A Bookish Life In AK

I reached out to a writing group and truly appreciated the response.

I was in a reading/writing rut and needed some help. So I reached out to the Realm Makers Consortium, a wonderful group of Christian Science Fiction writers and creators, in need of some new material to read. As much as I love the romcoms and historical fictions, I live for fantasy and Sci-Fi. The authors in that group stepped up and filled the rest of my year with books. So much so that I had to create a spreadsheet to make sure I didn’t forget any of the books and authors.

The books that I have received range from contemporary/urban fantasy to high fantasy and all types of science fiction. I am truly grateful for the community and their willingness to help out a new blogger.

The first book that I chose to read was “Chief Bladeslinger” by Penny Johnston. This book did not disappoint. The world Penny created was a comfortable distraction. Zon feels called to be a Chief Bladeslinger, the village protector and weapons teacher. When his best friend’s little brother dies during an impromptu hunting trip, his best friend Kandra blames him. Meanwhile all the adults in the village rally for Zon and comfort him. His grandfather and family friend discuss Zon training with Holt, a recluse with a past in the village and with the current Chief Bladeslinger. When Zon os done training with Holt, his ability and his relation to the Maker is better than it ever was. Zon then challenges the Chief to a match in exchange for a recommendation to become the Chief Bladeslinger in the neighboring village, Meadow Reach. When a rather shy new elf shows up and is terrified of her own shadow, Zon knows something is wrong. He offers to take her with him to Meadow Reach. When they arrive they both face struggles and they overcome them with help from neighbors and new friends. When a true tragedy strikes, Zon’s new community and family shows up for him in a way that shows him just how much the Maker does love him.

Overall, This book was fantastic. I loved that it was a male main character that is strong, loved his family and friends. The family was portrayed as loving not distant was a refreshing change. The female characters were all strong and caring in their ways. Zon listened to wise council, even the counsel of the older women he knew and trusted, and learned forgiveness. The way Penny wove faith into the story was natural and loving, even on the hard parts. My favorite quote is when Zon’s grandfather is talking to him, ““Oh, I don’t necessarily mean actually holding you, Zon. But when others show they care. They might offer faltering words or a hand on your shoulder. Food that you don’t feel you can eat. Some manner of expressing their care and concern, albeit clumsily. That’s when you’re being held. And you’re held when you remember that the Maker is walking beside you.” I’m not going to spoil it, but I cried at this part. I cannot wait to go download her next book, “To Be Called Worthy.”

If you want to read more you can find Penny on Instgram: @pennyjohnstonwrites

Till next week, Prayers and Blessings, Becky