Book Review: The Rose and the Sword

Well hello friends!

I'm here with my first book review in the history of this blog.  I, of course, have wanted to do a few other book reviews for a very long time, but my feelings about them have not quite come as easily as my feelings for this book, which says a lot because those books too, have found a special place in my heart.

I won this book in a Christmas Catholic Teen Book Giveaway and have not been sponsored to write this review.

Upon receiving this book, I actually had no previous knowledge of it.  I began reading it without even reading the back cover (as it was on my Kindle) or any reviews.  I didn't even realize it was the second in a series, but it stands alone very well.  For review purposes, here's the synopsis from Amazon:

Can a rose survive in winter?

Rebecca Veritas is a new college graduate, eager to pursue her dreams as a clinical psychologist. After receiving a full scholarship for an internship recommended by her old professor and friend Dr. Everson, she leaves the quiet suburban town of Cedar Heights for the big city of Los Angeles. As she adjusts to her new surroundings, beginning to work with her assigned mentor and a wide variety of clients with all the enthusiasm of a fresh intern, she finds solace in a mysterious antique bookstore. Yet, as her thoughts still linger on someone from her past, she is unaware that the present has the potential to haunt her the most. As time passes, a growing sense of unease quickly transitions into more disturbing events that make her question if all is as it seems. When circumstances take an eerie turn, Rebecca will find herself a player on a larger scale than she had ever anticipated, a scale that could cause one to pay the ultimate price.

In this riveting sequel to I Thirst (2013 YATR Literary Award for Best Prologue), the adventures of Rebecca Veritas, the young, introspective dreamer with an inclination toward random insanity, continue.

I just finished reading "The Rose and the Sword" because I could not put it down! I enjoyed it thoroughly and can't wait for the next installment in the series! I was so glad to have many things in common with the main character, Rebecca, including our love of Anne of Green Gables, our friendship with St. Anthony, and relationship with St. Therese.

 In the first chapter we meet Rebecca at her job at the campus bookstore.  Immediately, we begin to accompany her on her day to day adventures.  And I have to be honest.  The first chapter gripped me and I was hooked.  I can't say what exactly did it.  Was it that she was a Catholic young lady like myself trying to stay pure in the world and explain her faith to others or was it the grown up atmosphere that college themed books and movies hold?  Probably both.  I also enjoy how the story is written in first person.

The book does have some mature content throughout (which is not necessarily surprising in a book about college students), so I would suggest it for mature 17 year olds to 18 year olds and up.  Of course, there is nothing severely inappropriate. I think the authoress has done a great job writing a thrilling book for young people without including anything inappropriate or scandalous.

Even though this is the second book in the series, it stands well on it's own as I haven't read the first one. The book is written exceptionally well with easy to read chapters. I like how the book did not always explain things right away, but left you thinking about what might have happened, or will happen, from chapter to chapter. The book was written in a thought provoking manner and the use of poetry provided ample stimulation for the imagination. Rebecca's best friend, Peter, quickly became one of my favorite characters and kindred spirits. Of course the best thing about the novel is that the Catholic faith is Rebecca and Peter's center and strength. There aren't many good books about young people in the 21st century who live the beautiful Catholic faith. This book is truly one of them.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!!  It's sweet, exciting, fun, and beautiful!  Definitely a great gift idea for girls in college and the Catholic young women in your life!

Thank you for this wonderful book Miss Sweeney!

If you'd like to get a cop of the Rose & The Sword, head over to Amazon!  HERE!!

God bless you!

(Not my artwork)