Last Light Falling: The Covenant, Book I

Last Light Falling #1

by J.E. Plemons

If your fate has already been chosen for you, would you change it? Fifteen-year-old Arena Power blindly accepts her destiny in a world filled with tragedy, chaos, and a lingering wickedness that will tempt every man's soul until the last days on Earth. Set in the United States in the year 2053, America, like most of the world, has undergone catastrophic earthquakes, famine, and an economic collapse, which has rendered the nation hopeless. It has turned to other nations, like Russia and China, to help restore what was once a world power. Unfortunately, the new America has grossly caused civil unrest that will eventually be the precursor to a much bigger war of biblical proportions.

Orphaned at the age of nine, Arena and her twin brother, Gabe, have learned to rely on each other through the toughest times. Not only do they share the same birthday and the tragic loss of their parents, they both have a birthmark on the back of their necks in the shape of a crucifix. This is only but a small sign of the destiny that will follow. On their fifteenth birthday, they receive a mystery letter and key from their estranged Uncle Finnegan. This key will unlock their fate, and it will be up to a priest, who has vowed to protect them since birth, to unfold the layers of their destiny-to undo the evil that has spoiled the world, and to help unleash God's wrath upon those who have turned from Him in the last days of history.

Last Light Falling weaves righteousness with evil, treachery with truth, and shows just how far the will of man can survive on faith alone. Arena and Gabriel's fate will determine that course of history for which has already been written. They were not born to save the world; they were chosen to prepare it for the final days.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2014

About the author

Jay Plemons’ life is nothing short of ordinary. From an aspiring chef, carpenter, educator, musician, husband, and father, nothing ever seems too busy when adding yet another hat into the mix as a fiction novelist. With a degree in music business, and a minor in English from Middle Tennessee State University, the aspirations to continue his journey in the arts, has followed Jay to write the Last Light Falling series, which has not only touched on some of his personal experiences, but has also helped him further explore the heightened convictions of faith. Though his first love is music, writing has profoundly changed the way he expresses himself to others, which has recently impacted his son to follow in those same emotional footsteps. When Jay isn't drumming, writing is his cure to life's distractions.

Jay's only philosophy is to enjoy whatever time you can whenever you can, with whoever you can, because the uncertainties that tomorrow may bring will have a profound impact on how you give your time today. If we could all just stop for a moment and enjoy the little things in life that make the big things worthwhile, our troubles would all seem inconsequential.

Raised in a fundamentally sound Christian home, Jay's quest for knowledge was under a jaded, but compassionate moral compass. But with all questions about life, there's never a good time for harsh scrutiny, but being a child of God, timing is everything. While scrutiny may come under experiences, it's our experiences that breeds humility, and that's what bridges our relationship with God. This is the true nature in which man may take several paths before realizing his chosen path was never meant to be in judgment, hidden in shame and guilt, or riddled with harm. We may not understand the world around us, but comprehending its vast secrets was never the true intentions of our being. We were called to serve one another and accept a gift greater than our minds can possibly fathom—love.

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Dog Ear Publishing and NetGalley.)

“This is your quest – you are the chosen ones,”



Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book.

Arena was a penis-obsessed psychopath. She shot first, and asked questions later, if she even bothered to question what she’d done. The death count went up and up and up, and she seemed to be enjoying it way too much, then when she took a shower (to wash all the blood and brains off) she prayed for forgiveness… and then went out and did it all over again. Ugh.

The storyline in this just lost me. I got sick of the info-dumps, of which there were many, and why Arena felt the need to keep mentioning penis size, or just outright shooting them off, I don’t know. I have to say that I got sick of it though. The number of innocent people who seemed to get caught in the cross fire was pretty shocking, and I didn’t appreciate all the religious stuff that was in there. I got to the point where I really just did not care what happened at all, and I really struggled to finish this.

The ending to this made it clear that there will be more books in this series, but I really don’t think I can stomach Arena for another book or more.



4 out of 10

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was contacted by J.E. Plemons and was asked if I could read and review this new start to a series. When I received the book of course the first thing I did was look it up on goodreads. When I read the description all I could think was "Holy information overload", but I'm so glad that didn't keep me from reading it. The other thing I noticed right away was the cover. I LOVE THE COVER. It had me thinking Throne of Glass right away. Strong female with swords, SOLD.  When I first started reading I was like okay, okay this is the same Armageddon end of the world story; been there, read that. The further I got into the book the further it went from the mundane. 


I usually hate when leading characters are under the age of 17/18 but with Plemons' writing style it really didn't bother me. It also helped that Arena is a total B-A. When he started to describe Aerna though I was a little set back...

"My hair is the color of midnight, and my milky-white skin has turned a light olive from the summer sun. I have my mothers pouty bottom lip and hazel eyes that soften under dim lighting in a continuous spectrum of caramel and green shades. The only feature I don't share with my mother are my thick, dark eyebrows. I get really tired of plucking these hair caterpillars."
Why was I set back?? Well if you follow me on any social medias then you know why... BECAUSE THAT'S EXACTLY HOW I LOOK! Too a T. It doesn't help that I'm often mistaken for being 15/16. But for real it made me kind of laugh.

I really thought this was going to be a teen girl saves the world kind of read and it wasn't. That made for such a good twist as far as characters went. Aerna can't seem to keep herself out of troubled waters. She is strong, shorttempered, and super compulsive. Aerna and Gabe feel way more realistic as far as characters go. I thought both Gabe and Aerna held their own throughout this book. The highlight of this book however is the world-building, graphic scenes, and the world issues that are brought up. Those are the things that made the story feel more authentic. The only "negative" is that it is a little heavier on the religious side than I usually like/am use too. That's really the only thing on the blah side that I have to say. The rest of the story more than made of for it (it was honestly like I said just something I wasn't use too).

It's been a good month or two since I've read such a gory, graphic book, and I'm glad Last Light Falling was the one to fill the void. I liked how it took kind of a Proxy  feel as far as the government went. As strong as the characters are it is very clear what Plemons' is strongest at... and that is world building. He leaves no stone unturned when he was setting the locations. You never had to strain to imagine what was going on and what everything would look like. Oh and don't even get me started on that ending though! It was amazing!!! Definitely a cliffhanger!

