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Defier #2
Sparrow
-A Christian Dystopian Series-
The fight has only just begun...
As the new Regime continues to rise, so does one girl's faith. Lennox Winters defied the odds and stood when everyone else bowed. Now, she must train to become a Sparrow and learn how to fight against the very men who destroyed her world. When the attacks against Defiers continue to strike close to home, she must defend her best friend and love of her life, which means she might have to go against the authority she respects.With the enemy approaching and her faith hanging in the balance, Lennox must make the hard choices that only a soldier can make.
Lines will be crossed.
Hearts will be broken.
Freedom will be taken.
Will the girl who stood still stand in the fire?
The fight has only just begun...
As the new Regime continues to rise, so does one girl's faith. Lennox Winters defied the odds and stood when everyone else bowed. Now, she must train to become a Sparrow and learn how to fight against the very men who destroyed her world. When the attacks against Defiers continue to strike close to home, she must defend her best friend and love of her life, which means she might have to go against the authority she respects.With the enemy approaching and her faith hanging in the balance, Lennox must make the hard choices that only a soldier can make.
Lines will be crossed.
Hearts will be broken.
Freedom will be taken.
Will the girl who stood still stand in the fire?
270 pages, Paperback
Published July 12, 2016
6 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 28, 2016
Just to warn you, this is probably going to be a short, fangirly review. I’ve been putting off writing this review, because, this book is just….. LIKE AHHHHH! WHAT EVEN! MY EMOTIONS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE! Excuse me, while I just like, cry…in my dark, soggy alone place. *cries*
If you read my review for Defier, you will know that this characters, I just adored. Seriously, I just want to hug them. But do you know that saying, “Him who your heart adores, dies?” Oh, wait. No. I just made that up, but it is so true. Actually in this book, my favorite character didn’t die. IT WAS WORSE THAT DEATH! *sobs* WHY WOULD MANDY FENDER DO THIS TO MY EMOTIONS!? Seriously, though, I was like, near tears, and that’s the farthest I get to crying in books. I feel as though my heart shan’t repair. *dies*
I read it in a day and a half while in a reading slump. And this is a like, three hundred and fifty-page book peoples (I think), and I am like the slowest reader alive. It just killed me sooooo much!
And yes. That’s all I have. *hides* Guys, this was like one of my favorite reads of 2016. Please, just go read it. I know this was more of a time to cry over the precious charries, but if you read the book…..You will understand.
As for who I would recommend them too…. Ages: 13+ and to anyone who wants a good, dystopian read. But bring chocolate, and blankets. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Now go read. Now. *hands you Sparrow and sits to wait till you finish so we can cry together*
If you read my review for Defier, you will know that this characters, I just adored. Seriously, I just want to hug them. But do you know that saying, “Him who your heart adores, dies?” Oh, wait. No. I just made that up, but it is so true. Actually in this book, my favorite character didn’t die. IT WAS WORSE THAT DEATH! *sobs* WHY WOULD MANDY FENDER DO THIS TO MY EMOTIONS!? Seriously, though, I was like, near tears, and that’s the farthest I get to crying in books. I feel as though my heart shan’t repair. *dies*
I read it in a day and a half while in a reading slump. And this is a like, three hundred and fifty-page book peoples (I think), and I am like the slowest reader alive. It just killed me sooooo much!
And yes. That’s all I have. *hides* Guys, this was like one of my favorite reads of 2016. Please, just go read it. I know this was more of a time to cry over the precious charries, but if you read the book…..You will understand.
As for who I would recommend them too…. Ages: 13+ and to anyone who wants a good, dystopian read. But bring chocolate, and blankets. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Now go read. Now. *hands you Sparrow and sits to wait till you finish so we can cry together*
September 5, 2016
Sparrow is the exciting sequel to Defier: The Girl Who Stood by Mandy Fender! These books are Christian dystopian, action-packed and faith-filled!
Lennox Winters is now a Sparrow soldier, living in a protected base along with her friend, Sky, brother, Oliver, and other resisters. The Regime is still hard at work, spreading their evil across the world. Time is running out. Lennox and her friends must find Lennox and Oliver's mother's locket, embedded with a secret chip, and destroy the Regime's plan.
Sparrow is a story of faith and sorrow. Evil and victory. I love how Many Fender always points back to God and relying on His strength. Lennox and the others must learn to trust God with everything - their lives, and the lives of those they love. Beautiful theme of faith and hope and trust.
