Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: For Whom the Sun Sings by W.A. Fulkerson

About the Book

Book:  For Whom The Sun Sings
Author: W.A. Fulkerson
Genre:  Young Adult Fiction / Religious / Christian / Fantasy
Release Date: March 17, 2020

The world is blind…then one boy is born with sight.

Nestled in a mountain haven, the remaining people of the world live in a village that is ordinary but strict. A severe peace must be kept severely, as they say. It’s all that keeps them from descending into the chaos that claimed the world a hundred years ago.

Led by the Prophet Valdas and his Regents, the villagers work, play, marry, and have families. They gather in ceremony once a year to celebrate their Day of Remembrance. Life is planned, precise, and predictable until the special abilities of eleven-year-old Andrius threaten to undermine it all.

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My Thoughts:

For Whom The Sun Sings was an interesting book with several twists and turns. The motto of the village ’’A severe peace is kept severely’’ leads to several gruesome deaths and I would not recommend for those bothered by that. This book shows how mean children can be to those they think are different. Which is a galling truth that we see evidence in today.

The story takes place in a dystopian post modern world where everyone is blind. Andrius is born with sight but doesn’t understand why others can’t hear the sun or the mountains- as that is how he perceives his sight. Imagine that. To be the only one with an ability and not able to express it. Then a mysterious man comes from the realms of death who also has sight. This leads Andrius on a quest to find out why his fellow villagers are blind.

I especially liked the scenes of Andrius’s father’s love for his son. Andrius’s bravery in choosing to do the right thing, even though it wasn’t popular, was a good example of how we should act.

Overall this story was not what I was expecting but the situations were definitely unique. The setting lead to a thrilling ride and an original piece of lyrical fiction.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Reviewed by Bubba

About the Author

W. A. Fulkerson is the author of ten books, including Writing With Purpose: A Step-By-Step Guide to Producing Your Best Book. He works in film as a screenwriter, having written the award-winning documentary Save My Seoul with Jubilee Media. He teaches regularly at San Diego Writers, Ink in Point Loma, CA. Fulkerson is a voracious reader across genres, but J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Isaac Asimov, Michael Crichton, T. H. White, Pablo Neruda, and John Donne are particular favorites. In his free time, he enjoys coaching wrestling, training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and studying languages. He lives in San Diego with his wife and son.

More from W.A. Fulkerson

You know the feeling.

Your co-worker is clearly lying again and again, but your boss doesn’t see it. People in your neighborhood keep voting for the same crooked politicians, but they don’t listen when you suggest an alternative. You know you’d be the perfect couple if he/she only gave you a chance. You’ve found the secret to living a better, freer life, but no one else cares to participate.

Sometimes, it seems like the whole world has gone crazy, and you’re the only one who refuses to swallow the crazy pills. It’s an aggravating feeling, and it lies at the heart of my new novel For Whom the Sun Sings.

It’s dedicated “To everyone who has ever felt alone in knowing the truth,” but the book is not an allegory. It doesn’t hint at political points or try to convince you of anything. It’s a catharsis, vented by way of a story that will hopefully have you putting off your to-do list so you can finish the book. (A lot of the advance readers have read it in just one day, which makes me feel good, as the author.)

The main character, Andrius, is the ultimate expression of that frustrated feeling of something being so clear to you, but you lack the ability to explain to, cajole, or convince anyone. Writing it felt like healing, for that reason, and I hope it’s refreshing to you as well.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 31

Inklings and notions, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Wishful Endings, April 3 (Author Interview)

April Hayman, Author, April 3

deb’s Book Review, April 4

Artistic Nobody, April 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 7

Emily Yager, April 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 9

Pause for Tales, April 10

amandainpa, April 11

Simple Harvest Reads, April 12 (Guest Reviewer Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, W.A. is giving away the grand prize of an autographed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f739/for-whom-the-sun-sings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: Enclave by Thomas Locke

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About:

Fifty years after America's collapse, Caleb has a plan that could help secure his enclave's future. But if his secret is uncovered, he won't live to see another dawn.

