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Stone Braide Chronicles #2
Lightning
After she found her real father, life for Selah should have felt settled. But the horrors have just begun. In her broken world of toxic earth and tribal clashes, Selah must
battle the forces of nature alongside those in the Mountain who are calling for her blood. Haunted by the pain of mounting losses, she forges on, seeking her lost family and
uncovering new mysteries. But the ultimate betrayal of her own body may soon make her quest impossible as it becomes apparent that what has made her new could also drive her to a life of madness.
Bonnie Calhoun whisks readers back into an otherworldly struggle as Selah continues her quest for answers--and freedom.
battle the forces of nature alongside those in the Mountain who are calling for her blood. Haunted by the pain of mounting losses, she forges on, seeking her lost family and
uncovering new mysteries. But the ultimate betrayal of her own body may soon make her quest impossible as it becomes apparent that what has made her new could also drive her to a life of madness.
Bonnie Calhoun whisks readers back into an otherworldly struggle as Selah continues her quest for answers--and freedom.
411 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2015
29 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie S. Calhoun
10 books149 followersI love action adventure but it doesn't make me happy unless there are...body count, blood, and blowing things up. I play with mad skills at coding HTML and website design and live in a log cabin in the woods with fifteen acres, an old apple orchard, and a pond full of bass though I'd rather buy fish at the grocery store. I share my domain with a husband, and two cats who think I'm the waitstaff!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 8, 2017
I think that out of all of the books in the Stone Braide Chronicles I’ve read, I enjoyed this one the most :) Some of the things that go on in these books can definitely be a little confusing though. It is kind of hard to explain so I’m not even going to try lol, but I guess just keep that in mind if you are considering reading the series. Some things actually did start to make more sense in the second book however, especially about Glade, Selah’s father.
I loved how even though Glade and Bodhi pretty much could not stand each other in the beginning, as the story progressed, they were able to at least appreciate one another and grow to like the other person more in time. It was a little funny to see Glade also be that tough and protective father figure and not wanting Bodhi to date Selah :P Even though Glade has only known Selah for about three months XD, I still liked that he was trying to watch out for her and keep her safe :)
This book started off a little slow and took a little while for me to get invested into it, but, whew, then it started to pick up and I never wanted to put it down! I definitely liked it more than Thunder I think because I understood stuff a little more…There were some things I didn’t necessarily like, and some things that made me so mad/sad, but some of that was kind of in a good way, if that’s even possible XD
A couple of my favorite characters were not in this book, like Amaryllis. And other characters--things just happen to them that make me really sad…hoping that it will somehow change in the next book, and it end up just being some cruel ploy to trick you… because it’s not fun when authors mess with your favorite characters, you know haha :P I can’t say too much about that, but just know—I’m really upset about the situation lol (I know that's very vague, but I can't get too in detail about it because of spoilers :p)
Even though I wouldn’t describe this book as Christian Fiction, (It’s more Dystopian) I still enjoyed it as a book overall and I’m glad I continued on with the rest of the series because THIS BOOK…this book surprised me by how much it made me feel…I almost cried so many times while reading it—I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing necessarily :P But I’m really happy to have book three, Storm, with me on my bookshelf because for certain things I.NEED.ANSWERS!!! XD
*Thank you Revell and Baker Publishing Group for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review
I loved how even though Glade and Bodhi pretty much could not stand each other in the beginning, as the story progressed, they were able to at least appreciate one another and grow to like the other person more in time. It was a little funny to see Glade also be that tough and protective father figure and not wanting Bodhi to date Selah :P Even though Glade has only known Selah for about three months XD, I still liked that he was trying to watch out for her and keep her safe :)
This book started off a little slow and took a little while for me to get invested into it, but, whew, then it started to pick up and I never wanted to put it down! I definitely liked it more than Thunder I think because I understood stuff a little more…There were some things I didn’t necessarily like, and some things that made me so mad/sad, but some of that was kind of in a good way, if that’s even possible XD
A couple of my favorite characters were not in this book, like Amaryllis. And other characters--things just happen to them that make me really sad…hoping that it will somehow change in the next book, and it end up just being some cruel ploy to trick you… because it’s not fun when authors mess with your favorite characters, you know haha :P I can’t say too much about that, but just know—I’m really upset about the situation lol (I know that's very vague, but I can't get too in detail about it because of spoilers :p)
Even though I wouldn’t describe this book as Christian Fiction, (It’s more Dystopian) I still enjoyed it as a book overall and I’m glad I continued on with the rest of the series because THIS BOOK…this book surprised me by how much it made me feel…I almost cried so many times while reading it—I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing necessarily :P But I’m really happy to have book three, Storm, with me on my bookshelf because for certain things I.NEED.ANSWERS!!! XD
*Thank you Revell and Baker Publishing Group for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2016
This one was just as interesting as the first. I read it rather quickly as I needed to finish it so that I could get to book 3, a review book. I definitely recommend reading book 1 first as this one picks up right after it.
Want to read
March 7, 2015I love the cover! Especially the red and orange colours!
