Thursday, February 23, 2017

Book Review~King's Blood



Publisher's Description


Jill Williamson's Fantasy Saga Continues!
In the second volume of Jill Williamson's Kinsman Chronicles, a remnant has escaped the destruction of the Five Realms and now lives on several hundred ships adrift at sea. As a flock, they sail north into the unknown in hopes of finding land that might become their new home.

As the king's illness worsens, Sâr Wilek takes authority over the expedition and struggles to rule the disjointed people, while assassination attempts, vicious serpents, and dark magic endanger his life.

One prophecy has come to pass, but another looms dauntingly in the future. Who is this Deliverer? And if the Magonians have him, what might that mean for the realm of Armania?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did it again.  I got a second book in a series and have not read the first.  But this time I did do it deliberately.  You see, I thought I would get the first book and read it before the second one came in, but no.  I didn't.  And I thought o well, I have read seconds even a third book in a series and it was alright.  Wrong.  This book is huge!  In fact, it is three separate eBooks put into one big book.  Anyways, onto the review...
I would definitely recommend if this book sparks your interest, read the first one!  It is quiet difficult when they talk about things that happened in the first book and you have no idea what is going on.  There are also a LOT of characters!  Thankfully, at the beginning of the book there is a list of characters names, but sometimes I couldn't find the name I was looking for.  I did like the writing style.  There is a lot of magic in it since it is a "fantasy" book.
There are many gods, although the true He who Created the World is Arman.  Which I liked.  What I didn't like was that there are these, how shall I put this?  They are like in my opinion, demons, but they are called shadir.  And they can be bonded with a human, and when this happens the human is now a mantic.  The human can use this drug called evenroot and have magical powers.
Also, the human, now a mantic when bonded with a shadir not only has magical powers with the evenroot, but also the shadir can help heal their human.  I don't think Satan, called Gazer in the book, wants people to be healed.  God wants healing and Satan wants the opposite of God every time. So, I didn't like that. 
Now, I don't mind a little magic, but a lot is not my cup of tea.  I also don't like that there are all these demons and you hear nothing about angels.  I would have liked there being some angels that protect the people who believe in Arman or those who are starting to and what not.  The shadir (demons) can also whisper into peoples ears and encourage them to do something they should not do.  Now, if there were some angels, then they could help encourage the human not to do said thing.  Yah feel me?  Although, I did read that Onika, Arman's Prophetess, has a shadir with her, so I'm assuming that's an angel?
There is also lots of immorality.  Of course, the author was doing that for ancient Israel when the people turned against God time and time again.  Serving many gods and sacrificing to them(including sacrificing people).  They could have as many wives as they wanted and concubines.  And all of this is in the book.  Of course, in the first book there were the five Woes and that destroyed everything because it was Arman's (God's) Judgement.  Luckily, the prophetess, Onika who is a servant of Arman warned the people so quite a few could escape.  But now they are all stuck on boats sailing to an island (I will stop there least I spoil).

I enjoyed the different characters.  I thought the author did a great job giving them all different personalities.  Like I said, there are a bunch of characters and I found myself frequently looking up names.

Overall, I enjoyed the upbeat rhythm of the book.  I prefer faster paced books and this one did pretty well.  I enjoyed the different characters and there different struggles that each faced.  I didn't care for all the magic in it.  There was a lot of it and not having read the first book made things even more confusing.  Although I did get a lot of it, but there still were things I wasn't so sure about.  I grew attached to characters and that ending...I'm definitely curious for the third book.

3.5 out of 5 stars.
* I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, February 17, 2017

February Thrift Haul!

I thought it would be fun to share with you all some things I have thrifted this month.  So I made a video!  I hope you enjoy it!  =D





I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!  Many blessings ~ Morgan

Monday, February 13, 2017

Sunshine Blogger Award

Miss March tagged me for the Sunshine Blogger Award!!  Thank you so much, dear!! :D  These questions are awesome!  So let's get to it!

1. What was the last book you read?
Besides a children's book?  Then that would be The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson.  Sadly, I haven't been on my reading game lately.  I have four books I am working on (make that five if we are including the Bible :O), but still haven't finished one, yet. ;)




2. On a typical evening at home, what are you most often found doing -- reading a book, watching a movie, playing games with your siblings, twiddling your thumbs...what?
All of the above?  Sometimes we watch a movie in the evening, or if one of our TV shows are on we watch that. In the evening...well it just kind of depends.  Sometimes we might play a game (the wii included).  It's all good! ;D

3. You have the choice of being an only child or having twenty siblings.  Which do you choose?
Twenty siblings?!  Sheesh, that's a lot!  I guess I'd go with that one.  I can't imagine being an only child.  So, twenty siblings it is! :)




4. Do you prefer bike riding or walking?
Umm...walking?  But I do like to ride my bike!  But yes, I choose walking.

5.  If you had to create your own family made up of characters from literature (or film) who would you choose to have as your father?  As your mother?  Choose a brother and a sister, too, just for the fun of it.  :)
I would like to clarify that I would NEVER change my family for anything.  But for this question I'll go with my Mother being Mary Poppins, because, why not?  And my Father would have to be Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. Peter Pevensie can be my brother and my sister shall be Rapunzel. And for a bonus Gandalf can be my Grandfather. ;D



6.  Did you ever receive money under your pillow after losing a tooth?
Yes ma'am!  The tooth fairy was good to me.  One time (I believe she was low on smaller bills) I got $20.00!!! :0

7.  What's your favorite color?
When I was younger I was always a pink girl.  Now I love blue and pink!  <3



8. Would you rather wash dishes or iron clothes?
Wash dishes all the way!  Don't have to ask me twice! ;)

9. What is your opinion on zoos?  Interesting or boring?
I like zoos!  But I do prefer bigger ones with more to see.  So I'd go with interesting!