Last Light Falling was gripping, thrilling, and a series too keep an eye on. I have no doubt this series will be taking shelves by storm. It's a story I didn't see coming, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future. And I can already tell the wait for book two is going to be too far away... 

Thank you J.E. Plemons for the ARC

[Carlie K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is originally posted on The Bookish Girl

--

I was given an e-copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Hands down for the beautiful and powerful cover, I was immediately intrigued by it.

Following a young girl named Arena, we are introduced to the America set in future. With a corrupted government, people live a miserable life. Arena, with her parents dead and uncle missing, lives under the roof of her loving foster family with her twin brother, Gabe. On their fifteenth birthday, they receive a mysterious letter and a key. And they need to decide whether to accept their destiny, which is filled with dangers and heartbreaks.

Okay, where do I begin. When Mr. Plemons first contacted me, I was filled with excitement because this book seemed to be thrilling. I have to say that the writing is very vivid and detailed, helping you to visualize the scenes. However, I do have some problems with the characters and the plot.

First, I felt that the opening was a bit too long. It took quite a few chapters to really get into the story, and it bored me. Then, I honestly didn't know why, but I couldn't connect or didn't care about the protagonist. Arena really reminds me of Tris and Katniss, for they are all very strong and badass women. But the difference is that, Tris and Katniss have the power to attract you; and you want to know more about them. On the other hand, Arena lacks the charm.

Second, for the story, it is interesting. But sometimes it gets really brutal and bloody (I could really picture the scenes in my mind because of Mr. Plemons' vivid writing, and they gave me chills). Plus, there are a lot of biblical references, and I am kinda put off by them.

It's not that this is not a good book, but all I can say is that it's not a book for me. If it sounds like something you'd love to read, don't hesitate to try it out!

©thebookishgirl

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

After natural disasters and secret agendas, the world is broken beyond repair. Only twins Arena and Gabriel can step up and confront the evil and immoral people that crush the hopes of the population.

This was a difficult book to review. There are some fantastic sections, that pull you along on a brilliant adventure; and some issues that just made it stall.
First of all, in case anyone was wondering - despite the fact that the main characters are fifteen years old, and it does start with high school drama, this is not a YA read. In the same way you wouldn't let kids see Kickass, this is not suitable for younger readers. There is violence, rape, violence, bad language, oh and violence.
Which was all fine, and well-written. I enjoyed the action sequences, fighting for freedom and their lives; destroying one base after another as they work their way to the head of the snake.
It is all done with a brilliant creative flare and plenty of drama.

The main character Arena was pretty awesome. She has been doing weapon training and martial arts ever since she was a kid and she is now absolutely lethal. She is an efficient killer and unstoppable force against the General's soldiers. She does let her emotions cloud her judgement sometimes, but in the end she's only human.

What didn't work for me?
I thought it was a little slow to get going, as it dithers over a few stories that are less than subtle and tell you about this person's ability, or that person's ambition and drive.
This gets better after the first couple of chapters, as the background is established and it is much smoother later on.

I felt that apart from Arena, the characters were all rather dull and there wasn't enough distinction between them. Even Gabriel, whom the prophecy is also about, is grey and in the background. This is definitely Arena's story.
I thought that the language used by Arena and Gabriel was archaic and unusual for teenagers. And I don't mean when they got preachy, but on the odd occasion they would use a particular phrase that stuck out like a sore thumb.

The major issue I had was the religious aspect.
I am not a religious person, and despite the fact that we British have a vague disapproval of being overly vocal about religion, I have nothing against it in literature. In reality, it does play a huge role for many individuals and nations.
I felt that the religious overtone was too preachy and too over-powering.

But mostly, I read it with that uncomfortable twist in my gut, which is not a good thing.
Before the bad guys are truly established as evil, for a good portion of the book they are nothing more than a general corrupt government - nothing new and nothing drastic.
Arena and Gabriel are told by a random priest that they are on a journey from God, and they must kill everyone who deviates from the path; and any innocent that die will be welcomed into heaven, and non-believers will be sent to hell.
Truthfully, all I could think whilst reading this, are all the current bombings, and the many people affected by religious conflicts. They all think their mass-murdering ways are sanctioned by God. Their actions are condemned by the rest of us.
It was very uncomfortable reading indeed, to have a bunch of these characters as the rogue heroes in this book.

It is so hypocritical - all lives have value, and Arena herself said that no matter their crime, a person can have redemption and forgiveness from God. But it is up to Arena herself which ones die and which she spares to have that chance, and she feels no remorse at all.
I was also a little miffed that everyone is either a God-fearing Christian, or the epitome of evil. Other religions don't exist in America in the future? OK.

It does get better in the second half of the book, when the General's soldiers perform all sorts of atrocities, and Arena's thoughts and actions get... put into perspective.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough Arena & her smart twin brother Gabriel are chosen by God. She is filled with dread as high school is beginning, but she has bigger problems on her plate. She is about to embark on a dangerous journey.

Arena is a likeable character – blunt and tomboyish. She reminds me of Tris from Divergent. Arena is a bit uneven at times, speaking brusquely and cursing one moment, then speaking formally about kindness and beauty the next. Arena has a crush on her friend Jacob, a nod to Twilight no doubt. But Jacob is a bit too much of a nice boy, and unfortunately for him and us, he doesn't stick around long enough for us to have much fun with him.

The novel takes place in 2053, after the economic crash. The citizens are split into 4 categories – politically wealthy, the rich, the poor, and the Watchers (aka the homeless). Guns are outlawed and a “death fence” is created preventing illegal immigrants from crossing into the US from Mexico. You learn later that the government has plans to create new military, and there is talk of working with the Chinese and Russians. Also mentioned are terrorists and rejected Israeli policies, which mirrors what is happening currently in our government.

There are religious themes through-out the book – Arena and her brother are “chosen by God,” they work closely with Father Joseph, and there are godly visions seen by the characters. There is some rough content such as a fatal car crash, the attempted murder of a baby, and the brutal rape of a supporting character. Some of the graphic content may be off-putting, but the situations are well-handled and Arena always triumphs.