March 4, 2021
Following Selah in this book was exhausting, lol!
Selah is that friend that is a busy body and will neglect the things pertaining herself because she is too busy trying to help others.
If she wasn’t getting caught, she and her friends were escaping and running for their lives. This was the only thing that drove me nuts with this book. After remembering that this book is aimed for a much younger audience, I understood Bonnie’s writing creativity.
Selah is a head strong young lady with new powers that she is unsure of why she has them and how to use them. Her family comes up missing and she leaves to return to the mountain in order to find and rescue them.
Bodhi makes a promise he wishes he hadn’t because he is losing his lander abilities.
Glade is on a mission and and unknowingly started a clock that could fracture his daughter Selah. This is not his only problem, he is holding a secret that could hurt those he hold dear.
Tho this book does not mention God, I got from this book, the importance of not living in our emotions. When we do, things generally do not go as planned. Things are said or done that could hurt those around us. The “power” we have comes from the Word of God. He has given each of us the ability to walk in our faith and not our emotions.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to finishing this series.
Selah is that friend that is a busy body and will neglect the things pertaining herself because she is too busy trying to help others.
If she wasn’t getting caught, she and her friends were escaping and running for their lives. This was the only thing that drove me nuts with this book. After remembering that this book is aimed for a much younger audience, I understood Bonnie’s writing creativity.
Selah is a head strong young lady with new powers that she is unsure of why she has them and how to use them. Her family comes up missing and she leaves to return to the mountain in order to find and rescue them.
Bodhi makes a promise he wishes he hadn’t because he is losing his lander abilities.
Glade is on a mission and and unknowingly started a clock that could fracture his daughter Selah. This is not his only problem, he is holding a secret that could hurt those he hold dear.
Tho this book does not mention God, I got from this book, the importance of not living in our emotions. When we do, things generally do not go as planned. Things are said or done that could hurt those around us. The “power” we have comes from the Word of God. He has given each of us the ability to walk in our faith and not our emotions.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to finishing this series.
December 1, 2015
Lightning
Stone Braide Chronicles #2
By Bonnie S. Calhoun
Selah has been reunited with the father she never knew about, but Glade is so focused on his quest to reach the West and the Third Protocol of Landers that Selah seldom spends much time with him. And since they arrived in Tic City Selah hasn't seen much of Bodhi. The bond between them seems broken, but Selah still feels it.
Having become a novarium has left Selah with more questions than answers and there is no one she can ask. There are no other living novarium that she can ask and the information she has is limited and vague. Even more unsettling are the symptoms that she is experiencing - flashes of power and visions of destruction.
As Selah tries to adjust to the changes she is undergoing, she is being drawn into a situation that could very well leave her imprisoned with the Mountain. Time is running out as Selah must find her family and save them from the coming disaster. A disaster which Selah fears she may be the cause of. Little does she realize just what she is about to bring about and the sacrifice that she will be called upon to make.
Fans of Thunder will definitely want to check-out the newest addition to the Stone Braide chronicles. And, yes, you need to read the first book first, and if it has been a few months since you closed the cover pick it and give yourself a refresher.
This book has more action in it and less "romance" which should please those who were a bit put off by the romance in the previous book. Also be prepared to possibly shed a tear or two as there are a few scenes that are a bit heartbreaking. Have a tissue handy.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.
Stone Braide Chronicles #2
By Bonnie S. Calhoun
Selah has been reunited with the father she never knew about, but Glade is so focused on his quest to reach the West and the Third Protocol of Landers that Selah seldom spends much time with him. And since they arrived in Tic City Selah hasn't seen much of Bodhi. The bond between them seems broken, but Selah still feels it.
Having become a novarium has left Selah with more questions than answers and there is no one she can ask. There are no other living novarium that she can ask and the information she has is limited and vague. Even more unsettling are the symptoms that she is experiencing - flashes of power and visions of destruction.
As Selah tries to adjust to the changes she is undergoing, she is being drawn into a situation that could very well leave her imprisoned with the Mountain. Time is running out as Selah must find her family and save them from the coming disaster. A disaster which Selah fears she may be the cause of. Little does she realize just what she is about to bring about and the sacrifice that she will be called upon to make.
Fans of Thunder will definitely want to check-out the newest addition to the Stone Braide chronicles. And, yes, you need to read the first book first, and if it has been a few months since you closed the cover pick it and give yourself a refresher.
This book has more action in it and less "romance" which should please those who were a bit put off by the romance in the previous book. Also be prepared to possibly shed a tear or two as there are a few scenes that are a bit heartbreaking. Have a tissue handy.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2016
Review:
I received this book from NetGalley for review
It took me a few chapters to get back into this world, as I forgot a lot of what happened in the previous book. But once I got back into the world and remembered enough to follow what was happening in relation to the events in the last book, I could barely put this book down. During many of the beginning chapters I was curious if I needed to read the sequel novella (Aftershock) before reading this book, to just bridge some of the facts and maybe remember somethings just a little bit better.