My Thoughts:

Thomas Locke practices his gifted ability in this complex novel. The distinct old western dialogue and the fun cowboy backdrop made this an enticing read for me. Each and every narrative is as gripping as the one before it, and the characters ground with expressive realistic reactions. Not everything is as it seems in this dystopian earth. Who are the specials? Why are they different? Why are they being rounded up? Who is gathering them? Locke keeps you turning the pages in this edge-of-the-seat wild ride. The thrill and suspense will keep you coming back for more!

An interesting concept of a future earth and I am wondering where this series will take us. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Reviewed by JackBo

Review: Reclaiming Shilo Snow by Mary Weber

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About:

Trapped on the ice-planet of Delon, gamer girl Sofi and Ambassador Miguel have discovered that nothing is what it seems, including their friends. On a quest to rescue her brother, Shilo, a boy everyone believes is dead, they must now escape and warn Earth of Delon’s designs on humanity. Except the more they unearth of the planet and Sofi’s past, the more they feel themselves unraveling, as each new revelation has Sofi questioning the very existence of reality.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, Sofi’s mom, Inola, is battling a different kind of unraveling: a political one that could cost lives, positions, and a barely-rebuilt society, should they discover the deal made with the Delonese.

But there’s a secret deeper than all that. One locked away inside Sofi and ticking away with the beginnings, endings, and answers to everything. Including how to save humanity.

My Thoughts:

In hind sight, I probably should have reread The Evaporation of Sofi Snow before reading this, but it didn't take me very long to start remembering the events of the last book. I still like the Storm Siren trilogy more, but I also really enjoyed these books, as well.

Reclaiming Shilo Snow is told through the POV's of Sofi, Miguel, and Inola.

I especially enjoyed reading about Miguel, who was just as great in this book as he was in the last one- if not more. Sofi really developed as a character in this one. I wasn't sure if I completely liked her in the last book, but after reading this book I decided that I did.

I didn't think that Inola's POV would be that interesting. I believed that I wouldn't care for her as a character, and would spend the time reading it waiting for Miguel or Sofi to come back onto the screen. I was wrong. Inola's were probably the most interesting set of chapters there was. I came to really like her as a character... and I shall zip my lips from saying more.

My one qualm with this book is that there was not enough Claudius in it. I love that guy! And everything he does makes me laugh. Then again, even if Claudius was on every page there wouldn't be enough of him.

I will warn you, however not to grow too attached to anyone. Mwahaha! No seriously, this is Mary Weber we're talking about here.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Reviewed by Nicki

Review and Giveaway: The Uncloaked Trilogy by J. Rodes

About the Books

From Sellout to hero, by way of the den. Braxton Luther finds himself in the crossfire of a new order, and discovers apathy is a dangerous option.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

My Thoughts on all three

The Uncloaked by J. Rodes gave me serious flashbacks to my tenth grade when I learned about the twentieth century. Reading about Kasen taking over, was like reading a page out of Hitler’s book. Coming to power over a country beaten down by the reminders of old conflicts and overly strict rules. Check. Targeting the youth and turning them into fanatics. Double check.

I have to admit that I didn’t feel very patriotic with this America because it was barely recognizable. It was a land of rules and regulations and very little freedom. So while reading of the Progressive Party’s takeover, and everyone bemoaning how this couldn’t happen to their America… well, it was an unrecognizable America to begin with.

I enjoyed Braxton, he reminded me a little of Percy Jackson, a Percy Jackson with severe anger issues. His perspective wasn’t always the most clear and he did many things that I never would have, but on a whole I liked him. That ending though… man I wasn’t sure what to think of that.

In Tearing the Veil by J. Rodes we continue Braxton’s journey. He’s a Jackal now and is racked by guilt over what happened in the last book. This is a far darker Braxton, but I felt bad for him as he tried to shoulder so many responsibilities.

