“I should have made that left turn at Tucumcari.”It’s Doctor Who meets mail-order brides when “rescuers” from the future arrive to save Andi Flanders from a happy life with her loving family and fiancé.Okay, so they meant to get her suicidal roommate, but hey. Mistakes happen, right?And as far as Andi’s concerned, they can fix them—by sending her home.However, when she learns what happens when … when she learns what happens when she disappears from home, Andi has an impossible choice. Stay in the government-controlled futuristic world she despises and never see her family again or return to the twenty-first century and doom an innocent person to death.
Volition— Life and death decisions are so overrated.
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I don’t even know where to begin!! Amazing seems to small a word for this story!
A fan of stories written in first person (if done well,) I was immediately drawn into Andi’s dilemma. And the situation with her roomie.
But then the story felt off-putting, and I didn’t think the futuristic aspects would hold my attention. Boy was I wrong!
Now, having finished the book, I think I was feeling some of Andi’s confusion and frustration—and disbelief! (that first person point of view!) Then the choice she had to make—would I be that strong? How many of us could do that? Make that much of a sacrifice?
James was likeable enough, easy going, non-condemning. But frustrated and confused, too. After all, it was his [SPOILER] that was mixed up. He was just as bewildered with Andi’s previous life experience as she was with his. And yet, made great allowances for her, and defended her time and again.
The progression of this story, the incredible character arcs, were a thing of beauty. Little by little, two steps forward, one step back, dancing around feelings that at first weren’t there, Andi and James came to know and understand one another. Both thrust into a situation neither asked for, their first days were more than a little rough. Abrasive better describes it.
Ms. Havig created not only a plausible if tragically lost future world but wrapped a plausible and victorious story into it. With each page, each chapter, some new revelation unfolds, another rough edge of conflict was made smooth. As the story progressed and the characters evolved, so too did their marriage—from an arrangement to a friendship to something more.
A page-turner and tear-jerker, Ms. Havig’s story kept me captive to the last page. The last, lovely, tear inducing page.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Friday, #TRD, Book Review, Volition, Chautona Havig, Celebrate Lit Publicity
What I think you should know:
Volition Chautona Havig is futuristic Christian Fiction. It is set in Havig’s Rockland or at least what her Rockland could be like in 2185. Andi Flanders is taken by “rescuers” from 2185 when she is mistaken for her roommate.
What you might need to know:
The author created a future society based on choices that could be made. This included food and vaccines being used to control the population and eliminate some ethnic groups. This book was written pre-pandemic.
What think about this book:
Having read historical and contemporary books by Chautona Havig I was intrigued to see how she would write a futuristic story. As a huge Rockland fan I was surprised and thrilled to see that she had the ability to weave characters’ stories from her contemporary chronicles seamlessly into the futuristic story. I was surprised by some of the future that Havig created, but enjoyed how she described how that future had come to exist. Andi was such a believable character for me, I can’t imagine that I would be happy if I had been ripped from everyone and everything I know. I enjoyed watching her character grow and change as she adjusted to the culture of 2185 and the choice that she made. James was also a complex character, seeing how he viewed his culture and more importantly how he viewed his place and choices within his culture. While I became irritated at Andi at times, she was a good representation of how Christians can get caught up in routine and forget to cultivate a relationship with Christ. The story was captivating and for me put a whole new perspective on finding ways to be a Christian Witness no matter where you are.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun story! I enjoyed the futuristic vibe, plot, and characters. This book highlights possible future scenarios.
“Society wasn’t any more evolved or enlightened—it was scared of the consequences.”
I was amused by the unique mix of characters’ reliance on technology and resistance to technology by embracing natural methods of doing things.
Volition presents a possible future where men outnumber women because of population control. Their society used time travel to retrieve women from the past who were soon going to die and bring them to the future. These women then receive advanced healthcare or counseling to save them. Different protections are in place for the women’s safety. What would happen if a woman arrived who doesn’t want to live with her sponsor but doesn’t believe in divorce?
