Book Review ~ Half-blood by Jaye L. Knight (Ilyon Chronicles, Prequel)

It’s a tour stop!

About the Book

The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

See where Jace’s story all began . . .

Genre

Christian/Fantasy

Rating

4 Stars

Movie Rating

Learn more about this here.

*Movie Worthy

Review

I’m familiar with Knight’s work, and so I’m not surprised that Half-blood impressed me immensely. There’s a maturity to Knight’s writing that both new and veteran authors can appreciate.

Half-blood opens the eyes of readers and the fans of the Ilyon Chronicle Series to the origin and reality of Jace’s world, so that we can understand the circumstances that birthed his person. His beautiful and resilient heart was what shone through the most—refusing to allow evil take over, not because he was perfect, but because he had a strong sense of right and wrong that lingered despite his harsh reality.

Only one thig made this book inadequate for me—I’d hoped this story would tell where exactly Jace came from: who his parents were, the circumstances that surrounded his birth, and how he ended up where his story began in Half-blood. Though a certain possibility was hinted about what led to his birth, but it was done only as an insinuation of a secondary character. The unanswered questions left me unsatisfied.

That being said, it was a wonderful read—tastefully done and truly engaging from start to finish. I loved every bit of it (explains the reason I read it in one sitting, and in less than two hours)! If you’re a fan of fantasy genre, you can’t go wrong with the Ilyon Chronicles. If you haven’t started the series yet, begin with Half-blood, as it’s the prequel to the series. It ends some scenes into book #1, Resistance.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to the author, Jaye L. Knight, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Giveaway!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Half-Blood, a blue feather bookmark hand crafted by Jaye, a bronze sword pendant, and a $5 Amazon gift card! Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally. Simply join the giveaway through a Rafflecopter giveaway form by following the link!

Half-blood is available on Amazon!

Also, discover Ilyon in Resistance and The King’s Scrolls!

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, and on her new fiction forum where you can interact with other readers of the series.