Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig [Review + Giveaway]
Ever since Ronie Kendig debuted her first romantic suspense novel 10 years ago, she's become well known for her portrayal of multi-dimensional military protagonists. In 2015, I was pleasantly surprised to find her publishing her first fantasy novel and was even more excited this year to learn about Brand of Light, since Sci-Fi novels in the Christian/Inspirational market are as rare as finding Jedi in the original Star Wars trilogy. Read on for my full review and a chance to win a copy of Brand of Light and the most awesome prize package!
Title: Brand of Light (The Droseran Saga #1)
Author: Ronie Kendig
Published: 2019 by Enclave Publishing
Published: 2019 by Enclave Publishing
About the Book:
"There’s a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the brand on her arm.
© 2019 Enclave Publishing
Tertian Space Coalition has blessed every planet in the quadrants with high technology, save one: Drosero. But in spite of their tenuous treaty with the ruling clans, TSC has plans for the backward planet. And they’re not alone.
After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she’s borne since childhood burns mysteriously, but the pain is nothing to that when she learns her family is dead and she is accused of their murders.
Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order—not to join them, but to seek a bounty. Gifted—or cursed—with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted."
The Artist Librarian Review:
While the vast majority of Sci-Fi novels I've read have been from the Star Wars series, I've loved watching what I call my "star trifecta" --that is Star Wars, Star Trek (DS9 forever!), and Stargate (SG-1, Atlantis, and even Universe) ever since I was a teen and consider myself fairly well-versed in the genre. In Brand of Light, Ronie Kendig crafts a mature space opera filled with mystery, action, immersive world-building, and a dash of swoon-worthy romance for good measure.
Despite knowing about Ronie Kendig for years, I'd never read any of her novels until now. I was immediately struck with her well-written characters and world-building. There's Kersei, the sheltered nobleman's daughter determined to prove her worth as a warrior. In my opinion, the scene-stealing Tigo, leader of an elite military squad struggling to unravel a conspiracy that leads as high as the ranks his father holds. Finally, the last of our main protagonists, Marco, is essentially a bounty hunter, but with a supernatural ability to sense the feelings and locations of others through scents. Kendig's experience as a seasoned author and her background in psychology assists her in rendering the voices and thoughts of her characters in a life-like manner.
Kendig is also not afraid of portraying realistic situations of combat or catastrophic events and is able to convey the grittiness or horror of those moments without being gratuitous. Her world-building spans a galaxy of several planets and locations, with different cultures, the military of the Tertian Space Coalition, Kynigos trackers, and more. There was also enough elements like jargon and technology that captured the futuristic, sci-fi environment but still remains accessible to readers. I was so impressed that I immediately purchased her high fantasy trilogy, Abiassa's Fire, which I'd been eyeing for years.
Though published through Enclave Publishing, which was traditionally a Christian Speculative Fiction press, I think this novel has high crossover appeal for the general market, especially fulfilling the need for "clean" sci-fi or paranormal romance (for example, an alternative to popular general market authors Sherilyn Kenyon or Gina Showalter). While there are religious cultures or sects, there isn't really anything preachy or distinctly Christian, which may or may not be a positive depending on the reader. However, because the novel touches on topics such as PTSD, attempted assault, psychological torture, etc. (though not graphically depicted), I would recommend this novel to adults and mature teens only. While I admit, the ending threw a squicky curve-ball that I entirely disliked (angsty drama much?) I am confident we will get a fulfilling endgame in later novels and will eagerly await the next book in The Droseran Saga.
Do you like sci-fi? What are some of your favorite books or series?
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via Celebrate Lit Blog Tours.]
About the Author:"Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of over twenty titles. An Army brat, Ronie lives a shot train ride from New York City with her husband, twin sons, and two fur-sons, VVolt N629, a retired military working dog, and Benning the Stealth Golden. Described as an empath by her literary agent, Ronie has used her degree in psychology to write books that have won the coveted Christy Award, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, HOLT Medallion Award, and more. Her books have also hit the CBA Bestseller List multiple times."
Giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/f2e2/brand-of-light-celebration-tour-giveaway
Blog Tour Stops:
April Hayman, Author, December 14
Hallie Reads, December 14
amandainpa, December 15
Inside the Wong Mind, December 15
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 16
Wishful Endings, December 16
Pause for Tales, December 16
A Reader’s Brain, December 17
Faery Tales Are Real, December 17
Simple Harvest Reads, December 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 18
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 18
Texas Book-aholic, December 19
Mia Reads Blog, December 19
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 20
Betti Mace, December 20
Books, Life, and Christ, December 20
Just the Write Escape, December 21
Britt Reads Fiction, December 21
Blogging With Carol , December 22
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 23
The Artist Librarian, December 23 [YOU ARE HERE!]
Emily Yager, December 24
mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 24
Bakerkella, December 25
Worthy2Read, December 25
janicesbookreviews, December 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26
Just Your Average reviews, December 26
Inklings and notions, December 27
Splashes of Joy, December 27
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3 comments
I haven't read much of sci-fi books, besides Cinder by Marissa Meyer and a space opera called Poison by Ashley Hodges Bazer. I have a slight aversion to aliens. Does this book have aliens in it?
ReplyDeleteHi Bynerah!
DeleteI loved the Lunar Chronicles that began with Cinder! The vast majority of the inhabitants of the worlds encountered in Brand of Light are human. I don't want to give spoilers, but there is a part with aliens that is pretty intense (and would definitely be if it was adapted into a film or tv show). I would recommend skimming/skipping that part when it shows up if you dislike aliens (I don't usually mind aliens, but these were kinda of creepy). Hope that helps!
Ronie Kendig is an exceptional author. I'm looking forward to reading Brand of Light.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.