A good story in the vein of similar futuristic sci-fi tomes like Divergent. Recommended for YA readers in the need of science fiction and faith fix.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source: I received a free copy of this book from the author, thanks to J.E. Plemons.
Cost: Free

Title: Last Light Falling
Series: The Covenant #1
Author: J.E. Plemons
Overall Rating: 3.7 stars

With a name like Arena Power, you're destined to be some form of chosen one. And as Arena and her twin brother Gabe accept their fate blindly, they find themselves thrust into a hopeless world of chaos. Orphaned on their ninth birthday, the twins are awoken on their fifteenth to a letter from their mysterious missing uncle, Finnegan containing a key and a three word letter.

I'm still alive.

This key unlocks their destiny and followed by a priest who has vowed to protect these chosen twins and the people they meet along their way, can the twins solve the problem that is 2053 America? Or will they be caught up in the tragedy?

As soon as the author contacted me about reviewing the second book, I immediately jumped at the chance. With a premise as good as the second one sounded and a cover as beautiful, I had to read this series. Kindly enough, the author included the first book in the email as well so I could marathon this series.

And I really liked it! There were a few minor pointers that annoyed me so I'll get those out of the way first, then we can talk about the good things!

1. Arena: Her character, although great in some places, was far to...act now, think later for my liking. She seemed kind of preoccupied with herself in some areas too and spoke about penises far too much in the early book. We get it girl. We get it!

2. Myra and Daniel: WHY KILL THEM?

But now that is out of the way, let's talk positive.

Gabe was a little darling who we didn't get to see nearly enough of. As this book (and the second) are all from Arena's view, we never truly get a grasp of him. He's such a precious cinnamon roll and I definitely need more of him in these books.

Secondly, THE COVER IS AMAZING.

Lastly, the plot is just so interesting! I love dystopian novels and this is no exception to that. Seriously, check out this series at some stage. It's a good read that's easy to follow.

[Vesper Vesper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank God it's over.

Okay, it wasn't THAT bad. Last Light Falling was a very promising story that personally fell through with me. Happening upon this title on NetGalley, I was immediately "sold" on it from the amazing book cover and the gripping summary. I just couldn't wait to read it.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the story I thought it would be. I'm not saying I thought it would be completely different, but I expected a lot more than what I was given. Let me first start off by saying a lot of things happened... (more via website)

[Abi · Rating 2 out of 5]

(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)

I didn't get along with the main character at all. She annoyed me for the majority of it, and was a bit of a psychopath!

This wasn't a read I enjoyed unfortunately. There was loads of info dumps, which made the story feel never ending, and lost my interest quickly. Not liking the main character really didn't help things either.

Overall, Not a book for me.

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review.

This was actually pretty gory for a ya book, but very hard to put down. The characters were easy to relate to and you start to feel really bad for them and all that they go through. It did not seem like I read over 300 pages, the writing was so well done that I just gobbled up the pages.

[Adele · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Last Light Falling: The Covenant by J.E. Plemons from Dog Ear Publishing, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my review.

I marked Last Light Falling: the Covenant as Did Not Finish (DNF) at 42%.

I genuinely wanted to like this novel, even though I went into this novel not expecting to like it. Unfortunately at 25% I knew that Last Light Falling wasn’t the book for me. I generally stay away from books that seem to, or have, Christianity as a theme in books. However I disregarded that because I was truly interested in the dystopian aspects of this novel.

For the most part, this book was interesting and quite the read. I enjoyed quite a few snippets of this story. However Last Light Falling has a ton of religion references and I just didn’t like reading about those parts. I thought that I could endure it for the sake of this story but there’s just too much of it for me. Last Light Falling seemed to be doing two things at once: telling the dystopian story/aspects of the novel, and then infused the story with almost pages full of references to god and how Arena and Gabe are the Chosen Ones.

I was very happy that Arena was a kickass lady who did not take any bullying from anyone. I also really liked that Gabe was the brainiac to Arena’s brawns. They’re both smart, it’s just that Gabe seems to be the genius of the twins.

There’s also a ton of dialogue and scenes that felt entirely too forced and unnatural.

Overall, Last Light Falling was a great idea, but the story had poor execution.

I give Last Light Falling: The Covenant, 1 star.

[lani · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded to 3

I had been so excited to read this! it sounded intriguing when I read the synopsis but I ended up finding this book difficult for me to finish. I found the main characters annoying at times and the writing, while structurally sound, was stiff. The story has more chance of appealing to a religious audience rather than dystopian fans because religion is a primary theme. That wasn't a bad thing and it didn't affect my rating but I personally felt I couldn't relate to it for this reason, so this is purely just a disclaimer
.

My biggest problem with the book was the main character. Arena started off good. I thought I was going to love her, actually! She reminded me of Celaena Sardothien from the Throne Of Glass series who we all know and love. However, just a few pages after my great first impression of her, it all fell apart. She fell hopelessly into the dreaded "I'm not like other girls" trend. Typically I can get around it, but this one came on so strong and so fast i almost had to put the book down for good. Its hard to get past that type of character flaw for me and especially when it's right in the beginning of the book.Honestly, it made me really angry; she had a good start and then all of a sudden she says she's not like other girls, she's strong and hates dresses, and would never dress like other girls in tight shirts that show too much boobage.


Another problem was the authors tendency to tell us things instead of showing us. I've been taught this rule since second grade and I've never realized how important it is until now. I was bored most of the time because I found myself feeling like I was being talked to instead of totally and irrevocably immersed in the story.


Flaws aside, it had a good message behind it and he made a structurally sound novel. It had a decent plot but I felt it ultimately fell short for me. There was many scenes toward the middle and end that I did enjoy. They were well described and in those moments I found myself beginning to feel immersed in the story, but then the scene would end and so would my interest. There were some great characters and I do love that the author wasn't afraid to shock people with what happens to them. I love plot twists and the best part about this novel was that they were present from beginning to end!

[Rachel Bott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was asked by the author to read the book and offer honest feedback in a review.

So after reading the blurb I was quite excited to read this book as the concept and plot seemed quite unique and interesting.

I'm not religious, but I didn't find this book 'preachy' or anything, I received that feeling and sense from other reviews I've read but I didn't feel as though that is the case. If anything it's quite educational about the religion and how two teenagers that have been chosen by God to rid the earth of evil and save good-hearted and innocent people deal with this responsibility whilst still remaining their belief and sticking to their faith.

The concept of preparing for the end of the world rather than saving the end of the world is an interesting one, and I did enjoy the plot of this story.

