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Back to Digital Reviews Adult Romantasy Novella The Elven Spymaster's Thief (Book 1) Elisa Rae https://authorelisarae.com Availability: Amazon Format: ebook, paperback Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: ALM Reviewer Website: https://amylynnmcconahy.com Blurb: In a world full of elves, woodwose, gargoyles, and brownies among others, humans can’t help crossing paths with all of the magical species. Well, everyone except Avril. She manages to avoid all elves. Then one day, her master orders her to steal a dagger from the very elf she wishes to evade most, the elven spymaster of Eldarlan. Bound by her indenture, she has no choice but to obey. She plans a swift sneak and grab mission, but things go awry. Illeron knows more than any elf should. The gathering, analyzing, and disseminating of information consumes his life to the point his brother suggests he needs a distraction. So, when a human woman breaks into his study to steal his dagger, he seizes the opportunity and offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. And a fate he never imagined. Review: This book was recommended to me by one of my many Facebook Book Groups. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. What gives this book an extra edge over most romance in the genre is the complex backstory that is moving along behind the main story. I haven’t read a book that has this much going on outside the story as this one does. It is like Rae flipped the normal order of things upside down. Usually a story like this would be a subplot inside of a larger fantasy epic, but instead she has the fantasy epic going on in the background while the relationship takes center stage. I found the switch refreshing and added an element of unknown to a rather predictable romantic plot. If you are NOT usually a fan of romance, this is a good book to test out if it is for you. If you ARE a fan of romance, this is not your typical cozy princess story and I think that you will love it! P - May include more action, magic, romance, and "short-lived" violence, Can employ more suspense. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

Back to Digital Reviews Adult Contemporary Romance Reluctantly Yours (Book 1) Jessica Marie Holt https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07B6SGN7Q Availability: Amazon Format: ebook, paperback Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: KB Reviewer Website: https://kellyfbarr.com Blurb: Ellie and June have been neighbors and best friends forever. Together, they’ve weathered it all—marriages, babies, strange wardrobe choices, terrible haircuts, small-town gossip—only to have their friendship come out stronger on the other side. But now, they’re up against a hurdle unlike any they’ve faced so far. Unmarried grandchildren. Tragically—and inexplicably—James, Ellie’s absolute treasure of a grandson, is single. And so is Sarah, June’s unmatched delight of a granddaughter. But these Grannies aren’t worried. They have an ace up their sleeves. The Granny Pact. Yes, these doting grandmas have vowed to engineer the romantic happiness of their grandchildren—by any means necessary. Unfortunately, James and Sarah are not that easy to convince. And, unbeknownst to the grannies, their two grandkids share a past that will make their job much, much harder—and might even test the limits of their fifty-year friendship. Review: Reluctantly Yours is the first book in The Granny Pact Series by Jessica Marie Holt and I have to say, as much fun as this was to read, I can’t wait to read the other three. I really enjoy lighthearted, comedy romance stories from time to time. To make it even better, this story includes two sweet grandmothers who just can’t help meddling into the lives of their grandchildren. Do you need a break from the stresses of work and life? Could you use a smile or a chuckle, maybe even a good laugh? You’re sure to find all of these things between the pages of Reluctantly Yours. ACTION: The actions in this novel are somewhere between borderline slapstick and “Uh-oh, that’s bound to backfire”. Between the awkward actions of James and Sarah and the schemes their grandmothers come up with in an attempt to bring them together, it’s a toss-up as to whether or not any plan or action will succeed. ADVENTURE: The adventure in this book has nothing to do with travel. It could be deemed more as “misadventures” between main characters, James and Sarah, trying to maneuver through their own awkward attempts at rekindling a romance to the attempts of their loving, but meddlesome, grandmothers creating situations to bring the two of them together. The adventures never stop. ROMANCE: The memories of young love and a heartbreaking goodbye from years ago keep getting in the way between James and Sarah. As Ellie and June watch, they decide their beloved grandchildren need a helping hand in the romance department, but Ellie and June are completely unaware of James and Sarah’s past relationship. The romance in this story is unique in that James and Sarah have a past and two grandmothers who adore them and want them to be happy. The romance is clean and full of fun and laughs as the bumps need to be smoothed out. RELIGION: There really isn’t any mention of any religion in this book. There is one comment about “counting your blessings”, and reading between the lines and the theme of forgiveness and love running throughout the book, I would say these things definitely hint toward Christianity. However, there is no overt religion presented in this novel. FINAL THOUGHTS: Jessica Marie Holt has created realistic characters with flaws, weaknesses, and real-life struggles. They could be one of your family members, one of your friends, or maybe, one of your neighbors. This story and its characters are engaging and will live in your memory even after you turn the last page and close the book or e-reader. N - May include magic and romantic themes, Does not include violence, strong language, and non-Christian religions. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

