Thursday, July 10, 2014

Book Review: Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

Resistance (Ilyon Chronicles)
Buy it Here
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for mild violence, and mildly scary scenes
Best for Ages: 15 and up

Description: Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape. Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God. Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

When I found out Molly had a new pen name, I was skeptical. I mean, who needs two pen names? After finishing this book, I think I understand. Although I really enjoyed her early works she has come a long way in her writing. Resistance is 10 times better than any of her previous books.

I entered this book thinking that it was going to be a fun, adventures story, and a pretty light read. That isn’t what I got. I can tell that Knight spent hours dumping herself into this book. This tale is emotional, deep, and soul-stirring.

Each of the characters was so well developed. Kyrin was my favorite, but Jace and Kaden are a close second and third. Each of them has their own struggles and strengths. Each of them faces challenges both within and outside themselves that they must work through. These challenges and how they deal with them gave each of the characters depth and made them feel so real.

Ilyon, the country, felt very real as well. Knight did an excellent job giving them history, costumes, dress, and all the other necessities of culture, and she wove the details into the story flawlessly.

The spiritual aspect of this book was what surprised me most. Under her other pen name, Knight always had a spiritual aspect to her books that I enjoyed. However, this book really packed a punch with not only a strong message, but one that is intricately woven into the story.

Some aspects of this book are hard and even difficult to read. Kyrin especially sees and goes through some very traumatic events. Knight did a very good job of not being too graphic, but some of the things she goes through and sees may disturb younger children or those who are more sensitive.

This book left me wondering if I would be willing to stand up for my faith if it would cost me much. I have spent a lot of time thinking about it and examining my own heart. It also left me desperate for the next book. I hope it is not too far from being published.

I highly recommend this book for those who love non-magical fantasy, realistic characters, faith building stories, and tales with lots of adventure.



I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

1 comment:

  1. I agree completely. I have read all of Knight's other books, and Resistance was by far my favorite. I can see how far she as an author has matured. The depth of the story, but even just of the emotional and spiritual levels of this book moved me. I am waiting with bated breath for her next book in the series.

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