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Courage could cost him everything.
Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed.
Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time.
Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades?
No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain.
Someone will die.
Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed.
Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time.
Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades?
No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain.
Someone will die.
337 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
185 people are currently reading
2081 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Mingerink
12 books453 followersTricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
January 24, 2016
Friends...
If you like Christian fantasy: Read this.
If you don't like Christian fantasy: Read this anyway.
And then swoon over Leith Torren. ;)
If you like Christian fantasy: Read this.
If you don't like Christian fantasy: Read this anyway.
And then swoon over Leith Torren. ;)
October 24, 2016
Dare by Tricia Mingerink was an excellent fantasy/Christian allegory. For some reason or another, I wasn’t expecting this book to be so much my style; but it turned out I loved it from beginning to end! *happy sigh*
Leith Torren in a Third Blade, loyal to King Respen. Renna and Brandi are two orphan girls, caught up in a resistance against that same king. When they unexpectedly meet up, they are both forced to make choices ... Forgiveness or revenge? Duty or redemption? Cower in chains of the pretense of “safety”, or step out in courage and change lives?
Can I just say I love Leith? I adore a book with an epic, torn, struggling hero stuck in a dark “past”. Maybe that’s cruel. Hehe. But it makes for an unforgettable, valiant, and lovable character somehow! So yes, Leith was amazing. I cannot wait to read more of him!
Brandi was really sweet and fun; too cute not to like! She and her sunny personality added so much to the story.
Renna was also a great character. Very relatable, I feel. Her fears. Her weakness. Her desire to be strong. Her awkwardness ... I really connected with her, felt for her, and am excited to see where her story goes!
And I must mention Shadrach! First off, I love his name! *grins* And he was just a great guy too! At first I was afraid I wouldn’t like him because of ... well, you’ll see. But he quickly won me over!
The fantasy world. Ah!! I just love, love, love fantasy! And Tricia Mingerink’s take on it didn’t disappoint. I must admit, at first, I was rather surprised by the very “our world” references to Christianity. There were Christians, church, Bibles, and Bible stories. God and Jesus were called by those names, instead of having more subtle, fantasy sort of names. But I soon got used of it and quite liked it. Tricia pulled it off perfectly! *smiles* I didn’t feel it was “forced” or “preachy” at all. Just a beautifully-done, sincere, and awesome story of forgiveness, persecution, grace, and redemption.
I loved the setting. The manors, prairies, blizzards, lords and ladies, peasant farmers ... and just everything. It drew you into the story.
And the plot. I felt it was very well thought-out, and just overall spectacular. Of King Respen persecuting Christians; trying to squelch this resistance against him. Horrible stories of orphans’ families’ deaths. Blades, Respen’s men, with scars on their arms, marking either victories or failures. The real king and queen’s distant relatives ... will they try to rise and take the throne from Respen? Fighting for faith and family. I don’t know. I just really like and appreciate this storyline. It’s something like Jaye L. Knight’s ILYON CHRONICLES. And it just emboldens me. Encourages me. Challenges me. I feel like these kind of stories strengthen my faith. I watch these characters, not so unlike me, find the courage and pure trust in God to stand strong and contend for the faith!! *cheers them on* It’s epic! It’s meaningful! Dare just has that incredible storyline that will surely encourage souls to stand by their Lord with new bravery.
There is some violence and frightening scenes. I would say perhaps 14 and up, depending on what you can handle. As for myself, some of it felt quite real and eerie—and my breath might have caught for a moment—but it wasn’t overmuch, in my opinion; and I liked the emotion and depth.
No romance ... really. But I think we see one approaching!!! *happy grin* In fact, it’s all coming together quite nicely, and I can’t wait to see this certain relationship deepen into something more; in the next book perhaps?? There were a few moments that weren’t necessarily romantic, but just very sweet and you could totally see this “thing” blossoming into romantic love. ^_^ I love it so much. Please write the next book quickly, Tricia!! *winks*
So yes. This book is wonderful! Do read it!! Dare just pulled me off my feet and into its world. The characters won’t let me forget them. I’m captivated, intrigued, and eager for more!! This book is for sure going on my fantasy favorites list!
I received an ARC of Dare from the author.
Leith Torren in a Third Blade, loyal to King Respen. Renna and Brandi are two orphan girls, caught up in a resistance against that same king. When they unexpectedly meet up, they are both forced to make choices ... Forgiveness or revenge? Duty or redemption? Cower in chains of the pretense of “safety”, or step out in courage and change lives?
Can I just say I love Leith? I adore a book with an epic, torn, struggling hero stuck in a dark “past”. Maybe that’s cruel. Hehe. But it makes for an unforgettable, valiant, and lovable character somehow! So yes, Leith was amazing. I cannot wait to read more of him!
Brandi was really sweet and fun; too cute not to like! She and her sunny personality added so much to the story.
Renna was also a great character. Very relatable, I feel. Her fears. Her weakness. Her desire to be strong. Her awkwardness ... I really connected with her, felt for her, and am excited to see where her story goes!
And I must mention Shadrach! First off, I love his name! *grins* And he was just a great guy too! At first I was afraid I wouldn’t like him because of ... well, you’ll see. But he quickly won me over!
The fantasy world. Ah!! I just love, love, love fantasy! And Tricia Mingerink’s take on it didn’t disappoint. I must admit, at first, I was rather surprised by the very “our world” references to Christianity. There were Christians, church, Bibles, and Bible stories. God and Jesus were called by those names, instead of having more subtle, fantasy sort of names. But I soon got used of it and quite liked it. Tricia pulled it off perfectly! *smiles* I didn’t feel it was “forced” or “preachy” at all. Just a beautifully-done, sincere, and awesome story of forgiveness, persecution, grace, and redemption.
I loved the setting. The manors, prairies, blizzards, lords and ladies, peasant farmers ... and just everything. It drew you into the story.
And the plot. I felt it was very well thought-out, and just overall spectacular. Of King Respen persecuting Christians; trying to squelch this resistance against him. Horrible stories of orphans’ families’ deaths. Blades, Respen’s men, with scars on their arms, marking either victories or failures. The real king and queen’s distant relatives ... will they try to rise and take the throne from Respen? Fighting for faith and family. I don’t know. I just really like and appreciate this storyline. It’s something like Jaye L. Knight’s ILYON CHRONICLES. And it just emboldens me. Encourages me. Challenges me. I feel like these kind of stories strengthen my faith. I watch these characters, not so unlike me, find the courage and pure trust in God to stand strong and contend for the faith!! *cheers them on* It’s epic! It’s meaningful! Dare just has that incredible storyline that will surely encourage souls to stand by their Lord with new bravery.
There is some violence and frightening scenes. I would say perhaps 14 and up, depending on what you can handle. As for myself, some of it felt quite real and eerie—and my breath might have caught for a moment—but it wasn’t overmuch, in my opinion; and I liked the emotion and depth.
No romance ... really. But I think we see one approaching!!! *happy grin* In fact, it’s all coming together quite nicely, and I can’t wait to see this certain relationship deepen into something more; in the next book perhaps?? There were a few moments that weren’t necessarily romantic, but just very sweet and you could totally see this “thing” blossoming into romantic love. ^_^ I love it so much. Please write the next book quickly, Tricia!! *winks*
So yes. This book is wonderful! Do read it!! Dare just pulled me off my feet and into its world. The characters won’t let me forget them. I’m captivated, intrigued, and eager for more!! This book is for sure going on my fantasy favorites list!
I received an ARC of Dare from the author.
August 11, 2020
2020 Review
I sort of stumbled across this book in 2015. I had just recently learned about indie publishing and, due to that discovery, my definition of Christian fiction expanded. This series, along with a few other books like Nadine Brandes' Out of Time series, Jaye L. Knight's Ilyon Chronicles, and later Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga completely redefined what Christian fiction could and should be.
The Blades of Acktar weaves together so many different aspects of the Christian journey seamlessly. It covers topics like courage, standing strong in your faith, being saved by grace, and sacrificial love. Plus there are some fight scenes and plenty of adventure peppered in. Each character grows so much and there is some character arc for almost everyone.
While this book, and later this series, discuss heavy topics, this sense of joy permeates every book. Sure, there is some violence and death, but it all points to something greater.
I can't praise this series enough. It's full of fun and action and adventure and quotable moments and I am just as in love with it as when I originally read it.
Original Review
For some reason, I have a very hard time reviewing books that I love dearly. Maybe I can't seem to find the words to express my deep love for such books, or maybe I think that no one wants to read my fangirlly mush of a review. *shrugs* Whatever the cause, it was very difficult to find the words to describe this amazing book.
