Review: Yet So as Through Fire

Yet So as Through Fire book cover on blue background

It's always encouraging to find books written for young adults that address some of the issues they're facing, especially when written with such empathy. Yet So as Through Fire by Valerie Breder is a recent release that takes the following verse to heart: "If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:15 NKJV

Content to be aware of: self-harm, additional minor editing required for clarity/grammar

Book Synopsis

Not so long ago, life seemed pretty good for Jane...until it didn't.

In the wake of her father's death, Jane retreated from life. Hurting, confused and broken, she shut out everyone and everything. Alone in a fire of her own creation, Jane hung on the coattails of a false god, Ember Branch, as she navigated her way through death, grief, fire and scars. When Jane learned that she and Ethan must work together for a school yearbook project, she was both hesitant and annoyed. In just a short time though, the two connected, forging an unexpected friendship. The story of Jane is a story of grief, loss, and pain, but it is also a story of hope, friendship, healing and redemption. A story that shows us that we are never too far gone to feel God's love, and experience forgiveness.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I really enjoyed this young adult story about Jane Foster and how God meets her in her grief. It's evident that the author has a heart for teenagers and the silent struggles that they may be facing on their own. Combining Jane’s story with one that Jane herself is writing, I appreciated the creative and cathartic twist on allowing the character to work through her emotions. It was also helpful to hear the perspectives of other people in Jane’s life and how they were grappling with their own issues, adding to the context and dimensions of the story. Though my heart broke for all that Jane experienced, it was quickly mended by witnessing the love of God through Ethan as they worked on the yearbook together.

Tackling dark themes like self-harm, a fixation on death, and isolation, it's a relief that Jane didn't have to stay trapped. Seeing glimmers of light break through made this book a hopeful journey. The Gospel messages were paralleled in Jane’s life and in her book, which created an original and refreshing premise. Readers looking for a young adult book where enveloping flames of loss are quenched by an ocean of God's love and grace will find Yet So as Through Fire to be a heartfelt story where the characters are seen, heard, understood, and saved, reflecting 1 Corinthians 3:15 in a powerful way.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

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