We get some dystopian technology and whatnot, which is always fun for me! The genre of dystopian is almost like a form of fantasy. Authors imagine what our world could be like in the future, and make up all kinds of weird and interesting things. *grins* So that was enjoyable.
There's action and battles. Pain and fear. Some characters we love get hit hard. Things are so very uncertain ... but Sparrow ends on a note of hope and determination. Things are not over. Lennox will not stop fighting. God is still on the throne.
I look forward to reading book three, the conclusion to the DEFIER series, Conqueror!
I received a copy of Sparrow from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Lennox Winters is now a Sparrow soldier, living in a protected base along with her friend, Sky, brother, Oliver, and other resisters. The Regime is still hard at work, spreading their evil across the world. Time is running out. Lennox and her friends must find Lennox and Oliver's mother's locket, embedded with a secret chip, and destroy the Regime's plan.
Sparrow is a story of faith and sorrow. Evil and victory. I love how Many Fender always points back to God and relying on His strength. Lennox and the others must learn to trust God with everything - their lives, and the lives of those they love. Beautiful theme of faith and hope and trust.
We get some dystopian technology and whatnot, which is always fun for me! The genre of dystopian is almost like a form of fantasy. Authors imagine what our world could be like in the future, and make up all kinds of weird and interesting things. *grins* So that was enjoyable.
There's action and battles. Pain and fear. Some characters we love get hit hard. Things are so very uncertain ... but Sparrow ends on a note of hope and determination. Things are not over. Lennox will not stop fighting. God is still on the throne.
I look forward to reading book three, the conclusion to the DEFIER series, Conqueror!
I received a copy of Sparrow from the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2016
Full review up son! But here's a quick blog post a did of all my favorite quotes from it! https://26countlesspossibilities.word...
August 8, 2016
EEEK!!!! Review coming tomorrow!
July 28, 2016
"Faith is not the absence of fear, it is believing - even when you can't see, even when you're afraid. Faith is that constant war within that you must fight. Fear has to take a backseat to faith."
Note: This is a non-spoiler review, especially since this is the 2nd book in the Defier series by Mandy Fender. I will not be giving a synopsis of this book because...spoilers!!!
My thoughts: Before I say anything, a huge thanks to Mrs. Fender for sending me an ARC of her book! Now, onto the review! WOW. That was absolutely amazing! This book takes place a few weeks after the first book, "Defier: the Girl Who Stood," ended. Mrs. Fender transitioned so nicely from the first book to the second book. Even though it had been a couple of months since I read the first book, I still remembered the characters and the world. Speaking of the characters, I give this book an A+ for the character development! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the characters matured both in their character and their faith. It was truly beautiful. I will not say any names, but the relationship in this book is #goals. So tender and sweet, I really enjoyed it. I have never been in a relationship, but I can only hope it is as beautiful as the one in this book. As for the plot...WHOOOOOOAAAAA! It was crazy awesome and intense! So. Much. Action. And. Suspense. As for my thoughts on the end... This is a really fast read because it is just so well written. I highly recommend it. The faith within this book is so rich and something not found in most YA literature. Please read this book! If you haven't read the first book, the ebook version is $0.99 on Amazon. So what are you doing? Go read it!!! Then read "Sparrow" and thank me for making you read it! You will not regret it. ;)
"Just trust Him, and when the darkness seems closer to the light, pray. That's all we can do when there are no answers."
* I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
Note: This is a non-spoiler review, especially since this is the 2nd book in the Defier series by Mandy Fender. I will not be giving a synopsis of this book because...spoilers!!!
My thoughts: Before I say anything, a huge thanks to Mrs. Fender for sending me an ARC of her book! Now, onto the review! WOW. That was absolutely amazing! This book takes place a few weeks after the first book, "Defier: the Girl Who Stood," ended. Mrs. Fender transitioned so nicely from the first book to the second book. Even though it had been a couple of months since I read the first book, I still remembered the characters and the world. Speaking of the characters, I give this book an A+ for the character development! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the characters matured both in their character and their faith. It was truly beautiful. I will not say any names, but the relationship in this book is #goals. So tender and sweet, I really enjoyed it. I have never been in a relationship, but I can only hope it is as beautiful as the one in this book. As for the plot...WHOOOOOOAAAAA! It was crazy awesome and intense! So. Much. Action. And. Suspense. As for my thoughts on the end... This is a really fast read because it is just so well written. I highly recommend it. The faith within this book is so rich and something not found in most YA literature. Please read this book! If you haven't read the first book, the ebook version is $0.99 on Amazon. So what are you doing? Go read it!!! Then read "Sparrow" and thank me for making you read it! You will not regret it. ;)
"Just trust Him, and when the darkness seems closer to the light, pray. That's all we can do when there are no answers."
