Saturday, February 17, 2024

When Legends Rise by Daphne Self Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: When Legends Rise

Author: Daphne Self

Genre: Science Fiction

Release Date: July 26, 2022

He is now one of them. Genetically altered . . . Designed to kill . . . Trained to eradicate . . . Until he became more. Juliet 7-A was the top elite assassin for the Global Federated Territories until an ambush deemed him beyond salvaging. He was scheduled for decommission. His only recourse for survival is a new identity and his search for the one friend he had―a friend who defected and deserted him. Those he once hunted will save him. Yet it comes with a price. A price that demands much of him. What happens when an assassin awakens?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is an entertaining science fiction novel and is, perhaps, one that retells the story of Saul of Tarsus. Julius is an assassin for the Federation determined to eradicate Christians. Like Saul, he comes to a point of realizing his need for reconciliation with God. Self has added much more to the story, however, such as a touching romance. She addresses several issues in the novel, like the stamina of Christians under deadly persecution, the struggle for character transformation, the need for the help of others, and healing from traumatic childhood experiences. Plus, there's a good deal advanced technology and shoot 'em up encounters.

There is lots of action and the consistent pace kept me reading. I am not sure I understood most of the technological jargon and devices used but it made for fun science fiction experience. I would have liked a little more world building as I had difficulty visualizing some of the rooms, tunnels, and other settings. There is a solid faith message so this novel will appeal to Christians who love adventurous science fiction.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Daphne Self, formerly published under the name D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state writing, editing, reading, antiquing, and planning adventures. She pursues her dream as an editor and author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours book in many genres. As a long time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Realm Makers, she volunteers her time helping published and unpublished authors.

More from Daphne

It started as an idea back in the late 90s. It came to fruition in May 2021. The inspiration was this: salvation is free. That began the questions of: what if someone committed horrible acts, what if that person was indoctrinated and changed, what if when faced with the truth how would he react, and finally, what story from the Bible would work for my character? Of course, the story of Saul of Tarsus (Paul) came to mind. Blood was on his hands, yet he found salvation in Christ. And the story of Samson gave a bit of a parallel to my story, too.

I wrote this book before the show Halo was released, yet I had been playing the Halo video game for years. I’ve always enjoyed the backstory of Master Chief, so the main character of When Legends Rise is a bit like Master Chief John-117. Plus, if you have seen The Mandalorian, then you will see a few common themes between my book and that show. There’s also a bit of a Star Trek vibe in that I use “tech” speak and plausible science.

And what began as one book has now evolved into a 5-book series titled Legends of Light. Book two, What Legends Become, releases in June 2024 and follows the family and the continuing story of salvation, persecution, faith, and hope.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

Artistic Nobody, February 20 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Wishful Endings, February 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 24

Exploring the Written Word, February 25

Blogging With Carol, February 26

Pause for Tales, February 27

Guild Master, February 28 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, February 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 29

Fiction Book Lover, March 1 (Author Interview)

 
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.)

6 comments:

Rita Wray said...

Great review, thank you.

Tami Vollenweider said...

Sounds like a lot of action going on and keeping the story going!! Thanks for your review!!

Emma said...

This sounds exciting!

Michael Law said...

This looks really good. Thanks for hosting this tour.

DVDgal75 said...

Great cover

Alicia H said...

This book sounds and looks very intriguing!