Review: Returned (Forbidden #3) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Book info:

Title:  Returned
Author:  Kimberley Griffiths Little
Series:  Forbidden #3
Genre:  YA historical fiction
Published:  February 7th, 2017
Source:  E-book received from author for honest review
My rating:  5 stars

I have been a fan of this series since the very first book, Forbidden.  And if you haven't started this series yet, you may want to click on that title's link so as not to get any spoilers for the first or second book, Banished, which you can read that review by clicking that title. 

The time in history that this takes place during is one that I hadn't read many other stories set in, at least not YA-wise.  It was definitely a very interesting time though, and the author intertwines little details that recall things I learned in Sunday School, but never thought more about other than how they fit into those bible stories.  While this isn't a religious book in any way, it definitely has a heavy aspect of it that is related to the religions of the time.  Those included the early Jews, Egyptian gods, Ba'al, etc.  This final book in the series does such a great job at winding up the loose ends, and truly completing the story.

All of the problems that occur make perfect sense for the world that they are in. Nothing is solved as easily as you hope or as it first seems when something is won.  The author makes sure to keep the reader on their toes as it seems that for each step forward that Jayden and Kadesh may make towards a happy life together, something or someone comes along to set them two steps back, and they have to make a new plan to get to their intended destination. 

There will be deaths of favorite characters, characters that are so very integral to the story.  But there will also be victories, and the redemption of characters that may have been considered unredeemable.  The love between Jayden and Kadesh is definitely felt, and their relationship is one that brought a smile to my face.  All of the family members that are left for Jayden to bring together will get what they deserve, good or bad, in the end.  And as I mentioned before, all of the strings that I was following through the story, got tied up perfectly, even if not in a perfect little bow.

This is a series that I highly recommend to teens, as well as anyone who is a fan of YA books.  It is one I suggest to teachers that may be looking for more historical fiction from an ancient time.  You should definitely add this book, or this series to your TBR if they are not already there.

 Synopsis:
After tragedy strikes on the day they were to wed, Jayden must support Kadesh as he ascends the throne and becomes king of Sariba. But with the dark priestess Aliyah conspiring to control the crown, and the arrival of Horeb, Jayden’s former betrothed, Kadesh’s kingdom, as well as his status as king, is at stake. 

Jayden knows that the time to be merciful has come and gone, and that some enemies can only be halted by death. Now she and Kadesh must prepare to fight not only for their love, but also for their kingdom. 
 

Book Blast and Giveaway: Returned (Forbidden Trilogy #3) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Book info:

Title:  Returned  
Author:  Kimberley Griffiths Little
Series:  Forbidden Trilogy #3  
Genre:  YA Romantic Historical Fantasy

After tragedy strikes on the day they were to wed, Jayden must support Kadesh as he ascends the throne and becomes king of Sariba. But with the dark priestess Aliyah conspiring to control the crown, and the arrival of Horeb, Jayden’s former betrothed, Kadesh’s kingdom, as well as his status as king, is at stake.

Jayden knows that the time to be merciful has come and gone, and that some enemies can only be halted by death. Now she and Kadesh must prepare to fight not only for their love, but also for their kingdom.

This is the final book in the epic trilogy that began with Forbidden and Banished. Jayden and Kadesh’s love will be put to the ultimate test as they fight a war to save their kingdom.

 

Excerpt:

Last night should have been one of bliss. After all Kadesh and I had been through—the loss of my family, the trek through the harsh desert . . . this should have been our night, the first as husband and wife in the marriage tent. I’d imagined us sipping wine and bathing in a marbled bath. Lying in perfect luxury on a golden bed, together at last.

Instead, Kadesh and I were like lost children, orphaned by the sudden death of his uncle, King Ephrem, and our wedding ceremony that had been irrevocably destroyed mere hours ago.

While King Ephrem’s pyre burned out, the last of the red flames snapped at the salty sea air, devouring the body of the King of Sariba.

A hot wind whipped at my bridal gown. I wanted to scrape the horror of the night from my sight until my eyelids were raw.    

  

 Praise for the Book

Booklist (starred review)“At its core, this is a romance, with all the push and pull that goes along with impossible love, and Little elevates the story by creating a perilous landscape, both outward and inward, as Jayden must deal with the hardship of desert life as well as her own desires. . . descriptions of the landscape are evocative in both desolation and in beauty. Just as good is the pacing, which gets the blood pumping for both characters and readers. This will heighten anticipation for a no-doubt exciting conclusion.”


Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“Rich historical details are deftly woven into Jayden’s narration, and the dynamics of Jayden’s tribe are vividly drawn. Jayden’s story becomes as much about finding herself as it is about finding love.”

Reader: “This book took my breath away. I loved the immersive story and the rich setting of ancient Mesopotamia. The customs, traditions, and beliefs of the desert people were captivating and every time I set the book down I couldn’t wait to pick it up again. I’ve never read anything like this before.”


Reader: “Forbidden was so captivating that I awoke early in the morning, while my family was still sleeping, so I could finish the last pages of this beautifully haunting tale.” 

About the Author:

Kimberley Griffiths Little is the author of ten award-winning Middle-Grade and Young Adult novels with Knopf, Scholastic and Harpercollins, including the Whitney Award, the Arizona/New Mexico Book Award, the SCBWI Crystal Kite, the Southwest Book Award, and others. ALA BOOKLIST named FORBIDDEN, the first book in her Ancient Mesopotamian historical fantasy a Young Adult Top 10 novel for the Historical category, Romance category, and Religious/Inspirational.

Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell. She once stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland and didn’t sleep a wink; sailed the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. She was born in San Francisco but now lives on the banks of the Rio Grande with her husband and three sons.  

Website * Facebook * Twitter 

  

Giveaway:

• $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
• Ends 2/27/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Returned (Forbidden #3) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly awaiting.  Once again I've picked a book in a series, a series that I've really loved so far. If you want to read my reviews of the first two books, you can go here:  Forbidden and Banished.  I think this is the end of the series, but I'm not sure.  It doesn't matter, I just can't wait for this one!  Here's the blurb from Goodreads:

After tragedy strikes on the day they were to wed, Jayden must support Kadesh as he ascends the throne and becomes king of Sariba. But with the dark priestess Aliyah conspiring to control the crown, and the arrival of Horeb, Jayden’s former betrothed, Kadesh’s kingdom, as well as his status as king, is at stake.

Jayden knows that the time to be merciful has come and gone, and that some enemies can only be halted by death. Now she and Kadesh must prepare to fight not only for their love, but also for their kingdom.






Have you started this series yet?  If not, does it sound good to you?  What book are you eagerly awaiting this week?