool.

Olson's descriptive yet action filled thriller was a pleasure to read for his loaded prose and flow of language that kept me as a reader floating through this story much like some of the characters must have thought they were themselves at times. The questions raised in this context hit rather close to home in the arenas of spiritual warfare, reality, and knowing who we can or cannot trust in real life. The twists and turns of this plot kept pummeling the reader unaware like the Mulo and Melchi were wont to treat one another whenever they came face to face. The hardest part to stomach however was that most of the world at large believed that people were suffering a sudden-onset-dementia in the form of paranoid schizophrenia and would medicate them without researching the basis for their assertions of their experiences with the spiritual realm although even those "afflicted" were rather confused as to the cause and nature of their "hallucinations" or experiences.

Who are the good guys and the bad guys, can the good overcome the evil, what is real what is not? Can we truly experience the spiritual realm in such a tangible way as these characters do and if so how would we "survive" the shock? This book raises these and many other questions that bring spiritual warfare and the concepts of good and evil right to our doorstep in a vivid experience I won't soon forget though I might at times wish I could. Many of these questions are addressed while a few were raised in my mind as a reader more in terms of a something to ponder rather than an integral piece of this particular plot. I truly do enjoy the stories that leave my thoughts whirling on some deep question although the intensity of most leaves me exhausted and craving something fun as a chaser. This definitely falls into the category of thought provoking fiction and if I weren't such a scaredy-cat I would be even more eager to find out whether there will be more coming from this author with the same characters continuing their journey. (ISBN#9780805447347, 416pp, $14.99)

Be sure and visit my fellow CSFF Bloggers to see what they have to say as well. Again please look to this list for this month's active bloggers as the blogroll in my sidebar still cannot be updated.
Brandon Barr, Jennifer Bogart, Justin Boyer, Keanan Brand, Kathy Brasby, Valerie Comer, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, Janey DeMeo, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Todd Michael Greene, Katie Hart, Joleen Howell, Jason Isbell, Jason Joyner, Kait, Magma, Margaret, Rachel Marks, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Eve Nielsen, Nissa, John W. Otte, Steve Rice, Mirtika or Mir's Here, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Robert Treskillard, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Jason Waguespac, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise

Codicil:
Don't forget to drop by the author's website to learn more about him and his book. Remember the cover link will also supply additional information.

Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis - CSFF

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

I am finishing up this book at the moment and will post a review very soon. BTW this is a riveting, suspenseful fantasy adventure and while written with Teens in mind as the audience it will appeal to a large variety of readers.

While I finish the book you can visit Bryan's Website and Blog, click the bookcover for more info or to buy your own copy and don't forget to stop and say Hi to some of the other participating bloggers. I apologize but for this month you'll have to ignore my sidebar list as I am unable to update it due to technical issues of the site where I manage my blogrolls. The list below is the correct one.

See what other CSFF Bloggers are Saying:
Brandon Barr, Jennifer Bogart, Justin Boyer, Keanan Brand, Kathy Brasby, Jackie Castle, Valerie Comer, Courtney, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Shane Deal, Janey DeMeo, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Marcus Goodyear, Andrea Graham, Todd Michael Greene, Katie Hart, Timothy Hicks, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Kait, Mike Lynch, Magma, Terri Main, Margaret, Rachel Marks, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Eve Nielsen, Nissa, John W. Otte, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, Mirtika or Mir's Here, Chawna Schroeder, Greg Slade, James Somers, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Jason Waguespac, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise

Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (May 20, 2008)
Brouwer has written a compelling speculative novel in a very short space. This book is under 300 pages and covers a broad spectrum in terms of technology, religion and politics in that limited territory. America is no longer a single country. What was once a secluded mountain region but still part of the country despite its unique inhabitants has seceded and formed an independent government directed solely by the literal meaning of scripture as decided by Bar Elohim. The rest of the country and world are referred to as Outside. Before the theocracy has become so strict as to prevent hiding out, Jordan has secreted himself and his very young daughter in Appalachia to avoid the consequences of her uniqueness. He hopes that later he can get her out and return her life to "normal" by reversing the effects of a decision made when she was still within the womb. As a teenager/young adult how would someone already facing loneliness and uncertainty as to their identity react to the discovery that someone made a choice before that child was born to use them and make them different through experimentation with DNA? How would this person respond to the one who made that decision and forced them to live as an outcast, hiding their true identity for their childhood? Can they forgive the choices and consequences they have endured because someone else wanted to "play God"? Read Brouwer's gripping novel to find out how one person handles this "What If" in their own reality. (ISBN#9781400070, 256pp, $19.99)

Don't forget to check out what other CSFF Members are saying using the links in my right sidebar or yesterday's post. You can also visit the book pages by clicking the bookcover here or the one in yesterday's post and drop by the author's website as well.

Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer - CSFF

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (May 20, 2008)
This month our feature is Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer. This happens to be the first book I have read by him but intrigued me enough to want to see what else he has written. This particular book I found well written but the subject matter and presentation were personally disturbing. I also felt that the author hooked the reader into characters with a story line that was not fully resolved. Most of the minor plot lines were addressed but I was left with a sense of the main thread still hanging loose when I completed reading this novel.

Brouwer does however write a compelling speculative novel in a very short space. This book is under 300 pages and covers a broad spectrum in terms of technology, religion and politics in that limited territory. He broaches topics and technology that are already in existence and a very intriguing what if scenario which could easily be the case in a near future America. He doesn't date his story but looking at clues within the story his setting is likely the 21st century and could with a few changes be right around the corner for us now.(ISBN#9781400070, 256pp, $19.99)

I hope to post my summary/teaser of this story for readers tomorrow. In the meantime check out what other CSFF bloggers are saying. There will be posts at the following blogs at least once, in several cases more, from today - Aug 25 thru wed - Aug 27.

Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Keanan Brand, Jackie Castle, Valerie Comer, Karri Compton, CSFF Blog Tour, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Janey DeMeo, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Mark Goodyear, Andrea Graham, Katie Hart, Timothy Hicks, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Carol Keen, Magma, Margaret, Shannon McNear, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Nissa, John W. Otte, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, Hanna Sandvig, Chawna Schroeder, Mirtika or Mir's Here, Sean Slagle, James Somers, Donna Swanson, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith and Laura Williams.

The above listing can also be found in my right sidebar under the CSFF Banner. Finally don't forget to visit Mr Brouwer's Website for even more about him and his books and click on the bookcover to check out more about this book specifically.

Dragonlight by Donita K Paul - CSFF Tour

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (June 17, 2008)
This week the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour is higlighting Donita K Paul's book Dragonlight (Dragonkeeper Chronicles Book #5). Read my review, click the bookcover for more info on the book and visit the author at her website and blog
(ISBN#9781400073788, 400pp, $13.99)

Also be sure to check out what other CSFF Bloggers have to say (there will be postings dated from Monday the 21st through Today - some bloggers may have multiple entries). Use the links below or the blogroll in my right sidebar:
Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Jackie Castle, Valerie Comer, Karri Compton, CSFF Blog Tour, Gene Curtis, Stacey Dale, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, *Beth Goddard, Mark Goodyear, Andrea Graham, Todd Michael Greene, Katie Hart, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Carol Keen, Magma, Terri Main, Margaret, *Shannon McNear, *Rebecca LuElla Miller, John W. Otte, Deena Peterson, Steve Rice, *Cheryl Russel, Ashley Rutherford, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Robert Treskillard, *Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Laura Williams. *This blogger also participated in the premier of the CSFF tours in June 2006 which featured Donita's book DragonKnight (DragonKeeper Chronicles Book#3)

Vanished by Kathryn Mackel - CSFF

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Creation House (August 7, 2007)
This week the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour is higlighting Kathryn Mackel's book Vanished one of her Christian Chillers Series of books. Read my interview with the author tomorrow. Find more info on this book by clicking the book cover. Visit the author at her website and blog. (ISBN#9781599792118, 292pp, $12.99)

