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Tales of Taelis #3
Courage and Corruption
Catherine is going with her mother and younger siblings to the mountains to hide from the coming war. While she fears what might happen she is looking forward to some time away from her twin brother, with whom she often fights. One foolish act changes all their plans, and one story caused not only confusion, but more fighting.
Christopher does not believe his father’s story that they are descended from royalty. He is sure the story his father tells cannot be true. However, he is forced to go to the mountain castle of Coraway along with his mother and siblings. Will his father ever see him as a man? Will he and his twin ever be able to stop fighting?
Little do Catherine and Christopher realize that they hold the key to Taelis’ future in their hands. Will they discover the truth before it is too late?
Christopher does not believe his father’s story that they are descended from royalty. He is sure the story his father tells cannot be true. However, he is forced to go to the mountain castle of Coraway along with his mother and siblings. Will his father ever see him as a man? Will he and his twin ever be able to stop fighting?
Little do Catherine and Christopher realize that they hold the key to Taelis’ future in their hands. Will they discover the truth before it is too late?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Holman
46 books459 followersSarah Holman lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Scott. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her family, reading, or hiking at state parks with her husband. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website, www.thedestinyofone.com.
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September 15, 2016This story is close to my heart. January of 2016, I shut myself in my room for almost the whole month and bled out all the frustration, hurts, and joys of 2015. Two books came out of it, this was the first. This is the story of sibling conflict, surrendering to God, and accepting the destiny He has in store.
Be prepared for a lot of emotion, imperfect characters, and a God who can handle all of that.
Be prepared for a lot of emotion, imperfect characters, and a God who can handle all of that.
June 16, 2017
Ten Thoughts on Courage and Corruption
1. Still enjoying this series. :) I think this one was the most well-written in the series yet, and it’s awesome to see this author’s writing improving more and more over time!
2. It’s about a twin brother and sister (Christopher and Catherine) who don’t... erm... get along. :P They have to learn to become better people etc. There are a lot of strong Christian messages/themes along this line throughout the book. :)
3. I didn’t enjoy the first half of the story as much because it was hard reading about these characters being so angry and argumentative, so I... kind of didn’t like them very much then because they had so much to learn. Likely just one of my reading quirks. :P So for that reason, it wasn’t my personal favorite of the series, even though it’s the most well-written and would likely be a favorite with most readers. :)
4. In the second half of the book, I warmed to the story much more, and I found myself quite enjoying the intrigue and excitement, once most of the character-building parts had been dealt with. :)
5. I LOVED the plot that emerged in this one, linking back to a certain event in Adventures and Adversities, and featuring descendants of the little prince from that one! :O I was so hoping that plot would come back and it DID. :D That was one of my favorite things about the story. ^_^
6. My other main favorite thing was all the little stories Uncle Edwin told. :) That was so fun, like lots of mini tales within this one; my favorite was the one about the Shepherd King and the one about Princess Brianna and John in the garden. :D Lovely little follow-up to Brothers and Betrayal! AWK. Such cute. ^_^
7. It’s been great reading more of these books set in the medieval country of Taelis! I especially loved seeing familiar places like Coraway Castle and Delmore Castle (both of which are super super cool... I’d love to live in Coraway Castle! I hope to see more of it in future books too. :)).
8. There are also lots of references to characters and events from the first two books, which I loved. ^_^ (Some of that’s inevitably a little sad though, of course, with multiple generations. :( But oh well. Otherwise I liked the references.)
9. Oh, and along that line, it was neat to see the main characters from Brothers and Betrayal in this one a little, much older but still lurking around being great. :) Bryon, John, and Brianna all make appearances. :)
10. Overall, while some of it didn’t click for me personally, I think most people would really enjoy this! If you like Christian fiction with strong themes and families and adventure and medieval times, you will probably like this one; and like I said, it’s probably the most well-written yet. :) Can also stand alone. I’m definitely curious to continue reading this series in this lovely land of Taelis. ^_^
(Review originally posted on The Page Dreamer: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...)
