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Refuge #3
Place of Refuge
Fear. Danger. Trust.
Tony Dorence has faced death too many times, and he’s facing it again. Because even though he, his sister, and his friends have fled into the wilderness, they can’t escape the relentless government official determined to kill them.
Merri Dorence fights to survive, to help her brother and her friends, to keep her eyes on God. Yet her faith is shaky, and fear attacks.
When confronted by an impossible trial, will they find a place of refuge? Or will evil finally win?
Tony Dorence has faced death too many times, and he’s facing it again. Because even though he, his sister, and his friends have fled into the wilderness, they can’t escape the relentless government official determined to kill them.
Merri Dorence fights to survive, to help her brother and her friends, to keep her eyes on God. Yet her faith is shaky, and fear attacks.
When confronted by an impossible trial, will they find a place of refuge? Or will evil finally win?
264 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Hall
19 books431 followersKristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 18, 2022
Did I finish this in two days? Yeah, I did. This book was soooooo hard to put down!!! Kristina weaves a tale of suspense with such precision that your always left wondering what happened in next. Man, I have been through the rough with these charactera....good gravy that was hard! But this book was amazing!
So characters Tony is great! Poor guy goes through a lot but his stubbornness is relatable for me because I'd be that guy everyones trying to help but you feel like you should be doing it yourself....feel him so much! And his faith is just wow!
Merri is great...relatable with her doubts and a thousand questions....her love for her brother.
Rick I love him! He's such a great guy! I love the concept of his character and I like him!
All the other characters because I don't have time to name everyone....I love you too! For your own amazingly important reasons! This book wouldn't be the same without you guys!
I love the message of this series the reminder that we need to look to God as our refuge that nothing in this world can ever keep us safe. Beautiful! Wow! This just an amazing series full if beauty, grace, love, and way more suspense than is probably good for me but I love that about it! Lol...
(I received a free copy from the author but was not required to leave a good review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own.)
So characters Tony is great! Poor guy goes through a lot but his stubbornness is relatable for me because I'd be that guy everyones trying to help but you feel like you should be doing it yourself....feel him so much! And his faith is just wow!
Merri is great...relatable with her doubts and a thousand questions....her love for her brother.
Rick I love him! He's such a great guy! I love the concept of his character and I like him!
All the other characters because I don't have time to name everyone....I love you too! For your own amazingly important reasons! This book wouldn't be the same without you guys!
I love the message of this series the reminder that we need to look to God as our refuge that nothing in this world can ever keep us safe. Beautiful! Wow! This just an amazing series full if beauty, grace, love, and way more suspense than is probably good for me but I love that about it! Lol...
(I received a free copy from the author but was not required to leave a good review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own.)
June 2, 2022
I just finished this, and am still emotionally wrecked.
There was suspense right from the beginning. Will they be caught again? More torture? Will Tony make it? I was literally holding my breath.
For the rest of this review, for the sake of not giving any spoilers, I'm just going to copy my notes.
Where can they possibly go???
Oooohhhhhh. What a decision to have to make! My heart is breaking.
Chills. I literally have chills in chapter 11. Both good and bad.
Actually holding my breath in chapter 13.
Chapter 14. I am biting my nails. I'm not a nail-biter.
So. Many. Tears.
Great is Thy faithfulness. I'll never listen to that hymn the same way again.
Kristina Hall, well done. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this trilogy. It's been an honor.
*I received an ebook of this as an ARC reader for review. All opinions are my own.*
There was suspense right from the beginning. Will they be caught again? More torture? Will Tony make it? I was literally holding my breath.
For the rest of this review, for the sake of not giving any spoilers, I'm just going to copy my notes.
Where can they possibly go???
Oooohhhhhh. What a decision to have to make! My heart is breaking.
Chills. I literally have chills in chapter 11. Both good and bad.
Actually holding my breath in chapter 13.
Chapter 14. I am biting my nails. I'm not a nail-biter.
So. Many. Tears.
Great is Thy faithfulness. I'll never listen to that hymn the same way again.
Kristina Hall, well done. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this trilogy. It's been an honor.
