Fearing that emotions could lead her down the dark path of her cursed ancestors, Van hardens her heart and focuses on her destiny. When I tell you this series gets better and better. I was ready to skip to the end cause I was so excited to read the result. This has me sitting on the edge of my bed all night reading and I can’t wait for the next book. So much for a girl to carry on her shoulders but man is she strong enough to hold it?! This is so well written that I had to read some pages again, it entangles you into the drama and adventure. I feel as if I’m watching Van grow up, I love that the author takes me on this journey. Amazing. Can’t wait for more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Corine Lombardihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCorine Lombardi2022-04-08 07:46:482022-04-08 07:46:48Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Corine Lombardi-Quiles
If she fails, only the Creator knows if Van and her team will get out of this mess alive. Go Van, go Van! I think this was her biggest adventure and I was worried for her. I really feel like this author wants a piece of my soul with every chapter. If you haven’t read this trilogy please do! During the darkest times we find growth in our MC. This was really a journey I will miss these characters. This author took me on a roller coaster…. This is gold and I’m giving it five stars. I need more from this author she gives me everything I need, fantasy genre check, amazing character development check, more then 200 pages check, series check! Such an amazing read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Corine Lombardihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCorine Lombardi2022-04-08 07:38:462022-04-08 07:38:46Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Corine Lombardi-Quiles
This author knew what she was doing. You have a long story that is surprise after surprise and we have suspense,mystery and a female MC you CANNOT go wrong. Plucked from her ordinary life to journey to an alternate world to retrieve a priceless relic, The MC breaks the rules to sneak her best friend along to help with a quest of her own. I loved this and it’s only book one. What would you do if the person you love disappeared?! I need a best friend like van. A book with a moral of growth and development. This is the definition of teen fiction/young adult and it is great. It checks all the boxes and I like that I found humor in the villain. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Corine Lombardihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCorine Lombardi2022-04-08 07:34:032022-04-08 07:34:03Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Corine Lombardi-Quiles
Read out of sync, started with this (book 3) instead of first book in series (kicking myself now) BUT can still be read as a standalone. I just truly loved the story, this book, would have enjoyed ALL of the adventures of main character. The story grew on me, LOVED every minute spent reading it. The plot, the characters, the adventures and drama kept me on the edge of seat. Such a fascinating YA read. Going to go back and read book one AND two NOW!! The author wrote such a wonderful story. Can’t wait to read more of their work!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Samantha Snowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSamantha Snow2022-03-23 08:05:332022-03-23 08:05:33Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Samantha Snow
Immediately became action packed. This book is a jack of all trades concerning genre. This book made me consider life as to what I’m accustomed to like Van having all her needs met at island. Versus if I was thrown into something unknown like my current journey starting from scratch like Van getting thrown into the mission she is unprepared for.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Diazhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Diaz2022-03-23 07:57:452022-03-23 07:57:45Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Angela Renee Diaz
Little bit confused as I did not read book 2. Anyways I felt this book was similar to Hunger Games, because being stuck in woods in a game. Difference is this one is called Jaychund games instead of Hunger games. Cameras in trees and being viewed by everyone. The similarities are quite astonishing. I still very much enjoyed reading this book. And need to go to book 2 then four.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Diazhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Diaz2022-03-23 07:56:562022-03-23 07:56:56Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Angela Renee Diaz
Definitely going to have to recommend this series! Go read the first 2 though. Many more unexpected twists in this book. I would absolutely love to see this series turned into a TV show! It holds its own up there with Hunger Games, Divergent and the like, without being too similar.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2022-03-23 07:53:002022-03-23 07:53:00Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jamie Truex
If you haven’t read the first book, Stop! I highly recommend to read it before starting the second. You can read this as a stand alone, but it would be much better to read them in order so you get the whole picture. I was so excited to read this second story of Van’s adventures. More twists and turns to keep you guessing. Starting the next book tonight!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2022-03-23 07:52:452022-03-23 07:52:45Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jamie Truex
This was such a good book! I really loved Van’s character from the beginning, even though she was honestly considered a spoiled rich kid. Seeing how she had to choose to be a good person made this a wonderful story for me. It fit perfectly into my comfort zone of books. It has plenty of other worldly characters and places along with lots of action, heartache, trials and more. Definitely recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2022-03-23 07:52:312022-03-23 07:52:31Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jamie Truex
