"Vanquished" by Katie Clark

{{This is an updated review. Originally posted July 27^th, 2015, it was updated on January 10^th, 2020 to the Official Rating System.}}

 About this book:

  “When Hana's mom is diagnosed with the mutation, she confesses to Hana she doesn't know what will happen if she dies. Fischer, a medic at the hospital, implies there is Someone who can help-but religion's been outlawed. Hana embarks on a dangerous journey, seeking the answers Fischer insists are available. But when the truth is uncovered, will Hana stick to what she's been taught? Or will she join the rebellion and take a stand against an oppressive society?”

Series: Book #1 in the “Enslaved” series.


Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are read, mentioned, & discussed; Many talks about God, Jesus, the Bible, & what happens when we die; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Hana becomes very curious in what happens after you die for her mom’s sake and looks for the answer; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading (and burning Bibles or books that deal with religion); Mentions of Heaven & Hell (and the thought that people are going to Hell because they haven’t ever heard there is a Hell);

             *Note: All religion is outlawed and it is mentioned to have caused division and wars prior to the dystopian time period of the story; Reincarnation is believed to be what happens after you die (told by the government, Hana has a hard time believing it); Meditation is required (Hana thinks it helps & mentions of it; semi-detailed); A few mentions of gods.

Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut up’, five forms of ‘dumb’, and twenty-two forms of ‘stupid’; A mention of using ‘hell’ as a curse word; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Hana sneaks out (to learn about God) & lies (to guards to protect the group); Hana’s father threatens that he’ll turn in her if she doesn’t obey the law; All about mentions of cancer (called mutation), Hana’s mom being diagnosed with it, chemo drugs, radiation, dying, & deaths (up to semi-detailed): Mentions of injuries & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of drugs & being addicted; Mentions of crimes, criminals, & stealing; Mentions of bullies & bulling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of rumors; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of people killing others & murderers; A few mentions of threatening to execute someone; A few mentions of violence; A few mentions of alcohol & drinking; A few mentions of starvation; A couple mentions of wars; A couple mentions of a woman harming herself & bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a place being set on fire; A couple mentions of a prison; A couple mentions of smoking; A couple mentions of jealousy;

             *Note: A mention of most pets ending up as meals during the winter months.

Sexual Content- It is illegal for teens of the opposite gender to be alone together and for a boy to touch a girl (it is said to be a form of birth control); A possible almost kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Many mentions of Hana’s best friend, Jamie, getting pregnant & how the government will force her to get an abortion (Hana does not believe that killing a little baby is the right thing and Jamie does not want to have an abortion, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of sneaking out to meet a boy or girl; A few mentions of kisses, kissing, & imaging being kissed; A few mentions of a guy making comments towards Hana; A couple mentions of jealousy; Some boy trouble & emotions;

             *Note: A few mentions of birth control pills (which aren’t available, but Hana assumes if they were, they would be required to be on it); A mention of fresh underwear; A mention of butting into a conversation.

-Hana Norfolk, age 17
                                       1^st person P.O.V. of Hana

                                                {Dystopia}
                                                        271 pages

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Pre Teens-

New Teens-

Early High School Teens-

Older High School Teens-

My personal Rating-

While this may seem like typical dystopian plot—religion outlawed, government says they know best, an upcoming rebellion, a possible love-triangle, and a main girl wanting to know what really is happening—it’s interesting and engaging to see how it all plays out. I think dystopian books are a favorite of mine because of the anticipation of if the rebellion will be successful. With Hana in this trilogy, we quickly see her passion and leadership skills but by the end of the book I can’t help but smirk at what she’ll do next. 

It’s been years since I read this trilogy, so most of this first book it was like reading it for the first time again. Definitely looking forward to rereading the other two books. 

See y’all on Wednesday with a new review!

*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

"Where Courage Calls" by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan

About this book:

  “Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected...
  Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.
But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.
Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?
  A special companion story to Hallmark Channel's "When Calls the Heart" TV series.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Return to the Canadian West” series. (Review of #2 Here!) {There is another series that follows Beth’s aunt, Elizabeth, called the “Canadian West” series. Read Reviews of #1 Here, #2 Here, #3 Here, #4 Here, #5 Here, and #6 Here.  You do not have to read the first series to understand this one, but it’s a great series to read. :) }

Spiritual Content- Many, many Prayers; Many, many Talks about God, the Bible & Witnessing; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Scriptures are quoted, read & mentioned; Mentions of those in the Bible; Church going & Hymns are sung; Bible studies & plays; Christmas, carols & a play.

Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blamed’, and a ‘who the blazes’; Mentions of curses said but not written; A mention of a dead deer (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of spankings; Mentions of gambling, liquor & drinking.

Sexual Content- A gossip that miners have two wives; Mentions of flirting; A bit of noticing & the emotions.

-Beth Thatcher
                                         P.O.V. of Beth

                                              Set in the 1920s (I believe)
                                                        329 pages

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Pre Teens-

New Teens-

Early High School Teens- 

Older High School Teens-

My personal Rating- 

My goodness! I’m trying not to compare it to the TV show, but though they are very different, I really, really enjoyed “Where Courage Calls”. Not really anything like the TV show (which I wasn’t expecting it to be) but it was still great.

 Next Friday I’ll be reviewing book #2 in this series and on August 7^th, there will be a fun post all about When Calls the Heart: the Books, Movie & TV Show. :D

See y’all on Monday with a new review!

*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.