Dare started with a bang. Or, to be more accurate, an arrow whoosh. And the pace in this book doesn't really slow until the end. Yeah. It ends in a cliff-hanger. You might want to have a box of chocolates and someone to hug when you finish this book.
Leith Torren is amazing. Yep, I added him to my ever-growing list of fictional crushes. And he's fascinating. I love the mix of vulnerability and strength that makes him so interesting and lovable. Yes, a Blade can totally be lovable. *looks at Renna* #shamelessshipping
Acktar was a really fascinating setting. I loved how Ms. Mingerink didn't use the traditional Medieval European setting for her fantasy story, but instead used a sort of American West setting. I thought it was so cool. I kind of want to live in Acktar now. *cheesy grin* Except for the whole King Respen bit. That wouldn't be so pleasurable.
Can we just talk about the ending? (Don't worry, I'll keep this review spoiler-free.) I mean . . . *shakes head* I made the sort of bad decision to read the ending in public, and my dad thought my panic and facial expressions were hilarious. Let's just say that you'll want to have a couple of free hours while you read the last half of the book. It was really really hard to put down. *scowls at schoolwork*
If I can't drill this into your head enough, this book is amazing. The characters were awesome, the setting was really different and cool, and the plot was super exciting. I totally recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a clean, Christian fantasy book that's very exciting.
I sort of stumbled across this book in 2015. I had just recently learned about indie publishing and, due to that discovery, my definition of Christian fiction expanded. This series, along with a few other books like Nadine Brandes' Out of Time series, Jaye L. Knight's Ilyon Chronicles, and later Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga completely redefined what Christian fiction could and should be.
The Blades of Acktar weaves together so many different aspects of the Christian journey seamlessly. It covers topics like courage, standing strong in your faith, being saved by grace, and sacrificial love. Plus there are some fight scenes and plenty of adventure peppered in. Each character grows so much and there is some character arc for almost everyone.
While this book, and later this series, discuss heavy topics, this sense of joy permeates every book. Sure, there is some violence and death, but it all points to something greater.
I can't praise this series enough. It's full of fun and action and adventure and quotable moments and I am just as in love with it as when I originally read it.
Original Review
For some reason, I have a very hard time reviewing books that I love dearly. Maybe I can't seem to find the words to express my deep love for such books, or maybe I think that no one wants to read my fangirlly mush of a review. *shrugs* Whatever the cause, it was very difficult to find the words to describe this amazing book.
Dare started with a bang. Or, to be more accurate, an arrow whoosh. And the pace in this book doesn't really slow until the end. Yeah. It ends in a cliff-hanger. You might want to have a box of chocolates and someone to hug when you finish this book.
Leith Torren is amazing. Yep, I added him to my ever-growing list of fictional crushes. And he's fascinating. I love the mix of vulnerability and strength that makes him so interesting and lovable. Yes, a Blade can totally be lovable. *looks at Renna* #shamelessshipping
Acktar was a really fascinating setting. I loved how Ms. Mingerink didn't use the traditional Medieval European setting for her fantasy story, but instead used a sort of American West setting. I thought it was so cool. I kind of want to live in Acktar now. *cheesy grin* Except for the whole King Respen bit. That wouldn't be so pleasurable.
Can we just talk about the ending? (Don't worry, I'll keep this review spoiler-free.) I mean . . . *shakes head* I made the sort of bad decision to read the ending in public, and my dad thought my panic and facial expressions were hilarious. Let's just say that you'll want to have a couple of free hours while you read the last half of the book. It was really really hard to put down. *scowls at schoolwork*
If I can't drill this into your head enough, this book is amazing. The characters were awesome, the setting was really different and cool, and the plot was super exciting. I totally recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a clean, Christian fantasy book that's very exciting.
August 5, 2016
SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS STORY.
And now I'm convinced that Leith and Jace (from Ilyon Chronicles) should get together for a cup of coffee and talk about life's struggles. I think they could relate. :P
And now I'm convinced that Leith and Jace (from Ilyon Chronicles) should get together for a cup of coffee and talk about life's struggles. I think they could relate. :P
October 1, 2025
2025 review: my 4th time reading this and I still love it 😭😭
~~~~~~~~
My 3rd time reading this book and this is one of my favorite series ever, it's so good!!! I love that it's a fantasy world (non magical) but with real-world Christianity and stuff, not allegories and made-up names for God like most Christian fantasy books (though I love those too of course.)
I love Leith OBVIOUSLY, with his dark and bloody past, but who deep down has a good heart and decides to turn his life around, but don't mess with him or the people he loves because he is still dangerous and capable of ending you (Maybe I have issues.) I found Renna relatable, but also slightly annoying the first time I read this (what does this say about me that I relate so much to an annoying character?), but she grows a lot in her faith and confidence the next couple books, which is amazing to see. Brandi toes the line of being annoying, but somehow she is just too loveable with her chatty-ness and exuberance.
If you like fantasy, please read this series!!
The only content warning I have is for blood and violence, but that just comes with the territory with fantasy.
~~~~~~~~
My 3rd time reading this book and this is one of my favorite series ever, it's so good!!! I love that it's a fantasy world (non magical) but with real-world Christianity and stuff, not allegories and made-up names for God like most Christian fantasy books (though I love those too of course.)
I love Leith OBVIOUSLY, with his dark and bloody past, but who deep down has a good heart and decides to turn his life around, but don't mess with him or the people he loves because he is still dangerous and capable of ending you (Maybe I have issues.) I found Renna relatable, but also slightly annoying the first time I read this (what does this say about me that I relate so much to an annoying character?), but she grows a lot in her faith and confidence the next couple books, which is amazing to see. Brandi toes the line of being annoying, but somehow she is just too loveable with her chatty-ness and exuberance.
If you like fantasy, please read this series!!
The only content warning I have is for blood and violence, but that just comes with the territory with fantasy.
July 3, 2015
Oh. My. Goodness. This book was AMAZING! I absolutely loved it! It is definitely one of my new favorite books.
September 18, 2015
I loved loved LOVED this book!!! It was absolutely fantastic! I got a beautiful paperback copy of this book for my birthday and I love it. This was so good.
Third Blade Leith Torren has never had thoughts of rebellion against King Respen. He has never ever questioned his orders or his loyalty. At least, until a arrow wound and a blizzard drive him to meet Renna and Brandi Faythe, who change his life forever. Their faith and connections to the Resistance could lead to their destruction. Will Leith be willing to resist the King and his Blades? Will he have the strength? Either way, one thing is certain: someone will die.
From the first page I knew this was going to be a great book. I didn't want to put it down at all. The world was fantastic. I love how the book started in the winter with a blizzard. It made the book stand out. The characters were memorable. Leith, of course, was my favorite character! I love him!!! Renna was such a realistic character trying to choose between doing what was right and what was safe. I think she reminds me a bit of me. Her embarrassing moments were so funny. Brandi was so fun and such a sweet and brave person. Shadrach was awesome too. As you can see, what I am trying to say is that all the characters were incredible. King Respen and Harrison Vane were so evil. Harrison Vane had quite a creepy side that stood out and made it so much more alluring.
Besides that, there was so much action and suspense! I almost died of too much excitement. The danger was so riveting. It was perfect! I am freaking out just writing this review! It makes me so happy and excited. I cannot wait for the next book. I have to find out what happens next. Ms. Tricia, you just became one of my new favorite authors.
I'd recommend this to teens and older who love Christian Fiction. It was flat out spectacular. You won't regret it. This is definitely one of my favorite books!
You can check out this review on my blog too, at: https://aheartredeemed.wordpress.com/... Thanks!
Third Blade Leith Torren has never had thoughts of rebellion against King Respen. He has never ever questioned his orders or his loyalty. At least, until a arrow wound and a blizzard drive him to meet Renna and Brandi Faythe, who change his life forever. Their faith and connections to the Resistance could lead to their destruction. Will Leith be willing to resist the King and his Blades? Will he have the strength? Either way, one thing is certain: someone will die.
From the first page I knew this was going to be a great book. I didn't want to put it down at all. The world was fantastic. I love how the book started in the winter with a blizzard. It made the book stand out. The characters were memorable. Leith, of course, was my favorite character! I love him!!! Renna was such a realistic character trying to choose between doing what was right and what was safe. I think she reminds me a bit of me. Her embarrassing moments were so funny. Brandi was so fun and such a sweet and brave person. Shadrach was awesome too. As you can see, what I am trying to say is that all the characters were incredible. King Respen and Harrison Vane were so evil. Harrison Vane had quite a creepy side that stood out and made it so much more alluring.
