Here’s the blurb:

Fleeing persecution and low on fuel, religious refugees from Old Earth find themselves stranded on a planet with a dark history. The promise of a future is shadowed by a dreadful past. Twelve-year-old Rejoice Holly is expected to someday become a farmer’s wife, and set aside her dreams of astronomy. But the discovery that their Promised Land is already inhabited isn’t helping her struggle between duty and dreams. Peace seems precarious, and the voice of reason is being silenced by one of fear.

As a new danger looms, the friendship or enmity forged could save or doom them all. Will the colonists and natives be able to set aside their differences for the sake of survival?

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Mid-school: cutting it slack

Yes, there’s some of that as the story gets going. This is a tale for pre-teens and teens. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. That is: I enjoyed it until it suddenly stopped just as it was getting interesting. Sometimes I dislike series a lot.

The world-building is intriguing and believable. It’s geared toward younger humans, but as an old, jaded reader, it was satisfying. I really like the story. The characters are complex, interesting, and very likable.

Spiritually, I’m giving it a 3+2 stars

Technically, it’s mainline, no rebirth, no baptism in the Spirit. But the reality of the faith and the Lord’s interaction with His people is very close to 5-star. Spiritually, it was a joy to read.

I recommend it especially for pre-teens. But teens will like it and seniors will like it (at least this one certainly did). I recommend the book with no reservations.

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