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The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
Ilyon Chronicles Novella
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
Ilyon Chronicles Novella
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2018
39 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Jaye L. Knight
11 books706 followersJaye L. Knight is a hopeless romantic with an active imagination and an AuDHD brain that fuels her stories with twists, adventure, and heart. She weaves tales of faith, courage, happily-ever-afters, and the power of God’s love to light the way even in the deepest darkness. When she’s not crafting fantasy, she dabbles in contemporary romance as Jaye Elliot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 14, 2021
This was so sweet and perfect😭❤️
December 24, 2018
This. Book. Well, I wouldn't exactly recommend it for children or young teens due to thematic material, but I would recommend it for about 15/16 and up. It's so. good. Different from the other Ilyon books due to the lack of Jace and Kyrin, but definitely worth the read. It doesn't delve as deeply into Lacy's issues and psychological damage as Redeeming Love (which I just read) does, but it's still really good and powerful. And that fact lets me be comfortable with recommending it for younger readers than I would Redeeming Love. Lacy is so hurt and broken. So desperate. So in need of Elôm's love. She's in a situation she can't get out of, but doesn't feel she can trust anyone. And Aaron is desperate to help her, no matter what others think. He's willing to do whatever he has to to rescue her and her family. It's such a wonderful, powerful ending. And as a side note, it's so hard to write spoiler-free reviews. :P
August 12, 2018
Definitely a more grown-up book due to Lacy's "profession" but as someone who cares deeply about fighting human trafficking, I loved this book and Aaron's behavior towards Lacy.
August 15, 2018
Aw, that was a sweet story! Some excitement and danger, romance, and unexpected happenings. I enjoyed! May have more of a review to come when this novella officially releases!
December 14, 2018
Wow. In Lacy, Knight takes a difficult issue and writes it into a beautiful and moving story with compelling characters.
As soon as I realized this novella was about Aaron, I was so excited. Aaron needed his own story and I'm so glad he got it. Both Aaron and Lacy were very interesting and realistic main characters and I loved them both. I didn't connect as much with Lacy, but that could be because she had a limited POV. (Or maybe not one at all. I can't remember.) I also enjoyed seeing Timothy again, although he isn't one of my top favorite characters.
The story was very interesting and kept me reading, and Knight's writing style is as compelling as ever. I loved Aaron's protectiveness and chivalry towards Lacy and her family. There were many sweet moments, intense moments, and even some moments that made me cry. The ending was so precious and had happy tears streaming down my face.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this companion novella to Ilyon Chronicles. Highly recommended! I feel like this could be read outside of the series and still be enjoyed without all of the backstory knowledge from the rest of the series.
Content note: Recommended for ages 17+ due to mature themes.
As soon as I realized this novella was about Aaron, I was so excited. Aaron needed his own story and I'm so glad he got it. Both Aaron and Lacy were very interesting and realistic main characters and I loved them both. I didn't connect as much with Lacy, but that could be because she had a limited POV. (Or maybe not one at all. I can't remember.) I also enjoyed seeing Timothy again, although he isn't one of my top favorite characters.
The story was very interesting and kept me reading, and Knight's writing style is as compelling as ever. I loved Aaron's protectiveness and chivalry towards Lacy and her family. There were many sweet moments, intense moments, and even some moments that made me cry. The ending was so precious and had happy tears streaming down my face.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this companion novella to Ilyon Chronicles. Highly recommended! I feel like this could be read outside of the series and still be enjoyed without all of the backstory knowledge from the rest of the series.
Content note: Recommended for ages 17+ due to mature themes.
June 2, 2023
i am unwell 😭
This book was so sweet and perfect 🥺 I can't 😢
This book was so sweet and perfect 🥺 I can't 😢
May 31, 2024
5 Stars ✨
“We don’t come to Elôm because we are worthy; we come to Him because we need Him.”
“Our faith is not simply an acknowledgement of a higher power or a struggle to appease and gain favor through sacrifices. It’s a relationship full of love as with a child and their father.”
😭 Such a beautiful novella. It reminded me a little of Redeeming Love, which is one of my favorites of all time. Aaron is such a cinnamon bun 🥰
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
God makes all things new 🩷 if we allow him.
“We don’t come to Elôm because we are worthy; we come to Him because we need Him.”
