Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Contest Results

Hello everyone, I'm here to announce the winner of Radialloy by J.Grace Pennington! =D


And the winner is..... Mikayla L!!! Congratulations!!

Here is her entry;

Greed. It was always there. I just wished that it didn’t have to come out like this.
“Griselda, please! Help me!” Sukie called, her dirty face streaked with tears. I took one glance between the girl and the pouch of money.
“Sorry, Sukie.” I smiled grimly, the pinch of guilt I felt quickly fading, “But we can’t have everything we want, can we?” 
This monster, called greed, ever present in my life, had reared its ugly head, and Sukie was paying the price. 
I looked the young girl, the girl who had journeyed with me through thick and thin, in the eyes. 
“Griselda! Griselda, don’t leave me here to die.” The young girl begged. 
Once again, I pulled my gaze away from her, to the two fat guards holding her. “Do your job right, and make sure she is delivered to Lord André immediately.” 
“Aye, girl, we will.” The guard, Red, said, pulling Sukie to her feet. He spat a glob of tobacco onto the cobblestone path. Disgusting. I thought, as he and his companion turned to go, dragging the frail child after them.
“Wait.” I called out. As they stopped, I bit my tongue. I had what I wanted. I was a bounty hunter; this was what I did for a living. Why show pity now, after delivering hundreds of others without question? 
“What does your master want with the girl?” I asked, feigning boredom. If they thought I really cared, they would never tell me. 
The first guard, Blake, who’s head greatly resembled a tomato, smirked, “Her family has a good position in a town called Cery. His lordship needs leverage to help her father see eye to eye with Lord André… say, why do you care? You got your money, now be gone.” It had suddenly dawned upon the oaf that he shouldn’t give away the plan of his master.
“Sorry, just asking out of curiosity.” I said, turning and starting down the path. 
“Griselda!” I heard Sukie cry, her gentle voice breaking. 
It had been the first time since I began my work as a bounty hunter that I had ever worked to gain the targets trust, and an unfamiliar feeling tugged at me. 
Pity? No way. I was beyond that. Or so I thought.
My mind whirled, as I looked between the tall trees of the surrounding forest and the fast pace of the guards, their massive forms dragging the weak, frail one behind them. 
An idea was beginning to form. Maybe I could have everything I wanted. 
Tying the satchel of money to my belt loop, I started to the woods. Following at a safe distance, planning my move, and wishing that I had just left Sukie and gone home to my cabin, I kept a steady pace. For nearly two hours this went on, and I waited patiently for my chance, watching the tension leaving the guards. We were nearing Mireworth, though, so I knew I didn’t have much time left.
“Come on, girl!” Red shouted, pulling her wrist hard enough that she fell to the ground, her knee smacking against the stone. Sukie cried out in pain, and anger raced through me. They would pay for that. 
I wondered why I cared. Maybe it was Sukie’s sweet nature, her innocence, her willingness to trust anyone who praised her. Somehow, though, I knew that there was no way I would let Sukie be treated poorly by anyone. Unless, of course, it was me, the one who betrayed her. I winced at the thought.
Sukie struggled to her feet, and I readied myself to act, pulling my dagger from my belt.
“You know, boys, I changed my mind.” I said, leaving the cover of the forest and sauntering up to the two guards. They whirled about, and the poor girl was swung about with them. “See, Sukie and me, we understand each other. You can hand her over, or pay with your lives. I suggest you do the first.” 
Red tightened his grip on Sukie’s arm, causing her to cry out in pain. Blake dropped her other arm, pulling his sword from his belt. “You mean to fight me with only a dagger?” He chortled. 
“Let’s see, now. Fat, overconfident, and easily irritated… yeah, I think I can take you.” I said, pretending to size him up. A grin broke out on my face as his face turned a shade darker, reminding me more than ever of a tomato. He leapt at me, swinging his sword recklessly. I ducked under one blow, then pushed my dagger forward, cutting his wrist. He cried out, plunging his sword forward.
I jumped over the blade, but pain raced through my leg as it grazed my thigh. “Nasty little thing, aren’t you?” I said, spinning around to deliver a solid kick to his stomach. He fell backwards, and I held my dagger to his throat as I looked at his comrade. 
“Release the girl.” I demanded. 
“Fine, then, but you’ll pay, girl! I swear, I will make you pay!” Red snarled, releasing Sukie, who ran to my arms. I awkwardly patted her back, pulling my dagger from the thug’s throat. Then I grabbed her and broke into a sprint towards our freedom. 
I guess, sometimes, if you want it badly enough, you can fight for everything you want. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll get it all. And what’s better than that? 

Second place goes to.. John Newton!!! 

His Entry:

        The cell was almost completely dark. Only a small square hole was cut into the wrought iron door on the far wall.  I couldn't see anything through the window from my very uncomfortable position on the floor opposite the door where my wrists were chained. My head was still throbbing from the bump on my head I received when the jailer pushed me into the cell. I didn't see the low doorway and before I knew it my head smacked stone. It was my own fault, like it was my fault that we got caught. I can't believe I was so foolish. It was a simple reconnaissance mission.  My orders were to investigate the increased troop build up on our border with Redelia. Redelia has always been looking for a reason to invade and possibly conquer Codera. Contrary to my orders, I thought that while we were here, we could try to steal some documents. I completely underestimated their security. I didn't think about the possible consequences. I didn't even have an exit strategy. Now we're in a Redelian dungeon.
        I don't know where my men were. They separated us once they brought to this border garrison. Since I ordered the surrender when they cornered us on the edge of the cliff instead of trying to fight four dozen men with  five- six including me, they were all pretty demoralized. I couldn't really blame them. They all looked to me to lead them and I failed them. I was so concerned with being a hero that I compromised the safety of my men and the mission. Now my pride and over-confidence will probably lead to all of us being killed. The Redelians don't take to kindly to foreign spies and thieves, even suspected ones. Because I disobeyed orders, I can't count on any rescue. My superiors probably don't even know where we are.
        I thought we might have a chance of getting out as long as they don't realize that we are Rangers of Codera, their arch-enemy, and they believe our cover story that we are bounty hunters. If they don't believe that we are just bounty hunters, even if we don't escape, Redelia might not find out that we are from Codera and therefore not retaliate, which could result in war. If they did, it would be all my fault.
        I looked up as keys jangled in lock and the door swung open on its rusty hinges. The shadows of the jailer and several guards fell onto the floor as they stood in the doorway. One guard held a torch that cast an eerie light onto his and his comrades' faces.


Thank you all for partisapating! 
-M.H.-

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Book Review Radialloy

 I am so glad to have found Christian Sci-Fi!  I  received a copy of Radialloy in exchange for my honest review. So here it is!

A little about the book:


"The year is 2320. Andi Lloyd is content with her life as the assistant to her adoptive father, a starship doctor, but her secure world turns upside down when she begins uncovering secrets from her past. When her father mysteriously starts losing his mind, she finds that she can no longer count on him to guide or help her. With mutiny breaking out on the ship, and two factions desperate for a valuable secret she holds, she must race to help her father and herself before time runs out."

What I enjoyed:


 I have wanted to read Sci-Fi for a long time, but most of it has magic. I was so grateful to finally find a truly Christian Science Fiction book!

It is always enjoyable to have a girl and boy adventure, and have them depend on each other, but most books take it too far. They make this adventure into a romance. I was relieved to find out that Andi was able to foster adventure and relationship making I thought it was brilliant how J. Grace made this brotherly love come about in a most unexpected way.

I read most of this book between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m two nights in a row. I fell asleep reading it and had to finish the last chapter the next morning. Needless to say, Radialloy has a gripping storyline.

I love how J. Grace was able to have her characters be drawn closer to God through the story, and keep Him a big part of the story, while not feeling like you are reading a theology book. Don't get me wrong, books on theology are great too, but sometimes you just want to read a thrilling novel!

This is a story about friendship. It is about trust, letting go of your worries, and giving them over to Christ. It is about loyalty and betrayal. It is about secrets and the finding of truth. It is about a girl with a rare disease, that will not give up.

What I didn't like as much:
I always really try to be honest about this so readers won't be surprised by some unpleasant part of the book, and so my opinion is valid. Nonetheless, there is nothing questionable! :)

Who I'd recommend this book to:
Pre-Teens to Young Adults would enjoy this book most. I, at 14, enjoyed it immensely and can't wait to read the second book, "In His Image."
     
A bit about the Author:


"Being an author helps me have a better appreciation for His care. As an author, you take delight in planning every little detail of your characters' lives, you can't wait to give them wonderful gifts, you are saddened to take them through the valley, but you know you have to to give them something more beautiful."

J. Grace Pennington is an author, daughter, sister and Christian. She loves the wind on her face, her family, to be alone and listen to beautiful music.  She loves good stories and horses and looking up at the stars.  

You can also see this review on Amazon and Goodreads!

Friday, March 13, 2015

March Contest

Hello everyone! I'm sure you are wondering where the March Contest is... I am sorry I didn't get it out last week. But here it is anyways! This month we will be giving away a copy of Radialloy to the winner!


In lots of classic literature the main character has one "tragic flaw". They are a hero, capable of great things, except they are prideful. Or they are brilliant only they were born a peasant. Please write a short story between 300 and 900 words in which your main character has a "tragic flaw" that will either lead to their success of demise.

Please submit these to futurehomeschoolauthors@gmail.com by March 25, when you can see a review of the book you will have a chance of winning! Results will be published on the March 31. First place wins a copy of Radialloy and gets posted on the blog along with second and third place!

Monday, March 9, 2015

Resistance Book Review

Today I will be reviewing Resistance, by Jaye L. Knight! First of all let me apologize for the time it has taken me to get this review up. My school has been really heavy and I haven't been able to find a lot of pleasure reading time. Nonetheless this book was well worth the wait!

A little about the book:


" 'Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.' 

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."

What I enjoyed:
  Okay, I literally fell in love with the characters. All of them. They were so wonderfully developed and I found myself.

I could relate to so many experiences. I think Jaye L. Knight does a wonderful job of making her characters and what they have to go through relatable to the everyday reader, yet also very extraordinary.

This told the story of a persecuted people. It is centered around the one true God, standing up for Him, and standing up for what is right, no matter what the personal cost is. 

I really enjoyed how Knight described and had her characters experience true love. The Bible says in John 15:3, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Knight's characters encapsulate this love amazingly. 

Not only did I enjoy reading this book for pleasure, but it inspired me spiritually and in my everyday life to live it for the Glory of the one true King.

Jace was one of my favorite characters! His struggle with his Ryrik blood and wondering if he really had a soul was skillfully written. I was always on the edge of my seat wondering what he would do. It literally hurt me to see the way people treated him without even getting to know his true nature.

What I didn't like as much:
I am a little worried there will be romance in the future and I won't be able to read future books, but other than that I have nothing negative!

Oh another complaint is that THE BOOK DID NOT GO ON FOREVER!!!!

Who I'd recommend this book to:
I think this book is perfect for older pre-teens through young adults. There is some violence, and a few torture scenes but nothing too gruesome and Elom always intervenes at just the right time.

A bit about the Author:



"Jaye L. Knight is a 25 year old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA fiction. 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.

Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline."

You can also see this review on Amazon and Goodreads!