Also be sure to check out what other CSFF Bloggers have to say (we will be posting today through Wednesday - some once, some multiple entries). Use the links below or the blogroll in my right sidebar:
Brandon Barr, Justin Boyer, Jackie Castle, CSFF Blog Tour,Gene Curtis, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Beth Goddard, Andrea Graham, Todd Michael Greene, Katie Hart, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Terri Main, Margaret, Shannon McNear, Rebecca LuElla Miller, John W. Otte, Deena Peterson, Rachelle, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, Mirtika or Mir's Here, Chawna Schroeder, Stuart Stockton, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Linda Wichman, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise

Interview with Lisa Bergren - author of Novels of the Gifted Series

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Today I've got a treat for you - an interview with the author of the CSFF featured book this month. Some writing trivia about her and her books, some just plain fun trivia and more - keep reading to see it all.


1) Who do you want to meet and why?
Beth Moore and John Eldredge. Their writing has profoundly impacted my own faith walk, and therefore my writing. I don't get "star struck" very often anymore when it comes to Christian writers, but these two might rend me mute. Amazing thinkers...but still so warm and friendly, you can imagine hanging out with them for the evening and having a blast. I wanna be like that when I grow up.

Most of the time I choose my reading for entertainment purposes but when I do hit the non-fiction aisles those are two of the names I often look for.

2) What’s your favorite comfort food?
Anything served with mashed potatoes or pasta.

3) What would be your dream vacation?
I've been thinking a lot about vacations because my husband and I are about to launch a site called FamilyTripster.com, which shares "road stories" with other families who've dared to take their kids outside of the home. Last night we saw a very cool Discovery Channel special on the Ice Hotel in Iceland. I think taking the kids there and then to the hot springs--which are in the middle of a vast, icy landscape--would be very unusual and fun! If not there, I've been fantasizing about Ireland and Patagonia.

4) Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
I was an average student in high school, but my English teacher, Ms. Derr, convinced me I had talent. She was the one who got me into AP English and talked me into taking the exam for college credit. It was an "aha" moment for me...and ever since, I've been fascinated with reading/writing. It led me to getting my English Lit degree, publishing...and writing.

5) Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first novel?
At the time, there wasn't much out there other than Oke and Thoene and MacDonald, so it was a much easier field for a newbie. I began with contemporary romance, because the genre rules made me feel comfortable, hopeful that I might be able to do it. Refuge, my first book, was placed with Multnomah the same day I got a job with them--I had been pursuing an editor there with the proposal (it was a banner day!)--and then, when it was published, it did really well, eventually launching a whole Christian romance line called Palisades. I moved on to historical women's fiction, then contemporary general fiction, then these latest--medieval supernatural suspense.

I remember reading many of those Palisades romances as a teen. I've always been a romantic and for now I live vicariously through the characters I read about until God brings me that special someone He has in mind for me if that is part of His plan.

6) What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
Like most writers, I have a zillion ideas in my head. I've also written 8 children's books (God Gave Us You et al, and the recent How Big is God?), a women's Bible study with my friend Rebecca, called What Women Want, and a devotional titled The Busy Mom's Devotional. I'm in the middle of my rough draft for a Colorado historical suspense, and am concepting books on an Irish pirate queen and the love of a Renaissance sculptor, both stories based on true accounts.

What Women Want is in my TBR pile at this moment. I'll be sure and post a review here when I've gotten to it. I'll have to check out these other novels when they make it to print they all sound so interesting and since I love historicals and romances they would all fit into my usual reading choices it sounds like.

7) What first gave you the idea for the Novels of the Gifted?
I read Da Vinci Code and was enthralled, and irritated by the heresy. I wanted a biblical mystery to explore and yet stay true to Christian theology while pushing the envelope...friends recommended the "missing letters of St. Paul" and since they're to the Corinthians, led me to spiritual gifts, which in turn led me to the most difficult time in history for such gifts to appear in a dramatic way...pre-Renaissance, pre-Reformation.

