“Mom, I think I like fantasy,” and with those words, I set out on my own quest, like those found in this particular genre, to find clean fantasy books.
One thing I have noticed of late, is the particular influx of darker theme within contemporary YA novels. Going through the shelves at the library or the book store reveals a particular dark theme that I am not sure I really want my daughter reading. I understand the appeal of a made up world where the magical realism is very imaginative and creative. But more often than not, these books are also filled with content that I really don’t want my daughter choosing to read. When I learned about The Torch by R. J. Anderson, and it being a clean Fantasy YA, I knew I had to see if this is a book that would fit the bill of what both my daughter and I were looking for.
I think the unfortunate thing about this was that I began with book three. Reviews assured me that this can be read as a stand alone, and yet I knew as I began the book that while there was great smooth conversations to let me know what had led our characters to their current situation, it did make me realize that I will now know content from the other books that I would have preferred to be surprised at.
Nevertheless, I am glad I read this book. It was very imaginative and wasn’t stilted, as I find some YA books to be. If you enjoy the creative world of Narnia, complete with sibling squabbles, you may enjoy this book!
This book is currently on tour with Celebrate Lit.
I was given a free copy in exchange for my full and honest review.
About the Book
Book: Torch
Author: R.J. Anderson
Genre: Christian YA Fantasy
Release date: February 9, 2021
How do you fight fire without fire?
When a freak storm uncovers the entrance to a mysterious underground chamber, Ivy and Martin expect to find treasure. But what they discover is even more valuable: a barrow full of sleeping spriggans, magically preserved for centuries. With the vengeful piskey queen Betony determined to capture Ivy and her followers, the secret hideaway could be key to both their peoples’ survival.
But the piskeys and spriggans are ancient enemies, and when Ivy tries to make peace her own followers threaten to turn against her. Plagued by treachery, betrayal and desertion on every side, Ivy must find a way to unite the magical folk of Cornwall–or doom herself, Martin and everyone she loves to death at Betony’s hand.
Yet without the legendary fire-wielding power that marks a true piskey queen, can Ivy convince her people to believe?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Born in Uganda to missionary parents, R.J. (Rebecca Joan) Anderson is a women’s Bible teacher, a wife and mother of three, and a bestselling fantasy author for older children and teens. Her debut novel Knife has sold more than 120,000 copies worldwide, while her other books have been shortlisted for the Nebula Award, the Christy Award, and the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Science Fiction. Rebecca lives with her family in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
More from R. J.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, February 27
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 28
Woven by Words, February 28
Through the Fire Blogs, March 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2
Worthy2Read, March 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3
For the Love of Literature, March 4
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 4
Inklings and notions, March 5
For Him and My Family, March 6
The Book Chic Blog, March 6
deb’s Book Review, March 7
Sodbusterliving, March 8
Sara Jane Jacobs, March 8
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 9
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 10
Artistic Nobody, March 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11
Blogging With Carol, March 12
Mia Reads, March 12
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, R.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed bookplate, bookmarks, notecards, and a copy of either SWIFT, NOMAD or TORCH!! (winner’s choice)
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1089c/torch-celebration-tour-giveaway