Salvation: Subversive Trilogy, Book 3

Subversive #3

by Raena Rood

★ The Subversive Trilogy imagines a chilling and not-too-distant future when Christianity is outlawed in the United States.

After the devastating loss of the Sanctuary—and of her love, Taylor Nolan—Gemma Alcott settles in Winter’s Dam and takes up Letty Webb’s mantle, receiving weary subversives at the bookstore and offering them safety. The role gives her a purpose and a reason to get up every morning, but no matter how many people she saves, she can never bring back the people she’s lost.

Or can she?

When unknown assailants raid the bookstore in the middle of the night, capturing Gemma and her friends, she expects to be dragged to a detention center. But the kidnappers aren’t with the Task Force. They are former soldiers and police officers, and they’re part of a growing rebellion. Six months earlier, when Gemma hijacked the renouncements and made her bold declaration to the world, she planted the seeds of a revolution. And this rebel group has one

To liberate the detention centers.

But when Elevation Ministry Center is bombed and megachurch Pastor David Ogden is shot, Gemma becomes the prime suspect in the attack. With the Task Force closing in on her, and powerful forces behind the scenes working to destroy the rebellion in its infancy, Gemma must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice for freedom.

Because all freedom comes at a cost.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Dystopia, Christian, Romance

388 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2021

About the author

Raena lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring historic battlefields (her kids always drag her up the tallest lookout towers), family movie nights that feature cheesy 80's and 90's action films, and daydreaming of expanding her backyard farm (goats are still under discussion). Her goal is to write stories that challenge, encourage, and remind readers that even in the darkness, when all hope seems lost, God is always in control.

Find out more at:
https://www.raenarood.com

Reviews

[AnnaScott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, the first book in this series was really good. The second was even better. This one, though, easily surpassed both of them.

Let's just start with the genre. I feel like I say this every time I read a dystopian book, but my favorite part about this genre is the subtle commentary we get about our culture. And boy, did this one hit close to home (for context, this book is set is an alternate universe where America is controlled by a totalitarian government who hates Christians, so same culture but with a corrupt government). All of the references to propaganda and history and misinformation were just so much more significant because of the last year and a half.

One thing that I have loved about this entire series is that I never know how each book is going to end. With this one in particular, I noticed that parts of the narrative were similar to the Divergent and The Hunger Games series, and I got nervous for a while that it would end in similar ways. As usual, though, the ending was a complete surprise, and one that was quite satisfactory.

The single, solitary complaint that I have (which isn't really a complaint but more of a comment?) is that I wish the ending had been a little more definitive about what would happen next. I totally get why Raena ended it the way she did, and I can't come up with a 'better' alternative, I just wish I knew with a little more certainty that these characters that I've been falling in love with for three books would get an official happily ever after.

Overall, this book was so captivating that I read it in two days, which was so hard because it's the end of the trilogy and I hated to finish it. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes Christian dystopian - I absolutely love Gemma and Taylor and all of their friends, and Raena did an amazing job combining entertainment with some powerful messages.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent

I really enjoyed this trilogy. The realization that we, as a society, are virtually at the precipice of Christian persecution in America is very sobering. I highly recommend these books as I have felt a greater commitment to use whatever influence to be a witness since embarking on Gemma’s journey.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An awesome conclusion to the Subversive Trilogy!

Raena has done it again by making me care about the characters in this book and I had to keep reading to see what happened to them next!

This book gets right to the points that are very real in our world today. I really appreciate how Raena uses Bible verses in her books and not just quotes them, but shows them being put into practice by her characters which is an example that all Christians need to see and do. Her writing style also makes the book a very easy read and I flew through the pages.

I am sad and happy after finishing the final book in Subversive Trilogy. Sad that there are no more books in this series, but I am very truly happy how it ends in a great way.

I am also very happy that I decided to start this series after having it recommended by my mom. Now any chance I get, I mention this book series to other people telling them that they have to read it!

Raena has definitely become one of my favorite authors after reading this trilogy. I will definitely be checking out her new series as well!😁

[Marcy Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I didn't want this to end. The characters are brought to life and you keep wanting to know what happens. The only better ending would have been the Rapture...maybe an idea for another book?