“Our faith is not simply an acknowledgement of a higher power or a struggle to appease and gain favor through sacrifices. It’s a relationship full of love as with a child and their father.”
😭 Such a beautiful novella. It reminded me a little of Redeeming Love, which is one of my favorites of all time. Aaron is such a cinnamon bun 🥰
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
God makes all things new 🩷 if we allow him.
May 31, 2024
Content definitely not for younger people, but this book was so good. Aaron is so sweet, and he definitely showed Christ-like love to Lacy and her family.
December 18, 2018
Despite being certainly an adult story, Lacy was so sweet and I loved it. Even though I’m not necessarily a huge romance fan or a huge fantasy fan in general, I absolutely adored this story. There were so many sweet and touching moments, and so many times to sympathize with the characters.
First, I loved the redemption romance aspect – it was first of all a story of Lacy’s relationship with Elom, and second a story of her relationship with Aaron – which is exactly how it should be. I loved how the redemption wasn’t rushed or forced – it felt natural. She didn’t immediately drop her old lifestyle or her doubts and fears – she had to work through them, just as we do in real life. The redemption aspect wasn’t shoehorned in – instead, it was portrayed as a gradual work of Elom in her life.
Second, I loved all the extra time with Aaron and especially Timothy! Since The King’s Scrolls, Timothy hasn’t had a whole lot of dedicated “screen time,” and I’d nearly forgotten just how much I loved him! He is such an excellent character and has such a way with words . . . he’s amazing. I also love the continued brotherly relationship between Aaron and Timothy – it’s so unique, so loyal, so devoted, so unquestioning and trusting.
Third, I loved the development of Aaron as a character. That depth to who he is hasn’t been shown to a large extent in the novels (much of his role has been as a protector to and supporter of Timothy), but in this story we get the depth of his growth. Might his natural tendency as protector get him in trouble when he takes it too far? Can he be the protector in every circumstance? What about his natural tendency to rush out and make everything better without listening to Elom, praying, and following Him? And of course, his emotional struggles make it much more complex. He makes mistakes, but he learns and grows.
Fourth, Lacy also has excellent character development – who she is and her motives, goals, and burdens are clear and written in a way I can sympathize with and understand. When she changes, it doesn’t change her personality or what her motives are – it’s the new life of the Son of God living in her and expressing Himself in a unique Lacy-way. I loved the little plot twist – how it was such a key theme and driving force through the story. I loved their determination; Lacy‘s struggle in her decisions was realistic as well.
Aaron’s climax and conflicts were realistically portrayed, and so was his selfless determination. I loved the purity of the romance plot line as well as the couple’s self-control in the relationship – a rare and precious thing in stories as well as in real life. I love how “clean” it was with the romance and its related adult elements in the story – what was going on was crystal clear and yet not overly or inappropriately described. I love that this story handles hard and sensitive topics in a way I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.
First, I loved the redemption romance aspect – it was first of all a story of Lacy’s relationship with Elom, and second a story of her relationship with Aaron – which is exactly how it should be. I loved how the redemption wasn’t rushed or forced – it felt natural. She didn’t immediately drop her old lifestyle or her doubts and fears – she had to work through them, just as we do in real life. The redemption aspect wasn’t shoehorned in – instead, it was portrayed as a gradual work of Elom in her life.
Second, I loved all the extra time with Aaron and especially Timothy! Since The King’s Scrolls, Timothy hasn’t had a whole lot of dedicated “screen time,” and I’d nearly forgotten just how much I loved him! He is such an excellent character and has such a way with words . . . he’s amazing. I also love the continued brotherly relationship between Aaron and Timothy – it’s so unique, so loyal, so devoted, so unquestioning and trusting.
Third, I loved the development of Aaron as a character. That depth to who he is hasn’t been shown to a large extent in the novels (much of his role has been as a protector to and supporter of Timothy), but in this story we get the depth of his growth. Might his natural tendency as protector get him in trouble when he takes it too far? Can he be the protector in every circumstance? What about his natural tendency to rush out and make everything better without listening to Elom, praying, and following Him? And of course, his emotional struggles make it much more complex. He makes mistakes, but he learns and grows.
