Sunday, February 19, 2023

Uncompromising by K J Rowe Book Review


About the Book

Book: Uncompromising

Author: K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/YA

Release date: February, 2022

Dylan Saunders has got it all.  He’s got a great job as a Diesel Mechanic, a killer Harley Davidson Motorbike, his local Football club has just won the Premiership cup and he’s sure the girl he wants feels the same about him. Life is good.

Only, at home it isn’t.

His troubled younger brother, and his mum’s depression since his dad’s death, take a lot out of his time and the only break he gets is at youth group, work or playing football. Reluctant to accept the captain’s role at his local Football club because of the extra strain it would place on him, Dylan finds however he cannot say no when out of the blue, the Australian Football League come knocking!

Thrust into celebrity status with a booming ALF club, Dylan finds his grasp on things that once grounded him begin to slip. Tension increases in his friendships; his younger brother is caught up with bad company; his mum’s behaviour is odd; but he’s playing football at the highest level. He can support his family and he’s set up for life now. God is blessing him!

Right?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is an interesting novel for career age readers that takes place in Australia. It got off to a bit of a rough start for me with some course language but then settled into a good exploration of success verses service. I has sympathy for Dylan thinking his invitation to a professional football team was a gift from God. But that meant giving up his service to the church youth group. Another issue in the novel concerns when success comes at the cost of family and friends.

Since the novel takes place in Australia, I would have liked more explanation built into the narrative. I didn't know what Australian football was like. When there were references to a corked thigh and a mark that was taken, I realized I did not know the sport at all. I would have liked to have learned a bit about how it is played since it's popularity was a big part of the plot. Also, it took me a while to figure out tea in the novel is what we would call dinner or supper.

This is a novel for readers who like to read a novel taking place in another country. It may appeal more to male readers as the main character is a man. There is just the very slightest hint of romance and a good faith message in the end.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

She lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

 

More from K.J. Rowe

Hello! I'm Karen, or Kazzy Wazzy to my husband. 😃

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush… *grin*

In high-school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my Sister…remember that story sis? *smile*

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing by day, and a professional Ballroom Dance teacher of an evening.

It wasn’t until God intervened, moved me out of the city at into a small country town to be a farmers wife, that He resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

Centred around five youth group leaders, the stories look at very real circumstances young people face without sugar coating consequences of individual actions. However, where is God when problems arise?

Well, He’s always closer than you think, and He’s always working for your good.

It is my prayer you enjoy the journey these stories take you on and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 19

Christina’s Corner, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

An Author’s Take, February 22

deb’s Book Review, February 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 24

Guild Master, February 25 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 25

,Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting February 26

Cover Lover Book Review, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Pause for Tales, March 3

For Him and My Family, March 4

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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/2451b/uncompromising-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

5 comments:

Rita Wray said...

Thank you for the review. Sounds like a good book.

Anonymous said...

Thankyou for your thoughts, Joan. God bless you 🙏

Anonymous said...

Thank You for the review.
Marilyn

Nova said...

wow, lot of elements here! sounds like they all fit into the story though

Bea LaRocca said...

Thank you for sharing your review of Uncompromising, this sounds like a story that my sons, teen-aged grandson and I will enjoy reading