However, the writing style didn't seem to grasp me as much as other novels have. The vocabulary used is a wide range and I didn't see a problem with that, but the way sentences are formed and perhaps how some things are said didn't seem to... click in place.

I read someone else say how it appeared that the two 15 year old twins suddenly grow up over night and that is exactly how I also perceived it. I felt as though the transition from a teenager who is facing tragic pasts etc, to a teenager who now has the responsibility to rid the world of evil and kill people in that process was a bit quick and calm. This, I felt, was a theme throughout. That things may have moved a little too quickly. For instance the love interests seemed to become significant others very VERY quickly.

As I was reading the book I kept turning to my boyfriend and saying that something just wasn't working, and it took be a few chapters in to realise that the writing style was telling rather than showing. And I feel as though that was the main issue in the writing style for me. I like to have my brain work out things rather than be told that a character is this, this and this.

However I wouldn't give up on this/these book(s) as the plot is interesting.

[Bookish_Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, Thanks to J.E.Plemons ! 


This is what I like the most. Action. Blood. The fight and stuff. A lot happens in this book. Some moments are funny and others less. The beginning of the book was not interesting, I had a craving to postpone her and to her not to come back but after a few chapters, things got more interesting. With each chapter I wanted to know more and more. At some point, my eyes refused to obey, and I could not read all week. So the hated not being able to read this book on, he did not even seem aware of it. After a week, I came back to all of this is gone now as protonema. I absorbed all the chapter after chapter, and suddenly the book was finished. But what was happening. Massacre. Going through the story with the main character. I also wanted to use the sword as she did. What chapter for more blood, more killed. I love such twists. In each book must be something going on, and this book is just that. Full of emotion, action, blood and suffering. 'Angel of Death' brings havoc but also a great help. After finishing this book, right away I wanted to take the second part but I can not strain my eyes. I do not know what else I can write about this book. You have to read it yourself to find out what hides this story. The only thing I know for sure is the author did a good job of writing such a wonder. I hope that this book will appeal to you too as much as I liked. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Dytopian / Action / Sci-Fi / Thriller / Utopia.

[Ariana Fae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories with a tough kick-ass female protagonist, and it’s what made me want to read Last Light Falling—also I loved the book cover. Like a locomotive the book starts off slowly with exposition dumps and word building, but then takes off through a roller coaster ride of emotions and action scenes.

The story revolves around twin sister and brother Arena and Gabe, and I liked the dichotomy between the two. Arena is filled with righteous fury that is balanced by her sympathetic nature to those she comes across in need or hurt. Gabe is more easy going, tolerant and peaceful. I felt Arena overshadowed her brother in this book, when they were both supposed to be the savors or destroyers of the world, but something tells the author will rectify that in the next book. I also found it interesting that a male writer would choose the female to be the warrior, which I liked.

It’s a well written story where the author has created a horrific future. If you love apocalyptic stories with bloodshed and gore, this may be the book for you. I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Cheree Castellanos Edits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Fast paced and lots of action! Loved the twist on the apocalypse of the book of Revelation and the glory given to God in all things and the faith that Arena and her brother Gabe have through everything. This book is not only filled with heart stopping, non stop action, but also emotional turmoil and very sad and real situations that one would expect at the end of the world. I can't wait to dive into book 2 and see where their destiny calls them next!

[Emmaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review

"Last Light Falling - The Covenant, Book I" by J E Plemons

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5/5)

"Last Light Falling" is an extraordinary dystopian adventure that takes readers on a thrilling and emotional journey. Set in a post-apocalyptic America in the year 2053, J E Plemons' storytelling is masterful, immersing readers in a world filled with tragedy, chaos, and the looming threat of biblical proportions.

At the heart of the story are fifteen-year-old twins, Arena and Gabe, who bravely embrace their destiny to prepare the world for its final days. Their bond is beautifully portrayed, tugging at your heartstrings as they face unimaginable challenges together.

Plemons' writing paints a vivid and haunting picture of a shattered nation, bringing to life the harsh realities of a world on the brink of collapse. The crucifix birthmark shared by Arena and Gabe adds an intriguing layer of mystery to their journey, symbolizing the weight of their fate.

The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly blending moments of hope, sacrifice, and heart-pounding action. As the twins navigate their path, they encounter a priest who guides and protects them, further deepening the complexity of the story.

"Last Light Falling" is not just a dystopian tale; it delves into profound themes of faith, survival, and the battle between good and evil. The novel leaves readers pondering the power of human will and the choices we make in the face of adversity.

In summary, "Last Light Falling - The Covenant, Book I" is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. Plemons' rich world-building, well-crafted characters, and thought-provoking narrative create an unforgettable reading experience. If you're looking for an enthralling and meaningful adventure, this book is for you!

[Elizabeth Emily Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book blind. I got both the first and second book in the series quite a while ago on Netgalley and because I'm ridiculously unorganized, I'm only just getting to them now which means I didn't have a clue what they were about.

Wow. There is a lot of violence and a lot about faith in this book. The book focuses around two watchers called Arena and Gabe. They were orphaned when they were 9 years old and got taken in by a couple called Myra and Daniel who looked after them from then on. On their 15th birthday they received a letter addressed to them with a key and instructions from their uncle Finnigan who they hadn't seen in years and who they believed to be dead.

There is a ridiculous amount of death in this book.. Arena is what can only be described as an assassin. She has got crazy good fighting skills. She is lethal and if I'm honest I honestly don't know where she got her skills from? I guess she was just gifted with them as her and Gabe are the 'Chosen Ones'. Gabe is also a good fighter but maybe not quite in the same league as Arena. However he has a talent for all the technical stuff that could help them along their way. He also seems to be able to sense when danger is near. Which is always a good gift to have. This book gets a little confusing at times as you seem to just get a load of information dumped on you to take in and I never can so always end up forgetting some crucial bit to the plot.

Overall this isn't a bad read and I'm intrigued to see what happens next so I'm off to continue the series.

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can find my review on our blog by clicking here.

Set in the future, 2053 to be precise, a disastrous event is about to unfold. America will never be normal again. People will meet Death and succumb to his demands. Nothing is promised and there’s only one person that change everything. Arena Power. This 15 year old girl finds out that the faith of humanity is within the palms of her little hands and is confronted with one ultimate decision: To follow her destiny as the Chosen One and save the world or steer away from a future filled with a burden to unleash God’s wrath on the Evil that walks among them. Surrounded by her twin brother, her uncle—also trainer of various arts—family and friends, Arena Power is put upon a path that is blurred with death, blood and destruction. Thankfully, she holds more skills and intellect than most of humanity to help her rid the world of the nightmare that embellishes it.