*I received an ebook of this as an ARC reader for review. All opinions are my own.*
May 25, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up
The dual perspective of believer Tony and his doubtful sister, Merri, picks up two weeks after the events of Fled for Refuge. While this is still our world, America looks much different as the government has unleashed radical laws, including the inappropriately named Religious Freedom Mandate. Celebrated sin has run rampant, more so than in our real society, and Christians are persecuted if they do not follow the government's script for their beliefs and their church preaching.
As this is the final book in the trilogy, discussing the content unique to this volume would include spoilers. However, the way Hall approached PTSD was realistic to the point that I could feel the character's pain as they continued to suffer from what they endured. The ending of this book, and the trilogy overall, wrapped up everything, with a hint of what's next for the characters. I'd love to see a spinoff/companion book or series in the future. I adored these characters and seeing how faith was at the forefront of their lives, as they never ceased praying throughout their circumstances.
This is a 4.5 star and not a full 5 star for me because the pacing felt a little off; perhaps the book was slightly longer than it needed to be. The final half was far more fast paced, but overall a satisfying ending to what has become one of my favorite trilogies!
Thank you to the author for providing an e-ARC of this title; all opinions are my own.
The dual perspective of believer Tony and his doubtful sister, Merri, picks up two weeks after the events of Fled for Refuge. While this is still our world, America looks much different as the government has unleashed radical laws, including the inappropriately named Religious Freedom Mandate. Celebrated sin has run rampant, more so than in our real society, and Christians are persecuted if they do not follow the government's script for their beliefs and their church preaching.
As this is the final book in the trilogy, discussing the content unique to this volume would include spoilers. However, the way Hall approached PTSD was realistic to the point that I could feel the character's pain as they continued to suffer from what they endured. The ending of this book, and the trilogy overall, wrapped up everything, with a hint of what's next for the characters. I'd love to see a spinoff/companion book or series in the future. I adored these characters and seeing how faith was at the forefront of their lives, as they never ceased praying throughout their circumstances.
This is a 4.5 star and not a full 5 star for me because the pacing felt a little off; perhaps the book was slightly longer than it needed to be. The final half was far more fast paced, but overall a satisfying ending to what has become one of my favorite trilogies!
Thank you to the author for providing an e-ARC of this title; all opinions are my own.
July 5, 2023
A Must-Read Conclusion!
I did it. I have finished one of Hall's series and I couldn't be happier.
The Cover: I'm really liking the standard yellow font against the blue background.
The Writing: Hall's writing continues to noticeably improve with each book. I thought the POV switches were executed smoothly and kept me turning pages. I will say there were some repetitive phrasing and character thoughts that felt overused.
The Characters: I have loved getting to know Merri, Tony, and company throughout the series and watching as they grow and progress with each trial. They've all been through so much and their faith and stamina are something to learn from. Reading this has made me think back to book one and recall their beginnings. Especially thinking of Craig. He's got to be one of my favorite characters if not my favorite. I found Rick too much on the bossy side and didn't like him.
The Plot: The suspense was amazing and kept growing as the story progressed. I believe this is my favorite of the series. Everything has come down to this. There are dilemmas, high stakes, surviving in the wilderness, and danger at every turn.
The Themes/Messages: With each book there's been a deep message that is driven home and this one took God being our refuge a step further in that even if He allows death, we have the hope of Heaven and that is better than any earthly refuge we have now. I found this very encouraging.
The Romance: No romance, which is something I've liked about this series.
Content Warnings: Some violence.
Overall: 5 gold stars! I officially want to restart the series. I enjoyed this so much and am so pleased with the ending. I strongly recommend this to fans of Christian suspense, and dystopia.
I did it. I have finished one of Hall's series and I couldn't be happier.
The Cover: I'm really liking the standard yellow font against the blue background.
The Writing: Hall's writing continues to noticeably improve with each book. I thought the POV switches were executed smoothly and kept me turning pages. I will say there were some repetitive phrasing and character thoughts that felt overused.
