Book Blitz & Author Guest Post: Relentless Rebels + Giveaway

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours
We’re celebrating the release of the second book in the Divine Destiny Chronicles, Relentless Rebels! Today, author Sharon René shares the major themes from Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. If you missed her Top 10 list, you can read that HERE. Next, we explore the ancient city of Petra as a setting in Relentless Rebels. Plus, there’s an awesome two book giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

 

Relentless Rebels
(Divine Destiny Chronicles #2)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 315 Pages
March 8, 2022 by Anaiah Press
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After rescuing their kidnapped friends and stopping the government from assassinating Councilor Sierra Stone, Jordan and Team Seven thought the fight was over, but the real battle is just beginning. Sierra must now try to regain her role in the Global Collective Council while also convincing them that River Wallis, co-chair of the Council, tried to kill her. But her success could very well lead to a civil war.

The Council will do everything in their power to stop Sierra, including killing her allies. Barely surviving an attack on their mountain hideaway, Jordan and Team Seven’s lives are on the line. Again. But Team Seven won’t give up that easily, and they set out to rally support for their cause. Unfortunately for Team Seven, they’re caught in the middle as the world takes sides.

Amidst attacks, lies, betrayals, and devastating losses, Jordan’s faith is shaken, and she struggles with her hatred for River Wallis. She knows that judgment belongs to God, but when she finally comes face to face with River, Jordan must rely on her faltering faith to choose wisely—give in to her need for vengeance, or give it up for God to decide.

(Affiliate links included.)

What are the major themes of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels?

The majority of stories and novels have some type of theme running through their pages. It may not be a deep, philosophical theme but there is a reason the author wrote this story. Something the author needed to share with the readers.

There is a definite theme in both Hestiant Heroes and the sequel Relentless Rebels. I’d like to share that with you.

The biblical story of Queen Esther is the major theme of Hesitant Heroes. I’ve always loved this story and the verse that reads “for such a time as this.” I kept this theme in mind as I wrote Hesitant Heroes. The main character, Jordan Scott, also loves the story of Esther. As she and Team Seven find themselves in the middle of political chaos Jordan realizes that God is using her and her friends “for such a time as this.”

I hope that the reader will understand that God wants to use all of us for His glory. He has placed each one of us in a special place for such a time as this.

Teamwork is the secondary theme in Hesitant Heroes. Team Seven is composed of high school students from around the planet. Each one has certain skills and talents. For example, Jordan is a computer whiz, Matthew is a top athlete and Malese is a martial arts champ. As the book develops and the team must rescue kidnapped students and stop an assassination everyone’s skills are valuable. The mission could not be accomplished by one or two people. It takes a team with unique God given talents.

Relentless Rebels continues both of these themes, but new themes emerge. As the conflict and sorrow deepen Jordan has a crisis of faith. She’s always been close to God but suddenly she feels like He’s abandoned her. Why is God allowing Team Seven to experience trauma and loss?

Hasn’t everyone asked this question? Who hasn’t struggled with their faith?

Jordan must also deal with a desire for revenge against their enemy, River Wallis. She knows vengeance belongs to God and her desire for revenge is wrong, but she can’t stop her hatred for River.

The over arching theme of Relentless Rebels is probably the oldest theme in the book. Good vs. evil. Jordan and Team Seven represent the good and River Wallis is pure evil.

Think about almost every dramatic movie you’ve seen or book you’ve read – they can all be drilled down to good vs. evil.

In Relentless Rebels the contrast between good and evil is very clear and leads to the ultimate show down at an old Bavarian castle. Jordan faces River and the stakes are high.

Will Jordan forget her Christianity and give in to her desire for revenge or will she cower like a little girl and let River continue to rule the world?

Grab a copy of Relentless Rebels and find out.


Other Books in the Series

Hesitant Heroes
(Divine Destiny #1)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages
September 7, 2021 by Anaiah Press
*

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.

When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.
(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Sharon René loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult dystopian trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released September 7, 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance.

The next book, Relentless Rebels, released March 8, 2022. It continues Team Seven’s exciting adventures. Defying Destiny, the prequel, is the last book in the trilogy.

Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Sharon René grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Tennessee with one very spoiled cat.

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive signed copies of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels by Sharon René (US only)

Ends March 13, 2022


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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Hesitant Heroes, by Sharon René

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

 

Hesitant Heroes
(Divine Destiny #1)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages
September 7, 2021 by Anaiah Press

*

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.

When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.

(Affiliate links included.)

Author Thoughts on Quote from Hesitant Heroes by Sharon René

Hello. I’d like to share one of my favorite quotes from Hesitant Heroes.

Jordan Scott and her friends (Team Seven) have become entangled in a dangerous political scheme of kidnapping and assassination. Jordan is emotionally exhausted and ready to give up, but her roommate Hannie won’t let her.