This was an unusual time travel novel. History doesn’t seem to change much by Andi’s removal from the twenty-first century. It makes sense to me that the other women who were going to die don’t change history much by going to the future. The focus here isn’t on an individual’s importance in the chain of world events but on choices, what it means to be a Christian, and relationships.
“Everyone has the right to make his own decision, but none has the right to force his decision on others”
Ayn Rand
How much does it take to change our preconceived notions of each other? It takes a lot of time and experiences for Andi to break through her resentment to appreciate James’ good qualities. He has guts to selflessly try to make amends for her mistaken abduction. He works to do what’s best for Andi when it is not in his best interests. That is the beginning of love. I really liked James as he stood up for Andi to the government and other people.
Read Volition. Really! It is a sweet story with a happy ending and many great thought-provoking predicaments.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Abduction or act of mercy?? I have to say reading Volition during our current pandemic really made me start to think and wonder about things!
I’ve never watched Dr Who so I don’t get any of those references, but I love mail order bride books so I thought I’d give this book a try. Plus Chautona Havig has proved to be one of my favorite authors.
I have to say that after reading this book I had a lot of questions with our current state of the world. If you read the book you’ll get it but something about vaccines that sterilized people and lots of things that the world did wrong! I’m not a conspiracy theorist type but reading this book at this time really made me think like one for a bit!
Now, I loved this book! I’m not a lover of fantasy or futuristic books but this one was great. I laughed. I cried. It moved me, Bob. Okay, so maybe not everyone will get that Veggie Tale reference but it is what it is.
I can wholeheartedly say I recommend this book. While I was a bit cautious at first I quickly was drawn in and couldn’t get enough! It read quickly and I loved it! I didn’t want to put it down.
Andi gets abducted. They meant to get her roommate. But because she’s in the future now she can see what her roommate’s life would be like if she came to this world versus if she stays on present-day Earth. When Andi learns that her friend accepts Jesus as her Lord after Andi disappears she knows that no matter what she can’t go back. And thus starts the wonderful story that will rivet you.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Welcome to a world where the government has extremely strict laws and women have become mail order brides taken from different years. The concept is so over the top that it works perfectly. The imagination of the author is superior to anything I have read. I really stayed angry at Andi through the majority of the story. Okay so she was taken by mistake but can she chill a little on the hostility?
What if you really could be transported to the future ? Andi has a chance if she chooses to stay to maybe share her faith and search within herself to see what God wants to change in her. I understand that she feels as though she has been kidnapped. She is right she was, yet she will find out what sacrifice means when she decides to stay in this foreign place. She is very vocal which I have to admire because you have to stand for what you believe in.
James seems to be humble and I so hoped he would be able to stand up to Andi and show her that he is someone she can trust. I loved reading how his character developed over the story. It is a process that is not rushed by the author which makes it easy to accept the changes without being predictable. Really there is nothing predictable about this story except for the author’s ability to write hard lessons while entertaining readers.
The banter between James and Andi is very impressive as they discuss politics and religion. Each one believes their system works the best and I thought how ironic is was that in this futuristic world religion is still a hot and highly debated topic. The author does a great job of having Andi and James discuss what the Bible says about marriage and divorce. Sometimes I think we forget that when we marry we make a covenant. God takes covenant very serious and I enjoyed reading how Janes began to see why Andi was so adamant about marriage. She didn’t want to be forced to marry , she wanted to be in love and have those feelings returned. I could sense Andi felt like her faith was being taken away and she was becoming a door mat almost.
As I finished the book, I realized exactly what I would take away from this story. The story guides us to be a better Christian, prefer one another and be content where God has us. The other important lesson for me was what a Godly marriage is. God is very specific about marriage and through two characters I learned what it means to really cleave to each other, to love one another unconditionally and to be like minded. The story is set in the future where many things have changed. The one constant was that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Volition by author Chautona Havig is a most unique Christian fiction book. This is a combination of futuristic time travel, sci fi, and mail order brides. Are you intrigued yet?
Volition is so different from all of the other Christian books that I have read. I am not a fan of futuristic or science fiction stories. A time-travel tale must be fairly believable for me to continue reading past the first chapter or two. I eagerly read page after page in this conglomeration and easily pictured it as a movie.
This is the story of Andrea (Andi) from present day that wakes up on a plane taking her to the twenty second century. For a Christian she doesn’t appear to “walk the walk” at all. I found her character a bit hard for the first part of the book. There was a noticeable lack of faith and inspiration in the beginning of the book, too.
Andi’s sponsor is James. He is a likable, easy going guy. Sponsors are the men that agree to marry the women from the past. He was not expecting Andi. Their story is one of opposites.
Author Havig has a superb style of storytelling. She heavily weaves faith in God throughout her books. Her characters are well rounded, relatable, and believable. Even the ones in the future were well defined. Parts of the story made me laugh out loud and others brought tears to my eyes. Not just any author can do that.
Timeless life lessons are addressed In this story. It talks about marriage and divorce from a biblical point of view, faith, friendship, family, helping others, and selflessness. The story and lessons stayed with me long after I finished this novel.
For the most part I was completely captivated with the story, but at times I did think it moved too slowly. I wanted something to happen. Yes, I was invested in both of the main characters. They just needed to do something. A lot of the book is negative and not a happy read, but that is part of the storyline.
I would recommend this thought provoking book. It will stay in your thoughts for a long time. A book club would enjoy discussing this. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
I must say that I have never read a book quite like this one. It was certainly a memorable book and made me think.
This is a science fiction novel, whereas certain choices have led to the future that Andi now is captive in. The government controlled future is not at all where Andi wants to be, basically forced to live her life their way and with a husband. She did not ask for this nor does she want it. But she realizes a very dear soul is in jeopardy.
Andi was moody. I so get that. I understood her, yet I was not fond of her sometimes. She did have guts and a backbone and the core reason she did what she did was out of sacrificial love.
And then there was James. These two were complicated individuals and together they were more so.
Was this read a doozy? Yep. Did I enjoy it? Very much. Was it thought provoking? Uncomfortably so.
Andi and James are a couple I wouldn’t mind reading more of.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a postive review and all views and opinions are my own.
“If there’s anything that IS certain about the human is that there’s nothing certain about the human”
Andrea (Andi) Flanders is “accidently abducted” from her home in Rockland in 2019….. and wakes up in 2185…yes, I said that.
James Wu-Champaign is an architect and Andi’s “sponsor” in the future. This book seen through both people’s eyes, tells the story of their first year together: the good and the bad as two people diametrically opposed in understanding grown closer…. and I’m trying very hard not to spoil it so I’ll stop now.
One of the positives of lockdown is reading books that have languished on my TBR waaaay to long.
I just finished this about 30 minutes ago, and will admit the tears started about Chapter 28, and continued through the epilogue. I was highly enthralled with how wonderful it was.Unlike some reviewers, speculative fiction/scifi is one of my go-to genres. I was on the outskirts of conversation around the WIP, and I loved Chautona’s son’s cover art.
With a dictionary in one hand, and Ayn Rand in the other, and my Bible in another window on the laptop, I took my time reading it.This is a powerful book is all I can say. Thank you Chautona! Highly Recommended.5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
Futuristic yet familiar
My rating is 4.5 stars
While I’m not not a fan of Sci-Fi, it isn’t my go-to genre. Yet, when given the opportunity to read Volition, of course, I accepted. It’s by Chautona Havig and I have read so many of the different genres written by her. And enjoyed them all.
As with most of her books, the story is much more about the people than the time or place and yet she established those plot elements well. Andi finds herself almost one hundred fifty years in the future – against her will. Yet when she chooses to stay – I won’t tell you why – her attitude against this society who had no problem plucking women from other times to “rescue” them from death so they can marry men in the future is abominable. She wept, she railed. Mostly against her husband/sponsor, James.
Though Andi was a Christian and had spent significant time in fellowship with other believers, when she found herself in this foreign time with no other Christians around, she discovered that her faith was weak and she needed to spend more time in the Bible to strengthen it. She also saw how repulsive her attitude was and sought to change it. Her initial attempt was rather a mess!