The Characters: I have loved getting to know Merri, Tony, and company throughout the series and watching as they grow and progress with each trial. They've all been through so much and their faith and stamina are something to learn from. Reading this has made me think back to book one and recall their beginnings. Especially thinking of Craig. He's got to be one of my favorite characters if not my favorite. I found Rick too much on the bossy side and didn't like him.
The Plot: The suspense was amazing and kept growing as the story progressed. I believe this is my favorite of the series. Everything has come down to this. There are dilemmas, high stakes, surviving in the wilderness, and danger at every turn.
The Themes/Messages: With each book there's been a deep message that is driven home and this one took God being our refuge a step further in that even if He allows death, we have the hope of Heaven and that is better than any earthly refuge we have now. I found this very encouraging.
The Romance: No romance, which is something I've liked about this series.
Content Warnings: Some violence.
Overall: 5 gold stars! I officially want to restart the series. I enjoyed this so much and am so pleased with the ending. I strongly recommend this to fans of Christian suspense, and dystopia.
June 25, 2022
Review to come!
June 1, 2022
As always, Kristina Hall keeps you on the edge of your seat with the action and suspense of her books. Place of Refuge, Book 3 in her Refuge series, is full of page-turning adventure. I gasped more than once, thinking one of the characters was coming to their end. No spoilers here. If you want to know who survives, then you have to read it. And trust me, it is worth it. Bravo Kristina, in reminding all Christians Who their Refuge truly is. What a blessing!!
May 19, 2022
This conclusion to the series made my heart seriously happy. Not that it was a happy novel. Oh, no. As per usual...Kristina put her characters through all kinds of craziness. I want to gush about WHY it made my heart so happy, but I can't say much without spoilers. Ugh. Y'all need to go read the whole series so we can go have a book club and talk about it or something. All of the doubting and then...
There were a few twists that I didn't see coming. Maybe it's because my little romance loving heart isn't quick to pick up on these things, but I was guessing until the end. There was even a side character that came back in and I thought, "Oh, yeah...he's going to..." Nope.
This installment was fast-paced and full of action. It's clean with no swearing and no romance. There is some violence due to the nature of the story.
Overall, I recommend it and the entire series.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
There were a few twists that I didn't see coming. Maybe it's because my little romance loving heart isn't quick to pick up on these things, but I was guessing until the end. There was even a side character that came back in and I thought, "Oh, yeah...he's going to..." Nope.
This installment was fast-paced and full of action. It's clean with no swearing and no romance. There is some violence due to the nature of the story.
Overall, I recommend it and the entire series.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 12, 2022
Wow ... okay, I need to take some deep breaths after that one. This entire series has been thick with suspense and danger, but this final book in the series takes everything to the highest level!
Characters: Having read the first two books already, it was great to come back to familiar characters. My poor Tony ... that man really deserves a break. But as he was in the first two books, he's that flawed yet steady character that everyone needs in their lives. Yeah, he made mistakes, but he was a very loyal and committed person, both to his friends and family and to God. Definitely a great guy right there. And then Merri, sweet Merri. I really identified with her problems and struggles with trusting God in the face of so much. Her thoughts and reactions were so realistic - there was no sugar-coating things here. And all the side characters were pretty great - Wes and Matilda were always such voices of faith and reason! They were amazing. Rick was his normal epic self, though I will say he kinda went on a power trip. (But I forgive him, because he was stressed.) And Brent ... standout character right there. He brought some much-needed comic relief. Love that guy! The rest of the side characters were also interesting and added to the story.
Plot/Writing Style/Setting: Oh my word, this plot. This was so suspenseful and fast-paced. Mix a survival book with a dystopian book, and this is what you get. Pretty engaging stuff right there. Although the plot was fairly straightforward, there were also some curveballs thrown in there. The writing style worked really well with this type of book - clean and simple while giving the reader plenty of insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings. And for the setting ... yeah, this wasn't as dystopian as some books I've read, but that element of the book was definitely there, and it upped the plot to another level!
Moral/Themes: Okay, where do I even start here? This book truly presented one of the hardest questions that a Christian would answer. (At least in my opinion.) So that was a really powerful and scary part of the book. But even in the midst of this very threatening environment, the characters found refuge in the Lord and His faithfulness. That's a very applicable truth for all Christians, and though we might not ever be in the position Tony and Merri were in, God is still our Refuge throughout all of our lives. We change, we falter, we stumble ... yet He is faithful.