8) What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or the Novels of the Gifted?
This is a grand, epic story about a cast of characters all seeking to do God's will in a world set against them. "Classic battle of good and evil," is how Publisher's Weekly put it, which I like. I was also profoundly influenced by the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on film, so I think you'll see some of that in my writing as well. If you like heroic battles, drama, suspense, you might like these books.

9) Share with us one of the craziest things you've done or that's happened to you?
I was thirteen when an armed couple, drug addicts, came to our home and robbed us at gunpoint. It was the first time that I recognized true evil...I could feel the chill of them, the "other-worldliness" of people who've been overtaken by Satan's power, as well as the warmth of the Holy Spirit and God's own protection that night. It awakened in me the understanding the realities of the unseen world.

10)What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
NIV Study Bible, Beth Moore's Believing God, John Eldredge's The Ransomed Heart, a notebook computer with solar charging batteries so I could write, and some book on building your own raft/sailboat so I could escape.

Not only do you play by the rules and stick to only five but are resourceful and determined to make those choices worth the sacrifice of all the books left behind as well. I'm a rules girl most of the time but picking only five books would be hard for me unless all my favorites were rolled into giant anthologies - the more pages a good novel has the more likely I am to pick it up.

11) What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
God's working on me to explore just how wide, deep, and long his love really is, and how I can best reflect that to a hurting, aching world.

12) Why did you start writing and when?
I've always loved to write and when I was eight, I won a local magazine's poetry contest for some dorky poem I wrote about my brother and mom. Give me a little encouragement and I'm like the Energizer Bunny. "You like it? You really like it? Okay, well, good then, there's more where that came from! Here I go-o-o!!!"

13) How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
I use a International baby name book which gives me meanings. I need to be able to pronounce the names and they have to "fit" the character I'm imagining by matching in tone what I know about their personality. I give them a little background, things they've dealt with in the past that is part of making who they are today, and then just let it roll out from there.

14) What’s your favorite character / scene from the Novels of the Gifted so far?
Daria continues to rise to the top. I thought it would be Father Piero or Gianni, and they're certainly important, but I think as a woman, I just feel Daria's pain and glory more.

I also found myself drawn to Daria but to Tessa as well perhaps because as you said they are females and for me Tessa's role and responsibilities at such a young age resonated with something inside me.

15) Do you have any teasers you can share for Book Three?
If you were here, you'd hear me sigh. The Gifted go through some major trauma in book 3 in order to follow God's call and reach a point of triumph. But that's what it's all about, right? Continuing to put one foot in front of the other, in order to do what God has called us to do? Regardless of the cost? Always hopeful, always faithful? The Gifted are definitely heroes in my mind...I want to be like them, emulate them in my own faith walk. And for you readers who love the supernatural aspect, the unseen world becomes even more a part of the story than in book 1 or 2.

I noticed some of the Spiritual Warfare elements in the first two books and your writing really brings to life the unseen not only in the spiritual realm but also in the emotions and experiences of the characters as they face all these situations they are thrown into. I am impatiently awaiting the 3rd book.

16) Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
I love quotes and the one I've been drawn to lately is this: "Life is short, but wide." For the last decade of my life I've been a little too captivated by the idea that life is so short, that it can end at any moment. Now I want to focus on how deep each day can be, if we just pay attention. God is calling each of us, his Gifted ones, to do as he asks. What will we do with that call?

Thank you for taking the time to share with my readers and I.

Thank you!!!
LTB

Readers you can check out my review of The Begotten and don't forget about the other CSFF bloggers posting this week and my giveaway of The Begotten (links and contest details are in Monday's post links for the tour are also in the CSFF blogroll in my right sidebar ). There's more about the author and her books at her website (click her picture). Finally I'll be posting a review of The Betrayed very soon.

The Begotten by Lisa T Bergren - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This is a wonderfully rich historical fiction adventure that takes the reader to the midst of 14th Century Italy with all the religious and political strife of medieval times in the air surrounding Rome and the Vatican. Ms Bergren has penned such vivid descriptions and imagery into her tale of these Christians who were well before their time - in a climate of danger and persecution, perhaps even death for those who dared to question the Catholic church of that day - that the reader is not only transported to their time and locale it is as if they are experiencing the events as the characters themselves.