Disappointment is all that rose from this novel. Novels that take up the challenge to put a Chosen One storyline are rarely admired because of the difficulty that comes with building an original and captivating story with those binoculars on. The first book in the Last Light Falling series sadly didn’t succeed on that front and suffered considerably from the moment the author made readers aware of the ride they were about to go on. J. E. Plemons also poorly built his world and that did not help in conveying the Chosen One plot. The beginning of the novel constructs a teenagers life and barely introduces readers to the overall setting that clears up the reader on the dystopia that the characters live in. However, when the author attempts to clear up the air, he dumps an enormous stack of information on readers. We’re then submerged by information, forcefully fed, and quickly destroy any attempt to build a rhythm for the story. The novel is also filled with a lot of action scenes; or was it only action scenes. But do not underestimate them. They are filled with chopped heads, bullets to the temple, limb cutting and so much more. All done by a 15 year old girl. Let’s not forget to mention her unusual interest to male private areas. It’s insane. It’s as if every opportunity she gets to kill a man, she makes sure to aim for the groin. Unfortunately, all the gore in this novel didn’t serve any purpose in my reading experience, since all they did was making me want to get over the book as soon as possible. In fact, the novel focuses a lot on the bloodbath and little on the delivery of a fine-tuned story.

There’s actually more downsides to this novel than one could imagine. This part pertains to the use of religion in the storyline. J.E. Plemons grossly use religion as the very engine that runs the Chosen One idea. The thing I despised about this isn’t because there’s a strong religious background to this story, but how it was used to propel the story forward. In this novel, God has made Arena Power and her twin brother the Chosen Ones that will kill every individual that harvests Evil. Through a priest that delivers the message to the twins, these two blindly take upon the role and go out on a killing spree that totally uncalled for. Every single action scene increases their death count exponentially and every action they take is poorly justified by a proclamation that they have been sent by God to rid the evil from Earth. Now, if you take a moment to look things through the eyes of others, you’ll most likely think that our dear protagonist is a deranged psychopath who prefers to kill people rather than solve problems humanly.

The novel is narrated in the first person. Therefore, readers get to have Arena Powers thoughts throughout the whole novel. Wonderful! Or is it? J.E. Plemons has a rich vocabulary and it’s definitely one of the upsides to this novel. There’s no doubt that his writing clearly tells the story without any discrepancies. However, it’s when you remind yourself that you’ve got a 15 year old girl as a protagonist that you start to question yourself if the writing isn’t instead harming the character building. In fact, thoughts are conveyed with a strong poetic power and sometimes makes some descriptions quite awkward to conceive. It’s hard to imagine that the main character is thinking these things with such fluidity and precision (just like her ass-kicking). The writing, instead, made me see a more pretentious and over-zealous character who thinks a little too high and might of herself. What didn’t help any more than it should have are all the other characters who are with Arena Power. The moment she’s proclaimed the Chosen One, every other character felt benign and diminished in presence. They seemed irrelevant and their reactions felt unusual. For example, when Arena Power gets to her first kill ever (which was violent in nature), the reaction from the others felt absolutely absent and uninfluenced. In general, there was no real connection between characters and none between me and the them. I felt disconnected from the whole story and there was no attempt to hook me up with intrigue or anything. Felt like the book was a lot more concerned in dropping bodies than keeping the reader attached to the adventure.

J.E. Plemons debut novel is nonetheless a bloody action-packed apocalyptic fiesta. If a large number of action scenes featuring a 15 year old girl who can dual-wield blades and guns, shoot arrows better than the best archer in the world and manipulate guns and bullets like none other, are your thing, then you’ve met your match. The story is sadly superficial and revolves entirely on the elimination of a leader that plans on ruling the world in his own crazy way. Oh, and to get to him, our Angels of Death go out of their way to kill any antagonists. Whether they’re innocent or not. The Last Light Falling also mentions a lot of horrible acts, such as rape, to affect us emotionally and to advance the plot by using such events to motivate characters. I was quite disappointed by how it felt downplayed and dull. Then again, the novel as a whole failed to distinguish itself and couldn’t raise itself back up with its finale. Hopefully it’s sequel has better plans for Arena Powers and her trusty sidekicks.

Yours truly,

Lashaan

Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com

[Rebecca Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA lovers of dystopian fantasy and great world-building, you've found your next book! This was an engaging read by a new-to-me indie author. The lovely #writingcommunity on Twitter is always an amazing place to find books by fabulous new authors.

Arena and Gabe Powers are twins who've lost their parents and have finally found a home by a lovely couple who's taken them in. They're about to begin high school and at fifteen years old, you can imagine what a precarious time that is in their life. Set in a dystopian future, not only are they navigating their teenage years, but come to find that they have been chosen to save the world. The story is told from Arena's point of view and her internal dialogue is poignant, reverent and very funny. I definitely felt as if I was in her head throughout the story, which shows the author's prowess as a writer.

With action, great characters and lots of twists, this is a great book to add to your TBR!

[Niyati Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This book has graphic scenes and strong language. It is not for the faint hearted. You need some temperament to read this book. It has strong religious themes and considers themes like murder.
Last Light Falling begins in 2053, with believable world conditions as they could exist at that time. The story begins on the main characters’ fifteenth birthday, twins Arena and Gabe Powers, whose parents were killed in a tragic car crash six years ago. The book is told from the POV of Arena Powers.

This book made me think about a lot of issues which are plaguing our world today.

1. The availability of fossil fuel. The first two world wars were fought over politics, international alliances and a fight for supremacy. Each nation can claim to be an economic superpower because of the industries it claims on its soil and the fuel it can consume. But what happens when oil and coal vanish? Will that mean a new world order? With the third world countries surviving the effects of pollution before?

2. Arena debates a lot about Government policies. I feel very taken care of by my own Government but I am always hesitant, knowing that at the highest level, the value of one life, vis-à-vis saving millions, is not a high price to pay. The way the Government treats the poor and those who rebel makes me wonder what will happen once the world is running drastically low on stocks of everything that makes it tick. It made me wonder about the millions of people who would have to lose their lives, simply because there are too many people to be taken into the ambit of a country’s then economic resources.

