Ransom

Reverence #3

by Raena Rood

Kira Liebert’s brief taste of freedom beyond Vita Nova’s wall shatters when Patrol soldiers seize young Teddy, dragging him back to face certain death. With no choice but to follow, she returns to the city that branded her a traitor—only to be captured and cast into the Confines, the brutal prison where the condemned await execution. She emerges from the darkness bearing two impossible burdens: a blue rose on her wrist and a new identity as Victor Devlin's secret daughter.

Deep in the wilderness of the Unregulated Zone, Ghost refuses to surrender another soul to Vita Nova’s cruel ritual. A scarred and haunted man whose past with Devlin and Kira’s mother holds secrets that could topple Vita Nova itself, he knows the true cost of inaction. With Will, Brack, and Grace at his side, he plans a desperate rescue attempt. One final chance at redemption that could cost him everything.

As the clock winds down and the city watches her every move, Kira finds herself caught between two fathers on opposite sides of the wall—one who claims her as his own and one who refuses to let her go. Because while some fathers demand sacrifice, others stand ready to sacrifice everything.

RANSOM is the heart-stopping conclusion to the Reverence trilogy that asks: when everything you love is at stake, what are you willing to sacrifice?

Genres: Dystopia, Christian Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2025

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

[Brittany K. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers

This series did not disappoint. I have been praying and praying for an author like myself who writes good books that are dystopian BUT also Christian.

In a world of books where there's alot of trash and spice and cussing- Raena went against the status que and scratched the longing of a heart stomping book my soul needed.

Its been years sense I have been able to read and stay connected to the characters. Its been awhile sense I've wanted to complete my own stories- so Raena? If you read this- THANK YOU for being obedient to Gods call in writing for Him- and forming relatable, lovable characters that left me turning pages quicker than a tortilla on a hot pan.

I ended up forcing myself to slow down and savor every bit, enjoying the rich depth if each character and cant wait to read your original series and the newest one coming out!

Readers- GET ALL HER BOOKS.... This is a GEM of a writer and she deserves it!!! And God deserves it too!!!!! 🙌 👏

[Kartika Heikkila Aposhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded up

That conclusion was everything it needed to be. The book was dark and her father had a lot of arrogant monologues that at times felt like too much but I guess that’s a character flaw. A few things felt like perhaps the characters should have thought that through better but overall I enjoyed this book.

[Meagan Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this trilogy but this one left me tearful by the end.

[Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Oh my goodness! Raena Rood did such a fantastic job with the last book of the Reverence trilogy!
This book made me squeal, it made me gasp, it made me tear up! It made me feel so many emotions that only a great book could make me feel, and a great author who could make it! Can’t wait to read more of her books!! 💛💙

[TINA | DejaLu✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, such a great trilogy. I loved it!

[Katelyn Savarese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in this series Ransom is incredible! I couldn’t put this book down. I said this in my review of the first book but I found myself truly caring about what happened to the characters because they have so much depth. Raena is a very descriptive writer and I found it very easy to picture the places and the events she was describing. I felt like Raena did amazing wrapping up the series. I wasn’t left with questions about the story or characters.

[Annaliese Layaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless. That book...was amazing. The final installment in the Reverence trilogy did not disappoint. I had so many emotions throughout the entire book. The last few chapters was so much trying not to cry. But I was pleased with ending. This series is one of the best series I've ever read. Like, The Hunger Games trilogy is really my number one, and I would say I liked this trilogy about as much as that. Amazing! Amazing!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite book series of the year!!!

This is such a great book series, the character development was absolutely incredible! Twist and turns I didn’t see coming! When you thought it was going to go one way BAM it goes another way! It was also a great November read!!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a good series, yes it had religious aspects but if you arent religious or a different religion it really didnt force itself on you. it was included but kindly

[Ava Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will pushed himself up, wiping blood from his lip. “I'd rather die trying to save her than live knowing I did nothing.”

I cried.

The ending??

Four stars.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion

Ransom is a fitting end to the Reverence Trilogy. I like how it shows the complexities of those working in the corrupt system and the realities of how people would respond to its collapse.

[Chris Meiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book in this series! Loved it! Didn’t want to put it down!

[Jackie Bolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ending

The ending was excellent, and I'm glad a certain character didn't die. A pleasant surprise for the already happy ending.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ransom is the third and final book in The Reverence Trilogy. It picks up right where the previous book left off. Kira's life is in danger, and Will and Ghost will do anything to save her. Kira's father reaches new levels of evil, and we learn the fate of some characters from book 2. This is a sweet, fast-paced YA romance, but unfortunately, Kira and Will are separated for most of the book. However, there is a HEA and a powerful message of love and redemption. 4 stars for the entire series!

[Jo Amon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting series!

I started this series when there were only two books, breaking a cardinal rule of mine. I hate getting invested in a story, only to have to wait months to find out what happens in the end. I read this book the day it came out, and it did not disappoint. A series that combines dystopian societies and Christian faith. Unbeatable! Wonderful characters, intense situations, and an unbreakable love story.