Fourth, Lacy also has excellent character development – who she is and her motives, goals, and burdens are clear and written in a way I can sympathize with and understand. When she changes, it doesn’t change her personality or what her motives are – it’s the new life of the Son of God living in her and expressing Himself in a unique Lacy-way. I loved the little plot twist – how it was such a key theme and driving force through the story. I loved their determination; Lacy‘s struggle in her decisions was realistic as well.
Aaron’s climax and conflicts were realistically portrayed, and so was his selfless determination. I loved the purity of the romance plot line as well as the couple’s self-control in the relationship – a rare and precious thing in stories as well as in real life. I love how “clean” it was with the romance and its related adult elements in the story – what was going on was crystal clear and yet not overly or inappropriately described. I love that this story handles hard and sensitive topics in a way I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.
January 29, 2024
This novella is so sweet, and it fits here so perfectly! (I mean, I haven't read Daican's Heir, yet, but it fits seamlessly with Bitter Winter.)
Characters:
We got Aaron's POV, which was amazing! I found myself relating to him a lot, I'm definitely an action person so I just do things and then think...hmmm, probably should have prayed about that before...it's a hard thing to overcome and weight out. I loved reading about Aaron, though!
Timothy got some POV, too, and he's so cute! I want him! Ack, he's the sweetest ever!
Lacy also got POV (would have weird if not...it is named after her...lol...) and she was relatable and just such a conflicted character.
Themes:
Trusting God to take care of and supply the help needed in a situation. Asking Him for direction before running headlong into things, but also sacrifice. Being willing to risk everything to help someone.
Definitely, the most beautiful theme is not judging someone based on their past. We are called to help the needed no matter who those needy are. Jesus said, "What you do unto the least of these you do unto me." How can we follow that teaching out if we are afraid of ruining our reputation before man, which really only leads to ruining our reputation with God. If we are too afraid to minister and share the Love of God with those in tough situations, then what are we doing? Love is to be shared, not horded. God tells us that when we accept Him, we are a New Creation, if we can believe that for ourselves, why is it so hard to believe that is true for others as well.
And the pastor's kid is sitting down, but I loved the message of this book!
Romance:
Yes! Beautiful and done is a very nice and God Honoring way.
Language:
N/A
Overall:
I adored this novella! Had so much fun reading it! I loved the message and the characters and just...*sighs* All of it!
Characters:
We got Aaron's POV, which was amazing! I found myself relating to him a lot, I'm definitely an action person so I just do things and then think...hmmm, probably should have prayed about that before...it's a hard thing to overcome and weight out. I loved reading about Aaron, though!
Timothy got some POV, too, and he's so cute! I want him! Ack, he's the sweetest ever!
Lacy also got POV (would have weird if not...it is named after her...lol...) and she was relatable and just such a conflicted character.
Themes:
Trusting God to take care of and supply the help needed in a situation. Asking Him for direction before running headlong into things, but also sacrifice. Being willing to risk everything to help someone.
Definitely, the most beautiful theme is not judging someone based on their past. We are called to help the needed no matter who those needy are. Jesus said, "What you do unto the least of these you do unto me." How can we follow that teaching out if we are afraid of ruining our reputation before man, which really only leads to ruining our reputation with God. If we are too afraid to minister and share the Love of God with those in tough situations, then what are we doing? Love is to be shared, not horded. God tells us that when we accept Him, we are a New Creation, if we can believe that for ourselves, why is it so hard to believe that is true for others as well.
And the pastor's kid is sitting down, but I loved the message of this book!
Romance:
Yes! Beautiful and done is a very nice and God Honoring way.
Language:
N/A
Overall:
I adored this novella! Had so much fun reading it! I loved the message and the characters and just...*sighs* All of it!
December 15, 2018
4.5
A moving tale of Aaron’s love for Lacy, a girl prostituting herself for the sake of her family. Aaron throws all caution to the wing as he lays down his life to help her find freedom and to keep her family safe. Needless to say, Aaron is quite the hero in this, but Lacy does have a bravery all of her own that shines through.
A moving tale of Aaron’s love for Lacy, a girl prostituting herself for the sake of her family. Aaron throws all caution to the wing as he lays down his life to help her find freedom and to keep her family safe. Needless to say, Aaron is quite the hero in this, but Lacy does have a bravery all of her own that shines through.