Overall, wow ... this series in thought-provoking, terrifying, entertaining, but most of all, edifying. Books that teach truth and exalt the Lord above all are so needed, and Place of Refuge is one of these books.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Characters: Having read the first two books already, it was great to come back to familiar characters. My poor Tony ... that man really deserves a break. But as he was in the first two books, he's that flawed yet steady character that everyone needs in their lives. Yeah, he made mistakes, but he was a very loyal and committed person, both to his friends and family and to God. Definitely a great guy right there. And then Merri, sweet Merri. I really identified with her problems and struggles with trusting God in the face of so much. Her thoughts and reactions were so realistic - there was no sugar-coating things here. And all the side characters were pretty great - Wes and Matilda were always such voices of faith and reason! They were amazing. Rick was his normal epic self, though I will say he kinda went on a power trip. (But I forgive him, because he was stressed.) And Brent ... standout character right there. He brought some much-needed comic relief. Love that guy! The rest of the side characters were also interesting and added to the story.
Plot/Writing Style/Setting: Oh my word, this plot. This was so suspenseful and fast-paced. Mix a survival book with a dystopian book, and this is what you get. Pretty engaging stuff right there. Although the plot was fairly straightforward, there were also some curveballs thrown in there. The writing style worked really well with this type of book - clean and simple while giving the reader plenty of insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings. And for the setting ... yeah, this wasn't as dystopian as some books I've read, but that element of the book was definitely there, and it upped the plot to another level!
Moral/Themes: Okay, where do I even start here? This book truly presented one of the hardest questions that a Christian would answer. (At least in my opinion.) So that was a really powerful and scary part of the book. But even in the midst of this very threatening environment, the characters found refuge in the Lord and His faithfulness. That's a very applicable truth for all Christians, and though we might not ever be in the position Tony and Merri were in, God is still our Refuge throughout all of our lives. We change, we falter, we stumble ... yet He is faithful.
Overall, wow ... this series in thought-provoking, terrifying, entertaining, but most of all, edifying. Books that teach truth and exalt the Lord above all are so needed, and Place of Refuge is one of these books.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 13, 2023
The final installment of the Refuge trilogy, Place of Refuge is a blur of running through not-always-so-peaceful woods, trying to avoid certain death. And people do die. At least, as Kristina was so kind as to warn me, nobody perishes of gun-inflicted wounds.
Like its predecessors, R3 took me on a wild ride through a dystopian United States, where the government rules with an iron fist. Where greed paves the camera-laden paths. Where freedom is shut down in the name of equability.
Poor Tony... poor Merri... poor Penny... poor everyone.
Oh, and just to put it out there, Tony does not necessarily have PTSD. Given that we haven't had the pleasure of seeing him, say, a year after his whole wonderful experiences in prison, it's impossible to correctly stick any label of that kind on him. Except traumatized. Poor guy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book and was not required to provide a review of any sort. All thoughts and options are my very own, only swayed slightly by certain poor characters.
Like its predecessors, R3 took me on a wild ride through a dystopian United States, where the government rules with an iron fist. Where greed paves the camera-laden paths. Where freedom is shut down in the name of equability.
Poor Tony... poor Merri... poor Penny... poor everyone.
Oh, and just to put it out there, Tony does not necessarily have PTSD. Given that we haven't had the pleasure of seeing him, say, a year after his whole wonderful experiences in prison, it's impossible to correctly stick any label of that kind on him. Except traumatized. Poor guy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book and was not required to provide a review of any sort. All thoughts and options are my very own, only swayed slightly by certain poor characters.
May 5, 2023
Well that was a rollercoaster of a ride, and I loved it!
Well, I didn’t love the bad things happening to the Christians…it was a well written, thought provoking, and enjoyable story though. The ending left me happy 😊 which I think the characters had absolutely earned after all that sadness!
