Gift of Prophecy by Lina Gardiner

March 20th, 2014 Kimberly Review 80 Comments

20th Mar
Gift of Prophecy by Lina Gardiner
Gift of Prophecy
by Lina Gardiner
Genres: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

In a dangerous, dark and caustic post-apocalyptic society, two hundred years after Electro Magnetic Pulse Wars nearly wiped out civilization... an outcast, a psychic who tries to hide her abilities, finds herself on a dangerous quest with a warrior and his brother. From the time she was branded and cast out, Darla Rune spends most of her time in the Boneyards. The only place she feels truly alive. These defunct technology dumping grounds are guarded by monstrous genetic deviants called Yardmen. They have orders to kill anyone they catch inside. So far, Darla's managed to avoid them. Only the bravest and hardiest of society survive. But even they are on the brink of annihilation, as a result of a self-indulgent, maniacal, newly overthrown, but still powerful dictator who has an agenda of his own. And humanity doesn’t matter. When the new governor becomes Darla’s warrior and confesses to be carrying out prophecies that only members of his family are privy to, Darla begins to experience new abilities of her own. Visions, knowledge she shouldn’t have. Like Joan of Arc from the past, she guides her warrior into the wilds (the Nevermore) to track down the dictator and stop him from carrying out his insane plan.

Lina Gardiner’s Gift of Prophecy is a post-apocalyptic tale filled with strange creatures, a fearless girl, a prophecy and two brothers who must overthrow a ruthless ruler to save the world. Gardiner captured my attention from the first pages and held me riveted as she painted this world and brought her characters to life. Mini review: Captivating, colorful and action-packed.

An Electro Magnetic Pulse nearly wiped out civilization and technology; books and tinkering are strictly forbidden. Darla was forced to live apart from her family and spends her days visiting the forbidden Boneyards. She makes things and trades them to survive. When she has an altercation with a Yardmen, (a genetic deviant who almost kills her) she is aided by the brother of their new ruler. She soon learns of prophecies that have been foretold and entrusted to these brothers. Prophecies that reveal she will save them all. The tale that unfolds was fascinating and filled with danger.

Gardiner presented us with likable and noble characters. Darla is one tough cookie, fearless and brave she has had to overcome and fight for the simplest of necessities. I immediately liked her and as Gardiner peeled back her layers I was even more impressed. Rud, is the younger brother of Oberon the new ruler and, like most younger brothers living in his brother’s shadow. His intentions however misguided are good. Rud is a strong solider, smart, but young, and we see growth in him throughout. Oberon as the oldest has been handed the prophecies and is visited upon by these spirit guides. He holds the weight of the world and its people on his shoulders. His love of family and the people made him swoon-worthy. Vestro is the evil dictator who Oberon and his men have overthrown. He and his mutant army have secured themselves in the Nevermore. (Wilds) An obsessed addict the man made me cringe. Secondary characters added to the tale, including a few genetically altered mutants. I became quite fond of one in particular. He reminded me of Dobby from Harry Potter.

Gift of Prophecy was an engaging tale and I found the world to be both simplistic and complex. Gardiner did a wonderful job of bringing the world to life from the Boneyards to the Nevermore. Her descriptions of the mutated soldiers gave me shivers. There is a romantic thread and between moments of battle we see it develop. It was not insta-love, but fated. The banter between them was fun, and I enjoyed watching it unfold. The prophecy was interesting, and watching Darla come into herself and accept her gifts was enjoyable. The pacing was well done and grew in intensity as the tale progressed. There were a few details that I wanted more information about but Gift of Prophecy wrapped up nicely. Gardiner answered questions and gave us a satisfactory conclusion.

Fans of dystopian and post-apocalyptic tales will find Gift of Prophecy refreshing with strong characters. Lina Gardiner has several published works from suspense to paranormal tales.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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80 Responses to “Gift of Prophecy by Lina Gardiner”

  1. Dani

    I have never heard of this book but it does sound very interesting! Thanks for letting us know more about it!