10. Growing up, did you have a favorite doll? What was her name?
I think it was Morgan.  *smiles*  I don't know why little kids always seem to name their dolls after themselves.  *shrugs*

What a fun tag!  Thank you again, Miss March!  Say!  Would you like to do the tag?  You would?!  O goodie!  Then here are some questions for you!  Thanks for reading! ~Morgan

P.S. I am leaving the tag open for anyone, so if you want to snag it (that sounds much better than "steal", don't you think?) please do!!!

1. What is the best thing that happened to you in 2016?
2. If you could avoid doing one chore, what would it be?
3. Do you prefer watching a sunrise or sunset?
4. Would you rather have a pet snake or tarantula?
5.  Have you ever had breakfast for dinner?
6.  Is there a popular song/movie that you cannot like despite everyone's good opinions of it?
7.  What is your favorite homemade meal?
8. If you could have a summer home in the mountains or by the ocean, which would you prefer?

9. Is there a fruit or vegetable you DON'T like?
10. Have you ever had second breakfast?

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

A Vintage Girl in a Modern World


I love vintage.  Vintage clothing, books, knick-knacks, houses, everything!  I find it all so fascinating.  It holds so many memories of a time gone by.  When life seemed slower.  They made things beautiful and durable.  Unlike today.  Don't get me wrong, lots of things today are still pretty, but back then they seemed to hold more of an elegance.  A time gone by.  I have learned a lot since I have been getting into vintage fashion. I have a 1920s dress hanging on my closet door.  It isn't in best condition, but it is lovely none the less. 

I wonder who wore it.  I bet it was a younger girl.  Did she wear it while she ran through the grass?  Did she twirl in it as she danced?  Did she wear it with gloves and a hat to a tea party?  When she first got it, did she put it on right away being filled with excitement and twirling around?  It has a lovely blue flower print with white detail.  Simple, yet sweet.  To me, each vintage piece is a piece of history.  It has stood the test of time and each has its own story.  Some are even "old ladies", being in their 70s, 80's, and 90's.


You know what, though?  As much as I consider myself a vintage girl, and I love things that are vintage, I wouldn't trade living in this time for anything.  God put me right where I am supposed to be and I love it!  I wouldn't trade being in my family(the best family EVER!  I'm sure you all feel that way about your families, too:)) for anything.  I'm sure back then was an exciting time, but we are still living in an exciting time.  Everyday we get closer to being with Jesus.

Although, I would like for Him to wait a little longer.  I still dream of getting married and having some children and I think and pray I will.  For none no the day nor the time of His return.  Some other things I love about living in this century is having, internet(um, YES!), not having a certain "style" you have to wear, you can wear whatever you want!  And so many other things I can't even think of, or name them all.


Thank you, Lord.  For knowing me so well and placing me right where I belong.  Thank you, that I am not out of place or time, but in Your hands.  I am in the greatest family ever, and in the greatest time ever.  Lord, You are so faithful.  Holy is your name.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.


Outfit Details;
Blouse: Forever 21
Sweater: Thrifted
Skirt: Stein Mart
Belt: Came with a vintage dress from
the Antique Faire.
Socks: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless
Pin: Antique Trove (store)

Here is a close up of my Scottish Terrier pin.  Isn't he cute?!  I luvs him. <3


Thank you for reading!! Many blessings ~ Morgan 

Friday, February 3, 2017

A Question of Honor Cover Reveal!



So today is the day I am participating in my first book cover reveal!!  My blogging friend, Jesseca has her book, A Question of Honor coming out on March 3rd!!  And today my friends is the big reveal for the cover!!  So without further ado...



Coming March 3rd, 2017---A Question of Honor (Questions of War book #1)

A man. A child. A war.

When German soldiers invade France during World War II, young Joyanna's perfect world is shattered. In the hands of those who hate her, she battles to comprehend why people can be so ruthless and cold toward those whom they have never met.
David Sullivan, pilot in the Royal Air Force, was certain he would never hate, but a painful loss forces him to either reconsider or do the inconceivable—forgive. He is suddenly challenged by the realization that doing God's will is not easy, but most important. With the lives of freedom-fighters relying on him, he must learn the difficult lesson that he is not in control, but merely one who must surrender his heart of obedience to One greater.
A sudden turn of events lands Joyanna and David in the same country—but for far different reasons. When their paths cross, David finds he must make a decision that will affect them both for the rest of their lives.
Will he chose vengeance, or will he let his life be ruled by a higher standard? A standard of Honor.
 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Doesn't that sound awesome?!  I think it does!  And isn't the cover amazing?! 

                                                                      About the Author


Jesseca is an 18-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.


Thank you so much for reading!  And congratulations, Jesseca!!
By the way, happy February!!