Category:

2015 Favorites (E-Books)

1/3/2016

Favorite E-Books From 2015

Here is a list of Tell Tale Book Reviews' favorite e-books read or reviewed* in 2015.
They are in not listed in any particular order.
You can find all of those reviewed and many more by visiting our Book Review List page,

Here

The Reckoning*

Paralyzed*

Isle Of Hope*

Texas K-9 Unit Series books 1-3*

Exiles*

Virtues And Valor 7 part serial story*

Love's A Stage*

Queen*

Torn Asunder*

Home Before Dark*

Darkness Reigns*

Wings Of Refuge series

Double Edge

Saltwater Taffie

A Matchmaker In Middlebury

We are excited to start reading and reviewing in the
new year and hope you will be joining us for...

3 Comments

E-Book Review - Queen by R.J. Larson

9/24/2015

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Genre:
Fantasy

Queen
Realms Of The Infinite book 2
by R.J. Larson

-From Amazon-

Fantasy inspired by the Book of Esther…

Bel-Tygeon, the fallen god-king of Belaal, has bowed to the Infinite and accepted life as a mortal. Now he is desperate to return to his kingdom. Hunted by his enemies, he accepts refuge among the Eosyths, at the bidding of Serena of Clan Darom. But Serena and her family are also Bel-Tygeon’s enemies, and he must conceal his true name and royal rank from them—even when he realizes that Serena is the woman he has sought for years. The woman he loves. The woman he longs to proclaim as his queen.
Yet she can never be his.

Serena of Clan Darom wants nothing more than to protect her family and to save her people, the Eosyths, from their many enemies. She cannot afford to fall in love with a madman. A stranger. Yet honor dictates that she must shelter Ty and protect him with her life. Will one act of kindness destroy everything she’s worked for and believed?
And how can the unknowable Infinite, worshiped by her lord-father, ever help her in their struggle to survive?

Child of Dust, are you My servant?

Queen, a MUST read!

Once I again I am amazed by R.J. Larson's talent for writing fantasy. I was totally swept away to the land of the Eosyths and to the great city of Sulaanc. I was hooked on these books with Prophet and each successive title only draws me further in, Queen was no exception. The sheer amount of detail in the peoples, lands, and customs is a delight to read. And the fact that R.J. loosely weaves Biblical re-tellings into her tales is major bonus in my opinion. In Queen I saw bits of Esther, Nebuchadnezzar, and Jael.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

R.J. Larson

Author's Website

Queen is an exciting and engrossing tale leaving me unable to put my Kindle down. I breathlessly turned the pages wondering what would happen next to my favorite characters and how the Infinite would move. With each of the books in this series I have felt drawn closer to God and even a little convicted at times, “Child of Dust, are you My servant?”

R.J. Larson is a woman of talent, writing fantasy and Biblical fiction equally as well. I've never been overly big on fantasy, even Christian, but she has convinced me otherwise. I eagerly await and devour each of her books. And Queen is book you won't want to miss!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Queen by R.J. Larson a 4.5 Bark rating.

File Size: 3419 KB
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing (May 6, 2015)
Publication Date: May 6, 2015
ASIN: B00XA60YFW

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Notice: I have an affiliate with Amazon so if you purchase a book through the links provided I will receive a small kickback.

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Free Friday - Prophet by R.J. Larson

12/13/2013

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Prophet
Books Of The Infinite book 1
by R.J. Larson

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to hear the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. There she meets a young ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela battles how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.

ALWAYS check the price before clicking
to make sure it is still Free ($0.00)

File Size: 707 KB
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B0073UPQQS

R.J. Larson

Visit R.J.'s Website
HERE

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Blog Tour - King by R.J. Larson -- Finale

8/9/2013

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Grand Finale!

See the entire tour at a glance...

King

by RJ Larson
Paperback, 352 pages
Published July 1, 2013 by Bethany House

Akabe of Siphra is certain his people are insane.