  2. Ana

    Not a huge fan of the cover, but the synopsis had me intrigued! I really want to read more about these wars described in the book, so I’ll totally keep my eyes out for this one. 😀

  3. Lindy

    The prophecy and fated romance sounds intriguing! Plus, I love Dystopian and Post Apocalyptic Stories!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Sharon and yes can you imagine..it is against the law

  7. Amy

    I love dystopian novels, although I usually read YA ones, I’m looking at a few older ones too. It;s a huge plus that the female lead is a strong character. Too often they are weak and need to be saved again and again. Might be looking this one up soon 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Aside from character age, this one is a great bridge book to adult, and is fast paced like YA

  8. Christy

    I think my reading mood is starting to shift towards this genre, so I need some good ones like this.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Mine has again, I am all mystery and darkness..lol

  9. Pamela D

    This sounds like a fun and great book. The cover is a bit cheesy with the radiation sign though. 🙂

  10. Berls

    Sounds really good! I love the sounds of the characters and I think you had me when you said one of the characters reminded you of Dobby from Harry Potter, I always loved him. I just hope things worked out for him a little better than Dobby 🙂

  11. Stephanie

    I haven’t read a dystopian in a while and this sounds intriguing. I like that the characters are likable and that they wold is both simple and complex. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  13. laura thomas

    What a spectacular cover! The author’s name is ringing a bell but I don’t think I’ve read anything by her. Will find out when I add this to my TBR!

      • laura thomas

        I just went in my kindle and found What She Doesn’t Know. Knew I recognized her. I got it a few months ago and haven’t read it yet. This should be fun reading her different genres.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes with books come knowledge. I would so be a rule breaker here!!

  15. Jenea

    Books are forbidden! *dies a little* This sounds really fascinating, and I like the prophecies too. Darla sounds like a great character too. Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes as are any electronics, etc. Yep, it sounds nightmarish!

  16. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Oh this sounds like the world building here is pretty great. I was just thinking of needing a good dystopian… like I need more books. What am I saying… of course I do! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      yes, one can never have enough books Melissa. *shivers* at your temporary insanity! bwahahaha!

  17. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I’m curious about this fated romance, especially since it doesn’t actually overtake the plot and the worldbuilding sounds well done and fascinating.
    I don’t think I’ve seen this before, but it’s exactly my kind of book.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was nice and I like that it didn’t overshadow the tale.

  18. Rashika

    I am not all that big on dystopia’s anymore. Too many bad experiences lately although.. throw in a couple of prophecies and I might be able to overlook any discomfort caused. 😛

    I am glad to see you enjoyed this!

    Great review, Kimba!! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      me too Linda 🙂 hey and they ride a bike *snort*

  20. Heidi

    I like the sound of the world building and it sounds like there are some unique and interesting paranormal entities in this one. I will keep this in mind as I am on the hunt for more great reads like Written in Red.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo you need to read Murder of Crows *squeals* This was good Heidi, and I liked the world and mutants.

  22. Kim

    I like the sound of the strange mutants and an truly bad villain that makes you cringe. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author, but I love a colorful story, especially if it’s a dystopian type setting. Thanks for wonderful review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I thought the mutants were interesting too Kim 🙂

  24. Silvia

    How intriguing! Really, this book sounds soooo good! Thanks for the great review, Kimberly 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Silvia I hope you get a chance to try this author

  27. Nick

    This sounds like an interesting read. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Kim. The main character seems great, with you describing her as a tough cookie. And a slow romance? That’s enough to get me interested!

  28. Michelle

    Post-Apocalyptic tales are normally hit or miss for me, but this one intrigues me. Especially the world. I really want to find out how it can be both sinple and complex. Great review Kimba 🙂

    Michelle @ Book Briefs

  29. Jenny

    No books in this world Kim? *shudders* That is not a world I want to live in! Sounds like this story has a lot of good things going for it though, with a tough heroine, a nice romance, and questions answered in the end. Looking forward to giving this a try!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, the ruler forbids them..it made me shiver too:)

  30. Mary

    Yes, I do still read some post-apocalyptic/dystopians but I’ve reached my saturation point, I think. Still, I keep trying them! New one to check out.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I cannot help myself, the synopsis for them always scream, “read me”

  31. kindlemom1

    I love that things were wrapped up nicely and that the love wasn’t insta-love (starting to get tired of that in most books).

    Nice review Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree Ali 🙂 this was nice. I enjoyed the banter.

  33. Carmel

    I keep meaning to give a dystopian a try; do you think this would be a good book to start with? The cover is lovely, and your review definitely helped peek my interest. Off to GoodReads I go. LOL

  34. Megan

    I have a major soft spot for post-apocalypse books, so I will add this one to my list!

  37. Michelle

    I don’t read much Dystopian books but this one definitely interest me. I enjoy reading books that does not have inst-love and this book fits just right!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you give it a whirl Michelle, I would love to see what you think 🙂

  38. Melliane

    You know, I’m sure I know the author, but don’t remember the book.I even think I have one… I’ll have to investigate. But in any case this one in new to me, but your review makes me curious about the world and the characters. They sound so fun to discover! Thanks lady!