Besides that, there was so much action and suspense! I almost died of too much excitement. The danger was so riveting. It was perfect! I am freaking out just writing this review! It makes me so happy and excited. I cannot wait for the next book. I have to find out what happens next. Ms. Tricia, you just became one of my new favorite authors.
I'd recommend this to teens and older who love Christian Fiction. It was flat out spectacular. You won't regret it. This is definitely one of my favorite books!
You can check out this review on my blog too, at: https://aheartredeemed.wordpress.com/... Thanks!
August 23, 2017
~*~ ORIGINAL REVIEW ~*~
My rating: one zillion stars
I feel that I should start this review by saying something. Had the Kindle sample of Deny, book-2, not told me enough to sufficiently calm my nerves, none of you would be reading this right now as I would've died of the "oh-my-goodness-what's-happening-to-Leith" mental disorder. (That illness needs a name... I'm dead serious.)
This. Book. Is. So. Good. The Christian/faith content of the book was so deep and good and real. And I loved every last one of the characters. (Um, except King Respen...and Vane...and...)
I love Leith. He's amazing, lovable, and HUMAN.
I love Renna. (I could repeat the above traits for all the characters, but I won't. ;) ) She's a sweet girl with real and believable struggles.
I love Brandi. She's outgoing and straightforward and precious. <3 She treated Leith as an equal all along. And she became a favorite of mine when she hugged Leith as he was leaving the manor. :)
I love Shad. He's a great guy and a true friend.
So yeah. This book is just utterly amazing. And epic. And fabulous. And...(I'll stop now.)
I can't wait to read the rest of this great Christian fantasy series and any other future work by this talented author!! :)
~*~ SECOND REVIEW 10/24 ~*~
Ahhh, this book. *clutches it to my heart* It's truly a gem. I'm so grateful I stumbled across it – last year – as a gift ebook for participating in a Black Friday sale promotion. :D
I devoured the entire 300+ pages within two days (had there not been a huge and awesome snowstorm at the same time, who knows, I may have read it ever quicker ;)) and loved. every. speck. of. it.
Up until then (January) I had read hardly any fantasy. Maybe even none (not sure...) So I started into this with some reservations and totally expecting to not like it. Peeps...I was so wrong. I fell in love with this series – hard and fast.
The whole 'wicked bad Blades serving King Respen, and the Resistance fighting back against the darkness' plot line was soooo awesome. The storyworld (Acktar) that Ms. Mingerink has built is amazing. It has a western feel with prairies and plains and horses, but it's also got a medieval touch with lords and ladies and castles. *smiles* It's just perfect-o.
The characters are amazing and well rounded. My personal favorite is Leith, is...just...ohmygoodness, I don't even knnooowwww. I love seeing his struggle between right and wrong, acceptance and rejection. *hugs book* And then Renna, she's such a dear. She too has struggles and challenges to face throughout the book. I enjoyed her character in Dare, but more so in Deny. :) And there's Brandi. Golly, do I love that child. Can I please adopt her? She's so sweet and caring and funny. Gotta love her. <3
And THAT ENDING!!! Gaaahhhh. As I was nearing the end I'm like "oh, yay, it's going to end so happily!" *fake laugh* Haha, nope. More like end with me screaming. "What?! No?! This can't happppeeennnn to meeeeee."
(A few cautions... There are some described murders, stabbings, torture, etc. and for those reasons I wouldn't recommend it to a younger – under 11/12 – audience. But for teens? Yeah, it's a great book. ;))
A hearty five of five stars!! :D
My rating: one zillion stars
I feel that I should start this review by saying something. Had the Kindle sample of Deny, book-2, not told me enough to sufficiently calm my nerves, none of you would be reading this right now as I would've died of the "oh-my-goodness-what's-happening-to-Leith" mental disorder. (That illness needs a name... I'm dead serious.)
This. Book. Is. So. Good. The Christian/faith content of the book was so deep and good and real. And I loved every last one of the characters. (Um, except King Respen...and Vane...and...)
I love Leith. He's amazing, lovable, and HUMAN.
I love Renna. (I could repeat the above traits for all the characters, but I won't. ;) ) She's a sweet girl with real and believable struggles.
I love Brandi. She's outgoing and straightforward and precious. <3 She treated Leith as an equal all along. And she became a favorite of mine when she hugged Leith as he was leaving the manor. :)
I love Shad. He's a great guy and a true friend.
So yeah. This book is just utterly amazing. And epic. And fabulous. And...(I'll stop now.)
I can't wait to read the rest of this great Christian fantasy series and any other future work by this talented author!! :)
~*~ SECOND REVIEW 10/24 ~*~
Ahhh, this book. *clutches it to my heart* It's truly a gem. I'm so grateful I stumbled across it – last year – as a gift ebook for participating in a Black Friday sale promotion. :D
I devoured the entire 300+ pages within two days (had there not been a huge and awesome snowstorm at the same time, who knows, I may have read it ever quicker ;)) and loved. every. speck. of. it.
Up until then (January) I had read hardly any fantasy. Maybe even none (not sure...) So I started into this with some reservations and totally expecting to not like it. Peeps...I was so wrong. I fell in love with this series – hard and fast.
The whole 'wicked bad Blades serving King Respen, and the Resistance fighting back against the darkness' plot line was soooo awesome. The storyworld (Acktar) that Ms. Mingerink has built is amazing. It has a western feel with prairies and plains and horses, but it's also got a medieval touch with lords and ladies and castles. *smiles* It's just perfect-o.
The characters are amazing and well rounded. My personal favorite is Leith, is...just...ohmygoodness, I don't even knnooowwww. I love seeing his struggle between right and wrong, acceptance and rejection. *hugs book* And then Renna, she's such a dear. She too has struggles and challenges to face throughout the book. I enjoyed her character in Dare, but more so in Deny. :) And there's Brandi. Golly, do I love that child. Can I please adopt her? She's so sweet and caring and funny. Gotta love her. <3
And THAT ENDING!!! Gaaahhhh. As I was nearing the end I'm like "oh, yay, it's going to end so happily!" *fake laugh* Haha, nope. More like end with me screaming. "What?! No?! This can't happppeeennnn to meeeeee."
(A few cautions... There are some described murders, stabbings, torture, etc. and for those reasons I wouldn't recommend it to a younger – under 11/12 – audience. But for teens? Yeah, it's a great book. ;))
A hearty five of five stars!! :D
March 19, 2024
**3.25 stars**
"Leith turned Lachlan‘s words over in his mind. That explanation made sense. Leith didn’t buy Lachlan‘s calling on principles, but Lachlan would do it for his niece. Renna had a way of making a person want to protect her. Leith paused. Did he want to protect her?
No, he couldn’t. He was a Blade, and Blades protected no one but the king."
__________________________
Dare by author Tricia Mingerink is a Christian fiction novel for teens. This book follows the story of a Blade, aka an assassin of the despot king, Respen, who, upon being wounded, seeks help at the doorstep of a Christian family part of a Resistance group. Through the story, we see God's unfailing love, redemption, and saving grace from our sins, and the theme of forgiveness painted through the entirety of Dare.
Dare is my... what, fourth? Christian fiction book, and I liked it. But though the book itself had an amazing premise... it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I've heard so many great things about this book, and so many of my friends here on GR have highly recommended it, making me all the more eager to read it. But it wasn't until it won for the Faith and Fantasy's BotM that I finally picked it up. It certainly had a great hook, but the writing style itself definitely needed some work. I just felt like the writing was so plain and the characters so bland. There wasn't much character development, and the little that there was, was done so blatantly. The writing definitely could've had some more texture/description, some layers. And the characters were just stagnant the entire time, I felt.
Howeverrr, the execution of the cast of Blades and creating an aura of doom and terror around them was very well done. Props to Tricia for that. I'm a sucker for assassin elements, and this book had that as well as the perfect touch of redemption and salvation for said assassin.
Another thing I was a fan of were THE CHRISTIAN ELEMENTS!!! While some Christian fiction books have underlying Christian allegories such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, A Soul as Cold as Frost, and Mark of the Raven, this book outrightly mentioned God, Jesus' death on the cross, salvation, and stories from the Bible, like Daniel. (Stop, I actually loved Brandi's sneakiness of telling Leith about him, and how Leith used his name for his cover and rescue story <3). Tricia Mingerink did a great job of incorporating these Bible stories into the book and portraying the incomprehensible love Christ has for us. While Christian fic is a small genre in today's literary world, this book is a hidden gem in this genre.
