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My Review
"Castle of Refuge" by Melanie Dickerson is the second book in the “Dericott Tales” series. This is a young adult “Ugly Duckling” retelling. I was very excited to read more about one of my favorite side characters in the first book of the series, Edwin.
Audrey and Edwin are the main characters of this story. I really appreciated that this tale includes someone with scars (Audrey has a deformity), someone physically disabled (Edwin lost one arm) and someone who struggles with a mental disability (Audrey’s sister). It is wonderful to follow along with Edwin and Audrey and see how they grieve and learn to live with their scars and deformities. One does not see a lot of main characters with disabilities.
Besides overcoming hardships, the characters also encounter adventure, danger and romance. I love the faith aspects in Dickerson’s books and how the characters truly rely on and grow in their faith. The lessons are always so beautiful. Edwin wrestles with blaming and being angry with God for the bad things that happened to him. He realizes God does not cause evil, but may have plans to use it in ways we cannot understand. God brings the beautiful from the ugly. Audrey learns scars are what make her beautiful--the things she has overcome and how she stayed gentle and kind despite it all.
As with all Melanie’s books, I think readers of middle grade and young adult novels will love this newest addition. It’s a fun, clean, faith-filled and heartwarming adventure!
Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: there is an emotionally and physically abusive and mentally ill sister; people drink ale; a girl was physically abused in the past; mention of the devil and of being possessed by a demon; mention of a large-busted woman; mention of other masters taking advantage of their servants; mention of a concubine.
Rating: I give this book 5 stars.
I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
About the Author
Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.