Selah was way more likable earlier in this book than I remember her being in the first book. While she still makes really rash decisions without thinking things through. She is desperate for answers and when her Mother and younger brother go missing along with her step-father, she takes a chance and goes to try and find them.
The suspense was subtle enough that it didn't overpower the other plot of Selah being a novarium, and what that means for her future. Not remembering a lot of the first book was where this hurt me when reading this book. I didn't remember that happening to her. I found that a little more interesting about the character than the rest of the plot lines. Selah trying to get Bodhi's abilities back and her missing family members didn't capture my attention as much as finding out more about the Landers who they are and what they can do.
This book was really engaging and I loved every minute reading it. I look forward to reading the next book and where these characters are headed.
I received this book from NetGalley for review
It took me a few chapters to get back into this world, as I forgot a lot of what happened in the previous book. But once I got back into the world and remembered enough to follow what was happening in relation to the events in the last book, I could barely put this book down. During many of the beginning chapters I was curious if I needed to read the sequel novella (Aftershock) before reading this book, to just bridge some of the facts and maybe remember somethings just a little bit better.
Selah was way more likable earlier in this book than I remember her being in the first book. While she still makes really rash decisions without thinking things through. She is desperate for answers and when her Mother and younger brother go missing along with her step-father, she takes a chance and goes to try and find them.
The suspense was subtle enough that it didn't overpower the other plot of Selah being a novarium, and what that means for her future. Not remembering a lot of the first book was where this hurt me when reading this book. I didn't remember that happening to her. I found that a little more interesting about the character than the rest of the plot lines. Selah trying to get Bodhi's abilities back and her missing family members didn't capture my attention as much as finding out more about the Landers who they are and what they can do.
This book was really engaging and I loved every minute reading it. I look forward to reading the next book and where these characters are headed.
October 13, 2015
My Review:
Selah Rishon found her father and believed she could live a happy normal life once more, but all is not what it seems. Her father, Glade has a few secrets he’s been hiding and now wishes to involve the ever so handsome Bodhi. The only problem is Glade despises Bodhi, and Bodhi has begun to loose his powers, do to the fact he begun Selah’s transition.
With Selah trying desperately to find her mom and younger brother, she finds herself with the question of what to do. Her dear friend and her brother plan to travel to the Mountain to unveil whats going on. They wish for her to go along, but what would Bodhi and Glade have to say. But then again they had just left for the Mountain themselves earlier that morning.
Soon both Selah and Bodhi along with friends, find danger in the craziest of ways. With some much going on around them, how will they ever save the people Selah holds most dear? And will it cost them everything even Selah’s life?
Lightening is book two in the Stone Braide Chronicles. This book was an amazing sequel to Thunder (book one). I have to say this series is one of my favorites. I love the action and adventure. This book shows what it truly means to have girl power. And boy do I have to say Selah sure has it. I want to see what happens, next cause I don’t know about you but I want to see what happens to Selah and Bodhi.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Selah Rishon found her father and believed she could live a happy normal life once more, but all is not what it seems. Her father, Glade has a few secrets he’s been hiding and now wishes to involve the ever so handsome Bodhi. The only problem is Glade despises Bodhi, and Bodhi has begun to loose his powers, do to the fact he begun Selah’s transition.
With Selah trying desperately to find her mom and younger brother, she finds herself with the question of what to do. Her dear friend and her brother plan to travel to the Mountain to unveil whats going on. They wish for her to go along, but what would Bodhi and Glade have to say. But then again they had just left for the Mountain themselves earlier that morning.
Soon both Selah and Bodhi along with friends, find danger in the craziest of ways. With some much going on around them, how will they ever save the people Selah holds most dear? And will it cost them everything even Selah’s life?
Lightening is book two in the Stone Braide Chronicles. This book was an amazing sequel to Thunder (book one). I have to say this series is one of my favorites. I love the action and adventure. This book shows what it truly means to have girl power. And boy do I have to say Selah sure has it. I want to see what happens, next cause I don’t know about you but I want to see what happens to Selah and Bodhi.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
November 5, 2015
This is the second book in Calhoun's dystopian Stone Braide Chronicles.
At the end of Thunder, Selah had finally found her real father. She and the others had escaped from the Mountain but still had work to do. Selah wants to be reunited with her mother and younger brother. When evidence is found that they have been taken to the Mountain, Selah wants to go back there and rescue them. To add to the drama, Selah's father indicates that something terrible will happen to Selah in nine months if they cannot find The Third Protocol. Unless Glade can find a way west through the mountains, Selah will fragment – her brain and physical functions will fall apart.
We learn a bit more about the post-apocalyptic world Selah inhabits. The native Landers were once ordinary humans who had left the Mountain before the great disaster. They changed afterward, somehow taking on incredible powers. We also find out that Selah, as the novarium, has elements in her blood that some think might heal or produce immortality.
Traveling back to the Mountain is dangerous. There are splinter groups that would like to capture Selah and sell her to the highest bidder. Even some who appear to want to protect Selah are traitors. We meet some interesting people too, such as those who live in trees. I felt this part of the novel was a bit slow and did not move the plot forward well.