In this book we get Hannah’s point of view and a bit of a different perspective of the Progressive Party. I liked Hannah, and related with her greatly in many areas, though there were several areas in this book where she was completely unreasonable. And while I liked Quinn a lot, her relationship with him felt a little insta-lovey. I know that they knew each other for several weeks, but I would have liked to have seen it. Also I was often confused by Quinn’s enigmatic personality and I was left wondering what made him tick.

Then there’s that ending which certainly made me hurry to read 

the third book. Whew.

In this final installment to the Uncloaked Trilogy we get Quinn and Eliza’s point of views as well as Braxton’s. I was a little confused with Quinn and Eliza’s sections because there was so much inner conflict going on, I don’t want to say much more for fear of giving away the plot, but I was just as confused as the main characters as to what they should do.

There was a particular storyline in this book that reminded me of the Hunger Games and I was chanting Hunger Games, Hunger Games, Hunger Games under my breath… but there is a plot twist that I certainly did not see coming that made me recoil and go that’s not Hunger Games…

There was some language in this book, that I certainly wasn’t expecting, and while there was quite a bit of violence in the other books, I felt this one was the most violent.

Overall, this was an intriguing series asking the question of what could have been? Or even what could be? The characters were well developed and relatable, and I was kept guessing the entire story as to what would happen next.

I received all three books for free. I was not required to post a positive review for any and all views and opinions are my own.

Reviewed by Nicki

About the Author:

J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see the kids she’s honored to teach fall in love with Him too.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Giveaway:

1. Print copies of the books (US only)
2. E-copies of the books (International)
3. Audio copies of the books (International)  

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Tour Schedule

January 8-Soulfully Romantic
January 9-Smiling Book Reviews
January 10-Book by Book | Flowers of Quiet Happiness
January 11-Just Commonly ​
January 12-Remembrancy
January 13-The Green Mockingbird
January 15-amandainpa
January 16-Fiction Aficionado | A Baker’s Perspective
Janaury 17-Singing Librarain Books
January 18-Henry Happens
January 19-Reader’s Cozy Corner
January 20-Pause for Tales

Review: All Things Now Living by Rondi Bauer Olson

About:

Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him.

Sixteen-year-old Amy doesn't like anything to die, she won't even eat the goats or chickens her mama has butchered every fall, but she can't let herself pity the inhabitants of New Lithisle. In a few short months the dome they built to isolate themselves from the deadly pandemic is predicted to collapse, but her whole life Amy has been taught it's God's will they die. They traded their souls for immunity to the swine flu virus, brought God's curse upon themselves by adding pig genes to their own.

Then, while on a scavenging trip with her father, Amy is accidentally trapped in New Lithisle. At first her only goal is to escape, but when she meets Daniel, a New Lithisle boy, she begins to question how less-than-human the people of New Lithisle are.

Amy's feelings grow even more conflicted when she learns she didn't end up in New Lithisle by mistake. Her father is secretly a sympathizer, and was trying to prevent the coming destruction.

Now time is running short and Amy has to decide if she will bring the computer program her father wrote to his contact or save herself. Installing the program could prevent the dome's collapse, but if Amy doesn't find her father's contact in time, she'll die, along with everyone else.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

All Things Now Living by Rondi Bauer Olson was a clean YA dystopian romance. Olson creates an interesting futuristic world, one ravaged by plague with the civilization divided into two people groups: the genetically altered highly technologically advanced mutants living in the Aegis and the pure civilization of Old Lithisle who fight to survive outside the Aegis. I would have liked a few more details on how these civilizations were ran and functioned as well as how some of the futuristic devices worked, as I was often confused, but as a whole the concept was intriguing.

I did feel like the main focus of this story was the romance. Daniel was so nice and Amy was a little… less nice and not above using Daniel’s niceness to her own advantage. It reminded me a little of Katniss and Peeta, only both Amy and Daniel were a lot nicer. The romance was a little insta-lovey for my tastes, but by the end of the book both Amy and Daniel had grown as characters.

However, I was not prepared for the heartbreak of a shocking scene that seemed so cruel and merciless to me. So if you are looking for a clean YA dystopian not like any other of its genre then this is certainly the book to read, but I wouldn’t advice getting too emotionally involved with anyone.

