Lacy (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: Lacy

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Book #5.5)

Year: 2018

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: 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.

Review: This was such a sweet story set in Jaye's amazing world of Ilyon. Even though I'm a big fan of dragons and action and all, it's been really nice recently to step back and get a deeper look at the characters in this novella and Bitter Winter.

Aaron has fallen hard for a pretty smile. But it's so much more than just the smile. His dearest wish is to rescue this girl Lacy from the scandalous life she's been thrust into, but he knows she needs this job to take care of her family -- particularly her mother, the one with the dangerous cough. For a long time, Aaron has been asking Lacy to attend the meetings with him, since he knows that she desperately needs to see the love of Elôm and experience for herself.

This packs in quite a lot for a shorter story. It's still a good length tale, but it's easily read in a couple of hours. We got a cameo in Bitter Winter, setting up the tantalizing details of this story, but with the huge conflicts going on in that book, there just wasn't time to go back and revisit Aaron's story here. I'm really glad Jaye made this a separate novella. The pace is nice, you don't have to worry about getting your head tangled around a bunch of characters and crazy action all over the place, and we get a tale that's all about true love. Which was amazing. Aaron is a great character and you couldn't help but root for him, and now all I'm waiting for is for his brother to get his act together. Ilyon fans, you know what I mean. My only complaint, really, was that the conflict with the congregation members seemed a little forced.

Advisory: This novella has got some more mature themes in it, but nothing out of the ordinary for the Ilyon books. Lacy is a prostitute at a tavern, not that she enjoys her work; it was the only way she could see for getting money to pay off her father's debts and keep her mother and her sisters from the workhouse. While nothing is described, there is no disguising her prostitute work. It is clearly shown as being wrong, and Lacy more than anyone else recognizes it as a sin. Also, [highlight for spoiler] Lacy reveals her pregnancy to Aaron, knowing her employer will force her to abort the baby and not knowing who the baby's father is. The book also contains the birth of said baby, though the narrating character is not in the room while it happens. [end spoiler]

Also, a quick scene in which a husband helps his wife undress. Nothing is described. But with a married couple, too, expect some kisses scattered among the pages of this novella.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Bitter Winter (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: Bitter Winter

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Book #5)

Year: 2018

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: 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.

Review: Book 2 in this series (The King's Scrolls) just about ripped my heart out and left me in a pile of raw emotions, and this book very nearly did just that again. I mean, c'mon, I was expecting great things from this highly anticipated book, but we're talking a season of winter here -- no huge battles and sieges, right? Time to slow down a little and catch your breath, right?

Ha. Sort of.

The Resistance camp is starving. Food is low, morale is low, and temperatures are even lower. Despite all of that, Jace thinks his biggest dream is about to come true: marrying the love of his life and starting their happily ever after together.

And then a bunch of soldiers burst upon them at the camp, reeking havoc with the sword and bringing along a deadly fever that quickly threatens to wipe out the entire camp and beyond. The remedy isn't easy to come by, as only two people in the realm seem to have access to it: Davira, the evil queen bent on destroying all followers of the true God, and Avery, the man who killed the king and turned smuggler.

There was honestly so much to love about this book. After long marches and battles of the previous books, winter does kinda slow everything down in this book. However, the pace is fast, and every emotion will be wrenched out of your heart as you read. That's a promise. Honestly, I really liked that this book had a different tone from the others so far. Yes, we've got the same cast of characters, the same settings, but different circumstances set it completely apart from the other books. I just don't know how to say all the wonderful things I want to say about this book.

This book was all about character development, WHICH I LOVED. All the little things that Jaye could have stuck in there just because worked so perfectly; each one set up developing characters wonderfully until all you can do is sit there and cheer them on and weep. (Note: Tissues are not included in the purchase of this book.)

Jace is steps away from proposing to Kyrin, but a quest to save the camp throws all of his plans out the window. I'm still so amazed at how Jace has progressed from book one. Part of me wondered if I would tire of him after a while, only because I tend not to like overly moody characters who are deeply pensive and slow at developing. But the baby steps in development are really what make Jace who he is. Every book so far has just pushed him and developed him one layer at a time, and this book exposed the very heart of him. It was amazing.