* I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
June 29, 2016
Don't read this one without reading Defier: The Girl Who Stood. For Christian Dystopian YA , Sparrow is an excellent continuance of the story. As I said in the Defier review,
This dystopian vision of our future could happen. All of it is possible before the Rapture, the revealing of the AntiChrist, or any of the other markers many are waiting for.
As Christian Dystopian YA, Sparrow is great fun!
In this book, the warfare intensifies. The evil is over the top. The God-given technology is outstanding. Have no doubt, this is a technological battle with between Christians and Evil people.
Again, the spiritual limitation of the series, is the lack of spiritual warfare with our spiritual enemies. I realize that many Christians have little experience of direct conflict with the Creep and his hordes of demons. In addition, most spiritual warfare Hollywoodizes the enemy to the level of insanity. But that is what is driving the government in this book and the fight is with the demons driving the bad guys.
However, this is redemptive fiction
As such it has been awarded for excellence in Christian redemptive fiction. This is a book you'd be happy to see your children reading. The reality of the world is not really there. This is close to superhero stuff, and the world has quite a few elements which are a bit beyond any attempt at reality.
Again though, the examples of Christian living are excellent. It gives us several examples of what walking by faith under tremendous pressure might look like. One of the benefits of Christian fiction is that we can present examples clearly without the clutter of normal day-to-day living. Mandy has done this very well.
Mandy gave me an ARC with no qualifications. It won't be released until late July AFAIK.
This dystopian vision of our future could happen. All of it is possible before the Rapture, the revealing of the AntiChrist, or any of the other markers many are waiting for.
As Christian Dystopian YA, Sparrow is great fun!
In this book, the warfare intensifies. The evil is over the top. The God-given technology is outstanding. Have no doubt, this is a technological battle with between Christians and Evil people.
Again, the spiritual limitation of the series, is the lack of spiritual warfare with our spiritual enemies. I realize that many Christians have little experience of direct conflict with the Creep and his hordes of demons. In addition, most spiritual warfare Hollywoodizes the enemy to the level of insanity. But that is what is driving the government in this book and the fight is with the demons driving the bad guys.
However, this is redemptive fiction
As such it has been awarded for excellence in Christian redemptive fiction. This is a book you'd be happy to see your children reading. The reality of the world is not really there. This is close to superhero stuff, and the world has quite a few elements which are a bit beyond any attempt at reality.
Again though, the examples of Christian living are excellent. It gives us several examples of what walking by faith under tremendous pressure might look like. One of the benefits of Christian fiction is that we can present examples clearly without the clutter of normal day-to-day living. Mandy has done this very well.
Mandy gave me an ARC with no qualifications. It won't be released until late July AFAIK.
August 27, 2017
"In the darkness, she reached out to hope… to light."
Whoa, this was much more of an emotional journey compared to DEFIER. While reading book one I was tearing up, SPARROW had me trying not to bawl (and not just at the end either!). The way certain things happen was so unexpected and didn't see coming, but I LOVE how strong Lennox was in standing in her faith at the end. Truly she was a beacon of hope and encouraged me to NEVER give up and ALWAYS have faith in our Heavenly Father (no matter how dark it may seem).
Though the romance is not a huge part of this novel, the author writes it so beautifully. There is no kissing, but yet you can truly see the love Lennox has for Sky. One of my favorite parts of this story.
Also, I strongly enjoyed learning more about Sparrow tech in this one as well as the training. It's a lot of fun to read about! (Unfortunately, I will not expand on this because I don't want to even remotely risk spoiling it. *winks*)
Looking forward to reading book three, CONQUEROR, and hoping alongside Lennox that things will turn around concerning a certain situation. Though no matter what, book three is sure to be just as powerful and encouraging.
Whoa, this was much more of an emotional journey compared to DEFIER. While reading book one I was tearing up, SPARROW had me trying not to bawl (and not just at the end either!). The way certain things happen was so unexpected and didn't see coming, but I LOVE how strong Lennox was in standing in her faith at the end. Truly she was a beacon of hope and encouraged me to NEVER give up and ALWAYS have faith in our Heavenly Father (no matter how dark it may seem).