P. S. I really like the creative title of this book and the cover stood out to me.

I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Reviewed by Nicki

About the Author:

Rondi Bauer Olson is a reader and writer from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she lives on a hobby farm with her husband, Kurt. She has four grown children, works as a nurse, and also owns a gift shop within view of beautiful Lake Superior.

Find out more about Rondi at http://rondibauerolson.weebly.com.

What others are saying:

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Review: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber

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About:

In a world where skycams follow your every move and the details of your life are uploaded each hour, Sofi knows that her eyes are the only caring ones watching her brother, Shilo. As an online gamer, she works behind the scenes to protect Shilo as he competes in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. But when a bomb destroys the gaming arena, she is helpless to rescue him—and certain that his disappearance was no accident.

My Thoughts:

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow was a strange book, but in a good way. Very different from anything I’ve ever read.  Author Weber keeps you guessing throughout the entire story. The world building was sublime. I felt like I’d lived in this world my whole life by the time I finished the book. And the plot was complex and filled with many twists and turns.

The characters were also very enjoyable. Sofi is a snarky, independent computer genius, who is determined to always get her way. But underneath all that causticness is vulnerability and pain. Heller and Claudius were very amusing characters who kept me snickering at their antics. And Miguel? Si, Si. Miguel was an excellent character. He was quite the paradox; complex but relatable, a player but caring too, he had secrets but was open and honest; he was the target of blackmail but believed strongly in honor and integrity. Not to mention that he was muy atractivo. In case you didn’t notice, he was my favorite character.

The ending is a tough one, but compared to the ending of Storm Siren I’m counting my lucky stars that I got off easy. I look forward to the next book, to see what will happen next in this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Fiction Guild. I was not required to give a positive review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Reviewed by Nicki

Review: The Remnant by Monte Wolverton

About the book:

The Remnant (Plain Truth Ministries, August 2016)

In the year 2069 the Apocalypse came and went, but Jesus didn't show up, as some expected.

Instead, a cataclysmic war, natural disasters and pandemics eradicated 90 percent of earth's population. Now, in 2131, a totalitarian government rules the world from the majestic, opulent capitol of Carthage, Tunisia. Blamed for igniting the war, religion and religious books are banned. Citizens who will not renounce their religion are sent to work camps.

Grant Cochrin, imprisoned in a bleak petroleum camp in what was once North Dakota, leads his family and friends to escape and embark on a long, dangerous quest for a Christian community. Their resource in this journey? A cherished page torn from the now banished Bible---a remnant of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount handed down from Grant's grandparents. 

What if there were an Apocalypse and Jesus didn't return? What if the survivors found themselves living in a world ruled by a totalitarian government, where religion is forbidden and all religious texts have been destroyed?

In The Remnant, award-winning author Monte Wolverton tells the tale of a band of concentration camp escapees who trek through the lawless American wilderness on a quest for authentic Christianity, only to come face to face with an unthinkable dilemma. The Remnant is a fast-paced story punctuated with dry satire, memorable characters and hard questions about religious institutions.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fVwBoJ

My Review:

The Remnant by Monte Wolverton was an interesting examination of Christianity, cults, and the human mind. Unlike most dystopian books, this one actually realistically deals with what would happen to religion should such a world arise, which was also a really good allegory of how it is now. I also really liked the explanation of how the ‘apocalypse’ happened- very well thought out, as well as the entire geographic setting. The story had a lot of variety, and I liked watching the little band of Christ-followers as they grew in faith and numbers, as well as wondering where the twists would take them. Unfortunately, sometimes it seemed like the story was being told rather than shown. Overall though, this was a very thought-provoking read and a fascinating idea.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for free.  I was not required to give a positive review.  The views expressed are my own.

Reviewed by Jes

About the author:

Monte Wolverton is an award-winning author and syndicated editorial cartoonist. He is associate editor of CWR magazine. He is an ordained minister and holds a MA from Goddard College in Vermont. Along with his wife Kaye, he makes his home in southwest Washington State.

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What others are saying:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/mwolverton