Much of the action in this novel takes place back in the Mountain. I found that lack of description frequently detracted from my appreciation of the action. There is plenty of action but I had difficulty visualizing it. The group travels within the Mountain to cities with different color designations but I was unclear what made them different. Even within the Mountain there are many factions and people warring against each other.
One aspect of the plot that I got tired of was the animosity between Glade and Bodhi. It just seemed they would argue, come to terms, repeat.
Selah is an interesting heroine. There were times when she was amazingly effective while other times she was nearly overwhelmed. I had to keep reminding myself she was an eighteen year old developing superhuman powers and then her actions generally made sense and are appropriate for this young adult fiction.
I enjoyed this book in the series. I am still looking for some “Christian” or otherwise redemptive aspect to the book. There is mention of future good and evil so I trust it is coming in the sequel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
At the end of Thunder, Selah had finally found her real father. She and the others had escaped from the Mountain but still had work to do. Selah wants to be reunited with her mother and younger brother. When evidence is found that they have been taken to the Mountain, Selah wants to go back there and rescue them. To add to the drama, Selah's father indicates that something terrible will happen to Selah in nine months if they cannot find The Third Protocol. Unless Glade can find a way west through the mountains, Selah will fragment – her brain and physical functions will fall apart.
We learn a bit more about the post-apocalyptic world Selah inhabits. The native Landers were once ordinary humans who had left the Mountain before the great disaster. They changed afterward, somehow taking on incredible powers. We also find out that Selah, as the novarium, has elements in her blood that some think might heal or produce immortality.
Traveling back to the Mountain is dangerous. There are splinter groups that would like to capture Selah and sell her to the highest bidder. Even some who appear to want to protect Selah are traitors. We meet some interesting people too, such as those who live in trees. I felt this part of the novel was a bit slow and did not move the plot forward well.
Much of the action in this novel takes place back in the Mountain. I found that lack of description frequently detracted from my appreciation of the action. There is plenty of action but I had difficulty visualizing it. The group travels within the Mountain to cities with different color designations but I was unclear what made them different. Even within the Mountain there are many factions and people warring against each other.
One aspect of the plot that I got tired of was the animosity between Glade and Bodhi. It just seemed they would argue, come to terms, repeat.
Selah is an interesting heroine. There were times when she was amazingly effective while other times she was nearly overwhelmed. I had to keep reminding myself she was an eighteen year old developing superhuman powers and then her actions generally made sense and are appropriate for this young adult fiction.
I enjoyed this book in the series. I am still looking for some “Christian” or otherwise redemptive aspect to the book. There is mention of future good and evil so I trust it is coming in the sequel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
January 13, 2016
If you've been in the teen section of your local book store or library you already know that dystopian fiction is all the rage. We're not talking old school dystopian like Orwell's '1984' or Huxley's 'Brave New World'. I'm talking about things like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent' series.
I don't want to take issue with those books but let's just say that I want something better for my teens to read. I believe I've found it in Bonnie S. Calhoun's 'Stone Braide Chronicles' series. The first book in the series was entitled 'Thunder'. There are also two ebooks 'Tremors' and 'Aftershock' that fill in some of the background. (I've not read either of the ebooks.) I was pleasantly surprised by this series because it isn't my usual go to genre. 'Lightning' has solidified my love for this author's writing.
'Lightning' picks up where we left off with Selah and the rest of the characters. Because of that I would characterize this as a series that needs to be read in order. (I still think the eBooks are optional but they would enhance the story.) The story line is complex and without the background material I think you would be a bit lost.
The story is intense and fast-paced. Perfect to keep the attention of a young adult reader. As I've said before I'm not a young adult and I don't normally care for dystopian fiction but Bonnie Calhoun's writing style is absolutely riveting. There is very little fluff involved in these stories but they are chock-full of moral dilemmas that cause the reader to ponder their own response.
While the ending was quite satisfying it also leaves open the need for more books in this series. I can't wait to read them and see how this futuristic society will survive. Thanks Bonnie Calhoun for changing my mind about a genre and providing hours of reading enjoyment.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
I don't want to take issue with those books but let's just say that I want something better for my teens to read. I believe I've found it in Bonnie S. Calhoun's 'Stone Braide Chronicles' series. The first book in the series was entitled 'Thunder'. There are also two ebooks 'Tremors' and 'Aftershock' that fill in some of the background. (I've not read either of the ebooks.) I was pleasantly surprised by this series because it isn't my usual go to genre. 'Lightning' has solidified my love for this author's writing.
'Lightning' picks up where we left off with Selah and the rest of the characters. Because of that I would characterize this as a series that needs to be read in order. (I still think the eBooks are optional but they would enhance the story.) The story line is complex and without the background material I think you would be a bit lost.
The story is intense and fast-paced. Perfect to keep the attention of a young adult reader. As I've said before I'm not a young adult and I don't normally care for dystopian fiction but Bonnie Calhoun's writing style is absolutely riveting. There is very little fluff involved in these stories but they are chock-full of moral dilemmas that cause the reader to ponder their own response.
