The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
faydrastratton's review
4.0
Fantasy adventure with a strong-willed heroine and Christian/spiritual themes - yes, please! Ready for the next one!
cpcabaniss's review
3.0
I had a really hard time getting into this novel. I think I expected it to be more of a fantasy novel than it was and that made it difficult for me to enjoy at first. I also thought the beginning was somewhat silly and confusing.
Once I reached 30 or 40 percent, I was enjoying it much more. It definitely improved the further I got. Grit wasn't very likable in the beginning, but by the end I appreciated her much more. While I don't think it was brilliant, and had some initial hold ups with the story, I did really enjoy it and look forward to reading the sequel when it comes out.
Once I reached 30 or 40 percent, I was enjoying it much more. It definitely improved the further I got. Grit wasn't very likable in the beginning, but by the end I appreciated her much more. While I don't think it was brilliant, and had some initial hold ups with the story, I did really enjoy it and look forward to reading the sequel when it comes out.
shelfesteem's review
5.0
Christian YA Fantasy Review & Giveaway (Ends 9/14) | Grit of Berth and Stone by Lisa Dunn http://wp.me/p4ExQk-mg
Why I chose this book…
I am a huge fan of Christian fiction authors for their desire to glorify God through their writing. Harnessing their creativity and God given talent these authors generate wholesome entertainment to suit the tastes of almost any reader. This week I took the plunge into Grit of Berth and Stone by Lisa Dunn. It was a sword and dagger wielding YA Fantasy novel packed with adventure, biblical applications, and hope.
My thoughts…
In the first few chapters, readers are drawn in by a tale reminiscent of The Hunger Games. These opening scenes allow readers to glimpse a society in which the family unit has been destroyed. Sires (men) have the option to claim their children and train them for their future testing or to ignore them entirely. Many Dames (women) live in abject poverty – stealing, foraging, and fighting for survival. We meet 16 year old Grit as she is undergoing her Final branding. This ritual precedes her “test” which will determine the course of her life. I was intrigued by the fast-paced escape and evasion narrative of Grit’s testing, but as it concluded I felt the story really took on a life of it’s own.
As her name implies, Grit is courageously independent, guarded, and at times a callous protagonist. When Scarlett has to explain to her what a friend is, you begin to understand the depth of depravity in her childhood home of Thresh. Repeated interactions with Kinsmon’s people as well as her time at the Southern Sea work to soften her into a more likable dameling.
While reading this Christian fantasy novel I remained vigilant for scriptural inferences (much like I would reading The Lord of the Rings or Narnia). For this reason, my favorite character was Kinsmon whose name, in my mind, immediately linked him to Jesus our kinsman-redeemer. Other allegorical connections can be drawn between Christ and Kinsmon by his actions: he invites everyone to feast with him, makes unfailing promises, provides strength, wisdom, protection and encouragement to his followers. Best of all, he is the catalyst for change in the hearts and minds of men. The other biblical connection I made was through the battle of good verses evil. I felt a strong connection between the character Havoc and the descriptions of Satan found in the book of Revelation. These links further endeared me to Lisa Dunn’s novel.
Grit’s testing and the war on evil that transpires necessitates some violence, otherwise the story is safe for teens and discerning adult readers. If your TBR lacks Christian fantasy, I recommend a foray into this genre with Grit of Berth and Stone. Excited to see where the story goes from here, I will begin reading Heir of Koradin, The Second Book of Chasmaria, soon!
Why I chose this book…
I am a huge fan of Christian fiction authors for their desire to glorify God through their writing. Harnessing their creativity and God given talent these authors generate wholesome entertainment to suit the tastes of almost any reader. This week I took the plunge into Grit of Berth and Stone by Lisa Dunn. It was a sword and dagger wielding YA Fantasy novel packed with adventure, biblical applications, and hope.
My thoughts…
In the first few chapters, readers are drawn in by a tale reminiscent of The Hunger Games. These opening scenes allow readers to glimpse a society in which the family unit has been destroyed. Sires (men) have the option to claim their children and train them for their future testing or to ignore them entirely. Many Dames (women) live in abject poverty – stealing, foraging, and fighting for survival. We meet 16 year old Grit as she is undergoing her Final branding. This ritual precedes her “test” which will determine the course of her life. I was intrigued by the fast-paced escape and evasion narrative of Grit’s testing, but as it concluded I felt the story really took on a life of it’s own.
As her name implies, Grit is courageously independent, guarded, and at times a callous protagonist. When Scarlett has to explain to her what a friend is, you begin to understand the depth of depravity in her childhood home of Thresh. Repeated interactions with Kinsmon’s people as well as her time at the Southern Sea work to soften her into a more likable dameling.
While reading this Christian fantasy novel I remained vigilant for scriptural inferences (much like I would reading The Lord of the Rings or Narnia). For this reason, my favorite character was Kinsmon whose name, in my mind, immediately linked him to Jesus our kinsman-redeemer. Other allegorical connections can be drawn between Christ and Kinsmon by his actions: he invites everyone to feast with him, makes unfailing promises, provides strength, wisdom, protection and encouragement to his followers. Best of all, he is the catalyst for change in the hearts and minds of men. The other biblical connection I made was through the battle of good verses evil. I felt a strong connection between the character Havoc and the descriptions of Satan found in the book of Revelation. These links further endeared me to Lisa Dunn’s novel.
Grit’s testing and the war on evil that transpires necessitates some violence, otherwise the story is safe for teens and discerning adult readers. If your TBR lacks Christian fantasy, I recommend a foray into this genre with Grit of Berth and Stone. Excited to see where the story goes from here, I will begin reading Heir of Koradin, The Second Book of Chasmaria, soon!
More...