"The messenger slumped to his knees with a gargled choke."
This is the first sentence in the second book of the Ilyon Chronicles--The King's Scrolls. You may remember last year I did an author interview with Jaye and talked a little bit about the first book--Resistance. Well, today I'm going to be reviewing the second book, as well as share with you the chance to win some pretty cool stuff and read Resistance for only 99 cents. But first, how about a little bit about the book and its author? :)
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Jaye L. Knight is a 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.
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?
To start off, I have to say I greatly enjoyed reading The King's Scrolls, though I can't quite decide if I like it better than Resistance, haha. The storytelling was fantastic and beautiful as always, and along with all the adventures of the recurring characters, I really loved reading about Timothy and Aaron's story. :)
One thing I've greatly liked about the way the series is going is the gradual and more intense build-up for each book. Higher stakes, greater trials, darker secrets...it just keeps getting more and more interesting! And, of course, it would be terrible of me not to mention the dragons, being such a dragon-lover. I loved all of the dragons, though Gem was definitely my favorite, even more so because of what happens with her. :) And the cretes are a rather fascinating race as well!
I have to admit, though, the pacing of the story felt a little less smooth than Resistance. At times it felt like going from a run straight into a slow walk, which was a little jarring. But the surprising plot developments made up for that really well. And the very rather subtle but blossoming relationship between Kyrin and Jace is wonderful to watch and refreshingly easygoing. Truthfully, I didn't even think about them getting together in Resistance, but now as it develops more, I'm really enjoying it. :)
Overall, this book was a fantastic follow-up to Resistance and I would highly recommend you read both books. (and the ones that are to follow ;)
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Resistance Kindle Sale!!
Haven’t begun the adventure into Ilyon? From February 17th - 23rd, get Resistance , the award-winning first book of Ilyon Chronicles for your Kindle on sale for only 99 cents! Check it out on Amazon!
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Giveaway!
Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed Epic Winter giveaway! Prize pack includes an autographed copy of The King’s Scrolls, a CD by Future World Music (some of Jaye’s favorite writing music), a dragon bookmark, a stone hawk pendant (much like the ones mentioned in the book), and a few packages of Twining’s Winter Spice tea to sip while you read! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)
Jaye L. Knight is a 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.