Caffeinated Reviewer | Gift of Prophecy by Lina Gardiner

20^th Mar

Gift of Prophecy
by Lina Gardiner
Genres: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate

Rating:

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.