What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of Time #3
A Time to Rise
Realm Makers Alliance Award Winner, Reader's Choice
What more can you sacrifice than your life?
Parvin Blackwater is dead.
At least that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.
Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?
What more can you sacrifice than your life?
Parvin Blackwater is dead.
At least that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.
Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2016
35 people are currently reading
3105 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Brandes
8 books3,244 followersNADINE BRANDES has been known to do wild things (like ride a sleeper train across Russia) in the name of book research. She is the 4-time Carol Award-winning author of seven Young Adult novels (ROMANOV, FAWKES, WISHTRESS, THE NIGHTMARE VIRUS, and The Out of Time Series.) While inventing worlds is fun, she is most passionate about Jesus, motherhood, and creating with the Creator. Nadine and her husband strive to live out Psalm 34:3 with their four exuberant children.
(Connect with her on her Instagram and her YouTube)
(Connect with her on her Instagram and her YouTube)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
October 19, 2016
Rating: 4.5 stars
A Time to Rise, the final installment to the OUT OF TIME series by Nadine Brandes. And a beautiful conclusion it is! It was so awesome to be back, journeying and growing and finding shalom with Parvin and Solomon. And simply reading this author's lovely writing style! I can't believe this amazing dystopian series is over! *tears* Fellow readers, you don't want to miss A Time to Rise and the two proceeding novels. They are thrilling, soul-stirring, and just incredible!
Parvin Blackwater is back—miraculously. And stronger than ever; for her faith has grown leaps and bounds through the perilous journey she’s been on. It is time to defeat the Council and bring down the Wall.
But more epic journeys, discoveries, and life-lessons are ahead. What awaits Parvin, Solomon, and their friends on the last leg of their quest?
I will say it again, Nadine Brandes does the YA, dystopian, first-person writing style superbly. Her words flow wonderfully, pulling us into the story—pulling us closer to Parvin’s heart. I find Nadine’s books easy and a delight to read, and was absolutely thrilled to be immersed back into this fascinating futuristic world by reading A Time to Rise! *sighs and tears and fangirling* The characters have etched themselves on my heart. The story has taught me something about faith and life. THESE BOOKS! They’re so amazing and meaningful and harsh and real … and beautiful. I think they reveal a bit of Nadine Brandes’s soul.
Once again, I loved the faith theme. Parvin’s on-going journey to deeper trust. To unlimited joy and unfailing courage. This tale of seeking God and shalom is so poignant and relatable and just touches my heart beyond what I can explain. Ah. *huggles books and Parvin and everything*
The dystopian aspect, awesome as always! *grins* Wilbur’s suits and technology stuff, I love it more each new book I read, I think! So interesting and fun. The travels to Russia and whatnot, cool and intriguing. Meeting all kinds of new people and exploring different cultures in Parvin’s futuristic world is great.
Solomon and Parvin. LOVE THEM. <3 <3 They are adorable. They melt my heart. Solomon’s tenderness, and sacrifice, and loving care. Awww. I only regret that I can’t read more of them together! *eyes series, planning a re-read*
Love Willow and Elm too. And Frenchie. And so many more, including some newly-introduced characters! ^_^
Then there are the are the characters I don’t like … grrr!
Anyway. Some really cool things happened. Some really sweet things happened. Some really intense things happened. Scarring things. Freeing things. A Time to Rise kept me captivated and wondering … and ended on a perfectly lovely note. I can’t wait to collect this precious book for my bookshelf! *grins*
The one thing I didn’t like? Skelley Chase. He did a lot of bad stuff.
Ultimately, it was so, so good to be opening another of Nadine’s books! Read the OUT OF TIME series, my friends! You won’t regret it! ^_^ As for myself, I’m saving up to buy a paperback of A Time to Rise, and dreaming about when Nadine Brandes’s next release is on the horizon! *grins*
I received an ARC of A Time to Rise from the author.
A Time to Rise, the final installment to the OUT OF TIME series by Nadine Brandes. And a beautiful conclusion it is! It was so awesome to be back, journeying and growing and finding shalom with Parvin and Solomon. And simply reading this author's lovely writing style! I can't believe this amazing dystopian series is over! *tears* Fellow readers, you don't want to miss A Time to Rise and the two proceeding novels. They are thrilling, soul-stirring, and just incredible!
Parvin Blackwater is back—miraculously. And stronger than ever; for her faith has grown leaps and bounds through the perilous journey she’s been on. It is time to defeat the Council and bring down the Wall.
But more epic journeys, discoveries, and life-lessons are ahead. What awaits Parvin, Solomon, and their friends on the last leg of their quest?
I will say it again, Nadine Brandes does the YA, dystopian, first-person writing style superbly. Her words flow wonderfully, pulling us into the story—pulling us closer to Parvin’s heart. I find Nadine’s books easy and a delight to read, and was absolutely thrilled to be immersed back into this fascinating futuristic world by reading A Time to Rise! *sighs and tears and fangirling* The characters have etched themselves on my heart. The story has taught me something about faith and life. THESE BOOKS! They’re so amazing and meaningful and harsh and real … and beautiful. I think they reveal a bit of Nadine Brandes’s soul.
Once again, I loved the faith theme. Parvin’s on-going journey to deeper trust. To unlimited joy and unfailing courage. This tale of seeking God and shalom is so poignant and relatable and just touches my heart beyond what I can explain. Ah. *huggles books and Parvin and everything*
The dystopian aspect, awesome as always! *grins* Wilbur’s suits and technology stuff, I love it more each new book I read, I think! So interesting and fun. The travels to Russia and whatnot, cool and intriguing. Meeting all kinds of new people and exploring different cultures in Parvin’s futuristic world is great.
Solomon and Parvin. LOVE THEM. <3 <3 They are adorable. They melt my heart. Solomon’s tenderness, and sacrifice, and loving care. Awww. I only regret that I can’t read more of them together! *eyes series, planning a re-read*
Love Willow and Elm too. And Frenchie. And so many more, including some newly-introduced characters! ^_^
Then there are the are the characters I don’t like … grrr!
Anyway. Some really cool things happened. Some really sweet things happened. Some really intense things happened. Scarring things. Freeing things. A Time to Rise kept me captivated and wondering … and ended on a perfectly lovely note. I can’t wait to collect this precious book for my bookshelf! *grins*
The one thing I didn’t like? Skelley Chase. He did a lot of bad stuff.
Ultimately, it was so, so good to be opening another of Nadine’s books! Read the OUT OF TIME series, my friends! You won’t regret it! ^_^ As for myself, I’m saving up to buy a paperback of A Time to Rise, and dreaming about when Nadine Brandes’s next release is on the horizon! *grins*
I received an ARC of A Time to Rise from the author.
Read
August 15, 2016Phew! I'm ready to not read this thing again for a loooooong time. And by long time, I mean for at least a month. ;-)
February 6, 2017
It isn't often I find a book series that impacts me emotionally. The Out of Time series is one of those series. Wow. This is one of the deeper dystopian series I've read in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them and I'm sad the journey is over. I read A Time to Rise in one day, unable to put it down.
First of all, the things about this book that are amazing:
1) THE END LINE IS PERFECT. I loved it.
2) The character relationships are really well done. Parvin and Solomon. Parvin and Willow. Parvin and her mom. Parvin and Tawny. Parvin and Skelley Chase. I love how Nadine Brandes developed such deep character relationships in just three books.
3) Solomon. Honestly, he's one of the better love interest characters I've read in a while. He's so sweet to Parvin. I appreciated how they took their relationship slow and how the reader can tell they love each because of who the other is , not just because of physical attraction.
4) I mentioned this in my reviews of the other two books in the series, but Nadine Brandes' writing is awesome. Really. She can pack so much emotion and depth into a single paragraph.
