Well, ladies and gents, I’m afraid I went into radio blog silence for the past two weeks without any warning, so I must apologize. BOOK TWO of the Songkeeper Chronicles is currently in the homestretch and gearing up to cross the finish line to my editor’s desk on March 1st, so until then, I have a bit of a single track mind … double track, actually, since I’m also thinking through last minute stuff before Out of Darkness Rising releases in one month!
In any case, expect me back and blogging full steam ahead after March 1st. For this giveaway, I’m quite excited to be able to introduce y’all to Angie Brashear and her fantasy romance Of the Persecuted. I met Angie at an ACFW conference about a year and a half ago and was thrilled to discover that she was not only a fellow fantasy writer, but warm, friendly, and a fellow Texan to boot! I’m ashamed to admit that I have not yet had a chance to read Of the Persecuted. It’s on my list, but BOOK TWO … well … enough said.
Angie was sweet enough to offer three ebook copies of Of the Persecuted for the lucky winners, so you have triple the chance of winning this one. Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter below, but first a little bit about the book …
Of the Persecuted
Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.
Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker.
Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?
Add Of the Persecuted on Goodreads
Meet the Author
When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her nonfiction-reading, football-loving husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children.
Follow her on Facebook (where she connects regularly with her readers), on Twitter, and on her website.
Since I wasn’t able to write up my own review or give y’all a behind-the-scenes look into the story, I figured it would be a good idea to share a little of what other readers have been saying about Of the Persecuted. Enjoy!
I could not put this book down! I read it cover to cover in less than 48 hours. The descriptions used by the author create a vivid image in the reader’s mind of the magical setting for this spiritual journey of the characters. Definitely a must read!!! I’ve already recommended to friends and my online book club put it next in line.
Angie uses words in such a way that you feel like you could be watching a movie instead of merely reading words on a page. The integrity and simple, yet bold faith of her characters challenged me to consider the depth of my faith and my willingness to “fight the good fight”. I would highly recommend this book to young and old (I am 57). You will not be disappointed. I’M HUNGRY FOR BOOK 2!!! Step into a world of magical cities, heroic wars, creatures bound in evil and good, and a community of which you will miss once you close the book. Angie Brashear’s writing impressed me from the start and I already itch for what her future writings will bring! Of the Persecuted is a fantastic debut. It’s not just a story, it’s a journey…and you’ll be glad you took it.
Thanks, Angie, for offering three copies of your book! I know the winners are looking forward to reading them.
Laura Pol says
I'm so excited about this novel because our bookclub is going to be reading it next month! :D Ooo how exciting book two of the Songkeeper is about to hit your editor's desk! I'm looking forward to that one and and OODR!
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Ooh, I've never been part of a book club, but I bet it would be fun! I imagine you get to sample all sorts of different genres and types of writing.
I'm excited too! It's coming up fast. I feel a bit like Gimli in the Two Towers movie when he's trying to keep up with Aragorn and Legolas in their three day long dash from the Anduin. "Just keep breathing. Breathe. Breathe." But the end is in sight!
Allison Ruvidich says
Good luck on the deadline! This book looks terrific. : ) Let's see… maybe Sam from Garth Nix's Old Kingdom books and Marissa Mayer's Cinder?
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Cinder! That's another one I'm dying to read. Every time I get y'all talking about characters and books, it reminds me of all the beauties languishing on my to-read list. One of these days I will have time!
Sarah says
Of The Persecuted sounds really cool! Thanks for the giveaway!
As for the blind date question . . . hmm. I really can't think of any characters I'd want to set up a blind date between, unless I used it as a way to get certain of my ships to become actual, official couples.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Well … that's not against the rules … any particular couples you've been shipping lately? :)
Jaime says
For some reason, I can only think of "bro-dates" or purely platonic friendship dates for this question (hope that's okay). I'd like to see Finnick Odair meet Percy Jackson–because of the whole water, trident thing. :D
But also Katniss Everdeen and the Bettarrini sisters from the River of Time books. That would be a pretty cool encounter as well. :)
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Oh that would be cool. They both come across kinda cocky too, though Percy probably has Finnick beat there.
Bookishqueen says
The only couple I like and know will never happen is actually not literary. I personally like the whole Jack Frost/ Elsa match up between Disney and Dreamworks.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
I never did see Rise of the Guardians, but I do keep running across the whole Jack/Elsa thing on Pinterest! They do seem like they would go well together …
Hannah says
Oh man…….well, Rosie and Lionheart from Goldstone Wood need to spend more time together. So it'd be fun to throw them a surprise blind date.
And while I'm not proposing them as a couple, Katniss and Legolas should totally go out for coffee and then have some archery fun.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Agreed to both. I feel like Katniss and Legolas would not get along. She would get frustrated with his elvish superiority, and he would get sick and tired of her attitude. It might come to blows … or arrows … :)
Hannah says
Haha, I didn't even think of it turning into a fight, but you're right it, it might. XP
Olivia K. Fisher says
If I could set up a Valentine's Day date with any two literary characters, I would choose Neville and Luna from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. :)
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Aw, yes, Neville and Luna!
Deborah O'Carroll says
Ooh, good luck on that deadline! You can do it!!!! GO GO GO! :D
I actually bought Of the Persecuted already! So I will leave it to others to enter the giveaway. ;) I haven't read it yet but it's hiiigh on my list and looks so intriguing!
Yay for fellow Texan authors of fantasy!!! ^_^
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Thanks! I'm plugging away. Almost there … almost there! :)
Yeah, we should have a party!!!
Shantelle H. says
Ooh, exciting, book two!! :) I haven't read any of your books yet, Gillian, but they look absolutely fascinating!! Best of luck! :)
I also have a copy of Of the Persecuted, and am so excited to read it sometime, when I get the chance! It looks to be epic.
As for a blind date for book characters… I would set up a wonderful young man named Timothy and a certain Crete girl, both from the Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight, :D :)
Blessings!
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Thanks, Shantelle!
Oh, I just started reading Resistance and I'm very much enjoying it so far! Can't wait to see how it turns out. :)
Unknown says
Hmm, a blind date I would set up between two literary characters would be Deyna and Tiria of their respective Redwall books. Not sure that they'd work out as a couple, but it'd be fun to see how they interacted!
Gillian Bronte Adams says
That would be a fun blind date. Deyna's one of my favorite Redwall characters, and Tiria's pretty cool too. :)
Elizabeth says
Totally entering the giveaway! It sounds so exciting. :) Hm…for a date, the only thing I can think of is Prince Corin and Jill from the Chronicles of Narnia. I think they would talk about their adventures in the different ages of Narnia, fight a bit, and have a great time.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Haha, oh that would be a fun match! Corin seems a bit used to getting his way and Jill's not afraid to stand up for herself!
Michaella Valkenaar says
So glad you're back! Hmm. I would pair up my own Lemuel Rosenberg, and Janey Moffat, when she's grown up, of course.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Thanks! I'm glad to be back. I do miss my poor blog when I'm too busy to post here. Just a few more weeks though and things should settle down. :)
Emily Kopf says
I have not heard of Of the Persecuted before now. Thank you for introducing me. It looks really interesting.
I can't think of a couple going on a date because I usually like to keep the couples just the way they are written. But if two people could meet, I would like to see Gabi Betarrini and Tris Prior meet. I think they have a lot in common, including kick-but personalities, combat skills, and hot boyfriends. I'm not quite sure how it would go, but I would like to see it!
Gillian Bronte Adams says
I don't like to mess with literary couples that are already together … unless I totally disagree with the pairing. And sometimes a meeting between two characters from different worlds and stories would be too good to pass up!
alifeonmission says
Wow…I never thought about blind literary dates. Hm. Let's give this one "a bit of a think," as the Australian guy who wrote my math curriculum says…
Nope. Still have no idea. I generally stick with whoever's drifting together in books…
Sounds like a cool book! Added it on Goodreads! :)
— Amanda
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Haha, yeah, I like dreaming up tough questions and making y'all answer them. Not sure which two characters I would throw together for a blind date … I'll have to give it some thought.
Miranda Alexis says
I'd set up Emma with Mr. Darcy OR Lizzy Bennet with Loki – just to see the looks and hear the comments (or lack thereof) that the man would make while listening to the ladies carrying on or giving smart remarks =D
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Oh my! Both of those sound like potentially dangerous blind dates! The sort where one or the other is bound to (politely) storm out at the end. :)
Nightingale says
Fictional characters on a blind date? What a fantastic idea! ….but I'm totally drawing a blank. X) Every character I think already has a perfect match!
Oh, I do think perhaps Hwin (of The Horse and His Boy) and Jewel (of The Last Battle) would make a lovely couple. Hwin ought to have someone kind and noble who would treat her with respect and gentleness. And Jewel (had he been born in another time) should have met someone with intelligence and wisdom and dignity. She would be sweet to him and a match for his high character and discernment. Ha! I always knew they should have met! ;D
Nightingale says
Sorry, I went on rather a lot there. #^-^# Good luck on your writing and editing!
Elizabeth says
I also did a Narnia one :) I think they would have been a good match.
Ryebrynn says
I seriously cannot think of any characters I would set up. :/
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
-Ryebrynn
Trista Vaporblade says
Ooo, this looks super cool! The summary of the book sounds really good; I love new fantasy novels!