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The Uncloaked Trilogy #3
Charging the Darkness
You were not saved for this...
The veil has been torn, but Braxton Luther still has more to do.
The captive Uncloaked have been freed, and the people know the dark truth. A rebellion against the Party has begun, but the question lingers among those who are safely hidden in the Refuge--what will happen to their broken nation? Secrets and shame, resentment and hatred continue to shake the nation, now divided.
What will it take to break the grip of the Party? Beyond that, is there any hope of healing after the damage of the darkness?
The veil has been torn, but Braxton Luther still has more to do.
The captive Uncloaked have been freed, and the people know the dark truth. A rebellion against the Party has begun, but the question lingers among those who are safely hidden in the Refuge--what will happen to their broken nation? Secrets and shame, resentment and hatred continue to shake the nation, now divided.
What will it take to break the grip of the Party? Beyond that, is there any hope of healing after the damage of the darkness?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2017
17 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
J. Rodes
11 books15 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Pseudonym for Jennifer Rodewald
J. Rodes lives on the wideplains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast,and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly,she loves Jesus and wants to see the kids she's honored to teach fall in lovewith Him too.
Pseudonym for Jennifer Rodewald
J. Rodes lives on the wideplains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast,and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly,she loves Jesus and wants to see the kids she's honored to teach fall in lovewith Him too.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 25, 2017
What a gripping conclusion to this series! Charging the Darkness builds on the question that has driven this series so far—"Will you stand?”—by asking an even more challenging question: “What will you do with what you believe?" In other words, how will you respond to those who persecute you? With forgiveness or bitterness?
* This series is intended to be read in order. As a result, there may be minor spoilers in this review for previous books in the series. *
One character in this series has stood firm in her convictions from the beginning: Eliza Knight. As a result, she was taken to the ‘Reformation camp’, humiliated, abused, and exposed to a deadly new strain of the smallpox virus. (We are given enough information to understand what she has been through, but it is not graphic.) Now, as the sole survivor of the virus, she is the key to developing a vaccine against it, but she also has the choice to say ‘no’. Her convictions were strong enough to stand in the face of extreme persecution; are they also strong enough to choose forgiveness over bitterness and hatred?
One of the best things about J. Rodes’ writing is that her characters are like a second skin to the reader. Eliza’s struggle became my struggle. As I write this I can still feel the grip of the instinctual ‘eye for an eye’ response versus ‘turn the other cheek’. I felt her pain, her sense of shame, her loss of hope, and yet I also experienced her compassion and the release that came from confronting and resisting the darkness within rather than hiding from it. Powerful, life-shaping stuff!
And Braxton. His journey has been no less inspiring as God has used ‘all the dumb stuff’ he did and the ‘selfish choices’ he made (his words, not mine!) to mature and strengthen him. That was particularly demonstrated in the way he supported Eliza in this novel. And I love that he hasn't totally lost his snark!
As for Hannah and Quinn, I’m not going to say much about their journey—too many spoilers—but the tension is high, particularly as Quinn struggles to come to terms with the consequence of his actions and sort truth from manipulation.
This is an absolutely fantastic series, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's thought-provoking, challenging, heartbreaking at times (one point in particular in this novel, so be prepared!), but ultimately inspiring. Only one thing remains to be said: Will you stand?
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
* This series is intended to be read in order. As a result, there may be minor spoilers in this review for previous books in the series. *
One character in this series has stood firm in her convictions from the beginning: Eliza Knight. As a result, she was taken to the ‘Reformation camp’, humiliated, abused, and exposed to a deadly new strain of the smallpox virus. (We are given enough information to understand what she has been through, but it is not graphic.) Now, as the sole survivor of the virus, she is the key to developing a vaccine against it, but she also has the choice to say ‘no’. Her convictions were strong enough to stand in the face of extreme persecution; are they also strong enough to choose forgiveness over bitterness and hatred?
One of the best things about J. Rodes’ writing is that her characters are like a second skin to the reader. Eliza’s struggle became my struggle. As I write this I can still feel the grip of the instinctual ‘eye for an eye’ response versus ‘turn the other cheek’. I felt her pain, her sense of shame, her loss of hope, and yet I also experienced her compassion and the release that came from confronting and resisting the darkness within rather than hiding from it. Powerful, life-shaping stuff!