5) I didn't just love the end line, I enjoyed the ending in general. I appreciated that although And I liked that.
6) The Christian messages aren't downplayed. Too often in Christian books, the faith aspect is watered down. Not so with this series.
There were a few things I didn't care for as much....
1) I'm not sure how I feel about Willow's character arc.
2) This is one of those "just me" things, I think, but the fact that God speaks directly to Parvin throughout this series...I'm not sure how I feel about that. Let me explain. I'm not saying God doesn't speak to people directly, but I don't think it happens often. There were times throughout this book where I would think "Why doesn't God speak to me like this?". I don't think God's obvious guidance in Parvin's life is a bad thing, but it could make people wonder why He doesn't do so in theirs. Also, I think it negated the power of Parvin's faith a bit. It's easy to have faith when God's constantly telling you what to do or when you say "OK, God, please do this" and He does it how and when you want it. I would have rather seen Parvin struggle at times with trusting God even when He is silent or she can't figure out what He wants her to do.
I've come to the end of Parvin's journey. I've watched her learn and grow. And now the series is over. But I'm sure I'll read it again, when I can read it slowly and savor it because I'm not frantically flipping pages to find out what happens next.
I would absolutely read another book by Nadine Brandes in the future!
First of all, the things about this book that are amazing:
1) THE END LINE IS PERFECT. I loved it.
2) The character relationships are really well done. Parvin and Solomon. Parvin and Willow. Parvin and her mom. Parvin and Tawny. Parvin and Skelley Chase. I love how Nadine Brandes developed such deep character relationships in just three books.
3) Solomon. Honestly, he's one of the better love interest characters I've read in a while. He's so sweet to Parvin. I appreciated how they took their relationship slow and how the reader can tell they love each because of who the other is , not just because of physical attraction.
4) I mentioned this in my reviews of the other two books in the series, but Nadine Brandes' writing is awesome. Really. She can pack so much emotion and depth into a single paragraph.
5) I didn't just love the end line, I enjoyed the ending in general. I appreciated that although And I liked that.
6) The Christian messages aren't downplayed. Too often in Christian books, the faith aspect is watered down. Not so with this series.
There were a few things I didn't care for as much....
1) I'm not sure how I feel about Willow's character arc.
2) This is one of those "just me" things, I think, but the fact that God speaks directly to Parvin throughout this series...I'm not sure how I feel about that. Let me explain. I'm not saying God doesn't speak to people directly, but I don't think it happens often. There were times throughout this book where I would think "Why doesn't God speak to me like this?". I don't think God's obvious guidance in Parvin's life is a bad thing, but it could make people wonder why He doesn't do so in theirs. Also, I think it negated the power of Parvin's faith a bit. It's easy to have faith when God's constantly telling you what to do or when you say "OK, God, please do this" and He does it how and when you want it. I would have rather seen Parvin struggle at times with trusting God even when He is silent or she can't figure out what He wants her to do.
I've come to the end of Parvin's journey. I've watched her learn and grow. And now the series is over. But I'm sure I'll read it again, when I can read it slowly and savor it because I'm not frantically flipping pages to find out what happens next.
I would absolutely read another book by Nadine Brandes in the future!
September 14, 2016
I love this book. Love the characters. Love the themes. Love the beautifully written words. So much love for this book and I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE WORLD READS IT! :D
*review will come eventually when I get the words to summarize such an amazing book like this one*
*review will come eventually when I get the words to summarize such an amazing book like this one*
June 7, 2022
Characters: I really cared about these characters. I suppose I should after reading three books about them. :) They had flaws. They struggled. They doubted. They were human.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This book had several great morals. The one I most enjoyed was how the Christian life isn't easy. We struggle daily.
Plot: Once again, Nadine Brandes kept the plot moving. Parvin had a ton of adventures. Okay, I did have a problem with how the villain's story unfolded. The guy was a murderer. The main character's forgiveness toward him doesn't change that.
Romance: Clean.
Writing: Nadine did a great job describing details in a way that made me feel as if I were present with the characters.
Overall: I enjoyed this book, but I wish the villain had faced consequences for what he'd done. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy dystopian Christian fiction.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This book had several great morals. The one I most enjoyed was how the Christian life isn't easy. We struggle daily.
Plot: Once again, Nadine Brandes kept the plot moving. Parvin had a ton of adventures. Okay, I did have a problem with how the villain's story unfolded. The guy was a murderer. The main character's forgiveness toward him doesn't change that.
Romance: Clean.
Writing: Nadine did a great job describing details in a way that made me feel as if I were present with the characters.
Overall: I enjoyed this book, but I wish the villain had faced consequences for what he'd done. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy dystopian Christian fiction.
January 18, 2020
2020 UPDATE: I feel like I learn more each time I read this series. Yes, fiction can be like that. Following Parvin’s spiritual journey has taught me things. Still a super satisfying ending to this awesome trilogy!❤️
OH. MY. WORD.
Seriously, what can I say? The ending to this epic trilogy was so beautiful. Even though I'm sad this journey with Parvin is over, I adore this series. I adore her, her realness, her faith, her desire for shalom for everyone. Parvin, you rock. ;)
What a great example of how God can use us to accomplish great things, if we just trust Him with our lives, to speak out and arise for HIM.
Nadine Brandes, if you're reading this, THANK YOU. Thank you for great, empowering fiction for teens to read. <3 Tally ho!
...
...
...
Spoiler below, so only scroll down if you don't mind them ;)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Also, like how awesome is it that the Parvin + Solomon ship, like, THEY'RE ACTUALLY GETTING MARRIED!
OH. MY. WORD.
Seriously, what can I say? The ending to this epic trilogy was so beautiful. Even though I'm sad this journey with Parvin is over, I adore this series. I adore her, her realness, her faith, her desire for shalom for everyone. Parvin, you rock. ;)
What a great example of how God can use us to accomplish great things, if we just trust Him with our lives, to speak out and arise for HIM.
Nadine Brandes, if you're reading this, THANK YOU. Thank you for great, empowering fiction for teens to read. <3 Tally ho!
...
...
...
Spoiler below, so only scroll down if you don't mind them ;)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Also, like how awesome is it that the Parvin + Solomon ship, like, THEY'RE ACTUALLY GETTING MARRIED!
March 13, 2020
I couldn't have asked for a better ending to this series. 😍 GUMBO THOUGH
September 25, 2016
The moment I received the email with the ARC in it, I screamed. I actually screamed and ran around my house telling my mom and sister all about it. And then I started reading it...and well, you know, couldn't stop.
Once again, Nadine Brandes starts out with an epic first line. The story picks up just a couple of hours after the cliffhanger end of A Time to Speak and doesn't stop until the very end.
Parvin comes back better than ever. She has grown so much since she counted down what she thought was the last year of her life. Her faith is so much stronger. It's such a beautiful thing to read. She's a little more sassy in this book, but I think it fits. She's more comfortable with being herself. *Shrugs* Some people may not like it but I do. Maybe it's because she's so much like me.
Solomon is just as amazing as he's always been. I fully support the Solovin ship. Period.
Willow returns as well, but she has been utterly broken by the USE.
And then we come to Skelley Chase. His craftiness is back, but just when you think you have him figured out...you don't. Is he the real villain? What does he actually want? Whose side is he really on?
The plot was just as good as the other books. It ended in a wonderful way with a "spiritual punch" and a killer last line.
Was I satisfied with the end to one of my favorite series? Yes. Yes, I was. Many tears were shed and lots of fangirling went down. Nadine finished this series out perfectly.
Once again, Nadine Brandes starts out with an epic first line. The story picks up just a couple of hours after the cliffhanger end of A Time to Speak and doesn't stop until the very end.