[Dave Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing thrill ride ends here

Reana Rood masterfully finishes her amazing saga of Gemma and her friends. As with Raenas other tales she will instantly transport you with breathtaking descriptive text that transport you as the reader directly into her world .

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and a page-turner all in one. Wonderful trilogy! Can’t wait to read more from Rood!

[Robin M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Loved The Series

These books were really well written and I loved the characters! Definitely worth taking the time to invest in reading this series! You won't regret it!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Ended Perfectly

What a wonderful trilogy. I read each one looking forward to the next and I'm afraid that the next book I read will pale in comparison. Great books!

[Tracy Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to trilogy

Salvation, the final book in the Subversive trilogy, delivers. It’s a great romantic thriller for anyone who enjoys the genre. It doesn’t matter if you’re Christian. You could easily substitute the persecuted Christians for freedom fighters, Jews, or any other group. The story is about love, fighting against oppression, and the government infringement on rights (with cooperation from the media), something all too real in society today, both in the USA and around the world. And something that only looks to get worse, unless courageous people are willing to take a stand.

This series is no fairytale. Characters you love die, others renounce their beliefs for comfort, and most of society just goes along with the narrative. Pretty much what has happened in history (though not always — think of our Founding Fathers and the Early Christian, as well as those being martyred daily in many countries).

I hope you’ll take a chance on this series! You won’t be disappointed. I’m sure I will read it again many times.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little sad this trilogy is over but yay for God always winning in the end!

[Chris Meiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Thought provoking! Just like the first two in the series, I didn’t want to put it down! I needed to find out what was happening next! Loved it! Looking forward to her next series!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, beautifully written

I'm not sure what to say about this story but to be honest and say it is scary enough to be real. And if you think this can't possibly happen, let me point out covid lockdowns ministers being arrested for having church. I never thought I would see the like. But what does it say when the governnment wants to force experimental medicine in your arms? Don't be deceived, covid trackers are just the beginning . I hadn't, meant for this review to get political in any way and I'm not trying to be, but the tribulation is coming please be ready. And please never deny the One who loves you enough to take the hell WE ALL deserve.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliverance

Powerful Christian read. Gamma is an inspiration to those who are considered subversive. She is in hiding from the authorities and helping to home others with sympathisers. There is salvation, romance, and deliverance. Each book is great in this series. Thrilling and chilling.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over too soon!

Raena's books just pull me in! I can't stop reading until there's literally nothing left! The historic and current cultural parallels she weaves into her stories are as scary as they are enthralling. These books definitely make one think about their beliefs, faith, and what is truly important. Now the big question...when is the next trilogy coming?!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I was waiting for this book to come out but forgot about it until I read another book by Raena Rood- when I finished I thought another book by her sounded familiar and then to see the other books available in the trilogy- I quickly added them to my must reads!
Then while in FL for my MIL memorial the opportunity came available to listen to the audio version and I just knew those lucky 15 had already been chose when i came in to find the email... oh i was so excited to have been one of the lucky 15 and was sneaking every opportunity to listen (this is hard to do when others are home wanting your attention and not wanting to listen with me or even when I'm not traveling alone- this book was so awesome
again, i wish I could get my husband interested in listening- he'd really like this trilogy if he'd just give it a try... maybe there will be a movie- then I know he'd watch, there is a lot of action packed in).
wow what a great book!

When I couldn't listen I wondered what was happening. So many emotional things and some very unexpected.

Again, Very well narrated!
Raena has written an absolutely awesome trilogy!!! Don't miss any of it!!
Raena has an unique writing style that captivates and makes you think of similar situations going on around us today.

An absolute must read/listen!!!

Scary to think of these events ever being possible... but who knows what the future will hold for sure...

I was given a copy by the author to listen to and voluntarily submit an honest review. You won't be disappointed!!