While the ending was quite satisfying it also leaves open the need for more books in this series. I can't wait to read them and see how this futuristic society will survive. Thanks Bonnie Calhoun for changing my mind about a genre and providing hours of reading enjoyment.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
January 11, 2016
Review: Imaginations are a fabulous thing, and Bonne Calhoun has ample of that. The world she has created for this series is developed and intriguing. The world as we know it has been destroyed by massive tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural disasters set off by nuclear war. Many species, including humans, have been altered by the catastrophic events. Animals that were previous edible are no longer and humans no longer come in the normal varieties. A breed of human, called "Landers" seem to be at the centre of it all.
Selah discovered in the last book that she wasn't who she thought she was. *Spoiler Alert* Raised as the daughter of a scavenger with a loving mother, brothers, and an unaffectionate father, Selah has done what she needs to do to survive. When a stranger washes up on a shore near her home, her entire life changes. She discovers that the father she was raised with is not her true father, and that she is actually part of the marked race called the Landers. She sets out to free her real father, who is a Lander held captive in the dreaded Mountain, and eventually lands up in the Lander city with her father. Oh, and along the way she becomes the novarium, some sort of prophesied being that is going to change the world.
Enter book two...
The only problem? Being novarium means that she only has months to live before her body begins to fracture... No one seems to know very much... about anything... and Selah believes that even her father is keeping secrets from her. Frustrated and lost, Selah fights to figure out who she is and how she is going to survive this curse... or blessing?
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Selah discovered in the last book that she wasn't who she thought she was. *Spoiler Alert* Raised as the daughter of a scavenger with a loving mother, brothers, and an unaffectionate father, Selah has done what she needs to do to survive. When a stranger washes up on a shore near her home, her entire life changes. She discovers that the father she was raised with is not her true father, and that she is actually part of the marked race called the Landers. She sets out to free her real father, who is a Lander held captive in the dreaded Mountain, and eventually lands up in the Lander city with her father. Oh, and along the way she becomes the novarium, some sort of prophesied being that is going to change the world.
Enter book two...
The only problem? Being novarium means that she only has months to live before her body begins to fracture... No one seems to know very much... about anything... and Selah believes that even her father is keeping secrets from her. Frustrated and lost, Selah fights to figure out who she is and how she is going to survive this curse... or blessing?
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
October 14, 2015
We are back with the second book in this series! It just adds so much more and if you want some fun free extras, Tremors and Aftershock are free on Amazon. The order goes Tremors (A prequel), Thunder (Book #1) Aftershock (in-between Thunder and Lightning, and Lightning (Book #2). It would be best to read at least Thunder first, but why would you want to miss out on the others would be beyond me!
We left Selah having found her birth Father, Glade, and being rather confused. She is the novarium, whatever that means. After what Selah has already been through, she is just getting started! If you recall, Selah was rather astonished to become a Lander, one of the people who shows up from the sea for reasons that aren't explained yet. Glade has secrets too, and they are about to not be so secret anymore.
Now there is an added issue. Selah is fractured. They have to find The Third Protocol or Selah is going to die, as in not exist! Before The Sorrows, there was a place called Atlantic City. Now it is TicCity, and maybe it holds answers for them. To farther complicate matters, not everyone is glad of Selah's powers and "bloodlines". Can her blood caused immortality? Can she trust the people she has met, her new family by genetics, some of her family that raised her? What about her friends, and her protector, Bodie?
Selah is really strong in this book, and I can't wait to read the next one!
My copy came from Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
We left Selah having found her birth Father, Glade, and being rather confused. She is the novarium, whatever that means. After what Selah has already been through, she is just getting started! If you recall, Selah was rather astonished to become a Lander, one of the people who shows up from the sea for reasons that aren't explained yet. Glade has secrets too, and they are about to not be so secret anymore.
Now there is an added issue. Selah is fractured. They have to find The Third Protocol or Selah is going to die, as in not exist! Before The Sorrows, there was a place called Atlantic City. Now it is TicCity, and maybe it holds answers for them. To farther complicate matters, not everyone is glad of Selah's powers and "bloodlines". Can her blood caused immortality? Can she trust the people she has met, her new family by genetics, some of her family that raised her? What about her friends, and her protector, Bodie?
Selah is really strong in this book, and I can't wait to read the next one!
My copy came from Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
September 9, 2015
This intense science fiction thriller is almost too fast-paced to follow, as Selah throws herself physically, mentally and emotionally into her quest to discover and fulfill her destiny. Her romance with Bodhi is a sweet respite from the action and a reminder that she is, after all, still a teenager — one with the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Selah’s role as a novarium becomes clearer and more complicated as she searches for her family, while Bodhi and Glade work toward traveling west to find the Third Protocol. Bethany, however, has plans for Selah and Selah’s blood, which Bethany believes holds the key to immortality. There are those who would protect her and those who would kill her, but how can Selah be sure who she can trust? (REVELL, Oct., 416 pp., $12.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Selah’s role as a novarium becomes clearer and more complicated as she searches for her family, while Bodhi and Glade work toward traveling west to find the Third Protocol. Bethany, however, has plans for Selah and Selah’s blood, which Bethany believes holds the key to immortality. There are those who would protect her and those who would kill her, but how can Selah be sure who she can trust? (REVELL, Oct., 416 pp., $12.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
December 26, 2015
This is an interesting book that is the second book in the series. It is helpful, but not absolutely necessary to have read the first book or the novellas that are a part of the series.
