Description
By Megan Schaulis
Bitter and broken from his imprisonment in the Citadel, Hatch can’t stand to watch the woman he loves start her new life. When the king offers him a position as the governor of Evania, an island territory populated by Alphanites, Hatch sees the job as a chance to escape his heartache. But from the moment his crutches hit the sand of this tropical island, Hatch is deemed an outsider, particularly by Myah, an artsy adrenaline junkie the locals have nicknamed “Princess.”
Myah is content to spend her days writing letters to her far-off fiancé. The last thing she needs is a government official taking over Evania and poking at old wounds. But when an enemy attack causes the island to start sinking into the sea, Myah must convince the sullen governor that her home is worth saving.
With only fifty-two days to stabilize the island, Hatch and Myah must confront the pasts they both long to leave behind. As the ground literally sinks beneath them, will they drown in their regrets or ride the waves of change to a future neither could’ve imagined?
mgtnelson –
This is the third book in Shaulis’ Susa Chronicles, a companion novel to Protector and Proclaimer. Characters from the first two books are mentioned in this one, and a few of them are “present” in the action. There are plenty of new characters to fall in love with! The location is new, and different – a group of islands that supposedly belong to Susa, but most people there think are a myth.
I enjoyed reading about Hatch’s new life in Evania after Novalise marries King Zadien. He has a lot of learning and growing to do as Governor of Evania, and the people there get to learn and grow as well. See if you can figure out how this book is related to the book of Nehemiah in the Bible!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
candideweekes –
Rebuilder by Megan Schaulis was a great read !
I had read the first two books in this series (The Susa Chronicles – Protector and Proclaimer) before and this third book was a great addition to the series.
I really enjoyed the story even thought it is a bit different from the two previous books (they go together) and it is still what happens next, but from the point of view of a beloved character that was introduced in the first books : Hatch.
I loved Hatch even in the first books and I am so glad he got to have his own story 🙂
The setting is on an island and I couldn’t have asked for a better place. Now I want to move there 🙂
The characters were well developped and it was hard for me to put the book down !
Hopefully there will be another book in this series that focuses on another character (Lennox prehaps ?)
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
Hannah Ruth Johnson –
Megan Schaulis never ceases to amaze me with her writing that brings together thrilling (and life-threatening) adventure, sweet romance, AND powerful faith content. No worries about low stakes here! I’m so glad hatch got his own story after what happened in Proclaimer, and Myah was easy to love. I want Rafferty to be my uncle, and Zerub, Yara, and Ezri cracked me up–you can’t go wrong with a gaggle of flirtatious old ladies. This book wasn’t without its serious moments, though–and I stayed up WAY too late to finish the last quarter.
Both Hatch and Myah are struggling to find footing after tragedy, and both have responded in their own way. Hatch by carrying heavy burdens and living in grief and bitterness, and Myah by shoving it all away and pretending she’s fine. They are so incredibly raw and flawed, and I didn’t always like their choices… but watching them reconcile and come to God was so beautiful. Chapter 34 made we want to burst with tears at the power and beauty behind it. Our identities HAVE to be in Christ–He has to be our foundation, or it all will crumble.
The science elements of this series are amazing–the nanotech, Rafferty’s inventions… even the glassblowing parts felt so technical. Schaulis clearly does her research, and even though half of the tech is made up (I think?), it feels so plausible! Her writing is vivid and easy to visualize. Can I please get a one-way ticket to Evania?
The midpoint and climax will ruin you, but no cliffhanger here–blessedly. And I order that Lennox get a book next! This was as a fantastic read, as I knew it would be, and you need to read it!
Also, I loved picking up on the Nehemiah connections sprinkled throughout! (I may have skimmed through the book of Nehemiah before I started reading so I’d be ready to spot them!)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest (and enthusiastic!) opinion.
lanabobana –
It was so great to get to hear Hatch’s story before the Susa Chronicles finished. Heartbroken and adrift, Hatch needs a place to regain his footing. Myah needs to know how much Alpha cares for her and wants to get their relationship strong again. They both face issues and decisions that show the depth of their characters. Strengths and flaws come through so strongly, the reader has no hope but to learn along with them. It feels like new friends that you want to either hug and cheer or warn and groan, depending on what they do in each new situation they find themselves in. The action is high throughout the story, always leaving the reader wondering where the next danger will come from.
I loved the new island location this book is set in. And the technology introduced by this new island people is so amazing. Megan Schaulis obviously did her research to make it so technical and to bring it all to life. I feel like I should be able to book a trip to see all the wonderful things! The faith relationships with Alpha are so well written. It was so neat how the characters could hear Alpha’s voice and communicate with him. I was so happy with how the second book in this series finished I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this new installation. It far exceeded my hopes and expectations. I am so happy I didn’t miss out on Hatch’s story! Megan Schaulis has such an amazing talent to transport her readers to new lands. the pages fly by as you eagerly read to find all the answers and information the characters reveal. Definitely grab a copy of this and the rest of the Susa Chronicles. I’m looking forward to the next adventure! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
new_every_morning –
If you’ve ever wanted to read a retelling of the Biblical Nehemiah account set in a world of nanotechnology, this book is for you! Even if you’ve never asked for such a novel, if you like dystopian stories with strong moral characters, consider giving this one a try.
