Howdy!

Today I’m really excited to help with the release of book 3 in one of my favorite fantasy series. If you’ve never heard of The Minstrel Song series by Jenelle Schmidt, then you should do that now. It’s a great fantasy adventure with strong Christian themes and really likable characters.

Make sure you read all the way to the end for links for the series, a giveaway with some amazing items, and info on a Facebook party!

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About the Book

The years of Oraeyn’s short rule have been peaceful, but now ominous nightmares plague his sleep and cling to him during his waking hours. When two of his most trusted advisors disappear without a trace and not even the power of dragons can locate them, the fell promise of the king’s nightmares becomes reality.

From the furthest reaches of the world, an ancient enemy stirs. Stretching beyond his crumbling prison walls, this foe seeks to bring life to the darkest of shadows. His army marches towards Aom-igh with deadly intent, threatening all Oraeyn holds dear.

Aided by dragons, and with the warrior Brant and Princess Kamarie at his side, Oraeyn must journey into the wilds of a forgotten realm. Trusting in the wisdom and skill of the enigmatic minstrel, Kiernan Kane, the companions race against time in search of Yorien’s Hand, a relic that may hold the power to save them all.

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Review

4/5

Yorien’s Hand picks up three years after the events of King’s Warrior. While I loved book 2 in the series, I was really excited to get back to Kamarie and Oraeyn and the people of Aom-igh.

I really liked Oraeyn in book 1 and was really happy to get most of the book from his perspective. Kamarie is one of my favorite female heroines and I was so glad when she got to go on the quest. The characters are all awesome; Brant, Kiernan Kane- the goofy minstrel who is more than he seems, Yole and his fellow dragons, wizardesses, mythical creatures…the list goes on. We got to meet some new characters. I’m really interested to see more of Devrin later on. There were some things hinted at in this book that make me think he’ll have a great story arc later. Possibly not enough of Brant, but I suppose the rest of the story makes up for that. 😛

The story itself is along the lines of the standard quest for a magical item to save the country from the evil guy. But it doesn’t feel stale. It’s not drawn out. Note to self- when questing, take a dragon for transportation. 😛 Stakes are high for the characters. Their countries don’t have the manpower to fight hordes of mythical creatures. Those on the quest have to hurry, everyone else just has to survive long enough for them to succeed.

I really like Jenelle’s magical creatures and worldbuilding. There’s a certain richness to it that lends a fantastic quality to these stories. I really enjoyed Yorien’s Hand and am looking forward to more books in the series. Highly recommended for any fans of fantasy, adventure, and strong themes of friendship. Best for young teens, but anyone will enjoy.

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Buy Yorien’s Hand Here

Buy King’s Warrior Here

Buy Second Son Here

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About the Author

Jenelle Schmidt grew up in the northern-Midwest. She now resides with her husband and their three adorable children in the wilds of Wisconsin. Jenelle fell in love with reading at a young age during family story-times when her father would read out loud to her and her siblings each night before bed. Her imagination was captured by authors such as Madeleine L’Engle, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lloyd Alexander. It wasn’t long before she began making up her own stories and sharing them with her family. To this day she enjoys creating exciting adventure tales filled with poignant themes and compelling characters in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

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Giveaway! 

Giveaway includes a cold steel hand-and-a-half training sword (I actually have one already :P), a dragon and sapphire pendent necklace, and copies of the series. Enter now!

Facebook Party

It’s tonight, so come and hang out!