3. I found religion to be linked quite strongly to the whole theme and I could only surmise that the author is someone who is a deeply religious man. Many wars have been fought in the name of God and many will continue to be fought. It is scary to imagine incurring the wrath of the Almighty, however many Gods and Goddesses we believe in.

4. I felt there was a lot of violence in the book. At some point, it was a little scary to read that a 15 year old had progressed to killing people. But then, I thought of so many places, where there was civil unrest in the world. I thought of places like Afghanistan, where people could get shot for existing. Or places like South Sudan or even Congo, where Blood Diamond is a common term. Israel and Palestine with their much debated fight. Or take any civil unrest. The world is a violent place. This book took me to a world where people had to fight to survive. It is different when you are thinking in terms of getting a job, buying a house or a car. The equation changes when you have to fight to survive.

5. My heart went out to Arena and Gabe when they were adopted by Myra and Daniel. It is such a genuine and a loving gesture when someone adopts a child who isn’t their own blood. It is the ultimate sacrifice you can make towards the world because you directly ensure someone is given a better life. The world has many such orphans and people who need a loving hand over their head and it was heartening to read about how openly Myra and Daniel accepted the twins.

6. Reading about curfew, and the credit system for food made me realize how the Government regulated us, as humans. A curfew could be a measure to control the population from an imminent danger or an air strike or it could be a measure to make sure a dictatorial rule was imposed. It made me wonder whether we were going to progress to a world where people were mere puppets waiting to have their strings cut off.

7. The world, as we know it, is fragile, sensitive and has an expiry date. All things come with a time bomb on their head. It made the effects of global warming so much stronger in my mind. The imminent apocalypse and the collapse of the nations is something I wish I never have to see. However, the irreversible effects of climate change are already being seen in parts of the world. There are cracks developing in every theory which rubbishes global warming. I only hope the continuous addition of dystopia to the reader’s bookshelf makes this point VERY CLEAR to the readers and they work towards making a better world.

8. I felt the end was a cliffhanger. There was so much that I wanted to read. When the twins break into a Maximum Security Prison, I had my heart in my throat. It made me wonder how life was. It pushed people to the extremes so often in terms of living a life in a shell or becoming a vigilante. It affected me, thinking about why God had wanted the twins to continue a gory mission and deliver mankind to its final death.

9. The book also made me wonder about how much our Government kept us under surveillance. On a normal day, I am sure there is some department of the Government tracking our every move. And to think about the level of intelligence required, it threw me off and I thought of every country, and how they went about gathering their intelligence.

This book, as is plainly evident, gave me a lot to think about. The end was a cliffhanger. I was so hooked to the book. Inspite of it being full of murder and gory scenes. I wanted to find out what happened to Arena because it was so refreshing to see a heroine who packed punch. And with panache.

I would ask you to check this book out because it encouraged me to think a lot, and I love books which make me think about a wide variety of issues.

[Norelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book caught my eye. For those of you who follow me, you'll know why :-)

I definitely enjoyed the book. Fast paced and a lot of action. Great descriptions and suspense, with biblical/faith-based and end of time content, which I love.

The reason I gave this book a 4-star rating vs. a 5, was for the language in it. Because of that, I believe it's more suitable for adults.

[Steffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Arena and her brother Gabe are “the chosen ones.” They have a duty to protect what’s left of the innocent people of the world and destroy the evil ones. They are also…Ahm…Fifteen years old. I don’t know about you guys, but when I was fifteen, I played on the Xbox all night long.

This book had its ups and downs for me. So let’s start with the downs first…

Personally, I’m not a religious person whatsoever. I did not expect this book to have a lot of that in it, but I really did not want that to hinder everything else about this book. It just…made me feel weird, you know? But I’m not even going to make that a big thumbs down for this because that is too personal.

What I did find more annoying than that is the fact that it takes WAY to long to explain everything. Yes, I know it’s important for readers to know what’s going on in the world…but there was so much to read that I found myself spacing out so many times. There were times when I would have to restart the page to get what has been said, but other times, I thought, “I don’t even want to.” All this was probably the biggest no-no for me.

What I REALLY loved was the gore and bloodshed!!!

Arena is a kick-ass fifteen year old who is also a deadly fighting machine. The way she slices and dices through people get so descriptive and I LOVE it! I got way too giddy with this book because of it.

She also has a dark and sarcastic sense of humor just like me. Here is a fun quote:

“While other girls pretend to role-play as fairy princesses or delight in a fanciful soiree of dolls during imaginary tea parties for social enlightenment, I am busy pretending to wield my bloody sword into the belly of my foe, conquering the feats of evil and freeing the slaves. Who says I didn’t have an enlightening childhood?”

I love Arena so much xD

But she does have a weird thing for a man’s personal area…Incoming second quote:

“‘Don’t shoot, I’m unarmed!’ he pleads. I aim the gun from his head and drop it down to his crotch, then shoot off his penis. ‘No, now you’re unarmed.'”

That isn’t the last time something like that happened. Just saying.

The setting itself was also pretty fantastic. The world Plemons created was absolutely terrifying. No one is free. America isn’t the America that we know. We are all being watched.

Kind of sounds like 1984.

What made me laugh after I finished the book was when I thought back to how the setting was when I first started. They are two teenagers beginning to start their first day of high school. What they had to worry about was their social status, bullying, and crushes.

Well didn’t that take a fuckin’ drastic turn?

So all together, I give this book three stars. I wasn’t remotely hooked to it (this took me like a week to read), but I did love most of the characters, the gore, the setting, and the wickedness. Reading some of the passages gave me goosebumps, because this world turning upside down like it did in the book is possible.

Buuuuut I don’t think I will read the second book.

Who will I recommend this book to? Definitely to people who enjoy reading about dystopias, and even more so to people who enjoy reading gory passages.

My blog is https://majestyreviewdotcom.wordpress...
I don't have much going on right now but it's a start!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Light Falling opens up with a verse from Revelation that speaks about the end of the world which is one of the key points in the book to me. The book is very action packed with twists and turns around every corner keeping you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know more!