Speaking of the characters. Poor Tony! He had such a tough journey😭 I did so appreciate how realistic the emotions were. Ugh, I am humbled to think how I would fight my flesh and trusting God through such difficulties and scary things. Tony isn’t perfect, but I really respected his character. I had a hard time relating to Merri’s super introverted and sometimes super self centered personality—I can be selfish too, and she criticizes herself internally, but I just had a hard time connecting with her—still I felt compassion for her! Brent is the best. He reminds me of my husband who always tries to make me laugh when things are dark.
I love all the reminders of Scripture and the valuable lesson that the Lord is our refuge and our hope no matter what life brings.
All in all this was a great trio of books.
Well, I didn’t love the bad things happening to the Christians…it was a well written, thought provoking, and enjoyable story though. The ending left me happy 😊 which I think the characters had absolutely earned after all that sadness!
Speaking of the characters. Poor Tony! He had such a tough journey😭 I did so appreciate how realistic the emotions were. Ugh, I am humbled to think how I would fight my flesh and trusting God through such difficulties and scary things. Tony isn’t perfect, but I really respected his character. I had a hard time relating to Merri’s super introverted and sometimes super self centered personality—I can be selfish too, and she criticizes herself internally, but I just had a hard time connecting with her—still I felt compassion for her! Brent is the best. He reminds me of my husband who always tries to make me laugh when things are dark.
I love all the reminders of Scripture and the valuable lesson that the Lord is our refuge and our hope no matter what life brings.
All in all this was a great trio of books.
May 27, 2022
On the run from Eastman, far from recovered yet from his imprisonment, torture and bungled execution, Tony is struggling. He's been working on learning to rely on God, but having to rely on his already overburdened friends to carry him as they try to escape is even harder. Merri has her own worries and struggles - her new-found faith is facing another difficult test as she, her brother and their friends flee the man who's sent hired killers to hunt for them and will stop at nothing to see them (and if possible their faith) destroyed. As they seek for a physical refuge, can they keep the faith to run to their spiritual refuge - a refuge that will never fail them, whatever happens?
It was hard to see how this series could wrap up in a way that felt satisfactory (neither dismally nor unrealistically easily) - but, not to my surprise, the author has succeeded. While Tony and Merri still have more trials to go through, their trials are thought-provoking and their growth inspiring and heart-warming. As usual for this author, the writing is great and the story kept me enthralled from first to last. The characters have come a long way since the start of the series, which is lovely to see. Definitely a satisfying end to the series (though I admit I wouldn't mind another book or series to see how they handle life after such events...). Best read as a series rather than as a standalone story, but the whole series is highly recommended.
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.
It was hard to see how this series could wrap up in a way that felt satisfactory (neither dismally nor unrealistically easily) - but, not to my surprise, the author has succeeded. While Tony and Merri still have more trials to go through, their trials are thought-provoking and their growth inspiring and heart-warming. As usual for this author, the writing is great and the story kept me enthralled from first to last. The characters have come a long way since the start of the series, which is lovely to see. Definitely a satisfying end to the series (though I admit I wouldn't mind another book or series to see how they handle life after such events...). Best read as a series rather than as a standalone story, but the whole series is highly recommended.
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.
September 16, 2022
😭😭😭
NO, I AM NOT SOBBING OVER HERE.
*sniffs* *shoves tissue box away*
First off, I am VERY proud of myself for actually seeing a book series to completion. It's a rarity, as I'm someone who loves trying out new books and authors, I never seem to stick with one author or series for very long. Second, in a weird way, it's a bit reliving to see the series finished because I'm not quite sure how much more my precious babies could handle. Tony, Merri, and the rest of the gang were just barely hanging in there for the last bit. I know I've mentioned this in my review for the second book, but I have to keep saying my top four favorite things about this series.
#1. Tony and Merri's sibling relationship. It is SUCH a refresher to see such a close relationship among siblings and to have them working together, actively engaged with the book. Not just a side character.
#2. Merri is AWESOME. THIS is how I like seeing female protagonist! She's not annoying in that I've-gotta-prove-myself but she's still a strong woman and can hold her own! She's the coolest!!!!
