Rebuilder by Megan Schaulis Review

 

Rebuilder is another awesome book in the Susa Chronicles series by Megan Schaulis. I was so excited when I learned this book was going to be released, because I thought the Susa Chronicles had ended and I had wanted to continue in this world so bad. This sequel focuses on Hatch, the heartbroken (plus body and spirit broken) friend of Novalise from the original duology. If you haven't read Protector and Proclaimer you'll want to make sure to do that, but know that there will be some spoilers to those books in my review.

You've been warned.

Hatch was in love with Novalise, the woman who was also an Alphanite spy in the palace in Susa. However, he never had a chance to tell her, and she fell in love with King Zadien and became queen. In this sequel, Hatch is barely holding himself together. He is honored with the position of governor of the island of Evania which he gladly accepts so he can distance himself from Novalise and Zadien. 

However, when he arrives, he discovers that the island is in danger of sinking and there is an enemy that is threatening them. 

Myah is the former governor's daughter and is not at all pleased that a mainlander, one who comes from the king of Susa, has come to take on the role of governor. 

There is a lot that needs to be figured out to save this island paradise, and Hatch and Myah need to learn to work together, but more importantly they need to learn to trust in God, or Alpha as He is called in this series. 

I loved this island setting and being able to get a small update of the lives of Novalise and Zadien. However, this book focuses on Hatch and Myah and the people on the island. I loved seeing even more of the future-y tech that is present in this future, dystopian version of our world. 

Faith is such an important part of this series. From the original duology where the characters had to hide their true allegiance while still relying on God, to this book where they are free to live out their lives as Alphanites. Here we see characters needing God's help to work through their pain and learn to trust him with their whole heart, abiding in him, relying on Him, even beyond their own understanding. I loved seeing their faith grow as they humbled themselves. Learning to go forward in faith a step at a time. Especially because what I was reading went along so well with the two Bible studies I am reading. Sure seemed like God's timing for me to be reading this book.

I highly recommend this book. Just make sure to read Protector and Proclaimer first.

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.