Back to Digital Reviews Junior Western Fairy Tale Novelette Rosette Thornbriar (Series) Rachel Roden https://amazon.com/stores/Rachel-Roden/author/B09M865DRS Availability: Amazon Format: ebook Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: ALM Reviewer Website: https://amylynnmcconahy.com Blurb: Once upon a time, way out west...Back when they were young'uns, Fleur Guardstone proposed to Rosette Thornbriar with a cigar band ring. However, not long after, she disappeared back into the forest and hasn't been heard from since. However, when Fleur hears reports of smoke coming from that woods, he's determined to find out if it is, indeed, his dear Rosette. If he can get past all of the briars. Review: This mini-Western retelling of Sleeping Beauty is a pleasant way to pass a half hour. Though this was not an action packed gun slinging western, I enjoyed what the Western elements gave to this oft told story. This is a tale of persistence, patience, and love. N - May include magic and romantic themes, Does not include violence, strong language, and non-Christian religions. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

Back to Digital Reviews Adult Christian Fantasy Azriel (Book 1) Lee James https://leejameswrites.com Availability: Amazon Format: ebook, paperback, hardcover Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: ALM Reviewer Website: https://amylynnmcconahy.com Blurb: Bree Faro learns early in life that she can only depend on herself. Due to her feisty nature and unusual ability with a sword, she is educated in every fighting style imaginable and excels at them all. When she’s sent to infiltrate the city of Azriel, Bree does not expect to find her place among the Watchmen of the Keep, but they welcome her as one of their own. Little does Bree know that her new companions are in danger. An immortal creature lies in wait for any Keeper of the Flame, the city’s water source has dried up, and they are under constant attack from the Yirtzi - former Watchmen reduced to vengeful spirits, who sold their souls for power only to realize the enemy of Yahweh does not translate to the friend of mankind. Not only that, but the Watchmen are fraying. Hostilities come to a head when a Watchman is murdered. Only a Watchman can kill another Watchman, and all eyes shift to Bree. Bree finds herself faced with a choice. Does she engineer the betrayal of the powerful city, or does she embrace her destiny as a true Watchman of Yahweh and find the killer before it’s too late? Review: This book has been on my to be read list for some time. The cover art is beautiful and the book blurb exciting. Once I cracked it open, I must admit that the story pulled me in. This unique take on a faith journey within a fantasy setting is full of twists and turns that will keep fantasy and mystery lovers alike on their toes. ACTION: This book goes to some dark places. The fight scenes are not too graphic while still being full of the tension and drive that an action buff will enjoy. I will warn that there is a scene near the beginning that has a rather intense gross factor, but I believe that it was a good set up to the evil being exceptionally twisted. If you want your books light on the evil side, this is not your biscuit. If you do not mind evil being shown in all of its ugliness, you will have no problem with this book. ADVENTURE: Though the story itself does not go very far distance wise, it does have an air of adventure with the remembrances of the characters and with the newness of the world that Bree has entered. James has built a complex world full of its own rules and quirks that are an almost allegorical depiction of spiritual warfare. I do not want to suggest that this is a straight “spiritual warfare” book, but many of the elements are there. ROMANCE: The romance found in this book is barely hinted at and very mild. This is compared to the implications of men’s “failings” when it comes to relationships which is a theme in the book. There is nothing described graphically, but several men fail in this regard. It gave me more of a feeling of “EW.” than a feeling of “Must Avert My Eyes!”. RELIGION: This is definitely a Christian book. There is an element of “faith journey” that cannot be denied. Yahweh is openly mentioned and described in all of His goodness. Though this aspect could have been more overt, the author was balancing several mystery storylines at the same time. This did make the book a little confusing at points, but each mystery you were given to solve did have a conclusion. FINAL THOUGHTS: The star features of this book were both the faith journey and the complex weaving of mystery into the plot. If I could choose a word for the overall theme of the book it would be “discovery”. This refers less to geographical discovery and more to discovery within the characters. Discovery about themselves, about their purpose, and about the direction their life is heading. The author does leave a thread or two unwoven due to this being the first book in a series, though I was very pleased to find no real cliffhangers. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian themes, fantasy, and mystery blended together. P - May include more action, magic, romance, and "short-lived" violence, Can employ more suspense. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

