Book Release Blitz!!!

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Exiles, has been released! Exiles is the fourth book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles. Read about it below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

I was scheduled to post this tomorrow, but due to a family day-trip (and the fact I've never had good luck scheduling it to post automatically - and worrying that it wouldn't and I'd be stuck up a creek during this fantastic weekend Blitz. . .), I decided to post it today! You know, just in case.  :]

Below you will see a raving book review, an author interview from Jaye herself, an e-book sale for the first three books, and a giveaway.  Don't miss out!  Whatever you do!  These books are incredible, clean Christian fiction and I couldn't say enough to recommend them.  

So, bear with me, this will be a lengthy post, but do you read on!

And without further ado. . .

About the Book
Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all.

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple.

One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? The first three Kindle books are on sale August 11^th - 14^th!

You can find them on Amazon.

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Book Review

NOTE:  This is the FOURTH book in a series!  If you have not yet read the first three, I encourage you to do so.  Otherwise, you will not know the characters, their complex backgrounds, nor the plot that has led up to this book.  You won't regret it!

ALSO, I was provided a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Due to the length of this post (and I'm sure I'm know for long-winded, wordy things), I've condensed my review as best as I could, and left out much of what I would normally add regarding topics (i.e. positives, negatives, spiritual content, violence, language, etc.).  :]

With that said, this fourth addition to the Ilyon Chronicles was AMAZING.  Usually, one would expect a new sequel to be lesser than the first or second (or third!), but that is not the case with this!  In my humble opinion, Exiles was awesome! if not better than the first three.  Ms Knight's writing is uniquely her own -- relate-able and accurate in emotions and actions.  Her characters have such depth in their individual personalities and backgrounds -- even the minor characters! You'll find yourself wanting to read more of their story.  And the world building is incredible!

There is never a dull moment in the world of Ilyon.  Deceit, idolatry, war, and persecution threaten to overtake all that is good and all those who stand for it.  But Elôm, the One God of this world, never ceases to grant His people the strength, peace, and comfort they need, even in the face of persecution.  We are whirled away on back-to-back adventures, traveling to far away countries to build trust and gain alliances, remain on the home-front for the sake of the people, or hide away with the rebels until the time comes to fight.  Betrayal, capture, death arenas, dragon fights, love, and even weddings fill the pages of this fantastical tale.  It was so hard to put down!

If you are in need of a great fantasy, and a clean Christian fiction series, I encourage you to check out these books!  My recommended ages: 13-14+

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About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.

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Author Interview!

1} What inspired you to write?

My mommy. :) My mom has been writing since she was a teenager. When I was little (eight years old), I thought what she was doing looked like fun, so I got myself a green notebook and started writing my own stories. I’ve never looked back.

2} How old were you when you became serious about it?

I’d say around fifteen. That’s when I decided I actually wanted to pursue becoming an author. Before that, it was all for fun.

3} If you could choose any character from any of you favorite books (not Ilyon related) to be your best friend, who would you choose?

Kien from Books of the Infinite . . . or Leith from Blades of Acktar. It’s a tough choice. I’d marry either one of them too. :D You know, if they didn’t already have love interests.

4} Are any of the Ilyon characters based on real-life people? If so, whom?

Well, they aren’t exactly based of them, but I got inspiration for Kaden and Liam from my two brothers.

5} Which author(s) do you admire most?

Karen Witemeyer, Brandon Sanderson, and R.J. Larson would probably be my top picks (other than Tolkien, of course). Karen Witemeyer’s way of writing is awesome. So many times I’ll read a phrase of hers and be so envious (in a good way) of her writing skills. And then, Brandon Sanderson is amazing for writing such huge, complex books. I also admire how he seems to write exactly what he wants to write without being limited by the writing “rules.” R.J. Larson’s writing made a big impact on my own. I read her Books of the Infinite series about the same time I was really developing my writing “voice” and picked up a lot from her, I think.

6} If you could live in any era of history (i.e. the 1950s, Medieval century, Biblical times, etc.), what would that be and why?

I would probably choose the 18^th century colonial period. I am a historical reenactor, and that is the time period I portray, so I’m kind of used to it already. I’ve just always loved clothing and everything about the time around the Revolutionary War.

7} What is your absolute favorite meal of all time? (this can include desserts) :]

Cinnamon rolls! :D I can’t say I have a favorite main dish. I really like Mexican food, though.

8} Are you a pen & paper, pencil & notebook, or straight from brain to keyboard kind of gal?

I used to be strictly pencil and notebook. It was the only way I could focus, but I do a lot of writing on my computer now. Either that or on my iPad since I got a keyboard case for it and the Scrivener app. It really depends on my mood.

9} Besides writing, what hobby are you most likely to spend your time?

I do a lot of sewing, though I wouldn’t call it a hobby. More a necessity I put up with to get the end products. I spend a lot of time in the fall at historical reenactments. I’m usually gone for almost three weeks in the month of September. Besides that, I love being outdoors. I enjoy hiking, fishing, and disc golfing with my brothers.

10} Are you a Tolkien fan? If so, and if you were to be a character in the world of Middle Earth, would you choose to be of the Men, Dwarves, Elves, or Hobbits?

YES. If not for Lord of the Rings, I may never have gotten into fantasy. Looking back on the days my brother and I would play pretend, I’d probably have to say Men. I would be a Ranger with Aragorn. He’s my all-time favorite fictional character. :)

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Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Exiles, a pewter dragon necklace by treasurecast, and a sword letter opener! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

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Guest Post! | SKGfun

 Hullo, lovelies!  I'm featured in another guest post over at SKGfun.com.  

Go check it out!  Click the photo below or this link here.