And Braxton. His journey has been no less inspiring as God has used ‘all the dumb stuff’ he did and the ‘selfish choices’ he made (his words, not mine!) to mature and strengthen him. That was particularly demonstrated in the way he supported Eliza in this novel. And I love that he hasn't totally lost his snark!
As for Hannah and Quinn, I’m not going to say much about their journey—too many spoilers—but the tension is high, particularly as Quinn struggles to come to terms with the consequence of his actions and sort truth from manipulation.
This is an absolutely fantastic series, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's thought-provoking, challenging, heartbreaking at times (one point in particular in this novel, so be prepared!), but ultimately inspiring. Only one thing remains to be said: Will you stand?
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 5, 2017
Sigh, it’s over and I don’t know what to do now. The Uncloaked series started so fiercely and entrenched my heart so quickly that now I’m wondering what I should do. Not with my reading time, because there are always books to read, but with the questions this book raises.
“What will you do with what you believe?”
It’s a powerful question. One I’m not yet sure I have a complete answer to. Thiswhole series has tugged at my belief system and caused me to think. But Charging the Darkness is different than the others. We get to see life through Eliza’s eyes (aka her pov). Y’all, it’s heart wrenching and powerful all at once.
Her fight to get back to the light is tough and one that kept me turning the pages. Plus, there were some shockers in here. Like put the book down shockers. Thankfully I recovered enough to continue to the end. And I’m so glad I did.
Charging the Darkness is real. It’s raw. It’s faith.
*I received a free copy from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
**Review at: https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2017...
“What will you do with what you believe?”
It’s a powerful question. One I’m not yet sure I have a complete answer to. Thiswhole series has tugged at my belief system and caused me to think. But Charging the Darkness is different than the others. We get to see life through Eliza’s eyes (aka her pov). Y’all, it’s heart wrenching and powerful all at once.
Her fight to get back to the light is tough and one that kept me turning the pages. Plus, there were some shockers in here. Like put the book down shockers. Thankfully I recovered enough to continue to the end. And I’m so glad I did.
Charging the Darkness is real. It’s raw. It’s faith.
*I received a free copy from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
**Review at: https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2017...
January 10, 2018
Wow. That's about all I can say about this final book in the trilogy! The same edge-of-your-seat tension held me captive from beginning to end. So many things happening and unexpectedly! I tried to imagine where I thought Ms. Rodes was going to take us, but, of course, I was wrong. Hope and forgiveness are incredibly powerful and should never be underestimated or thought impossible! This last book definitely cements this series as top notch and worth reading, in my opinion. :)
I was SO happy that my quibbles with a couple of the characters in the first two books were gone! Genuine maturity arrived and I was firmly on their side as harsh decisions were forced upon them. As per the first two books, the evil and darkness has continued to escalate, which only makes Truth and Hope shine so much the brighter! As each of the characters work through their individual journeys, I was blown away by their growth and determination to do right.
This entire series is well worth reading, my friends! This final book is proof of that, but in order to get to this one, you have to first read the other two. ;) So get to it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
**I received a complementary copy from the author via Singing Librarian Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was SO happy that my quibbles with a couple of the characters in the first two books were gone! Genuine maturity arrived and I was firmly on their side as harsh decisions were forced upon them. As per the first two books, the evil and darkness has continued to escalate, which only makes Truth and Hope shine so much the brighter! As each of the characters work through their individual journeys, I was blown away by their growth and determination to do right.
This entire series is well worth reading, my friends! This final book is proof of that, but in order to get to this one, you have to first read the other two. ;) So get to it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
**I received a complementary copy from the author via Singing Librarian Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 13, 2018
A fantastic conclusion to an edge-of-your seat series. Amazing character development and emotional depth that is crazy good!
Random observation: I’m continually impressed with Jennifer’s skill as an author to compellingly write such diverse characters and genres.
Charging the Darkness is the conclusion I hoped it would be. Its edge-of-your seat movement and ALL THE EMOTIONS kept me turning pages late into the night. Seriously, to say very much about this conclusion would reveal its surprises. Just trust me when I say it has more amazing character development and emotional depth that is crazy good! In short, it brings together a group of characters drastically changed by events and choices and –finally– unites them in purpose in a beautiful way.
Two more tiny comments: I first expected the relationship between Braxton and Eliza to work out to be a friendship-turned romance, and it kind of was, but it caught me off guard at times by being so much more. Wonderfully so. And, as noted on retailer sites in book 1’s description, this series should be considered PG-13 due to its sometimes dark (though not graphic) scenes (I would recommend it for teens +). It is still, very much, a Christian Fiction series.
