The War

Tales of Tarsurella #6

by Olivia Lynn Jarmusch

473 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2024

About the author

I’m a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. I enjoy crafting YA Christian fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When I’m not writing, you can usually find me playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning my next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.

If you really want to get to know me, come connect on Pinterest, and if you find yourself repinning everything, we're sure to be the best of friends!

Instagram @livylynnglittergirl
Pinterest @livyglittergirl

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I trust Livy, I really do, but I was scared to start this book. What if this is the time really bad stuff starts to happen? Now, don't get me wrong, stuff does happen, BUT, at the same time, things are FINALLY starting to look up!!!!

Once again, I am just amazed at how Livy manages to balance and intertwine like eight different plot-lines and nothing seems rushed or forced or missing. I'm excited for this series to wrap up, not only because I've been waiting so long, but because then maybe we will get to delve deeper into Bella Adar. Don't get me wrong, part of me never wants to leave Tarsurella, but I am a girl who likes to have an ending. Besides, something tells me Livy will take us back at some point in the future :)


So much happens that I'm going to do this by sibling/location so I can process all my thoughts :)

Addison & Vanessa
Things are still really ugly with them. Vanessa comes home from hiding and Addison comes back from his witch hunt and they are forced to confront everything that's been building for the last several months, and even before that. It's bad. And as much as it hurt to see Addison broken, I am so glad that the is finally getting back to the Addison I know and love! It wasn't until this book that I started to think that Steve is partly to blame for these problems. Addison is so young. Maybe too young to run a country at such a delicate time, but especially without help and it doesn't seem like Steve offered much counsel. Don't get me wrong, I love Steve. He is incredibly loving and wise. But maybe he made some mistakes here.

AND THEY'RE HAVING ANOTHER BABY!!!!!!!!!!

Bridget & Liam
I'm glad things are going well with them. Baby Caleb arrives, Jacob is (mostly) coming around, and they get the chance to love little Emily (who stole my heart!). While they did have some big events, mainly Caleb, things weren't as dramatic with them as some other siblings.

Chasity & Hanson
I love these two. They might be my favorite couple of the whole group! While I can get frustrated with Hanson sometimes, I also understand him. And feel for him. But I'm so excited that he finally broke through and they are OFFICIALLY A COUPLE!!!!!! As hard as it's been for them, I think that they will be that much more solid and be able to start off that much stronger because of it. At least, I hope so.

Asher & Jane
They are adorable. I mean, really. If I had to live with them, it would probably be too much, but reading it is just super sweet. Jane had more moments when it felt like she was reading straight out of my journal. I so appreciated her talk with Steve. I needed to hear that too. (I miss Charlie but he wouldn't really fit anymore, which is kind of sad.)

Jillian
This girl. Of all the siblings, she gets the least amount of page time. She's too young to have a bunch of drama but too old to be cute, so it seems like she just gets tagged on to someone else and yet, she has so much to offer. I love her interactions with Jacob and how compassionate she is towards him. I'd love to see her get her own book after all this is over. I'd love to get to know her more/better.

Millie & Willie
THEY ARE BACK! Just for a moment, but I wasn't expecting to see them at all and then there they were! I could not stop smiling and I laughed at Millie's reaction to all the romance. I love that child!

Steve, Deborah, & Pearl
Still not sure what I think about all of this. I guess I don't really care one way or the other. Deborah being Jane's mom is still weird because then Asher will be Jane's step-brother and husband, but whatever. I'm glad Pearl is starting to be nicer to Jane but I don't know that I'll ever like her all that much. And maybe I'd like Deborah more if I knew her better but she seems sweet enough.

Hope & Luke
Okay. I saved them for last because there is so much. I've never been a Luke fan. I've resigned myself to not having Hope & David (I guess all the couples can't be my favorites, right?), and I've never hated Luke, I just don't like the situation. I don't feel like Hope is a good version of herself because of Luke. They don't have a solid start and the whole thing seemed a little too much "I'm listening to my heart". At the beginning, Luke was a hothead. I appreciate that he's grown, that he seems to have good intentions, and that he's done a lot of good, helpful things lately, but I just don't know that I will ever warm to him. I also can appreciate that a lot of the problems are partly Addison's fault, but I just don't think Luke went about things in the right way and it led to so much pain and heartbreak for everyone. At best, I can say that I see a lot of growth and maturity in Luke now, and that is a good thing.

Poor Bella Adar. I think Livy has more stories planned for that side of things (I hope?) but they have been through the ringer, maybe more so than Tarusurella, and that's saying a lot! I am looking forward to the final chapter in The Tales of Tarusurella and then seeing what else Livy has in store for us!