Why have they made him a king?
What, in the name of peacetime boredom do kings do?

Frustrated by a lengthy silence from his Creator, the Infinite, Akabe decides to prove himself as king by undertaking a monumental task, his own lifelong dream: Rebuild the Infiniteâ€™s temple in Siphra.

But Akabeâ€™s impulsive decision sweeps him into a storm of controversy. The Infiniteâ€™s enemies join forces in Siphra, and beyond, conspiring to destroy the emerging templeâ€”and to kill their king and his mysterious new queen.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Bethany House

R.J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Map Puzzle Tour... Follow the tour to reveal the entire map!

22 - Launch!
Kien (Judge cover) is the original owner of the map... the scrolling mimics his sword...

23 â€“ ADDLibrarian - Review

My own perceptions of God as portrayed by the Old Testament have been challenged.

- Rose & Beps Blog - "Compass: The Dream" RJ Larson

"...if anyone had told me that I would be writing Inspirational fantasy I would have laughed, shaken my head, and offered them chocolate..."

24 â€“ TheWonderings of One Person - Review

This last book in her series is simply amazing in its passionate pursuit of wholeness through obedience.

25 â€“ TheOther World "Beginnings" RJ Larson

"Kingâ€™s main character, Akabe of Siphra, first appeared in book one, Prophet, as an honorable rebel-hunter roaming wild in the mountains east of Parne."

26 â€“ Pieces of Whimsy - "Romance & Action: The Balancing Act"

"This symmetry between lovely gowns, awesome weaponry, and pondering the eternal Word..."

28 â€“ The(Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl

"Mythical-seeming beasts and monsters from Earthâ€™s own ancient legends'

29 â€“ JoJoâ€™sCorner

I give KING by RJ Larson *****5/5 STARS*****

- Christyâ€™s Cozy Corner - Ela's Griddle Bread

30 â€“ Proud Book Nerd

"Akabeâ€™s task, which threatens to be thankless indeed, is to unify his country, restore peace to his people, and reestablish Siphraâ€™s reputation among neighboring countries."

31 â€“ KellyPâ€™s Blog

"Belaalâ€™s ruler is a god-king named Bel-Tygeon who believes that his own will supersedes all others, including his Creator, The Infinite."

- JL Mbewe

Prophet is such an interesting read... the author has created this awesome world that springs to life with great characters from Elaâ€™s little sister Tzana to Kien to the destroyer called Pet.

1 â€“ Worthy 2Read - Reviews of Prophet, Judge & King

Larson creates a believable world inspired by the Old Testament. The narration is rich and the characters are well-developed. The plot is suspenseful, drawing the reader in as Ela grows as the Infiniteâ€™s prophet.

2 â€“ Mommasezâ€¦

4 â€“ Backing Books

Can we follow God in faith even when he seems silent to our prayers? This is something that we often struggle with and that Larson approaches in her newest novel, King.

5 â€“ Shannonâ€™sBlog

With likable characters, a fresh world, and a powerful measure of spirituality, King is a fine addition to Christian fantasy.

- Melâ€™s Shelves Review

This is a well written book with lots of great quotes and thoughts. I found myself stopping a lot to digest the words I had just read. I loved the ending and this is a book that I highly recommend!!

6 - A Year of Jubilee Reviews

7 â€“ Tressaâ€™sWishful Thinking - Review

You can see a lot of similarities or situations based off of different Bible stories. The circumstances and resolutions are not the same though. This is a different world with different characters and other factors,

- A Tiffyfitâ€™s Reading Corner - What's Next?

Exiles

Two tribes will close the mapâ€™s circle in two spin-offs now underway in my imagination and in my computer. Working titles...

Queen

8 â€“ TellTale Book Reviews

I sincerely hope that R.J. Larson continues writing more of this style of book, either continuing the series or possible writing another one. Fantasy isn't my top choice in genres but R.J.'s books have been and will continue to be at the top of my wishlist!

9 â€“ Grand Finale

The map... complete!