1. Still enjoying this series. :) I think this one was the most well-written in the series yet, and it’s awesome to see this author’s writing improving more and more over time!
2. It’s about a twin brother and sister (Christopher and Catherine) who don’t... erm... get along. :P They have to learn to become better people etc. There are a lot of strong Christian messages/themes along this line throughout the book. :)
3. I didn’t enjoy the first half of the story as much because it was hard reading about these characters being so angry and argumentative, so I... kind of didn’t like them very much then because they had so much to learn. Likely just one of my reading quirks. :P So for that reason, it wasn’t my personal favorite of the series, even though it’s the most well-written and would likely be a favorite with most readers. :)
4. In the second half of the book, I warmed to the story much more, and I found myself quite enjoying the intrigue and excitement, once most of the character-building parts had been dealt with. :)
5. I LOVED the plot that emerged in this one, linking back to a certain event in Adventures and Adversities, and featuring descendants of the little prince from that one! :O I was so hoping that plot would come back and it DID. :D That was one of my favorite things about the story. ^_^
6. My other main favorite thing was all the little stories Uncle Edwin told. :) That was so fun, like lots of mini tales within this one; my favorite was the one about the Shepherd King and the one about Princess Brianna and John in the garden. :D Lovely little follow-up to Brothers and Betrayal! AWK. Such cute. ^_^
7. It’s been great reading more of these books set in the medieval country of Taelis! I especially loved seeing familiar places like Coraway Castle and Delmore Castle (both of which are super super cool... I’d love to live in Coraway Castle! I hope to see more of it in future books too. :)).
8. There are also lots of references to characters and events from the first two books, which I loved. ^_^ (Some of that’s inevitably a little sad though, of course, with multiple generations. :( But oh well. Otherwise I liked the references.)
9. Oh, and along that line, it was neat to see the main characters from Brothers and Betrayal in this one a little, much older but still lurking around being great. :) Bryon, John, and Brianna all make appearances. :)
10. Overall, while some of it didn’t click for me personally, I think most people would really enjoy this! If you like Christian fiction with strong themes and families and adventure and medieval times, you will probably like this one; and like I said, it’s probably the most well-written yet. :) Can also stand alone. I’m definitely curious to continue reading this series in this lovely land of Taelis. ^_^
(Review originally posted on The Page Dreamer: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...)
February 24, 2017
Having read the first two books in this series, I was so very happy to FINALLY sit down and let my imagination carry me away to the land of Taelis in this story of bickering twins and their struggle to surrender themselves to God and follow His plan for their lives. Sarah Holman has never failed to provide an interesting, faith filled story and I was certainly not disappointed in this book.
What I Liked: First off, I REALLY liked that throughout this series, you see former characters from the previous book and it was interesting to read of these old characters in different seasons of their lives. I also thought it was very clever of this author to include an event that happened in the first book, Adventures and Adversities. I will not tell what that event was or how it turned out for the sake of not spoiling the story for future readers. I will stop here. :)
This book had an excellent, faith-filled message of what it truly means to surrender our lives to the Lord and to live by His Word, the Bible. I quickly became wrapped up in the lives of Christopher and Catherine and it was neat to see how they progressed with the story. It had some exciting turns in it. By chapter 25 I was wondering how Sarah Holman was going to wrap up the story because I knew that there were 29 chapters in this story and I was wondering what little twist she was going to add in and my anticipation was certainly not let down. This was such an enjoyable story.
What I Didn't Like: There wasn't anything that I didn't like.
I give this book 5 stars for an enjoyable story about twins who learn to get along with each other and that they need to choose to bring out the best in each other. I can't wait for the next book!
