Sharon Hinck

"Faithfulness and loyalty are the true powers. They strengthen the individual and the whole community."

It's another winner from Sharon Hinck. Jolan's journey is inspired by Joseph's journey in the book of Genesis, so it's somewhat of a reimagining of Joseph's tale. Filled with betrayal, loss, grief, and faith, this book of hope and purpose, set in a realistic fantasy world, will engage your heart, mind, and spirit. You won't be able to put it down once you start!

Jolan's first person voice is show more refreshing, honest, and delightful. Though it's told only in first person, we get to know other characters pretty well throughout the story. I really enjoyed getting to know King Siverlon and Kamor. Kamor's steadfast loyal heart won me over from the beginning; his relationship with Jolan was a beautiful thing to witness as enemies became friends to something more. The theme of being faithful where planted showed clearly through Kamor's life and was an excellent reminder to choose contentment, faithful service, and complete dependence on the One who is everything.

It doesn't look like this book is a part of a series but I'd love to have a follow up book (or two) about the fate of the four kingdoms in the story. I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. show less

With gifted authors like Sharon I am becoming a fan of fantasy. I like the way she brings new worlds to life and surrounds us with vivid images. I immediately liked our main character Jolan. Having a gift of telling others what they dreamed and the meaning behind it, she is sought by powerful people. She uses her gift to warn and also give hope but someone wants to use her for their own selfish gain. Will she survive being kidnapped?

Jolan is in a dire predicament when she is unable to show more completely tell what she sees and this puts her in danger. Something is holding her back from seeing everything but what is it? Being accused of pitting the Duchess against her husband stirs up a threat to Jolan. The author definitely had my attention as the drama takes shape in the form of revenge. The action really starts when Jolan finds herself befriending the king. As news of a plot to poison the King is averted Jolan knows that more chaos will happen. Someone wants the king out of power and Jolan is in the middle trying to interpret dreams to keep the King and herself from harm. If only she could find a way back to her home, she would finally be safe.

Throughout the story we see mention of the Provider. I liked how it reminds me of God and how He wants to protect His people like Provider does. We see Jolan many times asking for help from the Provider. We do the same when we pray and ask guidance from God. I couldn’t wait to see if Jolan would be able to help her people and keep the King from harm. Danger follows around every corner and it is hard to figure out who to trust at times.

The adventure in the story takes us to a place where deceit is close and Jolan risks everything to expose who is responsible for trying to start a war and take over. I can’t overlook the fact that trusting was a big part of this story. We all find ourselves at times trying to trust someone. Jolan relied on the Provider to direct her path and show her who to trust. I liked how the story directs us to be faithful and let God show us the direction to follow in our lives.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less

Forgotten, forgetting, forsaking.

With characteristic prowess, Sharon Hinck brings readers another intriguing fantasy with “Forsaken Island”, book two of The Dancing Realms series. Carya and Brantley’s story continues where “Hidden Current” left off, a sighting of another island in the previously-considered uninhabited ocean sparking hope for finding supplies to replace Meriel’s dwindling reserves. The duo arrives to a seemingly-impenetrable wall of tree branches, and once they show more enter this strange new world, everything becomes increasingly off-kilter. Paradise becomes a nightmare as the island’s secrets are revealed and the truth behind the façade of the inhabitants’ happiness comes to light. All is not as it appears…

Faced with the threat of the island’s core and the possibility of never being able to navigate back to Meriel, Carya and Brantley work to liberate the islanders from the prison they’ve created for themselves. Their fight becomes a parallel to humanity’s ongoing battle against sinfulness, and Carya learns to trust the Maker more while contending against her own wounds. Including the internal battle of allowing herself to love someone after being indoctrinated for years regarding her life as one set apart from society. “Forsaken Island” may fall into the fantasy genre, but it contains many truths for the soul. Surrender to the One who made the heavens and the earth and who watches over and guards those who are His is the only way to true freedom and joy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. show less

Part dystopian, part fantasy, and wholeheartedly mesmerizing, Sharon Hinck’s “Hidden Current” begins The Dancing Realms series. The story unfolds with a steady rhythm that aligns with the pacing of the plot, an intricate dance that subtly yet powerfully carries the reader along. On a quest for truth and restoration after the shocking revelation that the Order is constructed on lies, Calara joins Brantley of Windswell and they set off. As she searches for her birth family away from the show more detainments of home, Calara goes up against the inevitable backlash, all to find that the stabilizing force they need has been present all along, waiting for them. This is a fine parallel of Christian life. Whereas ordinarily gifts and unexpected surprises come from friends and family, the Christian throws wide the floodgates to blessing when accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Told in the first-person from Calara’s perspective, “Hidden Current” is rich in narrative and plot. Because of this direct connection to the story from the heroine, the reader is able to experience the tale as if participating in it. Calara observes that “When fear or doubt arouse, there was always the pattern. The pattern comforted. The pattern never changed.” This reflection leads ultimately to the Creator Himself, the only one who keeps the world spinning and who watches over us in every way, every day.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. show less