One quite ironic aspect of Andi’s attitude and behavior was James. He was seriously one of the nicest guys. Ever. As she saw, he was more Christ-like in his behavior than she was, and he was not a believer! Yet she took out her frustrations on him, over and over. Of course, James’ problem with accepting Christ’s sacrifice and his need for salvation was just that. He was such a “good” person he couldn’t see his need.
The differences in this world were not what I often suspect. Then again, when I was in second grade, I thought by this time we would have flying cars! Some of the technology was pretty cool. I loved that the “Slates” were virtually unbreakable. This very eco-conscious society was interesting and made sense. The government, though. Yikes!
If you enjoy Christian fiction that focuses on heart attitudes and changed lives, don’t worry about whether or not you like Science Fiction. I suggest you give Volition a try of your own free will. 😉
Read my review of Volition by Chautona Havig at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Rarely do I read sci-fi — liked a few that I read.
Rarely do I read time-travel novels — like never.
Often I will read mail-order bride romances — love them.
Each of those in one story? I’ve never heard of it. Until Chautona Havig wrote a sci-fi romance. Hmm, the first thought to come to mind when I saw that she had written a sci-fi was “okay, that’s nice but not for me.” all right, a bit harsh, right?
Until last night at midnight I wanted to read something while falling asleep and I didn’t want to start the advance reader copy of The Land Beneath Us until this morning — The paperback came in the mail, I have to reread it! — and I wanted to read something I knew I liked, so I scrolled through Mrs. Havig’s Amazon author profile, ordered one of her paperbacks (a new Christmas one I haven’t read yet!) with a gift card (didn’t spend a dime! :D) but wanted to read something then and there.
Of course that led me to see her newest books, one of which was the one I scoffed at not a month before (and only for her will I say that… Any other author I’d be too kind, but I know she’ll understand and forgive me … I hope.) so I returned a book in my Kindle Unlimited library that I had yet to read, and dove into a book by my favorite author expecting little — staying up until around 3 in the morning. I’m regretting that now as I yawn, I should add, but this read was surprising.
Might I suggest you not judge a book by it’s genre? (Unless it’s horror or magical fantasy and then be careful as you run far away, just sayin’.)
I say that with all the conviction possible. Volition is a one of a kind.
The topics tackled in Volition were not quite what I expected, not that I expected much. The reasons Andi stayed were perfect and yet you get to see a character grow from the pained, anger, grieving person she is after making the choice to stay. There were a few places that are for more mature readers say 17/19 up but they were all innocent, and the ending was perfection.
While I don’t normally read sci-fi I do enjoy, recommend, and hope you will check out Volition. It is an intriguing book.
Best science fiction book I’ve read to date!
I haven’t read a science fiction book in what seems like forever, but it was so much fun to get back into that with Volition a couple of weeks ago! I got to read this just before the author published it, as part of her launch team (we were trying to help with editing…it partially worked!), but I got sucked into the story a little too well to be of much value on the editing front.
What a book. It doesn’t have a plot that you’d expect, but it draws you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. I loved watching Andi grow as a person and in her faith in this story. She faced many discouraging times as well as great testing of her faith, and it took a lot of wisdom to navigate the different situations she found herself in. James was a wonderful encouragement, and he also had some wisdom to share. I loved his gentle, steady character.
The writing itself could have had a bit more polishing—but I suspect that will be corrected before too long. The world-building, too, could have had a bit more work, I thought. But the plot was sound, and the ending satisfying.
I loved so many different elements of this book. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one I go back to re-read eventually (which I think says something, because it’s rare that happens for me). But it’s such a unique setting with some wonderful life lessons in it, and for that, I really appreciated this story! Recommended if you enjoy a good Christian fiction that is engaging as well as challenging, and even if you don’t normally like sci-fi, give this a shot. I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up liking it!
I was given a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I wanted to re-read this book as soon as I finished it. It’s about a 2019 girl who is mistakenly brought into 2185 and has to make a choice whether to go home or stay. Once she makes her decision she has to live with the consequences and for her this is a learning process.