#3. THE SUSPENSE. I just love it!! Just as heart-pounding, seat-clinging as the other two books in this series. I'm learning quickly that this is a must for any Kristina Hall book. I'm impressed with how she managed to hold the high stakes for so long, not just through this book, but the entire series! There were threats at every corner, constant fears and worries, and always wondering how in the world are they gonna make it to the end.
I'm honestly just surprised they made it to book three!!!
#4. The dystopian setting. While it is slightly scary because it's not hard to imagine this being America in a couple of years *hides* I still thought it a genius idea and I love it! In a weird sorta way.
So, yes, the book continues being just as amazing as the first two books, but I have to add here. That ending. Y'all... IT WAS AMAZING. I can't say much due to #spoilers, but my heart was pounding so fast and I literally could not put. it. down. SOOOO good. Also, though I know I said these characters can't go through much more, I'm still demanding a fourth book. Yes, I am too involved with these characters and their stories. help me. XD These are the demands (fandom, back me up on this!):
1. Merri and Brent MUST end up together. PLEASEEEEEEE. I need this so badly. Even if it's just a confirmation from the author. I am shipping them SO hard.
2. I want to see Penny grow up. I have no idea why. Like I said I'm too invested into the characters' lives. But it would just be cool to see her as maybe a young child or even a teenager, hearing her parents and their friends' stories and still dealing with America and All Its Issues.
3. I want to see Craig return to being a pastor. Now hear me out. Think about this. It could be like a modern day Peter story. Ya know, remember him? Peter who denied Jesus not once but THREE times, and yet is the one whom Jesus said "Your name is Peter and on this rock I will build My church." It's so inspiring because it shows that no matter how far you've fallen, you're not too far gone for Jesus and He uses the broken, flawed people. So, yes. I NEED to see this from Craig!
Did I cover everything? If anyone else has any other demands let me know. I think I've got the big ones. XD All in all, this book is AWESOME, this series is AWESOME, Kristina Hall is AWESOME!!!!!! I can't wait to read my next book from her!
I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for my honest review
NO, I AM NOT SOBBING OVER HERE.
*sniffs* *shoves tissue box away*
First off, I am VERY proud of myself for actually seeing a book series to completion. It's a rarity, as I'm someone who loves trying out new books and authors, I never seem to stick with one author or series for very long. Second, in a weird way, it's a bit reliving to see the series finished because I'm not quite sure how much more my precious babies could handle. Tony, Merri, and the rest of the gang were just barely hanging in there for the last bit. I know I've mentioned this in my review for the second book, but I have to keep saying my top four favorite things about this series.
#1. Tony and Merri's sibling relationship. It is SUCH a refresher to see such a close relationship among siblings and to have them working together, actively engaged with the book. Not just a side character.
#2. Merri is AWESOME. THIS is how I like seeing female protagonist! She's not annoying in that I've-gotta-prove-myself but she's still a strong woman and can hold her own! She's the coolest!!!!
#3. THE SUSPENSE. I just love it!! Just as heart-pounding, seat-clinging as the other two books in this series. I'm learning quickly that this is a must for any Kristina Hall book. I'm impressed with how she managed to hold the high stakes for so long, not just through this book, but the entire series! There were threats at every corner, constant fears and worries, and always wondering how in the world are they gonna make it to the end.
I'm honestly just surprised they made it to book three!!!
#4. The dystopian setting. While it is slightly scary because it's not hard to imagine this being America in a couple of years *hides* I still thought it a genius idea and I love it! In a weird sorta way.
So, yes, the book continues being just as amazing as the first two books, but I have to add here. That ending. Y'all... IT WAS AMAZING. I can't say much due to #spoilers, but my heart was pounding so fast and I literally could not put. it. down. SOOOO good. Also, though I know I said these characters can't go through much more, I'm still demanding a fourth book. Yes, I am too involved with these characters and their stories. help me. XD These are the demands (fandom, back me up on this!):
1. Merri and Brent MUST end up together. PLEASEEEEEEE. I need this so badly. Even if it's just a confirmation from the author. I am shipping them SO hard.