The author weaves so many different elements into her book that this series can easily cross many genre lines and does not truly fit any one box as far as type of novel is concerned. Romantics, adventure lovers, mystery buffs, fantasy fans, historical junkies, suspense readers and many more will all find something to love and enjoy in this book and it's sequels.

Ms. Bergren has taken the time to heavily research the era and atmosphere she is writing about and how that would have played into her characters' lives such that I as a reader was in the skin of her characters and learned about the trials people might have encountered as followers of Christ in those times. The premise for her plot is based on rumors of a lost epistle allegedly penned by Paul but never cannonized. There are few if any known facts about this letter aside from references in 1st Corinthians to other letters from Paul. This Biblical mystery so intrigued her she decided to create her own adventure story surrounding one of these letters and its impact on those who came into possession of it hundreds of years after it was written. She used topics Paul has addressed elsewhere in his cannonized epistles as the jumping off point for the contents of her fictional letter and the historical records of the political and religious atmosphere of the time period to create an amazingly realistic scenario of good versus evil and how we as Christians can face our own trials and persecution. Many of the lessons and concepts her characters face and learn we as Christians either are seeing in a minor way already or will likely experience perhaps even to the level of the Gifted in these stories as Christ's Second Coming continues to approach and The Enemy ramps up his attacks against those who refuse to submit.

Be sure to check out this historical page turner as well as its sequel in time to get your hands on the third book of this series this fall. Read my interview with the author. I'll also be posting a review of book two soon and in the meantime don't forget to leave a comment on yesterday's post for a chance to win a copy of The Begotten and check out what other CSFF members have to say using the links there or in the blogroll on my right sidebar. You can also check out the book's Amazon page for more reviews and info. Happy Reading till we meet again.

The Begotten by Lisa T Bergren - CSFF Blog Tour and a Giveaway

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This is a wonderfully rich historical fiction adventure and the sequel, The Betrayed, gets even better. Here's my review of this book. Read my interview with the author, Lisa T Bergren. I'll also be posting a review of book two soon.


If you haven't already read The Begotten I've got a free copy to giveaway. Leave a comment on this post by 11:59PM Sunday and I'll throw your name in the pot. US Mailing Addresses only please and be sure to leave me a way to contact you in your comment so I can let you know if you're the winner. Emails can be left in a format such as forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com to avoid spambots. Happy reading till your next visit and I know the winner will love this book and the series. The third book The Blessed is set to release in September and I am so excited to read more about these characters then. You can also read more reviews and info about the first two books on their Amazon pages (click on Bookcover Graphics) and Lisa's Bio is on her website.

Also be sure to check out what other CSFF Bloggers have to say (we will be posting today through Wednesday - some once, some multiple entries). Use the links below or the blogroll in my right sidebar:
Brandon Barr, Jim Black, Justin Boyer, Jackie Castle, Karri Compton, CSFF Blog Tour, Gene Curtis, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Beth Goddard, Marcus Goodyear, Todd Michael Greene, Michael Heald, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Terri Main, Margaret, Pamela Morrisson, John W. Otte, Rachelle, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Rachelle Sperling, Stuart Stockton, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise.

The Shadow and Night by Chris Walley - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

You hard-core Sci-fi Fans out there might just have a new author to enjoy in Chris Walley. I’m not personally much into the heavy duty sci-fi but Mr. Walley has written a good story packed with terraforming, genetic engineering, spiritual battles between good and evil, and some great characters as well. I was disappointed by the lack of romance in the plot but I suppose that is typical in these sorts of stories. Regardless Mr. Walley has written a series that even a scientifically challenged person can read and enjoy. He doesn’t bog down in explanations but provides enough detail and back story that I was able to follow the technology and science involved in the story and feel like I wasn’t clueless in terms of the story events. On top of all this he has woven this futuristic terran assembly of solar systems with a Christian Worldview yet without contriving the faith element, it is simply an integral part of his characters and society. I may not be a sci-fi fan but this is one book that makes me want to read it in it’s entirety despite not being my usual fare.