Lyrics for Narrow Road Ahead Music by Frank Hutchison. SVProductions SVCreations The original artwork for this album can be found below. Stormfront When Jesus Spoke Three-Fifteen More of You So Much of Me One Lord, One Faith Obedience School A Walk Friends Forever Storm Front They traveled that morning and nothing was strange. It seemed that they chose a good day. But then it grew darker, the air took a change, and soon it was starting to rain. The radio speaker reported a warning. Severe weather could be ahead. Without much concern they continued their bearing, the car going just where she led. Storm front is coming. Darkness, ablaze. Storm front is coming. That natural force gave no hint it would weaken. The wind tried to push them aside. The radio screamed an emergency beacon. They prayed for a place they could hide. They turned off the highway, then down the road hoping. The rain made it harder to see. Then there up ahead was a church. Was it open? Would it be a safe place to flee? Storm front is coming. Darkness, ablaze. Storm front is coming. They braked to a stop at the house of the Lord. One tug and the door opened wide. When safely inside they offered their thanks toward the maker who answered their cry. When the storm had passed they could find no caretaker. Was this church left open by chance? The lights were left on drawing them to this shelter provided by God in advance. Storm front is coming. Darkness, ablaze. Storm front is coming. When Jesus Spoke Your words can heal the sick, can make temptation flee. Deaf ears can hear once more, a halting tongue can speak. The powers great and small must do just as you say. All evil powers yield. The wind and waves obey. When Jesus spoke, the lame man's legs were healed, his sins forgiven. When Jesus spoke, a meal from one young lad fed five thousand men. When Jesus spoke, He called each burdened soul to come unto Him. Your word has changed the world. Your word can change my heart. So Jesus, my Lord, speak to me. Your word can quench a thirst, can fill a hungry need. The broken body healed, the blinded eyes can see. You called a man by name to cause the dead to rise. The power of Your truth can make the foolish wise. Three-Fifteen She would breathe a little prayer for her home and her children. And God kept her from each snare as He watched her through each day. It was shortly after noon, on the road to take a child to school. She would need some help and soon when the car's engine went still. Then she asked the Lord to help her, tried the key, but heard no sound. What to do next, first she pondered, then took her children by the arm. He was not an early riser, but he woke at three-fifteen. Back to sleep? No was it was wiser to get an early start today. It was shortly after noon. His route was near it's completion. He recognized them just as soon as he saw them walk along. Early to wake at three-fifteen was not the normal course for him. There was no reason he had seen. It seemed like just another day. He did not know the why or where, but the Lord knew he was willing. For the Lord had placed him there, to give an answer to her need. As they traveled down the road she was glad and she was grateful. He told her that it was odd that this was not his scheduled time. She said she had prayed quite hard for someone to come and help her. He said that the Lord had heard. But God had heard at three-fifteen. She would breathe a little prayer for her home and her children. And God kept her from each snare as he watched her through each day. More Of You More, more of You. Less of me. That's the way that I want it to be. More of You. Less of me. That's the way it must be. My souls cries out within me just to hear His voice. To stand and listen to Him makes my heart rejoice. Now Jesus offers me life and I make my choice. More, more of You. Send Your love. Speak the words of Your Father above. More of You. Send Your love. Speak His word from above. He'll calm the storm that I feel if I will believe. I have this thirst deep inside that He can relieve. Unless it is given by Him I will not receive. More, more of You. Fill my heart. Fill me down to my emptiest part. More of You. Fill my heart. Fill in me every part. I long to do what is good within His sight. I shade my eyes when I am standing in His light. It holds the truth that I need to know what's right. More, more of You. Less of me. That's the way that I want it to be. More of You. Less of me. That's the way that I want it to be. More of You. Less of me. That's the way that I want it to be. So Much Of Me Quiet night sitting on the floor alone. Six string guitar resting on my thigh. Pick some chords, maybe hear a special note. A song may come. Oh, how I love to try. The kids in bed. Their mother will be very late. A tune or two, turn another rhyme. With music sweet, not a bad way to wait. Clock on the wall marking out the time. She's so much of me, so much of me. I don't know where I stop and where she begins in me. The man I am, the man that I might be, depends upon her faith in me. Years ago I asked the Lord to send me her from the time that I was