Parvin comes back better than ever. She has grown so much since she counted down what she thought was the last year of her life. Her faith is so much stronger. It's such a beautiful thing to read. She's a little more sassy in this book, but I think it fits. She's more comfortable with being herself. *Shrugs* Some people may not like it but I do. Maybe it's because she's so much like me.
Solomon is just as amazing as he's always been. I fully support the Solovin ship. Period.
Willow returns as well, but she has been utterly broken by the USE.
And then we come to Skelley Chase. His craftiness is back, but just when you think you have him figured out...you don't. Is he the real villain? What does he actually want? Whose side is he really on?
The plot was just as good as the other books. It ended in a wonderful way with a "spiritual punch" and a killer last line.
Was I satisfied with the end to one of my favorite series? Yes. Yes, I was. Many tears were shed and lots of fangirling went down. Nadine finished this series out perfectly.
October 18, 2023
Wow! What a great ending to the series! This is such a good series! I love it!
Characters:
Parvin's character growth through the whole series is just fantastic! I love it! Her journey is one that is just....so good! And I actually enjoyed her character more than I normally enjoy female MCs!
Solomon is fantastic! I want a Solomon! He's such a good guy!
Willow and Elm were so great! I love the both of them!
Fight, Idris, Kahptor, Cap, Gabbie, Christian, Shasha, Gloria...there were so many good characters in this book and so many I felt conflicted about and just....wow, the highs and lows!
Themes:
Bringing Shalom and following God and trusting Him in every situation. It was such a beautiful theme woven throughout the series! I loved the themes so much! It was beautiful!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
A little here and there, hand holding, and characters telling them they love each other. The romances were super sweet!
Overall:
I really enjoyed this series! The out of the box futuristic concepts, the themes, and the characters have entirely won me over! I love it!!!
This is just another awesome series from Nadine Brandes! I enjoyed every moment of my read!
Recommend to 14+...this one gets a bit intense at parts. :)
Characters:
Parvin's character growth through the whole series is just fantastic! I love it! Her journey is one that is just....so good! And I actually enjoyed her character more than I normally enjoy female MCs!
Solomon is fantastic! I want a Solomon! He's such a good guy!
Willow and Elm were so great! I love the both of them!
Fight, Idris, Kahptor, Cap, Gabbie, Christian, Shasha, Gloria...there were so many good characters in this book and so many I felt conflicted about and just....wow, the highs and lows!
Themes:
Bringing Shalom and following God and trusting Him in every situation. It was such a beautiful theme woven throughout the series! I loved the themes so much! It was beautiful!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
A little here and there, hand holding, and characters telling them they love each other. The romances were super sweet!
Overall:
I really enjoyed this series! The out of the box futuristic concepts, the themes, and the characters have entirely won me over! I love it!!!
This is just another awesome series from Nadine Brandes! I enjoyed every moment of my read!
Recommend to 14+...this one gets a bit intense at parts. :)
September 29, 2016
A more coherent review will be coming once I stop fangirling and can catch up on all the sleep I missed reading this book. Random note, but anyone know where I can get one of Sherrod's suits to keep me awake all day? Anyone?
Anyway, to sum up: IT WAS AMAZING! Literally dedicated all yesterday after work and into the night to read it because once I started I COULDN'T STOP. It was gorgeous. Painful. Heart-wrenching. Sigh-worthy. *excuse me while I go fangirl again*
*Updated with more coherent review*
After nearly a year of waiting for this book to release, I thought I was ready for it. After reading the first two books in the Out of Time series, I thought I was prepared for any and all surprises this book could offer.
I wasn't.
This book carries just as much of a punch as the first two books. All the characters have grown and changed since the first book--even, perhaps, the villain?--and the main characters have to struggle to figure out how to live the way God calls them to live.
The Christian themes in this book are very clear and uplifting while making you pause and think. The character development is very real and raw. The descriptions beautiful. The plot is a good mix between action (which is my personal favorite part) and character development, quieter bits. Once again, the book doesn't shy away from the raw and gritty realities of life, though this book, in my opinion, has a little less violence and grittiness than the previous two books.
And the twists and turns...any time I thought I had something figured out, or I thought I knew what was about to happen, a surprise would totally blindside me. Masterfully done plot twists!
This book, and this whole series, are ones that I frequently and highly recommend to Christians looking for action, adventure, a bit of grittiness, and a hard-hitting, make-you-think-long-and-hard theme.
Anyway, to sum up: IT WAS AMAZING! Literally dedicated all yesterday after work and into the night to read it because once I started I COULDN'T STOP. It was gorgeous. Painful. Heart-wrenching. Sigh-worthy. *excuse me while I go fangirl again*
*Updated with more coherent review*
After nearly a year of waiting for this book to release, I thought I was ready for it. After reading the first two books in the Out of Time series, I thought I was prepared for any and all surprises this book could offer.
I wasn't.
This book carries just as much of a punch as the first two books. All the characters have grown and changed since the first book--even, perhaps, the villain?--and the main characters have to struggle to figure out how to live the way God calls them to live.
The Christian themes in this book are very clear and uplifting while making you pause and think. The character development is very real and raw. The descriptions beautiful. The plot is a good mix between action (which is my personal favorite part) and character development, quieter bits. Once again, the book doesn't shy away from the raw and gritty realities of life, though this book, in my opinion, has a little less violence and grittiness than the previous two books.
And the twists and turns...any time I thought I had something figured out, or I thought I knew what was about to happen, a surprise would totally blindside me. Masterfully done plot twists!
This book, and this whole series, are ones that I frequently and highly recommend to Christians looking for action, adventure, a bit of grittiness, and a hard-hitting, make-you-think-long-and-hard theme.
April 3, 2017
This book comes out October 14th 2016 (The same day Priceless the movie comes out guys) *takes deep breath* here we go.
The Plot:
The over all feel of this book gave off a Mockingjay/WWII feel and it was WONDERFUL. I loved the traveling aspect of the plot and getting to meet new characters from different cultures. It never was boring either, there was constantly something going on and mini cliff hangers that got you saying 'Maybe just one more chapter?'
My Children:
I miss them so much and I can't believe its over...*Sobs* The character development blew my mind! Parvin and Solomon and Willow and Skelly and EVERYONE changes and grows and its AMAZING! It's done so beautifully as well! The growth of faith was so cool to see! And I LOVED how Parvin wasn't 'the prefect christian' she would pray for peace and get peace and then doubt just like real life!
The Good:
Everything about this book honestly...The romance was amazing and has restored my faith in humanity, like, Solomon and Parvin 5ever! Just...Just read this trilogy okay?
The Bad:
There is violence but it wasn't very gruesome in my opinion. The romance is sweet and only goes as far as a few kisses. (Which was refreshing) I admire Nadine for keeping her trilogy clean and appropriate for all ages!
guys. Guys. GUYS. I've tried to keep this review professional but AkLHFKHFLDJFHDLKFJ:HLDSK>JFEH:FIUEHBFDOLFHBDODUPSIFKSDJFLHDFJHDFKJHDKLHFLSKDHFIODYGOIDKLBDKVBIDJDVJNDSKJLVNLDNVJ Go read these books!
I was given this book as an E-arc by the author in exchange for an honest review, all of the opinions above are my own.
The Plot:
The over all feel of this book gave off a Mockingjay/WWII feel and it was WONDERFUL. I loved the traveling aspect of the plot and getting to meet new characters from different cultures. It never was boring either, there was constantly something going on and mini cliff hangers that got you saying 'Maybe just one more chapter?'
My Children:
I miss them so much and I can't believe its over...*Sobs* The character development blew my mind! Parvin and Solomon and Willow and Skelly and EVERYONE changes and grows and its AMAZING! It's done so beautifully as well! The growth of faith was so cool to see! And I LOVED how Parvin wasn't 'the prefect christian' she would pray for peace and get peace and then doubt just like real life!