Be sure to check out the author's website and blog as well as the other CSFF bloggers' posts (the other posts can be reached via the list in my right sidebar under the CSFF Graphic or by using links in the CSFF Intro Post I put up yesterday.

The Shadow and Night by Chris Walley - CSFF Feature

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

CSFF Presents:
The Shadow and Night by Chris Walley

My review is up. Also be sure to check out the author's website and blog as well as the other CSFF bloggers' posts (the other posts will be posted at the sites below between today and wednesday or you can check the list in my right sidebar under the CSFF Graphic:

Brandon Barr, Jim Black, Justin Boyer, Grace Bridges, Jackie Castle, Carol Bruce Collett, Valerie Comer, CSFF Blog Tour, Gene Curtis, D. G. D. Davidson, Chris Deanne, Janey DeMeo, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Marcus Goodyear, Rebecca Grabill, Jill Hart, Katie Hart, Michael Heald, Timothy Hicks, Christopher Hopper, Heather R. Hunt, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Margaret, Rachel Marks, Shannon McNear, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika or Mir's Here, Pamela Morrisson, Eve Nielsen, John W. Otte, John Ottinger, Deena Peterson, Rachelle, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Rachelle Sperling, Donna Swanson, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Jason Waguespac, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise

A Bit About the Author:
Mr. Walley was born in Wales but raised in northern England. He earned his PhD in Geology and spent two four year stints in Lebanon at the American University of Beirut. Between his times spent in Beirut he lived in Swansea, Wales. Following the second stint he found that geology was not an active area in terms of jobs in the UK so turned his career path towards writing and editing particularly for the Christian market. While Geology still remained a major interest for him it did not figure as centrally in his career life as it had until a few years ago when he was able to return to the academic arena as a teacher at Gorseinon College on the outskirts of Swansea. He and his wife maintain a small cottage on the edge of town as well. Their sons who were born amidst the first Lebanon era are now grown and will occasionally make the trek to see their folks in Swansea. (This bio information is excerpted and paraphrased from information on the author's website)

Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet - CSFF Feature and Giveaway

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

CSFF Presents:
Auralia’s Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Waterbrook Press (September 2007)
ISBN: 9781400072521
Paperback $13.99
Genre: Fantasy

An infant is discovered in the midst of uninhabited forest land where the Gatherers collect necessities for those inside the walls of House Abascar. An elusive force draws two of them to forsake their harvesting one day and they stumble upon a mysterious child who oddly seems quite content ensconced in an unidentified footprint like mark near the river bank. No one knows who she is or where she came from and as she grows so do her powers and knowledge that could be a curse or a blessing.

Colors are not only outlawed they have been removed from everything within Abascar’s walls except the palace and as far as the house royalty can reach outside those walls as well. That reach includes the Gatherers’ village where criminal exiles are sent to live out their days as slave labor for the House. These exiles take her in not knowing that she has a gift that could threaten not only her existence but theirs if it is revealed to the wrong people or at the wrong time. Will her gift be discovered by the wrong people? Will it lead to catastrophe or will it bring an end to an oppressive ruling made at the behest of an absent queen? What mysterious powers might these colors own that remain a mystery even to the girl who cannot resist their lure and deny her creativity? Auralia's Colors will answer these questions as well as others while presenting some wonderful inspiration and encouragement to allow our own gifts to flourish.

This is one of the most vivid and imagery rich stories I have read. Yet while the land of the Expanse was born in Mr. Overstreet’s lively imagination, it could really be anywhere and anytime. The ban on colors serves to illustrate the effects of a dictatorial ruling that imprisons the minds and lives of the people and keeps them enslaved to a selfish government that allowed its “love” for another to blind it to the people’s needs and interests. Auralia's gift and her response to the risk it entails provide a glance at how we should respond to our own giftings from the Lord despite what the world may think or expect of us. She cannot deny or bury her gift and we should not try to do so with our own. God has a purpose for the gifts He gives each of us and a place of service those gifts are intended to uniquely fit. Like Auralia we will only find our unique place when we use our gifts in their Giver's service.

