Monday, January 07, 2013

YA at its finest


WOW. 

I just read THE SHADOWED ONYX, a YA novel I've been excited about ever since finishing the first two novels in Nicole's "Diamond Estate" series, and...wow. I wasn't disappointed! Now I'm just sort of bummed the series is over :)

**note ** Each of the novels in this series totally stand alone, but if you can read them in order, it's even better. 

Series Description:
Diamond Estates. Three girls are on a journey to find hope and healing. Each coming to Diamond Estates seeking solace... Each with her own unique set of struggles…And each capturing hearts and challenging the faith of teen girls.

I love that Nicole openly tells in the author notes of the novel about her own experience as a teen at Teen Challenge. Her experience there clearly rings true and sincere in her novels in a way that other authors couldn't even touch. Nicole KNOWS - and PRACTICES - what she's preaching here, and the best part about it is that it doesn't come off as preaching at all! I highly recommend any of Nicole's YA novels for the teen in your life. 

Book Blurb: At age seventeen, Joy Christianson is the life of the party. That is, until her best friend commits suicide. Joy’s already wavering faith slips completely out of her reach; darkness sets in, and her smile fades. Her “friends” lead her to the Onxy, meant to help her let go of the past and bring her into harmony with reality. Joy embarks on a dark journey of witchcraft. Eventually, afraid of letting the depression and evil take root, Joy decides to seek help in the haven of Diamond Estates—and try to reclaim the Joy she once knew.


**Disclaimer** This book is hardcore. It's great on so many levels, but it's definitely not a light, fluffy read to hand to a teen to skim on their beach blanket this summer. This contains serious content and should be treated seriously . (the occult, spiritual warfare, demonic influences, suicide, death, etc.) Not to scare readers away, because I firmly believe teens SHOULD read this. It's just a bit of a catch 22, because while this book clearly presents what could happen and often does happen when teens (or anyone) dabbles in the occult, and serves as a warning thereof and offers light to escape the darkness, (I love how Nicole added the plan of salvation and Scripture to the back of the book!) it could also have the reverse affect and entice a spiritually scoffing teen to try things out or "give them ideas" if they don't take it seriously. So please pray over your teen before, during and after they read this story, and discuss it with them and get their thoughts on the subject matter. I believe God can and will use this story to do big things in the hearts of teenagers!

Here's info on Nicole:

Bio: Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk, is a youth culture expert who writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents on preparing for life's tough choices. The mother of six, including toddler triplets, she’s author of YA fiction, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series, and non-fiction for teens including Girl Talk, 2/1/12, based on the popular advice column she writes with her two daughters. Hot Buttons, O’Dell’s non-fiction series for parents, pre-empts peer pressure by tackling tough issues and was recently endorsed by Focus on the Family. Visit www.nicoleodell.com for access to her bustling blog network and other resources.

You can purchase this novel at any link below:


1 comment:

Nicole O'Dell said...

Betsy, thanks so much for the awesome review of The Shadowed Onyx! I so appreciate the time and thought you put into this! :)