Hey everyone!! *waves excitedly* I'm so thrilled to be part of Jesseca's blog tour for her fabulous book, The Silent Blade, today!! :D Let's get on with this!
~ Synopsis
Dromiskin, Ireland. 925 A.D.
Eira has no greater desire than to see her life returned to what it once was—before her older brother Kevin's sudden disappearance four years earlier. But the simple life she hoped for seems unattainable; on the contrary, her life is about to get all the more complicated.
When she suddenly finds herself and Willem, her twin brother, taken captive by someone who claims to be Kevin’s enemy, things go from bad to worse. It soon becomes clear that she and Willem are to become bait in a trap set for Kevin, and Eira knows she must try to warn him. But how, when she herself is a captive?
As mysteries of the past are unveiled, and loyalties are revealed, Eira realizes how precious her friends truly are. And when mortal danger threatens those nearest to her, will she be able to trust God with the lives of her friends and family?
Isn't that cover absolutely drool-worthy?? *hugs it*
~ My Review
I feel like I should start out this book review by saying that, up until last summer, I had a dislike for stories with medieval settings. Quite honestly, I hadn't tried many books set in that time period, because the storylines usually didn't appeal to me. I had unfairly categorized all fiction with a medieval setting as the 'princess in distress rescued by handsome knight' type of thing. Which was wrong in itself, but I'm getting sidetracked here.
So when I found out that Jesseca had a medieval book in the works...I was intrigued. I knew I must learn more about this story! Could it be the one medieval book that I would like?
Well, friends.
It was.
And since reading an unedited, still-in-the-works version of The Silent Blade about a year ago, I can happily say I have found other books set in a medieval period to enjoy. ^_^ Hooray!
Okay, on to what I love about this delightful novel. :)
The theme of the story is forgiveness. Sacrifice. Love. Protection of family (if that's considered a theme?). Jealousy, and what can come from it when it's not quickly resolved. All of which are orchestrated so beautifully, all tied together in a glorious symphony of words that we call a book.
The characters are precious and real. The family ties are strong, believable, and challenge me to love my own family more. The romance is sweet and heart-warming. I just adore this story. :)
I must take a moment to talk about Kevin. Kevin is my absolute favorite character. He's like the bestest big brother ever. He has his flaws, his struggles – sure. That makes him human. But his protectiveness over his family, his siblings especially Eira, is so precious! I just love Kevin. He can be my adoptive older brother. <3
Also, *spoilers ahead* the side-story of Henry. Like, what even?!?! I was so stunned. I did not see that coming. Loved it. <3 Such a beautiful showing of how God is working through any and all circumstances. :) *end of spoilers*
And...the names. I just love them! Eira, Casimir, Aeden, Cian, Diarmuid, Peadar, Stace (I love Stace. We're great chums. I know all his secrets.)... If I tried, I couldn't pronounce half of them but they are so pretty and medieval! ^_^
It's not a perfect book, but it's a good book and I love it. For the young author's first officially published work, I found it to be remarkable. :) Five star rating for me.
**I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Favorite Quotes.
"You are rather pretty, you know. Especially when your face is flushed and your hair has come loose. Like it is now."
"Remind me, just why am I carrying this?"
"Because, my dear friend, I carried it down here."
"There are more men in the world than you, Merek. As startling as that fact may be."
"We are His to begin with. Our life is in His hands and He will decide what's best."
"Do you ever do anything except ask questions?"
"Jealousy is like a sword, a silent blade that comes into our life and wrenches from us any good that may have been there before."
~ Author Interview
Hello, Jesseca! So good to have you here today! :) From the first spark of inspiration until today, how long did the process of writing, editing, and publishing The Silent Blade take?
Oh, dear. Umm...I think I got the idea in April of 2015, so that would make it about a year and three months!
Oh wow! That seems pretty fast to me. ;) And what was your favorite part of that process? Least favorite?
My favorite part was when I sent it out and let others read it. It was sorta intimidating at first because... I mean, I'm letting someone else read my work! But I really appreciated all the feedback I got back, and I know it definitely helped shape the book into what it is now. :) Of course, publishing and getting it all finished is quite awesome, too. ;)
Where did you get the inspiration to write a story in a medieval setting?
The inspiration for The Silent Blade came mainly from two places; Nicole Sager's The Arcrean Conquest series, and the movie Prince Caspian. Both are fantasy with a medieval feel (Nicole Sager's is non-magical) and after reading the books and watching the movie I really wanted to sorta similar. But.. I prefer historical fiction to fantasy, so... the medieval time period got my attention!
Ooo, sounds wonderful. :) Out of anything you've ever written, what's your favorite story?
I'd have to say A Question of Honor. That book has had more research and hours poured into it then I ever dreamed of when I started it. It's currently in the 2nd draft/re-writing stage. It's my "special" novel, and I've learned a lot through writing it, both in a historical context and through my writing it, it's brought me closer to the Lord. It's almost as if the book has become a part of me. Sometimes I;m not sure how good that is... ;)
Hehe, I can relate. ;) And lastly, what advice would you give to wanna-be authors?
Keep reading and writing! But also, share your work! Let someone you trust read through it and critique it, and then when you feel it's ready, find some people you don't directly know to read through it. Not only will it improve your writing, you'll be able to get go know other fellow readers/writers. And of course, since they don't know you too well and aren't personally connected with you, they'll be more honest in their feedback.
Thanks for visiting, Jesseca! :D
About the Author
Jesseca is an 18-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.
~ Blog Tour Schedule
Wednesday, July 20th
Thursday, July 21st
Friday, July 22nd (Publication Day!!)
Saturday, July 23rd
Monday, July 25th
~ Giveaway
And don't forget to enter this awesome giveaway! :D Because...what would a blog tour be without one? ;)
I enjoyed reading your review and interview, Faith. :) You asked some great questions. I think author interviews are fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI bought "The Silent Blade" and it just came in the mail yesterday, so I'm hoping to read it soon. :)
Thanks, Rebekah! :D I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I like author interviews too. ^_^
DeleteReally?!? Oh, I hope you enjoy it!!!! XD
Aww, thank you for the kind words and the lovely review, Faith! And I loved the interview questions you gave me. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your help and encouragement with this book! You're awesome. <3
You're so welcome, Jesseca! :) Hehe, I'm so glad!
DeleteI'm so glad I've been able to be an encouragement to you!! <3 *hugs*
Great interview questions, and lovely review, Faith! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Blessing! I'm so glad you enjoyed. :)
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