Celebrate Lit / March 6, 2021

Torch

About the Book Torch

Book: Torch

Author: R.J. Anderson

Genre: Christian YA Fantasy

Release date: February 9, 2021

How do you fight fire without fire?

When a freak storm uncovers the entrance to a mysterious underground chamber, Ivy and Martin expect to find treasure. But what they discover is even more valuable: a barrow full of sleeping spriggans, magically preserved for centuries. With the vengeful piskey queen Betony determined to capture Ivy and her followers, the secret hideaway could be key to both their peoples’ survival.

But the piskeys and spriggans are ancient enemies, and when Ivy tries to make peace her own followers threaten to turn against her. Plagued by treachery, betrayal, and desertion on every side, Ivy must find a way to unite the magical folk of Cornwall–or doom herself, Martin, and everyone she loves to death at Betony’s hand.

Yet without the legendary fire-wielding power that marks a true piskey queen, can Ivy convince her people to believe?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts on Torch

First, this is book three in a series. This is not a series that you should read out of order. They definitely follow each other and are not stand alone as they continue the story from the first through the third and you will be lost without reading them in order.

In this book, we get to revisit Ivy as she tries to keep her kingdom together. We get to watch her grow and develop in character into what a true queen should be. It’s not like she can ever be queen though is it? I mean she doesn’t wield fire like a true piskey queen. But she has the makings of a true queen in that she cares and wants to help her people. She’s a servant leader.

These books have an allegory-type way about them to Christ and the true leadership that He holds. I love seeing this. They are geared towards young adults. I love knowing that there are good solid Christian fiction fantasy titles out there for my children as they outgrow the younger series of books but aren’t quite ready for adult books yet.

This is definitely a series that my teenagers have enjoyed and that we will be putting on the shelf for my other kids to grow into. It’s a series worth saving on the shelf for those to come.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of Torch

Born in Uganda to missionary parents, R.J. (Rebecca Joan) Anderson is a women’s Bible teacher, a wife and mother of three, and a bestselling fantasy author for older children and teens. Her debut novel Knife has sold more than 120,000 copies worldwide, while her other books have been shortlisted for the Nebula Award, the Christy Award, and the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Science Fiction. Rebecca lives with her family in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

More from R. J.

What does it take to be a good leader?

Looking at some of the religious, social, and political leaders around us, it seems like a confident attitude, dramatic flair, and the ability to make stirring speeches are the keys to success. But is that the kind of leadership people really need, or is it only what we’ve grown used to?

Ivy, the heroine of my book Torch, never wanted to become a leader or expected anyone to follow her. After being exiled from her underground home by her proud Aunt Betony, she’s been struggling to make sense of her own life, never mind anyone else’s. But when a ragtag band of old friends and former neighbors turn up on Ivy’s doorstep looking for a new home, she has no choice but to help her fellow Cornish piskeys as best she can.

What Ivy soon finds, however, is that her people’s hopes and expectations for her are much bigger than any she had for herself. They want a queen strong enough to defeat Betony and free their people — but how can Ivy stand up to her aunt’s ruthless tactics and magical fire-wielding powers, when she’s just a slight teenager with barely any magic at all?

A True Leader

As I wrote this book, the last in my Flight and Flame trilogy about Ivy of the Delve, I wanted to explore the difference between the popular idea of a great leader, and the humble servant leadership taught and exemplified by Christ. Unlike Betony, who has become so obsessed with her own power and reputation that she’s blind to her people’s suffering, Ivy only wants to help and encourage her fellow piskeys and keep them safe from harm. She’s willing to sacrifice her own comfort, put aside her own feelings, and do whatever it takes to make sure her followers survive. And though she makes some mistakes and faces some painful challenges along the way, she never forgets that her goal isn’t personal fame or glory, but the good of everyone around her.

Ivy’s personal journey also reflects some of my own recent experiences of caregiving, which can seem like an impossible task when the needs of our loved ones grow greater than our own strength and wisdom can bear. She has to learn, as I did, that the only solution is to ask for help and be willing to let others do it their own way, instead of trying to control everything ourselves.

Torch is the last book of the epic adventure that began with Swift and continued in Nomad, taking Ivy from the depths of obscurity to heights she never imagined, and from a life of loneliness to a love sweeter — and stranger — than she ever dreamed she’d find. It’s a story that’s close to my heart, and I hope it will find a place in yours and your family’s as well!

— R.J. Anderson

Blog Stops for Torch

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 28

Woven by Words, February 28

Through the Fire Blogs, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Worthy2Read, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

For the Love of Literature, March 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 4

Inklings and notions, March 5

For Him and My Family, March 6

The Book Chic Blog, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Sodbusterliving, March 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, March 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 9

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 10

Artistic Nobody, March 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Blogging With Carol, March 12

Mia Reads, March 12

Giveaway for Torch

To celebrate her tour, R.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed bookplate, bookmarks, notecards, and a copy of either SWIFT, NOMAD, or TORCH!! (winner’s choice)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1089c/torch-celebration-tour-giveaway

Large Family Homeschooling and allergy friendly recipes as well as pertinent reviews.

Torch