The Good:
Everything about this book honestly...The romance was amazing and has restored my faith in humanity, like, Solomon and Parvin 5ever! Just...Just read this trilogy okay?
The Bad:
There is violence but it wasn't very gruesome in my opinion. The romance is sweet and only goes as far as a few kisses. (Which was refreshing) I admire Nadine for keeping her trilogy clean and appropriate for all ages!
guys. Guys. GUYS. I've tried to keep this review professional but AkLHFKHFLDJFHDLKFJ:HLDSK>JFEH:FIUEHBFDOLFHBDODUPSIFKSDJFLHDFJHDFKJHDKLHFLSKDHFIODYGOIDKLBDKVBIDJDVJNDSKJLVNLDNVJ Go read these books!
I was given this book as an E-arc by the author in exchange for an honest review, all of the opinions above are my own.
October 23, 2025
Gotta mull this whole series for a bit. Wowzers. What an incredible trilogy. I’m not sure how many stars I’m gonna give this last one. After a few days of processing it might end up with 5.
October 21, 2016
What the book is about:
What more can you sacrifice than your life?
Parvin Blackwater is dead.
At least…that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.
Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?
My review:
This review is just going to be me fangirling...so...yeah...if you haven't read this book yet don't read this review...and if you haven't read A Time to Die...GO READ IT!!! ;)
Shalom
and
Byeeeeeee
What more can you sacrifice than your life?
Parvin Blackwater is dead.
At least…that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.
Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?
My review:
This review is just going to be me fangirling...so...yeah...if you haven't read this book yet don't read this review...and if you haven't read A Time to Die...GO READ IT!!! ;)
Shalom
and
Byeeeeeee
December 28, 2021
Wow. Just wow. I LOVED this!! It's the perfect ending to an amazing series!!
I do wish that Spoiler: It showed Parvin's wedding, not just said, I'm getting married. I hate when that happens in books. lol
Oh, and I love Skelly! lol Tawny redeemed herself a ton! And there's just too much amazing stuff in here!!!!! *fangirls*
I do wish that Spoiler: It showed Parvin's wedding, not just said, I'm getting married. I hate when that happens in books. lol
Oh, and I love Skelly! lol Tawny redeemed herself a ton! And there's just too much amazing stuff in here!!!!! *fangirls*
February 10, 2017
(THIS REVIEW SPOILS EVERYTHING. PLEASE DONT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING THIS MASTERPIECE)
GUYS.
Wow isn't good enough. But is the only word I can think of……..
I mean, what are words? These books gah. I need to re read the whole series now. Like an all nighter with them.
Nadine nailed it this time. Like she nailed it the other times, but this nail went through the wood and out the other side and puctured the earth and made it shatter.
Agh.
The feels.
I wanted to finish it. But at the same time I didn't. I didn't want the story to end. Who doesn't? All the characters are amazing.
So this one starts off where the last one left of. Hm? Yeah.
Parvin is dying. Dead?
Yup.
But lemme just say, the first five sentences are just AGH MAKE YOU WANT TO READ SO QUICKLY
actually the whole first chapter
I loved how Parvin was kind of sassy when Solomon took her eggs cause she was eating to fast.
Parvin's all like 'hey give me my eggs back!'
That's me. I love my food.
Anyways rabbit trail.
The way Tawny bonded with Parvin throughout his book was amazing.
Parvin grew so much as a character. As a person. It was beautiful.
All of the 'Nadine's Ninjas' need to get 'Shalom' tattooed on our arms ok?
THE SOLOMON AND PARVIN SHIP KJDSFKJDSJDJG
it was so adorable. The notes. I fully support #blackhawke
Kisses on dirty foreheads. True love right there guys. Agh it had me sqeauling with happiness.
Also I loved how it wasn't this rushed 'omg I fell for you the first day'
It was sweet. Slow. And they discovered along the way. They do kiss twice i think? and Solomon like unofficially asks her to marry him twice? Officially at the end.
I smiled so large my mouth hurt.
OH MY GOODNESS. Those Jude flashbacks in the testimony log lenses.
Those broke my heart and crushed the specks.
JUDEEE. His death is still on my mind.
We all need therapy from it.
Sasha and Gloria were awesome. LIKE I WANT TO GO ON A DOGSLED NOW HM? We should all plan a trip.
The redemption of Skelly Chase was perfect. He wasn't that dark villain with no hope. Sometimes I looked at him and was like ‘woah #rude’ but this book I felt like sympethetic towards him? I don’t know, but it was good.
They should have a line of Skelly Chase lemon perfumes and such. I would buy it.
Brickbat being Tawny's dad?!?! Didn't see that coming.
AGH WILLOW AND ELM. They are so cute and willow ugh.
She was beaten and broken. She even snapped and killed. At the end it was SO FEELSY when she asks if she's rotten.
Parvin hugs her of course. And I was near tears. and I have only teared up in like two other books.
And now let's talk about the end.
That ending. It was happy and ugh.
The last three chapters had me like 'AHHHHH'
I was stuck between reading fast and seeing the endddddddd and going slow and savoring every word.
AND THE LAST LINE. GAHHHHHH. It was killer.
On of my favorite repeated lines in the books is
“And through her faith, though she died, she still speaks”
It’s so powerful and gives me chills.
Parvin’s story is one everyone should read no matter what!!!!!
So that’t my long rant. And now I’ll go sit in silence cause this tsory is over and I need recovery time.
GUYS.
Wow isn't good enough. But is the only word I can think of……..
I mean, what are words? These books gah. I need to re read the whole series now. Like an all nighter with them.
Nadine nailed it this time. Like she nailed it the other times, but this nail went through the wood and out the other side and puctured the earth and made it shatter.
Agh.
The feels.
I wanted to finish it. But at the same time I didn't. I didn't want the story to end. Who doesn't? All the characters are amazing.
So this one starts off where the last one left of. Hm? Yeah.
Parvin is dying. Dead?
Yup.
But lemme just say, the first five sentences are just AGH MAKE YOU WANT TO READ SO QUICKLY
actually the whole first chapter
I loved how Parvin was kind of sassy when Solomon took her eggs cause she was eating to fast.
Parvin's all like 'hey give me my eggs back!'
That's me. I love my food.
Anyways rabbit trail.
The way Tawny bonded with Parvin throughout his book was amazing.
Parvin grew so much as a character. As a person. It was beautiful.
All of the 'Nadine's Ninjas' need to get 'Shalom' tattooed on our arms ok?
THE SOLOMON AND PARVIN SHIP KJDSFKJDSJDJG
it was so adorable. The notes. I fully support #blackhawke
Kisses on dirty foreheads. True love right there guys. Agh it had me sqeauling with happiness.
Also I loved how it wasn't this rushed 'omg I fell for you the first day'
It was sweet. Slow. And they discovered along the way. They do kiss twice i think? and Solomon like unofficially asks her to marry him twice? Officially at the end.
I smiled so large my mouth hurt.
OH MY GOODNESS. Those Jude flashbacks in the testimony log lenses.
Those broke my heart and crushed the specks.
JUDEEE. His death is still on my mind.
We all need therapy from it.
Sasha and Gloria were awesome. LIKE I WANT TO GO ON A DOGSLED NOW HM? We should all plan a trip.
The redemption of Skelly Chase was perfect. He wasn't that dark villain with no hope. Sometimes I looked at him and was like ‘woah #rude’ but this book I felt like sympethetic towards him? I don’t know, but it was good.
They should have a line of Skelly Chase lemon perfumes and such. I would buy it.
Brickbat being Tawny's dad?!?! Didn't see that coming.
AGH WILLOW AND ELM. They are so cute and willow ugh.
She was beaten and broken. She even snapped and killed. At the end it was SO FEELSY when she asks if she's rotten.
