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The Deliverance #1

Deliverance: A Novel

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In the style of Naomi Novik and her Uprooted and Leigh Bardugo and her Shadow and Bone grishaverse comes The Deliverance Series-- and action packed historical fantasy series that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twisty plot and rich cultural immersion. Fans of Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series will appreciate this deep dive into history and culture. There is power in a name. On the Island of Nar, women hold only that power and little else. Though life is oppressive on the carefully controlled, male-dominated isle, it is all they ever known. It does not bother 23-year old Deliverance, as she has all she needs to be content. She, her mother, Catalyst, and her best friend Effie, are comfortable with their status as relative outsiders and walk circles around the patriarchy. Their names, not easily understood, leave them on the outskirts. But for them, independence is all they could ever want...Until one day a choice spirals their world out of control and Deliverance must find the courage to embark on a rescue mission to the perilous, unknown Outside. Not only does she find a world entirely foreign from that which she has imagined but must learn to navigate its treacherous waters, uncovering dark secrets about her world and her own family. In doing so, she learns about the nature of inequality, of misogyny, of tyranny, and most of all, of isolation. An action-packed adventure, Deliverance, tugs at the mind, asking tough questions about the nature of oppression. Through the twists and turns, Deliverance learns while some people support nefarious purposes, others are heroes and family in the making. Join Deliverance as she discovers the true power in a name."Unexpected! Surprising plot!""I literally could not put it down!""Masterful!""Beautifully written. Looking forward to the next in the series!""Poses tough questions." FantasyHistoric FantasyYA fantasy to adult fantasyMagical realismDystopianFantasy seriesWitchesMagicAdventureSpeculativeBy ordering this book, you are supporting small, disabled veteran owned business. Thank you for your support!

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2018

12 people are currently reading
230 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Schinder

6 books22 followers
Samantha Schinder recently successfully defended her dissertation for her PhD and professional dog trainer. Her alma mater is Indiana University and she is a military veteran. In her spare time, she likes to travel the world and jump out of airplanes. Currently she has squirrels in her attic…literally but she will let you decide if also figuratively.

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5 stars
23 (67%)
4 stars
7 (20%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
2 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for M.L. Tompsett.
Author 17 books37 followers
April 29, 2019
My review.
Reading this riveting tale of YA fantasy, what can happen when a government steps in and banishes a group of people for hundreds of years to the isle of Nar.
I enjoyed reading about a young woman named Deliverance, and what happens when she starts to question her own people.
Sent adrift by her very own mother in a boat, Deliverance is rescued by a stranger, who she thinks is a pirate.
Only to find out the world she had lived in her all life is lies and her mother has kept secrets from her.
Recommend.
1 review
January 25, 2019
This book has pirates, daring adventure, noble heroes, despicable villains, magic, action, mystery and parts are very funny. Looking forward to the sequel
Profile Image for Michelle Buzzelli Troxel.
1 review
May 25, 2019
Great book!! It starts off a little confusing but all questions are answered in the end. I can't wait for the sequel!!
5 reviews
January 12, 2019
Great story!

I loved loved this story! Beautifully written. I hope that the story continues. I will be looking out for the next adventure!
Profile Image for J.A. Nielsen.
Author 2 books12 followers
April 17, 2021
Fantastic!

This story of strong, magical women and men immediately hooked me. The tale of isolated people and a young woman brave enough to discover the possibilities of a new life is delightful,filled with adventure, cunning politics, and just enough of a sweet love story. All this and those things that never stay hidden, the sun...the moon...and the truth.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
769 reviews37 followers
June 28, 2019
This story touched on a subject I've often wondered about: Do we have a right to change the way of life of other groups of people? Should we force our morals (which comes from the Latin mores for "customs") and beliefs on others? This is especially true for those we call "indigenous" peoples. In a 100, 200, or more years, what we now "believe" to be the rights of all people may be considered barbaric by people of the future. So many questions with so many different answers by different groups.

