Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews Blog Tour (Review + Giveaway)

Hey readers and Happy Saturday! I hope you guys are all having a perfect start to your weekends. What better way to enjoy than with an awesome new read. Today I'm hosting a review stop on the blog tour for Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews! Here's a bit about the novel and out author before we get to my thoughts:

When slavers steal Juhan and his twin sister Chosi from their home planet of psychics, their only comfort is in the fact that they’re together. When they are separated at auction, Juhan swears to find his sister, no matter the cost. Juhan is bought by the spoiled daughter of a political scion. Caught in her glittering world of intrigue and politics, Juhan is startled to find Sadi playing a long game to change intergalactic politics and Juhan is merely a pawn in her game. But as his vow and Sadi's lies takes them across galaxies, he begins to wonder if his young owner is more than an arrogant rich girl. And he has to consider the cost of his promise—especially when people they both care for begin to die. A galaxy away, Chosi is sold into blood sport. With her psychic ability, she earns a precarious position of value within the gladiator school, training the draken—wild creatures of smoke and fire—for the arena. In the midst of that hell, she forges a friendship with the slave Jemes and the draken she cares for. But when her defiance comes with devastating results, Chosi contemplates suicide as an escape from her chains. Yet, she can't forget the brother who promised to find her, and even as she welcomes the risk of death, she clings to that promise. Spun across space and exotic worlds, Juhan and Chosi try to find each other, and home in a stunning story about the lengths love will take you.

Nazarea Andrews

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. She is the author of Girl Lost, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. 

Find Nazarea Andrews

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Goodreads *

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My Thoughts

I'm going to try to keep my thoughts on this one short. Nazarea Andrews has got to be one of the most versatile authors in the business right now. Romance, Horror, Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, and now... Science Fiction. Nazarea Andrews: tackler of all the genres. Honestly folks, not only is Andrews able to write in a plethora of different categories, she does each one to perfection. I have yet to meet a single reader who wasn't able to find something to like in this woman's expansive library.

As many of you guys know, I fell in love with Andrews when I was introduced to her zombie series last year. Since then I have developed such a respect for this woman that words cannot even describe. When I heard Nazarea had a sci-fi/fantasy in the works, I nearly lost it. I didn't know what to expect for sure, but I knew it would be awesome!

When it comes to the plot line of Gentle Chains, I will say this: you had better be paying attention or you're going to miss something. Andrews weaves an intricate web of fantasy with enough plot twists to keep even the most finicky of readers entertained. Whether you're in it for the suspense of the journey, or for the beauty of the world that Andrews has created, I have no doubt that most anyone will find something to love about Gentle Chains. I will say that at times I had to take a break. Like any true fantasy novel, this read is heavy. It's a bit hard to wrap your head around, but once you push back your groundings in reality and let yourself go, you will definitely enjoy this novel much more.

I never thought I could love another due of characters as much as I loved Ren and Finn from Nazarea's zom series. I was wrong, Juhan and Chosi are two of the most amazing characters Andrews has ever written. I won't go too far into detail here for fear of spoilers, but their character development is nothing short of art. Andrews pulls out all the stops and gives us a character experience I was proud to have read. When it comes to villains and side characters, Andrews was on point with Gentle Chains. I'll warn ya now, expect the unexpected and always be prepared for what comes next!

Gentle Chains explores a number of themes. Family, love, and loyalty are three of the biggest. I loved the dynamic in this novel. The character development, intertwined with the gripping plot full of mystery and fantasy, really aided in Nazarea's portrayal of these themes. From heartbreak to pride, you will definitely experience an emotional roller coaster within these pages!

When it comes to the fantasy element of Gentle Chains, I was blown away. It was like Star Wars mixed with Avatar. In other words, a gripping space opera with enough drama to drown the senior homecoming queen. And I loved every second. Holy hell people. I could never pick a favorite Nazarea Andrews read, but I can say this is going towards the top. And that ending!? I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book of this series and I know that once you guys read it, you'll feel the same way!

This novel is part of a duology and the final part will be releasing in the coming months. Don't worry, you'll hear all about it here!

All-in-all, I am granting Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews a well deserved 5-star review. In a month full of so-so reads, Gentle Chains was exactly what I needed to pull me out of that rut. Also, can I briefly mention the strides that Andrews has taken to bring diversity to the New Adult genre. Kudos to you Mrs. Andrews, massive kudos to you, my friend! 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews. Nazarea is one of my favorite authors out there right now and I finally got the incredible opportunity to meet her this past weekend at Austin Book Fest! I made some great memories! She's an incredible author and a class act all the way. I highly encourage you guys to check out this incredible novel. Special thanks to the author and the team at InkSlinger PR for allowing me to participate. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan