Emily Hayse

From the author of Crowning Heaven comes a new and beautiful story! Emily Hayse's newest release, Seventh City, has filled some special places in my heart. As one who loves the rugged beauty of the outdoors, the one-on-one connection with a horse, and the soft warm fur of the wolf-dog breeds, this book satisfies in more ways than one.

Maki is forced to grow up quickly as she and her brother are left to fend for themselves among the Invaders. When danger finds her brother, she whispers "courage" to herself and follows along not realizing she will find more than she expects. I love Maki's loyalty to her brother and her feisty character. Yet among her very strong female role, she is tender and caring. She's clever and discerning when life is threatening and learns to give to her enemies even when she believes they don't deserve it. I think Emily did well creating her as a character and writing Maki in the first person POV.

Willow Tam is my other favorite character. He is gentle and pursues Maki in friendliness even though she is so very wary of outsiders in her life. He recognizes loss and longing and is able to reach Maki's heart in ways even she isn't aware of.

I love how Emily writes from her knowledge of horses and mushers. It is unique to see both in one story, let alone combined with a quest for treasure and and unknown city. From some of the previous blog tour posts, Emily mentioned that she herself didn't know whether the legend land of Inik Katsuk was real. I could sense that while reading, and I think it made for an amazing ending. I think all the characters end up finding things (whether physically or emotionally or mentally) that they didn't expect and it either grows them into a stronger person or reveals that flaws that will consume them.

I love the heart that Emily put into this story--the same heart that is in Crowning Heaven, and I love both stories for it. The ending of Seventh City is bittersweet, but perfect. It ties up loose ends, but leaves the future to the imagination. Thank you for sharing this story with the world, Emily.… (more)

There are a few books that have been or are being released currently, and some of them you just must have. This is a must have. The characters are beautifully portrayed and I love how they grow and change. Two worlds intersect when Heaven is born, though she doesn't even know it yet. She knows little of her parents, but the few things she finds out change her world completely. The first few lines of the story set the time period and capture the scene immediately. Heaven learns to love her new family and take up the role Rodhacar and Castellan give to her. Not many people can bridge the gap between these two nations, but there are a few who do, and Heaven finds out how just very important she is to the uniting of the warring countries.

Emily Hayse excels in writing and portraying emotion. I sorrowed when characters died, but the joy among friendships was well worth it. Heaven finds out she needs to pursue marriage as a way to give her strength, finances, and armies. While I was surprised at the way she chose her suitors, I loved how Emily brought about romance in countries that typically married for convenience, rather than love.

The fantasy elements were also intriguing. I enjoyed the portal between the worlds, and how technology spanned Earth and Rodhacar. Also, because I love horses and riding, I quite enjoyed the fact that everyone rode horses instead of cars. ;) Heaven journals, too, and because her character is similar to me in many ways, Heaven's writing and life desires were something I could quickly identify with and see how they molded her thoughts and actions. My favorite characters would be (besides Heaven) Tyr, Athen, and Breac. Thrasi, Lysander, and Nic also hold special places in my heart.

I wish I could do justice to this story with a review, but you will just have to read it yourself now that it has been released!! Heaven's story and the people who live with her and die for her will stay with you even when you close the last page. And for my fellow Christian readers, I believe this book will provide a glimpse into what it means to fight alongside your brothers and sisters in unity, while also living or dying for truth. Fantasy books typically parallel that of our physical or spiritual world, and this one is no different. Heaven's quiet courage, Athen's steadfastness, Breac's sacrifice, and Nic's protection are just a few of the people and character qualities that we would do well to emulate in our lives.

Well done, Emily! :)… (more)