In a nutshell, Dare was a solid read, and the Christian elements made it all the more worth the read. I recommend this book for 7th graders and up/ages 13+. I had no content issues, and this novel shines Jesus' light to let everyone know his love and redeeming grace 💛✝
🌿 Just a few verses I think thematicized this book perfectly: 🌿
__________________________
⚔ Fan Art I Saved: ⚔
**NOTE: All the fan art found below is not mine. I found them all online**
"Leith turned Lachlan‘s words over in his mind. That explanation made sense. Leith didn’t buy Lachlan‘s calling on principles, but Lachlan would do it for his niece. Renna had a way of making a person want to protect her. Leith paused. Did he want to protect her?
No, he couldn’t. He was a Blade, and Blades protected no one but the king."
__________________________
Dare by author Tricia Mingerink is a Christian fiction novel for teens. This book follows the story of a Blade, aka an assassin of the despot king, Respen, who, upon being wounded, seeks help at the doorstep of a Christian family part of a Resistance group. Through the story, we see God's unfailing love, redemption, and saving grace from our sins, and the theme of forgiveness painted through the entirety of Dare.
"‘p.70 • Justice belongs to God. It’s not up to me to wrest it from His hands.’"
Dare is my... what, fourth? Christian fiction book, and I liked it. But though the book itself had an amazing premise... it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I've heard so many great things about this book, and so many of my friends here on GR have highly recommended it, making me all the more eager to read it. But it wasn't until it won for the Faith and Fantasy's BotM that I finally picked it up. It certainly had a great hook, but the writing style itself definitely needed some work. I just felt like the writing was so plain and the characters so bland. There wasn't much character development, and the little that there was, was done so blatantly. The writing definitely could've had some more texture/description, some layers. And the characters were just stagnant the entire time, I felt.
Howeverrr, the execution of the cast of Blades and creating an aura of doom and terror around them was very well done. Props to Tricia for that. I'm a sucker for assassin elements, and this book had that as well as the perfect touch of redemption and salvation for said assassin.
p.188 • "‘Don’t discount your bravery… It takes more courage to help someone who doesn’t deserve it than someone who does.’"
Another thing I was a fan of were THE CHRISTIAN ELEMENTS!!! While some Christian fiction books have underlying Christian allegories such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, A Soul as Cold as Frost, and Mark of the Raven, this book outrightly mentioned God, Jesus' death on the cross, salvation, and stories from the Bible, like Daniel. (Stop, I actually loved Brandi's sneakiness of telling Leith about him, and how Leith used his name for his cover and rescue story <3). Tricia Mingerink did a great job of incorporating these Bible stories into the book and portraying the incomprehensible love Christ has for us. While Christian fic is a small genre in today's literary world, this book is a hidden gem in this genre.
p.200 • "‘God’s choice isn’t based on our actions. We’re all completely evil.
God chooses us because He decided in his good pleasure to love us. That love isn’t dependent on our actions or our choices. God can choose, and has chosen, anybody, no matter their past actions."
In a nutshell, Dare was a solid read, and the Christian elements made it all the more worth the read. I recommend this book for 7th graders and up/ages 13+. I had no content issues, and this novel shines Jesus' light to let everyone know his love and redeeming grace 💛✝
🌿 Just a few verses I think thematicized this book perfectly: 🌿
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~ Romans 8:38-39
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
~ 2 Corinthians 5:21
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
~ Romans 5:8
"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."
~ Galations 3:29-29
"We love because he first loved us."
~ I John 4:19
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
~ John 3:16
__________________________
⚔ Fan Art I Saved: ⚔
**NOTE: All the fan art found below is not mine. I found them all online**
July 24, 2018
Noooo, why does it have to be over?!?!?!? I’m in love with this series, and have read it multiple times. I just decided to listen to the audiobook, and I loved it!!! The narrator took on different voices for the characters, and I got to fall in love again with the characters. I highly recommend this series!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ THIS BOOK!!!!
February 20, 2017
Full review to come once I am not sick, and have control of my mental faculties again. :{
June 14, 2022
Whew. What a story! This was an influencer for my own writing, and looking back, I'm so grateful God led me to this series. Reading Christian fiction provides an escape, but it also can remind us of the important things we oft forget. Like not taking your family for granted. Being grateful for every breath you are given. And the necessity of thanking God we still live in a country where we are free to worship openly.
Dare is the book that propelled me into the world of Christian indie authors. Coming back to it a few years after I last read it, I don't know why I hadn't thought to pick it up again earlier. This book is so good, especially for a debut (and Mingerink's writing has only gotten better, which means the rest of the books in this series are just as good if not better).
Renna and Brandi are great. Renna's a worrywart and Brandi is this extroverted tornado of a kid with boundless energy. I think she and my sister would get along well. I really liked how Renna matured, both in faith and overall, throughout this story. Granted, this is a series, so she still has a ways to go, but her character development was done well.
The supporting characters add depth and side-plots. Can't say I liked all of the ones on a certain side (because apathy and I just don't get along) but I don't think they were necessarily written to be liked. I definitely did not like everyone on the other side, except for a few, and that is because I know what happens in later books.
King Respen. Don't get me started on that vile man.
Leith Torren is the best character in this book. Yes, I'm a sucker for characters who have to struggle their way to the right side. He's so well written, and that ending. Oof. Not a cliffhanger, but definitely a portend of upcoming storms.
The pacing was perfect, the plot was superb, and the redemption and faith elements were so beautifully woven in. Stories that follow these themes can get dark, and that's why it is so important for Christian authors to include faith. Mingerink does so flawlessly.
If you haven't read Dare yet, you need to. If you have, you need to read it again.
Dare is the book that propelled me into the world of Christian indie authors. Coming back to it a few years after I last read it, I don't know why I hadn't thought to pick it up again earlier. This book is so good, especially for a debut (and Mingerink's writing has only gotten better, which means the rest of the books in this series are just as good if not better).
Renna and Brandi are great. Renna's a worrywart and Brandi is this extroverted tornado of a kid with boundless energy. I think she and my sister would get along well. I really liked how Renna matured, both in faith and overall, throughout this story. Granted, this is a series, so she still has a ways to go, but her character development was done well.
The supporting characters add depth and side-plots. Can't say I liked all of the ones on a certain side (because apathy and I just don't get along) but I don't think they were necessarily written to be liked. I definitely did not like everyone on the other side, except for a few, and that is because I know what happens in later books.
King Respen. Don't get me started on that vile man.
Leith Torren is the best character in this book. Yes, I'm a sucker for characters who have to struggle their way to the right side. He's so well written, and that ending. Oof. Not a cliffhanger, but definitely a portend of upcoming storms.
The pacing was perfect, the plot was superb, and the redemption and faith elements were so beautifully woven in. Stories that follow these themes can get dark, and that's why it is so important for Christian authors to include faith. Mingerink does so flawlessly.
If you haven't read Dare yet, you need to. If you have, you need to read it again.
January 2, 2018
UPDATE----Dec 30, 2017
Just finished a re-read of this book and AHHHHHH!!!!! It's soooo much better when I took the time to actually READ the words instead of hurrying through the story trying to see what happened!! XD
~~~~~~~~
I really hadn’t heard much about this book before I downloaded it. I don’t remember exactly what made me want to read it in the first place, but I probably saw it on someone’s blog (it seems that I find a lot of books in that way). Boy, was I in for a surprise.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5
How many ways can I say awesome? Amazing. Stupendous. Astonishing. Phenomenal. Need I go on?
Note to you non-fantasy people: Even though this book is listed as fantasy, there was absolutely no magic or prophecies or anything of that sort. The feel of the book was that of medieval historical fiction.
Characters: 5/5
Tricia Mingerink has an amazing gift for creating 3 dimensional characters. There are only a handful of books I’ve ever read where I remember feeling so connected to the characters.
Writing: 5/5
Her style is so different and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dialogue: 5/5
Absolutely killer dialogue. It was like I was hearing every word, seeing every raised eyebrow, and watching every finger twitch.
Want-to-read-ability: 5/5
More like 10/5. I loved this book. Way more than I ever expected to. I mean…knife-wielding knights dressed in black, who creep about the countryside spying on nobles? How much cooler does it get?