Mr. Overstreet has composed an intriguing story with a glowing cast of characters and a world that I am still unable to shake from my vision after putting the book down. On top of that his language is so lyrical it is almost like hearing someone recite one of the old unwritten tales of folklore. The ideas and concepts woven into this plot are amazing and yet so much a part of the language and story the reader is not distracted by them. These ideas and concepts stick with the reader despite their near invisibility or perhaps because of it. I look forward to the upcoming strands in Auralia’s Thread. The Red Strand still has me entranced as well as wanting to know more about the characters I have come to love and the events in which they are enmeshed. According to the publisher’s website The Blue Strand will be available Fall 2008 and I am eagerly awaiting this next installment in an enchanting new fantasy series that provides much more than just entertainment value.
Check out Jeffrey Overstreet's Blogs Auralia's Colors and Looking Closer

And don't forget to see what other CSFF Members are saying about this novel, author, website... and leave your comments:
Brandon Barr, Jim Black, Justin Boyer, Grace Bridges, Jackie Castle, Carol Bruce Collett, Valerie Comer, CSFF Blog Tour, D. G. D. Davidson, Chris Deanne, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Marcus Goodyear, Andrea Graham, Jill Hart, Katie Hart, Timothy Hicks, Heather R. Hunt, Becca Johnson, Jason Joyner, Kait, Karen, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Margaret, Rachel Marks, Shannon McNear, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika or Mir's Here, Pamela Morrisson, Eve Nielsen, John W. Otte, John Ottinger, Deena Peterson is posting an interview and review written when she became a test reader for Mr. Overstreet. Yesterday she also posted the story of how she became a test reader. Rachelle, Steve Rice, Cheryl Russel, Ashley Rutherford, Hanna Sandvig, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Rachelle Sperling, Donna Swanson, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Jason Waguespac, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise

Links are also in my sidebar under the CSFF Graphic.

IN CONCLUSION: I have a copy of this book that I will be giving away. Please leave a comment on this post including a website or email that I can use to reach you if your name is drawn.

NOTES FOR DRAWING: US Mailing addresses only. Use a camouflaged method of typing your email (such as forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com) to avoid the spambots. Last but not least - Only comments with a timestamp of 11:59PM Tues Jan 29th or earlier will be eligible.

Check out my friend Deena's Interview with Jeffrey for another chance to win a copy of this book.

Coming Soon....

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

I will have two drawings and three winners on my blog this week.

Check in tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of this month's CSFF Feature:


This is a vivid & lyrical fantasy novel almost a fairytalesque story. See the giveaway post and my review. Leave your comment there to enter.

In the meantime check out other CSFF posts today through Wednesday using the links in my sidebar under the CSFF Graphic.

And Thursday brings your chance to win one of two copies of...


This is a small but powerful book of short inspirational essays or devotions on drinking deeply in our relationship with God. See the giveaway post and my review on the 24th and leave your comment there to enter.

NOTES FOR DRAWINGS: US Mailing addresses only. Use a camouflaged method of typing your email (such as forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com) to avoid the spambots. Leave your comments on the post for the book title that also says giveaway in the post title not here or on other posts that do not say giveaway in the title. Last but not least - Only comments with a timestamp fitting the criteria in that post will be eligible for that drawing.

And for more book giveaways be sure to check out my friend Deena's blog A Peek at My Bookshelf

Wayfarer's Journal (An Ezine) published and edited by Terri Main - CSFF Blog Tour

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This Month CSFF Blog Tour Presents:
Wayfarer’s Journal An Ezine published and edited by Terri Main

The Soulless by Donna Sundblad is one of the stories featured in the Fall issue of Wayfarer's Journal. This author explores the concept of cloning and DNA engineering from the perspective of a belief in God as Creator. What does this mean for those who create the clones and the clones that exist because of these scientific endeavors? Are these beings truly soulless as the pastor in this story claims? In light of what this story has to say and what Rachel Carpenter has come to believe herself the secret she is about to uncover about her biological origins and her true identity leaves her stunned. Read this story to find out what the secret is and why it has such an immense impact on Rachel. You can access it by clicking on the link at the beginning of this paragraph. Checck out some of the other stories, articles and poems from this publication's initial two issues by clicking on the link to the site homepage at the very beginning of this post. Enjoy and stretch your minds with the many what ifs with a spiritual twist that "The Soulless" and other stories on this site are sure to raise.