big enough to know. I did believe that He had given me His word. I never knew that I would need her so. Thoughts return, they show the path I've taken here. I plainly see events that shaped my life. A common thread in all those memories, so dear, the girl I met that would become my wife. She's so much of me, so much of me. I don't know where I stop and where she begins in me. The man I am, the man that I might be, depends upon her faith in me. A day, a week, a month and then a year, then nine. Together we would live one day and then the next. I'll not pretend that every day was bright sunshine. But I can see that we have been so blessed. The small ideas, the visions and the grandest schemes, the crazy plans that she would listen to. She cheered me on encouraging the best of my dreams. When she believed, I could believe them too. She's so much of me, so much of me. I don't know where I stop and where she begins in me. The man I am, the man that I might be, depends upon her faith in me. One Lord, One Faith So many moving to one beat. The God of Heaven guiding our feet. Now each of us are given grace to serve Him in a special place. He chooses some to lead us home, and honors those who serve alone. One Lord, one faith, making us one in the bond of peace. One Lord, one faith, making us one with the Holy Son of God By the Spirit we become one. Then together God's work is done. Remembering our unity, each part can move in harmony. Rejoicing in each other's gain and bearing one another's pain. One Lord, one faith, making us one in the bond of peace. One Lord, one faith, making us one with the Holy Son of God To Jesus we become the Body. Now we are one but we are many. We differ in the gifts we share. And carefully avoid compare. We use our gifts accordingly to praise the Lord who sets us free. One Lord, one faith, making us one in the bond of peace. One Lord, one faith, making us one with the Holy Son of God Obedience School I have a Samoyed and her name is Tasha. She likes to do things her own way. But on some occasions I find that it's proper that she listen to what I say. The kennel swings open and she takes off running, with no clear direction to roam. She runs through the weeds, picks up hundreds of burrs that take time to remove with a comb. Obedience School is crossing my mind. I took my small daughter, sat her on the table, and moved away things that could break. It soon was apparent she wanted to handle whatever would be a mistake. She's too young to know that there is so much danger. Experience makes me alert. If I do not stop her and try to correct her I know that sometime she'll get hurt. Obedience School is crossing my mind. I noticed it blinking, his right turning signal. He then drove into the left lane. Then when he crossed traffic, somehow no one wrecked him. Was he in his right or left brain? I needed to stop at the grocery store just to purchase a bunch of endive. But under the sign that said "ten or less items," stood someone who had twenty-five. Obedience School is crossing my mind. There's much in this world that I don't understand and I struggle to see the whole plan. Then God lets me see just the part that I need to remind me I'm only a man. In all of my hardship I'm thanking the Lord though I may see no reason or rhyme. If Jesus has something He's trying to teach me I hope that I learn it this time. Obedience School is crossing my mind. A Walk A walk on a cool day. No leaves on the trees. Clouds filter the sunshine. Spring scent in the breeze. A pause to gaze inward to sift through the soul. Compelled to push onward whatever the toll. I face my tormentor and he faces me. He calls to attention what others don't see. Those things that I should do, what makes me content, condemned to the background without my intent. All that I am doing, the way that I act. Sound judgement attempted, instead I react. I face my tormentor and he faces me. He calls to attention what others don't see. I look in the water, it's perfectly still. My tormentor stares back, demanding his will. My Savior has saved me from serving my sin. His sacrifice gives me this peace that's within. I face my tormentor and he faces me. He calls to attention what others can't see. Friends Forever One morning I sat down and sipped a cup of joe. I thought I'd pen some words about the friends I know. Memories take over me as I picture each face. Within my heart each holds a special place. Each time I think of you, you bring to me a smile. Even though I may not have seen you in a while. We may have been apart for years or just a day, but in my heart you've never been away. Friends in the Lord are friends forever. Friends in the Lord stay together. When days on Earth are over and done, then over death we will have won. We'll lift our praise to God's own Son for freeing us and making us one. Friends in the Lord are friends forever. I did not know how much your love would mean to me. You help to calm the storm as I'm tossed about the sea. My biggest hope is that there's some way I can be as good a friend as you have been to me. Some friends have made the choice on Jesus to rely. And some will not accept that faith, I can't deny. But whether you believe you know that in the end I am yours, on that you can depend. Friends in the Lord are friends forever. Friends in the Lord stay together. When days on Earth are over and done, then over death we will have won. We'll lift our praise to God's own Son for freeing us and making us one. Friends in the Lord are friends forever.

Back to Digital Reviews Adult Mermaid Fantasy Head Over Tails Brianna Tibbetts https://briannatibbetts.com Availability: Amazon, Author's Website Format: ebook Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: ALM Reviewer Website: https://amylynnmcconahy.com Blurb: Their love is true...but is it real? Fear of inheriting his father’s hallucinations and memory loss have brought Jacob’s life to a screeching halt at age nineteen. Now he spends his days alone on the beach behind his home, staring into the endless Hawaiian waves. Mermaid Sevencea is eager to explore life above the water--and cheer up the handsome, lonely young man strolling on the shores. Forming a bond with him is as natural as swimming. All she needs are legs to walk beside him, so Sevencea disappears to trade for the necessary magic. Yet when she returns, Jacob is gone, convinced she was a hallucination after all. And the more Sevencea searches for him, the more she doubts what they have will last. Can love truly exist between land and sea? Review: This book was a recent release in the Winter Edition, and I was intrigued by the blending of a mental health theme with such a well-known trope. I am a lover of mermaids from way back and have personally struggled with bouts of depression. So “intrigued” evolved into “must read” rather quickly. ACTION: There is little to no action in this book in the traditional sense. No fight scenes or anything of that nature. There are a few moments of suspense that help along the story, but overall, it was a rather relaxing read. ADVENTURE: This book has a heart for exploration. Set in the vistas of Hawaii, you will enjoy the beauty of nature on the land as well as the sea. The story does not place a heavy emphasis on the world around the characters, but the descriptions of this tropical place were still very enjoyable. The vast majority of the “adventure” in this book is internal. Within the minds of the two main characters, you will walk with them through difficulties dealing with fear, loneliness, purpose, love, belonging, and the meaning of family. This depth of character development will leave you questioning how healthy your own internal world is. ROMANCE: It is no secret that the main couple is going to face some challenges. The way that Tibbetts solves the land versus sea problem of this trope is unique and less stressful than many I’ve read. The main focus is on the growth of the characters and less on what keeps them apart. If you worry about steamy romance in a book like this, let me put your mind at ease. There is a bit of kissy-kissy cuteness, but nothing else that would raise any type of alarm. RELIGION: The author briefly touches on both land and sea having the same God. There was an intentionality to the sprinkling of Christian belief throughout this fantasy-type story that I was unable to miss. If you are worried about the use of magic in your reading, this author’s use of magic should pass muster and toes the line of the “spiritual gifts” category without coming out to say it. FINAL THOUGHTS: This book is a study on internal conflict. Tibbetts places the very difficult and somewhat traumatic topic of declining mental health into a fluffy blanket of fantasy mermaid cotton. Approaching a difficult subject in a way that can be enjoyed is a good way to ease someone you care for into talking about things that they might be struggling with. As a person who has experienced depression, I found this book comforting. Within every page, the author is coaxing you to believe that you are not alone, that you are cared for, and that there is hope. A - May include mild romance/violence/adventure without much suspense. This is an easy reader. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

Back to Digital Reviews Adult Fantasy Novelette Windswept Sarah Delena White https://sarahdelenawhite.com Availability: Amazon, Author's Website Format: ebook, paperback, audiobook Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: ALM Reviewer Website: https://amylynnmcconahy.com Blurb: Princess Zhenya is in love with the rain. Heir to a century-old curse, she spends her life in royal captivity lest she be carried away by the wind. Her one solace is Yori, the handsome storm wraith who comes to her window on rainy nights. But he can never be part of her constrained palace life, where she must tread cautiously and follow the rules. On the eve of an arranged marriage, she makes a fateful choice that sets the curse in motion. But the wind she fears may hold the key to her freedom. Hounded by vengeful wraiths, Zhenya must risk her soul and uncover the truth about the curse. Or else she may become the very terror she flees. Review: Short Story, Short Review: This sweet and spicy short read was a great mix of fear, folklore, and infatuation. In the limited time we are given with the characters the author gives us both their history and their tumultuous present. The way she achieves this makes the story not feel rushed nor unfinished. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy fast books that pack an emotional punch. B - This is the highest rating included in the magazine. It may include magic/marital relationships/abuse/unwanted physical attention/mild language/more graphic fight sequences/non-Christian religions. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

