No Less Days

GIVEAWAY

STEVENS, AMANDA G.
NO LESS DAYS

David Galloway can't die

How many lifetimes can God expect one man to live? Over a century old, David Galloway isolates himself from the mortal humans who die or desert him by making a quiet life as a used bookstore owner in Northern Michigan. But then he sports a news article about a man who, like him, should be dead.

Daredevil celebrity Zachary Wilson walked away unscathed from what should have been a deadly fall. David tracks the man down, needing answers. Soon David discovers a close-knit group of individuals as old as he is who offers the sort of kinship and community he hasn't experienced for decades - but at what cost?

David finds himself keeping secrets other than his own...protecting more than himself alone. He'll have to decide what's worth the most to him -- security or community. When crimes come to light that are older than any mortal, he fears the pressure is more than he can stand. What does God require of him, and is David man enough to see it through?

My Review:

Honestly, though I was intrigued by this back blurb, No Less Days languished on my TBR pile until just before it was due back at the library. Probably because I didn't know exactly what to expect. I'm such a cautious reader sometimes! And guess what? I was hooked by page two and settled into a serious reading fest since the book was due the next day! Bwahahaha!! I'm such a doofus!

The whole immortality concept fascinates me -- especially the unexpected burdens associated with living and loving among people who age and eventually die. Out of necessity, David attempts to keep himself apart from the rest of the world. A loner, hiding out in a used book shop (I so adore books about books!), he deliberately keeps himself aloof until his carefully contained world implodes.

He suddenly discovers that he isn't the only immortal on earth and that brings a whole lot of complications. Especially when, despite his best intentions, he becomes involved with an employee he's kept at a distance for years. (insert romance fan-girling squeal here because this was unexpected!)

But the thing that surprised me the most about this book is the amazing inspirational thread woven throughout. You don't usually get that in speculative fiction so it kinda blindsided me (in a good way.) David's faith is very 'old world', while his friend, Tiana, is an enthusiastic 21st century Christian and surprisingly, there's a lot he can learn from her.

"What would you have me do?" The clip in his voice wasn't only tiredness. She needed to back off. Instead, she pulled his hand into her lap. "I would 'have you' cast your cares on Him and let Him care for you." (p 209)

Such a concept for a century old man to grapple with. Can you imagine the burdens he carries? The sorrow he has born? The struggle to do it all alone? Stevens has really captured the fears and frustrations that come from a century of living. And the way she's thought through all the details makes this fantastical tale seem almost plausible. Plus she's left it wide open for at least a sequel if not a whole series which I'll be avidly looking out for because I'm completely captivated by David and his friends and what's next for them all.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of No Less Days, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on September 23 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!