December 14, 2018
This book as an unexpected surprise. I’ve always loved Aaron, but this book made me love him all the more. He is such a sweet and strong character, and that really comes through in this book! Although Jace (*cough* my favorite character *cough*) isn’t in this one, I still really enjoyed it.
I would recommend this book for older readers since it does deal with prostitution, but the topic is handled really well, as I would expect from Jaye L. Knight.
I would recommend this book for older readers since it does deal with prostitution, but the topic is handled really well, as I would expect from Jaye L. Knight.
July 22, 2021
I need to review this one but it's so good and special I don't know how to!
June 4, 2023
Oh my word
This was perfect😭😭
This was perfect😭😭
August 15, 2018
Review coming closer to the date of release.
November 20, 2018
4.5 stars
WOW. Such an impactful, inspiring, and heartbreaking story. There is so much emotion and beauty packed into this little novella that I don't know where to begin!
CHARACTERS
Can we all give Aaron a round of applause? I was a bit hesitant to read a story "starring" him, as while I've liked him as a side character, I wasn't sure how he would carry the weight of his own story.
After finishing Lacy, I'd say he's nearly a strong a protagonist as Jace (in different ways though)
Aaron's story is different from any of the other Ilyon stories in that Aaron is so much more mature than the other characters. He's not wrestling with his identity and struggling to come to peace with himself; he's confident, capable, and knows which causes to fight for and how hard to fight for them (while still doubting at times, though). I appreciated his faith, strength, and compassion throughout the story.
And Lacy! She reminded me of Jace, but female. Her struggles were raw, but the hope that Aaron brought to her life and how she came to embrace it was beautiful
PLOT
The plot was wonderfully paced and didn't feel dull for a moment: things happened at just the right time to keep my interest, and the slow scenes proved equally as entertaining as the action scenes. The story felt tight and complete and I honestly don't have anything else to say about it. :)
ANYTHING ELSE?
- Content warning for younger readers: Lacy's "job" is far from moral and "clean." The details of it are kept out, but there are quite a few references to what it is and the effect it has had on Lacy. I'm a pretty picky reader myself, and I wasn't super bothered by a lot of them, but I just wanted to mention this. I think Jaye handled it skillfully and wove it well with other themes of prejudice and redemption.
-
- I applaud how well witnessing and faith in general were handled in the story. Realistic, convincing, and not at all preachy!
In sum, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a more mature read with powerful themes of sacrifice and healing.
***I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
WOW. Such an impactful, inspiring, and heartbreaking story. There is so much emotion and beauty packed into this little novella that I don't know where to begin!
CHARACTERS
Can we all give Aaron a round of applause? I was a bit hesitant to read a story "starring" him, as while I've liked him as a side character, I wasn't sure how he would carry the weight of his own story.
After finishing Lacy, I'd say he's nearly a strong a protagonist as Jace (in different ways though)
Aaron's story is different from any of the other Ilyon stories in that Aaron is so much more mature than the other characters. He's not wrestling with his identity and struggling to come to peace with himself; he's confident, capable, and knows which causes to fight for and how hard to fight for them (while still doubting at times, though). I appreciated his faith, strength, and compassion throughout the story.
And Lacy! She reminded me of Jace, but female. Her struggles were raw, but the hope that Aaron brought to her life and how she came to embrace it was beautiful
PLOT
The plot was wonderfully paced and didn't feel dull for a moment: things happened at just the right time to keep my interest, and the slow scenes proved equally as entertaining as the action scenes. The story felt tight and complete and I honestly don't have anything else to say about it. :)
ANYTHING ELSE?
- Content warning for younger readers: Lacy's "job" is far from moral and "clean." The details of it are kept out, but there are quite a few references to what it is and the effect it has had on Lacy. I'm a pretty picky reader myself, and I wasn't super bothered by a lot of them, but I just wanted to mention this. I think Jaye handled it skillfully and wove it well with other themes of prejudice and redemption.
-
- I applaud how well witnessing and faith in general were handled in the story. Realistic, convincing, and not at all preachy!
In sum, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a more mature read with powerful themes of sacrifice and healing.
***I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
January 17, 2019
I made the mistake of reading this novella before Bitter Winter so I was slightly confused but nothing too terrible. :) This is the sweetest little novella and such a perfect addition to the Ilyon Chronicles! The depth of the characters, the heartbreaking emotion--ahhh!!! Perfection!