This book is a standalone, but our hero is Hatch, whom readers may remember from the award-winning Susa Chronicles by the same author, which retells the story of Esther in this same nanotech world.
Hatch arrives as governor on the isle of Evania – a land he’s never been. While still getting used to the beachy scene, they come under attack from an enemy nation, and unless they can find a way to stabilize things, the island will sink into the sea in fifty-two days.
Joining Hatch in trying to save Evania is an eccentric assistant named Rafferty, a newly in love friend named Calder, and an artsy adrenaline junkie named Myah.
While reading about all the cool technology was fun, what I especially liked about this novel was the theme of healing. At the opening of the book, Hatch is in need of both physical and emotional healing. Myah goes on her own healing journey as well. Both characters start the story guarded and frustrated, but by the end both have found peace and their purpose in life.
Highly recommended for those who love Biblical retellings or dystopian stories.
I received my copy from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Talita Adendorff –
Once again, a brilliant story by the incredible Megan Schaulis.
In Rebuilder, she weaves a powerful tale of love born from heartbreak, the struggle with self-worth, the weight of holding on to the past, and the incredible freedom that comes with surrender.
The story is just as compelling as the themes it explores. Bitter and broken after his imprisonment, Hatch escapes to the island of Evania, hoping distance will dull his pain. Instead, he’s met with resistance—especially from Myah, an artsy, adrenaline-loving “Princess” who has no patience for an outsider disrupting her home. But when an enemy attack sets the island literally sinking into the sea, everything changes. With only fifty-two days to save Evania, Hatch and Myah are forced to confront their pasts, their pain, and the possibility of a future neither expected.
Come and be immersed in the island paradise of Evania. Join Hatch and Myah in the race to save their home. Meet the quirky Rafferty and be amused by Yara, Ezri, and Zerub. And most importantly, learn from the wisdom of Alpha.
Technically, Rebuilder can be read on its own, but I highly recommend reading Protector and Proclaimer first—you won’t be disappointed.
I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait for the next one.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are completely my own.
heatherbyrd7 –
I absolutely love the dystopian aspects of this book, and the fictional historical details are spot on and fascinating! This world feels so real, with Evania being somewhere you wish you could visit. There are just are not enough books like this, with a well developed dystopian world, romance, heart, and faith. Hatch just steals your heart, and he and Maya are perfect for each other. The characters are all so well written that they seem real. It’s a beautiful story to read, wondering how Hatch and Maya will get their happily ever after, through all of the tragedy they both have overcome and the obstacles they face in this story, but rooting for them each step of the way. Hatch is such a complex character, and one of the best leading men in recent memory for me. I love how steady and dependable he is, and is able to overcome so much, especially being around Maya’s joyful spirit, which she keeps, despite her circumstances. There aren’t enough words to describe how this book takes you on a roller coaster ride, with faith woven through so seamlessly. Alpha just leaps off the page! I feel like I inhale every book by Megan Schaulis! She is a must buy for me, and I hope she continues to write more in this series!
dairymaid219 –
I have a confession. From the start, I knew Novalise and Zadien would end up together. But Hatch still had my heart, and though I knew Zadien was the right choice…I wanted it to be Hatch. But after reading Rebuilder, I’m okay with Hatch not being chosen then. And Megan? I’ll be waiting for more on those thoughts about Lennox – and then hopefully Berg. 🙂
Goodness. Every book should be like this, a delight to travel through, full of truth that makes you realize things about yourself, and leaving you wanting more at the end, yet still satisfied. Schaulis is a master storyteller, and her books just keep getting better.
Hatch and Myah. It’s hard to put into words how unique these two characters are, how refreshing and relatable and…just how perfectly imperfect. Hatch’s steadiness, his care for others, his determination to do the best he can no matter what, made him an instant favorite and a hero who stands out from the crowd. I loved how he did what was right, how he boldly told the truth and did what was right, no matter how uncomfortable it made him.
And Myah. I relate so much to running away to something that makes you forget the fear, the pain, the overwhelmingness of the hard parts of life. Schaulis handled her grief in such a realistic way, capturing both the burning need to run as well as the inability to change and face what we’re running from on our own.
Just like in Protector and Proclaimer, Schaulis brings God and faith into the story in an incredible way, serving to deepen my relationship with Him while enjoying frolicking along the sandy beaches of Evania. I cannot wait to read more of Schaulis’s works, and sincerely hope Lennox and Berg get their own stories!
I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
kewkew34 –
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.