Just finished a re-read of this book and AHHHHHH!!!!! It's soooo much better when I took the time to actually READ the words instead of hurrying through the story trying to see what happened!! XD
~~~~~~~~
I really hadn’t heard much about this book before I downloaded it. I don’t remember exactly what made me want to read it in the first place, but I probably saw it on someone’s blog (it seems that I find a lot of books in that way). Boy, was I in for a surprise.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5
How many ways can I say awesome? Amazing. Stupendous. Astonishing. Phenomenal. Need I go on?
Note to you non-fantasy people: Even though this book is listed as fantasy, there was absolutely no magic or prophecies or anything of that sort. The feel of the book was that of medieval historical fiction.
Characters: 5/5
Tricia Mingerink has an amazing gift for creating 3 dimensional characters. There are only a handful of books I’ve ever read where I remember feeling so connected to the characters.
Writing: 5/5
Her style is so different and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dialogue: 5/5
Absolutely killer dialogue. It was like I was hearing every word, seeing every raised eyebrow, and watching every finger twitch.
Want-to-read-ability: 5/5
More like 10/5. I loved this book. Way more than I ever expected to. I mean…knife-wielding knights dressed in black, who creep about the countryside spying on nobles? How much cooler does it get?
December 3, 2016
This tugs at your heart and pulls you into an engrossing story of redemption and forgiveness. I love redemption stories.
Leith is a Blade, a killer, bound to serve the King. When severely wounded and caught in a blizzard he lands on the doorstep of a house where he has killed before. The daughters orphaned in his previous attack take him in and care for him. As they tend his wounds and tell him stories, Leith knows he will have to betray them. He cannot fail his King and these girls are traitors with their Bible and their prayers. Bubbly Brandi is a delight at the younger girl who opens her heart and all its warmth to Leith. Rena with her greater knowledge of the danger she has placed her family in, by helping the Blade live, is convincing in her struggles between what is right and what is expedient.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy story that wasn't afraid to use the words 'Bible' and 'Christian' as opposed to made up words that mean the same thing.
This is an enjoyable page-turner with heart.
Leith is a Blade, a killer, bound to serve the King. When severely wounded and caught in a blizzard he lands on the doorstep of a house where he has killed before. The daughters orphaned in his previous attack take him in and care for him. As they tend his wounds and tell him stories, Leith knows he will have to betray them. He cannot fail his King and these girls are traitors with their Bible and their prayers. Bubbly Brandi is a delight at the younger girl who opens her heart and all its warmth to Leith. Rena with her greater knowledge of the danger she has placed her family in, by helping the Blade live, is convincing in her struggles between what is right and what is expedient.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy story that wasn't afraid to use the words 'Bible' and 'Christian' as opposed to made up words that mean the same thing.
This is an enjoyable page-turner with heart.
March 7, 2018
Re-read in May 2018:
Loved this just as much the second time around! Still 4.5 stars, because I do feel like some of Leith's development was a little fast and Respen isn't yet as well developed as he could be...but these are minor complaints! I now have a great urge to make time to re-read the rest of this wonderful series!
WELL THIS WAS MILDLY AMAZING. I'd heard so many rave reviews of this book, and it's so cheap on Kindle ($3! Like what world is this?!) and we were going on a road trip so I thought it would be a good plan to get going on this series (at the same time as starting Ilyon.... bad idea, y'all.)
So this was a good book! I enjoyed it very much.
THINGS I LIKED:
-LEITH TORREN. Characters who were bad and slowly start to see that they can be different are my absolute favorite (I enjoy writing them, reading them, watching them in movies...) and his character arc's gorgeousness was beyond lovable. He is my new character crush at the moment. <3
-Renna. She had this quiet strength on the outside, but her inner turmoil was so relatable. She was able to stay so... sane despite the fact that she was being hunted and mentally tortured and all that good stuff. I doubt I could say the same.
-(Also the ship. I love it so much.)
-BRANDI. I also love bubbly young characters who act like little kids and have so much joy in life. I adored her, and her character arc with Leith. I can totally see her as my younger sister.
-Shadrach because he was epic. The strong, silent type.
-The whole Blades idea. It was just really neat.
-The suspense of the plot was nerve-racking.
-The Christian aspect of it was amazing. I loved the clear presentation of the gospel, and I was kind of taking notes for my own works.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE SO MUCH:
-The plot was kind of predictable. I knew what was coming and how everyone was probably going to end their character arcs, but I still read avidly and adored it.
-There was a mite more violence than I'm comfortable with. Whoops.
-As some other people have said, the world-building could use a little work. But seeing as there are three more books in this series... that will probably get much better. And I will be reading all three of the other books.
-Also: I felt like Respen needed some development. But as above: Three more books.
In short, this was an excellent book, and I LOOOOOOOOOVED it. Leith is my new favorite male character right now, and I'm so totally going to be buying the rest of the books on Kindle. $3, y'all! So if you don't own this book, buy it. Now. Please.
4.5 stars
Loved this just as much the second time around! Still 4.5 stars, because I do feel like some of Leith's development was a little fast and Respen isn't yet as well developed as he could be...but these are minor complaints! I now have a great urge to make time to re-read the rest of this wonderful series!
WELL THIS WAS MILDLY AMAZING. I'd heard so many rave reviews of this book, and it's so cheap on Kindle ($3! Like what world is this?!) and we were going on a road trip so I thought it would be a good plan to get going on this series (at the same time as starting Ilyon.... bad idea, y'all.)
So this was a good book! I enjoyed it very much.
THINGS I LIKED:
-LEITH TORREN. Characters who were bad and slowly start to see that they can be different are my absolute favorite (I enjoy writing them, reading them, watching them in movies...) and his character arc's gorgeousness was beyond lovable. He is my new character crush at the moment. <3
-Renna. She had this quiet strength on the outside, but her inner turmoil was so relatable. She was able to stay so... sane despite the fact that she was being hunted and mentally tortured and all that good stuff. I doubt I could say the same.
-(Also the ship. I love it so much.)
-BRANDI. I also love bubbly young characters who act like little kids and have so much joy in life. I adored her, and her character arc with Leith. I can totally see her as my younger sister.
-Shadrach because he was epic. The strong, silent type.
-The whole Blades idea. It was just really neat.
-The suspense of the plot was nerve-racking.
-The Christian aspect of it was amazing. I loved the clear presentation of the gospel, and I was kind of taking notes for my own works.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE SO MUCH:
-The plot was kind of predictable. I knew what was coming and how everyone was probably going to end their character arcs, but I still read avidly and adored it.
-There was a mite more violence than I'm comfortable with. Whoops.
-As some other people have said, the world-building could use a little work. But seeing as there are three more books in this series... that will probably get much better. And I will be reading all three of the other books.
-Also: I felt like Respen needed some development. But as above: Three more books.
In short, this was an excellent book, and I LOOOOOOOOOVED it. Leith is my new favorite male character right now, and I'm so totally going to be buying the rest of the books on Kindle. $3, y'all! So if you don't own this book, buy it. Now. Please.
4.5 stars
February 3, 2019
How do you give an adequate review to a perfectly amazing book?
How do you give a thumbs up to an author who has been blessed by God?
Well I don't know how to review this so perfectly people will be wowed and want to read it so much they go buy it. I'm just gonna review this book like any other in my normal fangirl way and hope for the best. I have so many feels right now it's gonna take me forever to mention them all. I'm just so wowed.
So my first impression was that this author knew what she was doing. She was ready to use her talents for God and he blessed her for it! This book has so many hidden spiritual meanings and wonderful testimonies. Tricia Mingerink thank you. Thank you for being an encouragement to other godly writers and to me specifically. I told my family about this book ( I don't normally do that ) and they were just as excited as I was.
The second thing that stood out to me was the well written plotline! It was so unique and well shaped. There was such an intense anxiety in me the whole way through as I feared what was gonna happen to these amazing characters. A good book always does this to me. So Dare is my top favorite ( thus far ) book into 2019 that I've read. I mean it freaked. Me. Out. Literally. I was running around my bedroom shrieking because of how amazingly scared, happy, sad, excited, etc I was. I mean I was feeling all the emotions. That - my friends - is a marvelous book.
Third thing that stood out to me ( away from all my fangirling ) was how many reviews it had for being self published. ( I think it's self published anyway... my facts aren't perfect! ) Every review was 3 to 5 stars! That's a good book. In fact there was only ONE 3 star review!! Every other rating was higher!! Obviously I wasn't the only one who thought this book was amazing.
