Bridget Henderson is adjusting to life as a newlywed in Alaska. Far from the paparazzi of Tarsurella, she’s enjoying the change of pace. Missing her family, she invites her youngest siblings, Jillian, Millie and Willie, for a visit. A letter arrives in the mail, granting full permission to pursue her husband’s dream of opening their home for foster care. But is Bridget really cut out for dealing with such troublesome teens? Did they make a mistake? Is their family growing faster than she can keep up with?Back in Tarsurella, Princess Chasity is preparing her prized stallion for the race of a lifetime. With no sign of Hanson Fletcher returning to her life anytime soon, Chasity does her best to focus her energy elsewhere. As James O Conner proves to be a faithful friend, she can’t help but wonder . . . is he trying to express more than just friendship?
Continued change is on the rise. The people of Tarsurella have spoken. King Addison is struggling to make sense of it all. Is their beloved nation on the brink of a revolution?
The Revolution is Book #4 in The Tales of Tarsurella Series.
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5 stars and 5/10 hearts. Well, I was not expecting this! I admit I went into this book a little frightened that my beautiful Tardurella series would be ruined by a sudden dethronation and bittersweet wrap up. I should have trusted Livy Jarmusch.
The combination of Alaska, Tarsurella, and London as the settings made for interesting backdrops. The addition of Bella Adar’s underground and the ramping up of the code brought more of a dystopian angle to this contemporary kingdom adventure, but I think the author worked it in well.
The characters were hands-down the best. I loved meeting all the old friends—Addison, learning once more to relinquish control and savour the moment; Vanessa, fighting to get her loved ones the best; Steve & Deborah, sturdy, happy, and always ready to step in when needed; Bridget, learning to let go and love and Liam, once more realizing how blessed he is; Jillian, learning true worth & beauty; Hope, struggling to understand herself and Chasity flailing for resolution to move forwards; Hanson, broken and hopeless and James, smoothly confidant; Millie & Willie, cute as ever; Luke, shining forth unexpectedly; Charlie, adorably scatterbrained, and Jane, battling for hope… and Asher, learning to live again. And then there’s all the new ones—the princesses, so unique and full of potential; Jacob, such a sweetheart and so needful for love; Nevaeh, totally broken and also desperate for love; and Ben—beautiful, inspiring Ben. I don’t know how Jarmusch manages to create such a large cast that’s so entirely unique and easy to remember and love.
The plot was quite fun. I adored the foster care angle and seeing Bridge & Liam as parents—they will be AWESOME. I loved seeing Asher in his new role; and Jane’s storyline is epicness! It was delightful to pop back into Addison’s POV for so long too. And Jillian’s arc was really good—I loved seeing her with Jacob!! I’m disappointed about James & Chasity—right now they really don’t seem like a great pair but maybe that will change. And I’m still eagerly awaiting Hanson’s redemption… I know I’m not really explaining the plot here but I’m reluctant to share any spoilers. Just rest assured that it’s an excellent continuation of the series.
As far as the themes go—they were excellent. The message on true beauty and true worth as opposed to the world’s standards… the message on understanding people’s backgrounds and loving them in spite of their sins… the message on letting God hold everything and resting in peace… and most of all, the message on how to create a revolution—small changes that impact the world—that was epic.
Overall, this was a fantastic fourth book and I CANNOT wait for the next four!!!
Content: one of the minor characters receives messages from God in his dreams. It’s a small part of the plot but not super important. Mentions of smoking & drinking; two teenagers are lying in a stall kissing; some euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: “We all have different lots in life, and it’s way too easy to look at someone else and think they’ve got it better off. But there’s always more to the story. I know we say we’d love to go back and change things, but that would just mess up the entire story God is trying to tell with each of our lives. Jane, God has a specific plan for you, and everything you experienced as a kid, and a teen, all contributed to that. The state you grew up in, the unique relationship you have with your dad, your friendship with Charlie, and even the bad stuff, like the bullies at school, and your dad’s disappearance; it’s all part of who you are today. Would you really want to go back and change any of that? If you did, you wouldn’t be Jane Akerly.” A Favourite Humorous Quote: Millie turned to Jacob. “What’s your favorite kind of fish?” “I hate fish.” Jacob’s eyes were bored. Millie’s eyes expanded. “You hate fish? Why? What did they ever do to you?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
And it’s here!!! This book delivered in every way, and just may be my favourite in the series so far. What did I love? Everything. 😉
The characters are my favourite part every time. I found Bridget to be pretty relatable, and it was so cute and hilarious to see her getting protective of little sister Jillian, who is now a “beautiful, mature, dazzling, boy-magnet.” (How I laughed over this!) Asher remains one of my very favourites, and his sense of humour cracks me up, plus he and Jane are just adorable. Jane and Charlie are of course ever the dynamic duo. Millie and Willie’s hilarious antics always bring lightheartedness. In case you can’t tell, I really loved the humour in this book; it was the perfect blend of serious with comedic. Also, I loved how Livy portrayed the married couples - in love but real. They argue and disagree. They fight and make up. They make mistakes and ask for forgiveness. I appreciated the realness.
