Judge by R. J. Larson

Synopsis

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs to the Infinite to worship a new goddess. 

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne?

Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has been corrupted by her enemies and will soon suffer judgement. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading and hope He will reunite them again soon. 

My Review

"Amazing! I love this book!" These were some of my thoughts after finishing Judge. The spiritual depth to this book was so incredible, and so good! Judge is a fascinating book!

Ela Roeh was definitely a favorite character! I loved her feistiness, and her willingness to follow the Infinite, even when it was unpopular and dangerous. (in many ways, Ela reminds me of myself throughout all of the Books of the Infinite series). ;)

I enjoyed seeing how Kien grew in his faith and trust in the Infinite. 

Tzana was so sweet, and so adorable, and I loved her childlike faith!

My favorite characters were the Infinite, Ela, Kien, and Tzana. However I also really liked Kalme, Dan, Jess, Bryce, Akabe, Beka and Jon. (They weren't main characters, but I still really enjoyed them!) :)

What I especially loved about this book is the relationships the Infinite had with His children Ela and Kien, among others. The Infinite was so forgiving, and so loving. It was so beautiful to see how the Infinite talks to His people, comforts His people, helps them, and cares for them.

Judge was so good! You all should check out R. J. Larson's books- they are extraordinary! :)

A Question of Courage by Jesseca Wheaton

Synopsis

A man. A decision. A destiny. 

Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America's focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can't ignore the problem anymore. Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best. Fly. Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart. As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers. But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty?

Lily Wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families. And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relieve some of the suffering. Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she's made the decision to get on with her life, she can't seem to leave the past behind. When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble. But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God's plan is always right?

Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind. And it seems good for him. He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past. But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage?

Three lives. One War. And a search for the Courage to go on. 

My Review

A Question of Courage was utterly amazing! I enjoyed it so much! 5/5 stars totally!

First off, Little Gil was so adorable! And a mischief-maker. ;)

Lily's story was heartbreaking, but heartwarming at the same time. Lily struggled with trusting God, and having courage, which I think a lot of us struggle with. She was so sweet and strong.

Rafe was hilarious! He had a sense of humor, but was still strong in his convictions and faith in God. I loved his protectiveness of the girls in a brotherly sort of way. Rafe made sure his bunk mates treated the girls right. :)

Art was funny, although his past life affected him throughout the book. He had a harder time connecting with people in fear of them leaving- or dying.

The historical information was really good too. It was interesting to learn more about World War 2 from the perspectives of a nurse, sailor, and Navy pilot.

I loved the courage theme of the book. The theme was woven throughout the whole book very well.

Favorite quote: "...Just remember that what God calls you to do, He gives you the courage to accomplish." - Edith

"Burn the Ships" by For King & Country

"Burn the Ships" is about facing your fears, addictions or whatever is holding you captive, and burning it and leaving it behind. Leave the past behind, and step into a new day!

How did we get here?

We're cast away on a lonely shore

I can see in your eyes, dear

It's hard to take for a moment more

We've got to 

Burn the ships, cut the ties

Send a flare into the night

Say a prayer, turn the tide

Dry your tears and wave goodbye

Step into a new day

We can rise up from the dust and walk away

We can dance upon our heartache, yeah

So light a match, leave the past, burn the ships

And don't you look back

Don't let it arrest you

This fear, this fear of fallin' again

And if you need a refuge

I will be right here until the end

Oh, it's time to 

Burn the ships, cut the ties

Send a flare into the night

Say a prayer, turn the tide

Dry your tears and wave goodbye

Step into a new day 

We can rise up from the dust and walk away

We can dance upon our heartache, yeah

So light a match, leave the past, burn the ships

And don't you look back

So long to shame, walk through the sorrow

Out of the fire into tomorrow

So flush the pills, face the fear

Feel the weight disappear 

We're comin' clean, we're born again

Our hopeful lungs can breathe again

Oh, we can breathe again