Christian Bookshelf Reviews: CSFF Blog Tour

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Review: Rebels by Jill Williamson

Posted by Melanie on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 with 1 comment

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310735777/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310735777&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=UHM575QUXTPISCLI

About the book:

The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten.

The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.

Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?

Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.

If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.

My rating:

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Posted in 4 Stars, CSFF Blog Tour, Dystopian, Jill Williamson, Teen Fiction

Monday, January 20, 2014

Review: Outcasts by Jill Williamson (CSFF Blog Tour)

Posted by Melanie on Monday, January 20, 2014 with 3 comments

Outcasts (The Safe Lands #2) by Jill Williamson
Blink / 2014
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Uncovering the truth could cost them their lives.

Since entering the Safe Lands, Mason has focused on two things: finding a way to free his village from captivity, and finding a cure for the disease that ravages many within the walls of the Safe Lands. After immune-suppressive drugs go missing in the clinic, Mason discovers his coworker, Ciddah, may know more about the Safe Lands than imagined ... and may have an agenda of her own. At the same time, Mason's brother Levi is focused on a way to free the remaining Glenrock captives, while Mason's younger brother Omar decides to take the rebellion against the Safe Lands into his own hands as a vigilante.

Soon all three brothers are being watched closely---and when Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, his investigation just might get those closest to him liberated.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I read Captives, book one in the Safe Lands series, last year and really enjoyed it! I admit, I did forget some things from book one, so I think that is why it took me a while to get in sync with Outcasts' story/characters. But, once I did, I started to really enjoy the book and, from about the halfway mark on, I didn't want to stop reading!

The characters were very good, but it's difficult to name my one favorite. In Captives, Mason was my favorite (and I loved his character in this book, too!), but Omar may be my favorite from Outcasts...just because of how **possible spoiler** he realized his errors and is now struggling to get things right. **end of possible spoiler**

There were a few things in Outcasts that weren't all that believable to me; but, then again, this book is dystopian/futuristic sci-fi, so that didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story. Plus, there were some really cool futuristic gadgets/elements, which I found very neat!

Just a word of caution: like book one, there are some more mature elements to Outcasts, so I think this book is best suited for older teens (and adults!) who enjoy YA dystopian reads. I thought it was a great read and look forward to reading Rebels (book three) when it releases.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*