[Carrie Schor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dystopian series (book 3) that takes place in Vita Nova, formerly Harrisburg, PA 12 years after a virus kills most people. In the city, people volunteer to be put to death to quell overpopulation. It’s also a love story and has mild religion, not too preachy.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, heartbreaking and heartwarming. just beautiful

I wish this wasn’t over. I’m so filled with excitement for the future of these characters lives. I want more but am also happy for what I got! I’ll be looking to find what else this author has written as she’s completely new to me. I’m so happy to have stumbled onto this trilogy it is the perfect amount of love, action and intrigue.

[Julianne Kovac Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great series!

I waited on bated breath for breath for each installment. Reano Rood creates relatable characters in calamity laden situation that pull you along thru the story. Her books always leave you wanting more. Sad and happy for the conclusion of this series, but eager for the next. I'll miss Ghost, Kira, Will and Teddy, they are great characters..

[Melisa A McBryde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series! Kira chooses to go back to Vita Nova in an attempt to save Teddy, the little boy who was scheduled for death. She is captured and marked as a traitor. From this point on you are on wild page turning journey to see what happens. Didn’t realize this was a Christian based series until I was into book two but this aspect of the book was not overdone.

[Patricia Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

I love these kind of books but I love it even more bc she put God into. Amazing writer. Can not wait to read more of her books.

[Brianne Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! Sooo good! Many parts were unpredictable. I really didn't know where the story would turn next. Yet, in the end, things had been beautifully foreshadowed. The whole series is an amazing story of love, loyalty, the value of life, and the relationship between parent and child.
Even when we don't see it, our Heavenly Father is always in control. He always provides.

[Kathi Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting ending

This trilogy unfolds with both action and faith, and is filled with the kind of love that gives of itself for the sake of the beloved. You must read all three - it us all one story- but it's worth it.

[Donna Tarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

The series overall was very very good. The story was different than many that I’ve seen. I like the characters except for the ones we were supposed to hate ,who I hated. This was a very good ending to a very good series . I’m going to check out some more books by this author.

[Crystal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh! This book! I experienced so many feelings while reading this! The end was abrupt but powerful and the epilogue was the perfect ending to the trilogy.

BUT I have so many questions! I want more! I’m so sad this is the last book! I could live in this world forever! Not really though because I’m out of shape and I’d probably die trying to keep up, haha.

I highly recommend this series!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING BOOK 100 PERCENT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE

This book was an amazing final book of this trilogy 👏 it takes you through all of the feels, and has a great ending with unexpected twists. This is an amazing book!

[Stephanie Mccall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ransom is one of those books it's difficult to rate. In some ways it could get four stars. In others, it could net only two. And honestly, the rating might depend on the day or my mood or about a hundred other factors. So as with many books like it, Ransom's rating goes right in the middle. This last book in the trilogy might well be a case of the author "saving the best for last." In some ways, it goes everywhere I wanted and needed the trilogy to go. Craft-wise though, it's a mixed bag, an up and down experience.

So as always with books like this, let's start with the good stuff. The world of Vita Nova is not as three-dimensional as some worlds I have seen, but it feels absolutely real. Moreover, it feels close and urgent, as if it could realistically exist. I don't think Raena Rood wrote Vita Nova that way to scare readers, though. I think she created and wrote Vita Nova with a good sense that, this is a beat dystopian fiction needs to hit. More importantly, Vita Nova feels less like a closed circle dystopian world--though that's what it is--than a world that encapsulates the conflicts real people are experiencing on small levels and could experience on large ones. Thus, Ransom has a lot of moments where the story isn't about "us vs. them." It's more, "understanding life vs. tragically misinterpreting it."

That's another strong point--the theme of life and death permeates this novel. In a lot of ways, it's too "on the nose," which I'll explain in a minute. But when it's not, the theme completely works. The defiance of the human spirit, the part of us that says, "live" even in the most dire circumstances, bursts out of this book. Plus, Raena Rood is not afraid to unite that with the fact, living is hard and heartbreaking. Living is messy. Sometimes there are shades of gray, sometimes there are no good choices, the "good guys" and "bad guys" aren't obvious and can cross into each other's camps. Characters like Chanda Devlin, Lucas Pine, and even kids like Vance and Violet, do a wonderful job of showing this.

I also got a chill, in a good way, from the psychological themes and dialogue here. Every time Victor, Sienna, or someone else tried to gaslight Kira or make her out to be the villain, I empathized with her. I cheered her on because, in less life-altering ways, I've been there. It hurts, and I recognized that in Kira's position, it might break me. But Kira legitimately inspired me to remember how strong I could be, to push past the initial hurt, and find the real truth under the twisted version (which is really a bunch of lies). The character arcs here could be done better, if they exist at all. But that particular part of Kira's development kept me hooked.

Finally, although the characters aren't strong--which, Ransom is plot-driven so I'll forgive it--I did enjoy some of the small moments where Raena showed me who a character was and could be. Kira's the big one, of course. Raena also did this with Chandra and even Donna, in ways that fit the story but had their own little twists. (That is, these women are the kinds of characters you might expect in a dystopian story. They're "types." But, they are unique people with unique motives).