In this scene, Jordan has thrown herself across her bed and told Hannie she was quitting. No more sneaking around and putting herself in danger. Hannie argues that she can’t quit but her arguments don’t work until she says:

“God put you here, didn’t He? Even He knows you’re a born leader.”

Could Hannie be right? Had God placed her at GCU for such a time as this?

Hannie sighed her breath heavy with the scent of spearmint gum. “Jordan, you’re the Queen Esther of Team Seven.”

Why would Hannie mention Queen Esther? She never talked about God. Jordan wasn’t sure Hannie even believed in God. She’d never been to one of their Bible studies and she didn’t know that Esther was one of Jordan’s favorite Bible stories.

Are you trying to tell me something God?

Through the book Jordan has believed that God placed Team Seven at GCU “for such a time as this,” but she never suspected Hannie would feel the same way.

When Hannie brings up Queen Esther Jordan knows that God is sending her the encouragement she needs to continue down an extremely dangerous path.

“For such a time as this” is the theme that runs through Hesitant Heroes. I believe God has placed every one of us in a certain place at a certain time for a certain mission.

This is not always easy to believe. As a teen I hated living in a small town. I’ve always been a city girl at heart. I didn’t understand why God had put me there. I’ve had many ups and downs in my career. I thought I wanted to work in broadcasting but that was a disaster, then I ended up working in a corporate legal department which I enjoy. I’ve always been an introvert, but God led me to teach youth Bible fellowship classes and participate in mission trips and prison ministry.

God engineers our lives.

Can you relate? Are you a teen who hates your school? Perhaps you hate the city you live in, or your marriage is not the romantic dream you hoped for. At times like this it’s hard to believe that God has put us in a certain place “for such a time as this.”

I hope Hesitant Heroes will help readers understand that God doesn’t always place us in beautiful, calm environments. Queen Esther lived in a pagan culture and was married to a pagan king. (Not great husband material). In Hesitant Heroes, Jordan, and her friends, Team Seven, must risk their lives to rescue their kidnapped friends and stop an assassination. Nothing easy about that!

I pray that readers draw strength from Hannie’s words and Jordan’s belief that God does have a special purpose for each one of us. We just need to ask God to direct us and show us what He wants us to do for Him in “such a time as this.”


About the Author

Sharon René loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult speculative trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released in September 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance. Relentless Rebels is scheduled to launch in March 2022. Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed print copy of Hesitant Heroes by Sharon René (US only)

Ends January 22, 2022


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Spotlight & Excerpt: Elite + Giveaway

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On tour with Prism Book Tours

Elite
(Collective Underground, #2)
By Kristen Young
Young Adult Sci-Fi, Dysopian, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 268 Pages
September 14, 2021 by Enclave Escape

 

Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?

Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.

Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?

Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.

(Affiliate link included.)

Excerpt

My name is Kerr Flick. Or Cadence. Or . . . something. I don’t know. A month ago, if anyone told me that my Dorm Leader would be offering to break the law for me, I would have laughed. No—worse than that. I probably would have reported them for losing their minds.

But that was before.

Before the Filtering exam.

Before my best friend became an alien.

Before I discovered that I’m not actually Kerr Flick at all.

On all the infotab entertainment streams, you always get some kind of warning about bad things ahead. Ominous music builds. The shadows lengthen onscreen. The hero walks down the darkening street while the camera flicks to the nightmare waiting around the corner.

All I got was a cold, grey concrete bunker and a rush of unwanted memory.

“My mother was a Hater . . .”

Like a starving waif I snatched at Akela’s solution before I could think. Would I have jumped so quickly to retrieve my memory if I’d known what I would find? Would it have made a difference if I knew what was going to happen next?

Excerpted from Elite by Kristen Young. Copyright © 2021 by Kristen Young. Published by Enclave Escape.

 


Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Kristen Young is an award-winning Australian author who loves disappearing into imaginary worlds. Pastoral work is her calling, writing is her passion, and her family is her love. In her spare time she likes curling up with her ‘writerdog’ Oscar, a cup of coffee and a good book. If she was in an RPG, her weapons of choice would be a notebook and pen, so it’s pretty safe to say she wouldn’t last all that long… You can catch up with all of Kristen’s writing at www.krisyoungwrites.com.

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they’re scheduled.)

November 28th: Launch
November 29th: Elayne Audrey BeckerForestborn
November 30th: Michelle DienerThe Turncoat King
December 1st: Jes DrewAgents Adam and Eve
December 2nd: Sharon HinckWindward Shore
December 3rd: Kara LinaburgThe Broken Prince
December 4th: Cathy McCrumbRecorder
December 5th: Sandra Fernandez RhoadsRealms of Light
December 6th: Chawna SchroederThe Vault Between Spaces
December 7th: Melissa WrightBeneath Stone and Sacrifice
December 8th: Kristen YoungElite
December 9th: Grand Finale


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $50 (USD) Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 13, 2021

ENTER HERE


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