...The sun is shining, the tank is clean, and we are getting out of- *Gasp* The tank is clean!
It's a family thing.
Anyway, today's the day the best book in the Ilyon Chronicles series comes out (because book 6 isn't finished yet), along with its lovely companion novella and the totally unexpected (but completely welcome) fifth Acktar book! AAAAAAAA!!!
In an unprecedented amount of luck, I managed to obtain early copies of these books through long and hard-fought battles with some of Jaye's and Tricia's most formidable warriors and am now come to report to you on them. (Just kidding, I got ARCs. If I really met up with some of Jaye's and Tricia's most formidable warriors, I'd squeal and ask for their autographs.)
Le Official Introduction
Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Bitter Winter, and companion novella Lacy have been released! Bitter Winter is the fifth book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles.
Tricia Mingerink's newest novel Decree is also releasing! Decree is the fifth book in the Christian fantasy/kingdom adventure series The Blades of Acktar.
Read about these books below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
The Ilyon Chronicles
About Bitter Winter
Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country.
Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.
Available now on Amazon!
My Review
Oh my sweet gumdrops. My poor, poor babies!
First of all, poor, poor Jace. (Every book, guys, every book.) My poor baby can't even plan a proposal without everything going wrong. (I guess that's a minor spoiler, but it's in the very beginning.) WHY CAN'T HE JUST BE HAPPY? WHY CAN'T THEY ALL JUST BE HAPPY?
Okay, guys, we all knew it would happen eventually. And it finally did. And it changes everything. Also, you know who is dead now, and I'm not very happy. He had so much to live for. If this doesn't lead to what I think it's leading to, I'm going to throw a fit. (I accidentally typed "fir" instead, but changed it, thinking, "I can't throw a tree." But you know what? I might. I just might.)
It's in the description, so it's not a spoiler. Everyone gets sick. Including Jace's closest friends. And of course, we know Jace, so he does everything he possibly can to save them. And included in "everything he possibly can" is something really really bad that he is a breath away from doing. (And afterwards he gets attacked and almost dies, so that's fun.)
If you expected this to be a rational review, you were wrong, my friend. I am way too emotional about the events of this book to pump out any sense while talking about it.
Guys. Daniel. Woah. Just, this guy, okay? He's basically the second-best character in Ilyon (aside from Jace, naturally). He's so insecure. (And scared of Jace. Daniel isn't racist, but asking for Jace's permission to date Elanor is so intimidating!) He's a cute little cinnamon roll that manages to act like the king he will be one day (hopefully).
The plot? Basically just invented to make our favorite fictional friends suffer. AAAAAAAAA!!! It's not fair, guys. Just not fair.
Anyways, to sum up, totally worth reading (duh). Incredibly good book.
First of all, poor, poor Jace. (Every book, guys, every book.) My poor baby can't even plan a proposal without everything going wrong. (I guess that's a minor spoiler, but it's in the very beginning.) WHY CAN'T HE JUST BE HAPPY? WHY CAN'T THEY ALL JUST BE HAPPY?
Okay, guys, we all knew it would happen eventually. And it finally did. And it changes everything. Also, you know who is dead now, and I'm not very happy. He had so much to live for. If this doesn't lead to what I think it's leading to, I'm going to throw a fit. (I accidentally typed "fir" instead, but changed it, thinking, "I can't throw a tree." But you know what? I might. I just might.)
It's in the description, so it's not a spoiler. Everyone gets sick. Including Jace's closest friends. And of course, we know Jace, so he does everything he possibly can to save them. And included in "everything he possibly can" is something really really bad that he is a breath away from doing. (And afterwards he gets attacked and almost dies, so that's fun.)
If you expected this to be a rational review, you were wrong, my friend. I am way too emotional about the events of this book to pump out any sense while talking about it.
Guys. Daniel. Woah. Just, this guy, okay? He's basically the second-best character in Ilyon (aside from Jace, naturally). He's so insecure. (And scared of Jace. Daniel isn't racist, but asking for Jace's permission to date Elanor is so intimidating!) He's a cute little cinnamon roll that manages to act like the king he will be one day (hopefully).
The plot? Basically just invented to make our favorite fictional friends suffer. AAAAAAAAA!!! It's not fair, guys. Just not fair.
Anyways, to sum up, totally worth reading (duh). Incredibly good book.