What I Liked: First off, I REALLY liked that throughout this series, you see former characters from the previous book and it was interesting to read of these old characters in different seasons of their lives. I also thought it was very clever of this author to include an event that happened in the first book, Adventures and Adversities. I will not tell what that event was or how it turned out for the sake of not spoiling the story for future readers. I will stop here. :)
This book had an excellent, faith-filled message of what it truly means to surrender our lives to the Lord and to live by His Word, the Bible. I quickly became wrapped up in the lives of Christopher and Catherine and it was neat to see how they progressed with the story. It had some exciting turns in it. By chapter 25 I was wondering how Sarah Holman was going to wrap up the story because I knew that there were 29 chapters in this story and I was wondering what little twist she was going to add in and my anticipation was certainly not let down. This was such an enjoyable story.
What I Didn't Like: There wasn't anything that I didn't like.
I give this book 5 stars for an enjoyable story about twins who learn to get along with each other and that they need to choose to bring out the best in each other. I can't wait for the next book!
May 3, 2019
Mmmmmkay--this was awesome! And I say that as someone who usually has a hard time with stubborn, argumentative characters who refuse to learn their lessons. ;)
I did rather want to shake both Catherine and Christopher (though especially Christopher) at times, but somehow even though I was frustrated with them, I still wanted them to grow into what they were meant to be, rather than just wanting to leave them behind and be done with it. :) And when they did begin to grow and change, I really liked both of them. Lily was very cute, and Jacob was just a doll. <3<3<3 I also really liked both their parents and their relatives at Coraway castle.
Okay, all the tie-ins between this and both Adventures and Adversities and Brothers and Betrayal were awesome! I loved getting to see all the characters from Brothers and Betrayal again, and I loved all the little mini-stories that filled in gaps and answered questions while still filling a purpose within the bigger story. (Had to go back to check myself on the name of a certain castle, but turns out I was right on that connection, even though no one made it in the book. Score!)
Plot-wise, I was half expecting some twists that didn't happen, but I liked the way everything worked out. This is probably my favorite book in the series so far, and that's saying something! :D I'm excited to see what comes next!
4.5 stars
Content--arguments and insults; battle scenes, including wounds and deaths (not graphic)
I did rather want to shake both Catherine and Christopher (though especially Christopher) at times, but somehow even though I was frustrated with them, I still wanted them to grow into what they were meant to be, rather than just wanting to leave them behind and be done with it. :) And when they did begin to grow and change, I really liked both of them. Lily was very cute, and Jacob was just a doll. <3<3<3 I also really liked both their parents and their relatives at Coraway castle.
Okay, all the tie-ins between this and both Adventures and Adversities and Brothers and Betrayal were awesome! I loved getting to see all the characters from Brothers and Betrayal again, and I loved all the little mini-stories that filled in gaps and answered questions while still filling a purpose within the bigger story. (Had to go back to check myself on the name of a certain castle, but turns out I was right on that connection, even though no one made it in the book. Score!)
Plot-wise, I was half expecting some twists that didn't happen, but I liked the way everything worked out. This is probably my favorite book in the series so far, and that's saying something! :D I'm excited to see what comes next!
4.5 stars
Content--arguments and insults; battle scenes, including wounds and deaths (not graphic)
June 11, 2017
This story is a 3.5 rating.
Though usually I don't enjoy stories set in this time period, I had enjoyed the first two books in this series and was eager to read the 3rd. It was just as well done as the others. The author leaves out any romance by making the main characters a feuding brother and sister. Though there were a few times when it seemed as though the characters were younger than their age, it was probably just my imagination. Lessons about forgiveness, taking responsibility for your actions, trust in God and surrendering to His leading were well incorporated into the story.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Though usually I don't enjoy stories set in this time period, I had enjoyed the first two books in this series and was eager to read the 3rd. It was just as well done as the others. The author leaves out any romance by making the main characters a feuding brother and sister. Though there were a few times when it seemed as though the characters were younger than their age, it was probably just my imagination. Lessons about forgiveness, taking responsibility for your actions, trust in God and surrendering to His leading were well incorporated into the story.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 14, 2017
4.5
Review to come!