It tells the story of Selah and her re-connection with her real father and how this affects her previous family. She is having issues with him as well as with her own body. She is having trouble handling everything that is going on around her.
This is a great book for those who like science fiction books and you will find yourself wanting to see what will happen next.
I received this book free to review from the publisher.
It tells the story of Selah and her re-connection with her real father and how this affects her previous family. She is having issues with him as well as with her own body. She is having trouble handling everything that is going on around her.
This is a great book for those who like science fiction books and you will find yourself wanting to see what will happen next.
I received this book free to review from the publisher.
December 5, 2015
I loved this book! Wish I had read the first one and I definitely will. A lot of action and suspense. The heroine isn't really a heroine but by the end everyone is working with her. Some sad moments when you realize some of the characters won't be going on, but that is the way of war and life. I would recommend this book to anyone. I received this book from Goodreads for free.
August 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I didn't regret it.
November 10, 2018
Selah is reunited with her father - and one would think that the questions can be solved, finally - but it seems that the troubles just start here. Glade Rishon has some knowledge, but not all of it. Bodhi, Selah' s love, is detached. And some answers may be found only in the Mountain - the place full of pain and memories.
This is the best YA fantasy (I would even say steampunk, a bit at least) I have ever read in the genre of Christian literature. First - it is truly YA. The questions are YA, the feelings are YA, the isecurities and loyalties are YA. And it is not easy to write the way that one is transported back into the beautiful, insecure period of youth! Hands down, Ms Calhoun.
The adults are not omnipowered, too, as they would like to look like - and we are not, really. Good point.
Also the action is fine (sure, there are some logical loopholes, but the spirit and the drive can make for this).
I also give the girl power present here. Some right dose of good side of feminism can not hurt anybody.
I am still not educated enough about the complex spiritual message this book wants to show me - but the third volume waits, hopefully with the answers.
I have been well entertained with this novel and I also went down and thought about some aspect - and both of it is a good stuff for the lover of books.
Read this.
This is the best YA fantasy (I would even say steampunk, a bit at least) I have ever read in the genre of Christian literature. First - it is truly YA. The questions are YA, the feelings are YA, the isecurities and loyalties are YA. And it is not easy to write the way that one is transported back into the beautiful, insecure period of youth! Hands down, Ms Calhoun.
The adults are not omnipowered, too, as they would like to look like - and we are not, really. Good point.
Also the action is fine (sure, there are some logical loopholes, but the spirit and the drive can make for this).
I also give the girl power present here. Some right dose of good side of feminism can not hurt anybody.
I am still not educated enough about the complex spiritual message this book wants to show me - but the third volume waits, hopefully with the answers.
I have been well entertained with this novel and I also went down and thought about some aspect - and both of it is a good stuff for the lover of books.
Read this.
December 7, 2016
Got ARC from Net Galley.
As a Charmed fan I can't help but think of Charmed when I see the Triquetra on the cover. I will admit that's what drew me to this series in the first place because I thought witch which it isn't but I really enjoyed book one and I enjoyed this one too. I really like the covers. I love the colors used.
Selah is trying to figure out what's going on with her. In the last book her world got turned upside down and she's still dealing with that. Of course there's a guy in the mix and lots of stuff going on. I really suggest you read the first book before this one although I won't hunt you down if you pick up this one first.
It was so easy for me to read this book. I had no problem getting into it from the start since I read the first one not that long ago. I like to marathon books in a series if possible. This is a cool world that's kind of a blend of the past and the furture with a science fiction twist. There are humans and people who are more than human. I will be diving into the third book very soon.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/light...
As a Charmed fan I can't help but think of Charmed when I see the Triquetra on the cover. I will admit that's what drew me to this series in the first place because I thought witch which it isn't but I really enjoyed book one and I enjoyed this one too. I really like the covers. I love the colors used.
Selah is trying to figure out what's going on with her. In the last book her world got turned upside down and she's still dealing with that. Of course there's a guy in the mix and lots of stuff going on. I really suggest you read the first book before this one although I won't hunt you down if you pick up this one first.
It was so easy for me to read this book. I had no problem getting into it from the start since I read the first one not that long ago. I like to marathon books in a series if possible. This is a cool world that's kind of a blend of the past and the furture with a science fiction twist. There are humans and people who are more than human. I will be diving into the third book very soon.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/light...
July 2, 2017
Boring. I was very disappointed. Storyline took a nosedive from first book in series. This one needed a lot of editing -- the story did not move along adequately and the author seemed to be unaware of where the plot was headed. The characters just seemed to run around in circles, meet up, get separated, run in circles, meet up, get separated, etc. I am reading the 3rd in series, because I promised my niece we would read and discuss. I am giving it 50 pages; if writing/story doesn't get better fast, I am done.