Parvin hugs her of course. And I was near tears. and I have only teared up in like two other books.
And now let's talk about the end.
That ending. It was happy and ugh.
The last three chapters had me like 'AHHHHH'
I was stuck between reading fast and seeing the endddddddd and going slow and savoring every word.
AND THE LAST LINE. GAHHHHHH. It was killer.
On of my favorite repeated lines in the books is
“And through her faith, though she died, she still speaks”
It’s so powerful and gives me chills.
Parvin’s story is one everyone should read no matter what!!!!!
So that’t my long rant. And now I’ll go sit in silence cause this tsory is over and I need recovery time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
You can’t read book 1 or 2 without reading the whole series. Absolutely a must and should really be 1 book :)
Great ending and this was my favorite of the series. Book 1 is now a 3 star book. Very good but Parvin is nearly intolerable with the extreme self talk but that could just be me. By book 3 she has gone a long way and although still annoying sarcasm I loved how she grew and developed. The 2nd book is definitely a better book but 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 and this book is a solid 4 to me. Great satisfying ending (unlike 1 and 2) and feels complete.
I have to say that although Parvin could be annoying at times the world is wildly imaginative and that was a lot of fun!
Great ending and this was my favorite of the series. Book 1 is now a 3 star book. Very good but Parvin is nearly intolerable with the extreme self talk but that could just be me. By book 3 she has gone a long way and although still annoying sarcasm I loved how she grew and developed. The 2nd book is definitely a better book but 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 and this book is a solid 4 to me. Great satisfying ending (unlike 1 and 2) and feels complete.
I have to say that although Parvin could be annoying at times the world is wildly imaginative and that was a lot of fun!
September 14, 2016
The wait is finally over, for those who like me got ARCs of this book anyway. Obviously this is my honest review of this amazing book. Let me tell you the book was worth the wait, I was expecting this to be as amazing as the other two and it certainly lived up to my expectations. There were many elements of faith in the other books but even more in this one, and by this book in the series I had grown to expect that so it was lovely. It is really refreshing to read a book that is saturated in biblical faith. And it all applied and was necessary to the story; it has a reason and purpose. It makes this novel so much better and unique. It is an inspiring read.
This story pulled my emotions every way. The characters are all so real Parvin, Tawny, Solomon, Willow and their struggles so relatable and I really liked how some of them changed so much through this series and yet are still the same … Skelley Chase… And many of the side characters were quite intriguing people as well with their own stories that we never really heard. (because that would be unnecessary)
There were quite a few surprising twists that I did not see coming, at all. I never even suspected there would be twists in those places. The story had me flicking through pages… e-book pages as fast as I could read. A few bits had me laughing aloud.. and laughing/crying at other times.
Some horrible things happen, in the story. (Realism peoples) Some people do many horrible things; some good people make bad choices. But there are no gruesome detailed descriptions of the violence. So I really can’t say there was anything I did not like about this book, except for everything I loved of course!
Most romance in books is painful to read, but in A Time To Rise (and the other two books, but particularly in this one where it is there a lot more) the romance is lovely and beautiful and a wonderful example of how a relationship like that should really be. It made for some heart wrenching moments. The story is just beautiful and so full of faith and the ending satisfies me. I am just trying not to think about how it is now ended. But the Nadine did a wonderful job in making the ending sound like a new beginning for the characters while still being a great series ending.
and these are some of my favourite quotes.
“Amazing that, amidst such beauty, He would decide to even look at me, let alone call me to join Him in a quest for shalom. This journey will not fail. It cannot fail when He is the leader.”
“Maybe that's what God means every time He tells us to rise up. To rise above the small things, the small struggles that chip away our identity and leave us lost.”
“God will never instruct me to be afraid, so I might as well get used to reminding myself to fear not.”
“Then verses float into my mind. Verses about rising for God's glory. Verses about loving my enemies. Verses about soft answers turning away wrath and kindness heaping coals on the head of an attacker.
Heaping coals sounds good.”
This story pulled my emotions every way. The characters are all so real Parvin, Tawny, Solomon, Willow and their struggles so relatable and I really liked how some of them changed so much through this series and yet are still the same … Skelley Chase… And many of the side characters were quite intriguing people as well with their own stories that we never really heard. (because that would be unnecessary)
There were quite a few surprising twists that I did not see coming, at all. I never even suspected there would be twists in those places. The story had me flicking through pages… e-book pages as fast as I could read. A few bits had me laughing aloud.. and laughing/crying at other times.
Some horrible things happen, in the story. (Realism peoples) Some people do many horrible things; some good people make bad choices. But there are no gruesome detailed descriptions of the violence. So I really can’t say there was anything I did not like about this book, except for everything I loved of course!
Most romance in books is painful to read, but in A Time To Rise (and the other two books, but particularly in this one where it is there a lot more) the romance is lovely and beautiful and a wonderful example of how a relationship like that should really be. It made for some heart wrenching moments. The story is just beautiful and so full of faith and the ending satisfies me. I am just trying not to think about how it is now ended. But the Nadine did a wonderful job in making the ending sound like a new beginning for the characters while still being a great series ending.
and these are some of my favourite quotes.
“Amazing that, amidst such beauty, He would decide to even look at me, let alone call me to join Him in a quest for shalom. This journey will not fail. It cannot fail when He is the leader.”
“Maybe that's what God means every time He tells us to rise up. To rise above the small things, the small struggles that chip away our identity and leave us lost.”
“God will never instruct me to be afraid, so I might as well get used to reminding myself to fear not.”
“Then verses float into my mind. Verses about rising for God's glory. Verses about loving my enemies. Verses about soft answers turning away wrath and kindness heaping coals on the head of an attacker.
Heaping coals sounds good.”
June 20, 2024
"I finished what you started."
A satisfying end to an incredible trilogy.
Too long had I neglected the last book, however, as I was drawn to other books. But finally—finally!—I returned to see Parvin's story through. And what a story it was.
My thoughts and feelings are all over the place when I think about this trilogy, and perhaps one day in the near future I can write a well thought-out and detailed review. But that day is not today, I'm afraid, so I'll simple end it with Skelley Chase's words:
"Thanks for your story."
A satisfying end to an incredible trilogy.
Too long had I neglected the last book, however, as I was drawn to other books. But finally—finally!—I returned to see Parvin's story through. And what a story it was.
My thoughts and feelings are all over the place when I think about this trilogy, and perhaps one day in the near future I can write a well thought-out and detailed review. But that day is not today, I'm afraid, so I'll simple end it with Skelley Chase's words:
"Thanks for your story."
August 18, 2024
2.7/5 Stars 🌟
I was actually excited about this book, and it being the final one, I had hoped that all the gravity would really hit, and it would improve upon all that I enjoyed from the previous book. I felt like we came back to almost everything I didn't like about book one.
A Time to Rise is the final installation of The Out of Time Series where we are following Parvin Blackwater, our iconic heroine, into her final battle against the Council, as she seeks to restore peace by uncovering the mystery that Jude left behind, in order for her to destroy the wall, and bring God's peace to the world.
Before anything else, can I just say that Nadine Brandes's writing style has on occasion given me much joy. The realisation that USE literally spells "use." Is that on purpose, and why didn't I tie it together before? I think, if I went backwards, I'd see that maybe there are other times that I may have missed some symbolism, little ironies, and possible biblical references. I find the layering of all that to be very cool.
Parvin is still too impulsive for me 😅... her thoughts are fast track, her communication with God is fast track, and the pace of the book is always: "What're we doing next?" To the point that even when the next thing is simply resting or reflecting, it feels like an action.
I got tired right in the beginning because of all the motion. I think it was one of the things that I didn't like about the first book. Although there is meaning in all that is happening, and it makes sense to keep moving, and the themes were being hit, wisdom was spoken... I had a hard time connecting with everything while it all went so fast.
