I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I began this book. It sounded so interesting when I saw it in the bookstore at the RealmMakers Conference in July, and it turned out to be so much more than merely interesting. From the very first line (There once was a time when only God knew the day youd die.) to the cliffhanger-ish ending, A Time to Die doesnt slow down, nor does it let you down. Absolutely stuffed with intensity, from the thoroughly fleshed characters to the intricately drawn story world to the plot that keeps you wanting more, Brandes dbut novel is extraordinary.

It is so much more than just a great story, too. Its a fictional, yet at the same time personal, journey of self-discovery. Parvin ask questions of herself and God that we all find ourselves asking at some point in our lives whats my purpose? Am I wasting my life? What do You want me to do? Are You even here, God? And within this tapestry of fiction, Brandes deftly braids silky strands of Truth for us all to weave into our own stories.

My heart soared and plummeted; I smiled and I cried; I did not want the book to end! So, its a very good thing to know that this is only the first book in the series!

A Time to Die

Out of Time #1

By Nadine Brandes

Parvin Blackwater has a year to live. She lives in a society that syncs a person's life to a clock at conception. There is just one problem with Parvin's clock, she doesn't know if it is truly hers. She and her brother Reid have been sharing one clock their entire lives. For 17 years one of them has been living a lie. One of them has been living without a clock.

Convinced that the clock counting down the last year of life is hers, Parvin decides that she has to live her remaining days so that she can make a difference. Parvin wants to be remembered.

But how can someone from one of the least important cities every rate remembrance past death? Can revealing her story be the path to remembrance? Unfortunately the truth may cost her more than she ever imagined when the authorities learn of it. No one lives beyond the Wall and those who live in defiance of the law are sent to the other side. Parvin is about to meet her fate whether she ready to meet it or not.

The world as we know it has ended. The USA is no more, the west has become a desolate wasteland of instant death. A Wall has been erected to keep those in the east safe from what lies beyond. One can't rise above the life they are born to, though they can fall if deemed a Radical. And Radicals can fall so low that they can be sent through the Wall.

This is a book that will tug at your emotions as Parvin deals with life and all it presents to her. Be warned you may want to have a box of tissues nearby. I highly recommend this moving book - this is a book that both teens and adults will enjoy reading and sharing.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Everyone has a clock counting down the time, to the second, until their deaths. Or at least, everyone is supposed to have one. Some peoples clocks are broken accidentally; other people willfully break their own clocks; and still others, like Parvin Blackwater, are not sure whether their clock belongs to them or one of their twins or triplets. Its illegal to not have a clock, and the punishment is being sent over The Wall in the unknown wasteland beyond. So far, Parvin has survived by sharing her clock with her only surviving triplet, Reid. But there is only one year left and neither of them know which of them is going to die. Is it too late for Parvin to make a difference in the world before her death or banishment?

A Time to Die is epic, awesome, amazing, fantastic, and so much more! I love it so much! It has a little bit of everything that makes a story great adventure, high stakes, romance, fantastic world-building, interesting characters, plot twists, and deep questions. Lets call it my favorite book of 2015!

How do I tell you about this book without giving everything away? For her last year, Parvin determines to write a biography of herself, determined to show people that life can still be lived when you dont know your death date. But she doesnt consider all the consequences in doing so, she has to reveal her secret that she and her brother have been illegally sharing a clock. When a famous, mysterious man named Skelley Chase, who can do anything, gets involved, things get interesting. He pressures her follow her brave words with actions and go over The Wall.

Oh, Skelley. Do we love him or hate him? Hes a pretty epic villain, thats for sure. Throw in an accident, secrets kept hidden for years, a kind enforcer, the unknown, and an epic adventure and you have A Time to Die. I loved the spiritual depth of the story as Parvin seeks out the meaning of life; after all, what is the point when you only have 18 years and you havent done anything with them? The story takes advice, a character, and a name right out of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs in Parvins search for meaning.

The world is also very well researched, for a futuristic, dystopian setting, that is. Ever heard of classical conditioning? And then theres the albino village. It sheds a whole new light on honoring Mother Nature (and racial prejudice?) and the extent to which it can progress. Humans are worth more than plants, after all.

The whole story is fascinating and amazing and I couldnt put it down. It was better than Id predicted, and I just had to by the print copy as well as the eBook.

But, I forewarn you. The author, Nadine Brandes, is most definitely not afraid of hurting her characters. **moans in frustration** And be prepared for an epic cliffhanger. Be prepared to read book two directly afterward so youre not stuck waiting in stressful anticipation.

I highly recommend this New Adult, Dystopian Fiction!!!

SO, so good! just the kind of book I love. And oh the feels! great characters, interested plot, and very well written. In my opinion its a unique idea and a departure from the normal ya dystopian books. Something new! Give this book a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed! I can't wait to get started on book two.

Can you imagine knowing the very day you would die? Parvin Blackwater does. And she knows she has one year left. She refuses to waist anymore time and wants to do something BIG before her death, so she writes an autobiography. But six months into her writing, her life changes forever.

I don't want to spoil anything and reveal more than the back of the book already does, but know that this is a fantastic, thought-provoking series that I really don't want you to miss out on. ;)

It's very well-written and the description is perfect. I can see, feel, and hear it all! But there isnt so much description that I get bored. And the humor makes me laugh at loud, which I usually don't do with books.

I can relate so much to the main characters and like everyone in the story (or, love-to-hate them). ;)

Here's an important note: I thought the 1st book, A Time to Die, was really good, especially after I read it the second time and knew what to expect. But book 2, A Time to Speak, is phenomenal! Seriously, that is my all time favorite book. Tolkien is great, but unfortunately, I can't reread it every year. A Time to Speak, I could.

This series is a must-read! :)