This is the first book I have read by the author, so I am not familiar with the previous two books in the series. That being said, I enjoyed the novel very much. I love young adult fantasy, and ones that also include a lesson without knowing you are learning a lesson are even better. There were definite vibes to a similar young adult novel series (The Hunger Games) at the beginning of the book, but the author was able to differentiate it enough that it didn’t feel stale. And, throughout the series, there are many lessons and growth developments that the characters (but especially the main one, Val) go through and it makes it for an extremely good read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Bourgeoishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Bourgeois2022-03-23 07:41:522022-03-23 07:41:52Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by – Ashley Showalter-Bourgeois
This was another amazing book. It was so well written, and I was so happy that I was able to read this one with this series. Van had come a long way in growing into the women that she is supposed to be coming into. The book really progressed. It really kept me wondering what was going to happen next and on the edge of my seat. This book was amazing and im so glad I read it. Highly recommend this book. It was very well written, and the author knew how to keep the reader interested. I loved the writing style of the author as well. I really hope there will be more to Van and her story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-03-21 11:17:122022-03-21 14:45:24Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This book did not disappoint, I’m glad I read the first one thou. This book starts off a year after the first one so highly recommend reading the first one first. It kept me very intrigued and, on my seat, wondering what was going to happen next. With so much happening in the book it was hard not to read it or put it down. The up and downs Van has to deal with still at such a young age is just incredible and to read about how much she has grown into the strong-willed person she is, is amazing. Highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-03-21 11:02:192022-03-21 14:48:31Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by jennifer reimer
Book one … Great! Book two … Amazing! Book three … Extraordinary!! This installment in this series was everything I wanted it to be. In fact it was so much more than I knew it could be and I literally couldn’t put it down until I had finished it! What a truly wonderful fantasy world that is so intense and interesting you will find yourself wanting nothing more than to visit there despite the ongoing battle in the age old tale of good vs. evil. Vanessa “Van” is at it again on another mission. This time though she has a whole slew of regular life stuff to deal with on top of the games and the mission. But like the true hero she is she wings her way through it with a delightful outcome. I don’t know about you all but I did not see that coming!!! And now we wait … oh book four wherever can you be!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-03-21 08:00:522022-03-21 08:00:52Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
If you haven’t read book one STOP and go back and read it. You will need all the background in book one to truly become involved in this second take. Once again we meet up with Vanessa who is getting ready for the next level in this mission she is on. This part of the story becomes very intense and will leave you wondering if you would have handled quite as well as Vanessa at the same age. Mystery, Intrigue, Deceit, Trials, and the ultimate question to follow your heart or your head. I loved, yes LOVED, this second installment in this series. I was very much looking forward to it and it did NOT disappoint! This is next level fantasy at its absolute best!!! So excited for book three!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-03-21 08:00:402022-03-21 08:00:40Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
Vanessa is a teenager who finds herself in an alternate reality forced to find a relic. There are many surprises in this novel but they are well placed and really bring about how this whole alternate reality came about. This story has everything I look for in fantasy novels. Action, adventure, twists and turns and most of all well developed characters. The fantasy world is super involved and so well detailed you can actually feel like you have been there. The author truly wants the readers to be satisfied that their favorite characters are handled with care and given a full experience. I laughed, I cried and yes I even yelled at the book a time or too. I am looking forward to a continuing journey in book two!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-03-21 08:00:282022-03-21 08:00:28Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
Helm of Awe is the third book in the Anchoress series. I think this could be read as a standalone but I would not recommend it because there has been a lot developing in the first two books in the series. Van is dealing with a lot. She has a lot of normal high school angst but also trying to deal with the upcoming Jaychund Games. There is also a new mission with more involved than Van originally thinks. I really like the story and the characters. Van is very relatable even though her life is different from the normal teen. Also, I like that there are no perfect characters. Everyone is dealing with life and the challenges it brings. I think this is much better than a lot of YA stories. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2022-03-21 07:33:572022-03-21 07:33:57Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Sheri Schrader
Plague of Death is the second book in the Anchoress series. It has been a while since I read the first book but was glad to get to read another installment in this series. This book can be read as a standalone book but I think best enjoyed when read in order. The story picks up with Van having to enter the Realm of the Living and Earth worlds to repair a cracked seal. Will this mission be successful? I really enjoyed the story and character development in this book. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about Van and her team members. The romantic developments were also a nice part of the book. I like the story because it is a nice mix of fantasy, romance, and suspense. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2022-03-21 07:31:522022-03-21 07:31:52Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Sheri Schrader
Please…. You must read the first Two books to truly understand what’s at stake, who these characters are and why they are important!
We pick back up in Van’s senior year in a very Hunger games sorta style challenge that Van struggles with when she again loses control of her temper and it hurts her again leading her to again believe locking down her emotions is the way to go. Can she learn?
The 3rd book wouldn’t be complete without another time crunch mission, this one to Prince Ferfox (Ie Mr off limits) home… but everything goes to shambles and the clock is ticking.
Can Van embrace her feelings , come to terms with who she might love and fully accept who she is in time?
Must read to find out. I’m sorta sad this Journey is over I’m certainly going to miss Van’s tenacity and angst!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2022-03-19 15:39:252022-03-19 15:39:25Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Melissa Saxton
Van a wealthy, spoiled and entitled girl has her world turned upside down one night when she finds out there is much more to her than meets the eye and everyone around her is keeping secrets.
She is thrust into an entirely new realm with her (let’s be honest) selfish and shallow best friend and a team of people shes never met but is forced to trust if they are going to complete their mission.
Along the way Van will have to learn more about herself than she ever imagined, including secrets she never knew her family was keeping, about her lineage, what she wants and *gulp* who she may love….
can she make it through the storm of her mission with herself, her friendship and what she thought she knew intact?
this book is a must read to find out and then dive right into the rest of the series you won’t be sorry!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2022-03-19 15:30:482022-03-19 15:30:48Shock Of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei- Review by Melissa Saxton
This book was amazing, I could not put it down. This book really kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going to happen next. I had to really keep reminding myself that the characters were only teenagers, but they were amazing. The creativity the author made with this story was just phenomenal. I was pulled into his world and did not want to leave. I always enjoy a story to with back stories or flash back it really makes you understand the characters like Vanessa better. I really recommend this book to read. Cant wait to read the next ones
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-03-18 07:42:592022-03-18 07:42:59Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jennifer Reimer
I am not usually a fantasy reader, but this book was amazing. I was hooked from the beginning. The author did an awesome job with building this world for you and the characters to journey through. I am new to this series and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jerricka Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJerricka Brown2022-03-16 07:54:352022-03-16 07:54:35Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jerricka Brown
Being the third book in the series, I don’t want to give too much away with any more of a synopsis than the author gives. I had quickly made my way through the first two books and was eager to continue the journey with Van into her third year of missions. This third installment did not disappoint with the depth and growth of the first two.
D.L. Armellei does a fantastic job at balancing out the narrative so, as a reader, you can enjoy this book as a standalone or as the continuation of the series. I appreciate that even into the third book, more world-building occurs so it doesn’t just feel like a lot of repeating. As a lover of the YA and Fantasy genre, this entire series fits in perfectly alongside some of the better-known series (eg. Hunger Games, Divergent, Percy Jackson, etc.) without feeling like another stereotypical teen drama.
I would highly recommend this book as a standalone for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the YA Fantasy genre. I’d recommend the entire series to anyone who already enjoys YA and Fantasy, and is ready to step into a whole new world that tickles your senses as somehow familiar and entirely new.
Review by Ariel Jensen
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ariel Jensenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAriel Jensen2022-03-16 07:46:242022-03-16 07:46:24Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Ariel Jensen
Van has been training hard since last summer’s mission. Now that she knows she is the Anchoress and has the responsibility of saving her people, she is starting to feel the pressure. She fell in love with Brux only to find out that they can never be together. As the summer mission becomes increasingly hard on the team, can Van find her light in the midst of the dark surrounding her? Can she love Prince Ferox despite having feelings for Brux?
This series is keeping me on my toes! So much is going on with Van’s need to find items of Creation, and her wrestling with her feeling for two boys. The way she works through it all is very well written. I love her friendships and how they are not without their complications. I felt that in this book it is learning about self-reflection and how to combat those dark feelings when they creep in.
Definitely recommend this book to any high schooler! Clean YA read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-03-12 15:21:302022-03-12 15:21:30Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Desiree Ottinger
Van is wrapped up in her own world and only focused on her summer plans. Suddenly, her dad goes missing and she’s recruited for a special summer mission. She thinks everything is stacked against her until she realizes that her fate is not as simple as the next girl her age. Van is thrust into mission where she discovers more about herself and her heritage than she has her entire life. Does she have what it takes to save both the Earth World and the Living World? Is she the fated Anchoress?
What a fun YA read! I enjoyed reading Van transform from a selfish, self-centered teen to one that looks at others and becomes their champion. This had me thinking about a girl version of Percy Jackson sans the Greek mythology. I enjoyed reading about a new world in danger of history repeating itself.
Highly recommend this YA read. It has clean language and good lessons on looking inside oneself to evaluate what the right choice is.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-03-12 15:21:162022-03-12 15:21:16Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Desiree Ottinger
5/5 Stars This was my first book in this series, and I caught on after a few chapters. This book is soooo well written! It felt like I was in the fight right with Van. This would make an incredible movie or Netflix series. It’s a YA story but it’s not corny or boring. It’s very entertaining and kept me turning pages. I do wish I read the first 2 books for more details of the background. But, if you want to jump right in and read this book it’s not a requirement.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2022-03-11 09:47:152022-03-11 09:47:15Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Daryian Lucas
Book 2 in the Anchoress series picks up one year after the close of book 1. Van has spent the past year training for her role as protector of the Lodians, almost to the exclusion of anything else. It is understandable that she focuses so hard on this – it is something she has control over in her life, and there is not a lot of that… she isn’t allowed to date the person she loves, she has to deal with her nemesis Pernilla, and she hasn’t been allowed off-island to search for Daisy. Add to that the grief she is dealing with over the loss of her father, her stepmother has a new boyfriend, and the spirit guide she has is not as helpful as she would like. Van, unsurprisingly, is quite stubborn in this book, and it sometimes takes a lot for her to learn the lesson necessary for her to learn, such as why shutting off your emotions entirely is not a great idea. I was happy to see some growth from Paley in this book, Ferox is interesting, and I did not learn as much about Uxa as I had hoped. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in book 3!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2022-03-11 07:39:132022-03-11 07:39:13Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Katrina Evanochko
The author has created an interesting world. I enjoyed the story and most of the supporting characters were great. The mystery of Van’s father kept me intrigued and for once I did not figure out what really happened – the author did a good job of keeping me guessing about him and his true motives. The thing I struggled with was Van and Paley’s immaturity. Yes, they are 15, but they were both so shallow. They were raised that way, which let me give them some leeway, but it was a struggle at times to continue. I was happy to see the start of some growth from Van, and I hope that continues as the series does.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2022-03-11 07:38:522022-03-11 07:38:52Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Katrina Evanochko
Book three of this series starts off with Van hiding in a wooded area, taking cover while she determines her next move in the Jaychund Games. As the Anchoress and a senior, she is the final contestant remaining in the games except for the unwanted guest, Suixsha.
As the author described the importance of the games, the cameras in the trees and the event being streamed for everyone to see, I truly felt a bit of a Hunger Game vibe. Van over-analyzed the situation as usual and allowed her emotions to get the best of her. So upon coming face to face with her opponent, Suixsha, she allowed her anger to control her and Suixsha took advantage.
Of course, book three could not be complete without sending Van off onto another mission, all while she tries to deal with her internalized feelings for the Balish prince, Ferox and seeing her BFF Paley, endlessly and shamelessly flirting with her ex, Brux. Bloodline legacies, Elemental rules, a heavy hand of fate and Grigori warrior expectations are a lot for Van to shoulder on top of the fact that she remains a typical emotional and hormonal teenager.
I know fluffy little Wiglaf does not receive enough attention in this series, but can we all agree that having a cute little Wiglaf of your own would be incredible?
Van experiences visions or internal discussions with the spirit, Jacynthia, who ultimately behaves like a guiding light when it comes to dealing with her feelings or questions regarding the circumstances of her life. She provides Van with honest and true guidance without telling her specifically what she should do, allowing Van to make her own decisions.
The author provided us with a great delivery of imagery, plot, and character building in this book. I truly hope she continues to write books within this series because I’m enjoying the characters and the action thus far. Each book of this series has been page turners and captivates you from the start. I think this is my favorite book so far although I think that after reading each one. They continue to get better and better, if that is possible.
I enjoyed this book and am bummed that I finished it. Until book number 4? Fingers crossed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2022-03-11 07:32:172022-03-11 07:32:17Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Darla Yocom
Another great book in this series. The main star is “Van” Vanessa, which we follow up with her again a year after her first 30-day mission/project that resulted in the loss of several teammates, friends and ultimately her father.
Summer begins and she quickly understands that another mission/project should start at any moment. She tries to come to terms with the fact that her handsome teammate, Brux, is now her protector/bodyguard, but can she continue to ignore her heart and stay neutral when it comes to him?
She learns that her stepmother has found a new man-child and her nemesis will now be joining their group on their next mission. On top of everything, she learns important details surrounding the mysterious men in suits walking amongst the residents of Paradise Island. How do they expect a teenager in denial of her true feelings to keep a level head when learning new information regarding the Elders, the Brotherhood, EWS agents, the infamous portal, Living World vs Earth World, internet vs intranet, low frequency vs high frequency, electricity vs electricity-like energy, good vs bad, and so on? So much responsibility for such a young lady.
I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Van as she deals with such complex, life changing, adult material since book one. While she seems to handle things well (for the most part), she often comes across as a typical teenager so there is hope she will continue to try to live a full teenage life, even with more responsibilities, knowledge, and skillsets.
Book two pushed the fantasy fiction, action, and mysterious angle beyond what I expected after reading book one. I also enjoyed how easy this was to read. Plus, this left me anxiously waiting to read Book Three of the series.
I’m excited to see the author did not create perfect characters within this series, meaning they each have their own faults, fears, etc. They do not always make the best decisions and that makes them more real, relevant, and relatable. I believe this aspect will make this book more appealing to anyone who chooses to read it (adults, young adults, etc.).
A surprising point that I found while reading this book was how much you can become engrossed in a story and despise certain characters. It is a tribute to creative writing when you can illicit feelings from the reader and in this case, for me anyway, it was all about Ambassador Kasey. In my eyes, he always seemed a bit shady with ulterior motives, but I will not go into details or share any spoilers so any new readers can make up their own minds regarding this character.
I was blown away by the continued expansion created and described in this book. I was not certain the author could outdo herself but, in this case, she did. I was pleasantly pleased with how she wrapped up this book and as I mentioned above, I could not wait to get my hands on book number three!
This is an epic series that I hope continues for a long time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2022-03-10 07:38:272022-03-10 07:38:27Plague of Death (Anchoress Series) Book Two by D. L. Armillei – Review by Darla Yocom
I enjoy coming of age stories since they typically include a complex network of characters, narrative and growth. In this book, the main character, “Van” Vanessa starts as a typical egotistical teenager who only focuses on herself, boys and her intended summer plans with friends. Her bff, Paley is similar from that perspective but to me, comes off as polar opposites when it counts. Perhaps that’s why they are friends? Opposites attract?
Van must literally grow up in a matter of moments once she learns that her mother was considered royalty, she may have been killed vs dying during childbirth, her father is missing, he screwed up at work, could be a traitor and possibly a murderer! After learning all of this and the fact that most of what she’s been told her entire life was a lie, she makes the more grown up decision to pursue the 30-day mission she is being assigned, along with a group of several other teens. One of them is the Anchoress, but their identity is hidden from the group until it is necessary.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a must read and flows well. You will not want to put it down. I think young adults and adults will enjoy this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2022-03-09 07:28:172022-03-09 07:28:17Shock of Fate – Anchoress Series Book One by D. L. Armillei – Review by Darla Yocom
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