Stars: 3.5
Synopsis: Even though Tony Dorence has returned home from prison, alive only by the grace of God, he, his sister, and his friends are plagued by many more trials that threaten their lives and their faith. Will they stand strong in the face of doubt and persecution?
Ooh, boy. This...this long-awaited (I waited a day...still too long) sequel to Fled for Refuge (one word: cliffhanger) was both everything I wanted and nothing like I’d hoped.
If that’s confusing, don’t worry. I’ll explain.
Refuge from the Storm picks up right where the first book left off—and Y’ALL. Tony survives. He comes home. Merri and Wes and Matilda and Rick and Brent are still waiting for him. It’s epic.
Except I feel like 50% of the book was Tony sleeping and Merri worrying. There was just a lot of repetition and not a lot of drama or action (until the very end...which was the best part). As much as I like how realistic Tony’s recovery was and how relatable Merri’s doubts were, it was kind of excessive. I needed more to the plot; otherwise, it dragged.
BUT THEN. But then...something crazy happened, and Craig and Amanda show back up. Y’all, that could have been SUCH an epic twist...but that too seemed like it wasn’t fully fleshed out.
What would’ve helped was some more drama (I. Love. Drama.), with a hint of comedy and (maybe, but I won’t ask for it) romance or something. Something...more. (Like...what if Drew came back? That would’ve been so awesome. Terrible for the characters, but awesome for me. *winks*)
Speaking of the characters, I could see Rick and Brent being such amazing characters with an interesting dynamic with Tony and Merri, but they really bled into each other. (I honestly couldn’t tell them apart sometimes.) If they’d been more defined and developed, they would’ve added such a fun element to the story.
Truth be told...this could’ve been a novella. I feel like some of the repetitive scenes could’ve been cut to make the pacing and length more conducive to all that actually occurred in the story. (*glares at her own 210k word-long epic* I may need someone to tell me this...)
As it was, even though the sequel fell flat in some areas, it really picked up at the very end. No spoilers, but I am SO stoked for the next book! Just...all the vibes, guys. This is taking me back to my Left Behind days; I can just feel the intensity and see everything unfold! I sincerely hope the next book takes advantage of the build-up Refuge from the Storm gave it!
Honestly, the whole book is worth that ending. And Tony not dying, of course! *winks* I LOVE the apologetic themes and how relevant the messages are! Definitely gets you thinking about what you would do in that situation—if you would choose your life but lose your soul by denying your Lord—which is something we should all ask ourselves in a culture that looks down on Christians! I think Hall wrote those struggles so well, in a way that was relatable and authentic rather than the characters already being perfect and doing everything just right!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy from the lovely author! All opinions expressed are my own!
snag your copy
the sale
Fled for Refuge (the first book in the Refuge series) is on sale for $1.99 during the launch tour! You can purchase a discounted copy from your preferred retailer HERE!
the tour
Monday, April 18th
Vanessa Hall - Spotlight
Kaytlin Phillips - Review
Grace A. Johnson - Spotlight
Charity’s Books and Tea - Quote
Kristina Hall - Tour launch
Tuesday, April 19th
Madi’s Musings - Spotlight
Charity’s Books and Tea - Quote
Lillian Keith - Spotlight
Wednesday, April 20th
Judith McNees - Review
Joy C. Woodbury - Review
Charity’s Books and Tea - Quote
Thursday, April 21st
Charity’s Books and Tea - Quote
Books Less Travelled - Review
Friday, April 22nd
Abby Burrus - Review
Issabelle Perry - Review
Vanessa Hall - Review
Emma (The Book Dragon’s Alcove) - Review
Grace A. Johnson - Review
Saraina Whitney - Spotlight
Kylie Hunt - Spotlight and Review
Charity’s Books and Tea - Review
Autumn - Spotlight
Kristina Hall - Tour Wrapup
about the author
Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin. Follow her on Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram, and her website, and subscribe to her newsletter!
It sounds like it has an amazing message. I agree, sadly the world does not accept us but I keep in mind John 16:33 "I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”"
Hahaha, yes, even a day is too long to wait for sequels! 😂
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing Refuge from the Storm!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
The part about how Drew should've come back ... 😂 I'm not that mean to my poor characters!
CONGRATS KRISTINA!