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the audiobook from the author, I didn’t read nor listen to the first two books on the series, my first experience with this author was with her book (Reverence, witch I absolutely loved ^__^) but I must say that I did enjoy this book, again I like the characters of this book Gemma is a strong woman, that keeps helping people because she hopes that the man she loves will search for her there, Taylor the man she loves was captured, and some of the chapters of the book are seen through his eyes, and about the torments he endured, and also about his absolution, he was one of the ones that imprisoned the believers. And in the other side you have the villains that you’ll absolutely hate, people that think that they are above all and everyone.

Its a book about Christianity and about the persecuted church, about faith and above all about love, love that conquers all and goes where no man can go alone. Honestly I can’t wait for my next read from Raena Rood.

I got a free audible code from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Michael Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belief and Faith and the lack thereof. Chaos. Challenges. Commitments. Courage. Decisions. Defeat. Destruction. Truth and Lies. Sabatoge. Trust and the lack thereof. Friends and those who turn against you. Can we stand firm to the end? Can we stand on His promises? Forgiveness. Can it be given and received? This book has it all and more. This book is scary. This book is worth the read so that the reader is prepared and not surprised. Just in case.

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite of this trilogy! I can actually believe a lot of what happened, might be coming to our country. But I love the scriptures, and how they were lived out in this novel.

[Kaitlyn-is-Cool · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOO CUTE! Gosh, I just love Gemma and the amazing incorporation of God into everything she does! This has truly helped me on my path to faith and hopefully so many others!

[Regina Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I have read all three of the Subversive books. Enjoyed all three. They kept me on my toes. Great read!

[Bethany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvation is a perfect, thrilling ending to this series. The things I loved about the first two books - Gemma's focus on kindness and non-violence as solutions, her relationship with Taylor, the modern-day setting, the exaggerated nature of the villains - all of it was cranked up a notch for Salvation. Gemma's reluctance and actual ignorance of her stance as rebellion figurehead was an intriguing position. I couldn't help but compare it to Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, but unlike Katniss, I thought Gemma's reaction to her position and the way the media framed her was incredibly human. Many of her reactions to events in the novel, particularly in the last act, were refreshingly human and spectacularly in-character; she wasn't striding into battle, she was merely trying to save the people she loved in any way she could. As with the other books in the series, her primary motivations being kindness and love, like her need to fill in for Letty in case other Christians appeared looking for shelter, were a gorgeous change from the usual character traits seen in dystopian novels.

Any good dystopia needs two (slightly contradictory) things: an exaggerated, almost cartoon-ish, villain, and a world grounded in our own. The latter is important; an effective dystopia gets under the skin and makes you think about the consequences of current events and how they could spiral out of control. Stripped to its core elements, dystopia as a genre is just an exaggerated extrapolation of current world events. A key part of this exaggeration is an over-the-top villain. The first two books had excellent villains. Carver, the military leader who would do whatever it took to get the job done no matter how bloody the end result, and deranged Private Mullen, who became obsessed with Gemma, were both brilliant examples of dystopian villains. With both of them out of the picture I was keen to see what Salvation would produce, and I was delighted at the extravagant, narcissistic David Ogden and the cold, calculating Lydia Grimes pulling the strings in the background. Both of them were exhilarating foes and brilliantly matched against Gemma.

As with the other books in the series, Salvation presented some strong themes to ponder. The biggest example is forgiveness. There are several moments in the novel where characters question whether or not they are prepared to forgive someone, and as this is one of the core beliefs of Christianity, question their faith. I love moments like this in books with strong religious themes and motifs. I think presenting faith as an unwavering, static thing is such a boring thing to do with a character. Humans experience moments of doubt, and presenting that in regards to religious characters always helps to ground them in reality and make them more realistic and well-rounded. I loved that Gemma had moments where she questioned her faith, and I love that she came out with a stronger belief at the end of it. I also loved chapters twenty-six and twenty-seven - without spoiling anything, I think they're some of the best, most rewarding chapters I've read in a long time. However, I did feel that some of the themes and allegories presented in the novel were a little heavy-handed, and probably should have been left unstated a little longer to let the reader figure them out on their own - this had practically no impact on my enjoyment of the novel though.

