Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: Blaze (Blaze Series #1)

Author: Hope Bolinger

Publisher: Illuminate YA (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Publication Date: June 3, 2019

Format: Paperback

Length: 292 pages

OVERVIEW

Ever since his brother got hospitalized while attending King’s Academy, Danny has tried his best to have nothing to do with the school. But when someone mysteriously sets his Christian high school on fire and King’s offers him and his three friends full-ride scholarships, they don’t have much choice. As they move into their new dormitories, they quickly realize King’s isn’t nearly as friendly as it looks on the outside, especially to people of faith. With strict rules and even stricter consequences if they step out of line, they’ll have to decide.

Bolinger models the book’s plot on the book of Daniel to create this story, which makes it a difficult book to do correctly. Books that retell biblical stories in juvenile settings so often come across as cheesy or poorly developed. Fortunately, Bolinger manages to beat that tendency and produce a highly entertaining story that makes the book of Daniel’s themes feel fresh and relevant again. She especially excels at capturing the sense of semi-controlled chaos or dystopia that many students experience in high school. An excellent read.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Readers who like stories inspired by Bible stories, readers who like Young Adult fiction.

Christian Impact

The book’s characters struggle to keep their faith amidst persecution, which leads to great discussions about faith and God’s role in life’s tragedies.

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