Blessings,

Sarah

Book Review | It Started With Goodbye

It Started With Goodbye

Christina June

Publisher:  Blink/Harper Collins

Genre:  Teen Fiction, Fairytale Retelling

Released:  May 9th, 2017

{GoodReads}

Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she’s stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF’s gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client). When Tatum discovers she’s not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela-slash-fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.

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WARNING: Possible Spoilers

{The Basics}

This is probably one of the best modern-day Cinderella retellings that I've ever read. It's so. . . normal.  And that's a great thing!  It wasn't cliche with romance, or character personalities.  All in all, it was extremely refreshing and I loved it from start to finish.

Definitely has my recommendation! 

{Positives}

Under impossible pressure, Tatum does the right thing in giving the authorities information regarding her best friend and her friend's bad-boy-boyfriend.  She does her best to repair the burned bridges that result from this and exhibits absolute patience.

Can't say much without giving all away, but it has such a happy ending!!

{Negatives}

Tatum lies to her step-mother about many things (she takes full responsibility in the end, however - SPOILER!)

Her relationship with her step-sister (by no means an ugly one!) is rather non-existent to begin with.

Tatum sneaks away to see a band practice with a friend. . .

{Spiritual Content}

None, really.

{Violence}

None.  A very clean novel!

{Language, Alcohol & Drugs}

Maybe a glass of wine or something in there. . . (if any) I don't recall any really.

{Love-y Content}

Tatum and one young gent exchange emails, forming a long-distance relationship.  [SPOILER!] It's not until the end when she finally meets him. :] They go out on a date and kiss once (?), I think.  It's a very sweet relationship, in my opinion.

{Conclusion}

Again, this novel was more than I expected.  I was pleased to read it and would definitely recommend it to all who like good, clean stories.  It was relate-able, and very accurate to real-life situations, though I should hope one doesn't get accused of shop-lifting, punishable by community service for the whole summer, every other day. . . 

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Recommended ages: 15+

Wow.  I actually managed a rather short and vague review this time. . . Ha! This is probably due to the fact it's been in the drafts for a few weeks and I forgot to write down my notes. . . 

Thanks for reading, lovelies!

Fairfarren,

Sarah

Guys. Guys? GUYS!!!

Hey, guess what.

I'M WRITING AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I gotta say: it feels so good.  Why did I stop?  Why did I not take those relaxing ten minutes minimum to sit with pen and WRITE?

I apologize for the random post.  I suppose it's my way of letting you know that I am alive and I'M WRITING!!! 

Just to prove it, here are a few snippets.  

They may be a little vague, but can you guess what exactly it is I'm writing?

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Pinterest

           In the empty ballroom of an old, grand house, in the magnificent port city of Maradrae, a young girl of fifteen summers stands alone. For these walls, with their rich furniture – now draped in coverlets – and countless rooms, was all she had ever known in her short lifetime.

          But what was it except rooms and items and things? In one week's time, nearly a month ago today, she had learned that such things do not last. And yet she knew she would miss the luxuries to which she had been accustomed.

          Still. . . she had her family. And that was all that mattered. Let the sea take their livelihood. Let her keep the cargo and monies that made their lives easy. Let the circumstances throw her and her family into the unknown.

          “Good-bye,” she found herself whispering. But somehow her heart felt lighter. Picking up her small carpetbag, she exited the splendour of the room and managed to smile as she met her father in the foyer. 

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           She found him on this day huddled in a particularly precarious corner of his shop, over a dusty tome of massive porportions. If held before her (that is, if she could even hold it herself), it could practically hide the entirety of her upper body behind its elaborate gold etchings and rich red cover. It helped, of course, that she was also rather petite in stature for her age.

          Brushing her braid from her shoulder, she addressed him and curstied politely. “Good day, Master Black. I've come to return a book.”

          He mumbled something incoherent. Then, “Yes, yes.” Not once turning to face her. 
          Despite herself, she grinned. “May I borrow another, sir?”

          More unintelligible mutterings. Followed by the same, “Yes, yes.”

          “Thank you, sir. Where might I find the story of Elsandil & Arandor?

          At this, he turned sharply toward her for the first time upon her entrance and scowled, seemingly irritated. But with a resigned huff, he grabbed his robes and scuttled to the scripty, spiral staircase. Noya hid a smile and followed.

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Pinterest

         In the glowing dusk of the setting sun, the eye catches the flash of a bird's form against the glorious hues of the horizon.

          A Phoenix.

          His brilliant wings beating soundlessly in the air, he soars high over the Wood. He knows that many things lurk beneath the sheltered canopy of leaves and his eyes are ever watchful of danger in any form.

          In the fading light of sunset, his keen sight takes in the sudden opening amidst the trees.  Shadows fall over the border and grounds of a once powerful kingdom, cloaking them in the half-light. Gardens dot the landscape with flowers and bushes of every kind in full bloom, seemingly frozen in time. In one walled courtyard, dozens of elegant, life-like statues of remarkable skill fill the place.

          A grand castle stands at the center of the great Wood – built of silver marble and glass. Alluring in its grace and architecture.

          Yet, in the midst of such grandeur and beauty, the entirety of the castle and grounds seemed. . . dead. Life was absent.

          And the Phoenix knew.

          This was a cursed place. He could feel the sorrow even from his height.

          But what can a bird – even one as magnificent as he – do for a forsaken and enchanted land?

          Nothing.

          And so, he continues his journey, winging toward home.

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Bear with me, y'all.  I'm trying so hard to write the first draft - however rough and yucky - BEFORE going back and editing.  Usually, I re-read shortly after it's written and never get anywhere with a story.  So, maybe this method will work for me. . .

Thanks for stopping in!

Fairfarren,

Sarah