Back to Digital Reviews Adult Steampunk The Electrical Menagerie (Book 1) Mollie E. Reeder https://thecelestialisles.com Availability: Amazon Format: ebook, paperback, audiobook Clean Fiction Edition: Spring 2022 Reviewer: ALM Reviewer Website: https://amylynnmcconahy.com Blurb: The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt. Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively -- but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially -- but none of the scruples. To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie’s bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians -- but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there’s more at stake in this contest than the prize. Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide... and it’s the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything. This book was recommended to me by a friend as a “must-read”. Knowing that she reads as much, if not more, than I do, I dove into Reeder’s world with glee and anticipation. There are several comparisons to “The Greatest Showman”, but though the flavor of show business might be the same, this story gives the reader something more. Review: ACTION: There are frequent bursts of action sprinkled throughout the steampunk world that Reeder has created. Though no grand sword fights or paced off pistol duels are to be found, there is an element of mystery that keeps the reader on their toes. The mystery deals with murder, so if you are squeamish, be warned. ADVENTURE: I was a ways into the story before I realized how wonderful the floating islands were. Truth is, I didn’t realize that they were floating and that the train tracks traversed the sky (I suppose I missed that bit in the book blurb). This was most likely due to the comfortable “this is our everyday” reaction that the characters had to their surroundings. There are no outside characters to give the reader an insight into the difference, but once I realized what was going on, I loved it! The showmanship of Sylvester Carthage also lends to the adventure of this book in a more “beauty of the creative mind” sort of way. Learning about his past was sobering and gave the book a subplot that added more weight to the experience than “The Greatest Showman” was able to provide. ROMANCE: There is a romantic subplot to this book, but due to the proper nature of a pseudo-Victorian society, everything is mild and above board. Focusing more on themes of friendship and camaraderie, I greatly enjoyed the relationship between Arbrook Huxley and Sylvester Carthage. The growth of their friendship was the star of this book. RELIGION: There is an undercurrent of Christian ideals in this book, but nothing overt. The author is a Christian, and a reader with similar beliefs should be very comfortable reading this book. FINAL THOUGHTS: Loneliness vs. Friendship. Ability vs. Disability. Mundanity vs. Wonder. This story pulls on your heartstrings in so many different ways. A friendship between two gentlemen that could rival the depth of Holmes and Watson, a disabled main character who would encourage others who struggle to soar, and the beauty of a mind so enriched by creativity that it could not help but bring wonder to the world around him. This book is the complete package, and I look forward to the future of this series. G - This does not mean for general audiences, includes action, adventure, intrigue, and suspense. More violence is allowed, as well as mild language and mature themes. Did you enjoy this review? Purchase Your Copy of the Spring Edition 2022! Patreon Purchase Amazon Purchase Previous Next Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian Publication. Our magazine will not include fiction with: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

< Back BEST BOOKSTAGRAM CONTEST WINNER Laura A. Grace Autumn Edition 2022 Purchase Edition Contest Information Previous Next

Defining the Clean Fiction rating system. What Level of Clean is your book? Introduction Why Levels of Clean? Let us start with a little bit of general information before we jump into the rating system. When I decided to call this magazine “Clean Fiction” I knew that I was opening a proverbial “can of worms”, but I wanted the title to be clear and easy to understand. What is the problem with calling it “Clean Fiction”? Everyone has their own definition of “clean” and that definition may or may not match up with mine or my reviewers. To alleviate this problem, I have created a quirky rating system that should keep you informed while giving you a giggle. This rating system paired with descriptive, yet spoiler free reviews, should give you all the information that you need to decide if a book is for you or a bit too much. - ALM You will find a more concise version of the information in this part of the listing. N NOTHING to worry about. Read this to your infant with a clean conscience. This is not meant to be taken literally. The N rating is the cleanest of the clean. These books could be read by teens or the ultra-clean book lover in your life. The books in this category CAN still include magic and romantic themes. Be sure to check the full review if you are sensitive to these things. All the following categories could include