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.
Candide –
Rebuilder by Megan Schaulis was a great read !
I had read the first two books in this series (The Susa Chronicles – Protector and Proclaimer) before and this third book was a great addition to the series.
I really enjoyed the story even thought it is a bit different from the two previous books (they go together) and it is still what happens next, but from the point of view of a beloved character that was introduced in the first books : Hatch.
I loved Hatch even in the first books and I am so glad he got to have his own story 🙂
The setting is on an island and I couldn’t have asked for a better place. Now I want to move there 🙂
The characters were well developped and it was hard for me to put the book down !
Hopefully there will be another book in this series that focuses on another character (Lennox perhaps ?)
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
Lauren T. –
This was a satisfying wrap-up to the Susa Chronicles. The tropical setting and hope vibes kept this from becoming your typical depressing dystopian read. And if you read the first 2 books in the series and are on Team Hatch (like me), you definitely want to read this one! Hatch finally got his HEA, and I got to turn the last page with a smile on my face.
Content review: This one is clean with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence. Contains brief kissing. Christian themes are naturally integrated and not in-your-face (for those of you who don’t like preachy religious fiction). The characters are older than teenage, so while the other books in the series were obviously YA, this one could cross into adult fiction, and honestly, it could go either way. The content is appropriate for teens, but the writing is intriguing enough to appeal to adults.
With the conclusion of the series, I’d say Megan Schaulis has become a must-read author for me!
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. The rating and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lana –
It was so great to get to hear Hatch’s story before the Susa Chronicles finished. Heartbroken and adrift, Hatch needs a place to regain his footing. Myah needs to know how much Alpha cares for her and wants to get their relationship strong again. They both face issues and decisions that show the depth of their characters. Strengths and flaws come through so strongly, the reader has no hope but to learn along with them. It feels like new friends that you want to either hug and cheer or warn and groan, depending on what they do in each new situation they find themselves in. The action is high throughout the story, always leaving the reader wondering where the next danger will come from.
I loved the new island location this book is set in. And the technology introduced by this new island people is so amazing. Megan Schaulis obviously did her research to make it so technical and to bring it all to life. I feel like I should be able to book a trip to see all the wonderful things! The faith relationships with Alpha are so well written. It was so neat how the characters could hear Alpha’s voice and communicate with him. I was so happy with how the second book in this series finished I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this new installation. It far exceeded my hopes and expectations. I am so happy I didn’t miss out on Hatch’s story! Megan Schaulis has such an amazing talent to transport her readers to new lands. the pages fly by as you eagerly read to find all the answers and information the characters reveal. Definitely grab a copy of this and the rest of the Susa Chronicles. I’m looking forward to the next adventure! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.