Giveaway:

Print copy of Prophet, Judge & King. USA, Canada, UK only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Book Review - King by R.J. Larson

8/8/2013

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King
Books Of The Infinite book 3
by R.J. Larson

-From the back cover-

Akabe of Siphra, I have brought your enemies low
and lifted you from the dirt.

Against his wishes and desires, Akabe Garric has been chosen by his people to be king. A warrior at heart, he'd never dreamed of such a swift, unexpected rise to power. Determined to prove his worth to the citizens of Munra and honor his Creator, Akabe undertakes a monumental task: to rebuild the Infinite's Holy House in Siphra.

Only this I ask: Restore My temple and let Me
dwell again among the people.

Akabe soon learns that the land he needs is held by the Thaenfalls, known Atea-worshipers who will give up their claim only if he marries into their line. Though he seeks direction from the Infinite, his pleas are met with silence. Frustrated, Akabe makes an impulsive decision, sweeping his nation into a lethal storm that threatens his plans for the temple. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies, ancient feuds, and treacherous plots, can Akabe, his mysterious queen, and his trusted friends Ela and Kien Lantec find the Indefinite's path … or will they fail as so many others have before?

Will your faith hold strong when I am silent?
Child, can you be My king?

Another thrilling story from a master of Fantasy!

Once again R.J. Larson has crafted a story that tells Biblical truths and even Bible stories in such an entertaining manner that the reader doesn't feel preached at.

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This Book earned a 5 Bark rating.

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.

Visit R.J.'s Website
HERE

I absolutely enjoyed the hints of Job and many other stories that I recognized from Sunday School and my own Bible reading. In many ways King convicted me about praying while awaiting God's direction and following it to the letter when it does come. In some ways this book reminded of the song Smell The Color 9, even if God doesn't speak to you with a burning bush, or in this case a vine wood branch, he will still take you where you need to be. Akabe doesn't exactly wait on God patiently and thus he learns another equally important fact: God can use even our mistakes for our greater good, and even that of others.

This book is packed with vivid settings and imagery. I felt like I was there watching the sword fights, seeing the damage done to a certain enemy's palace, you could feel the characters fear, and Ela's pain at the continued rebellion against the Infinite. Each of your senses along with your emotions will be engaged in this thrilling book

Just as well written and page turning as it's predecessors, King is a book that will entertain and teach at the same time. I, honestly, could hardly put it down. I just HAD to know what was going to happen next. Even now several days after I finished reading it I am still thinking off an on about the characters or something I learned.

I sincerely hope that R.J. Larson continues writing more of this style of book, either continuing the series or possible writing another one. Fantasy isn't my top choice in genres but R.J.'s books have been and will continue to be at the top of my wishlist!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives King by R.J. Larson a 5 Bark review.

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Blog Tour - King by R.J. Larson + Giveaway + Exclusives!

8/8/2013

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours...

King

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Bethany House

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

My Review

Another thrilling story from a master of Fantasy!

Once again R.J. Larson has crafted a story that tells Biblical truths and even Bible stories in such an entertaining manner that the reader doesn't feel preached at.

This book is packed with vivid settings and imagery. I felt like I was there watching the sword fights, seeing the damage done to a certain enemy's palace, you could feel the characters fear, and Ela's pain at the continued rebellion against the Infinite. Each of your senses along with your emotions will be engaged in this thrilling book

Just as well written and page turning as it's predecessors, King is a book that will entertain and teach at the same time. I, honestly, could hardly put it down. I just HAD to know what was going to happen next. Even now several days after I finished reading it I am still thinking off an on about the characters or something I learned.

I sincerely hope that R.J. Larson continues writing more of this style of book, either continuing the series or possible writing another one. Fantasy isn't my top choice in genres but R.J.'s books have been and will continue to be at the top of my wishlist!

Giveaway:

July 22 - August 16
Print copy of Prophet, Judge & King. USA, Canada, UK only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Map Puzzle Tour...

22 - Launch!

