We're celebrating the release of the second book in the Divine Destiny Chronicles,
Relentless Rebels! Today, we explore the ancient city of Petra as a setting in
Relentless Rebels. If you missed author Sharon René's Top 10 list, you can read that
HERE. She also shared major themes from
Hesitant Heroes and
Relentless Rebels HERE. Plus, there's an awesome two book giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!
Relentless Rebels
(Divine Destiny Chronicles #2)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 315 Pages
March 8, 2022 by Anaiah Press
After rescuing their kidnapped friends and stopping the government from assassinating Councilor Sierra Stone, Jordan and Team Seven thought the fight was over, but the real battle is just beginning. Sierra must now try to regain her role in the Global Collective Council while also convincing them that River Wallis, co-chair of the Council, tried to kill her. But her success could very well lead to a civil war.
The Council will do everything in their power to stop Sierra, including killing her allies. Barely surviving an attack on their mountain hideaway, Jordan and Team Seven’s lives are on the line. Again. But Team Seven won’t give up that easily, and they set out to rally support for their cause. Unfortunately for Team Seven, they’re caught in the middle as the world takes sides.
Amidst attacks, lies, betrayals, and devastating losses, Jordan’s faith is shaken, and she struggles with her hatred for River Wallis. She knows that judgment belongs to God, but when she finally comes face to face with River, Jordan must rely on her faltering faith to choose wisely—give in to her need for vengeance, or give it up for God to decide.
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Visit the Ancient City of Petra in Relentless Rebels
In
Relentless Rebels Team Seven travels to the ancient city of Petra. I’d love to tell you a little about this fascinating city and why I chose to put it in
Relentless Rebels.
Petra dates back to the 4th century B.C. It is a part of Jordan and about 150 miles south of Jerusalem. It’s surrounded by deserts and mountains. Petra is called the Rose City because of the color of its stone.
Petra was originally established as a trading post by an Arab Bedouin tribe, but many cultures lived in Petra through the centuries. Each culture left its mark on the city. Petra boasts large ornate tombs made by pagans and Christian churches built by the Byzantines. The Romans built the Petra Roman Road with ornate gates marking the entry to the city. By the 8th Century A.D. Petra had been largely abandoned.
In 1812, the city was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. He wrote about the ruins of the great city and the western world got interested. Archaeologists and scholars started excavating and surveying Petra. In the early 2000s the site was named one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World” which started waves of tourism.
What role does Petra play in
Relentless Rebels?
Petra is the headquarters for Marah, the covert organization helping Councilor Stone fight the corrupt government.
I chose Petra because I wanted a spot in the middle east near Israel since many of the Marah members are Israelis. I also wanted a place that was mysterious and beautiful. Petra fit the bill. Buildings are actually carved into the rose colored mountainous stones. The contrast of ancient beauty combined with the high tech Marah headquarters brings a uniqueness to
Relentless Rebels. It also provides beautiful, romantic places for Jordan and her boyfriend, Matthew, to explore.
I hope you will come visit Petra with me and Team Seven through the pages of
Relentless Rebels!
Other Books in the Series
Hesitant Heroes
(Divine Destiny #1)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages
September 7, 2021 by Anaiah Press
In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective
Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend
Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills.
Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent,
worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew
Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with
Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky
roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.
When
Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan
stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a
government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced
into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the
European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing
students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have
haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force
on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as
this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the
missing students and foil the evil government.
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Sharon René loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult dystopian trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book,
Hesitant Heroes, released September 7, 2021.
Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance.
The next book,
Relentless Rebels, released March 8, 2022. It continues Team Seven’s exciting adventures.
Defying Destiny, the prequel, is the last book in the trilogy.
Her first book,
A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.
Sharon René grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Tennessee with one very spoiled cat.
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive signed copies of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels by Sharon René (US only)
Ends March 13, 2022
Title: Laurel's Dream 
