Defiance by A. L. Sowards (Blog Tour Review & #Giveaway)


I loved this author's last two WWII books and have been anticipating this one, so I'm
happy to get to review for its tour. Read what I thought and enter the giveaway below...

Defiance
by A. L. Sowards
LDS Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 310 Pages
April 2017 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Eight years after immigrating to the United States, German-born Lukas Ley embodies the American dream: successful athlete, gorgeous girlfriend, loving family. But beneath the surface, eighteen-year-old Lukas is driven by ambition, resolved to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, a failed physical throws his plans for flight school off course. Unlike his war-hero older brother, Lukas’s purpose is unclear. He can’t fly, and in the eyes of the military, he’s good for only one thing—the front lines. 

From the foxholes of war-ravaged Luxembourg to the devastation of an enormous German offensive, Lukas’s journey is fraught with peril. But when he’s taken as a prisoner of war, he realizes life is about to get much worse. In the enemy camp, Lukas is viewed as a German fighting for the wrong side. Ripped from the innocence of an idealistic youth, he becomes a man beaten by the horrors of war. Now his only hope of survival is to hold tightly to his faith in God and his love of family and home. But even if he manages to make it out alive, can he ever be whole again?

Sometimes survival is the ultimate act of Defiance.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review

DEFIANCE is a heartbreaking but inspiring story. A candidly told story about the struggles of one young man and his fellow soldiers during WWII from the front lines to various POW camps. It's also a story of survival, perseverance, forgiveness, and faith. Highly recommended!

This author does such a fantastic job in writing relatable characters that you can't help cheering on. These characters that, as a reader, you have such hope for, who you cry for, and laugh with. I loved them all! I loved seeing Bastian and Gracie again and meeting Lukas' mom and sweetheart. I loved seeing Lukas' drive and hope. I enjoyed the letters and the eventual camaraderie between fellow soldiers.

I'll be honest, the story was pretty tough in parts. War is tough and messy and scary. The author did a good job showing the realities of war, particularly this one, but not making it overly descriptive or grotesque. I could envision and understand what Lukas and his friends were going through quite easily and felt for them and the terrible things they dealt with. It makes me ever so grateful that Germany lost and for those who gave their lives and served to make it so.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was another fantastic release from this author! The journey was tough and definitely included moments of tension, heartbreak, and tears, but was also full of hope and joy. The ending was especially beautiful. Definitely well worth the read!

Content: Violence due to war.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books by the Author

Both linked to my 5-star reviews!

About the Author

I was born in Georgia but consider Moses Lake, Washington my hometown. I came to Utah to attend school (BYU) and ended up staying. Books have always been an important part of my life. I remember writing self-illustrated storybooks at my grandparent's house when I was in elementary school (none of those made it to publication for many good reasons) and attending my first writer's conference when I was in third grade.

Now I'm a busy mom with young chidren. I still love to read and I also love to write. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.


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