Kien (Judge cover) is the original owner of the map... the scrolling mimics his sword...

Follow the tour to reveal the entire map!

23 â€“ ADDLibrarian - Review

- Rose & Beps Blog "Compass"

24 â€“ TheWonderings of One Person - Review

25 â€“ TheOther World "Beginnings"

26 â€“ Piecesof Whimsy - "Romance & Action"

28 â€“ The(Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl - "Monsters"

29 â€“ JoJoâ€™sCorner - Review

- Christyâ€™s Cozy Corner - Tracelands Recipe

30 â€“ Proud Book Nerd - Munra - Siphra "upstart" king!

31 â€“ KellyPâ€™s Blog

- JL Mbewe - Review

1 â€“ Worthy 2Read - Review

2 â€“ Mommasezâ€¦ - Review

4 â€“ Backing Books - Review

5 â€“ Shannonâ€™sBlog - Review

- Melâ€™s Shelves - Review

6 - A Year of Jubilee Reviews - Review

7 â€“ Tressaâ€™sWishful Thinking - Review

- A Tiffyfitâ€™s Reading Corner

8 â€“ TellTale Book Reviews - Review

- CTF Devourer - Review

9 â€“ Grand Finale

And now for those Exclusives I promised!

Since Tell Tale Book Reviews is the last stop (minus the Grand Finale) we have some special exclusives....

The Finished Map AND a Sneak Peek at some exciting news!

.
.
.

What do these two lovely young ladies have to do with the future of The Books Of The Infinite?

Find out by clicking
HERE

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Book Review - Judge by R.J. Larson

8/7/2013

0 Comments

Genre:
Fantasy

Judge
Books Of The Infinite book 2
by R.J. Larson

-From the back cover-

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness
to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled.
Tell them I seek their hears.
The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading...and hope He will reunite them soon.

Child of dust, will you be My servant?

I don't read a lot fantasy, instead picking and choosing the few authors that I truly like. R.J. Larson is one of those that I REALLY like! I first heard about The Books Of The Infinite series about a year or so ago. The first book (Prophet) looked interesting but I didn't pursue reading it until I found out that the author had written one of my favorite series of Biblical Fiction, under another name. I read Prophet and really enjoyed it. I had been excitedly awaiting the next book, Judge, and believe me it didn't disappoint!

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This Book earned a 5 Bark rating.

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.

Visit R.J.'s website
HERE

Aah, where to start? Prophecies, sacrifice, betrayal, a little romance, adventure, battles, destiny, and a little fencing match, all pointing to the Creator. What more could you want in a book? The author packs a lot of story into 350+ pages and all of it well worth the time spent reading.

One of the things I look for in an author's writing is, not only the attention to detail, but also how descriptive they are of settings without going overkill. I love authors that can paint an entire scene in a few simple words, a scene that is like watching a movie in your mind, almost as if you are there. R.J. Larson has it down to a 'T' in this book.
The world of The Books Of The Infinite is imaginative and well thought out. The reader is drawn in and at least for a time becomes a part of that world.

I loved the nod to the Biblical story of Jonah. Who would have thought that the story would be just as thought-provoking in a medieval/otherworld setting? Other Biblical stories and themes make their appearance and many readers will readily recognize them.

I enjoyed reacquainting myself with characters from Prophet, they seemed like old friends. Ela, Kien, Tzana, Beka, Ela's parents Dan and Kalme, and not the least Scythe or Pet as he is also called much to his chagrin. Triumph and tragedy will change the lives of all involved.

Not only is this an entertaining story but there are many lessons slipped into the pages that are well worth learning. Themes of following God's leading no matter what, repentance and forgiveness, trust, love, kindness, all shine through in such a way that it doesn't come across as preaching or a Sunday School lesson.

I sincerely enjoyed this book and I am happy to say that I have the next book, King, waiting for me on my shelf. I can't wait to dive back into The Books Of The Infinite!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Judge by R.J. Larson a 5 Bark rating.