Check out the other tour member posts on this publication or use the links in my sidebar:
Brandon Barr, Jim Black has an insightful interview with Terri Main, Justin Boyer, Grace Bridges, Amy Browning, Jackie Castle, Carol Bruce Collett, Valerie Comer, CSFF Blog Tour, D. G. D. Davidson, Chris Deanne, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Marcus Goodyear, Andrea Graham, Jill Hart, Katie Hart, Michael Heald, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Margaret, Rachel Marks, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika or Mir's Here, John W. Otte, John Ottinger, Rachelle, Steve Rice, Cheryl Russel, Ashley Rutherford, Hanna Sandvig, James Somers, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Jason Waguespac, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead - CSFF Feature

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

CSFF Blog Tour Presents:

Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead
(Thomas Nelson 2007)

MY REVIEW:
I read this book over my Thanksgiving Weekend and my family was begging me to put it down most of the time. They weren’t terribly successful at it however. I have always enjoyed Historical Fiction and Lawhead combines a thoroughly researched history of Wales and the myths of “Robin Hood” with a Fantasy World where enchanters and enchantresses are respected and revered. In this world the good guys may not always win as in real life but they still choose to risk helping the oppressed through trickery of the oppressors and building myths that confuse and strike fear in them at the same time while providing some tiny spark of hope to the helpless and dispossessed native people around them.

These characters are so vivid as are the descriptions of the landscape, climate and weather that I still walk those forest paths that Rhi Bran and his Grellon frequent in both this novel and the prequel, Hood. Scarlet brings back many old friends from Hood as well as introducing some new friends like Will Scarlet.

The story of Will brings us back to the ever present question of how do we fight oppression and injustice instigated by a corrupt ruling class from another place who have literally stolen the land and means of support away from those living there. In the middle ages it seems this was more widespread than we see here in America today yet at the same time if we stop and look we can see those who are between the same rock and hard place that Bran ap Brychan’s neighbors and subjects of Elfael found themselves in Hood and even more tightly pressed in this book.

Will makes a choice to seek out King Raven because he sees an opportunity to not only fight against those who have turned his family out but also to help others who but for King Raven and the hidden village of Cél Craidd would be homeless and without food.

Read this book to find out if Will and the rest of King Raven’s Grellon are able to escape the evil King and his minions, whether they are able to rescue Will when he is captured by the same, and how they all continue to fight for one another and those who are unable to fight.

Check out these other CSFF Blog Tour Member's Posts as well:
Trish Anderson, Brandon Barr, Wayne Thomas Batson, Jim Black, Justin Boyer, Grace Bridges, Amy Browning, Jackie Castle, Valerie Comer, CSFF Blog Tour, D. G. D. Davidson, Chris Deanne, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Linda Gilmore, Beth Goddard, Marcus Goodyear, Andrea Graham, Jill Hart, Katie Hart, Sherrie Hibbs, Timothy Hicks, Christopher Hopper, Becca Johnson, Jason Joyner, Kait, Karen, Dawn King, Tina Kulesa, Mike Lynch, Margaret, Karen McSpadden, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Mirtika or Mir’s Here, Eve Nielsen, John W. Otte, John Ottinger, Lyn Perry, Deena Peterson, Rachelle, Cheryl Russel, Ashley Rutherford, Hanna Sandvig, Chawna Schroeder, James Somers, Rachelle Sperling, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Jason Waguespac, Daniel I. Weaver, Laura Williams, Timothy Wise.