I liked that here, I sympathized and empathized with Ghost a lot more, because I understood him better. And if I can gush for just a minute, I absolutely loved Adeline Fleming. Her little "touches" to Rolling Meadows, like the books on the nightstand and the sneaky absence of Volunteer blue, made me cheer. In truth, I wanted Adeline or a character like her to have her or his own book (I'm getting to that).

Now, what are the weak points, the stuff that makes the rating hard? Well the good news is, it's not so much what I usually see with Raena Rood (i.e., so much focus on running and escaping, there's no time for much else). The good news is also that, this story stands so strong on its own, I think she could've dropped Rebellion entirely and given readers the info from that book in Ransom, just in different ways.

The bad news is, there are still some classic Raena Rood pitfalls here. Some of these are actual criticisms, like the last third is breakneck fast, but also a bit repetitive. I mean, the final mission and the actual finding and rescuing gets dragged out for chapters on end. (It's not totally egregious because the chapters are short, but I did feel dragged through the story). Also, Ransom often reads like Kira and especially Will are satellites to their own stories. I don't know if that's because the novel is plot-driven, because of the literal life and death stakes, or what, but I found myself caring more about people like Adeline or Chandra than the main couple. I found myself saying, "These are the people who have stories. These are the people who might be affected the most depending on whether Kira or Victor triumphs." And for this story, that's not so good.

Now, I'm going to move on to something that's more a critique than a criticism. This is me the writer, not me the reviewer, talking, so stay with me. Raena has great "bone structure" in Ransom and the Vita Nova trilogy. She knows how to tell an action-packed, sensory-filled story (and she knows that better than I do, so brownie points). If you know my reviews, you know I don't normally go for plot-driven stories, but hers is the type I would read.

That said, Raena falls short on the deeper stuff, like themes, character, and spirituality. I love the fact that in Ransom, she has characters confronting the truth of, we've become comfortable with death and we shouldn't. Death is not inherently good; it's painful and it's ugly. That's great. Symbolism like Kira's yellow dress, is also great. The problem is, at the same time, you have characters making literal speeches or monologues that contradict each other. The symbolism can't be subtle because it's "exciting," but it's hammered into your head. You can cheer for the deliverance of the people of Vita Nova and Haven, but you can't get "into" it as much more than an action story because well, for the most part, you don't know these people.

Additionally, I applaud Raena for writing a book that essentially hinges on a revolution, and for exploring the different ways people choose to revolt or respond to such (see the contrast between Ghost and Lyle, or even Ghost and Will, for instance). After a while though, you combine that with a breakneck pace and a lot of literal "telling," and you start to feel, "This is 'us vs. them. It's too simple.'"

Contrast characters like Adeline, who are definitely not "going along to get along," but are more subtle in how they cope. Contrast characters like Teddy, who granted, is six years old and wouldn't be the best point of view character, but--yeah. What about people who have literally no choices? Who are the heart of the story, the reason for why characters do what they do, but then--are just kinda "there?" Contrast characters like Chandra, who've made their choices and still have a bunch of complex feelings and no real path forward. I think Raena had a great opportunity to go a lot deeper, and she didn't take it. Maybe that's a genre thing and if yes, that's fine, but it would've made this book stand out in a market saturated with Christian dystopia.

Ah, and speaking of Christian, that's my last point. Raena does have a great scene in Ransom where Kira contrasts Victor Devlin with a real father caring for his children (and that could also be a capital H). She makes a good choice in having Christian or Christian-coded characters express real doubt. And yet...for me, there was something missing. Namely, Raena makes clear human life is sacred and the actions of Victor and his supporters are wrong. Yet, as I mentioned in my review of Reverence, she doesn't exactly contrast that with Christ's sacrifice.

After all, the word "sacrifice" is used constantly in this book. People who force their fellow humans to "trade" their lives for others' lives, permeate this book. And yet, there's no clear contrast between that, and the fact, Jesus Christ died so humans could live. His sacrifice was true and right; Vita Nova's sacrifices are not. It's a fine line to walk because if Raena had chosen to have that in dialogue, it would've gotten too preachy. Personally though, I'd have *really* liked to see some kind of discussion or contrast on that point.

So, in summary, Ransom is not a "bad" book. Like so many of its kind, it has a lot of great points. I would recommend both it and Reverence (the first book in the trilogy) if this is the kind of read you like best or connect with most. I would say though, that there are better and less borderline cliche ways to write Christian dystopia, so maybe read this in conjunction with something else.

[Breanna Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this trilogy!

Perfect way to end this series that ended 2025 for me and started 2026! Kira and Will are forever going to live in my brain, as well as, Teddy. I would recommend this trilogy to anyone who likes dystopian worlds and a love story along the way!

[Kylee Timmreck · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.5/10⭐️

[Danielle Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book and series!

I have really enjoyed Raena's story telling and this trilogy. The books were interesting and captivating. I look forward to reading her other series.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!!!! I couldn't put it down!