2. I want to see Penny grow up. I have no idea why. Like I said I'm too invested into the characters' lives. But it would just be cool to see her as maybe a young child or even a teenager, hearing her parents and their friends' stories and still dealing with America and All Its Issues.
3. I want to see Craig return to being a pastor. Now hear me out. Think about this. It could be like a modern day Peter story. Ya know, remember him? Peter who denied Jesus not once but THREE times, and yet is the one whom Jesus said "Your name is Peter and on this rock I will build My church." It's so inspiring because it shows that no matter how far you've fallen, you're not too far gone for Jesus and He uses the broken, flawed people. So, yes. I NEED to see this from Craig!
Did I cover everything? If anyone else has any other demands let me know. I think I've got the big ones. XD All in all, this book is AWESOME, this series is AWESOME, Kristina Hall is AWESOME!!!!!! I can't wait to read my next book from her!
I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for my honest review
June 29, 2022
Place of Refuge is the explosive finale in Kristina Hall's Refuge series, and it's a suspenseful and emotional ride from beginning to end.
In the crazy times we find ourselves living in, it's almost scary to think about just how much of this dystopian novel can imitate what we're currently seeing come to fruition in present day society. As always with one of Kristina's novels, my favorite part was the emphasis on the One who is always our true refuge, and the depths required for us all to go to stand for Him, no matter the cost.
Over the span of reading this trilogy, I've really come to connect with many of the characters, and I found myself on the edge of my seat many times throughout reading this one, worried that one of these beloved characters was going to see their time on this earth come to an end. I'm not going to talk about whether or not these worries were validated, as I definitely don't want to spoil anything for anyone wanting to read it themself, but I will say that the author definitely shocked me with how everything turns out at the end, and I never saw a lot of the major plot twists coming.
The characters have come a long way in their faith journey, and their journey with each other over the course of this series, and I felt satisfied with all the answers given in this final installment.
Overall, I'd say this one ended up being my favorite of the series, and I read the majority of it over the course of a couple of days.
Final Rating: 4/5.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Christian thrillers, or those who like reading dystopian type of novels.
Thanks so much to Kristina Hall for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the crazy times we find ourselves living in, it's almost scary to think about just how much of this dystopian novel can imitate what we're currently seeing come to fruition in present day society. As always with one of Kristina's novels, my favorite part was the emphasis on the One who is always our true refuge, and the depths required for us all to go to stand for Him, no matter the cost.
Over the span of reading this trilogy, I've really come to connect with many of the characters, and I found myself on the edge of my seat many times throughout reading this one, worried that one of these beloved characters was going to see their time on this earth come to an end. I'm not going to talk about whether or not these worries were validated, as I definitely don't want to spoil anything for anyone wanting to read it themself, but I will say that the author definitely shocked me with how everything turns out at the end, and I never saw a lot of the major plot twists coming.
The characters have come a long way in their faith journey, and their journey with each other over the course of this series, and I felt satisfied with all the answers given in this final installment.
Overall, I'd say this one ended up being my favorite of the series, and I read the majority of it over the course of a couple of days.
Final Rating: 4/5.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Christian thrillers, or those who like reading dystopian type of novels.
Thanks so much to Kristina Hall for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2022
On the run from persecution of the faithful is the premise of this exciting novel by Kristina Hall. Lots of twists and trials in this last book of the Refuge series. A hide and seek thriller that keeps the reader guessing as to what might happen next. Splitting up the group to throw off the enemy was one of the best parts of the story, adding another dimension of uncertainty to the story line – very creative, Kristina. Fear, worries, and relationship dynamics are constant, but, of greater importance is, in the midst of the chaos, there is peace in knowing Who to run to for refuge.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 31, 2022
Whether you like a fast moving action, true to life, futuristic story, or fiction about the End Times & the persecuted church, or a challenge to your Christian discipleship ... you need to read the Refuge series. I was hooked from the first chapter of Book 1, and had to read Books 2 & 3 as soon as possible. I fell in love with many of the characters and almost desperate to discover the final outcome. In many places it made difficult reading, emotionally, but it is a much needed but not often talked about subject. It has helped me to reconsider my obligation to pray for my brothers & sisters in Christ who do not have the freedom I enjoy.
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