“The Uncloaked” trilogy is the thrilling dystopian/YA series from a Christian worldview you didn’t know you needed in your life. It’s a story of family, trust, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and hardships. Overarching is an abundant theme of choice. Choice of forgiveness or bitterness, of following the Light or living in darkness, of believing in redemption for any soul or living with hate. The Christian worldview offers a realistic scenario and a reason for both the evil and hope portrayed in the story. This is something rare in the dystopian genre, at least as far as I have experienced it. It makes the story an allegory of sorts that represents choices you and I have every day, to stand for the Light and choose hope.
Thank you to the author and SLB tours for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Random observation: I’m continually impressed with Jennifer’s skill as an author to compellingly write such diverse characters and genres.
Charging the Darkness is the conclusion I hoped it would be. Its edge-of-your seat movement and ALL THE EMOTIONS kept me turning pages late into the night. Seriously, to say very much about this conclusion would reveal its surprises. Just trust me when I say it has more amazing character development and emotional depth that is crazy good! In short, it brings together a group of characters drastically changed by events and choices and –finally– unites them in purpose in a beautiful way.
Two more tiny comments: I first expected the relationship between Braxton and Eliza to work out to be a friendship-turned romance, and it kind of was, but it caught me off guard at times by being so much more. Wonderfully so. And, as noted on retailer sites in book 1’s description, this series should be considered PG-13 due to its sometimes dark (though not graphic) scenes (I would recommend it for teens +). It is still, very much, a Christian Fiction series.
“The Uncloaked” trilogy is the thrilling dystopian/YA series from a Christian worldview you didn’t know you needed in your life. It’s a story of family, trust, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and hardships. Overarching is an abundant theme of choice. Choice of forgiveness or bitterness, of following the Light or living in darkness, of believing in redemption for any soul or living with hate. The Christian worldview offers a realistic scenario and a reason for both the evil and hope portrayed in the story. This is something rare in the dystopian genre, at least as far as I have experienced it. It makes the story an allegory of sorts that represents choices you and I have every day, to stand for the Light and choose hope.
Thank you to the author and SLB tours for the review copy. This is my honest review.
September 27, 2017
An inspiring end to this memorable, thought-provoking trilogy. How much are you willing to give to stand up for what is right? In a world where evil is all around, those who stand up for truth are shouted down and 'tolerance' of all but perceived intolerance (read actual standards) is lauded, this book (and the earlier books in the series) is both a breath of fresh air and a serious wakeup call. The emphasis on the need for forgiveness (and forgiveness that involves action) points out something that is really important and very hard to do in practice - and it is done without sounding preachy. Oh, and there's plenty of action going on too!
All in all, this is a well-written book, clean and suitable for all ages - and highly recommended even if you don't generally go in for fantasy or dystopian book (two genres that I generally avoid, but make occasional exceptions for authors I enjoy in other genres). Being part of a series, it is definitely recommended to read all three books in order, but I think this could be read alone if that was all that was available - but you won't get the full story.
Definitely a book and series to come back and reread, and savour - and I have to ask, can you have a sequel to a trilogy? I'd still love to see more of the various characters...
I am grateful to the author for giving me a copy, of which I have chosen to provide an honest review.
All in all, this is a well-written book, clean and suitable for all ages - and highly recommended even if you don't generally go in for fantasy or dystopian book (two genres that I generally avoid, but make occasional exceptions for authors I enjoy in other genres). Being part of a series, it is definitely recommended to read all three books in order, but I think this could be read alone if that was all that was available - but you won't get the full story.
Definitely a book and series to come back and reread, and savour - and I have to ask, can you have a sequel to a trilogy? I'd still love to see more of the various characters...
I am grateful to the author for giving me a copy, of which I have chosen to provide an honest review.
September 25, 2017
I couldn't wait to start reading Charging the Darkness and to find out how this trilogy would end! Goodness... I don't even know where to begin! I'm afraid to say too much and accidentally spoil something, but... wow! This whole series has been magnificent and Charging the Darkness was a fantastic conclusion.
There was never a dull moment and I couldn't read it fast enough. There were twists and turns and shocks that I did not see coming! This story is told from three different point of views and I enjoyed getting to see the events through three different sets of eyes. These characters have gone through so much. Watching their journey, their growth, and their strength in the midst of such deplorable situations was very inspiring.
This series has been a wake-up call and a great reminder to stand up for what you believe in and, even if it's not the popular choice, to stand up for what's right. I hope everyone will give this thought-provoking dystopia series a chance. If you haven't picked it up yet, drop everything and grab yourself a copy. You won't regret it! The Uncloaked Trilogy is one of the best dystopia series I've ever read and I can't recommend it enough!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
There was never a dull moment and I couldn't read it fast enough. There were twists and turns and shocks that I did not see coming! This story is told from three different point of views and I enjoyed getting to see the events through three different sets of eyes. These characters have gone through so much. Watching their journey, their growth, and their strength in the midst of such deplorable situations was very inspiring.
This series has been a wake-up call and a great reminder to stand up for what you believe in and, even if it's not the popular choice, to stand up for what's right. I hope everyone will give this thought-provoking dystopia series a chance. If you haven't picked it up yet, drop everything and grab yourself a copy. You won't regret it! The Uncloaked Trilogy is one of the best dystopia series I've ever read and I can't recommend it enough!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
September 27, 2017
Wow! What a great ending to a wonderful trilogy. There’s is so much I want to say about this book but I can’t because I do not want to give anything away. What I can say is that Charging the Darkness was pretty much nonstop action from the beginning to the end. There were twists and turns and a few things that I did not see coming. At. All. The book is told from different perspectives which I really liked because you know exactly what each person is thinking and feeling. I love how J. Rodes writes. She makes you feel like you are there in the middle of the action and really feel what the characters are feeling. I am sad to see this series come to an end.
This book makes you ask yourself when things get really hard, will you stand up for your beliefs or will you take the easier way out and go with the crowd? There is also a wonderful message about letting go of anger towards others that have wronged us and that as impossible as it might seem, with God’s help, it can be done.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
This book makes you ask yourself when things get really hard, will you stand up for your beliefs or will you take the easier way out and go with the crowd? There is also a wonderful message about letting go of anger towards others that have wronged us and that as impossible as it might seem, with God’s help, it can be done.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
October 3, 2017
An amazing journey...
This trilogy captivates, intrigues, and above all, draws you in. You walk with the weary, cry for the lost and want to stand against the evil and protect the innocent. A battle as old as time, and yet the victory in Christ is ever new! Weeping is but for a night, but joy, and peace and hope? They come in the morning! And when you have done all you can do, Rest in Him and STAND!
This trilogy captivates, intrigues, and above all, draws you in. You walk with the weary, cry for the lost and want to stand against the evil and protect the innocent. A battle as old as time, and yet the victory in Christ is ever new! Weeping is but for a night, but joy, and peace and hope? They come in the morning! And when you have done all you can do, Rest in Him and STAND!
September 9, 2017
Fantastic conclusion to an epic trilogy. You guys don't want to miss this series!
December 20, 2017
The conclusion of the trilogy increases the stakes with Quinn’s, Eliza’s, and Braxton’s points of view as the three of them come together to uncover the truth and try to save the country from corruption and darkness.
I appreciate how much Braxton has grown over this series. He’s gone from being a petulant and self-centered teenager to a man who seeks truth and justice as he leads, a man his father would be proud of. Quinn’s fighting with both sides, trying to discover which is true (and this gets to be a bit Manchurian-candidate-like with a couple surprises thrown in). And then there’s Eliza. The girl who has been Braxton’s conscience from the start who now struggles with the darkness within her after The Party has done their best to break her.
In my opinion, it’s Eliza that completes this trilogy so well. A girl who must dig her way out of despair, who must forgive those who tried their best (and continue trying) to kill her. A girl who, despite everything, wants to listen and honor the still, small voice.
In truth, it was a bit hard to say goodbye to these characters. I wanted to journey with them as the healing continues throughout the country. As they realize their futures and their dreams. But, overall, knowing what those dreams are is almost as satisfying.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I appreciate how much Braxton has grown over this series. He’s gone from being a petulant and self-centered teenager to a man who seeks truth and justice as he leads, a man his father would be proud of. Quinn’s fighting with both sides, trying to discover which is true (and this gets to be a bit Manchurian-candidate-like with a couple surprises thrown in). And then there’s Eliza. The girl who has been Braxton’s conscience from the start who now struggles with the darkness within her after The Party has done their best to break her.