Particular topics in this book are women's rights and acceptance of people's sexual orientation (consensual). They are woven into the fabric of the story, without it becoming a soapbox moment. The worst of religious beliefs (which although often the most vocal, are also a minority) are personified in the person of the Abbott. Others may not agree with the most vocal, but they remain silent for so many reasons. But the book does not put down religion (especially Christianity) as so many others do. It touches on how beliefs may differ, but fundamentally they are similar.

A couple of relevant quotes:
* “Why is it all the gods are men?”
* And as to your question about goddesses, who is to say how a god views gender? Perhaps the God of Horizons is indeed a goddess? It is not for us mortals to know or say. We just do the best we can.”

The book, although covering several serious topics, is also a blast to read. Deliverance's reactions to the "Outside" world had me laughing. Her innocence, and yet also her wisdom, are endearing. But I have to say I think I loved Effie the most. Who wouldn't with what her "name" forced her to be? Great fun to read.
Profile Image for Kayla Krantz.
Author 46 books739 followers
March 21, 2019
Every part of the worldbuilding in this story was so beautifully done that I felt as if I was right there beside Deliverance. The unique names of the characters was the cherry on top when it came to details, and I loved the way that it gave a bit of mystery as to our MC and what it was she could really do. As the story progressed, Deliverance’s name began to make more sense.

The writing style is smooth and easy to go along with. Even though there was a lot of information that needed to be understood within the first few chapters, the author did it without it feeling as if it was an information dump. The plot was suspenseful and capturing.

After Deliverance was forced to leave her home on the island, I loved to see the way she reacted to the outside world and the way that it reacted to her. It was truly a great transformation to see her go from such an innocent minded girl into the woman she became at the end of the story.

Fantastic start to a series.
3 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2024
WILDLY Entertaining

A great read, a great story, and wonderful character work. I was captivated from start to finish. I was enthralled with what perils Deliverance would face and Schinder does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story and letting it naturally unfold, unforced. If you’re a fan of strong female protagonists, magic, and adventure, this book is for you.
418 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2019
4.5 stars if we could give half stars.
Upon reading the book description it’s not normally what I would gravitate toward but I wanted to support this new author so I went in with an open mind to give it a try. I was not disappointed.
It took me a few chapters to get in the flow of the characters and the underlying plot but once that was understood I literally could not put this book down.
The author has a wonderful imagination and a gift for building characters so that you care for them and want to know more. I both laughed and was teary eyed. There is Joy, sorrow, action, adventure and many twists and turns that lead you on a wild ride that you don’t want to end. I’m already looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Lucretia.
Author 84 books116 followers
February 15, 2019
Wow! This book is fantastic. I simply adored the name gifts- what a brilliant way to have instant character identification. Oh and Effie that name story LMAO. Seriously, little things that throughout make this really grip and shine. The detailing and world building flows effortlessly letting me know that there was Herculean effort involved in the crafting and some serious talent at the root. That this is a debut novel makes my heart flutter. I can't wait to read what comes next from this gifted storyteller. I adore Deliverance. It's must read.
Profile Image for Amy Proebstel.
Author 55 books126 followers
April 7, 2019
A New Favorite Author!

This story was told so expertly, I just couldn’t put it down!

The descriptions of the characters and settings were amazing, expertly moving between the modern world and the exiled world. I absolutely loved the use of modern magic as well as the love story woven within the overlying storyline.

The story easily could have gone on for another 1000 pages and I would have been right there rooting on my favorite characters. Such a fun read.

So glad I found this author’s story! Can’t wait to find out what happens to Deliverance next!
Profile Image for Dorothy Garino.
83 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2019
Love this book!

This story is just amazing. The characters are fantastic. The author’s writing style flows and you feel like you are watching a movie rather than reading a book. It was great.

The characters names are really fun and distinctive, Effie cracks me up. With her smart mouth and quick wit, I would love to have her as a BFF.