Though the romance is not a huge part of this novel, the author writes it so beautifully. There is no kissing, but yet you can truly see the love Lennox has for Sky. One of my favorite parts of this story.
Also, I strongly enjoyed learning more about Sparrow tech in this one as well as the training. It's a lot of fun to read about! (Unfortunately, I will not expand on this because I don't want to even remotely risk spoiling it. *winks*)
Looking forward to reading book three, CONQUEROR, and hoping alongside Lennox that things will turn around concerning a certain situation. Though no matter what, book three is sure to be just as powerful and encouraging.
July 29, 2024
Ummmm, how do I say all the things I want to..? I’m just going to info dump it all in this review I suppose.
I still maintain that this story had so much potential! It was a while since I’d read the first so it took me a while to remember everyone, but once I did… oh boy.
I like the character of Lennox, her journey at the Sparrow compound learning everything would have easily fit into the first book. I don’t know what exactly our third book climax is leading towards, except for one very obvious plot point.
Our villain didn’t feel deserved. I don’t understand how this one guy is the “big bad” at all. He’s basically a bully with money.. how is that a superior villain? It’s not.
The writing, I finally realised, is a big problem for me. There are VERY well written sequences - particularly within the action that goes on - but most of this book reads like it was written by an absolute novice writer. Phrases that are amateur at best are littered throughout this book. I’ve read great writers and not so great, and I’m sad to say this one falls in the category of writing that just isn’t good. It needed severe work before it was published in my opinion. It’s not even writing style that I’m objecting to, it just reads like a first draft, which is not what you want.
The parts where we all of a sudden talk very seriously about God were so out of place, I didn’t know what to do with them. It wasn’t weaved in nicely, it was slammed in the middle of a scene and shoved down your throat. Like I said in my review of the first book, I love Christian fiction but his wasn’t hitting over the line for me.
The general plot of this second book was pretty interesting, but it was wrapped up in so much poor writing and cliche lines that it was almost impossible to keep track of a thread that kept me engaged.
I’m so disappointed in these comments because again… it has so much POTENTIAL to be an amazing story. So much. It just didn’t make it through the pages. If this had gone through maybe another four or five draft passes, heavy content editing and revisions, it could have been great.
I still maintain that this story had so much potential! It was a while since I’d read the first so it took me a while to remember everyone, but once I did… oh boy.
I like the character of Lennox, her journey at the Sparrow compound learning everything would have easily fit into the first book. I don’t know what exactly our third book climax is leading towards, except for one very obvious plot point.
Our villain didn’t feel deserved. I don’t understand how this one guy is the “big bad” at all. He’s basically a bully with money.. how is that a superior villain? It’s not.
The writing, I finally realised, is a big problem for me. There are VERY well written sequences - particularly within the action that goes on - but most of this book reads like it was written by an absolute novice writer. Phrases that are amateur at best are littered throughout this book. I’ve read great writers and not so great, and I’m sad to say this one falls in the category of writing that just isn’t good. It needed severe work before it was published in my opinion. It’s not even writing style that I’m objecting to, it just reads like a first draft, which is not what you want.
The parts where we all of a sudden talk very seriously about God were so out of place, I didn’t know what to do with them. It wasn’t weaved in nicely, it was slammed in the middle of a scene and shoved down your throat. Like I said in my review of the first book, I love Christian fiction but his wasn’t hitting over the line for me.
The general plot of this second book was pretty interesting, but it was wrapped up in so much poor writing and cliche lines that it was almost impossible to keep track of a thread that kept me engaged.
I’m so disappointed in these comments because again… it has so much POTENTIAL to be an amazing story. So much. It just didn’t make it through the pages. If this had gone through maybe another four or five draft passes, heavy content editing and revisions, it could have been great.
July 19, 2016
I am not a fiction book fan but when I read Mandy Fender's book Defier I could not put it down. As a consequence, I could not wait to get the sequel Sparrow. I was not disappointed! It was a riveting read! Mandy has done it again! She has written Christian Dystopia and in the process has challenged the reader to grow in their faith. The Word of God and the principles of Christian living have been interwoven in the story line. Lennox has become a Warrior for Christ in the battle between light and darkness. She has learned that although there were carnal weapons at her disposal the war between good and evil cannot be won without spiritual weapons.She is not afraid to face the forces of darkness and to fight for her friends as well. Lennox has become a mighty force for God who faces the future with hope and that knows that with God on her side she will come out victorious in the end!I can't wait to read book three in the Defier series!