A++, should be devoured by everyone.
About Lacy
The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
An Ilyon Chronicles Novella
Available now on Amazon!
My Review
Easiest way to sum up this book: Well, that escalated quickly.
Aaron's in love. And the girl he's in love with...
Yeah. Trouble with a capital T.
Not that Lacy herself is Trouble. But Aaron being attracted to her sets off a chain of events that is Trouble.
Naturally, this is a book for a more mature reader. The subject is handled extremely well - it reminded me of the way it was handled in Crime and Punishment - but it still is what it is. Be ye warned.
This was very good, even though it didn't have Jace in it. Jace's testimony was used by Timothy to bring someone to Elom, so that's cool. This book is set soon after Bitter Winter, so definitely read that first.
It was really nice to be able to get to know Aaron and Lacy a bit more. I really enjoyed seeing more of life in Valcré. Also, the people in Timothy and Aaron's congregation are jerks. They live in Valcré, for crying out loud. They're surely not exactly paragons of virtue themselves.
This is a cute (although cute seems the wrong word) shorter story that is definitely worth the buy, especially for Ilyon fans.
A++, will probably make you cry or something.
Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!
About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.
The Blades of Acktar
About Decree
The Adventure Continues.
Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories.
The Blades as They Should’ve Been
A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family?
The First Mission
When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help?
To the Far Great Mountains
A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves?
From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.
Available now on Amazon!
My Review
I don't like Keevan.
Not much else is new.
But why does he still want to beat the stuffing out of Leith? Leith is an adorable little cinnamon roll that needs to be protected and all Keevan wants to do is see him bleed. And he uses his position to get what he wants. Dirty politician.
Not much else is new.
But why does he still want to beat the stuffing out of Leith? Leith is an adorable little cinnamon roll that needs to be protected and all Keevan wants to do is see him bleed. And he uses his position to get what he wants. Dirty politician.
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What Tricia did with poor Shad and Jolene? RUDE.
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What happened at the end of To the Far Great Mountains? asdfghjkl It's so cute I can't even. Baby Leiths! Although poor Leith was having nightmares and everything before it happened. *Repeat crying llama gif*
Who thought it was a good idea to hold a knife to Leith's neck? Idiots.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!
Tricia set out to write The Lost Stories of Acktar and I think she did a good job.
A++, will cry about again.
Haven’t discovered the The Blades of Acktar yet? Find out more at on the official Blades of Acktar page.
About the Author
Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.
You can connect with Tricia on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Giveaway!
Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a full signed set of the Ilyon Chronicles and The Blades of Acktar! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)
Be sure to stop by each of the character chats (links in the blog tour schedule) for additional giveaways throughout the tour!
Saturday
– December 22
Be sure to stop by each of the character chats (links in the blog tour schedule) for additional giveaways throughout the tour!
Friday
– December 14 – Release Day for Bitter
Winter & Lacy!
Blog Tour Intro by Tricia Mingerink
Author Interview & Book Reviews at Jessica Looks Again
Book Spotlight & Review at Chosen by the Potter
Saturday
– December 15
Book Spotlight & Reviews at The Writer’s Song
Author Interview & Book Reviews at Perfectly Quirky In Every Way
Book Spotlight & Reviews at A Great God and Good Cocoa
Monday
– December 17
Book Reviews by Morgan Huneke
Book Spotlight at Between the Pages of This Bookish Life
Book Reviews at TJ’s
Musing
Character Chat #2 by Tricia Mingerink
Tuesday
– December 18 – Release Day for Decree!
Book Spotlight & Reviews at Resting Life
Book Reviews by S.G. Willoughby
Book Spotlight & Reviews at Sarah Plain & Average
Wednesday
– December 19
Book Reviews at The Artful Author
Book Reviews by Meagan Davenport
Author Interview & Book Reviews by Brie Donning
Author Interview & Book Spotlight at Saver of Memories
Character Chat #3 by the Ilyon Chronicles
Thursday
– December 20
Book Spotlight by M.H. Elrich
Author Interview at The Ink Lizard
Book Spotlight & Review at A Great God and Good Cocoa
Friday
– December 21
Book Reviews at Smyling Girl
Book Review by Faith Blum
Author Interview & Book Reviews at Allison Grace Writes
Blog Tour Wrap up post at Jaye L. Knight