Salvation may be the story of a dystopia, but it's also primarily the story of a relationship. The decision to end the book with the stabilisation of Gemma and Taylor's relationship rather than the end of the dystopian regime was incredibly satisfying and a brilliant conclusion to the series as a whole. I cannot recommend this series, and whatever else Raena Rood chooses to write next, enough.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since the destruction of Sanctuary and the capture of Taylor, Gemma has struggled. She's living in Letty's bookshop in Winter's Dam, taking in subversives who have come in answer to Letty's flyer - but meanwhile, the government hasn't forgotten her or the broadcast she made promising to help liberate the Detention Centres, and they're out to find and destroy her. When she's captured in the middle of the night, she expects her captors to be Task Force soldiers, but instead they're members of a group consisting mostly of ex-soldiers and similar, who have made it their target to fulfil her promise. But as her enemies close in, Gemma is forced to decide how much she will give for freedom - and her faith.

As with the previous books in the trilogy (best read together), I found this an enjoyable and thought-provoking story. It doesn't feel too far-fetched that Christianity could be outlawed at some point in the future, and thinking about how one might respond to that is interesting and possibly also helpful. The one thing I didn't like so much about this book was the ending - I can't come up with one that would have been better given the constraints, but it felt like it left too much hanging (trying to avoid spoilers here...). As a result, I felt it was only partly satisfying - I admit I'm hoping for a fourth book to the trilogy! Well written, clean, and nothing too graphic - a worthwhile read.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Robin Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply resonating

This series! Wow! This series is written so timely and with very careful attention to detail. Not only does this bring to light the incredible saving grace and power of Jesus Christ, it also sheds light on the many struggles, doubts, questions, and yes, fears that can come into the life of a Christian. I love how the author has carefully crafted this story to bring each character to life and give the reader the front row seat to experience a world upside down first hand. There is much to consider after reading this book. I almost read it straight through! I am grateful for this series and will definitely read it through again.

[Rachel (Words With Rach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvation was the perfect finale to an already amazing trilogy. I stayed up past midnight last night because I had to know the ending. I was literally trying to hold back tears in the final chapters. I was genuinely sad to turn the last page and finish the book. But I cannot imagine a better ending, for a minute I was worried it would end differently. 😅

This trilogy will grab your attention from the very first page. Each of these books was unputdownable, heartbreaking, realistic and thought-provoking. This story was full of intrigue, action, drama, suspense and romance. I was rooting for the characters. These books have everything that make a great story.

Highly Recommend these books!

Full disclosure: I received a gifted copy of the third book from the author. All opinions are my own. These books are worth buying.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvation is Book 3 in Fight for Freedom by Raena Rood. Salvation picks up with Taylor in a cell and Gemma hoping that he is alive. So much happens in the story, the Task Force is still arresting believers, believers are resisting the Task Force. There is so much action with believers fighting to stay strong in the faith, the Task Force trying to break believers and get them to renounce their faith. When God allows a non believer to hit rock bottom, their only hope was to call out "Jesus, help me"! And, God always hears us when we call out to them. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[The Book Distiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!!! I recommend beginning with the first book of this trilogy and reading in order. Fantastic writing. Suspenseful. Well-developed characters. Fast paced narrative. Terrifyingly realistic. Beyond amazing.

[Jenn Lockwood Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved diving back into this unique dystopian world! So much action! So many twists! So many nail-biting moments! I was enthralled the whole time!
And the characters are so vivid and real…I was rooting for them every step of the way!
This series is a total must-read!

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time of persecution of Christians, can they be saved?
Gemma becomes a hero to Christians. And a hated woman to everyone else. And as they try and navigate life safely, it is a real challenge!!! THIS BOOK is fabulous. . . .a love story with lots of twists . . . . absolutely loved this book!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Alissa Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful read

This is a great story. I would recommend it to people of all ages. It is a great story of love, commitment, sacrifice, and hope. Stories like these will make an individual ponder, “what would I do in situations such as these?”

[Nancy L. Irick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!

This book is where I see love leading us. Hate is much more understandable and access these days. And Not going to happen . Every one to love and respect each other. That is a dream that will never happen. So very sad.