Review to come!
December 22, 2023
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Wow. What an amazing story. I really appreciated the lessons of this book. It is just full of amazing quotes. I related to Catharine & Christopher’s struggles so much... and I really enjoyed the medieval aspect. This whole series is just really good, but this book is particularly good. <33
A Favourite Quote: “‘That is why stories are so important[.] They remind us of our past and what we have been. They inspire us to press on to a better future. They teach us the consequences of our actions so we do not have to make the same mistakes over and over again.’
“‘Is that why you like to tell stories so much?’ ...
‘Yes[.] Every story I tell has a purpose. A story without purpose is like an army without weapons, useless and pointless.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘You should have been the oldest child.’ His hands dropped to his sides.
“‘I was born first,’ Catherine reminded him.
“‘I meant the firstborn son.’”
A Favourite Quote: “‘That is why stories are so important[.] They remind us of our past and what we have been. They inspire us to press on to a better future. They teach us the consequences of our actions so we do not have to make the same mistakes over and over again.’
“‘Is that why you like to tell stories so much?’ ...
‘Yes[.] Every story I tell has a purpose. A story without purpose is like an army without weapons, useless and pointless.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘You should have been the oldest child.’ His hands dropped to his sides.
“‘I was born first,’ Catherine reminded him.
“‘I meant the firstborn son.’”
November 16, 2016
Courage and Corruption was a sweet, romance-free story of two siblings and their struggle to get along. It wasn’t your typical cutesy sibling rivalry story, as the twins were 15. Their constant bickering was becoming a huge problem and lack of maturity was keeping them from doing things that other children their age did. I think any reader who has siblings can relate to the desire to argue. This story shows what can happen when bickering is allowed to get out of hand.
There was one plot twist I wasn’t at all expecting, which is always fun! I’m looking forward to reading forthcoming books in this series!
There was one plot twist I wasn’t at all expecting, which is always fun! I’m looking forward to reading forthcoming books in this series!
November 16, 2016
There are so many good points to bring out in this story, it's almost unfair to start listing the first few that come to mind, in case I happen to forget some. Nonetheless...
Courage and Corruption, perhaps even more so than the other Taelis novels and stories, has so many lessons and morals to be found within its pages. God's grace shines through it all and repeatedly touched my heart. I think that almost anyone reading this book could find a lesson (or more than one) in it that they can apply to their own life.
Christopher and Catherine are two siblings who bicker often and share resentment towards each other. They do not see the destiny God already has in motion for their lives, just like we often miss the signs of His hands surrounding us. As the plot thickens and history unfolds around them in unexpected ways, these siblings learn much together.
This tale also includes Brianna and John (favorite characters from a previous Tales of Taelis book). Now in their olden years, the couple is still giving their hearts and minds to the ruling of Taelis. A great battle is to arise, and King John must deal with heavy issues that will determine and alter the fate of Taelis.
There are many stories to be found within this story. The adventure begins by a journey to visit relatives at Coraway Castle. What Christopher and Catherine discover there is beyond their wildest dreams, if they'll only listen and discard their stubborn hearts.
Thanks to the author for a free copy of this book; I was not required to post a review.
Courage and Corruption, perhaps even more so than the other Taelis novels and stories, has so many lessons and morals to be found within its pages. God's grace shines through it all and repeatedly touched my heart. I think that almost anyone reading this book could find a lesson (or more than one) in it that they can apply to their own life.
Christopher and Catherine are two siblings who bicker often and share resentment towards each other. They do not see the destiny God already has in motion for their lives, just like we often miss the signs of His hands surrounding us. As the plot thickens and history unfolds around them in unexpected ways, these siblings learn much together.
This tale also includes Brianna and John (favorite characters from a previous Tales of Taelis book). Now in their olden years, the couple is still giving their hearts and minds to the ruling of Taelis. A great battle is to arise, and King John must deal with heavy issues that will determine and alter the fate of Taelis.