In my opinion, it’s Eliza that completes this trilogy so well. A girl who must dig her way out of despair, who must forgive those who tried their best (and continue trying) to kill her. A girl who, despite everything, wants to listen and honor the still, small voice.
In truth, it was a bit hard to say goodbye to these characters. I wanted to journey with them as the healing continues throughout the country. As they realize their futures and their dreams. But, overall, knowing what those dreams are is almost as satisfying.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 9, 2018
Note: This review covers all three books in this series. It is beneficial to read them in order.
This well-written trilogy will keep you on the edge of your seat with non-stop heart wrenching action. As a YA dystopian work of fiction, this story and it's characters will make you stop and think about how you would respond to the same circumstances. How many of us would give in to the desperation of a persecuted life and choose to believe the lies of a better life by going with the easy choice?
The characters in these stories are well-written and believable. From the typical self-centered but fumblingly courageous PK's son to the cooly dangerous woman in charge of The Party, you'll find each character to be well thought out and intriguing in their own way. Teenagers will be well able to identify with Braxton's struggle with his parents and his struggle to fully comprehend the changes and the persecution that come from the changes in the political world.
While there is a touch of romance throughout the story line of the three books (I love the development of Braxton and Eliza's tender romance even when it hit rough patches), these books are not a light read. There are a lot of dark times and some subject matter that can make this an edgy series. There will be times you just want to cry your eyes out and then there will be times when you can feel your own resolve strengthen to stand firm in your faith.
You really don't want to miss out on reading this series!
*Thanks to Singing Librarian Books and the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid nor required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
This well-written trilogy will keep you on the edge of your seat with non-stop heart wrenching action. As a YA dystopian work of fiction, this story and it's characters will make you stop and think about how you would respond to the same circumstances. How many of us would give in to the desperation of a persecuted life and choose to believe the lies of a better life by going with the easy choice?
The characters in these stories are well-written and believable. From the typical self-centered but fumblingly courageous PK's son to the cooly dangerous woman in charge of The Party, you'll find each character to be well thought out and intriguing in their own way. Teenagers will be well able to identify with Braxton's struggle with his parents and his struggle to fully comprehend the changes and the persecution that come from the changes in the political world.
While there is a touch of romance throughout the story line of the three books (I love the development of Braxton and Eliza's tender romance even when it hit rough patches), these books are not a light read. There are a lot of dark times and some subject matter that can make this an edgy series. There will be times you just want to cry your eyes out and then there will be times when you can feel your own resolve strengthen to stand firm in your faith.
You really don't want to miss out on reading this series!
*Thanks to Singing Librarian Books and the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid nor required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
January 11, 2018
This review is for the full trilogy, but the stars are for individual books of the series.
"Apathy is the illness of the over-privileged Christian."(2, The Uncloaked)
I read the the complete The Uncloaked Trilogy by J.Rodes, also known as Jennifer Rodewald in complete succession, without any other books in between. How could I? Once you start this trilogy, starting with The Uncloaked, you will be hooked.
Dark and intense, this dystopian series delved deep into the concept of faith in times of discourse. There's a strong political emphasis as with all dystopian stories. Organizations to rebellions, ramifications of political upheaval to the dismissal of religion, the story begins, but also a tad bit prophetic in what seems to be history repeating itself in different ways. The Uncloaked Trilogy starts with apathy in The Uncloak to the reveal in Tearing the Veil, and eventually the conclusion, the decision and the answer in Charging the Darkness. As in life, even what we presumed the end of the series, a story, there's possibility of more, and that is by choice, of life.
"I'd been so focused on fighting for an identity for myself, to be somebody, that I'd taken the identity of a monster I hadn't understood."(351, Tearing the Veil)
The Uncloaked Trilogy will challenge your belief system, will question your faith, and encourage you to see life, in more than one perspective, or at least deeper. Will you fight for your faith?
"I'd fight before I'd bend."(3, The Uncloaked)
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
"Apathy is the illness of the over-privileged Christian."(2, The Uncloaked)
I read the the complete The Uncloaked Trilogy by J.Rodes, also known as Jennifer Rodewald in complete succession, without any other books in between. How could I? Once you start this trilogy, starting with The Uncloaked, you will be hooked.