And I loved the tie in to Bella Adar from Livy’s other series. When authors do this, it makes me beyond happy!
With a large cast, there’s a lot of storylines, but they were all well done. Jillian’s in particular was so heartbreaking and yet beautiful. Combatting body image lies and the world’s idea of beauty is no easy task for girls, but Livy spoke truth and really made this thread shine. The foster care aspect certainly created an interesting angle. Then there’s James and Chasity, Hope and Luke, Addison and Vanessa, and a whole host of other issues and thoughtful lessons woven together to create this rollercoaster of a ride infused with hope and truth!
The Revolution starts a year after the end of Book 3 (The Wedding) and part of me wishes there had been a little more detail on that gap year before jumping feet first into the crazy throes of The Revolution, but that’s just because I love seeing these characters. 😁
Despite being the longest book in the series so far, it was still too short, and I didn’t want it to end!
All the stars for this incredibly beautiful, heart-tending, touching, and inspiring story!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
"The Revolution" Cover Reveal is officially here! Didn't the cover turn out just gorgeous?! I'm so excited this title can be added to your TBR! Which Tales of Tarsurella book are you currently reading in the series?
AHHH! IT’S FINALLY HERE! I can’t wait to write my full review in the near future, but that’ll be on the tails of the release! But ONE BILLION STARS FOR THIS BEAUTY! 🤩
UPDATED REVIEW:
“What died yesterday doesn’t have to kill what could happen tomorrow.” ~ Prince Asher, The Revolution
Ahh, the book I’ve so affectionally dubbed “The Beast” for its massive page-count 😂
I alpha-read this whopper YEARS ago. I’ve reread it so many times in it’s raw state, I’ve memorized entire sections of it. That quote above has been an anchor for me, one I hope to someday splash across my wall.
I’ve grown up with this series, with these characters, with this sweet author. I’ve felt seen, known and so SO LOVED by these stories. And this book is my favorite in the saga, my go-to comfort read.
Though many may attribute Livy’s ink-pen to that of pixie dust, “The Revolution” is a different side to the same coin. Instead of Neverland magic ebbing through her words, it’s the growing pains that Wendy left Peter behind for; the dust particles in a room one can only see when they catch the light through the window. This book is tinged with grief, and bound in lessons of God’s love and grace…of new beginnings and second chances, and truly, the purpose of pain. That there’s a plan for every broken heart that still beats.
I’m at a loss for words, even now, even knowing this story inside and out.
I think the Tales of Tarsurella were my introduction to Christian YA, way back when... I remember falling completely in love with the glitzy, glamorous world of Tarsurellan royalty and these adorable characters themselves. But in The Revolution, time has passed, everyone's growing up, and there are only traces of the glitzy, glamorous world of the first few books. And I loved it. This book blew my expectations out of the water!
First of all, I cannot stress how much I love that these books are clean and suitable for young readers but not all light and fluffy . Every time I see these books I think, "oh, how cute!" because there are elements of fairytale-princess-dream-lives and whatnot and everything's so pink and giddy. Then I'll actually read them and proceed to bleed my heart dry from stress and drama. *shrug*
That said, the so-called drama in this series is the GOOD kind. The kind that develops out of real flaws and real issues in relationships forces characters to grow. I'll be honest; as much as I liked Addison and Liam in the first few books, they did feel a little too perfect to me (I mean... especially compared to Asher and Hanson). This book made me appreciate them so much more, though. Also kudos to the author for not being afraid to delve into the troubles of those who are already married! I was at first a little upset to see that Bridget--who by the way has grown so much from book one!!--and Liam had moved so far away already, but their story is far, FAR from over.