December 15, 2022
I did like it even if it was slow for me but I did read it fast of how the wording was. Not going to lie it did annoy me at times. I'm not really attached to the characters, but in the first book I wasn't as well. The first book was 5 while this one was a 4 because it did surprise me in some parts but I just didn't like how slow it was in some parts.
July 8, 2017
This was a very good book . Once you sit down and start reading it . You don't want to stop . Hope y'all enjoy
August 18, 2017
Good but sad.
Good story but lots of sadness at the end. I hope the third one is more upbeat and happy ending. Worth reading.
Good story but lots of sadness at the end. I hope the third one is more upbeat and happy ending. Worth reading.
August 18, 2017
I'm giving it 3 stars because I find the book was long to read... there are still a lot of things I do not understand ... hopefully I will get it in the 3rd book.
March 19, 2018
I liked it other than the fact that two of my favorite characters were killed off!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2018
(See review of Book 1, "Thunder".)
Didn't finish reading this.
Didn't finish reading this.
October 27, 2015
After reading Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun and truly enjoying it, I couldn’t wait for the next installment in her futuristic Dystopian Stonebraide Chronicles. This time around there is a prequel to cover the time period between Thunder and Lightning. It is entitled Aftershock. It is about fifty pages, so it didn’t take long to remind me of the key characters and the situations that were occurring.
I liked that Lightning picked up right around the time that Aftershock ended, and how Calhoun started the story with a dilemma where Selah needed to find her mother. It gripped my attention and took me away to another time, wrapped in chaos and confusion.
While on the journey to free her parents, Calhoun creates this fallen world with great detail. I could see the danger and the Air Wagon as it lurked through the woods. I really felt like I was there, running for survival along with the crew.
The main issue in Lightning centers on Selah wanting to find her stepfather, mother, and little brother. She needs to protect them and free them, so Selah travels through the woods and on the boundaries of Stonebraide, but ultimately has to go back into the dreaded mountain where she freed her father, Gale, in Thunder. Emotionally, Calhoun really doesn’t allow me to feel a connection with Selah. I know she wants to free the family that raised her, but other than that, I really don’t feel emotionally connected to her at all. A word of caution there are a couple of point of view shifts that occur on the same page. One minute, I was in Selah’s point of view than in jumped into Treva. Made me read this section again.
Once Selah enters the mountain, the story picks up in pace. One moment I am running through the Blue section, then crossing over to the Green section where I watch as Selah hides for her life. The last third of the book moved extremely fast, making me not want to put the book down. I really enjoyed how Calhoun placed timers at the beginning of each chapter near the end to hasten the dilemma’s urgency. The major event toward the end was unexpected and original. I liked how the story ends.
Even though I did enjoy Lightning, I had a few issues with it. The first two-thirds of the book dragged on and on. I didn’t see the point of them traveling around in circles on the time with a couple of encounters with troublemakers. None of the people they met really caused them any harm, even though Selah was a wanted fugitive.
Second, when they arrived in the mountain, Calhoun has Selah run into Bethany, the scientist who causes a lot of trouble in Thunder, and now wants to destroy and use Selah’s blood. After an escape attempt from Bethany, Selah keeps running back into Bethany over and over again. I really wished Calhoun would have allowed Selah to run into different trouble. Why allow Selah to run into the person who wanted her dead a number of times?
Third, once in the mountain, I had a really hard time visualizing the surroundings. If I was inside of a mountain, then how are all these different colors or cities different from one another? What did they look like? Are they only different because of what work they do or the color of their t-shirt?
In true dystopian fashion, Bonnie S. Calhoun’s latest installment in the Stonebraide Chronicles Lightning features reoccurring characters and a fast paced last third of the book, but there are issues with detail while in the mountain and a villain who kept showing her face too many times too count. Even though this story was not my favorite of the two full-length novels and two novellas, I anxiously wait to see what happens to Selah and Bodhi in the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of Lightning from Revell Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
I liked that Lightning picked up right around the time that Aftershock ended, and how Calhoun started the story with a dilemma where Selah needed to find her mother. It gripped my attention and took me away to another time, wrapped in chaos and confusion.
While on the journey to free her parents, Calhoun creates this fallen world with great detail. I could see the danger and the Air Wagon as it lurked through the woods. I really felt like I was there, running for survival along with the crew.
The main issue in Lightning centers on Selah wanting to find her stepfather, mother, and little brother. She needs to protect them and free them, so Selah travels through the woods and on the boundaries of Stonebraide, but ultimately has to go back into the dreaded mountain where she freed her father, Gale, in Thunder. Emotionally, Calhoun really doesn’t allow me to feel a connection with Selah. I know she wants to free the family that raised her, but other than that, I really don’t feel emotionally connected to her at all. A word of caution there are a couple of point of view shifts that occur on the same page. One minute, I was in Selah’s point of view than in jumped into Treva. Made me read this section again.