March 12, 2020
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for talk of prostitution and a child being born as a result (not detailed
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Description: The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
The Ilyon Chronicles are one of the few fantasy series that I devour as soon as they come out. However, I skipped on this connected novella because I wasn’t sure I would like the content. I should have known that Knight would handle it with care and graciousness.
The characters are vivid and endearing. That’s one of Knight’s trademarks. Aaron’s selfless love and wanting to honor God were so wonderful to see. Lacy’s mistrust, yet desiring to hope for something better were endearing.
The themes of choosing life, self-sacrifice, and Christian love and forgiveness were beautiful and had me hugging the book (err…Kindle).
As with many well-done novellas, it’s hard to give this story a proper review because I don’t want to give anything away. Let me just say that it kept my attention and the ending was very satisfying.
I highly recommend this book those who love the Ilyon Chronicles.
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Description: The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
The Ilyon Chronicles are one of the few fantasy series that I devour as soon as they come out. However, I skipped on this connected novella because I wasn’t sure I would like the content. I should have known that Knight would handle it with care and graciousness.
The characters are vivid and endearing. That’s one of Knight’s trademarks. Aaron’s selfless love and wanting to honor God were so wonderful to see. Lacy’s mistrust, yet desiring to hope for something better were endearing.
The themes of choosing life, self-sacrifice, and Christian love and forgiveness were beautiful and had me hugging the book (err…Kindle).
As with many well-done novellas, it’s hard to give this story a proper review because I don’t want to give anything away. Let me just say that it kept my attention and the ending was very satisfying.
I highly recommend this book those who love the Ilyon Chronicles.
December 14, 2018
I was a little wary of this story, after reading Bitter Winter and figuring out who Lacy was. But somehow Jaye L. Knight managed to make something that I normally wouldn't read into a beautiful, real story.
Aaron was an awesome character. I loved seeing more of him, and his awesome relationship with his brother. His faith was really cool because while he has struggles and makes mistakes, he still has a very strong core faith. Also, his steadfast resolve was awesome.
Lacy was sweet and very realistic, I think.
I loved watching the relationships grow, and the awesome themes. For a short story, this little book has a lot to take away from it about loving those around us, praying before acting, and not giving up on what we know is right.
The only complant I really have is that some of the referances to Lacy's job made me a little unconforable. While the author did a wonderful job of handling it, it was (By nature) uncomfortable. And while I appreciate what the author was trying to do with the last scene (And I even found it mildly sweet since the couple was married) I was kind of uncomfortable.
Overall, this was a sweet story. Because of Lacy's job and one married sceene, I would not recomend this to anyone under 14.
I received this book free from the author for promotional purposes. No reviews, positive or otherwise, were required. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
Aaron was an awesome character. I loved seeing more of him, and his awesome relationship with his brother. His faith was really cool because while he has struggles and makes mistakes, he still has a very strong core faith. Also, his steadfast resolve was awesome.
Lacy was sweet and very realistic, I think.
I loved watching the relationships grow, and the awesome themes. For a short story, this little book has a lot to take away from it about loving those around us, praying before acting, and not giving up on what we know is right.
The only complant I really have is that some of the referances to Lacy's job made me a little unconforable. While the author did a wonderful job of handling it, it was (By nature) uncomfortable. And while I appreciate what the author was trying to do with the last scene (And I even found it mildly sweet since the couple was married) I was kind of uncomfortable.
Overall, this was a sweet story. Because of Lacy's job and one married sceene, I would not recomend this to anyone under 14.
I received this book free from the author for promotional purposes. No reviews, positive or otherwise, were required. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
Want to read
June 29, 2018AAAAACK I NEED THIS <333
January 13, 2019
My only wosh for this book is that it where longer.
April 20, 2019
4.5 stars
This novella takes gives us a peek into the life of one of the less major characters from the world of Ilyon, Aaron. It is a sweet story of love, redemption, and sacrifice. A quick and enjoyable read. And a must read for fans of Ms. Knight’s Ilyon Chronicles.
This novella takes gives us a peek into the life of one of the less major characters from the world of Ilyon, Aaron. It is a sweet story of love, redemption, and sacrifice. A quick and enjoyable read. And a must read for fans of Ms. Knight’s Ilyon Chronicles.