I like reading that sticks me in the mystery of a moment, and times when I have to stop and consider all that the author just said. Yet so much happens in the first 50% of A Time to Rise that I just became mentally spent. At some point, I started counting pages.
On the positive side. Parvin does ponder better. She's learning new things about God and relationships with people. Her faith was taking shape in a way that couldn't be ignored.
I loved how her relationship with God was full of things like questions and an openness of ignorance, you know? She's very unguarded with what she doesn't know, and I like seeing that illustrated for believers. I also loved how she'd get a Scripture and show us the many ways it applies to life. Some part of me is always tempted to oppose fictional faith as if God only works one way for us all. Really, God can do anything, use anyone, and take a period like a year or even 30 days to turn someone's life around. I don't like fast pace, but seeing it reminds me that God is more than whatever box I want to put Him in.
There are also themes about relationships that I enjoyed. The way Solomon and Parvin communicated gave me fresh takes on healthy romantic relationships. They had really important conversations and comfortable body language that made me feel safe. I didn't grow up around healthy romances, so seeing all this is quite fundamental for me in my ideas of what life could look like with a partner who loves God and cares about me. I loved that Solomon was decent measures of patience, sensitivity, leadership, love for the Lord, and humanity. There are so many other books with Mega-Hunky- Christian men that, I don't know, Solomon Hawke just stands out.
I loved Elm and Willow, too. I know they are way too young to be a couple but the way they had this dedication, support, and unconditional love for each other just pulled at my heartstrings and all the more because their love is strengthened by the purity of youth. For them, life was polarised, no middle ground for what love is. You don't get to quit when times get rough. That is amazing.
Okay, so this series probably taught me more than I dare admit. I bet there are probably lessons in life that I'll forget I learned from here 😂 That's partly why review and note taking for me is so important. How much would I forget to notice if I never stopped to write it down? 😌 Exactly.
It won't change how I feel about the writing style and pacing, but wisdom and truth stay standing regardless.
But. That. ENDING. I can't believe that around 80% through, I was no longer excited for anything. It felt like a cop-out that towards the end. I was hoping that the end would be the best part of the book. It felt like a downward slope leading to the most basic and anticlimactic of endings.
After actually enjoying Book 2, I'm not sure whether I want to give Nadine Brandes another chance or not. I'm still going to read Fawkes, though.
I'm hoping to see a greater strength for her in standalones.
My overall rating for the entire series is a 2.9(?) It was good. I just wished for more.
I was actually excited about this book, and it being the final one, I had hoped that all the gravity would really hit, and it would improve upon all that I enjoyed from the previous book. I felt like we came back to almost everything I didn't like about book one.
A Time to Rise is the final installation of The Out of Time Series where we are following Parvin Blackwater, our iconic heroine, into her final battle against the Council, as she seeks to restore peace by uncovering the mystery that Jude left behind, in order for her to destroy the wall, and bring God's peace to the world.
Before anything else, can I just say that Nadine Brandes's writing style has on occasion given me much joy. The realisation that USE literally spells "use." Is that on purpose, and why didn't I tie it together before? I think, if I went backwards, I'd see that maybe there are other times that I may have missed some symbolism, little ironies, and possible biblical references. I find the layering of all that to be very cool.
Parvin is still too impulsive for me 😅... her thoughts are fast track, her communication with God is fast track, and the pace of the book is always: "What're we doing next?" To the point that even when the next thing is simply resting or reflecting, it feels like an action.
I got tired right in the beginning because of all the motion. I think it was one of the things that I didn't like about the first book. Although there is meaning in all that is happening, and it makes sense to keep moving, and the themes were being hit, wisdom was spoken... I had a hard time connecting with everything while it all went so fast.
I like reading that sticks me in the mystery of a moment, and times when I have to stop and consider all that the author just said. Yet so much happens in the first 50% of A Time to Rise that I just became mentally spent. At some point, I started counting pages.
On the positive side. Parvin does ponder better. She's learning new things about God and relationships with people. Her faith was taking shape in a way that couldn't be ignored.
I loved how her relationship with God was full of things like questions and an openness of ignorance, you know? She's very unguarded with what she doesn't know, and I like seeing that illustrated for believers. I also loved how she'd get a Scripture and show us the many ways it applies to life. Some part of me is always tempted to oppose fictional faith as if God only works one way for us all. Really, God can do anything, use anyone, and take a period like a year or even 30 days to turn someone's life around. I don't like fast pace, but seeing it reminds me that God is more than whatever box I want to put Him in.
There are also themes about relationships that I enjoyed. The way Solomon and Parvin communicated gave me fresh takes on healthy romantic relationships. They had really important conversations and comfortable body language that made me feel safe. I didn't grow up around healthy romances, so seeing all this is quite fundamental for me in my ideas of what life could look like with a partner who loves God and cares about me. I loved that Solomon was decent measures of patience, sensitivity, leadership, love for the Lord, and humanity. There are so many other books with Mega-Hunky- Christian men that, I don't know, Solomon Hawke just stands out.
I loved Elm and Willow, too. I know they are way too young to be a couple but the way they had this dedication, support, and unconditional love for each other just pulled at my heartstrings and all the more because their love is strengthened by the purity of youth. For them, life was polarised, no middle ground for what love is. You don't get to quit when times get rough. That is amazing.
Okay, so this series probably taught me more than I dare admit. I bet there are probably lessons in life that I'll forget I learned from here 😂 That's partly why review and note taking for me is so important. How much would I forget to notice if I never stopped to write it down? 😌 Exactly.
It won't change how I feel about the writing style and pacing, but wisdom and truth stay standing regardless.
But. That. ENDING. I can't believe that around 80% through, I was no longer excited for anything. It felt like a cop-out that towards the end. I was hoping that the end would be the best part of the book. It felt like a downward slope leading to the most basic and anticlimactic of endings.
After actually enjoying Book 2, I'm not sure whether I want to give Nadine Brandes another chance or not. I'm still going to read Fawkes, though.
I'm hoping to see a greater strength for her in standalones.
My overall rating for the entire series is a 2.9(?) It was good. I just wished for more.
August 12, 2018
5 stars!!
There is redemption up until the last millisecond
This trilogy has been so fun to read! I am so sad that this was the last book, but I can't wait to read more stories by Nadine. Parvin's story about how God used her for His glory has been incredible. Solomon is such a sweet character. ALL of the characters were so well thought out and I felt like I got to know each one of them really well!
Enough of my ramblings. Here is the rundown:
-Language: as with the last two books, CLEAN! I really, really enjoyed NOT having to cringe at a word mentioned.
-Romance: I personally would have loved to have at least one more kiss between Parvin and Solomon? There was a lot of hand-holding, two sweet kisses, hugging, etc. All CLEAN!
-Violence: lots and lots of violence, including: explosions that killed people, riots, threatening with guns, threatening/harming a person, etc.
-Blood/Gore: a lot mentioned here, including: injuries that cause a lot of blood loss, serious burns, aftermath of the explosion (people gravely injured)
This story was a BEAUTIFUL conclusion to the trilogy. I am so sad for it to be the last book, but I'm also happy to know what happened in the end!
Solomon and Parvin are the best couple I've ever read about. Mrs. Brandes didn't have them immediately fall in love, like most of the other stories I've read by other authors. I love how the main goal of the story was God triumphing over evil, and man did he triumph in the end! Parvin is such a strong female character, and I wish I could read dozen's more books about her! (Maybe a side story about Solomon and Parvin after they get married? I'm completely obsessed)
LIKES:
Umm… everything? Parvin, Solomon, Willow, Elm, Erfinder Hawke, Parvin's parents, Tawny, Zeke, Skelley… all of the characters were so beautifully brought to life in words! NO language, NO bad romance, and NO extreme violence.
