2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 4)

I think this series is one that you really love, or that you don’t. Well, I wasn’t a fan. I found this to be creepy and strange. I get that is supposed to be the vibe, but it wasn’t a series I wanted to continue reading.

This is not even close to the genre that I normally read (think Star Wars and Dune mashup to give an allegorical story of Moses). I know it sounds weird, but I’m hooked! The plot is so captivating and intense. It follows the main character, Daeson, as he makes discoveries about himself and wrestles with his identity and purpose in a broken world.
Bonus points for the audiobook! It was a dramatized production with character voicing, music, and sound effects like whizzing space shipes and the clash of talon wepaons. This made the story even more intriguing!

This is a very old story told by Lamplighter Theatre. It was so so good! It teaches the importance of staying within the hedges that God places in our lives, and the consequences that come when we foolishly and arrogantly push beyond them. It gave some great conversation opportunities between me and my kids.

This was another Lamplighter read. While it definitely had character lessons, I felt that it was more of a fascinating story. We did enjoy it though! The main characters marry for convenience, making more of a smart arrangment than a relationship based on mutual love and trust. But as time passes, feelings begin to change, yet personal secrets linger. The reader learns that secrets have no place in a thriving marriage relationship.

I have loved all the other books in The Secret of Ormdale series, but this one really amped up the intrigue and mystery! Follow Edith into the dark alleys of London as she searches for Doctor Farley, the man she believes holds a key to freeing the man she loves from captivity- an antidote for dragon bites.

The final installment of this series did not disappoint! So many layers of myster and suspense were introduced throughout the series, and this book wrapped up every single rabbit trail while also pursuing new perils and complications. Absolutely enchanting series!

This might be one of the best non-fiction books I read this year! I have always loved Charlotte Mason’s ideals and have implemented many of them into our own homeschooling, but this took me deeper into her thoughts as well as the practical application of those thoughts in the life and education of homeschoolers. Chapters are very specific and easy to digest making it a wonderful reference resources. If you are a homeschooling mama, I highly recommend this read! It encouraged me for the school year ahead and inspired me to pursue some new areas of learning (art appreciation& Shakespeare!)

Book #2 in The Starlore Legacy! I enjoyed this one just as much as the first. The story continues at a thrilling pace as you follow Daeson and Raviel as they seek to free the oppressed Rayleans from the cruel Jyptonians.

Some parts of this book I really enjoyed like her thoughts on being a “book girl” and her book list for chidlren’s reads. But most of the book was not what I was hoping for. I think because Sarah Clarkson is an intellectual scholar and because her theology differs so much from mine, most of her book list recommendations were not books that I’d ever be interested in reading.

Krisen Kelley is a dear missionary friend who just finished her first term of serving the Lord with her husband and five daughters. She shares real and raw journal entries from their first years adjusting to a new culture, finding their footing amongst many unfamiliars, and trusting God to lead them a day at a time. My heart was blessed and encouraged as I read this! I was also challenged to pray more specifically for missionaries, especially those who go to lands that are completely foreign from anything we’ve ever known.

*This is a brand new book, and it is not available for purchase yet.

I loved learning about the Icelandic tradtions surrounding this special holiday. So many of those traditions involve books! A Christmas book about books- need I say more?! It also has a sweet, clean romance woven throughout the story. A delightfuly, cozy Christmas read!

This is one of the best read-alouds I have done with the kids. We all fell in love with William, Edmund, and Anna as they faces the perils of WWII and yearned for a forever home. They are an enchanting trio with an ardent love for books. This heartwarming read is delightful!

*Parents Note: There is one random bit about a queen who rode a horse naked through town. I cannot remember in exactly what context that story was told and why the author felt it necessary to include it, but it’s very out of place in my opinion. I just skipped over this as I was reading it aloud as it detracted nothing from the story.

I enjoyed book 1 and 2, but this one was even better! The Rayleans have escaped Jypton, but to what end? Will the die in space, abadoned by their Soverign Ell Yon? Or does he still have a plan for his people? And if he does, it is a plan that are capable of accomplishing?

Continue on with Leinad and Tess as they and the King’s people escape bondage just to forget the King and be captured once again. Will they ever have hearts that are loyal and devoted to the King?

*Amazing as an audiobook! The sound effects such as clashing swords and medieval music make it completely enchanting!

The story transitions fro Leinad to Cedric, as a new knight takes his place in service to the King. The Dark Knight is still on a rampage to destroy all that the King loves. But the Prince enters the scene and things begin to change. Can the people trust in his promise long enough to keep hope alive?

The story continues as Ravi takes center stage and struggles with conflicting feelings. He longs for a family to call his own, but can he find it with Vincent, Georgia, and the Resorationists? Where do his alliances really lie? All will be revealed as they pretend to be people they are not in effort to capture the wicked Dorian and the Distortionists.