The book describes a world that we are not accustom to. It is set in America in the year 2053 and describes the world in shambles after a virus spread across the countries and killed billions of individuals! In 2053, the government is more corrupted than ever and has put into place a shocking new system and way of life for everyone. This system is divided into three classes: the rich, the poor, and the Watchers and is based on a point system for food, pay, etc. Everyone's way of life has been completely flipped upside down and everyone is learning how to survive in new ways. America is worse off now then it has ever been before as the people are no longer 'free' to be themselves, no longer have high standards of living, and no longer have the right to come and go as they please.

The main characters of the book, Arena and Gabe Power, are twins, fifteen-years old, and are called upon by God to carry out His fury; killing the evil and saving the holy. The two were orphaned at the age of nine and become foster children of a couple who loves them as if they were their own. Throughout the book you get to learn more about how the two where orphaned and get flashbacks of their lives before the tragic death of their parents.

Arena and Gabe have astonishing gifts. Gabe is a genius techie who can make anything involving electronics. The gadgets referred to throughout the book are described in a way that you can actually envision them being possible! Arena on the other hand is highly skilled in combat which she was taught by her uncle and a martial arts instructor. The two also share something together that many people could only dream of - they speak many languages! As with any book, you come to love the characters and such is true in this case, even the not so main characters. All the characters have an important role to play throughout the book and there is not one person that you think should not be included in the story.

The book is set up in a way where the descriptions give you enough detail to picture the scene, but not overly describing the scene to make it drawn out. With the government being so different than what we are used to in real life, you would think that understanding the government in the book would be difficult, but it is not, the author lays it out so well that it makes complete sense. Since the book is centered around carrying out the fury of God, it has violent scenes, but nothing too extreme or out of line.

My favorite parts of the book were reading about Arena and Gabe's growth in their faith and within themselves, their decision to fulfill their calling from God, and their devotion to their faith. The book is a young adult genre so the biblical facet of this book was unexpected, but very refreshing for something new. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the second book, Into the Darkness, to come out!

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darkly delicious tale that deftly interweaves evil, treachery and truth for an intoxicating concoction

Last Light Falling: The Covenant (book 1) is a hauntingly mesmeric story of profound depth and a sinister ‘surreal’ quality. It speaks to the soul by capturing quintessentially the fragility of human life and a remarkable perception on death, God and all that lies beyond our current existence. I felt like I was floating in a sea of subconscious thoughts as the events within the book highlighted how one might personally reflect upon their own life span. By blending together an eclectic mix of genre J E Plemons’ novel will appeal to fans of YA fiction as well as chilling horror, sci-fi and post-apocalyptic/ distopian. Religious references add substance to the story, as too does the epic journey that the main characters Arena and Gabriel embark upon. Not all heroes are one’s who (cliché) ‘save the world’ as some can show a fragility as you or I, yet it is their actions in the final days of the world that hold such impacting resonance.

Here’s an intriguing, philosophical question…If your fate has already been chosen for you, would you change it?.
One part of this extraordinary story that I can take with me, is how it is not what we say or do that matters as it is ultimately our choices that define who we really are.

In a world filled with unspeakable tragedy, darkness and a lingering wickedness that taunts us 15 yr old Arena accepts the destiny before her with courage. Despite all the terrible devastation and crushed spirits around her, she is a gutsy protagonist whom I admire and instils a sense of purpose within you. I was able to connect with the narrative on such a personal level, through the thought-provoking undertone and overall memorability of the story. Anyone seeking a sensational read which is well written, evocative and full of intensity will love this debut.

4.5 STARS

*I would like to thank the author for providing me with a physical copy of his novel to read and review, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and cannot wait for book 2: in the covenant series*

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting, Genre-Defining

As a life-time reader you go through a great number of books, even from a very early age. Over the years you start to develop unique tastes and cravings that not every author can provide. You also learn many common threads (some people call them tropes or clichés) that the vast majority of authors repeat. And then... then you have books like this one, that surpass your every expectation.

Set in a (sort of) post-apocalyptic setting in the United States of America, J.E. Plemons has crafted one of those rare treats, a novel that defies (and defines) an entire genre. Right from the start the author is able to sink their hooks into you and never let go for the entire wild ride. I found myself reading well into the twilight hours turning page after page, I couldn't put it down.

Arena and her twin brother, Gabe, are fascinating characters that feel like real people. Their struggles in this fictional world are breath-taking and haunting; I had to physically remind myself to breath sometimes. I could not help but get heavily invested in these characters and their strangely familiar, yet alien world.

The future depicted here is both simultaneously terrifying, yet beautiful in its own way. The author has obviously done their research on American history and is familiar with that old adage of "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it". The story also plays with fate, destiny, and heritage, asking us to think about who we really are, and where we choose to go. Is this set in stone? Can it be changed?

They say you can feel an author's passion in their works and I felt it here in spades. J.E. Plemons felt very strongly about this book and everything inside it. This level of emotion is sadly not common in modern novels, but there's no shortage of that here!

Every time I get a good novel I tell myself to read it slowly, to take my time before it’s all gone. Every time I ignore that advice. I simply could not put it down and I cannot wait until the next one. While the story doesn't end on a major cliff hanger, there is just so much more to explore in the lives of these characters.

[Jaxxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who spends few hours each week reading books, e-books and other written works online, the title and the cover really caught my attention. At first the story seems to be your common apocalyptic story which most of us are really sick of, but as I read the first few parts of the story, I realized that I was wrong.

There are many twists in this story and nail-biting scenes, some which very graphic, but extremely real. The greatest difference in this book that makes it stand out among the rest is that the main character’s agenda. They’re not heroes or saviors. They are merely human and imperfect, which is what makes this character driven story so wonderful. Rather than chosen to save the world, which I expected, it was the other way around. Arena and Gabe, the protagonists, are very relatable characters that breath emotion like no others.

These characters have strong personalities and are easy to identify to one another. While the character relationships grow, so does the setting – a setting that seems more probable than most apocalyptic books out there today. It is on par to being extremely scary realistic. The words are written clearly and easy to understand, even though the story was fast paced. The author answered all my questions as the story unfolds, but leaves me wondering what will happen at the end. This book will be on my top list not only because I'm a real avid fan of apocalyptic stories, but because the book made me look at the world from another view. Perception is everything…and there is plenty of it.