magic, romantic themes, violence, strong language, and non-Christian religions, but all of these will be specified in the reviews. Could be read by teens, may include magic and romantic themes, Does not include violence, strong language, and non-Christian religions. A Showing some ANKLE. A perfect book for the puritan in your life. The A rating is for books that are mild on the romance, mild on the violence, and most likely to exhibit positive worldviews. This is an “easy reader” book category that can include an adventure that is not too suspenseful. There may be warnings about specific scenes in these books due to the “3 strikes” rule we have for reviews, but these will be noted in the reviews themselves. If you are wondering about the “3 strikes” rule, read on. If not, feel free to jump to the next rating. The “3 strikes” rule of reviews in “Clean Fiction” magazine means that a book can contain up to 3 scenes/occurrences that may not fit into their rating category before jumping to the next category. If the scenes/occurrences are bad enough, a book can be disqualified from being reviewed. Anything of this nature will be noted in the review. May include mild romance and violence, Can include adventure, but without much suspense, an easy reader. P Clutch your PEARLS. Grandma may raise an eyebrow, but keep on reading. As the name implies, the P rating is where the action begins. This is the sweet spot between ALL the action and NO action at all. When I say action I mean: fight sequences, suspense, tense moments where lives are on the line...you get the picture. Books with this rating can include magic, romantic themes, and some violence. The violence in these books is usually short lived or not explicitly explained. I don’t know about your grandma, but mine is always up for some adventure. So if you are looking for books that take you on a journey, you are more likely to find them in this category. That is not to say that the following categories do not have adventure, but this rating is where the suspense begins. May include more action, magic, romance, and "short-lived" violence, Can employ more suspense. G Will make you GASP. Both eyebrows will be involved in reading this book. The Clean Fiction G rating is nothing like a movie G rating. The G in this rating stands for “GASP”, not general audiences. This rating is where the rubber meets the road. Action. Adventure. Intrigue. Suspense. Many of the books in this magazine fall under this category due to fight sequences, more descriptive romantic plots, mild language, or mature themes. By mature themes I mean subjects like: abuse, marital relationships, and unwanted physical attention. If your eyebrows are headed to your hairline, let me pause your moment of panic. The above mentioned “mature themes” appear in these books with a light touch. This is your ACTION, then glance away type books. MOMENT, then fade to black. That is why it is labeled “GASP”. This does not mean for general audiences, includes action, adventure, intrigue, and suspense. More violence is allowed as well as mild language and mature themes. B This is the Full BLUSH, People! If you are prone to fainting, you will need a fan! Here it is. The highest rating that will be included in Clean Fiction. This is as close to the edge that we will go before a book is tossed over the line of “no review”. These books include: magic, marital relationships, abuse, unwanted physical attention, mild language, more graphic fight sequences, and non-Christian religions. Though these things can appear in other categories in a “one and done” situation, this category will have more of the above without going over the DB (DOUBLE BLINK) line. The romance will be spicy, but within the bounds of marriage. The fight sequences will be more graphic, but not so graphic that it will make you queasy. The mature themes will be more explicit without being too explicit. These books are for adults. This is the highest rating included in the magazine, may include magic, marital relationships, abuse, unwanted physical attention, mild language, more graphic fight sequences, and non-Christian religions. DB You must DOUBLE BLINK to clear your eyes from being contaminated. Lastly, we have the DB rating. This category only appears here for the purposes of explaining what type of books/content you will NOT find in Clean Fiction. Banned content includes: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil or evil practices, same gender partners, siblings that are a bit too friendly, random naked people flaunting their assets, all mentions of the pink fairy armadillo, any focus on errant eyebrow or ear hairs, the ‘tis bottle joke, jars of toe nail clippings, and the Bavarian Beer Festival. If the removal of these things is not enough to ease your mind, also know that we pray over and scrutinize what we share. We do our best to represent the full color of the Clean Fiction Community’s imagination while also upholding our personal beliefs. We sincerely hope that you can enjoy this safe space and allow these works of fiction to truly shine. What our magazine will not include: descriptive sex scenes, violent gore, glorification of evil, same-gender partners, incest, naked people, and defamation of our Savior.

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