Dark and intense, this dystopian series delved deep into the concept of faith in times of discourse. There's a strong political emphasis as with all dystopian stories. Organizations to rebellions, ramifications of political upheaval to the dismissal of religion, the story begins, but also a tad bit prophetic in what seems to be history repeating itself in different ways. The Uncloaked Trilogy starts with apathy in The Uncloak to the reveal in Tearing the Veil, and eventually the conclusion, the decision and the answer in Charging the Darkness. As in life, even what we presumed the end of the series, a story, there's possibility of more, and that is by choice, of life.
"I'd been so focused on fighting for an identity for myself, to be somebody, that I'd taken the identity of a monster I hadn't understood."(351, Tearing the Veil)
The Uncloaked Trilogy will challenge your belief system, will question your faith, and encourage you to see life, in more than one perspective, or at least deeper. Will you fight for your faith?
"I'd fight before I'd bend."(3, The Uncloaked)
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
January 20, 2018
In this final installment to the Uncloaked Trilogy we get Quinn and Eliza’s point of views as well as Braxton’s. I was a little confused with Quinn and Eliza’s sections because there was so much inner conflict going on, I don’t want to say much more for fear of giving away the plot, but I was just as confused as the main characters as to what they should do.
There was a particular storyline in this book that reminded me of the Hunger Games and I was chanting Hunger Games, Hunger Games, Hunger Games under my breath… but there is a plot twist that I certainly did not see coming that made me recoil and go that’s not Hunger Games…
There was some language in this book, that I certainly wasn’t expecting, and while there was quite a bit of violence in the other books, I felt this one was the most violent.
Overall, this was an intriguing series asking the question of what could have been? Or even what could be? The characters were well developed and relatable, and I was kept guessing the entire story as to what would happen next.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
There was a particular storyline in this book that reminded me of the Hunger Games and I was chanting Hunger Games, Hunger Games, Hunger Games under my breath… but there is a plot twist that I certainly did not see coming that made me recoil and go that’s not Hunger Games…
There was some language in this book, that I certainly wasn’t expecting, and while there was quite a bit of violence in the other books, I felt this one was the most violent.
Overall, this was an intriguing series asking the question of what could have been? Or even what could be? The characters were well developed and relatable, and I was kept guessing the entire story as to what would happen next.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
November 1, 2017
What an incredible finale to this YA dystopian trilogy! This is a breath-taking, action-packed novel full of twist and turns in the plot and incredibly memorable characters. I read the second book of the series (Tearing the Veil) but didn’t read the first (The Uncloaked) prior to reading this book. I highly recommend reading the books in order, but if time doesn’t permit, at least the second book should be read before reading this last novel of the series. This book picks up right after the previous one left off, and, though the book does a good job of summarizing the previous events, you’d really want all the details to have the full experience. Even if you aren’t a fan of YA dystopian novels, you’ll enjoy this well-written novel (its that good!).
The setting is futuristic America with a power-hungry woman controlling the president of US and the fate of the citizens. The writing is superb, gut-wrenching, and fast-paced. The author employs first person past tense narrative, which isn’t my favorite, but it works well to tell the story. Braxton, Eliza, and Quinn tell the story from their perspective. This book was masterfully crafted and it’s incredible that the author accomplished this and used FPOV. It is an intricately detailed story with layers upon layers of plot details, character backgrounds, and journey into stronger faith. Faith component is much stronger in this book than previous. The theme of true forgiveness and redemption is mesmerizingly portrayed. The fight of good vs. evil and God’s will vs. our selfish desire to hold onto bitterness, fear, and doubt plays out beautifully throughout the story.
And the characters.....
Braxton is much more mature, patient, and willing to listen for the good of the people and the cause. His impulsiveness is somewhat curbed and he emerges as a leader - someone his father would have been proud of.
Eliza wrestles with the darkness because of all that she’s been through. She still has a tender and soft heart, though, that listens to His Spirit guiding her. She is a remarkable woman.
And Quinn....all that had been hidden from him is revealed in this book and, man, I felt sorry for him. No spoilers here, though. Need to read the book to experience first-hand his confusion, angst, misery, and redemption.
I hope the author writes another YA dystopian series soon. What a thrilling journey this was!