[Whitney Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!
I don’t even know where to start!! This book was absolutly wonderful and thrilling at the same time! I have been WAITING for “The War” for so long and it couldn’t of been better!! I will say- a few nights I MIGHT have stayed up past midnight staring at the pages of this beloved novel- engrossed in the whimsical ‘fairy tale’ and the adventure of the Royal family. Also- does anyone else feel like they lose a part of them when they finish it??!!! Of is it just me??
Thank you so much Livy for these spectacular books- I could never say enough about them except that every young girl should read them. They are all so inspiring and uplifting and always encourage me in my walk with the Lord ( I could probably take some advice from Steve too)😉.
Below I will share a few of my favorite parts with as little spoilers as possible!☺️ I love how the Royal family dosen’t act like they have it all together- they are human just like everyone else and I love that about them!!!!
Chasity + Hanson: AHHHHHH!! Can they get any more adorable??? I have been waiting for this since ‘The Coronation.’ They are TOO cute!!!!!
Addison: He has gotten sooooo much better!!! And I am so happy!!!!!!
Jacob: He has improved so much! I love his interactions with little Emily! Its just so sweet.
Jane + Asher: Oh I love them so much!!! They are the CUTEST couple. ( sorry spoiler alert- the surprise Jane does for Asher is the absolute sweetest. ( I can’t wait for their wedding- and Steve + Deborah’s ) Hope + Luke: OK!!! I didn’t really know what I thought about them… But I will have to say they are perfect for each other.
Jillian: She has grown up so much!!! And I appreciate her being in the family a lot more!!!!
One of my favorite parts was when Hanson went to Steve to ask for permission to court Chasity…. And how he almost missed the chair and is struggling with his words- too rich.😆
And, oh there is so much more I could say but I think it would turn into a book.

Livy- thank you so much! Keep up the good work and shining your light!!!!!! I can’t wait for “The Restoration”- it better be the longest one of them all!!!!!!!!!


Well, that’s all for now y’all !!! Have a great day!! I hope you enjoy “The War”!!!!

In Christ, Whitney

[Sarah Rhomberg]

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is one of those books I just couldn't put down, though at the same time, I didn't want to reach the end of.

One of my favourite aspects of Livy Jarmusch's writing is how the strong biblical truths are woven into the story. The characters learn and grow, meaning I - as the reader - get to learn them too, in a very not-in-your-face way. This book was a wonderful continuation of the series so far.

There is one thing that does drive me a little crazy (as a European), and that is just how American this book is, despite it being set in Europe.

I personally also can't say that I love all of the choices the characters make like Asher firing Miss Donna and how those actions are presented.

All that being said, I am of the opinion that the characters make or break a book and these characters definitely make it. I love them!

I am very much looking forward to the next novel in the series (though I am simultaneously sad that it might be the last one).

Definitely recommend!

[Grace DuBose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series!!! Had me turning… tuuurning… and TURNING! *pages that is* 😉
I loved all of the individual character plots so much I can’t pick a favorite! I ended up buying the entire series and I will definitely be rereading them.
The ONLY thing that I wasn’t happy about is that there isn’t a 7th book yet! 🤯 It’s so sad when a book series ends that you love so much.
Please write a 7th book!!! I need more from Liam and Bridget in Alaska, I need to hear the rest of Hope’s story and Asher’s too! I especially need more of CHASITY and **you know who** 💕 and everyone else!

5+ stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great series, I would definitely recommend!!

#pleasekeepwriting

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this Christian fiction series. The world is so alive, the characters feel like friends, their troubles become your own where you're just begging for restoration. Livy tugs at reader's heartstrings with her rollercoaster ride stories, and most beautifully exalts God through her characters. I've highlighted so many parts of the book series where I needed those words in my spiritual life. So thankful for Christian authors like Livy that create stories that not only entertain but impact you spiritually!

[Kristina Birt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Livy's best book yet!! I sped read this one in less than 48 hours, and I can't wait for the next one.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was never boring! It was a wonderful edition to the series!!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed each of the character's parts in this! They all faced their different challenges, and you can relate to one or more of them. Again, very encouraging in my faith! I highly recommend!

[Alissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Definitely took some twists and turns I didn't expect, and I loved the way it ended.

[Raya Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'ALL THIS BOOK
THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK
This book has only solidified my obsession of Asher and Jane... but mostly Asher.
Enough said.
Actually wait, one last thing.
The biggest thing about this series that annoys me is the fact that I have no idea what the royal family's last name is.
That is all.

[Joey Geneva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update: 6 stars! I literally have not stopped thinking about this series or this book!