The Adventures of Sarah Ann Lewis and the Memory Thieves (The Sentinels Book 1)

Get ready for a fast-paced story of adventure and self-discovery in Sarah Ann Lewis. From the start to the final page you’ll be wanting more (literally, where is book 2 already!?!) The book is full of heart and determination and is placed in a well-crafted universe. The expansiveness of the world Joshua created is massive, as we are introduced to a wide cast of characters from various points of origin in the universe, you get to know these characters just enough to crave more of their individual stories. It feels like a universe where so much is going on that Sarah’s story is only one part, this universe isn’t one dimensional. Like Tolkien and Lewis, or even (dare I say) Roddenberry and Lucas, more is happening in this world, and I want to know what it is.But here is a story about Sara Anne, as a story that you, as the reader, are discovering at the same time as the title character. She is thrust into a world of doubt, conflict, and confusion, but she overcomes it with determination and a willingness to sacrifice for family. The idea of family in the book is so beautiful, painting a gorgeous picture of what it means to be truly adopted. While knowing a little about the author from social media, I would believe this is near and dear to his heart, but also myself as a believer, the idea of being adopted into the family of God, and that making me a true heir rang so gloriously in the theme of the book.As a father of two daughters (age 9 and 7 as of 2019), I love a book with a female hero, and Sara is that, but not in a contrived way, in a very natural organic way, the whole book feels that way. My daughters in the last few years have loved reading short chapter books on their own, like Key Hunters, Magic Tree House, Nancy Drew, and Time Jumpers, and while I think their love of adventure from those books can be fulfilled in Sarah’s adventure, I’m glad for a book like this with more depth and world-building than those other titles as they get older.I’m not one much for comparisons, because I think its often unfair to the author, but for people wanting to know the “if you like ____, you will love _____” ideas, I felt like this book is part “That Hideous Strength” (the world-building Lewis did in those underrated books, and the struggle between good versus evil as two sides or “teams” emerge), part A Wrinkle in Time, and part Wingfeather Saga, but without even a hint of borrowing from those titles, this book is a wildly fun, fast-paced original story that I can’t wait to read aloud to my daughters, and I can’t wait to read the second book!

I received this ARC for an objective review, the opinions of this book are solely mine and based on a complete reading of a digital copy of the book I received before publication.I just finished reading The Adventures of Sarah Ann Lewis and the Memory Thieves by Joshua C. Carroll and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The begining put me first in mind of books by Nathanial Hawthorne because the story opens with a story about how the story came to the author. The reader isn't exactly clear if the introduction is truth or a story before the story. Hawthorne used this in both The Scarlet Letter and The Tanglewood Tales.The story then sucked me in and I tried to read carefully for details, but I began to enjoy it so much I soon realized I was being swept along and decided to just enjoy the ride! The book brought to mind four books/series that have felt similarly.First the protagonist, Sarah, reminded me of the protagonist Katlin Graham in The Dragon of Cripple Creek by Troy Howell. Both are young girls with a strong independent will that can lead them on adventure and if not careful get them in to trouble. Both are young individuals that struggle with understanding the choices their families make and have to find justification for their own actions through doubt and inexperiece.Second, the violence level brought to mind the popular YA books by N.D. Wilson and the Outlaws of Time series featuring Miracle Sam. Content consideration for some readers is that there is death of characters one cares about so maybe should be pre-read before handing to a sensitive reader. I didn't find the violence gratitious or misplaced just something to be aware of and mindful for younger readers.The third series that came to mind was the Chronicles of Narnia. Both species and names of characters in this first Sentinel book draw on the rich world of C.S. Lewis and make for fun "easter egg" type appearances. I thorougly enjoyed finding a making the connections in my own mind whether intended by the author or not.The fourth and final series this reading connected for me was with Madeline L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time series. I think Sarah Ann Lewis and Meg Murry would make great friends. The way they both confront and fight evil are great ways for young readers to "practice" moral fortitude by participating in the struggle of the story.After reading the ARC I received I prepurchased the Kindle copy and I intend to buy a physical copy as soon as it is released. I highly recommend the series to upper middle school and older readers that enjoy well written YA adventure fantasy.

This story intrigued me and I opened it full of hope for an adventure. Carroll didn't disappoint. Once it gets rolling it's a rollercoaster. A fun read! My favorite character was Duke.

Memory Thieves is an imaginative and very well-written book that provides a glimpse into a world we will probably be seeing a lot of in the future. Sarah Ann Lewis provides us with a likable young girl who is thrust into the forefront of a battle between unseen universes and good and evil, and her relationships with characters from these unseen universes provide us with examples of loyalty, bravery, duty and honor. What more could we hope for in a hero? The story was rich in adventure and really engaging for the reader. There is much to like on each page, beginning to end. Joshua Carroll has made an auspicious debut in this book, filled with memorable characters and a fun story line. My expectation is that there will be a strong following for this series for many years to come.

Amazing! Joshua C. Carroll has interwoven biblical, literary, fable, mythological, sci-fi, and traditional themes in this fascinating and ingenious tale. It is extremely well-written with mysteries revealed at just the right time and in just the right amounts. Sarah's adventures are exciting and the action is easy to follow. The characters are unique and well-developed. Conversations are logical and never unwieldy. The plot moves along at a reasonable pace and explanations are well-spaced and understandable.This new rendition of worlds and their creatures is as magical and fantastical as those of many other authors and genres. The imaginary world of the Sentinel Series stands right up there with the worlds of Tolkien, Roddenberry, C. S. Lewis, Rowling, Riordan, Asimov and many others in SciFi and Fantasy. Well done, Josh!