DISLIKES:
Really small, but maybe the ending? I would have liked another scene between Solomon and Parvin… but that's just me. The story ended beautifully anyway!
Can we take a second and talk about the violence/blood/gore? While some of you may have read my rundown and inwardly cringed at the details I wrote down, I still highly encourage you to read the trilogy. Why?
When the violence, the danger, and the blood is added into the story, it makes it raw, it makes it real, and it shows that Parvin doesn't live in a perfect world. It shows that God can overcome even the darkest evil.
That's why.
While some of you might be sensitive to a lot of violence and blood, let me point out that none of the violence was so vivid I couldn't read it. And none of the blood mentioned was self-caused or crazy detailed. Lot's of injuries were mentioned, etc. Nothing more.
In wrapping up this review, let me say that I hope these past three reviews were enough to convince you to give these gems a shot!! They are not only beautiful on the outside, but beautiful on the inside, and Parvin's story will inspire you.
Let it inspire you.
“RISE UP.
Hmm?
BE MY LIGHT.”
Recommended for: ages 13+
For lovers of clean, dystopian adventure novels with romance mixed in.
Soli Deo Gloria
There is redemption up until the last millisecond
This trilogy has been so fun to read! I am so sad that this was the last book, but I can't wait to read more stories by Nadine. Parvin's story about how God used her for His glory has been incredible. Solomon is such a sweet character. ALL of the characters were so well thought out and I felt like I got to know each one of them really well!
Enough of my ramblings. Here is the rundown:
-Language: as with the last two books, CLEAN! I really, really enjoyed NOT having to cringe at a word mentioned.
-Romance: I personally would have loved to have at least one more kiss between Parvin and Solomon? There was a lot of hand-holding, two sweet kisses, hugging, etc. All CLEAN!
-Violence: lots and lots of violence, including: explosions that killed people, riots, threatening with guns, threatening/harming a person, etc.
-Blood/Gore: a lot mentioned here, including: injuries that cause a lot of blood loss, serious burns, aftermath of the explosion (people gravely injured)
This story was a BEAUTIFUL conclusion to the trilogy. I am so sad for it to be the last book, but I'm also happy to know what happened in the end!
Solomon and Parvin are the best couple I've ever read about. Mrs. Brandes didn't have them immediately fall in love, like most of the other stories I've read by other authors. I love how the main goal of the story was God triumphing over evil, and man did he triumph in the end! Parvin is such a strong female character, and I wish I could read dozen's more books about her! (Maybe a side story about Solomon and Parvin after they get married? I'm completely obsessed)
LIKES:
Umm… everything? Parvin, Solomon, Willow, Elm, Erfinder Hawke, Parvin's parents, Tawny, Zeke, Skelley… all of the characters were so beautifully brought to life in words! NO language, NO bad romance, and NO extreme violence.
DISLIKES:
Really small, but maybe the ending? I would have liked another scene between Solomon and Parvin… but that's just me. The story ended beautifully anyway!
Can we take a second and talk about the violence/blood/gore? While some of you may have read my rundown and inwardly cringed at the details I wrote down, I still highly encourage you to read the trilogy. Why?
When the violence, the danger, and the blood is added into the story, it makes it raw, it makes it real, and it shows that Parvin doesn't live in a perfect world. It shows that God can overcome even the darkest evil.
That's why.
While some of you might be sensitive to a lot of violence and blood, let me point out that none of the violence was so vivid I couldn't read it. And none of the blood mentioned was self-caused or crazy detailed. Lot's of injuries were mentioned, etc. Nothing more.
In wrapping up this review, let me say that I hope these past three reviews were enough to convince you to give these gems a shot!! They are not only beautiful on the outside, but beautiful on the inside, and Parvin's story will inspire you.
Let it inspire you.
“RISE UP.
Hmm?
BE MY LIGHT.”
Recommended for: ages 13+
For lovers of clean, dystopian adventure novels with romance mixed in.
Soli Deo Gloria
September 27, 2016
Nadine Brandes didn't disappoint in this exciting conclusion to her Out of Time series. Perhaps now her poor characters will be able to have a well deserved rest. *pulls them all close*
Like the first two books, I loved the interweaving of Christian truths and personal struggles with an exciting story line. These books don't only entertain, they make one think. And Parvin's struggles are so real and human that I relate to her closely despite our differences.
Filled with surprises and twists, A Time to Rise is thrilling conclusion to this Christian dystopian trilogy.
Like the first two books, I loved the interweaving of Christian truths and personal struggles with an exciting story line. These books don't only entertain, they make one think. And Parvin's struggles are so real and human that I relate to her closely despite our differences.
Filled with surprises and twists, A Time to Rise is thrilling conclusion to this Christian dystopian trilogy.
January 6, 2023
I can’t.
*deep breath*
A Time to Speak is still my favorite from the series, but THIS BOOK.
Nadine, I don’t know how you can write such beauty. I hate you and love you for it (though truly the love is much stronger).
I don’t know what to say but read. this. series. Immediately.
Prepare to have your heart stolen, broken, and healed.
*deep breath*
A Time to Speak is still my favorite from the series, but THIS BOOK.
Nadine, I don’t know how you can write such beauty. I hate you and love you for it (though truly the love is much stronger).
I don’t know what to say but read. this. series. Immediately.
Prepare to have your heart stolen, broken, and healed.
October 16, 2016
Capping off a series is tough stuff and Nadine Brandes pulled it off magnificently! Review to come soon!
September 18, 2025
Nadine finished this series over ten years ago, but I think it’s echo, it’s battle cry is one that is so fitting for these times. As the book says, “God will arise for us. And we will arise with Him.”
This book was what I was looking for when I read Mockingjay about a year ago, one filled with hope, purpose, and enduring challenge. Parvin’s character arc from book one to book three is astounding and I am so glad I didn’t give up within the first 100 pages of book one. All I can do is urge you to read these books, and be open to the mission of Christ.
This book was what I was looking for when I read Mockingjay about a year ago, one filled with hope, purpose, and enduring challenge. Parvin’s character arc from book one to book three is astounding and I am so glad I didn’t give up within the first 100 pages of book one. All I can do is urge you to read these books, and be open to the mission of Christ.
April 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series! I continued to appreciate Parvin - her struggles, her triumphs, and her faith.
Getting introduced to some new, intriguing characters was nice and the setting was right along with what the series had established. Plus, I liked how even the hugely flawed characters shined in this conclusion. I liked the realness of the questions, doubts, and fears from some of the key players such as Willow, Solomon, Tawny, and Parvin herself. I absolutely adored the conversations with God and how He spoke at just the right time. (He always does :) )
*Possible Spoilers*
The part where they played Russian roulette with the caps was perfect and had me on the edge of my seat! Willow broke my heart with how she thought she was broken and the guilt she bore by her choices. I loved how Parvin chose to show mercy and kindness to Skelley rather than the fury he deserved. And then of course the pregnancies and epilogue! I like happy, hope-filled endings!
*Over*
Ultimately, I am happy about the way the Out of Time series played out. I had no idea where it was going to go! I look forward to reading more by Nadine Brandes.
Getting introduced to some new, intriguing characters was nice and the setting was right along with what the series had established. Plus, I liked how even the hugely flawed characters shined in this conclusion. I liked the realness of the questions, doubts, and fears from some of the key players such as Willow, Solomon, Tawny, and Parvin herself. I absolutely adored the conversations with God and how He spoke at just the right time. (He always does :) )
*Possible Spoilers*
The part where they played Russian roulette with the caps was perfect and had me on the edge of my seat! Willow broke my heart with how she thought she was broken and the guilt she bore by her choices. I loved how Parvin chose to show mercy and kindness to Skelley rather than the fury he deserved. And then of course the pregnancies and epilogue! I like happy, hope-filled endings!