So now I can come fangirl about how amazingly awesome this book is!! *screeches* >.< The description is marvelous. And I mean marvelous! I'm always pointing out the details in books because that particular part means a lot to me. This book made it to my four star rating in detail which is perfect considering my ratings on description. ( normally only Robin McKinley and books similar to hers in description make it to my five star ratings in detail! ) The scenery was well played out and the book became a live full detailed movie in my mind, just like any good detail filled book should.
The characters.... oh Please! They were better than AMAZING!! I just... I don't even have the words... meep. 😍 They were well thought out, I could feel their pain, or sorrows, or joy, or happiness. Whatever they were dealing with it was real and burning. I just... they were soooooo good.
Renna ~ I appreciated her in so many ways. I just... *gasps* She was so much like me! Her loving but fearful nature, her direct obedience to God, her painful memories. Just this character deserves a round of applause.
Leith ~ Can we all just pause and squeal at how amazing he is?? Like he is my favorite! *squeals into infinity* He was hurt, he was brave, he was loving, he was courageous, he was strong, he was struggling, he is LEITH! Like even his name is awesome!!!
Brandi : Awww.... who can't love Brandiline? She's just so sweet and perfectly perfect. Ahhh I just love these characters so much it's hard to describe!!! ;P >.< MY favorite quality of hers was her testimony of sweet gentleness and open faith. My second favorite was her pure love of animals!
Vane : AHHHHH, Why??? Couldn't he have just changed? I wanted to love him so bad! In fact I did in his dark gruesome way I enjoyed his compelling character.... but still. Why?? Also guys his eyes were so freaky. Like pale blue with an icy fire burning within... like who has eyes like that? No. One. Like I said. Freaky.
Shadrack : He's good, now. I was suspicious of him at first and kinda nervous he was gonna be one of those guys.... but he wasn't. In fact I liked him. xD
So I can't talk about all the good characters or this list would go on forever... but basically this book is marvelous and the author put her heart into it. Like I read the acknowledgments ( I know, I know.... who reads the acknowledgments? Well I do... ;) ) And it took her awhile ( also I'm feeling a lot of the same things she mentioned... ) But she gave this writing business her all. And from experience I can say it's not as easy as authors make it look. ;)
Content : It's gruesome. Blood, battles, wounds, mentions of healing wounds, mentions of burning wounds, war, revolution, etc.... you get the idea. ;)
All the encouragement and love shown by Renna was amazing I loved the characters to death and now I need to go start the second book... but I'm scared. Like yeah, what's gonna happen to Leith?? *yelps* I just don't know... This book deserves 1,000,000,000,000 stars.... But yeah good book and to sum it all up I have two questions. Questions that should make us all think. Do we Dare to stand up for our faith? Do we Dare to do as these characters have done?
How do you give a thumbs up to an author who has been blessed by God?
Well I don't know how to review this so perfectly people will be wowed and want to read it so much they go buy it. I'm just gonna review this book like any other in my normal fangirl way and hope for the best. I have so many feels right now it's gonna take me forever to mention them all. I'm just so wowed.
So my first impression was that this author knew what she was doing. She was ready to use her talents for God and he blessed her for it! This book has so many hidden spiritual meanings and wonderful testimonies. Tricia Mingerink thank you. Thank you for being an encouragement to other godly writers and to me specifically. I told my family about this book ( I don't normally do that ) and they were just as excited as I was.
The second thing that stood out to me was the well written plotline! It was so unique and well shaped. There was such an intense anxiety in me the whole way through as I feared what was gonna happen to these amazing characters. A good book always does this to me. So Dare is my top favorite ( thus far ) book into 2019 that I've read. I mean it freaked. Me. Out. Literally. I was running around my bedroom shrieking because of how amazingly scared, happy, sad, excited, etc I was. I mean I was feeling all the emotions. That - my friends - is a marvelous book.
Third thing that stood out to me ( away from all my fangirling ) was how many reviews it had for being self published. ( I think it's self published anyway... my facts aren't perfect! ) Every review was 3 to 5 stars! That's a good book. In fact there was only ONE 3 star review!! Every other rating was higher!! Obviously I wasn't the only one who thought this book was amazing.
So now I can come fangirl about how amazingly awesome this book is!! *screeches* >.< The description is marvelous. And I mean marvelous! I'm always pointing out the details in books because that particular part means a lot to me. This book made it to my four star rating in detail which is perfect considering my ratings on description. ( normally only Robin McKinley and books similar to hers in description make it to my five star ratings in detail! ) The scenery was well played out and the book became a live full detailed movie in my mind, just like any good detail filled book should.
The characters.... oh Please! They were better than AMAZING!! I just... I don't even have the words... meep. 😍 They were well thought out, I could feel their pain, or sorrows, or joy, or happiness. Whatever they were dealing with it was real and burning. I just... they were soooooo good.
Renna ~ I appreciated her in so many ways. I just... *gasps* She was so much like me! Her loving but fearful nature, her direct obedience to God, her painful memories. Just this character deserves a round of applause.
Leith ~ Can we all just pause and squeal at how amazing he is?? Like he is my favorite! *squeals into infinity* He was hurt, he was brave, he was loving, he was courageous, he was strong, he was struggling, he is LEITH! Like even his name is awesome!!!
Brandi : Awww.... who can't love Brandiline? She's just so sweet and perfectly perfect. Ahhh I just love these characters so much it's hard to describe!!! ;P >.< MY favorite quality of hers was her testimony of sweet gentleness and open faith. My second favorite was her pure love of animals!
Vane : AHHHHH, Why??? Couldn't he have just changed? I wanted to love him so bad! In fact I did in his dark gruesome way I enjoyed his compelling character.... but still. Why?? Also guys his eyes were so freaky. Like pale blue with an icy fire burning within... like who has eyes like that? No. One. Like I said. Freaky.
Shadrack : He's good, now. I was suspicious of him at first and kinda nervous he was gonna be one of those guys.... but he wasn't. In fact I liked him. xD
So I can't talk about all the good characters or this list would go on forever... but basically this book is marvelous and the author put her heart into it. Like I read the acknowledgments ( I know, I know.... who reads the acknowledgments? Well I do... ;) ) And it took her awhile ( also I'm feeling a lot of the same things she mentioned... ) But she gave this writing business her all. And from experience I can say it's not as easy as authors make it look. ;)
Content : It's gruesome. Blood, battles, wounds, mentions of healing wounds, mentions of burning wounds, war, revolution, etc.... you get the idea. ;)
All the encouragement and love shown by Renna was amazing I loved the characters to death and now I need to go start the second book... but I'm scared. Like yeah, what's gonna happen to Leith?? *yelps* I just don't know... This book deserves 1,000,000,000,000 stars.... But yeah good book and to sum it all up I have two questions. Questions that should make us all think. Do we Dare to stand up for our faith? Do we Dare to do as these characters have done?
October 25, 2017
Tricia Mingerink is a gifted writer.
I read this book in two days. I was gripped from the beginning by the interesting set up and unique story line. This book was definitely a treat. I went away to another world and came back to this one feeling inspired and uplifted.
Miss Mingerink's prose flowed beautifully, great and unique locations (I don't ever remember seeing a medieval fantasy book set in a Dakota type setting - brilliant), and Leith's arc was very gripping, I was cheering every page to see him get freed from the life he was trapped in.
But what stood out the most about this book was the message of God's love. I was very encouraged when I finished Dare by the message of salvation that felt very real and relevant.
I recently reread this book when I wasn't feeling well - and was smiling from page one - it was fun to revisit Dare - and while there were a few plot details / character developments that I thought could have been more structured - overall - I definitely enjoyed Dare - it took me away in a time when I needed a peaceful escape.
Bravo, Miss Mingerink.
Content Warning: This could be a little bit violent for young readers as several characters are tortured or get their throats cut but Tricia Mingerink did a good job with keeping the violence down. It could also be a little sad for some because many of the characters have lost family members.
I read this book in two days. I was gripped from the beginning by the interesting set up and unique story line. This book was definitely a treat. I went away to another world and came back to this one feeling inspired and uplifted.
Miss Mingerink's prose flowed beautifully, great and unique locations (I don't ever remember seeing a medieval fantasy book set in a Dakota type setting - brilliant), and Leith's arc was very gripping, I was cheering every page to see him get freed from the life he was trapped in.
But what stood out the most about this book was the message of God's love. I was very encouraged when I finished Dare by the message of salvation that felt very real and relevant.
I recently reread this book when I wasn't feeling well - and was smiling from page one - it was fun to revisit Dare - and while there were a few plot details / character developments that I thought could have been more structured - overall - I definitely enjoyed Dare - it took me away in a time when I needed a peaceful escape.
