Description
By Megan Schaulis
Bitter and broken from his imprisonment in the Citadel, Hatch can’t stand to watch the woman he loves start her new life. When the king offers him a position as the governor of Evania, an island territory populated by Alphanites, Hatch sees the job as a chance to escape his heartache. But from the moment his crutches hit the sand of this tropical island, Hatch is deemed an outsider, particularly by Myah, an artsy adrenaline junkie the locals have nicknamed “Princess.”
Myah is content to spend her days writing letters to her far-off fiancé. The last thing she needs is a government official taking over Evania and poking at old wounds. But when an enemy attack causes the island to start sinking into the sea, Myah must convince the sullen governor that her home is worth saving.
With only fifty-two days to stabilize the island, Hatch and Myah must confront the pasts they both long to leave behind. As the ground literally sinks beneath them, will they drown in their regrets or ride the waves of change to a future neither could’ve imagined?
Margaret Nelson –
This is the third book in Shaulis’ Susa Chronicles, a companion novel to Protector and Proclaimer. Characters from the first two books are mentioned in this one, and a few of them are “present” in the action. There are plenty of new characters to fall in love with! The location is new, and different – a group of islands that supposedly belong to Susa, but most people there think are a myth.
I enjoyed reading about Hatch’s new life in Evania after Novalise marries King Zadien. He has a lot of learning and growing to do as Governor of Evania, and the people there get to learn and grow as well. See if you can figure out how this book is related to the book of Nehemiah in the Bible!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Hannah Ruth Johnson –
Megan Schaulis never ceases to amaze me with her writing that brings together thrilling (and life-threatening) adventure, sweet romance, AND powerful faith content. No worries about low stakes here! I’m so glad hatch got his own story after what happened in Proclaimer, and Myah was easy to love. I want Rafferty to be my uncle, and Zerub, Yara, and Ezri cracked me up–you can’t go wrong with a gaggle of flirtatious old ladies. This book wasn’t without its serious moments, though–and I stayed up WAY too late to finish the last quarter.
Both Hatch and Myah are struggling to find footing after tragedy, and both have responded in their own way. Hatch by carrying heavy burdens and living in grief and bitterness, and Myah by shoving it all away and pretending she’s fine. They are so incredibly raw and flawed, and I didn’t always like their choices… but watching them reconcile and come to God was so beautiful. Chapter 34 made we want to burst with tears at the power and beauty behind it. Our identities HAVE to be in Christ–He has to be our foundation, or it all will crumble.
The science elements of this series are amazing–the nanotech, Rafferty’s inventions… even the glassblowing parts felt so technical. Schaulis clearly does her research, and even though half of the tech is made up (I think?), it feels so plausible! Her writing is vivid and easy to visualize. Can I please get a one-way ticket to Evania?
The midpoint and climax will ruin you, but no cliffhanger here–blessedly. And I order that Lennox get a book next! This was as a fantastic read, as I knew it would be, and you need to read it!
Also, I loved picking up on the Nehemiah connections sprinkled throughout! (I may have skimmed through the book of Nehemiah before I started reading so I’d be ready to spot them!)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest (and enthusiastic!) opinion.
mackenzieharting –
I loved getting to read Hatch’s story following the first 2 books in the Susa Chronicles. Megan does a fabulous job of weaving faith into her stories. Her characters have real questions and doubts that we struggle with and bring them before Alpha. I love when there’s dialogue between Him and the characters. I loved the built on the Rock analogy Myah visualizes, and this part of conversation Hatch has with Alpha:
Ch. 34 – “I can’t do this anymore.”
Good.
What? My mind reacts before my mouth can shape the question. You want me burned out, clinging to the end of my rope?
I want you to stop carrying what was never yours to bear.” –
I was given a complimentary e-copy in exchange for an honest review after reading this book. All thoughts are my own.