Yep, there are a lot of storylines going on here. The upside is we get to see how far our characters--particularly the princesses--have come since book one. The downside is that if you're really bothered by head-hopping, this will bother you a lot... but that was already a thing from the beginning, anyway, and it makes sense for this kind of story. Anyway, I really liked seeing Jillian get her own arc, even though I felt that it could have been expanded more at the end (like... she had one pep talk with Bridget and that's that? never talked about again? hmm). But I love seeing Asher back and finally in action! And the whole Jane thing is getting intense! And I'm really intrigued by Luke's place here in the future... especially concerning Hope... And what's going on with Chasity and James, I mean really? I mean, really. (*weeps for my favorite ship*)
Anyway, with the addition of several new members of the family, things are looking up to some more fun and chaos in book five, which I'm so excited for! Writing this review has made me want to go back and reread the first few books again, whew...
*I received an ARC of this book. A review was not required; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
This book was just so adorable! It might be my favorite of the series! This review isn't going to be super long, but I just wanted to share my favorite parts!
Chasity, poor brave lovely Chasity! I adore her and the way she grows in this book. Definitely, needed the reminder about guarding my heart.
Hope. YOU GO GIRL!!!! I adore Hope and her bravey and strength throughout the whole series is my favorite! She is such an inspiration to me:)
Millie and Willie, my babies are growing up. But only a little so its ok haha.
James O'Conner. GUYSSSSS I'm still in love with him but I will let you look at my review for "The Wedding" to see my ranting on him lol.
Jane:) The sweet broken hearted dear who I just want to give a hug and tell her it will be ok. But I also want to read her novels because I'm sure they will be amazing!
Asher. guys, just ASHER!!!!!! asfjifoiofeiehef ASHER IS THE BEST AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME OTHERWISE!!!! HE MAY BE MY NEW FAVORITE GUY IN THE WHOLE SERIES BUT LIKE HOW CAN ANYONE NOT LIKE THIS SWEET PASSIONATE KIND FIERCE WARROR OF A BROKEN BOY?!?!?!!?
Honorable mentions--Jacob being so sweet with Jillian and at least trying to give good advice (even if it actually stunk but he still tried!). Bridget and Neveah's heart-to-heart. THE BABY NEWSSSS! Ben (Livy stop breaking my heart with all these amazing guys!!).
Content was clean and adorable though there is romance but it is clean and pure.
I have been binging this book until the wee hours of the morning, it’s a page turner for sure!! So many intriguing characters, plot twists and clever storylines you HAVE to read this👏🏼 I have been following The Tales of Tarsurella since I was 14 (now 20) and I’ve grown to know and love these characters and I’m patiently waiting to someday hopefully see this on screen. It’s an easy read that is addicting as soon as you turn the first page, if you haven’t read the Coronation start there and let the adventure begin!
I got to return to Tarusurella!!!!! And I hope I don't have to wait so long again :)
There is SO. MUCH in this book. So much. Let's see if I can make this review somewhat coherent. I'll start with the characters.
Addison & Vanessa: I absolutely love what Livy did with Addison & Vanessa's marriage. They are portrayed as very human and do not have a perfect marriage. In fact, they go through some significant struggles. I love this because, it could be portrayed as a fairy-tale, and much of their life is, but it's still real and they still are just like any married couple, only with more responsibilities. Addison has to face one of his biggest fears as well.
Bridget & Liam: Once again, this marriage is not perfect and Livy makes that abundantly clear. I loved the foster care angle!!! Orphans are super close to my heart and foster care is not talked about a ton. This couple goes through several major life upheavals in this book. Life is certainly not easy for them. Seeing the change in Neveah and Jacob as they develop relationships was so sweet. What an honor and privilege to touch lives in this way. I want to be Liam when I grow up!!! He is so patient and understanding and I just want to be exactly like that!