Bravo, Miss Mingerink.
Content Warning: This could be a little bit violent for young readers as several characters are tortured or get their throats cut but Tricia Mingerink did a good job with keeping the violence down. It could also be a little sad for some because many of the characters have lost family members.
September 28, 2017
OHMYGOODNESS! OHMYGOODNESS! OHMYGOODNESS!!
Uh, ahem. Excuse that. Now I assume that at least some of you would like an at least half intelligible review. ;)
Well, I liked Brandi. She's my age, she's funny, she just blurts things out, and she's the one who ... almost said a SPOILER right there! ;)
And Leith. Three words: he is great. I mean seriously, Leith is such an amazing character! I really loved him! And I could say so much more, but alas! it treads into SPOILER territory. But trust me, his is great.
I didn't really have any problems with this. The only one might be that Brandi was naive and always happy and acted a lot younger then her age and such, but I do know a girl who's like that. So, yeah.
So in summary, I LOVED this book and I'd definitely recommend this book!
Though if you're squeamish at knife wounds, this may not be the book for you (being sliced with a knife and the such. I'm not one for knife wounds, but this didn't bother me that much).
I'd definitely recommend this book to most teens, YA, and even adults. It's a great Christian book!!
You did an amazing job, Tricia!!
Uh, ahem. Excuse that. Now I assume that at least some of you would like an at least half intelligible review. ;)
Well, I liked Brandi. She's my age, she's funny, she just blurts things out, and she's the one who ... almost said a SPOILER right there! ;)
And Leith. Three words: he is great. I mean seriously, Leith is such an amazing character! I really loved him! And I could say so much more, but alas! it treads into SPOILER territory. But trust me, his is great.
I didn't really have any problems with this. The only one might be that Brandi was naive and always happy and acted a lot younger then her age and such, but I do know a girl who's like that. So, yeah.
So in summary, I LOVED this book and I'd definitely recommend this book!
Though if you're squeamish at knife wounds, this may not be the book for you (being sliced with a knife and the such. I'm not one for knife wounds, but this didn't bother me that much).
I'd definitely recommend this book to most teens, YA, and even adults. It's a great Christian book!!
You did an amazing job, Tricia!!
March 6, 2024
Woohoo I finished!!! Dare was so good! I loved it. Leith was amazing <3 Brandi was super fun as well. I didn't really like Renna. But hopefully I will in the next book :p
There were a LOT of Christian elements in Dare, which is good but I just had different opinions on some of the things said :p but that's okay. I loved it anyways.
There were a LOT of Christian elements in Dare, which is good but I just had different opinions on some of the things said :p but that's okay. I loved it anyways.
June 23, 2016
So I just finished this book and WOW! I now understand all the hype surrounding this series. This book weaves the Word of God into the story so effortlessly and realistically that it is a driving force all on its own, as it should be.
What I like: Everything...really. I liked Leith, Renna, Brandi, and even the horse Blizzard. I liked the honest soul searching and need for redemption. I liked the fact that believers stayed faithful even under persecution. The world is real, dangerous, and believable. The characters have depth and personalities that roll off the page as you read. The name BLADES...brilliant! Simply an amazing book.
Chapter 28 made my eyes well up with tears. I mean, the writing and the truth poured out right there for all to see, for Leith to see.
What I did not like: Respen...Respen...and First Blade Vane
I love Christian Fiction and this is right up there with some of my favorites!
"As Blades, we have three rules. Never fail. Never disobey orders. And never be late for a Meeting of the Blades."
Do I recommend this? Yes.
Will I continue the series? YES!
Tricia Mingerink has found a new fan.
What I like: Everything...really. I liked Leith, Renna, Brandi, and even the horse Blizzard. I liked the honest soul searching and need for redemption. I liked the fact that believers stayed faithful even under persecution. The world is real, dangerous, and believable. The characters have depth and personalities that roll off the page as you read. The name BLADES...brilliant! Simply an amazing book.
Chapter 28 made my eyes well up with tears. I mean, the writing and the truth poured out right there for all to see, for Leith to see.
What I did not like: Respen...Respen...and First Blade Vane
I love Christian Fiction and this is right up there with some of my favorites!
"As Blades, we have three rules. Never fail. Never disobey orders. And never be late for a Meeting of the Blades."
Do I recommend this? Yes.
Will I continue the series? YES!
Tricia Mingerink has found a new fan.
October 13, 2025
(Clean Christian Fantasy)
Arghhhhhh wow 🤯 … I NEED MORE!!
A bit slow in the beginning but soon picked up speed.. and omg the hint of romance brewing???? Perfection! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 [squeals]
I loved Leith 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 dark hair, green eyes and DIMPLES?!!! Yes, Yes, AND YESS ✔️
RTC 🤩🤩❤️
Arghhhhhh wow 🤯 … I NEED MORE!!
A bit slow in the beginning but soon picked up speed.. and omg the hint of romance brewing???? Perfection! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 [squeals]
I loved Leith 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 dark hair, green eyes and DIMPLES?!!! Yes, Yes, AND YESS ✔️
RTC 🤩🤩❤️
December 23, 2015
Wait, what?! It ended that way? REALLY???
*ahem* Okay, this book has been on my list of books-to-read for a while, but I just finally got around to reading it! Started it last night and finished it this morning. Now that I've finished it, I'm glad I waited to read it. Now I don't have to wait for the next book to come out. . . I can start reading it right away.
The setting was awesome! Tricia did a great job with the worldbuilding and it was very easy to step into the land of Acktar. I also loved the fact that although it is a fantasy world, there was absolutely NO magic involved! That can be hard to find even in christian fantasy, so it was a huge plus in my opinion.
The characters were amazing! It was so sweet to see Renna and Brandi's close sibling relationship, even though they were so different. Brandi made me smile just about every time she was a part of the story and Renna's struggles were very real and easy to relate to.
And Leith! Don't get me started on him! He was by far my favorite character although Shad was a close second.
So, yeah. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's definitely made my list of favorites.
Now onto book 2. . . ;)
*ahem* Okay, this book has been on my list of books-to-read for a while, but I just finally got around to reading it! Started it last night and finished it this morning. Now that I've finished it, I'm glad I waited to read it. Now I don't have to wait for the next book to come out. . . I can start reading it right away.
The setting was awesome! Tricia did a great job with the worldbuilding and it was very easy to step into the land of Acktar. I also loved the fact that although it is a fantasy world, there was absolutely NO magic involved! That can be hard to find even in christian fantasy, so it was a huge plus in my opinion.
The characters were amazing! It was so sweet to see Renna and Brandi's close sibling relationship, even though they were so different. Brandi made me smile just about every time she was a part of the story and Renna's struggles were very real and easy to relate to.
And Leith! Don't get me started on him! He was by far my favorite character although Shad was a close second.
So, yeah. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's definitely made my list of favorites.
Now onto book 2. . . ;)
June 9, 2015
I'm just going to start off by saying that I love this book.
There's a perfect mix of action, suspense, little to zero romance (it's getting nicely set up though), and themes of Christianity. Frankly the setting is just awesome. How often so you see fantasy set on the prairie? I enjoyed all the characters, definitely some more than others, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they all develop as the series continues.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes awesome male leads, action, and stories of redemption.
A terrific debut novel and the start of a wonderful series!!!
I was given a eARC by the author in exchange for a review.
There's a perfect mix of action, suspense, little to zero romance (it's getting nicely set up though), and themes of Christianity. Frankly the setting is just awesome. How often so you see fantasy set on the prairie? I enjoyed all the characters, definitely some more than others, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they all develop as the series continues.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes awesome male leads, action, and stories of redemption.
A terrific debut novel and the start of a wonderful series!!!
I was given a eARC by the author in exchange for a review.
August 28, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story. I always love a troubled noble hero, and Leith's struggle between the darkness he's already committed and his yearning for something better is believable enough, considering his young age. The assassin atmosphere was well displayed, and I was most sorry to end on that cliff-hanger. Next book... *taps fingers*
As for content, there is violence so far as knife-play, dressing wounds, evidence of torture, and a few deaths. A few women are threatened, but everything is tastefully dealt with.
As for content, there is violence so far as knife-play, dressing wounds, evidence of torture, and a few deaths. A few women are threatened, but everything is tastefully dealt with.
February 2, 2019
Wow. The end of this book was super exciting.