Once Selah enters the mountain, the story picks up in pace. One moment I am running through the Blue section, then crossing over to the Green section where I watch as Selah hides for her life. The last third of the book moved extremely fast, making me not want to put the book down. I really enjoyed how Calhoun placed timers at the beginning of each chapter near the end to hasten the dilemma’s urgency. The major event toward the end was unexpected and original. I liked how the story ends.
Even though I did enjoy Lightning, I had a few issues with it. The first two-thirds of the book dragged on and on. I didn’t see the point of them traveling around in circles on the time with a couple of encounters with troublemakers. None of the people they met really caused them any harm, even though Selah was a wanted fugitive.
Second, when they arrived in the mountain, Calhoun has Selah run into Bethany, the scientist who causes a lot of trouble in Thunder, and now wants to destroy and use Selah’s blood. After an escape attempt from Bethany, Selah keeps running back into Bethany over and over again. I really wished Calhoun would have allowed Selah to run into different trouble. Why allow Selah to run into the person who wanted her dead a number of times?
Third, once in the mountain, I had a really hard time visualizing the surroundings. If I was inside of a mountain, then how are all these different colors or cities different from one another? What did they look like? Are they only different because of what work they do or the color of their t-shirt?
In true dystopian fashion, Bonnie S. Calhoun’s latest installment in the Stonebraide Chronicles Lightning features reoccurring characters and a fast paced last third of the book, but there are issues with detail while in the mountain and a villain who kept showing her face too many times too count. Even though this story was not my favorite of the two full-length novels and two novellas, I anxiously wait to see what happens to Selah and Bodhi in the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of Lightning from Revell Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
November 5, 2016
The second book in the Stone Braide Chronicles trilogy, Lightning begins a little while after the events of Thunder, book one of the series. The story follows Selah, the heroine of the first book, as she strives to discover what is happening to her and find her family. She has discovered by now that she is a novarium, a person who is meant to be the future of the world. She faces more difficulties than simply this, however, as her lover is forbidden to be with her, and she must return to the Mountain, a place where she barely escaped from in the previous book.
As far as craft is concerned, the book has some issues. Sometimes the author seems to write things that make little sense to the narrative. Also, the dialogue comes across as tacky or unrealistic at times, and the characters sometimes do things that do not make sense in regards to the situation, or lack motivation for their actions. However, the form does get better as the book progresses.
The storyline follows a similar track in that towards the beginning certain things do not make as much sense, nor seem to have as much bearing on the story, but as the plot progresses, the narrative tightens up and the story flows more smoothly. There are a few twists in the book, some of them that may take the reader completely by surprise, which adds to the tension and interest of the story. However, that being said, it does raise the question as to the purpose of those twists; will they have an impact later on? What role did they play in the overall narrative besides throwing the reader into a tailspin?
It will be interesting to see how Calhoun wraps up the series in the final book.
As far as craft is concerned, the book has some issues. Sometimes the author seems to write things that make little sense to the narrative. Also, the dialogue comes across as tacky or unrealistic at times, and the characters sometimes do things that do not make sense in regards to the situation, or lack motivation for their actions. However, the form does get better as the book progresses.
The storyline follows a similar track in that towards the beginning certain things do not make as much sense, nor seem to have as much bearing on the story, but as the plot progresses, the narrative tightens up and the story flows more smoothly. There are a few twists in the book, some of them that may take the reader completely by surprise, which adds to the tension and interest of the story. However, that being said, it does raise the question as to the purpose of those twists; will they have an impact later on? What role did they play in the overall narrative besides throwing the reader into a tailspin?
It will be interesting to see how Calhoun wraps up the series in the final book.
November 2, 2016
My memories of book 1 in this series - Thunder - are not particularly clear, but I do remember being confused often by lack of information and sometimes description as well. Lightning was a sight better. The book started off slowly and it took about three chapters and several starts and stops before I got into it. Even though I don't recall much of the first novel I still managed to catch on to the plot again with minimal trouble.
The author still doles information out sparingly and more questions than answers are still floating about. I'm still trying to figure out all the 'protocols' and what exactly they mean. Hopefully the author will decisively clear up these questions in book three: Storm.
Check out the rest of this review and ratings on my review blog here: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The author still doles information out sparingly and more questions than answers are still floating about. I'm still trying to figure out all the 'protocols' and what exactly they mean. Hopefully the author will decisively clear up these questions in book three: Storm.
Check out the rest of this review and ratings on my review blog here: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...
December 19, 2015
Maybe it was the fact that I had not read the first book, but I found this a very hard book to follow and kind of lost interest- even after several attempts. I have downloaded book one and will perhaps revisit this book and review again and it will be more favorable.
October 21, 2015
I hadn't read the first book, but this one was nearly unreadable. I found it extremely hard to follow and the writing was very choppy, yet at the same time too flowery. Maybe I missed something by not reading the first?
July 18, 2016
Astonishing twists and turns abound in this action packed second book in the Stone Braide Chronicles. I laughed, I cried, I prayed for Selah Rison, her family and friends. I can not imagine what will come next. Truly the next installment CAN NOT get here fast enough.
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