I received a review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The setting is futuristic America with a power-hungry woman controlling the president of US and the fate of the citizens. The writing is superb, gut-wrenching, and fast-paced. The author employs first person past tense narrative, which isn’t my favorite, but it works well to tell the story. Braxton, Eliza, and Quinn tell the story from their perspective. This book was masterfully crafted and it’s incredible that the author accomplished this and used FPOV. It is an intricately detailed story with layers upon layers of plot details, character backgrounds, and journey into stronger faith. Faith component is much stronger in this book than previous. The theme of true forgiveness and redemption is mesmerizingly portrayed. The fight of good vs. evil and God’s will vs. our selfish desire to hold onto bitterness, fear, and doubt plays out beautifully throughout the story.
And the characters.....
Braxton is much more mature, patient, and willing to listen for the good of the people and the cause. His impulsiveness is somewhat curbed and he emerges as a leader - someone his father would have been proud of.
Eliza wrestles with the darkness because of all that she’s been through. She still has a tender and soft heart, though, that listens to His Spirit guiding her. She is a remarkable woman.
And Quinn....all that had been hidden from him is revealed in this book and, man, I felt sorry for him. No spoilers here, though. Need to read the book to experience first-hand his confusion, angst, misery, and redemption.
I hope the author writes another YA dystopian series soon. What a thrilling journey this was!
I received a review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
September 3, 2019
While reading Charging the Darkness, I was simultaneously reading a theological book by Venerable Fulton Sheen, and this quote of his came back to me so clearly in Eliza's internal struggle to choose God, life, and goodness despite her suffering and the seed of bitterness growing inside her: "Freedom exists for the sweet slavery of love."
I made the mistake of allowing too much time to pass between installments of this trilogy, so it took a little while for some of the story details to come back to me. (My brain's a sieve like that.) Once it did, I found this a satisfying ended to the series with hope restored both within the hearts of the characters and in their external battle for freedom.
I liked broken, real Eliza much better than the perfect veneer seen through Braxton's eyes in the first book. Speaking of Braxton, we see him mature and become the man Eliza always believed him to be. Quinn's mother continued to provide the creep factor right to the end! All together, a good choice for Christian dystopian fans.
I made the mistake of allowing too much time to pass between installments of this trilogy, so it took a little while for some of the story details to come back to me. (My brain's a sieve like that.) Once it did, I found this a satisfying ended to the series with hope restored both within the hearts of the characters and in their external battle for freedom.
I liked broken, real Eliza much better than the perfect veneer seen through Braxton's eyes in the first book. Speaking of Braxton, we see him mature and become the man Eliza always believed him to be. Quinn's mother continued to provide the creep factor right to the end! All together, a good choice for Christian dystopian fans.
March 6, 2019
A fitting end.
What does hate cost? What does it make you hide? Is it plunging you into darkness? Will it blot out the light you always held to? This is what is answered. This shows the path back once all hope was lost. It shows the hardness of choices that are defining. Eliza is having the fight of and for her life in this final chapter of the trilogy. Will the darkness prevail, or will the choice be made to follow the light? A must read to find out.
What does hate cost? What does it make you hide? Is it plunging you into darkness? Will it blot out the light you always held to? This is what is answered. This shows the path back once all hope was lost. It shows the hardness of choices that are defining. Eliza is having the fight of and for her life in this final chapter of the trilogy. Will the darkness prevail, or will the choice be made to follow the light? A must read to find out.
March 13, 2019
Thought provoking
I enjoyed this book and series. The author doesn't u understandable vaccinations work (or not), but it had a satisfying conclusion. And some of it is eerily accurate based on today's headlines.
I enjoyed this book and series. The author doesn't u understandable vaccinations work (or not), but it had a satisfying conclusion. And some of it is eerily accurate based on today's headlines.
May 11, 2019
Good read
Unclaimed trilogy brought tears to my eyes for the world which we seemed to be slipping toward faster by the day. It reminds us that only through the love of God and trusting in him will we survive.
Unclaimed trilogy brought tears to my eyes for the world which we seemed to be slipping toward faster by the day. It reminds us that only through the love of God and trusting in him will we survive.
October 18, 2018
Great ending.
This kept me heart racing all the way to the very end. I can only hope that others see how quickly persecution can grow even in our time.
This kept me heart racing all the way to the very end. I can only hope that others see how quickly persecution can grow even in our time.
June 26, 2019
Great Read!
A Christian dystopian trilogy that left me on edge to the end. Make sure you read all three of the books.
A Christian dystopian trilogy that left me on edge to the end. Make sure you read all three of the books.
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