Hope & Chasity: I'm putting them together because they are dealing with much of the same issues. At times, I wanted to be frustrated with them, but I know too well how our hearts can want things even when we know they are not possible or maybe not good for us. So I feel for these girls. They have gone through a lot of heartache and are struggling to adjust. Just for the record, I am Team David and Team Hanson. I don't know how I feel about Luke. Is he good or is he bad? I just think in the long run, Hope is better off with David. Plus, I want David to come back :) James is nice, but I prefer Hanson.
Asher: It was really cool to see the “other side” of the story. These events have happened in Regal Hearts, so I've read many of them from that perspective, but this adds more. Asher has grow so much and I really like him a lot. I also cannot wait to see more of him and Jane! I can't decide who was put through the ringer more in this book – Jane or Chasity. Poor girls.
Jillian: Is it weird that I feel emotional about a book character growing up? Like, how is she getting so old?! I can relate in some ways to what Jillian is going through. I definitely struggled a bit when I was younger with being attractive or not to guys. It still can occasionally rear up again still today! She learned some important lessons, for sure. (Anyone else kind of want to see her and Jacob together eventually? Who am I with all this shipping? That's not normal for me!)
Millie & Willie: Still so cute!!! I loved Millie's interactions with Jacob. How she just accepted him and wouldn't let him push her away. Little kids are so good at pushing because no one can really get mad at them. Willie was pretty “silent” in this book, but Millie is so sweet playing with him and has such a good imagination! I just adore these two! I was laughing several times at their antics.
There was a lot of hurt and pain and betrayal in this book. It was very human. The people are struggling with doubt and fears and stress and anxiety. But in the midst of all the hard – and there is a LOT of hard – there are tiny good things sprinkled in. That's one of the things I love about these books. There is always sunshine and a ray of hope. There is always something good, despite so much being bad. Tarsurella and Bella Adar are in quite a lot of trouble, Jane's world is upside-down, and some hearts are broken, but there is hope. (No pun intended).
I did not like the language. I get that people talk like that but I never feel like it's necessary. Characters can be tough and not swear. I was surprised and a little disappointed with Livy about that. We don't need that much of the real world. However, I still gave this 5 stars because the rest is just so good.
There were many passages that stopped me in my tracks as I let them seep down into my heart. One of the things I love about books, especially these, is how there are always parts that seem like the author is sitting down and speaking right to me and what I'm going through.
It was so good to be back in Tarsurella (and sort of Bella Adar) and I will eagerly await the next “ticket” back. This series is so good!!!!!!! I love every bit of it.
To be completely honest, lots of things happen in The Revolution, and I don't remember all of it. Witnessing Addison's downfall is really feeling like watching reality tv. You really don't want him to continue making bad, unhealthy, toxic decisions, but you keep reading any way because you're too invested in the story at this point. Thankfully, he figured it out by the end of the book, but will it last? questionable.
Whenever I picture Jillian in my mind, I see Jan Brady from the Brady Bunch. I don't know why. Chasity, poor girl, really goes through it in this one (and the next one, too). Asher really went from the despised, un-likable brother, to the best brother and my personal favorite. Bridget deals with a whole lot in this book. Hope is, well, trying her best. It's not her fault for falling in love with a guy who wants to overthrow the monarchy. *sigh*
Another sweet, suspenseful, and surprising addition to the Tales of Tarsurella!!! I loved the interweaving of romance, coming-of-age stories, political drama, and adventure. This book was just as pure and interesting as the previous books, and left me desperate to get my hands on the next one as soon as it comes out!
That being said, this book took me a long time to get through. Long story short, that's exactly what I think it needed-to be shorter. At a whopping 517 pages (and the text is small), some scenes felt quite repetitive.
All that said, I'm still rating the book 4 stars (which says a lot about this author and series). Also, I'm totally here for all of the new romances, political drama, and adventure! :)
I have enjoyed reading this series, however as I have gotten through the books I have notice numerous misspelling through the book on words such as Llama, Bridle, and Bizarre, and a few other words. If you are not easily distracted by misspellings this book is wonderful.
👑 adorable love-interests 👑 beauty comes from within 👑 um, hello?? A CASTLE!! 👑 ASHER MY BABY BOI!!!! 👑 Jane is my long-lost twin sister 👑 I can smell the lavender perfume <333 👑 Mixtape of Old Disney Classics playing in the background . . . 🥰🥰🥰