There is one thing about this book that’s disturbing. I hope to god this isn’t what our future looks like. I highly recommend this to a wide range of readers. It will most definitely appeal to teens, especially females, but I can see many adults wanting to read this because of the political views and the graphic foothold it possesses. Five gratifying stars from me! Would love to see this series become a franchise movie. Move over Katniss Everdeen, there’s a new girl in town and she doesn’t whine over silly boys. Arena will kick your butt!

[Lindsey Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Original Review Here

It’s been a while since I have written a bad review, but this was one of the worst books I’ve read for some time.

The plot could work – prophesised twins destined to do God’s work and cleanse the world of evil. But it didn’t. It lacked in tension and failed to keep me gripped. Anything about religion came in chunks – one chapter would all be about killing and murder, the next all about God. There was no blend and that distanced me from the book.

The characters were weak. Arena was too powerful, especially compared to her brother. She handled everything. She barely got hurt. She was a killer, through and through. For someone doing God’s work, she never thought about compassion or love when murdering soldiers and meant I neither liked nor cared about her. Trained men followed her without question and she had all the ideas. It was unrealistic and made her annoying rather than creating empathy.

The relationships developed too quickly. They started a new school. Both twins fell in love. Then had their hearts broken. Arena got over the loss of her foster mother far quicker than a boy she had known for about a week. This weakened their development as characters.

Rape was used far too casually. At least three main characters are raped and another threatened with it. And again, they spring back from it like nothing happened. The same with murder. A few characters are spared and a big deal is made out of showing mercy. Those same rules don’t apply by the time the next killing comes around.

Then the actual writing. It was weak and distracting. Visions were used to show events that should be unknown – and not in a realistic way. Descriptions were not engaging and a character “slowly jumping” annoyed me no end – it’s a contradiction and doesn’t work as an action. The time-frame was not made apparent and the repetition of Arena going to find solace alone happened too often for the reader to care.

All in all, a massive let down.

[Angela Jones-Cuéllar · Rating 2 out of 5]

pooled ink Reviews:

Last Light Falling was a bloody thriller of a story and the writing skills were undeniably there (except I wasn't a huge fan of the info-dumps that kept popping up).

Look, I’m never not going to be a fan of badass female protagonists who can hold their own but there has to be something else, something more. Katniss (from The Hunger Games) is a fabulous example where she can 100% fight and fend for herself but she does it largely to save and protect others and not just because she can. Arena on the other hand seemed to be an anti-feminist (in that she far from embraced the diversity of women in the world) and a total killing machine who liked it just a bit too much. Bottom line is she unfortunately lacked any form of charm, which made her difficult to connect with. Plus I’m sad to report that she contains one of my ultimate personality pet peeves: act now, think later.

The plot however is the foundation of the story and I won’t deny that it was interesting. I mean, future America plus dystopian society plus end of the world plus the Book of Revelations plus more?? Definitely interesting subject matter and it could hardly fail. Also: plot twists!

This book’s plot also takes the route of preparing the world for the end rather than trying to save the world from an end. It’s an interesting perspective to have a story told from. It also makes complete sense since this book openly recognizes the existence of God and obviously a mere collection of humans can’t stop Him if He decides to end the world as opposed to if the protagonist was fighting an evil dictator or someone you could just shoot down. Oh but please take all the religious details with a large dose of salt and keep in mind that while it may be an important aspect of the story this book is also YA fiction (which means facts/Biblical truths + creative license).

Read my full review here: https://pooledink.wordpress.com/2015/...

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

First Impression: Excellent cover art and an interesting premise. Dystopian post-apocalyptic is my favorite genre.

Characters: A strong female lead with a band of friends and family makes for a relatable base. Arena Power grows up fast when she realizes her and her brother Gabe are destined to take on the evil of this new world. I was a bit confused about the character building since it went from 0-60 in a hot second. I appreciated the bonds between characters, however, as it makes them realistic.

World Building: Instead of saving the world, Arena and Gabe are tasked to bring about the end – to end the evil that plagues the nations. A corrupt government not a far cry from our own is painted with precision, and the reader is immersed into the new world. There’s also a bit too much graphic violence to be called Christian Fiction, but not enough science to be Sci-Fi.

Writing Style: As a Christian, I enjoy stories with a biblical background. On the other hand, I don’t love the almost preachy dialogue that comes mainly from the main character Arena. Author J.E. Plemons undoubtedly has a way with words, as is apparent throughout the twists and turns within “Last Light Falling.” However, I want more story and less life lesson.

What I Enjoyed: This is a fast-paced book with plenty of action. I also liked the hint of romance between characters without the smut so common in the 2010’s.

Deal Benders: For some reason Arena and Gabe grow wise beyond their years overnight? This didn’t resonate with me as realistic, but more forced. I think with a bit of the dialogue dialed back the story would flow better.

Overall Rating: I give this a solid 3 stars because I liked the idea and the story. I’m interested to see how “The Covenant” series evolves; once this author hits his stride many will follow!

For Fans Of: Dystopian post-apocalyptic fiction with a religious slant.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Quite literally the BEST young adult christian book on the market. The characters are real, they aren't picture perfect Christian cut outs portrayed in soo many other Christian fiction titles. They have faults, they curse, they act like normal teens (minus being killing machines chosen by God). It was really refreshing, and I think the author did an amazing job making his characters real and relate-able unlike many other books on the market.

Arena and Gabe are twins and they have no idea how much their world is about to change. They are living with their foster parents and the end times are near. The government is falling apart, guns are outlawed, homeless people are killed, and public executions are the norm. If they thought high school was rough, things are about to get a whole lot harder. On their fifteenth birthday they receive a key in the mail, a key that will open the doors to a whole new future. a future that God has planned for them. Arena must help overthrow the corrupt regime and prepare the world for the end times, her brother standing by her side helping with logistics and weapons. It's lucky that she has trained for years in the martial arts because those skills are going to come in handy as she unleashes her lethal art form on the evil. Along with her uncle, her martial arts instructor, and her brother Gabe, they must fight the corrupt soldiers city by city and save God's people.

A wonderful apocalyptic novel for teens. While it can be violent and sometimes nearly unbelievable that a fifteen year old can wreak so much havoc, I think teens will thoroughly enjoy the badassery of Arena. Soo glad that teen heroines are the new thing!

I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.