Description
By Megan Schaulis
As the orphaned daughter of a traitor, Novalise grew up in hiding with an outlawed religious group hated by the Crown. She dreams of aiding her people as a scientist and begs her overprotective brother for a chance to assist in his schemes against the government. All her hopes of making a difference implode when she’s kidnapped and forced to compete against the Enhanced—a group of highly trained, biologically upgraded young women—for a position as the king’s Protector.
Plagued by insomnia, King Zadien is still reeling from his father’s untimely death. When his council suggests a competition as the way to choose his new bodyguard, he lacks the confidence to oppose the plan. Given the role he played in his father’s murder, choosing the right Protector could mean relieving his guilt or repeating his worst mistakes. Can he trust the intriguing and beautiful candidate who’s nothing like the others?
After discovering a long-hidden connection between the Enhanced and her father, Novalise realizes winning the competition would give her people the strategic advantage they desperately need. But is that leverage worth compromising herself, body and soul?
Kathryn Pfeifer –
There have been many retelling of the biblical account of Esther, but nothing comes close to Megan Schaulis’s rendition in her newest book, Protector. In spite of being set for a young adult audience, readers of all ages can enjoy this dystopian twist on a beloved story, where instead of a beauty pageant, we have a gladiatoresque contest for chief protector of the king. This fresh take on Esther’s story brings to life a struggle for freedom, palace intrigue, and a desperation to fight for faith and family. I was riveted the whole way through.
And the best part… this is only book one in the retelling. I can’t wait to see what else is in store!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Jeanti Steenkamp –
“Protector” by Megan Schaulis is an amazing book that once you start, you won’t be able to put down. It’s a beautiful retelling of the Esther tale set in a dystopian world, packed with action, suspense, romance, and great storytelling.
From page one, it draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. I particularly enjoyed seeing the relationships between characters like Novalise and Zadien develop, as well as Novalise’s talks with Alpha. The emotional and spiritual journey the characters embark on is truly inspiring.
Despite being categorized as a young adult novel, I recommend it to readers of all ages and eagerly await the next installment in the series.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lana Spelliscy –
What a debut novel for Megan Schaulis! This dystopian, YA story grips you from the first chapter and gives the reader a wild ride through to the last page. A whole new future for the world is set up in this book, with enhanced people sitting on top. Megan Schaulis builds a world around the reader with attention to details and wonderful description to paint a full picture. Then the characters add all the layers for a full story. They pull the reader in with their imperfect lives and trying to figure out how to move in the right direction for the greater good. Through faith and trust they all must learn how to forge the way forward.
I didn’t want to put this book down for even a moment. I wanted more of the story and what would happen next. Then suddenly the book was finished but there is so much story left to experience and live. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Megan Schaulis has shown she has a place in the top level of authors and I look forward to what she writes in the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.