*Over*
Ultimately, I am happy about the way the Out of Time series played out. I had no idea where it was going to go! I look forward to reading more by Nadine Brandes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2016
OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH GUYS READ THIS BOOK NOW RIGHT NOW! AHHH! Ok, I'll try and piece my thoughts together.
Plot- The plot is so inspirational! Live your life to the fullest? I know there've been books about this, but seriously, this has been the best one I've read. The cliff hangers! Everywhere I turned there was a new surprise or cliff hanger, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! It was enthralling!
Characters- I LOVE OR HATE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE CHARRIES
Parvin: My sweet angel was so sarcastic and relatable! I loved her! Her spiritual journey was amazing to see!
Solomon: MY ANGEL SWEETS! HE WAS SUCH A LEADER AND A CINNAMON ROLL AT DA SAME TIME!
Tawney:
Plot- The plot is so inspirational! Live your life to the fullest? I know there've been books about this, but seriously, this has been the best one I've read. The cliff hangers! Everywhere I turned there was a new surprise or cliff hanger, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! It was enthralling!
Characters- I LOVE OR HATE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE CHARRIES
Parvin: My sweet angel was so sarcastic and relatable! I loved her! Her spiritual journey was amazing to see!
Solomon: MY ANGEL SWEETS! HE WAS SUCH A LEADER AND A CINNAMON ROLL AT DA SAME TIME!
Tawney:
June 22, 2024
A Time to Rise by Nadine Brandes
Age Range:13+
Genre: Christian, Dystopian.
Favorite Quote(s): “Me. I can’t be shaken because I’m God’s. I like the idea of Him shaking the world to see what’s left standing, and all that remains is shalom.”
“Maybe that's what God means every time He tells us to rise up. To rise above the small things, the small struggles that chip away our identity and leave us lost.”
“God. His voice. HIs presence in my mind reminds me why I’m here. I’m alive and fully HIs. I’m fully Yours. My agenda doesn’t matter. I focus on obeying. Arising.“
Series: Third book in the Out Of Time trilogy.
Stars: Five out of Five stars.
*There may be slight spoilers for books one, A Time to Die, and two, A Time to Speak, you have been warned!*
This series is one of my favorites. Each book had such a powerful punch of emotion behind it, and this series holds a very dear spot in my heart; as does the author.
This book sparked hope in you that isn’t unrealistic. Nadine Brandes wrote such a powerful message.
These characters feel like a part of my family. My fictional family, that is ;) I re-read the first two book in preparation for A Time to Rise (I totally recommend reading them one after the other.) and I was able to see how Parvin grew as a character. In the first book she wasn’t sure what she needed to do. She knew she didn’t want to waste her last year of life. She wanted there to be Shalom. In the second book, speak was her motto for her day to day life and she grew to be a leader. And then in the conclusion she rose above everything and made a difference in the life of people everywhere. I think every single teenager should read this series so Parvin can be an inspiration to them!
Solomon, of course, is a favorite. A LOVE the relationship between Parvin and him. He’s a strong godly man and someone I would look for in a husband. I do have to say… I feel like he was almost too perfect. *cringes saying anything bad about him.*
I’m so glad that Parvin had her parents throughout the whole series. I loved the family aspect and how important they were to her. They really helped encourage her and build her up, exactly what a family should do.
I can’t end this review without talking about the God parts in this book. Parvin’s faith was amazing to watch grow and thrive.
I could go on and on about how much I love this series and the characters and how you should all read it and how awesome the author is.. But I won’t :)
I will be re-reading this series over and over again! I am sad to say goodbye to a marvelous series… but I’m excited to see what else Nadine Brandes has planned!
Age Range:13+
Genre: Christian, Dystopian.
Favorite Quote(s): “Me. I can’t be shaken because I’m God’s. I like the idea of Him shaking the world to see what’s left standing, and all that remains is shalom.”
“Maybe that's what God means every time He tells us to rise up. To rise above the small things, the small struggles that chip away our identity and leave us lost.”
“God. His voice. HIs presence in my mind reminds me why I’m here. I’m alive and fully HIs. I’m fully Yours. My agenda doesn’t matter. I focus on obeying. Arising.“
Series: Third book in the Out Of Time trilogy.
Stars: Five out of Five stars.
*There may be slight spoilers for books one, A Time to Die, and two, A Time to Speak, you have been warned!*
This series is one of my favorites. Each book had such a powerful punch of emotion behind it, and this series holds a very dear spot in my heart; as does the author.
This book sparked hope in you that isn’t unrealistic. Nadine Brandes wrote such a powerful message.
These characters feel like a part of my family. My fictional family, that is ;) I re-read the first two book in preparation for A Time to Rise (I totally recommend reading them one after the other.) and I was able to see how Parvin grew as a character. In the first book she wasn’t sure what she needed to do. She knew she didn’t want to waste her last year of life. She wanted there to be Shalom. In the second book, speak was her motto for her day to day life and she grew to be a leader. And then in the conclusion she rose above everything and made a difference in the life of people everywhere. I think every single teenager should read this series so Parvin can be an inspiration to them!
Solomon, of course, is a favorite. A LOVE the relationship between Parvin and him. He’s a strong godly man and someone I would look for in a husband. I do have to say… I feel like he was almost too perfect. *cringes saying anything bad about him.*
I’m so glad that Parvin had her parents throughout the whole series. I loved the family aspect and how important they were to her. They really helped encourage her and build her up, exactly what a family should do.
I can’t end this review without talking about the God parts in this book. Parvin’s faith was amazing to watch grow and thrive.
I could go on and on about how much I love this series and the characters and how you should all read it and how awesome the author is.. But I won’t :)
I will be re-reading this series over and over again! I am sad to say goodbye to a marvelous series… but I’m excited to see what else Nadine Brandes has planned!
May 9, 2021
SERIES REVIEW:
This series is super awesome! I really enjoyed the plot, themes, and the characters.
The beginning was slow, but once it picked up it didn't slow down. I loved seeing Parvin's journey.
One thing that I wish Brandes had done differently: Parvin's relationship with God. Okay, I understand that this is Christian and that the main part of her journey is growing closer to God. And she struggles with it, which was relatable.
But WHY does she hear God so clearly, A LOT, and about such specific things? I believe that God does do this, but it's not often. And not relatable. I just couldn't relate to Parvin on a deep level.
In one situation, she's trying to decide if she should travel somewhere or just stay where she is. She asks God and he tells her exactly what to do. So she does it. But I want to see her WRESTLE with that decision, with God's help. It just felt so ... easy.
Other than that (and one of the main characters being altogether flawless to an annoying extent), I liked everything else. Althoughhhhh
Overall, great, clean YA series!
This series is super awesome! I really enjoyed the plot, themes, and the characters.
The beginning was slow, but once it picked up it didn't slow down. I loved seeing Parvin's journey.
One thing that I wish Brandes had done differently: Parvin's relationship with God. Okay, I understand that this is Christian and that the main part of her journey is growing closer to God. And she struggles with it, which was relatable.
But WHY does she hear God so clearly, A LOT, and about such specific things? I believe that God does do this, but it's not often. And not relatable. I just couldn't relate to Parvin on a deep level.
In one situation, she's trying to decide if she should travel somewhere or just stay where she is. She asks God and he tells her exactly what to do. So she does it. But I want to see her WRESTLE with that decision, with God's help. It just felt so ... easy.
Other than that (and one of the main characters being altogether flawless to an annoying extent), I liked everything else. Althoughhhhh
Overall, great, clean YA series!
October 11, 2016
"Parvin grows even further in this book. Her arc is quite stunning. I love how brave and faithful she is despite all odds. It's a level of faith that many people never attain." Full review here! http://storitorigrace.blogspot.com/20...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews