The Torch Keepers - Book Review

Hello dear readers! I hope you are all doing well, and blessed in seeking God daily! Funnily enough, Brooklyn and I have coincidentally happened to review the same book within a day of each other; so hopefully you don't mind two takes on the same novel!  ;D So, please enjoy my review of.... The Torch Keepers!

Author: Hosanna Emily

First Published: September 2019

Genre: Christian Allegory

For Ages: 13+

Mature Content: a fair amount of violence, a fair amount of romance, a lot of mental turbulence and depression

Questionable Language: disrespect to adults; not flippant, a result of confusion and pain, but still disrespect and sin nonetheless

God-glorifyingness: 8 ½/10

Reading: 7 ½/10

Plot: 6 ½/10

Overall Rating: 8/10

It was actually really had for me to rate the different aspects of this wonderful book, The Torch Keepers! For instance, in the God-glorifyingness section, I initially wanted to give it a 7/10, but then changed my mind and gave it an 8 ½/10. This was because there were times where I felt the book needed more Christian themes; but others when I was so touched by the unconditional forgiveness and love of God that it more than made up for any lack previously. (If you haven't noticed, I take the scores I give books very seriously! ;D) And in my overall rating, I was torn between two different scores; it was so hard to make up my mind (for a number of different reasons which I will not ramble on about now).

To summarise, though. This book starts with Kadira, a Torch Keeperess lost between two worlds and lives, a girl who feels the 'never good enough' past will always keep her from the present. The story is told by two different POVs; her, and Rekem, who's life is shadowed by his brother, the Prince Teion. The story is real, gritty, heartfelt and really draws one in to the emotions and struggles of these two and the cast of characters around them. I felt Kadira's pain; her rejection and journey to try to find who she is truly meant to be, was so real and expressive; Hosanna Emily was able to portray the deep feelings of her characters so well. They weren't unrealistic or sugar coated – some scenes were quite intense, and the sin... well, sinful, but it played into the depth of the King's forgiveness, which was the theme of the book I marvelled at the most.

Nura was a beautiful character; I would have loved to hear more of her story. Bowstaffs are really cool, and flamewings – what is not to love about a flamewing?!? The cover and design was very good too, and I loved how there was a short, poetic line at the beginning of each chapter.

There was a fair amount of romance, which is partly why I have rated the book for ages 13+. I was a bit uncomfortable with some parts - Chapter 16 in particular; so if you aren't a big fan of romance them I would skip most of that chapter (but not the end, it has some important plot developments!). The other reason I think it is more suited for more mature audiences is that there is quite a lot of violence and killing; not too graphic, but certainly ugly enough to make me wince at the sinfulness of the Liberation.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book! Though I did feel there could have been a few more, smaller, diversions and plot twists in the first half. Other than that, it was a really well written book that anyone who likes a deeper, more heart challenging yet satisfying read, would enjoy; I was left with a new, fresh and greater wonder at how deeply forgiving and (sacrificial in His forgiveness) our Father in Heaven is. I feel it was doing a wonderful job of also laying the foundation for the next book – seriously, I MUST READ THE SEQUEL!!! This book was great, and, with some questions answered and stories told, I think the next one is going to be even better.

I hope you enjoyed my review! Keep seeking the King and his forgiveness! <333

Until next time,

~ Jemima