It took me a long time to get into the story. It seemed slow paced at first, but then I fell in love with the characters. 🙂
It took me a long time to get into the story. It seemed slow paced at first, but then I fell in love with the characters. 🙂
December 25, 2017
I had my once-yearly urge to read a fantasy book. I am not a huge fantasy person. However, I have heard a lot about this book. My sister Mikayla hasn’t stopped talking about them since I asked the library to buy them so she could read them.
Mingerink has a great talent for creating characters that you instantly feel connected to. It didn’t take me many pages of the book to realize that. I quickly cared for Renna and Leith even when I didn’t know much about them. As the story progressed, I was emotionally pulled into their different struggles.
Mingerink also did a wonderful job with the world building. The culture is medieval in feel, but there were many pieces of culture like the blades, laws, and customs that were expressed so well that it took few words. Her talent reminded me of C.S. Lewis, who in the space of a paragraph made you feel as if you had grasped the culture of whatever mythical race you encountered.
I have only one minor issue with this story, and it wasn’t enough to even knock a star off. It seems very common these days to have a likable assassin in stories. One of the things authors fail to consider is the mindset of those who are in that kind of work. I really had a hard time believing that Leith ever committed any of the crimes he talks about; his personality didn’t match what he would have had to be. However, like I said, this was a minor point for me.
The faith aspect was wonderful. I love it in fantasy when they don’t try to make the faith allegorical. God is God, the scriptures are scriptures. Allegories about faith often get messy and are so easy to pick apart and find fault with.
Mingerink has a great talent for creating characters that you instantly feel connected to. It didn’t take me many pages of the book to realize that. I quickly cared for Renna and Leith even when I didn’t know much about them. As the story progressed, I was emotionally pulled into their different struggles.
Mingerink also did a wonderful job with the world building. The culture is medieval in feel, but there were many pieces of culture like the blades, laws, and customs that were expressed so well that it took few words. Her talent reminded me of C.S. Lewis, who in the space of a paragraph made you feel as if you had grasped the culture of whatever mythical race you encountered.
I have only one minor issue with this story, and it wasn’t enough to even knock a star off. It seems very common these days to have a likable assassin in stories. One of the things authors fail to consider is the mindset of those who are in that kind of work. I really had a hard time believing that Leith ever committed any of the crimes he talks about; his personality didn’t match what he would have had to be. However, like I said, this was a minor point for me.
The faith aspect was wonderful. I love it in fantasy when they don’t try to make the faith allegorical. God is God, the scriptures are scriptures. Allegories about faith often get messy and are so easy to pick apart and find fault with.
March 13, 2020
I.
AM.
FINISHED.
And wow what an incredible journey this was. The time it took for me to complete it was totally worth it. Good thing we own the rest of this series...
Full RTC
AM.
FINISHED.
And wow what an incredible journey this was. The time it took for me to complete it was totally worth it. Good thing we own the rest of this series...
Full RTC
December 9, 2015
"Your a slave to him."
His head shot up, his green eyes widening. "No it's not like that."
"You're provided with food, shelter, and clothes, but nothing more. You have to obey every order he gives you. Are you punished for failing?"
"Yes, but only after three failures."
"Are you allowed to quit or leave?" ...
"No." His voice dropped as if he didn't want to admit the truth. "King Respen hunts us down if we don't return."
"And then what? You mentioned punishment. What kind of punishment?"
The eyes he turned her way had been stripped of there hardness "Death. Death for three failures. Death for for trying to avoid punishment. Death if we try to run." He squeezed his eyes shut hanging his head. -page 57 of "Dare" The Blades of Acktar book 1
Leith Torren never saw his honored position as one of the king's dreaded assassins "The Blades" as slavery. Not until Renna. She was right. He was a slave. He was trapped. What could he do about it?
Renna finds herself in a position to help an injured boy on the night of a blizzard. Without her help he will die. But this isn't just any boy. This is a boy who aided in her parents murder. With much deliberation she decides to help, but how can she ever forgive!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great! Leith is just so cool, and my heart went out to his bondaged soul. His skill with his knives? Too awesome!
Renna? She was so realistic. I felt like I could totally relate to her. (I don't know why, I've never been placed in that tough of a situation)
Tricia Mingerink not only presented a suspenseful story that kept me turning the pages; but also a story that brought up some hard questions that really makes you think. Would I represent Christ if I was faced with those situations? How would I react? I love how she worked the salvation message into her story too.
The end left me messed up. I knew something bad was going to happen. I knew someone was going to die; but even then Leith still seemed Benedict Arnoldish to me. How could he! At the same time I'm glad he did..Aarrrr! Please, Book number two come out soon! I gotta see this resolved! I'm a mopey mess!
It deserves every bit of those 5 stars!
His head shot up, his green eyes widening. "No it's not like that."
"You're provided with food, shelter, and clothes, but nothing more. You have to obey every order he gives you. Are you punished for failing?"
"Yes, but only after three failures."
"Are you allowed to quit or leave?" ...
"No." His voice dropped as if he didn't want to admit the truth. "King Respen hunts us down if we don't return."
"And then what? You mentioned punishment. What kind of punishment?"
The eyes he turned her way had been stripped of there hardness "Death. Death for three failures. Death for for trying to avoid punishment. Death if we try to run." He squeezed his eyes shut hanging his head. -page 57 of "Dare" The Blades of Acktar book 1
Leith Torren never saw his honored position as one of the king's dreaded assassins "The Blades" as slavery. Not until Renna. She was right. He was a slave. He was trapped. What could he do about it?
Renna finds herself in a position to help an injured boy on the night of a blizzard. Without her help he will die. But this isn't just any boy. This is a boy who aided in her parents murder. With much deliberation she decides to help, but how can she ever forgive!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great! Leith is just so cool, and my heart went out to his bondaged soul. His skill with his knives? Too awesome!
Renna? She was so realistic. I felt like I could totally relate to her. (I don't know why, I've never been placed in that tough of a situation)
Tricia Mingerink not only presented a suspenseful story that kept me turning the pages; but also a story that brought up some hard questions that really makes you think. Would I represent Christ if I was faced with those situations? How would I react? I love how she worked the salvation message into her story too.
The end left me messed up. I knew something bad was going to happen. I knew someone was going to die; but even then Leith still seemed Benedict Arnoldish to me. How could he! At the same time I'm glad he did..Aarrrr! Please, Book number two come out soon! I gotta see this resolved! I'm a mopey mess!
It deserves every bit of those 5 stars!
February 6, 2022
"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
~ James 4:7
" For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-. the Jew first and also the Gentile."
~ Romans 1:16
"Dare" by Tricia Mingerink is the first book in " The Blades of Acktar" series. This book was fast-paced, enveloping and thought-provoking. It definitely surpassed my expectations.
With a cast of well developed characters, thrilling plot and gripping action- "Dare" has easily become a favorite. Mingerink not only created a delightful story, but she established it with strong truths of the Bible.
What made this book so beautiful was how it showed the strength and courage of resisting the enemy. Of denying sin and turning away from an old way of life.
Overall, the declaration of standing firm in the faith and displaying the love of God's redemptive story radiates from this novel.
I adore this book and highly recommend it for any Christian that loves fantasy and risk taking faith.
⚠️ Content Warnings⚠️
Language: Completely clean
Sexual: None what so ever
Violence: A few fight scenes, mentions of murder, attempted murder, recalling assassinations, scheming assassinations, arrow and knife wounds, burning of flesh and a killing scene.
-They are not as bad as they sound.
~ James 4:7
" For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-. the Jew first and also the Gentile."
~ Romans 1:16
"Dare" by Tricia Mingerink is the first book in " The Blades of Acktar" series. This book was fast-paced, enveloping and thought-provoking. It definitely surpassed my expectations.
With a cast of well developed characters, thrilling plot and gripping action- "Dare" has easily become a favorite. Mingerink not only created a delightful story, but she established it with strong truths of the Bible.
What made this book so beautiful was how it showed the strength and courage of resisting the enemy. Of denying sin and turning away from an old way of life.
Overall, the declaration of standing firm in the faith and displaying the love of God's redemptive story radiates from this novel.
I adore this book and highly recommend it for any Christian that loves fantasy and risk taking faith.
⚠️ Content Warnings⚠️
Language: Completely clean
Sexual: None what so ever
Violence: A few fight scenes, mentions of murder, attempted murder, recalling assassinations, scheming assassinations, arrow and knife wounds, burning of flesh and a killing scene.
-They are not as bad as they sound.
February 22, 2017
DUDE WHAT THE GUAC DID I JUST READ. I need a moment to learn how to breathe again. And scream. I'm gonna write a rant/review on my blog laters, cuz right now my mind is SpINniNg.
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