June 29, 2016
SPARROW is an Epic Dystopian Novel!
I could not put it down!
This book has everything---
adventure, intrigue, romance, ruthless villains, action-packed battle sequences, heart-warming friendships, tragedies and triumphs.
It's all expertly woven into an incredible saga you will want to immerse yourself in again and again.
The heroine of SPARROW, Lennox Winters, is a woman driven by conviction, motivated by loved and powered by faith.
She is strong, yet vulnerable; loyal yet an independent thinker; skilled yet teachable; young yet equipped with wisdom beyond her years.
Lennox is also a work-in-progress, as this story perfectly illustrates.
I absolutely love Lennox and I absolutely love this book!
I wholeheartedly recommend it!
* I received an Advanced Copy in Exchange For An Honest Review. *
I could not put it down!
This book has everything---
adventure, intrigue, romance, ruthless villains, action-packed battle sequences, heart-warming friendships, tragedies and triumphs.
It's all expertly woven into an incredible saga you will want to immerse yourself in again and again.
The heroine of SPARROW, Lennox Winters, is a woman driven by conviction, motivated by loved and powered by faith.
She is strong, yet vulnerable; loyal yet an independent thinker; skilled yet teachable; young yet equipped with wisdom beyond her years.
Lennox is also a work-in-progress, as this story perfectly illustrates.
I absolutely love Lennox and I absolutely love this book!
I wholeheartedly recommend it!
* I received an Advanced Copy in Exchange For An Honest Review. *
July 10, 2016
First, I want to thank Mandy Fender for allowing me to read this book ahead of time.
Second, if you haven't read Defier, then I would definitely recommend reading that before you read this.
Now, about the book: this book was AMAZING! I read Defier a couple months ago, and couldn't wait for Sparrow to come out. I really enjoyed Defier, but it doesn't even compare to Sparrow. Excluding the story, even the writing was ten times better. But the story was awesome! And I definitely loved all the spiritual content in the book. I just want to tell everyone about it, but I don't want to ruin the story for you! So, once it's out, go and buy it. You'll thank me later.
I received a copy of Sparrow from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Second, if you haven't read Defier, then I would definitely recommend reading that before you read this.
Now, about the book: this book was AMAZING! I read Defier a couple months ago, and couldn't wait for Sparrow to come out. I really enjoyed Defier, but it doesn't even compare to Sparrow. Excluding the story, even the writing was ten times better. But the story was awesome! And I definitely loved all the spiritual content in the book. I just want to tell everyone about it, but I don't want to ruin the story for you! So, once it's out, go and buy it. You'll thank me later.
I received a copy of Sparrow from the author in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2016
Sparrow is Book Two in Mandy Fender’s Defier Series. Once again, Mandy has put out a wonderful action-packed read, bringing us a faith-filled message of Christ. What I love the most about her characters is how relatable they are. Each time they’re faced with adversity, Mandy will throw in a Scripture, conquering fear and strengthening faith. Sparrow is a story of trusting God in hard times, even when things don’t look promising. A strong message here is to walk by faith, not by sight. Her multi-faceted characters are people we’d love to know in real life, and the warriors of God we strive to be. After only a few chapters, you already feel a connection with these God-serving soldiers. Sparrow is a heart-pounding read with a strong Christian message. I wait in anticipation for book three.
July 30, 2016
Loved Defier and I love Sparrow even more! Finally a dystopia series I can rally behind and recommend with the highest rating. This is such a well developed story with characters you feel like you know intimately. Great read for teens and adults alike.
My favorite quote: Hope and faith made her dangerous to the enemy.
Want a read that you can get lost in and be encouraged and strengthened in your faith while entertained at the same time? Defier series it is!
My favorite quote: Hope and faith made her dangerous to the enemy.
Want a read that you can get lost in and be encouraged and strengthened in your faith while entertained at the same time? Defier series it is!
June 29, 2016
Another great book!!! I loved this book it was so spirit filled! I read this book in 1 day haha! This is the second book in the Defier series and I'm so excited for the next book. In this book Lennox had to get her locket back and fight for her faith. I love how we got to see Lennox grow in her faith and relationship with Christ! This book was just so well written. :)
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