There are many stories to be found within this story. The adventure begins by a journey to visit relatives at Coraway Castle. What Christopher and Catherine discover there is beyond their wildest dreams, if they'll only listen and discard their stubborn hearts.
Thanks to the author for a free copy of this book; I was not required to post a review.
June 28, 2017
What I Liked: Oh where to begin with this story lol There was a little angst in this, guys. I love my angst. So I enjoyed that aspect.
This story hit a little closer to home, in while that I am not experiencing the conflicts of the MCs, per se, I am personally struggling with the lesson they learned—and kept learning (which is also something I enjoyed—but I digress). This story dealt a lot with (that big, ugly word) surrender. So this story was timely for me in that way. As mentioned previously, I appreciated that when the main character finally came to grips with “hey I’m wrong, I need to change”—he did not change over night. He wasn’t suddenly perfect—he was still a jerk and occasionally selfish, but he was now aware and working on it, so he acted out on it less and less. This is how change usually happens in real life, so to see it occur I the story was genuine and encouraging. (Especially to see how he continued to learn and grow in it.)
What I did not Like: This is actually a good thing, but the two main characters bicker a ton in the beginning and frankly, it drove me nuts lol! However! The bickering is essential to their stories and character growth and we as readers are not supposed to enjoy it, so it was actually great writing on Sara’s part. But it drove me bonkers lol. So we get a good sense of sympathy to those suffering around our MCs because of it lol
This story hit a little closer to home, in while that I am not experiencing the conflicts of the MCs, per se, I am personally struggling with the lesson they learned—and kept learning (which is also something I enjoyed—but I digress). This story dealt a lot with (that big, ugly word) surrender. So this story was timely for me in that way. As mentioned previously, I appreciated that when the main character finally came to grips with “hey I’m wrong, I need to change”—he did not change over night. He wasn’t suddenly perfect—he was still a jerk and occasionally selfish, but he was now aware and working on it, so he acted out on it less and less. This is how change usually happens in real life, so to see it occur I the story was genuine and encouraging. (Especially to see how he continued to learn and grow in it.)
What I did not Like: This is actually a good thing, but the two main characters bicker a ton in the beginning and frankly, it drove me nuts lol! However! The bickering is essential to their stories and character growth and we as readers are not supposed to enjoy it, so it was actually great writing on Sara’s part. But it drove me bonkers lol. So we get a good sense of sympathy to those suffering around our MCs because of it lol
September 7, 2018
Nice story with some very important messages. This series is basically a series of lessons/parables for young adults. Not the best historically, but good for younger readers.
And grown ups can read them too. Or listen to this now.
Recommended.
And grown ups can read them too. Or listen to this now.
Recommended.
September 1, 2017
Beautiful
A beautiful story. The story within a story is remarkable. I will read the other books by this writer. You will enjoy this book!
A beautiful story. The story within a story is remarkable. I will read the other books by this writer. You will enjoy this book!
November 21, 2016
Christopher and his twin sister Catherine can’t seem to get along. Furthermore, Christopher struggles to accept the fact that his father will not let him stay with the men to fight. He longs for a way to prove to his father that he is responsible, but it seems that no matter what he does his father won’t listen. After being sent off with the women and children to a castle away from the action, Christopher becomes even more upset at the unfairness of the situation. Is there any way he can prove he is trustworthy? And what will happen to Taelis, now that their king is dying?
Although I didn’t agree with everything in this book, and did struggle to stay engaged at times, I did appreciate the theme of dealing with sin in our lives before we go try to change someone else. The ending, too, is quite fun. Especially recommended to those aged 11-14.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
Although I didn’t agree with everything in this book, and did struggle to stay engaged at times, I did appreciate the theme of dealing with sin in our lives before we go try to change someone else. The ending, too, is quite fun. Especially recommended to those aged 11-14.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
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