February 16, 2024
Oh my goodness! This is such a sweet little book
January 3, 2020
So I need to be perfectly honest and say that I haven't read any of the other books in this series... The cover caught my attention, as did the synopsis, and I decided to give it a try even though it's book 5.5 (plus it's on Kindle Unlimited...)
So none of the stara knocked off are because I didn't understand what was going on. The author actually did a fairly decent job filling us in. There were only one or two places I was lost, which was far fewer than I expected! For the most part I was able to pick up stuff from context...
The 3 stars are given to average out the 1 star I want to give the first half and the 4/5 stars I want to give the second half.
Because the first half of this book *bothered* me.
Lacy is the title character but we don't get her point of view until exactly 50% into the book. At that point so had given up hope of getting to see things through her eyes and was very upset. Because as much as I wanted to love her she was impossible to really connect with until we start to see things through her eyes.
I'm going to say I think Aaron and Timothy (the other point of view characters) are from previous books and the author was giving us so much of them because they're the ones the readers know. But how it comes across was honestly kind of icky...
Having Lacy as the title character but as someone who is more talked about and the story driven around, rather than seeing the story through her eyes and really getting how she's feeling about it, made her feel very much like she'd been striped of her agency and turned into an object. It was more about Aaron bringing her to God than her coming to God herself. The book is called Lacy but the first half of it isn't about her- it's about the man who loves her, which is great, but not when you feel like you know nothing about the woman he loves- how does she feel about him? how does she feel about God? how does she really feel about the situation she's in? It honestly felt like until she started to want to change her life and start to learn about God that she wasn't really a person in her own right. And that's a dangerous message to send about non-Christians, whether intentional or not (and for the record, I think it was unintentional here...)
The second half, however, was so good. Once we got inside Lacy's head I wanted more (and was disappointed that a few scenes previously hadn't been from her perspective- one in particular would have been a lot more powerful from her point of view). She's a beautiful, broken soul struggling with choices she's made and while not regretting them so much as regretting that she had to make them. It's handled so well, the idea of things not being black and white when it comes to the choices people make and that reminder to not judge people for where they are in life- we never know the circumstances that led them to that place and they are still someone that Jesus loves beyond measure
Also as Lacy is drawn to God she's simultaneously pushed away from him by people of the church, which was cold and harsh and real and I loved it because I loved that the author went there. Given Lacy's past members of the congregation aren't exactly eager to welcome her into the fold, solitifying her belief that God isn't for her- she's fallen too far for his love to apply to her. Watching her have to overcome that and reconcile it with what she's told about God was so raw and real and I appreciated that the author was honest in that, while also having good, solid Christians just as welcoming as the others are condemning
Overall, I enjoyed this book- Lacy's journey is real and raw and the author handles the subject well (putting it bluntly- there are thematic elements but there's no sex scene, almost sex scene, or uncomfortable sex talk). She's a lovely character who is sweet and kind and genuine. She and Aaron are adorable (gosh darn it are they adorable 😍)
I just wish we'd gotten more Lacy and a lot sooner... If we had, this would have been a 5 star read, hands down...
So none of the stara knocked off are because I didn't understand what was going on. The author actually did a fairly decent job filling us in. There were only one or two places I was lost, which was far fewer than I expected! For the most part I was able to pick up stuff from context...
The 3 stars are given to average out the 1 star I want to give the first half and the 4/5 stars I want to give the second half.
Because the first half of this book *bothered* me.
Lacy is the title character but we don't get her point of view until exactly 50% into the book. At that point so had given up hope of getting to see things through her eyes and was very upset. Because as much as I wanted to love her she was impossible to really connect with until we start to see things through her eyes.
I'm going to say I think Aaron and Timothy (the other point of view characters) are from previous books and the author was giving us so much of them because they're the ones the readers know. But how it comes across was honestly kind of icky...
Having Lacy as the title character but as someone who is more talked about and the story driven around, rather than seeing the story through her eyes and really getting how she's feeling about it, made her feel very much like she'd been striped of her agency and turned into an object. It was more about Aaron bringing her to God than her coming to God herself. The book is called Lacy but the first half of it isn't about her- it's about the man who loves her, which is great, but not when you feel like you know nothing about the woman he loves- how does she feel about him? how does she feel about God? how does she really feel about the situation she's in? It honestly felt like until she started to want to change her life and start to learn about God that she wasn't really a person in her own right. And that's a dangerous message to send about non-Christians, whether intentional or not (and for the record, I think it was unintentional here...)
