I’m excited to share a new book by an author I’ve been in contact with for the last year or so—Alicia A. Willis! It was fun to be a beta reader (only second or third time I’ve ever had that privilege before!), and I loved the story immensely.
The book is being released today, and I’m delighted to have my review post coincide with the date. Alicia has graciously offered to give away an eBook version of the story to one of you wonderful readers—you can see the details at the bottom of this post.
Enough introduction. Let’s get started.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recommended for: 12-year-olds and up (see reason in “warning”)
Rising to the Challenge was a fun, stimulating book to read. In many ways, I saw myself in the well-developed characters—especially in Sir Kenneth Dale, who had to do the right and honorable thing, even though it meant going against all his heart longed to do. I also understood Brion well, someone who, while wanting to do the right thing, always managed to end up in the wrong place. Both were equally challenged throughout the narrative, both learning that the hardest things sometimes are—in the end—the best experiences for us.
The story opens with Brion de Lantenac, a thirteen-year-old noble’s son, escaping from the burning ruins of the castle that holds the slain bodies of his parents and only brother. With his treacherous uncle searching for his life, he must find a place of safety where he can prepare for the day he will be able to take revenge.
We next meet Sir Kenneth Dale, a knight in Birmingham castle, who is badly in need of a squire. Through a series of events, Sir Kenneth and Brion’s lives are brought together—and Brion soon becomes Sir Kenneth’s new squire. Brion keeps the secret of his true identity to himself, holding fast to the promise he made to his life-long mentor that will help keep him safe until he can fend for himself.
Over the course of several months, Brion comes to long more and more for the indulged freedom and authority he once held as second only to his father, the castle lord. Deliberately refusing to obey Sir Kenneth’s commands, he ends up accidently killing his master’s favorite horse and as a consequence—and because of his many other disobedient and outright insolent actions—Brion is discharged. Alone, without the protection of Sir Kenneth—or any other knight, because no-one wants to deal with his untamable spirit—he must somehow survive—and escape his uncle’s detection. Despite all he does to try to stay away from his uncle, he is captured. Does anyone care enough about him to try to find out where he has disappeared to––and save him? And if they do, will they get there in time? Or will the secrets of Lantenac castle rest forever in the hands of a traitor?
I received an early reader copy of Rising to the Challenge, to help Alicia Willis with any slight mistakes that may still be in the book. While I did find a few problems near the beginning, by the end I was reading so fast to get the tension over with that I forgot my real job was to act as editor. Instead of being a critiquer, I became an observer—and began living in Birmingham castle and the surrounding area instead. The story is full of exciting, hair raising adventure, with a few humorous bits woven in to keep the tension well balanced.
Through Rising to the Challenge, we are called to continue on in the hard things of life, even when it would be easier to give up and find a more effortless route. Besides an entertaining story, I found it very encouraging to read about someone who fought what he knew was wrong, instead taking the respectable way to go about things—and conquering his problems in the end.
This story is truly a masterful piece of art, and I am privileged to recommend it wholeheartedly.
WARNING: Some parents may not appreciate the different sword fights, torture, and other related subjects through the book (never fully described, but enough that younger children might be best not hearing it). There is also a fairly strong thread of romance through the story, but I did not find it over-the-top or disgusting. Besides some (clean) lover’s talk, there is just one kiss.
Can’t wait to see if you win the giveaway? You can buy the book on Amazon here.
THE GIVEAWAY!
Like I said before, Alicia has offered to give away an e-copy of Rising to the Challenge—a fun, encouraging story that I can (almost) guarantee everyone will love.
This giveaway is open internationally.
You have until the 31st of January to enter, and I will announce and notify the winner as soon as possible.
Have fun! :)
-Esther
You got to be a beta reader for a published book! Thats so cool :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an awesome book :)
This was the second time I was able to do that--SO fun! :)
DeleteYup, it is. :)
Sounds like a cool book. :) I want to read it now.
ReplyDeleteIt is--especially for historical fiction lovers. Perhaps you'll have the chance to! :)
DeleteSounds like an interesting book. I just had a look at the other two books in the series and was intrigued by the progression of main characters—the page or squire of the previous book becomes the main character in the next.
ReplyDeleteReally? That's interesting! I believe I have the other two books, but I haven't had the chance to read them yet. I'll have to pay attention, though, when I do read them.
DeleteThe book sounds really interesting, and getting to be a beta reader! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteI know. It was SUCH a hard "job!" :)
DeleteI have not read any of Alicia's books before, but this one sounds plenty interesting and will hopefully be the first!
ReplyDeleteMaybe so! We'll find out soon. I can't wait! :)
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