Daniel. WOW. What can be said? He didn't have a ton of screen time (so to speak) but his development. All the pain and torment was worth it. I love that he's growing and learning and stepping up to do what he needs to do. WOW.

And you gotta have a shout-out to Liam. He tended to be the one of Kyrin's brothers who melted into the background, but here he's got a bit more of center stage. Two thumbs up, and I approve all of the cute scenes. *No spoilers here, though.*

I really liked how Jaye pulled Avery back onto the scene. After his small-but-important appearance in Exiles, it was awesome to see that he didn't end up a hit-and-run character. I still can't decide whether I want to loathe him or love him. ARGH. His character was very realistic, and I can't wait to see what Jaye is going to do with him. Or, rather what he's going to pull Jaye into, since he seems like the type of character who doesn't let the author do what she wants.

ALSO... anyone realizing that we're almost to the end of the Ilyon Chronicles???? THIS IS BOOK FIVE! How did we come to this?? Like, Daican's Heir is the next AND FINAL BOOK IN THIS SERIES?!?! Although I'm looking forward to having the whole series sitting pretty on my shelf to read whenever I please, I don't know that my emotions are ready to surrender to the end yet. AHHH!

Anyway, read this book. Feel the feels. Cry. Cheer. You will not regret it.

Advisory: Fighting/violence/injury/sickness. All in the same tone as the previous books in the series, and appropriate for the books' target audience.

Some kissing and other physical contact between courting/engaged/married couples. One woman briefly mentions to her husband that she suspects pregnancy.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

Exiles (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: Exiles

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Book #4)

Year: 2017

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest. 

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all. 

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple. 

One small misstep could prove fatal for all. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Kyrin
~ Jace
~ Daniel
~ Anne

Review: First off, this book came out on my birthday. How. Cool. Is. That. Of course, I had to buy it for myself as a birthday gift. 

This series just keeps getting better. I think book #2 may be my favorite overall, but this one definitely almost topped that one! I loved getting to follow Kyrin, Jace, and their friends all over the map -- in an effort to get allies against Daican, they visit the cretes and Dorlanders. Personally, I really enjoyed getting to see the different cultures. There are familiar aspects to each one, but they are all so unique. And the new culture -- *jaw drops* Ilyon fans, rejoice. Saul and his band are everything we wanted them to be. 

However, we're not just with Kyrin and Co. Anne and Trask, I felt, played a bigger role in this book as they fight the battle at Landale. Not a real fight, mind you, because Anne still has to keep up her family's facade and Trask has to keep the whole camp a secret. Goler was despicable, as always. Charles was the best. I thought this book opened a new perspective on Anne; she became more real as I got to see further into her life and struggles. The sensibility she showed in putting others' needs above her own really stood out to me. Plus, she and Trask are just absolutely adorable. Just sayin'. 

My favorite character of the whole series is quickly becoming Prince Daniel. I loved getting to start his story in the last few books, but this one took him to a whole new level. And at the end -- PLOT TWIST -- Can't say I saw that one coming! Jaye is keeping all of us on our toes and I need book #5 ASAP. I hate Davira with an intense, passionate hate. More than I hated her father. That's all I can say. 

Shout-out to Kaden and some epic dragon action. That would probably be the one thing lacking in this book. Not enough of Kaden and dragons. It was fun getting to see more of Kyrin's other brother, Michael, though. 

Overall, this was an amazing continuation of the Ilyon Chronicles. I have been recommending this series to basically everybody since I read the first book, and I haven't stopped yet. 

Advisory: Violence/blood/fighting, but all in Jaye's usual style. Characters almost drown/are threatened to lose fingers/get beaten/get executed/etc. Because most of the book centers on battles/fights, I would recommend this book for readers over 12. 

Another portion of the book focuses on the ryriks and their wild tendency towards abusing women (i.e. rape). The subject is broached in the book as characters come into contact with the ryriks, but it is well-handled and not explicit. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The King's Scrolls (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: The King's Scrolls

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Book #2)

Year: 2015 

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.


When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Kyrin
~ Jace
~ Kaden

Review: Everything we knew and loved about Resistance, book one of the epic Ilyon Chronicles, just got bigger, and better, and deeper, and more amazing. After finishing the first book, I wasn't sure if Jaye could hold the rest of the series up to that awesome standard. But she did. I was completely blown away, and this book basically hit my favorites list... pretty much right after I opened the book and started reading.

And now I need Samara's Peril and the rest of the series. Like... as soon as possible. You're not going to want to wait to read these books. 

Again, I'm really not sure how to pen this review just because this book was THAT AMAZING. The story was full of twists and heart-wrenching moments that make you fall in love with the whole thing more and more after every page. Once you start reading this book, you're not going to want to stop, so make sure you're stocked up with a good cup of coffee and something to snack on. This book is thick, and fantasy, and marvelous, and amazing. 

Kyrin and Jace and Kaden and everyone else are back for a new adventure, but the stakes are now twice as high. We're introduced more to the race of Cretes and learn of a national secret that has the power to tear apart families and countries -- which it does. The King's Scrolls, the word of the one true God, still exist, and everyone, bad and good, wants to find them. 

One thing I loved about this book was the dragons. *ducks head* Yes, I'm a huge fan of dragons, and I love whenever they appear in books -- appearing in my favorite books is just like the cherry on top of the sundae. Kaden interacting with the dragons was so much fun to read about. 

Kyrin and the others we're already endeared to undergo quite a bit of character development as their stories continue. Jace, in particular, changes as he steps further along the road of understanding he's not a soul-less creature that no one cares about. Usually, I'm not a fan of the brooding/moody/dark hero, but Jace is a rare exception. Jaye gives a really unique perspective on him, and you can't help but like him and root for him all the way. I'm eager to see how his story will continue in the series.

Kyrin's family!! Tons more about them in this book, and I loved getting to see more of her mother and younger brothers, as well as really getting to know some of her older brothers. AND HER FATHER! Strong family books always get me... and this book got me. Oh, did it get me. *looks at those who've already read this book* You know exactly what I mean.

Also, I really loved the Cretes. Timothy is an awesome new character, and although I was a little skeptical about following him at first, he soon grew to quite the favorite character. I am greatly mortified that I ever doubted him. Leetra, too, was such a complex character -- way more to her than met the eye -- and she's going to be a fun one to follow for the rest of the series.

There's so much more I'd love to say about this book, but I'm really trying hard to contain myself. That's probably why it's so hard to write reviews about books I love -- just want to rant and rave and talk about everything I loved, but SPOILERS! Ah, the life of a reader. *shrugs shoulders* Basically, I'll leave you with this: this book will sneak right into your heart when you're not paying attention, get you right in the feels, and then leave you dying of a hunger to have more. And when I say "feels" I mean it. Plot twists and emotional pain like you've never known. But, boy howdy, is it worth it!

Advisory: Fantasy action/fighting/injury/torture, but nothing overly graphic. Also, some romantic references. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Half-Blood (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: Half-Blood 

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Prequel Novella)

Year: 2015

Author: Jaye L. Knight

Summary: "The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place."

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will and turn him into the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Jace

Review: How Jaye knew we needed this book before we even asked for it still amazes me. I absolutely loved Resistance and I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of The King's Scrolls. Jace has proven himself an epic character again and again in my mind, so to get a chance to take a peek into his life before Rayad was truly amazing. If you call yourself any kind of fan of Jaye Knight's work, then you simply must read this book.

First off, it was a lot shorter than Resistance. I really wasn't sure what to expect reading this prequel, but even from my confused thoughts, Jaye blew me quickly away. I had been afraid at first to dive into it, lest by some terrible design the character of Jace that I had grown to respect in Resistance be damaged. Nope. No way. Instead, this novella opened up an entire new world of understanding who he really was. It added so much depth to him. I was dumbstruck. Pretty much.

I love that Jaye starts out with Jace as a younger boy. She takes us through his childhood, how he grows, what he learns from those he comes in contact with. The foreshadowing... the suspense... the desires... the pain. Wow. Instead of just throwing us directly into his gladiator fights with Jasper, Jaye gave us to see Jace before the fights. 

But the fights themselves! *whistles* I was concerned with how Jaye might handle the progress of the fights, as there were many of them over the course of... quite a long time. But she did marvelously. There were times I felt I was at the arena with Jace - fighting with him, or yelling from the sidelines. He lived up to every one of my expectations and hopes... and then of course, Jasper walked on the scene, and my heart just broke for Jace. 

Really, what more can I say than this book is a must for all Ilyon fans, fantasy lovers, and adventure nerds alike? I give five stars whole-heartedly.    

Advisory: Quite a bit of violence as Jace fights different opponents/enemies, so please expect some descriptions of that. Several characters are wounded and, as a result of his fighting, more than one death follows Jace, haunting him. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here to buy Half-Blood on Amazon!

*Please note that I was given an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.* 

Resistance (Ilyon Chronicles)

Title: Resistance

Series: Ilyon Chronicles (Book #1)

Year: 2014

Author: Jaye L. Knight (other name: Molly Evangeline)

Summary: 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. (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Kyrin
~ Jace
~ Kaden
~ Rayad

Review: I read a lot about this book before I ever got my hands on a copy. Everyone was raving about it, and every time I saw another review, my interest was more keenly sparked. And when I finally got to read it, I was not disappointed.

Honestly, I'm not certain how to write this review because I enjoyed this book that much. Resistance has quickly become a favorite story, and on my shelves, it ranks high next to The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. This story wraps up danger, adventure, fantasy, family, humor, and all epic things that I love in one amazing tale. Although I took a rather lengthy respite from reading this book all the way through due to college, I loved every bit of it, and I ended the book yearning for more. Sure, it's a satisfying end to the beginning of the series, but be ye warned: you can't get to the end of this book and NOT want the second book, The King's Scrolls, which is due for release in February of this year. 

Kyrin and Kaden are twins living under the thumb of an evil king, a man who claims allegiance to false gods and commands everyone to do the same -- or face public execution. They are able to worship the one true God secretly for a while, but they cannot hide forever. It's not long before Kyrin comes under suspicion, and it's a race against time to gain safety. Meanwhile, Jace is a young man torn with the expectations thrust on those of his race. He's only half ryrik, but almost everyone deems him a monster. 

I love the relationship shown between Kyrin and Kaden. I'm pretty close to my brother (we're only 4 years apart in age), so I was able to relate to them well. I really liked how they interacted with each other -- just like real siblings do, some fun, some serious, always looking out for each other. Jace, I thought, was a little on the moody side, and I'm not usually a fan of moody heroes. But, for some reason, I really liked Jace. There was something different about him that I found intriguing. He's not your typical outcast -- a fact I appreciated. 

The adventure was just what you'd want out of a book like this, yet on a different level. Not only are we dealing with an evil king and bad laws and despicable cohorts, but on top of that, Jaye has given us a battle between good and evil -- really. The one true God has been kicked out of everyone's lives, and it's basically acknowledge and worship the false gods or be killed. In a way, it's a good picture of the end times. The world is taken over with evil, and that evil hates truth so much that living for the truth means death to anyone who dares goes against the world's expectations. We don't think much about the danger we will face as Christians living for the one true God, and yet, that danger is there all the same. The world will hate us because of Him, and it is our responsibility to glorify Him in whatsoever we do.

I could go on and on about all the things I loved about this book, but I won't. I'll end up giving away all of the story, and then what point would there be for you to read it? And yes, you need to read this book if you haven't already. It's that good. You won't regret it. My only regret is having read it too soon, and now I have to wait for the second one to come out. 

Advisory: Fantasy violence, fighting, and some torture scenes -- scary, but not overly graphic. One of the false gods is described as a immodestly dressed woman, but it was always portrayed in a bad light. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here to buy Resistance on Amazon!