The second half, however, was so good. Once we got inside Lacy's head I wanted more (and was disappointed that a few scenes previously hadn't been from her perspective- one in particular would have been a lot more powerful from her point of view). She's a beautiful, broken soul struggling with choices she's made and while not regretting them so much as regretting that she had to make them. It's handled so well, the idea of things not being black and white when it comes to the choices people make and that reminder to not judge people for where they are in life- we never know the circumstances that led them to that place and they are still someone that Jesus loves beyond measure
Also as Lacy is drawn to God she's simultaneously pushed away from him by people of the church, which was cold and harsh and real and I loved it because I loved that the author went there. Given Lacy's past members of the congregation aren't exactly eager to welcome her into the fold, solitifying her belief that God isn't for her- she's fallen too far for his love to apply to her. Watching her have to overcome that and reconcile it with what she's told about God was so raw and real and I appreciated that the author was honest in that, while also having good, solid Christians just as welcoming as the others are condemning
Overall, I enjoyed this book- Lacy's journey is real and raw and the author handles the subject well (putting it bluntly- there are thematic elements but there's no sex scene, almost sex scene, or uncomfortable sex talk). She's a lovely character who is sweet and kind and genuine. She and Aaron are adorable (gosh darn it are they adorable 😍)
I just wish we'd gotten more Lacy and a lot sooner... If we had, this would have been a 5 star read, hands down...
December 14, 2018
Lacy is probably my favourite book from the Ilyon Chronicles so far. It reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books, The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White. Even though the main characters circumstances were difficult and very sad, they chose to trust in God. I don’t think Lacy is a book that you would give to pre-teens for them to read alone, but for older readers, it would be fine. It is very clean, especially considering where Lacy worked at the beginning of the book.
“Scars don’t bother me. We all have them. We’re all broken in some way. Love is finding the ways our broken pieces fit together. If Elom can love us as messed up as we are, we can love each other.”
“Scars don’t bother me. We all have them. We’re all broken in some way. Love is finding the ways our broken pieces fit together. If Elom can love us as messed up as we are, we can love each other.”
February 3, 2023
This book has a wonderful spiritual message: No matter what you’ve done, no matter how unworthy you feel, God loves you. We don’t clean ourselves up to come to Him; He comes to us and cleans us up.
It is a wonderful little book with a very important story. However, parents, you may want to read it first due to the occupation Lacy is driven to plus the fact that there is a *bit* of content between a newly married couple. (Husband sees wife without clothing for first time, but physical desire is not described.)
This one was a bit too linear and predictable for me to give it a 5⭐️ rating, but it is still well worth the read. Enjoy!!
It is a wonderful little book with a very important story. However, parents, you may want to read it first due to the occupation Lacy is driven to plus the fact that there is a *bit* of content between a newly married couple. (Husband sees wife without clothing for first time, but physical desire is not described.)
This one was a bit too linear and predictable for me to give it a 5⭐️ rating, but it is still well worth the read. Enjoy!!
November 29, 2018
Lacy is one of Jaye's novellas, connected to the Ilyon series. This little novella focuses on Aaron, a not so main, main character from the main series. In this book he meets Lacy, who is working to provide for her family the only way she can, as a prostitute.
The story is tender and delicate and shows God's love in how He saves us from all our sins, even the ones we are most shamed of. Aaron shows this love to Lacy when he pays for her to escape the life she hates and provides for her family as if they were his own.
It's a beautiful example of God's love, on top of being a chance to get to know Aaron and his brother Timothy even better.
The story is tender and delicate and shows God's love in how He saves us from all our sins, even the ones we are most shamed of. Aaron shows this love to Lacy when he pays for her to escape the life she hates and provides for her family as if they were his own.
It's a beautiful example of God's love, on top of being a chance to get to know Aaron and his brother Timothy even better.
November 16, 2018
Sweet and endearing, this little story has been a must read of mine since the cover reveal some months back. Short but well paced, Knight tells a tale of worth, redemption and true love no matter the past or the cost.
February 2, 2023
If I could give this 6 stars, I would.
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