The powers that these characters possess, I found to be different and unique. Absorbing other people's abilities ... uhmm that's pretty amazing! I really enjoyed how the magic works in this world and I look forward to reading more from this author.
8 reviews
February 28, 2019
I was drawn to this work after reading the author's compelling background. Her work is smart and charming. The characters and dialogue are very interesting, and she paints vivid scenes along the way. Coming in at over 400 pages, this is a true work of passion you will enjoy!
Profile Image for Ketutar Jensen.
1,096 reviews22 followers
Want to Read
April 27, 2024
"This book has pirates, daring adventure, noble heroes, despicable villains, magic, action, mystery and parts are very funny." - and there is some sort of name magic... sounds really interesting.
Profile Image for Kayla Cunningham.
Author 2 books330 followers
August 2, 2023
Samantha Schinder's "Deliverance" is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey of resilience and redemption. Released on December 31, 2018, this paperback stands as a testament to the author's exceptional storytelling prowess.

From the very first page, "Deliverance" grabs hold of your heartstrings and refuses to let go. The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense, heartache, and hope, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Schinder's writing is both evocative and raw, beautifully conveying the depths of human emotions and the complexities of personal struggles.

The characters in "Deliverance" are impeccably crafted, each with their own unique voice and a background that feels rich and authentic. As we follow their individual journeys, we witness their growth and transformation, making them feel like real people with real challenges. The depth of their emotions and the conflicts they face make for a truly immersive reading experience.

At the heart of "Deliverance" lies a powerful exploration of the human spirit and its ability to endure and overcome adversity. The novel confronts challenging themes such as loss, trauma, and the search for redemption, all the while highlighting the strength and courage that reside within each of us. It's a story that resonates on a deeply emotional level, leaving a profound impact on the reader.

Schinder's talent lies not only in creating a compelling plot but also in weaving intricate relationships between the characters. The dynamics between them are realistic and heartfelt, revealing the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of life's trials. The connections formed between the characters are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, making the novel all the more captivating.

The world-building in "Deliverance" is vivid and immersive, painting a striking picture of the settings in which the characters find themselves. The author's attention to detail allows readers to step into the story, experiencing every triumph and setback alongside the characters. Whether it's a bustling city street or a secluded countryside, the environments come alive, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"Deliverance" is a masterful blend of literary elements, where compelling prose, memorable characters, and a thought-provoking narrative come together seamlessly. Samantha Schinder's ability to evoke emotions with her words is nothing short of extraordinary. It's a story that stays with you long after the final page is turned, leaving you contemplating life's twists and turns.

In conclusion, "Deliverance" is an absolute triumph and a must-read for any lover of contemporary fiction. Samantha Schinder has created a timeless work of art that touches the soul and reminds us of the strength we all possess within. If you're seeking a powerful and profound reading experience, "Deliverance" should be at the top of your list. This is a novel that deserves every bit of its five-star rating and more.





Profile Image for Susan Buchanan.
Author 6 books21 followers
April 1, 2019
Deliverance is tossed out to sea, literally, from her home to save her life. She finds a society very different from the one she’s been brought up in on the island.
The is a story filled with magic, tales of lore, action, adventure, and in the middle is Deliverance who’s learning a lot on her feet but who has terrific instincts, and unbeknownst to her, her mother has prepared her for many things already.
The first installment in the Deliverance series delivers excitement to readers, as we are swept away on an adventure with our heroine, and we are learning with her and cheering her on through the entire story.
The characters, landscapes, seascapes, and the story itself are imaginative, the narrative pulls you in, and if the rest of the series follows this same blueprint, it’s going to be a fascinating series indeed.
Profile Image for Samantha Schinder.
Author 6 books22 followers
January 31, 2019
This is my book so I am totally biased, but I think it's a fun read. I had a great time constructing the worlds of Nar and Arcanton.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews