The Ilyon Chronicles
By Jaye L. Knight
Available on Amazon
Product Description (from Amazon)
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?
About the Author (from Amazon)
Jaye L. Knight is a mid-twenties homeschool-graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult 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. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra
I'm honestly not sure where to start with this review. I've loved Jaye's books since she was Molly Evangeline, and her Ilyon Chronicles are next to the Chronicles of Narnia for my favorite fantasies - even after having read one book. I didn't know how book two could be any better, but when Jaye asked if I would review it for her, I naturally jumped at the opportunity.
I had NO idea what would happen in the book, but had assumed that the plot of looking for the mysterious Crete and the scrolls he possesses, would be most of it. I was wrong, they actually found him fairly early on. This is a story of the importance of scripture, its value in strengthening a Christian's walk, as I had anticipated, but it was also the story of how God is still in control even when things are spiralling into a mess and seem to be going horribly wrong.
The characters in this book were amazing, both the ones that we already knew from the first book, and the new faces. Jace and Kyrin are adorable, and I had a moment of hyperventilation when her father asked what the status of their relationship was. Kaden was so wonderfully protective of Kyrin, and I loved the fact that he got a dragon of his own in this book. I was expecting him to do that some time in the series, but not quite this soon. Technically, other characters received dragons, but Kaden's the only one who matters. And I loved the scenes with Prince Daniel. Poor fellow, I hope he finds Elom, and soon!
As for new characters, I loved the Cretes, especially Tallas and Timothy. They were both so sweet, each in their own way. Leetra was very interesting, and even though she rather annoyed me at the beginning, by the end, she'd grown on me. Also, I loved getting to know Kyrin's family. Kaden's still my favorite of her brothers (because he's her twin, and twins are awesome) but they're all amazing, each in their own way.
The villains were amazing as well, the sort that you just have to hate, though feel sorry for at the same time.
If there is any complaint I have, it's that one of my favorite characters died (can't say who, though!). I was in denial until the last moment, and even several moments after that, as I hoped and prayed that someone would be able to rescue him in time. BUT ... it was necessary to the plot, and really, in this genre, it's not realistic for characters to not die. After everyone survived book one, I knew that someone would have to go down in book two ... didn't keep me out of denial, however.
Also, I got lost a bit in some of the action sequences, particularly at the end ... but action sequences get me lost frequently, so it probably was just me. The end itself was so very sweet, and I'm really looking forward to book 3, whenever it comes out.
I had NO idea what would happen in the book, but had assumed that the plot of looking for the mysterious Crete and the scrolls he possesses, would be most of it. I was wrong, they actually found him fairly early on. This is a story of the importance of scripture, its value in strengthening a Christian's walk, as I had anticipated, but it was also the story of how God is still in control even when things are spiralling into a mess and seem to be going horribly wrong.
The characters in this book were amazing, both the ones that we already knew from the first book, and the new faces. Jace and Kyrin are adorable, and I had a moment of hyperventilation when her father asked what the status of their relationship was. Kaden was so wonderfully protective of Kyrin, and I loved the fact that he got a dragon of his own in this book. I was expecting him to do that some time in the series, but not quite this soon. Technically, other characters received dragons, but Kaden's the only one who matters. And I loved the scenes with Prince Daniel. Poor fellow, I hope he finds Elom, and soon!
As for new characters, I loved the Cretes, especially Tallas and Timothy. They were both so sweet, each in their own way. Leetra was very interesting, and even though she rather annoyed me at the beginning, by the end, she'd grown on me. Also, I loved getting to know Kyrin's family. Kaden's still my favorite of her brothers (because he's her twin, and twins are awesome) but they're all amazing, each in their own way.
The villains were amazing as well, the sort that you just have to hate, though feel sorry for at the same time.
If there is any complaint I have, it's that one of my favorite characters died (can't say who, though!). I was in denial until the last moment, and even several moments after that, as I hoped and prayed that someone would be able to rescue him in time. BUT ... it was necessary to the plot, and really, in this genre, it's not realistic for characters to not die. After everyone survived book one, I knew that someone would have to go down in book two ... didn't keep me out of denial, however.
Also, I got lost a bit in some of the action sequences, particularly at the end ... but action sequences get me lost frequently, so it probably was just me. The end itself was so very sweet, and I'm really looking forward to book 3, whenever it comes out.
Note: I recommend this to anyone who loves Christian fantasy, or inspirational stories of life under persecution. There is no magic, if that's something that you watch out for.
Genre/Theme: Fantasy, Christian, Persecution
Reading Level: TEEN - upper elementary to middle school to
Mature TEEN - high school to college
Profanity: NONE - no offensive language
Sexuality: NONE - not even hinted at
Other:
Characters die, get whipped, get burned by dragons, and are otherwise injured
Mature TEEN - high school to college
Profanity: NONE - no offensive language
Sexuality: NONE - not even hinted at
Other:
Characters die, get whipped, get burned by dragons, and are otherwise injured
Thanks so much for your review, Kendra!
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