Ilyon & Acktar blog tour {Spotlights + Review}
Welcome to another epic stop on the combined Ilyon and Acktar blog tour! Fantasy series written and published by indie authors, these are much-loved books. I've been an honorary Acktarian for a few years, and I'm planning my first visit to Ilyon in the new year. ;)
ACKTAR
(Haven’t discovered the The Blades of Acktar yet? Find out more at on the official Blades of Acktar page!)
About Decree
The Adventure Continues.
Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories.
The Blades as They Should’ve Been
A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family?
The First Mission
When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help?
To the Far Great Mountains
A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves?
From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.
My Review
Rather than try to combine all my feelings for this darling book in a coherent paragraph or two, I'll briefly go over each story and novella included—a total of ten. I so enjoyed my journey back to Acktar this week! <3(Contains spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the previous four books in The Blades of Acktar series!)
Meeting Martin — a short story — 4 stars
This was a nice little story, and an insightful look into Martyn's backstory, including his introduction to Harrison Vane and Leith. The long division conversation made me smile. <3
A Blizzard for Brandi — a short story— 4 stars
Well, that was sweet. A bit predictable, by the title, but it was sweet to see Leith, Renna, Brandi, and their makeshift family.
The Blades as They Should Have Been — a novella— 4 stars
I was...kinda bored at first?? *wince* The feels were fabulous, as well as seeing everyone again and the intro to the Blade Marshals, but all the politics kind of bored me. It got more engaging toward the end, though.
The First Mission — a novella — 5 stars
Um, excuse me while I smirk over how adorable Martyn and Kayleigh are together. All this brother relationship thing with Owen? #allthehearts The hatred vs. forgiveness thread with Lord Norton was AMAZE—feelsy and so well done. Also, when Martyn was trying to comfort the girl and asking Kayleigh for advice...golly, who wouldn't grin over that? <3
Honeymoon Holdup — a short story— 4 stars
Cute and humorous, with it's serious moments. I'll always love Leith and Renna together. My only "complaint" would be that the can't-kill-even-in-the-line-of-duty-because-everyone-knows-I-was-an-assassin thing felt like a bit of a repeat of Martyn's struggles. Not that they both wouldn't be facing those thoughts in the given situations, it just felt redundant?
The Wedding — a short story — 4 stars
Basically, ten–twenty pages of Shad and Jolene being so darn cute. xD (I think I'd read this one before? Maybe during a blog tour special for street team members or something... I don't know, but it was familiar.)
To the Far Great Mountains — a novella — 5 stars
A mission that throws Leith and Marytn together on their own for a month + a wedding + a Torren baby?! YES PLEASE. The guys' escapade in Verden had me grinning and adoring their brothers-relationship, and the two of them talking about fatherhood made me so happy. My children are growing up. *sniffs*
The Healer and the Clerk — a novella — 4 stars
At first, I wasn't sure I'd like this one—I previously haven't been a fan of Michelle Allen and Ranson isn't a favorite of mine—but this ended up being a really sweet story. <3
The Perfect Plan — a short story — 4 stars
A funny and sweet story of Renna and Brandi's parents, Lord Laurance Faythe and Princess Annita Eirdon. From this one, you can see where Brandi got her spunk. ;) (I’d definitely read this one before, a shorter version. Again, probably from some sort of blog tour special or something.)
The Treaty — a short story — 5 stars
*grinning like a dork* So the rest of it was dandy, but gracious, that ending was ADORABLE. I always knew Leith would make a precious dad. <333
4/4.5 stars!
**I received this ebook free from the author for blog tour/promotional purposes. No reviews, positive or otherwise, were required. All opinions expressed are purely my own.**
About the Author
Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.
ILYON
(Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!)
About Bitter Winter
Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country.
Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.
About Lacy
The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
An Ilyon Chronicles Novella
About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
GIVEAWAY
Are you an Acktar fan? A Ilyon fan? Are you ready for some fabulous new reads?
Awesome review! These are my favorite fantasy series, and almost the only ones I read!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kaylee! :D They're my favorites too!!
DeleteOh wow, I guess I didn't realize that "Decree" is a bunch of short stories combined in one book. That's fun though! Maybe in the new year I'll finish the series...we'll see. ;)
ReplyDeleteI didn't at first either! But yes, it was cool. Some were from years before, while others continued the story after Deliver (book#4). I hope you like them! ;)
DeleteI have dual citizenship! I'm both an Acktarian and Ilyonian! And I adore them both! <3 I'm a bit over halfway done reading Decree. Thanks for the review! :)
ReplyDeleteHooray! :D Decree was fabulous! <3
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