Tried and True

by Christa Kinde

In the wake of his young charge’s death, Taweel’s faith dims. Bitterness, anger, and despair leave him vulnerable. But though Taweel’s need is great, the One who provides is far greater. The grieving Guardian’s life undergoes a slow and steady transformation after he meets a yahavim named Omri, a pair of heavenly Weavers, a Worshiper whose songs are laced with sorrow, and two little boys with auburn hair.

A companion story to the Threshold Series [Zonderkidz]. Originally serialized on Christa’s blog, Tried and True keeps things short and sweet with 100-word chapters.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2015

About the author

Threshold Series - complete in 4 volumes
Pomeroy Family Legacy Collection - ongoing
Forsaken Sons Trilogy - ongoing

Reviews

[Soleil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taweel is a guardian angel whose charge has died. After his piercing, he goes into depression, and it is through the help of God and a blue haired worshiper, and two newfoundlings who lead him out of it. His blessings continue to grow, and when the time comes, Taweel becomes a mentor, in an unusual way. Though with the joy, also comes heartbreak.

I really enjoyed Tried and True, it offers lessons among the story, and captivates you to where you will not want to stop reading. Christa Kinde is a great writer; this story will bring you before the Threshold series, and give you a look on some of the characters.
I would definitely suggest this book.

[Lumin · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Tried and True' is my favourite of all Christa Kinde's stories.

It fills in the story of two of the most engaging angels in the main Threshold series, Taweel and Tamaes.

We find out how Taweel's charge was lost, how he reacted to his bereavement, how he met Tamaes and his 'twin', how that twin became the person we met in other books, and about many other things that occurred before Tamaes was at last assigned to be Prissie Pomeroy's Guardian.

The characterisation in this story is exceptional. If you dislike crying a lot while reading a story, you should probably avoid this one, because the heart-strings endure a great deal of plucking as the narrative develops. The most frequent cry of a reader of T&T is "Oh, no! Poor X! I feel so bad for him!" Don't say you weren't warned. :)

There are several echoes or mirrors of events that happen early in the story in things that occur later on.

They serve as a reminder and comparison: the way some angels struggle but remain Faithful, while others Fall; the way some make beneficial responses to their pain, while others don't; the way there is nothing new under the sun, that pain and the need to negotiate it are always a part of life, for both angels and human beings. This is a story that has significance and meaning, without stuffing a moral down the reader's throat.

I prefer the Threshold stories that have angels as viewpoint characters, because they feel less obviously directed to a YA readership than the ones where the viewpoint is that of a human teenager.

And I prefer this one above all the others. It's an extraordinary piece of writing. Read it now.

[Aelvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taweel is a Guardian who lost his charge to the plague that devastated Egypt, killing all the firstborn. Grief casts him away from his fellow Guardians, away from any purpose or healing. But the Weavers who shelter him slowly become friends, a yahavim has taken a personal interest, and two young Guardians may break through his sorrow . . .

I dislike the 100-word-chapter format, as every fragment feels far too short, and I would rather have fewer chapters but more length so that the longer scenes don't keep getting interrupted by breaks. That said, the story itself is good. Guardians prepare and train and devote themselves to a charge, so when Taweel loses his, he's unable to see a future for himself. He doesn't INTEND to Fall, but he can't forget.

This one is also available to read for free on the author's website (mostly; if you want the epilogue then get the paid version). Recommended.

See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....

[A Hoppy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
A broken hearted Guardian angel is placed in charge of two young angels as they grow. They're as alike as brothers and best friends to boot. Can they help guide a grieving warrior back to his Calling? Soon faced with trials of their own, will these fast friends remain faithful?

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY great book I cried laughed and enjoyed the whole book great for all ages I would say!!!

[C.J. Milbrandt]

Authorial reread. Out loud. (Which can be tricky when you're crying. Just sayin'.)