The Redeemer by Linda Rios Brook

The final book of the series.

This last installment of scrolls chronicles the life of Adonai in the flesh, or Jesus rather; from His birth, His ministry years with His disciples, and finally His death. We learn just who Wonk is and that Samantha Yale might have a secret of her own to reveal. The fallen angel tries several times to get the attention of Jesus and plead his case. Will the fallen angel also get a chance at redemption? 

I think the book did close up the loose ends of the series and threw in a few unsuspecting twists toward the end. I enjoyed the series and just may hang on to it to re-read. For those of you who know how precious my shelf space is, you'll know this is big. 

4 of 5 flamingos. 

The King By Linda Rios Brook

Book three of the Reluctant Demon Diary Series...

I found this book at some points to be repetitive. The demon is often talking about what he would say to God if he had his "day in court." The previous two books talk about that as well, and I understand same need for recap, but in my opinion, it was a bit over the top. Other than that, I've still enjoyed the journey that Brook takes us on through Biblical times. This time Israel has asked for a king and God allows them to have Saul. After Saul comes David, and then Solomon.

The book once again shows the loving side of a God who typically seeks justice. He gives the people what they are asking for, only to have them turn away from Him once again. When will they finally learn? Satan wins a few battles, but knows something that trumps everything, so he thinks. For the complete redemption of the people, there needs to be a blood sacrifice, and so far, there has been no provision for it. Until...

3.5 of 5 flamingos.

The Deliverer by Linda Rios Brook

Book 2.

A new batch of scrolls is brought to Samantha Yale to translate. Wonk is still his secretive self and warns Samantha yet again not to tell anyone what she has. She continues to translate the behind the scenes action of  Biblical history. Demonic strategy continues to assault the people. We start learning about the different Spiritual gifts that are given to the people... intercession, encouragement... etc. One thing the diary mentions is that, "if humans only knew the power they had through the Spirit of God, there would be no contest." (paraphrased) What truth!

These books have reminded me of the battle for my soul. Satan has a limited amount of time and it's running out fast. The tactics are getting trickier and my focus needs to be that much greater.

I am actually about three-fourths of the way through the third book, so unfortunately I'm not really able to give specifics on this book because I can't remember what goes to which book... LOL. Old age ;)

4 of 5 flamingos.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book honestly. I was pleasantly surprised by the wondrous, fanciful tale that unfolded. There was drama, comedy, and tough decision making that made you nervous for the characters involved. What was really great were the real pictures that were placed within the novel. It helped create this world where you believed these people were real. At one point I found myself looking at the front and back cover to see if it was based on a true story. (It's not).

A family tragedy has 16 year old Jacob and his father setting off for a mysterious island; an island that Jacob's late grandfather called paradise. When they arrived, it seemed everything but that. The island was so remote that generators were the towns main source of power. The smell of diesel fuel filled the day's air with an acridness that you couldn't quite shake. Jacob sets off in search of a home that his grandfather always talked about. He heard many stories of how beautiful it was growing up there; however, upon reaching the home, it showed decay, destruction, and well... creepiness. His search for answers seemed to come to a grinding halt. Were his grandfathers stories a bunch of fairy tales? Did he even live on this island? And what about the kids? No one in town wanted to help, so Jacob, committed himself to searching the house top to bottom, even if it meant being scared out of his mind. What did it matter... his father thought he was crazy anyway. What unfolds is mysterious, wonderful, and terrible. Read it.

4 of 5 flamingos.