Hello Dear Reader,
Welcome back! I’m going to start you off hot and heavy — if you thought last issue was spooky, just wait until you hear about this one. This is the 25th issue of the newsletter, being published on the 5th of July, which is the month I turned 25 in this year!
To keep it short, as my little birthday gift from me to you, I have something that I know many of you have been waiting for…
KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY
Here’s how Leo Dicaprio celebrates his girlfriend’s birthdays…
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.”
Psalm 106:4-5 ESV
SERVINA
While she’s a little late to the party, Servina finally shed off her winter coat and is feeling fresh and airy for summer!
NOW ONTO THE SWEET SURPRISE — I GIVE YOU…
Chapter One – All Hail
After months and months of waiting, here is a little teaser for your anxious heart. Buckle up for a chapter 1 snippet of “The Abditory” sequel…
This was the day that I was going to die. After countless missions, hundreds of attacks, and endless dances evading death, it was finally here.
It had been over twenty days since I embarked on this voyage to Rome from Jaffa, and three since the storm began. The tumultuous sea claimed us as her enemy and was trying to do anything in her power to bring us down. The deck filled with water and was emptied just as quickly through the holes along the base of the floor. The ancient rigging held quite well, considering the conditions, but that wasn’t something that gave me much comfort. We were in death’s hold, just waiting for the final blow to strike. One strong wave and the ship could be overturned, leaving us all to fend for ourselves in the raging sea.
There were over a hundred people on this vessel, crew members and regular passengers alike. We were all spread about on the ship, but once the skies turned dark and the waves grew, the sailors made us board underneath for the storm, grumbling that we would be in their way if we didn’t. I, for one, was quite content to be below, not being able to see what was going on. In most cases, I did like to be in control, but deep down I knew that there was nothing that I could do to solve this bad weather. The only thing being above deck would accomplish is heightening my anxiety of death.
So instead, I chose the company of the people down below with me. Their whispers alone would not have been heard over the roar of the sea or the creaking of the wooden boat, but as they joined together, each sending prayers to their own gods, the cabin hummed like a beehive. All were praying their prayers, save me and this other girl beside me, both of us secure along the edge of the ship. I hadn’t spoken to anyone since taking port at Jaffa, but I feared that if I didn’t talk to someone soon, I would give in to my own horrors.
“I’m Rivka,” I turned to her.
She gave a nod with a sweet smile to accompany it. “My name is Sariel.”
“Tell me, what’s your secret to your clear calmness? I don’t think I’ve heard a sound out of you since this storm started.”
She chuckled, brushing her head covering and braided brown hair over her shoulder. “I don’t know if it’s a secret. But I put my trust in Adonai in heaven that whatever He wills will happen, so why should I worry about it.”
“I see,” I noted, “Do you think Adonai might give us a break from this. Otherwise I just might be having a second taste of my earlier meal.”
She laughed again, pulling her knees into her chest. “Where are you traveling from?”
I pursed my lips, giving a tight smile, wondering how she might react if I told her the truth. That I was traveling from two-thousand years in the future and that I had only come to this time because my partner in the Mossad, Thana, had betrayed me, sided with our enemies and left me to die in a cave.
“Jerusalem.”
“I take it you were there for Passover?”
“Yes.”
“I heard there was quite a commotion there this year.”
She was right. Rather than just having a simple passover celebration, Yeshua, the teacher from Galilee, was crucified. I would know, I was there, there for everything. The guilt afterwards gnawed at me, the fact that everything I tried in order to stop it had failed.
“What takes you to Rome?” Sariel spoke again.
The water interrupted, slapping aggressively against the side of the ship, knocking the boat slightly sideways. Screams filled the cabin, some of the people sliding against the wood floor. Sariel and I held tighter to the rope that was nailed to the wall, keeping us secure in this spot. I didn’t normally give into fear, I was an assassin after all. But this… this was different. There was absolutely nothing I could do to control it. I couldn’t go and kill the water, I couldn’t bribe the thundering rain, all I could do was sit and wait. Sit, wait, and hope that this murderous sea would not drag us down as her next victim. Pulling myself forward, I had to keep my mind occupied.
And now, I leave you in suspense…
BOOK REVIEW
“THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO”
For June, our book was part 1 of “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
*A little note: I did split up the book into two months due to its length (especially if you’re reading the unabridged version), but I enjoyed it so much that I completely finished it before part 2 was even designated to begin. That being said, this issue I will be reviewing the book in its entirety (with no spoilers for part 2 for anyone still continuing) and next issue I will be reviewing the film.
My Overall Opinion:
As briefly mentioned, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Originally, I hate to say that I thought that this book might be a little boring, but Dumas does an excellent job giving us insight into the life of Dante. With how many characters are involved, I still found it easy to follow the story and The Count’s path for revenge. I would say, though, that since there are so many characters, not taking long pauses when reading this book is advised, just because so many things happen throughout the chapters.
My Favorite Character:
While the Count himself is quite an interesting fellow, I must say that my favorite was Abbe Faria. I could help but sympathize with the poor man and the fact that he never got to see his long-desired treasure, nor his freedom again. His ingenuity and intellect were refreshing and genius.
Things I Didn’t Like / Would Change:
Without giving any spoilers, and this being a tale of revenge, I don’t like how some of the things played out, but in truth that’s what made the novel great. *SLIGHT SPOILER* Also, when it came to The Count’s love life, I thought it was going to play out differently and wish there would have been a little more development. Now if that is good or bad, I’ll leave that up to you.
Ranking:
4.6/5 — The story itself and descriptions were quite captivating. Some of the dialogue and descriptions, though, were a little long and unnecessary. Beware to any of those who read when tired.
Other Comments:
There is a plethora of movie adaptions that have been made. As I said, come back next issue to see just how closely they relate to the book.
COMING NEXT MONTH
A wrap of the summer and how you can make the most of it.
Have a happy August!
See You Next Month!
